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Re: Hot hatch family runabout 2-5k
[Re: Hoops82]
#1602968
20/06/2017 11:54
20/06/2017 11:54
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,290 Staffs
Dazvr6
My job on the forum
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My job on the forum
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,290
Staffs
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Good shout. I'd forgotten about the MPS Less chavvy image than the focus but I think they share some mechanicals? Mazda has a torsen diff too.
My missus has had a 1.6 Mazda 3 for nearly 10 years and all it's needed is rear springs and some roll bar links.
Last edited by Dazvr6; 20/06/2017 11:55.
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Re: Hot hatch family runabout 2-5k
[Re: Dazvr6]
#1602974
20/06/2017 12:31
20/06/2017 12:31
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,390 Essex
Trappy
Forum is my life
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Forum is my life
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,390
Essex
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Good shout. I'd forgotten about the MPS Less chavvy image than the focus but I think they share some mechanicals? Mazda has a torsen diff too.
My missus has had a 1.6 Mazda 3 for nearly 10 years and all it's needed is rear springs and some roll bar links. It's got the same engine as the new Focus RS / Mustang! My ex-ex had a 1.6 diesel Mazda3 for a few years. Most practical hatch I've ever been in - it was more like an estate!! I test drive the Mk1 3 MPS but didn't get on with the gear ratios after being spoilt with the Coop. Very torquey lump with close ratios felt mismatched to me. 90mph in 4th gear?
F****** b****** thing...
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Re: Hot hatch family runabout 2-5k
[Re: Dazvr6]
#1603025
21/06/2017 00:02
21/06/2017 00:02
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 229 Perth, Western Australia
Hoops82
OP
Making a profit
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OP
Making a profit
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 229
Perth, Western Australia
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I'd say the Megane would probably be the most fun to drive but 2 of my friends have had endless issues with theirs which has put me off them! The mk5 gti is a tidy car and quite fun to drive.
What about a Focus ST? Good handling car with a great sounding engine too. Any details on the sort of megane horror stories we are talking of? My understanding is the gearboxes might be a weak link on the more sporty models and that the diesels were fairly reliable. I am only considering the f1 225. But at 100k miles they might be a bit past their best?
Resting UK
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Re: Hot hatch family runabout 2-5k
[Re: Possum]
#1603034
21/06/2017 06:54
21/06/2017 06:54
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 229 Perth, Western Australia
Hoops82
OP
Making a profit
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OP
Making a profit
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 229
Perth, Western Australia
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Hoops, have you seen any examples of the Ritmo Sport in WA? The only fiats I have seen here this decade are 124 BC and cc coupes, the odd old fiat 500 at car shows and plenty of the new fiat 500s. Nothing else. Alfa are here in a fair way but not fiat.
Resting UK
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Re: Hot hatch family runabout 2-5k
[Re: Hoops82]
#1603043
21/06/2017 09:53
21/06/2017 09:53
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,290 Staffs
Dazvr6
My job on the forum
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My job on the forum
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,290
Staffs
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Any details on the sort of megane horror stories we are talking of? My understanding is the gearboxes might be a weak link on the more sporty models and that the diesels were fairly reliable. I am only considering the f1 225. But at 100k miles they might be a bit past their best?
One has had a new gearbox due to losing 4th gear and both have had a few issues with ecu/immobilizer preventing starting. A new key was required for the one car.
Last edited by Dazvr6; 21/06/2017 09:53.
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Re: Hot hatch family runabout 2-5k
[Re: Possum]
#1603051
21/06/2017 11:02
21/06/2017 11:02
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 229 Perth, Western Australia
Hoops82
OP
Making a profit
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OP
Making a profit
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 229
Perth, Western Australia
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Maybe WA was taxed differently.... Never seen one. The closest one to me for sale is in SA. Just 2770km away Only 9 of them on carsales currently.
Last edited by Hoops82; 21/06/2017 11:03.
Resting UK
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Re: Hot hatch family runabout 2-5k
[Re: Hoops82]
#1603052
21/06/2017 11:07
21/06/2017 11:07
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,179 Sheffield
X19_pilot
Enjoying the ride
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Enjoying the ride
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,179
Sheffield
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SWMBO has had a 2008 Bravo 150 T-Jet sport for about 3 years - Yes, I was very influential in the decision, but she loves it. It had done about 48,000 when we got it and it is now approaching 80,000, aside from an exhaust (which was expensive as you cant get pattern ones) and a battery it has been a great car, plenty of room, goes well, very comfortable and it is well specced for its price point. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending one. The boot space is great for the size too, four up for a weekend away last year, the boot swallowed a big pram, 2 suitcases (my hand luggage sized and her 3 week holiday sized one! ) and a travel cot with room to spare... which was soon filled! I will be looking to freshen it up next year, and a Giulietta (essentially the same car) will be at the top of that list.
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Re: Hot hatch family runabout 2-5k
[Re: Hoops82]
#1603053
21/06/2017 11:12
21/06/2017 11:12
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 229 Perth, Western Australia
Hoops82
OP
Making a profit
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OP
Making a profit
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 229
Perth, Western Australia
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So far then it seems Megane 225- quick and fun but reliability issues likely Golf gti- not the quickest and also the most expensive but probably a safe choice Bravo / rimto- the slowest and most economical but likely to get the best bang for buck in terms of reliability and spec Seat cupra 20vt- maybe as good as the golf but a bit dull?? Bmw130- outside choice but no feedback yet Volvo v50 t5- who knows.... Mazda3 MPS- would be silly to turn it down if we can find one. But a bit samey with the sp23 left here in Aus.
I think I am really tending towards the bravo based on multiple positive feedbacks. I have always been a sucker for cost effective joyful motoring. But then, on the megane forum there is a lot of positive chat on the 225 and not a lot of breakdown stories.......
Bought a Saab v6 turbo 9-3 wagon with Hirsch performance pack for 2k GBP a couple of years back. Used it with the family about Europe for three months then sold it for what I paid for it. Super satisfying. I did cry a bit when it had to go though.
Last edited by Hoops82; 21/06/2017 11:18.
Resting UK
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Re: Hot hatch family runabout 2-5k
[Re: Hoops82]
#1603056
21/06/2017 12:12
21/06/2017 12:12
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,290 Staffs
Dazvr6
My job on the forum
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My job on the forum
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,290
Staffs
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The V50 is a decent looking thing for an estate and shares an engine with the Focus ST so a great sounding 5 pot with plenty of grunt. Might not be very economical though.
I've not been in V50 but I had an S60 for 5 and a half years and all it needed was an exhaust backbox and routine servicing. Very comfy car.
Last edited by Dazvr6; 21/06/2017 12:13.
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Re: Hot hatch family runabout 2-5k
[Re: Hoops82]
#1603059
21/06/2017 13:11
21/06/2017 13:11
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,390 Essex
Trappy
Forum is my life
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Forum is my life
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,390
Essex
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Bought a Saab v6 turbo 9-3 wagon with Hirsch performance pack for 2k GBP a couple of years back. Used it with the family about Europe for three months then sold it for what I paid for it. Super satisfying. I did cry a bit when it had to go though. I was going to suggest a 9-3 as I've just bought an Aero 2.0T for the work commute, but discounted it because of the hot hatch in the title... Mine's a right shed of a thing (£750 and riddled with things to do) but 'The Swedeheart' is growing on me already after only a month of ownership Just yesterday I discovered that the rear seats fold flat. Flat! In a saloon?! For between 2 and 5k there are some lovely looking examples around. I wouldn't right them off if I were you
F****** b****** thing...
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Re: Hot hatch family runabout 2-5k
[Re: Hoops82]
#1603096
22/06/2017 06:14
22/06/2017 06:14
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,723 Brisbane, Australia
Possum
My life on the forum
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My life on the forum
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,723
Brisbane, Australia
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The fabia is something I'm totally unaware of. Again, I haven't seen a Skoda in years.
Ahh, the disadvantages of living "in the West". As well as not seeing a Ritmo/Bravo, have you seen a Punto or a Panda? My local Fiat dealer also has Skoda in the showroom, so I see quite a few over here "in the East". There is a Skoda dealer in Victoria Park, Mandurah and Albany so drop in to one and have a look, although Albany may be a bit far.
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