What do I do?

[Ed Doe]

Ed,

I think your passion for the GTi6 is commendable but the Clio is a superior car, unfortunately. The 306 does look better, in my opinion, but the Clio beats it - they're significantly newer, especially when you consider that the GTi6 didn't really change much over time.

Alternatively you could save your pennies for a car which eluded me - a DC2 Integra. Lots of people buy them after owning GTi6s as they're the next 'tier' up.

Or you could go mental, buy a RWD Jap car or a Mazda MX5 and have more fun than is actually possible in any hatchback, no matter how hot...

Don't get me wrong, I appreciate there are far better cars than the GTi6 out there, but in terms of driving enjoyment, bang for buck IMO a GTi6 is a better choice than a clio 182. Yes the Clio is newer, but the driving position is bad, the interior quality isnt great, and they manage to look a lot smaller than the 306 for some reason...
Yes, if your criteria is driving refinement, the clio is probably marginally better. BUT the big question if you're looking for driving refinement is why on god's earth are you considering a Clio at all?

I do agree a DC2 is definitely a great alternative as a driver's car. Shamelessly repeating most of what Ruan's told me already, the block will get up to temperature way quicker, so will reach optimum efficiency quicker, meaning better economy on shorter journeys. High revving, fun to drive, great chassis etc. But it should be all of those things considering a half decent one is £3k+, whereas you can probably have 90% of the driving fun in a '6 for £1500 for a good one!

I'm probably blinkered; I loved my GTi6, and I would suggest the set-up I was running (though far from perfect) made it one of the most entertaining ways of getting from A to B; a really really fun driver's car.
In summary I would still suggest the GTi6 is one of the most competitively priced diver's cars you can buy today without risking buying a complete shed.

I mean what else is there really?

an MX5 yes is a great alternative but imo theyre not powerful enough out the box
205 - getting rare now, cheaper ones have rust etc
106 - fairly small, not the most practical, still holding value above the 306 for a good gti. But good engines, and respond well to mods!
Clio - still a lot of money for what it is. and a bit luke-warm engine-wise.
DC2 - still on the pricey side. VTEC (Yoh!) is over-rated.
Golf GTI - mk4s are shyte, mk5s are still pricey
celica - Vvti the only one worth having, but as you well know CAR you have to be right at the top of the revs to get anywhere.
mr2 - dont know much about the prices of these, but if you can get a good un they're apparently a lot of fun..?
Fiat punto - dont even go there
Saxos - ditto
Fiat Bravo HGT - as old as the '6, slower, softer
Polo valver - small, slow
Seat Leon - understeery on the limit, cupra r still fairly pricey, quick and refined, but again pricey for what it is...
Scooby - image. ill say no more. and still pricey for one that's not been ragged to death
Teg dc5 - still holding value as they're good cars. £8k+ for a good one...
Civic ep3 - about as quick as a '6, ~£4k for a good one, and not the best handling cars out the box
Ford Focus st170 - slower than a '6, not as good to drive.



I'm struggling to think of any others?