So what are my options??

[chrisr103]

A friend of mine has a Clio 197 on a 2007 model that he is looking at selling for about 5k,

[gazareth]

ford focus seems to be a pretty good motor. I hate to say it but I would have a focus over a mk5/6/7 golf any day. would never buy a vw newer than a mk4 golf.

So you don't like any of the Golfs that actually go/steer/handle properly? Curious…
 

im guessing you have never driven a well set up mk2 golf

[Exonian]

ford focus seems to be a pretty good motor. I hate to say it but I would have a focus over a mk5/6/7 golf any day. would never buy a vw newer than a mk4 golf.

So you don't like any of the Golfs that actually go/steer/handle properly? Curious…
 

im guessing you have never driven a well set up mk2 golf

You'd be wrong - I've been modifying Golfs since 1987.

Still, you're right, the old ones are the best ones - now where are my rose tinted specs… ? 

[tweed]

Considering you can get a 172 for £1500

Im pretty sure you can get a low mile for £4000.

What about a seat leon cupra r?

[tweed]

Make a offer of £2500
And have this 51,000 clio
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2003-Renault-Clio-2-0-16v-Renault-sport-172-Cup-just-serviced-with-new-cam-kit-/261323461278?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3cd817929e

[dTEA]

Plenty of CTR EP3s for less than £5000. One of the best out of the box NA hit hatches built. Pretty bullet proof and so what if it's a cared for example you will use daily?

And a MK5 over the mk4/mk3 any day. Handling, performance and just as many common faults. You find that out if you have owned both

Now a solid mk2 low mileage and original. Yes please.

[dubber36]

The problem with The Civic/Integra etc is they make such a song and dance about everything. When you overtake a line of 3-4 cars you need to press on, so need 8000+ revs. Not only does it make you look a tit, you feel that you have to keep pressing on to get away after having made such a show of yourself.

You can make much better progress without drawing attention to yourself in a turbocharged car, which is where the Mk4,5 and 6 come in. Well, maybe not the Mk4.

A Mk2 is a completely different proposition. I'm told that mine is one of the good ones for a totally standard car, and it is a very satisfying little car to drive quickly, but it's not fast. Not by a long way. My diesel Passat and Golf will wipe the floor with it for pace, but when the sun is out, the sunroof is open and Don Henley is playing on the cassette, the new cars don't come close to putting a smile on my face.

[barrym381]

The problem with The Civic/Integra etc is they make such a song and dance about everything. When you overtake a line of 3-4 cars you need to press on, so need 8000+ revs. Not only does it make you look a tit, you feel that you have to keep pressing on to get away after having made such a show of yourself.

You can make much better progress without drawing attention to yourself in a turbocharged car, which is where the Mk4,5 and 6 come in. Well, maybe not the Mk4.

A Mk2 is a completely different proposition. I'm told that mine is one of the good ones for a totally standard car, and it is a very satisfying little car to drive quickly, but it's not fast. Not by a long way. My diesel Passat and Golf will wipe the floor with it for pace, but when the sun is out, the sunroof is open and Don Henley is playing on the cassette, the new cars don't come close to putting a smile on my face.

with some help a mk4 can be made a bit better  and faster

[gazareth]

ford focus seems to be a pretty good motor. I hate to say it but I would have a focus over a mk5/6/7 golf any day. would never buy a vw newer than a mk4 golf.

So you don't like any of the Golfs that actually go/steer/handle properly? Curious…
 

im guessing you have never driven a well set up mk2 golf

You'd be wrong - I've been modifying Golfs since 1987.

Still, you're right, the old ones are the best ones - now where are my rose tinted specs… ? 

yeah but when did you ever see a mk2 golf engine failing at 30k due to a sh%te cam chain tensioner design

[dubber36]

ford focus seems to be a pretty good motor. I hate to say it but I would have a focus over a mk5/6/7 golf any day. would never buy a vw newer than a mk4 golf.

So you don't like any of the Golfs that actually go/steer/handle properly? Curious…
 

im guessing you have never driven a well set up mk2 golf

You'd be wrong - I've been modifying Golfs since 1987.

Still, you're right, the old ones are the best ones - now where are my rose tinted specs… ? 

yeah but when did you ever see a mk2 golf engine failing at 30k due to a sh%te cam chain tensioner design

The heater matrix exploded and scalded the drivers feet instead.