Replacing the Polo

Mouse_GTI · Post by **Mouse_GTI** » Sun Oct 19, 2008 9:12 pm

I keep thinking about other cars, it's bad lol. I've decided I'll probably keep the Polo another year as I still really like it and I would struggle to choose a next car. Heaps would be on my list, and some are quite odd ball...

VW Scirocco (More logical than a Mk5 Golf GTI now, unless you want practicallity)

Fiat 500 Abarth (Maybe a bit gay? I don't care, looks awesome in and out and good performance - quite tunable)

Fiat Grande Punto Abarth (Not as "cute" as the 500. Same engine. More practical and grown up looking. Still a great car)

Renault Megane 225 (Great drivers car, interior not so good)

Renault Clio 197 Cup (I really like the new Clio, so this would be logical. Heard it really needs to be worked, can't be worse than my GTI)

Renaultsport Twingo (Not much more power than a Mk5 GTI, maybe a little more fun and looks good)

Mk7 Polo GTI (Tunable, practical, potential. Shame spec isn't as good as a Mk5 and neither are the looks)

Ford Racing Puma (Getting old a bit, but that means they are cheap. Maybe not tunable but a proper drivers car and looks amazing. Exclusivity too)

Alfa Romeo GTV 2.0T or 3.2 V6 (Reliability could be hit or miss. Good to drive. Timeless looks. 3.2 V6 = one of best sounding engines ever, but weight up front affects handling. 2.0T = meant to be better for handling due to lightness, but won't have as much character)

The only things against my car at the moment are it is getting older (hard to believe it will be 8 next year) and soon it won't be worth a lot. Also the fact tunability = expense. I love the 1.6, it's a good little engine for what it is, but we all want more power sometimes and preferably without too much hassle. Other than that I'm still happy it

Si_GTi · Post by **Si_GTi** » Sun Oct 19, 2008 9:27 pm

I've had the same thoughts about the Scirocco (too expensive for me at the moment), the Clio 197 Cup and even the Twingo 133 Cup after reading the review in Evo!

The Ford Racing Puma made an appearance in Autocar this week in a section for hot hatches for Â£6k. Sounds like a fun thing to drive but the bottom line is its not much quicker than a healthy Polo GTi. Still, only 500 made and only about 420-430 left so exclusivity is a given.

Mouse_GTI · Post by **Mouse_GTI** » Sun Oct 19, 2008 9:53 pm

It was the Autocar article that brought my interest up in the Racing Puma again. I probably wouldn't consider a Focus ST/Golf GTI/Astra VXR as they are too common

Tim_GTi · Post by **Tim_GTi** » Sun Oct 19, 2008 10:01 pm

I know exactly how you feel mate. (Although we have very different tastes in cars!) With the car depreciating in value you can't help ponder about moving on. If your set on moving on soon though, I wouldn't leave it til the latter as it'll only lose value! Maybe now IS better than next year?

Mouse_GTI · Post by **Mouse_GTI** » Mon Oct 20, 2008 9:12 am

I seen a GTI same age as mine for sale for Â£4400. Now it had 60k and no leather, mine has 49k and leather and I'd probably sell now for Â£4000-Â£4300.

Another car I forgot about was the new 3-series Coupe. Looks very sexy. Obviously I would have to get a very good job though

edit: Got to love the seats in the Puma...

jason11 · Post by **jason11** » Mon Oct 20, 2008 10:31 am

wouldnt leave the vw sence to go to a ford or fiat !

each to there own tho dude

tomo87 · Post by **tomo87** » Mon Oct 20, 2008 2:30 pm

whats your budget and what do you want from the car? power? comfort?

MaxZ · Post by **MaxZ** » Mon Oct 20, 2008 5:57 pm

I've been in the same situation, Rocco all the way after graduation..

Redline · Post by **Redline** » Mon Oct 20, 2008 6:09 pm

The Fiat 500 Abarth Assetto esseesse version looks awesome:

Although it still isn't that much quicker than a Mk5 Polo GTi, and it's expensive for such a small car in my opinion.

Also whilst the new Scirocco is flavour of the month, I wouldn't rule out a Mk5 Golf GTi as they're becoming very affordable now.

shantybeater · Post by **shantybeater** » Mon Oct 20, 2008 7:10 pm

^^ i'd go for the above...after a remap those things will be proper quick!! either that or the megane...but i hate the back of those...alot of nice hatches around so take your time & pick carefully...leon cupra R's are also a great shout or a focus RS?

mc_iver_9n · Post by **mc_iver_9n** » Mon Oct 20, 2008 7:19 pm

I saw a 500 abarth when I was in Italy and have liked them ever since

Mouse_GTI · Post by **Mouse_GTI** » Tue Oct 21, 2008 9:31 am

So many choices. Assumming I get a 25k+ year job soon (got 2 interviews lined up tomorrow) I'd probably want to spend between 10-15k, maybe up to 20k. This would be in a years time

DanDiesel · Post by **DanDiesel** » Tue Oct 21, 2008 2:24 pm

I saw a Fiat 500 Arbarth on the road the other day! It looked feckin awesome with its wide arches!

Polo96CL · Post by **Polo96CL** » Tue Oct 21, 2008 4:14 pm

Someone who I know has just replaced thier old punto sporting for a new Abarth punto, it does look good!

8080 · Post by **8080** » Tue Oct 21, 2008 5:13 pm

I'm in a similar situation, buying in the new year. Would love a new Scirocco, but can't really justify it when there are 1 year old Mk5 GTIs for 25% less.

Edit: of course the 1.4 tsi 160 Scirocco would be closer to your budget (and mine). I might end up getting one of those