Which hatchback should I buy?

I have a fair budget for a used car, preferably a petrol hot hatch with reasonable MPG consumption and also suitable for everyday car use. I am thinking of something up to a 2.0-litre engine. I am looking currently at the SEAT Ibiza III FR, SEAT Leon Cupra, SEAT Ibiza VI FR, SEAT Leon, Audi S3, Audi A3, Audi quattro, Volkswagen Golf V GTI, and Volkswagen Polo V. Can you please advice me what is the best choice and also what are the most common issues with the above cars.

Asked on 12 January 2017 by Spyros

Answered by Honest John

The current Ibiza Cupra 1.8 TSI or Polo GTI 1.8 TSI are good, but a Ford Fiesta ST goes and handles better. Avoid Audi A1, Ibiza and Polo with the 1.4 Twincharger engine and DSG transmission. Current A3 with EA888 engine okay; previous one had trouble with timing chain, piston rings and coking up of inlet valves. The current SEAT Leon FR 1.8 TSI with independent rear suspension is okay. I'd avoid the previous generation of hot Leon because they are ugly. Avoid Golf V and VI because they are the most troublesome cars recorded. Polo and Ibiza 1.2 with timing chains can have timing chain trouble. Check them all out at www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/

Tags: buying a used car hot hatches buying and selling hatchbacks mpg economical consumer advice petrol cars

Similar questions

I have £6000 for a fun, economic and reliable car - any suggestions?

I have about £6000 to spend on a used car. I'll use it for a daily 25 mile commute in rush hour and, as my wife has a Volkswagen Up!, it will be our main car for longer journeys. I'd like a balance of...

Do you have any advice on buying a diesel Volkswagen or Audi in light of the emissions scandal?

I'm considering buying a used 2.0-litre diesel (2013/2014) this year, either a Volkswagen Golf or Audi A3 Sportback (but also considering a 320d) and would like to ask whether, in the light of the Volkswagen...

What's the most economic petrol car I can get to do 20,000 miles per year?

I currently drive a 2005 Volkswagen Golf Plus 2.0 TDI that has done 182,000 miles. What should I replace it with on a maximum budget of £12,000? I need a workhorse to do 20,000 miles a year (80 per cent...

Related models

Audi A1 (2010 - 2015)

Chic and sporty looks plus a classy interior, efficient petrol engines, plenty of scope for personalisation.

Ford Fiesta ST (2004 - 2008)

Performance Fiesta. Cheap, sharp and huge fun to drive.

SEAT Ibiza (2002 - 2009)

More interesting looking than a Polo. 1.8 petrol turbo FR good fun.

SEAT Ibiza (2008 - 2017)

Cheap to run. five star Euro NCAP rating, clear and simple dash layout. Facelifted with improved engine range from spring 2012.

Volkswagen Golf (2004 - 2008)

Decent handling and comfortable on the move, impressive TSI engines, massive improvement over the previous Golf, high-economy Bluemotion models, high quality feel of interior, five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Volkswagen Polo (2009 - 2017)

Neatly styled and easy to drive. Room for five. Most come with full size spare. High quality interior. Double folding rear seats give flat load area. Frugal 1.2 TDI BlueMotion.

Audi A3 (2012 - 2020)

Comfortable and high quality premium hatchback, low emissions diesel engines including economical 1.6 TDI, very refined at speed yet handles well in corners.