Right, looking for a new daily driver for over the winter months when the scoob is tucked up tight. Got to be fun, not after some run of the mill ****. For example my last daily was a Clio 182, cracking car. Looking to spend less than 3-3.5k.

Already considered Clio 197 and Civic Type R (EP3) but to be honest the interiors are terrible! So much so even the Clio 182 put them to shame!

 

Consider audi s3 (8l). If you are OK with the age of the car, it has many advantages. Comparing stock vs stock I think it's a much better package than a WRX. It has nice sporty suspension (comparable to stock STI, but not as harsh), 6 speed gearbox and nice punchy engine (give it a stage 1 and it will definitely be faster than type-r or clio). And the car is AWD - no traction problems during winter. Also, the interior quality in my opinion is far superior to clio, ep3 or impreza GD.
For me the only downsides are: small boot, 3 doors and not too direct steering feel. And it is a bit heavier than type-r or clio.
Apart from that it's a really nice car, which does not require a lot of tuning to make it a great car (like for example WRX). Decat, remap and eventually a set of anti sway bars is everything you need

 

bit of an oddball, but i'm on the lookout for a Volvo C30 T5 to take over daily duties.

Something different

 

Great suggestions thanks guys! Probs not looking at something older than 2005 though, gonna have a look at volvos now

 

I loved my 03 Type-R reliability second to none...worth considering

 

A WRX surely?

 

Impreza

 

I use an 07 plate fiesta ST for my daily, great little car, can get a bit tiring on motorways sat at 3.5k rpm at 70 mph though

 

What about something totally different?
Ive got a Jeep Wrangler TJ and I absolutely love it...There's more aftermarket kit for modding than you can possibly imagine...Actually puts the Subaru thing into the shade...They look awesome, go anywhere, sound great and are great fun to drive (as long as you don't expect it to be like a car)....
Here's mine..
She's got a body lift, suspension lift, cat back box etc and I've refurbed and fitted leather seats from a JDM something or other..
The roof lifts off, doors are detachable, windscreen folds down, it has an integral roll cage from the factory and a monsterously torquey 4.0 straight six, that according to the yanks, even won the war..and if they said it, it must be true.

 

My focus ST3 is good as a daily...fully loaded has leather seats,sat nav blah blah blah.
Bit more than 3.5k tho.

 

Ford fiesta ST

 

Mk5 Golf GTI