help me choose a used hot hatch

Are you planning to mod the car? The 2.3 Duratec focus is a good alternative to the SVT focus. If you're uninterested in the early focus' playschool interior, the 05 zx4 st's came with the 2.3 duratec but only came in sedan form.

Suspension mods only. Want something with a nice interior. Nice/supportive seats are important.

Acura RSX type S? http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/4509819202.html

http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/ctd/4508775499.html

Hasbro wrote: My favorite driving choices; Mini hands down, Mazda and Si were pretty close with the nod to Mazda. I chose the Si for dependability and it hasn't been near a shop in 10 years. Runs like new. I can have project cars without ever worrying about my dd. At this point whatever one you choose may depend on previous owner's maintenance.

I should mention I didn't test the SVT or GTI and wish I had. I believe I was worried about reliability but still should have tried them out. I'd put the RSX S a notch above the Si but I knew my Si was getting a K24 and wanted a real hatch. The lack of torque was also why I skipped the Celica GTS but would love to own one anyway.

The Si and RSX got panned for not stellar handling but there are a few tricks to get them to handle very nicely if you don't care about fitting in a competitive class. There's a reason the EP3 Type R was Hot Hatch of the Year 4 years running in England.

I like the type s but can't imagine that back seat is usable.

It isn't–exceedingly tiny.

The EP3 will respond well to suspension mods. Plus it's a Honda so it will always hold some value just because of that. You could always get a Honda Fit, the second gen is getting into that price range. Pretty fun cars, versatile with the "magic seats," and plenty of aftermarket out there. It's like the slower four door version of the EP3. When I had my 09 I fit myself and four 200+lbs friends in there for a 2 hour trip from Orlando to Sarasota and not one complaint was heard, only compliments.

matrix xrs with a trd supercharger would be plenty hot. the 2zzge responds quite well to all sorts of mods, has strong aftermarket support and a tastefully modded one isnt something you see everyday.

carbon wrote: matrix xrs with a trd supercharger would be plenty hot. the 2zzge responds quite well to all sorts of mods, has strong aftermarket support and a tastefully modded one isnt something you see everyday.

A supercharged 2zz is quite powerful. These are really good horribly underrated cars.

Unfortunately I've had no luck finding anything I want. What I did find had already sold (delete your ad if it sold berkeleyers!). I did test drive a 5spd Mazda2 last night. While it wasn't on my list and not a "hot hatch" it did feel nimble and have a little umph to it.

I like the SRT4 idea. Had one awhile back and it was a blast. Plenty of room, durable engines (assuming it hasn't been completely riced out). Make sure you get the Viper seats :)

Older than you want but looks good.http://dayton.craigslist.org/cto/4533604155.html

http://dayton.craigslist.org/cto/4527664029.html

nicksta43 wrote: Older than you want but looks good.http://dayton.craigslist.org/cto/4533604155.html

Holy shneikies! An actual EG Si that isn't hacked to pieces! Been awhile since I've seen one of those, even in pictures. I still my my 93 Si something terrible. That was a fantastic car and I still measure all dd's against it.

http://dayton.craigslist.org/cto/4525673369.html

Dayum Nick is good at finding clean Hondas.

Oh, Integra rear seats are usable, but only fit 2 back there vs. the 3 that will fit in the EG hatch.

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/4519375004.html

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/4510698344.html Kind of a rare thing to find unmolested too.

ep3 si rear seat leg room is itty bitty

The silver ep owner is out of town till July 3rd. The black spec v is sold. Called on an srt4 and got no reply. Never really cared for eg civics and yes too old. Integras are too old. Thanks for posting though. If I don't get this mazda2 that ep is on my radar.

Hyundai Veloster?

$11,000

http://dayton.craigslist.org/cto/4483406044.html

End of Thread (unless the definition of hatch is debated here too).

Car and Driver comparo

Couple things I will say as I own an SVT focus. I recommend strongly.

1. Every time I drive the car I end up thinking "Gee, I wish my (insert better looking current project of mine here) drove like this. That really would be the perfect car."
2. Space in the back is not great, but do-able. Mine is a 2 door, 4 door would be better for access. Storage with the seats down is hands-down impressive.
3. It is still a focus. A good-looking focus, mind you, but still.

To the people talking about last gen celicas: I call them Richard Hammond cars. Try to get your american beer-gut into even the front seat and you will see what I mean. Not impossible, but I'm no giant and that car feels smaller inside than my MGB-GT.

Surprised nobody has suggested a 9-2X. $6,500 will get you a nice Linear. Not a turbo but still plenty of fun and the interiors are nicer than most others in the same price range.

How far are you willing to travel?

Slow, That's why I started the other thread, not to destroy this one.