12k budget - am I being too demanding?

actuar90

Currently have a 2006 Renaultsport Clio. Its a great car and ticks a lot of my boxes, looks good, sporty and reasonably quick, naturally aspirated engine, has a boot and a back seats so is pretty practical and it isn't dreadfully uneconomical (28mpg ish)

It's a 2006 car so 13 years old now and mileage is getting high. That combined with the weak sterling and Brexit looming mean that it's probably a good to change cars. What to though?

My requirements haven't really changed, I'd like something:
Sporty, reasonable acceleration, say 0-60 in 7 seconds or less
Newer
Cruise control
Preference for naturally aspirated engine,or something that behaves like that at least.
Preference rear wheel drive if possible
Preference for something with rear seats or at least good storage space
Preference for staying at or below the €750 tax bracket

The only real option I've come up with is a fiesta st. Could easily get a 2014/15 model but they are front wheel drive and turbo. Gt86 would suit but a little out of budget. ND MX5 a little out of budget and probably not practical enough.
Anyone help me out with some ideas?

James Bond Junior

Something from the VAG stable? Leon cupra, GTI, S3 etc. You probably won't be coming up much in the years. A 135i from the UK would be a hoot but again you won't be able to come up much in the years.

actuar90

James Bond Junior wrote: »

Something from the VAG stable? Leon cupra, GTI, S3 etc. You probably won't be coming up much in the years. A 135i from the UK would be a hoot but again you won't be able to come up much in the years.

Thanks, the VAG cars are pretty similar set up to the Fiesta St but possibly less fun from what I've heard. 135i is a great idea that I hadn't thought of. Unfortunately it looks like they're a bit expensive at 20k ish after vrt

James Bond Junior

actuar90 wrote: »

Thanks, the VAG cars are pretty similar set up to the Fiesta St but possibly less fun from what I've heard. 135i is a great idea that I hadn't thought of. Unfortunately it looks like they're a bit expensive at 20k ish after vrt

An S3 or R32 would be 4WD but for 12k the examples could be a bit ropey. I bought a twenty year old 323i a few years ago which I use in summer on a classic policy. Why not spend 6k on a focus or golf and then 6k on a weekend toy like an MX5 or Z3/4?

farna_boy

A BMW 330i (E90) is probably in budget and is in the €750 tax bracket.

You might get a Audi S5 (3.0l) in budget (if you are lucky) and is in the same tax bracket.

bazz26

A bit over budget but....

https://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=2332110&r=s.php%3Fm%5B%5D%3D72%26o%5B%5D%3D619%26f%3D1%26nn%3D12%26pp%3D50%26g%3D0

Andrewf20

farna_boy wrote: »

A BMW 330i (E90) is probably in budget and is in the €750 tax bracket.

You might get a Audi S5 (3.0l) in budget (if you are lucky) and is in the same tax bracket.

Ive driven the clio and e92 330i. The 330i is super rare here so would likely need to import. The 272 bhp N52 engine is simply immense but the e90/92 chassis is a let down. Numb steering and the car feels very heavy. Not great in the corners I found. Very little feedback. 325i doesnt feel particularly quick.

Mark 5/6 gold GTI? Turbo & FWD but great chassis. Alot of mark 5 ones are high mileage on donedeal. Turbo is the way forward unfortunetly so choice is limited.

You might be best to stick with it as I cant really think of a better car for you. Mileage isnt necessarily an issue once shes looked after (usually). Ive decided to keep my 96 e36 beemer as its still going strong with over 400000kms on her now. A bit like you car I actually cant find a a modern car that ticks the boxes like the E36. (Im a na fan myself).

hooch-85

Go for a Fiesta ST, you won't regret it. I had one from new in 2016 until last year and it was the most fun car to drive i've ever had. They behave quite like an NA imo. Reminded me of my old VTi Civic to drive in ways but much more torque, they are even better after a stage 1 tune.

actuar90

hooch-85 wrote: »

Go for a Fiesta ST, you won't regret it. I had one from new in 2016 until last year and it was the most fun car to drive i've ever had. They behave quite like an NA imo. Reminded me of my old VTi Civic to drive in ways but much more torque, they are even better after a stage 1 tune.

Thanks, given the alternatives I think I will go for the ST and possibly try and hold back/create some extra budget to get a rwd na older car on a classic policy if I'm missing the na engine!

James Bond Junior

actuar90 wrote: »

Thanks, given the alternatives I think I will go for the ST and possibly try and hold back/create some extra budget to get a rwd na older car on a classic policy if I'm missing the na engine!

Good idea. A 330ci Clubsport could very well be a wise investment, E36 values are strengthening by the year, E46 can't be far behind in my opinion.

Andrewf20

actuar90 wrote: »

Thanks, given the alternatives I think I will go for the ST and possibly try and hold back/create some extra budget to get a rwd na older car on a classic policy if I'm missing the na engine!

That's what I did. Have a mark 3 mx5 as a daily and the e36 on classic. Insurance between the 2 cars only went up 120eu for the year.

330ci tax will be 1494eu unfortunetly. 2 on donedeal but both automatic.