Suggestions

[OBonio]

I'll be looking to purchase a new car towards the end of the year. My budget will be 7 - 8k. I like a car with a bit of oomph to it, but have a small family to carry around so can't go for 3 door hot hatch or MX-5 type cars.

I've done a quick search about and the Focus ST170 and Honda Type S (why don't they do a 5 door Type R!!) seem to crop up as potentials.

Any other suggestions that would suit me?

Thanks in advance.

[jollygreen]

The ST170's a really nice car, handles very well but it could do with a bit more power and a bit more character. Have you thought about the Ibiza Cupra series or a VW Golf GTi?

[redcrx]

I have to say that the focus c-max 2.0TDCI is a very nippy car and has lots of room.

The honda type R is lovely on the outside but very very plasticy and plain on the inside, not sure if type S is the same.

[OBonio]

As much as I like the VW Golf, I feel I've probably outgrown the GTi.

Not sure about the Ibiza, but the Leon Cupra series looks mighty tasty.

[jollygreen]

Have you thought about something like a Subaru Impreza? The image isn't my cup of tea but even the basic turbo is reasonably quick.

Or something like a BMW 3-series or Audi A4? 2.8 or 3.0 litre versions of these will both be within your budget and give decent performance without the council-estate-grand-prix image.

[teash]

7-8k will get you a decent Golf GTTDi (yeh ano its a diesel)
but wadda car. Yep your right, i`ve got one :)

[kramer81]

If you don't want a hot hatch I'd go for a BMW 330i which would probably be around 6 years old. A 325i is pretty quick too if you wanted something newer.

[123everton]

Have a look at the V6 Vauxhall Vectra, if memory serves it's something like the third fastest four door car in the world(?) and does over 150 M.P.H.

[teash]

Tut tut everton, the national speed limits only 70 mph, hang on a vectra doin a ton and half?? take it, its beeing towed by my golf diesel LOL

[jollygreen]

Vectra, 3rd fastest 4 door in the world? I doubt it mate!

Countless Mercs, Audis, BM's etc are going to be quicker although maybe limited to 155mph but Brabus make quite a few "production" saloons that will bust 180mph...

[kramer81]

Don't know about 3rd fastest in the world but I think that Vectra isn't limited and does 160+. Making it technically quicker than an M5 etc

[jollygreen]

Have you thought about a Honda Accord Type-R? Not drivenm one but I think they're supposed to be OK.