Upgrading the daily to something fast and fun

[Scottie]

I'm not doing the mileage I used to in the daily, and the commute is only 10 miles each way down some NSL A and curvy B roads, so fancy something a bit more fun, and petrol.

Budget about 12 to 14k
Up to 5 years old
Needs to accommodate large dog in back occasionally, so either estate or hatchback with upright rear tailgate, Golf or 1 series Yes etc, but not Megane No etc.
Fairly quick, tunable helps, fun to drive
mpg and running costs not too much of an issue


On the short list for that budget I have 2013 Octavia VRS estate, 2013 Focus ST3 estate, Mk7 Golf GTI PP hatch, all of those are just a remap or simple tuning kit away from 300bhp, a nice amount for a daily which returns decent mpg.

Have also considered a M135i 2012/3 model, could just about get away with the dog in the boot, but not as practical.

I've heard the ST has torque steer problems which are worse when tuned?

What are your thoughts, what would you get for that budget?

[Matas]

My first thought was an s4 avant but after looking for your budget they're slightly older and higher mileage. These remap like hell though, I remember watching a Chris Harris video years back.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...01705275861674

[Scottie]

Yep have looked at those in the past, only get an old one for the money though, great cars though.

[Matas]

Yep have looked at those in the past, only get an old one for the money though, great cars though.

Yeah plus the infotainment systems in these is super dated if that bothers you. 400bhp+ with a remap and manual awd would still tempt me haha.

Maybe sack off the 5 years old criteria and get a Toyota Crown Athlete with a 1JZ, they have no issue of remapping

[Scottie]

Remember I still have a high power sx for speed and fun so don't want anything that needs more than a basic remap/exhaust etc

[Actual_Ben_Taylor]

I think it's pretty much between the Skoda and the Ford...

[mcleansc]

E90 Estate 335i? I'd argue the tuning community is just as big for those as S-Bodies. Add a FMIC, Catless downpipes and a cone intake, download a flash for the DME through your phone and it should be above 400bhp

[Scottie]

I think it's pretty much between the Skoda and the Ford...

The only problem I have with this is...........have you heard how good the m135i sounds with a sports exhaust

E90 Estate 335i? I'd argue the tuning community is just as big for those as S-Bodies. Add a FMIC, Catless downpipes and a cone intake, download a flash for the DME through your phone and it should be above 400bhp

Good shout, would want the facelift from 2013 though and can't find one for less than 20k on auto trader. I did have a look at the 184bhp 2 litre which remaps to 260 a nice car.

[Matas]

Another idea, Seat Leon Cupra Estate. They're plenty powerful from factory, this one is a 280. Can get a manual or a DSG, they're modern inside but nothing fancy. I personally love the look of the hatchback ones, estates are abit meh at the back, but the front is still cool. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...01704274842043

Remaps ain't an issue if you get bored eventually.
http://www.revotechnik.com/product-d...2-/194/stage-1

[Dastardly]

Mazda 3 MPS is just about in budget. I drove one and found it was rather fun. Bit of torque steer though