My good lady is going through her now bi-monthly phase of wanting to change her car and the three models above are gracing this months short list!

She currently drives a Clio Cup which we have owned since new, and she wants a change.

Now, I appreciate that the 3 examples are not directly comparable in terms or price or engine size etc, but these are the ones she likes.

In fact, she knows that little about price, I could always pick the cheapest car she likes and tell her its the best!

Focus - 212bhp FWD 2.0 Turbo
Golf - 240bhp 4WD 3.2 V6
Cooper S - 160bhp FWD 1.6 S.C.

Any thoughts on any of the cars?

Before you suggest the CTR, she hates them! lol

golf or focus, mini's good but not in the same league as the other two. much more exclusivity in the other two aswell. not sure on driving em as i've only driven the mini.
plus points for mni i suppose is that resales will be excellent if she changes car very often

The Mini is the only one you can get from new as well plus you get the TLC service pack.

Darren

I wouldn't buy a new car again Daz.

Lost too much money with the last 3

My local dealer is having trouble shifting the Focus RS at £19,995.

F

Really??? ive seen some advertised for 24k . yes I know thats more than list but production has ended now so i think he was using the "pay that or you wont get one approach".

If power is the problem Mini do a Cooper works model which put's out 200 bhp..... That should make it more interesting!

Plums.

The new mini cooper S really does hold on to it's money well! I think there might even be waiting lists for them.

Focus is effort to drive imho, for everyday use that diff really is a pain. It is also a harsher ride than my STI, Mini great fun to drive, but not all that quick and no room in the back at all. Havent driven the R32 but from what Im told it is fairly well built and erm lacks in driver involvment shall we say, (my neighbour just sold his and changed to an RX8).

What is she after in the car, looks, fun to drive, or a combination of things? I would probably go for an RX8, silky smooth to drive nice to look at and fairly roomy. Or perhaps an Alfa GTA great engine loverly interior and not to many about.

I found the Focus RS really easy to drive, until you hit boost. I also found it smooth on uneaven road surfaces.
It's looks are great, and they do hold there value alot better than most cars. It's the only car I didn't loose money on!

I can only speak for the VW and the Ford as I drove them both. I have a couple of mates who have one of each so can summarise their experiences.

Golf R32 - you're not going to be driving it on its door handles all the time so all that lovely torque (great engine note) and 4wd security will be just the ticket. It's also in a different league in terms of build quality, fit and finish and resale value over the Ford. The "feel good" factor is immense - the RS is a great for a punt but an unsatisfactory ownership experience - shoddy build, cheap material etc.

Forget what the journos say over a 2 day test drive - you've got to live with it and sell it on in x years and the VW is the better prospect for that.

I've owned two RS's now - obviously I'm a big fan of this car!

I've driven pretty much all of the competing cars with the exception of the RX8. In my view most other hatches just feel a bit normal and boring compared to the RS. It is a flawed car, I agree - ride quality, torque steer are issues but these contribute towards a unique driving experience and in my opinion bring character to the car.

If you enjoy driving then I would forget the R32. It's a capable car but VW forgot to tick the "fun" box.

When I sold my first RS I tried a few other cars, but really missed the character of the Focus so I bought another.

If you are put off by the Focus then I would say the Mini is the next best. Good fun, but the driving experience never really achieves the highs of the RS.

Have VW stopped making R32s?

Yes, they have.

think i'd go for the focus, but could well be a depreciation disaster until they're couple of years old.

Driven an R32, nice car but nearly as quick as you'd think. My sister's boyfriend bought one and has recently had it chipped up to 280bhp, although he still reckons my scoob is quicker (MY00 with decat centre/backbox)

Mini's are OK but are as common as ar5eholes IMHO - and too much of a hairdressers car anyway.

go for the Focus - a future classic.

Looked and driven at all 3 (friends and dealers), got the Mini with the JCW pack. 90% of the performance of the other 2 for less money, more chuckable handling (the RS felt snappy on the limit and on anything but smooth surfaces, the Golf was sharp but dull IMO), the Mini just seems to be lots of cart-like fun with a supple but sharp ride, keen turn-in and enough power to exploit the best chassis of the 3 IMO. Add limited depreciation, funky design and good finance + servicing deal by BMW ... took delivery 3 months ago, really happy.
Only options I took (trying to keep it "light" both in kg and $$) are A/C, CD, Sat-Nav, JCW pack. After a few '000 miles it's worth upgrading pads and maybe stickier tires, that's about it.

W

Yes, but aren't they rumoured to sticking the 3.2 V6 in the MK5 Golf with a turbocharger?

Now that would be an appealing prospect!

There is a dealer (non ford) in Sarfend selling an Focus RS for £21.995

Luckily, places like this are much more realistically priced!

Nah. the next Golf Gti is gonna be 200bhp 2.0 turbo.
Buy my A3 3.2 on Ebay now.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...MESE%3AIT&rd=1

I didn't say the next Golf GTi

The next R32 is rumoured to be turbo'd though.

I think i read somewhere that they're gonna facelift the mini in about September so it might be worth waiting.

Taz. If that is the case, I reckon a 3.2t Golf would be 18 months away and nearly 30k. Order the next Boxster. I'm going to doing so, as soon as the Audi's gone.

The next Boxster Coupe is very tempting. A soft top is not really my style!

A mate has just bought a 2.5 Boxster and it's a very competent motor.

What rubbish. Ok I can't vouch for the exact models being discussed but I know in our pool the golfs are far worse than the Focuses. Many more rattles and annoying gripes. Makes me doubt you've ever been in either TBH.

The Focus materials are quite cheap, but it is very solidly built.

Focus RS.

My mum and dad just bought an R32. Great everyday car and the instant torque is adictive... There is always smooth acceleration all the way from 2500 to red line... The brakes are bloody huge too 330mm front discs something like that..

Dash is cool and you get the gas discharge lights..

They are £23,000 but they dont make them no more and will hold there value very well.

Black leather interior is very very nice to..!!

Only car i would go for over this is a nissan 350Z..!! apart from an MY03 STI and an EVO of course.

Dan

is that the standard interior? sorry but that is bloody awful.

Mini's = gayboys & Tarts IMHO

R32 please.

Standard bar the Max Power mats

Leather clad Sparcos are anything but awful!