UK-POLOS.NET - THE VW Polo Forum

Looks like the life with the Polo is coming to an end.
Really fancy something quicker, and I just cant justify the amount of cash needed to tune the GTI.

So thats it, getting the rims finished this week, get the centres off for powder coat, get her valeted and remove the audio.
Cant believe I spent so long fitting the manifold.
That may as well come off and be sold.

Decided with the family, something bigger is on the cards.
Been out to test drive a V6 Alfa 156 Sportwagon, and was set to buy one until I got to work and the guy who runs our Alfa fleet informed me of the number of gearbox and cam belt failures on the thirty six 156 we have on fleet.
Still want one, but my head - and the wife - is saying no.

So this has left me in a predicament.
What car is there, for £5000 (ish) thats got 4 doors, looks great, has a nice sporty feel to the interior, has a nice sound, is fast and has a boot large enough for a large sub box, three amps and family crap.
Not to mention, I don't really want to spend anything more on insurance.

The only thing in the list that I am willing to deviate from is the insurance.

Leather would be nice, as would Xenons.

So far on the list :

Low mileage Vetra V6 GSI MSD - Don't like the dash or steering wheel. Love the rest.

MG ZS V6 180hp - Love it all. Just know I would regret it.

Bora V5 170hp - Like the idea of it, good value. Id just have to change too much so thats out.

Skoda Octavia VRs 1.8T 180hp. Cant think of a bad thing about it. (If I ignore -And get Emma to- the insurance.

Alfa 156 V6 Sports wagon. Still want one. Badly. Still might. (somehow the insurance is cheaper for me than the 2.0 version!)

Ibiza Cupra R - Crap yes, three doors yes, but... somehow still want one
Also cheap insurance.

Jag 2.1 Sport X Type - How cheap can these be! Bit of a random one I know lol.


Anyone got any other suggestions?
Insurance 16 Max, but would prefer lower (not that I think its possible)

Accord Type-R?

Don't know what insurance is like on them though. But you should be able to pick up a good one for 5k if you look around.

Vento VR6?
bora diseasels are fast too

Regarding the Alfa, my Dads company ran a couple of 156s as part of their fleet and had nothing but trouble with them. To the point where he's banned anyone from choosing Alfa's as their company car. I'd avoid the X-Type like I would avoid ebola, and the MG for that matter.

First thing that came to my mind would be an old shape Impreza Turbo. Should be able to find a tidy original UK example for £5000. Only problem being I think they start an insurance group 17 and then there's the fuel consumption.

Other things that spring to mind, Mondeo ST200 V6 but thats insurance group 18 and not actually hugely quick.

Original Audi A4 is another option I would float, either the 180bhp 1.8T or the rather nice 2.8 quattro.

SO SOON!!! Alfa sounds good, I had a 147 for a while and all I can say is it's a lovely car if the 156 is anything like it then i'd be tempted!

It's got to be the Alfa!

My Bros cambelt snapped on his Alfa 156 too....wrecked his engine! but then again he does drive it like it's stolen.

i'd stay away from the italian stuff tbh - just my opinion, but i think they fall to bits. Is a golf too small? you'd be able to get a nice diesel pd engine thaty can be chipped etc to give you 40bhp + that's what i'd look at. May need some better springs and anti roll bars etc.

Gotta be the Skoda VRS all day long for me.
Quality engine, will last forever. Good size for what you need.
Good build quality.
Basically a superb all rounder & suits your needs in my opinion

Tigz wrote:Really fancy something quicker

Get your Lupo on TB's finished then !

I only have some knowledge of the VAG cars you have listed, so can't really comment on the others.

Bora - used to own one, rear legroom is awful for a car of that size, akin to the gti IMO. Px'd ours for a Passat estate once our 2nd child was born and never looked back - fantastic family car IMO. Obviously the V5 170bhp has a great noise, but again you need to throw money at it if you want to tune the NA engine.

A4 is obviously the same platform and will have a similar issue. A6/Passat interior space is a vast improvement.

Isn't the Octavia (previous) also based on MKIV platform. Not sure if the interior space is any different, but out of those listed it would be my choice (in estate form). As you know there are endless tuning options for the 20VT engine.

mateys got a 03 plate 3 door golf mk4 V5 170bhp if your interested, although its auto, its mint with vw sat nav/dvd, sounds like a v6
i was gonna buy it off him for 6k if ur interested.

Not really a big car fan but the Lexus IS200 does it for me! 2.0 litre 150bhp,its got the looks, luxury, speed and reliability!!...saloon or an estate edition too (sportcross)

Andi, let me know if you plan to sell any items before the car goes on sale. I would be interested in your front wiper arms/blades and could swap them plus cash for my originals.

nrtnm wrote:Accord Type-R?

That's the first car that came into my head too
According to Parkers they're insurance group 16 or 17

I've just sold an Integra type R to buy my Polo TDi for commuting.
The Teg was amazing and I've heard the Accord is just as good

I'd have either the Accord or a Octavia

I used to work for Skoda and would take the Octavia VRS, a lot of car for the money, go like stink and very tuneable for little money!!

Look sweet to!