Answer
Jul 25, 2021 - 08:36 PM
Hi there
We ran your budget parameters through our listing search engine, and added some more must-haves for an enthusiast driver: It must be a sedan, hatchback, coupé or convertible (because no SUV can really be that sporty), employ a manual transmission with a petrol engine (because that's typically what enthusiasts want), and be younger than 5 years old (but older than 3 years, because that's where they've depreciated nicely).
This possibilities arising from these parameters are quite limited, but some interesting options do exist. Interesting options on the list include some BMW 1-Series and 3-Series cars and various Mercedes-Benz A- and C-Classes. While those may be tempting, you have to remember that ageing premium-brand cars can get very expensive to run in the long term, unless you're prepared to work on it yourself.
More viable options also abound, with various Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus STs in your price range. If you like those, we'd recommend the Focus ST over the Fiesta, simply because it is more comfortable over long distances. Alternatively, you could get a nearly-new Ford Fiesta 1.0T EcoBoost (with some remaining OEM warranty and in a nice trim level) within your price range. That would probably be the most sensible choice here, seeing as you're not keen on a VW.
Other interesting options include the Mazda3 (which isn't very fast but has excellent handling and long-distance comfort), a Mazda MX-5 RF (which may become a collectable in the future, but doesn't have a lot of cabin- or utility space), and the Renault Megane RS. Be wary of the Renault, though, because the RS Megane could also become very expensive to run, and with difficulties in getting maintenance parts in the long term.
Hope this helps!
The AskAutoTrader Team
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