Suggestions please, my mate wants something as quick as an Sti can be 3dr but ideally rear seats but nothing 'boring' as a Golf - his words. His budget is up to £25k but would be happier to spend less and he wants it shorter than an Sti he says they are a bit big for throwing around the lanes. Probably missed a key criteria point so let me know if I have!

 

Focus RS? They're holding their value pretty well and he'll shift it easily when the time comes. The hatch STi's are a similar size too.

 

Focus RS mark 2?

 

He looked at these and moaned about the price £20k+ for an 09 plate which must be £5k plus more than a hatch of similar age. They are highly tunable though I suppose which he would like. But 100% so far as suggestions go!

 

Well if he gets a £20-£25k hatch/coupe which is newer the depreciation he will face will be epic. Fast Fords have a huge fan base and great residuals.

But hey, if he wants to throw his cash away on depreciation then who are we to stop him.

 

True! On paper they don't look as quick and I have never been in one let alone drive one what are they like?

 

Well obviously in the wet it won't be the greatest, but I must admit the chassis is brilliant and in a straight line there is nothing in it between one and a STI.

 

Surely with that budget you are talking Porsche's? Only thing possible I can think which fits the budget, if size wasn't an option then surely V8 M3 , RS4 etc?

Lovely dilemma to have that.

 

S3...

 

Golf R with one of those revo piggyback things, manuals have been said to have issues with the clutch but can't be that bad and then there's DSĢ if you don't mind auto etc, 360bhp and should be pretty quick.

 

He's looking at RS's at the moment the residuals are ridiculous! Keep the suggestions coming although he isn't a big German fan!

 

No neither am I but lots are, I was only watching a vid a short while ago with Chris Harris driving a RS and he was even praising it for it's ability in the wet. I am yet tò here one bad word or review about them but keep in mind the new 2015 RS with the new 2.3 and bigger bhp will be out soon so could well affect the prices of used ones.

 

It is worth noting that the Audi (and I guess it will be similar with other vehicles) is the same width as something like a Blob STi, and only 6 inches shorter. So he doesn't need to worry about the size of an Impreza.

 

Know what you've said about not being a German marque fan,but an M135 may be worth a look.Or what about a Renault Megane Renaultsport 265,although it may be a bit underpowered.

 

That is the problem especially as they are older now. Bought mine 2yrs ago £22k and same spec going for similar money now

 

Lovely sounding car, easy to tune but no matter what some say they do torque steer and traction is an issue in 2nd & 3rd on bumpy roads and when colder / damp so not a good time of year to appreciate one.