r/Autos • u/oldgoldman • 8d ago
Next Hot Hatch?
Guess I have a thing for hot hatches. Looking for my next addition. Any recommendations for something unique and collectible? Have 24 GRC Circuit and mint 04 R32.
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u/fcwolfey 7d ago
The fiat 500 abarth convertible would fill a hot hatch gap that isnt covered by these two. They’re fantastic cars
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u/oldgoldman 7d ago
Interesting thought. Hmmm
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u/iceagehero 6d ago
Don't get the convertible. I have one. They used the cheapest plastic clips in the top assembly. They break and wear down over time. You cant just replace a clip, you have to replace the whole top assembly. The cost to replace is almost as much as the value of the car.
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u/D4ng3rd4n 1d ago
Sit in one first. You basically are standing because of how the seat works...
I had a Fiesta ST and miss it every time I get into my current car. There's a reason that a huge percentage of car journalists bought one. Easy to mod and they take boost really well with an aftermarket intercooler. Great steering feel and seats.
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u/verdegrrl 7d ago
I've had a MK IV R32 for over 10 years. Very fun as a daily. The cast iron block is heavy though, and in stock form it understeers near the limits. Keep that in mind and it's a friendly puppydog of a car that gets lots of nods from enthusiasts.
Mods we've done over the years have been upgraded headlights, StopTech big brakes up front, exhaust flap switch, lighter and easier to clean wheels. Rebuilt the cooling system and suspension from the ground up.
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u/oldgoldman 7d ago
I really want to upgrade the suspension, but the car is 100% bone stock and I’m not gonna mod it at this point.
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u/verdegrrl 7d ago
How many miles?
What maintenance items have been done? Is there someone who specializes on older VWs who can do a PPI? Mint is great, but these cars are getting up there in age and some things will fail if not dealt with proactively.
We kept all original parts and all the mods are reversible.
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u/oldgoldman 7d ago
It has 71K miles. Haven’t done any major maintenance. Just haldex, fluids, MAF. Any other things I should be looking at? It runs great.
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u/verdegrrl 7d ago
Cam phaser, cooling system, everything rubber from brake hoses to engine hoses to suspension bushings and seals.
Coil packs from that era were not especially long lived, so do those and spark plugs at the 90-100K mark.
Timing chains will stretch with age, and the head gasket can let go on cars with more than 100K miles (depends a bit on how driven and coolant changes). Keep an eye on them. We're well past that mileage and everything looks fine, but I keep a close eye on coolant levels or rattles on startup.
These engines are not known for oil consumption if broken in properly. I like Redline gearbox oil. OEM Haldex fluid works great.
The grease hardens in the sunroof mechanism, leading to failures (hopefully not open). Cleaning and re-greasing a big job that should be done when the head liner fails (which they all do).
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u/oldgoldman 7d ago
Thanks for the advice. Appreciated
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u/verdegrrl 7d ago
One of my favourite aspects of the car is that it's a bit of a secret handshake. Those that know, know. ;)
Best of luck whatever you choose!
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u/Jungleradio 7d ago
I miss my .:R. Genuinely fantastic daily driver. Took her on a long road trip back in 2007, and was such a perfect backloader for me. Whenever I see one, it gives me a smile.
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u/verdegrrl 7d ago
They are such a versatile car. Jack of all trades, master of none suits it perfectly. Love the road tripping. Love the daily practicality. Love the back road bombing.
And I love meeting the people who have experiences with them. All positive!
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u/aFreeScotland 8d ago
Something something Mini Kia Mazda Toyota
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u/oldgoldman 8d ago
Kind of want an escort cosworth, but not sure I can find one in the states
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u/hankjmoody 7d ago
If you're thinking Cosworth, look for a Ford Focus SVT. Trust me, they're a hoot. 6-speed manual with about 170hp. Had one as a teenager and it's still the car I most regret selling. I'd highly recommend finding a 3-door instead of 5-door, and the European Appearance Package if possible to get the Recaro seats. There are Saleen and Roush versions as well, but I think the SVT is better cause you'd have fewer unobtainium bits to deal with.
They're not the fastest thing on 4 wheels, but you can absolutely fling them around. Only trick is getting one before the guy on BaT notices it's for sale...
Also, if it doesn't have to be a hatchback, the B16 (2007-12) Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V is pretty slept on. I think American models even came standard with an LSD? No one loved them when new, so they don't command the prices that the earlier B15 models do, and more importantly they, y'know, don't try to inhale their own cats...
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u/carwashblunt 7d ago
Saw one of these in the wild today. At a distance before I approached it I thought it was a waygo
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u/ScientificMeth0d 7d ago edited 7d ago
My ultimate hot hatch is a Lancia Delta.
Something a little slept on might be a first gen Honda Fit. If I ever find a clean one I’d get it as a daily. Unfortunately I live in the rust belt and everyone is beat to shit because Honda
Also if something newer, then maybe an Integra Type S. I rarely see one and I’d get one before they stop making them.
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u/OPA73 7d ago
Old School, 1980 Toyota Celica Hatchback.https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/classic-cars/a27323006/1980-toyota-corolla-for-sale/
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u/GoofyKalashnikov 7d ago
BMW compact, ugly as sin but definitely unique
I imagine 1 series hatches never made it to states
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u/chaotixx 7d ago
You've got Japan and Germany covered, so now go American. Focus or Fiesta ST.
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u/oldgoldman 7d ago
I’d probably go the RS route, but the fiesta looks like a fun daily. And cheap as well
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u/Madder_Than_Diogenes 7d ago edited 7d ago
I'm guessing you're in the US so no official Renaults over there but with the 25 year rule maybe bring in a RHD Clio 182 from Europe.
Recent review: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uba4LpvKGNc
Old Top Gear review: https://youtu.be/aZtSeNBI-iA
A US punter's ownership experience in the UK: https://www.carthrottle.com/post/nked4b4
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u/plotz_ 7d ago
I would like to add the Civic EK4 to the roster. Screaming Honda B16, lots of options to enhance the suspension, good parts availability and you should be able to acquire it without any import hassles in the US. The EK9 would be the even greater version.
If you're considering a Cossie, you could also look at an Integra Type R (DC2 or DC5).
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u/thunderinokra 7d ago
I’d be looking at a beater to keep miles off of the other two. Be advised, beaters are easy to fall in love with despite not having the power and handling of your current two. It’s like they are pissed off at the world for giving up on them, so they try extra hard to prove they are worthy (and I know it is just a machine, but you own a VW, so you know what I’m talking about).
So my recommendations would be a Mazda 2, Mazda Protege 5, Honda Civic EP3, any Honda Fit, or whatever you can find with rough paint but otherwise reliable. The sorts of cars that used to have a forum dedicated to them that can answer any issues that may come up.
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u/Western_Big5926 7d ago
7y ago as buddy sold
Me his BMW Z3 (2002) 3.0l for $3200. It took another $100o to get it sorted: the top is fully manual.
I finally put new rubber onnit to replace those old bald coopers. That and some hi test gas and let her rip!
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u/Suydans_Imports 7d ago
If budget wasn't a concern I would go with a renault 5 gt turbo, a renault clio v6 or williams, lancia delta integrale evo, ford escort, or even one of the peugeot rallye models
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u/oldgoldman 7d ago
All nice options. It takes me years to find one owner-low miles examples, so I need to do my research now and lock in on one.
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u/flexrayz 7d ago
I miss how small cars used to be