I'm looking at buying a hot hatch, or just a car that's generally fun to drive and reasonable to run, insure and tax.

I'm based in Ireland so most American cars other than Ford are out of the question.
We get the same cars as the Uk just more expensive.

€12k to spend.

I'm thinking Fiesta ST, probably the most fun car I can actually afford, but it's a bit on the small side, I don't need a big car but still.
Focus ST is too expensive.

GT86/BRZ is too expensive.
Subaru WRX is too expensive.

Golf GTI, probably a MK6,
Renault Clio 197,

Any suggestions?
I know this is probably a little stupid considering 90% of people here are going to be from America but eh, I'm bored.

I'd jump over a Fiesta ST and get a GTI MK6 with no doubt in my head

Yeah I mean they're bigger and faster but I've heard they're not as reliable and more expensive to repair.
It's also slightly €560 on road tax vs €280. They can have timing chain tensor issues, if that goes it can ruin the engine, but it's not that common/expensive to repair if caught in time.

I found one that would suit, it's a manual, 3 door and it's nice.

Edit - GTI would also cost a lot more to run.

I'm bias; If you're going to buy a car and you're already thinking it's small (even when you don't need a large car), that doesn't seem like the type of car you would want to get

I'd just have a larger savings account to prepare for owning a German car though

Get a VW Polo GTI

Nigga live in Ireland?
Im jealous.

Guess what I see out my bedroom window.

If you guessed cows you are correct.

I see sunshine and gang signs.
Lets trade places.

consider a mazda 3. they run well, look nice, and they're pretty reliable.

Can’t find a cheaper brz ? Maybe even used

Right now deciding between getting a BMW m8 or an Audi r8.
Decisions Decisions

Cheapest is €16k, that's for a 2013, plus they're expensive to tax and insure, shame really.

I see your point.
I had no real issues with the size until my parents started saying it's too small.

I've had Miatas in the past and I had no issue with their size!

Gated Manual V10 R8, future classic.

ahh i gotta look into that
im not so into cars but i was just in a car on the way to the gas station a couple of hours ago
i was actually the one driving it

I’m not a huge Ford guy generally but as far as cheap hot hatches go the Fiesta ST is a decent choice. I’d look into the little Mazda hatches too if you haven’t already, the turbo 4s are pretty fast and they aren’t too bad to maintain and work on yourself if you decide to.

Edit: completely misread your location. Hopefully not useless information.

Oh man :/ I have a 2014 model myself
I actually understand what you mean by insure

Former car mechanic/salesman here

Not so familiar with European cars that aren't brought over here but I assume that parts are gonna be cheaper there compared to here when something breaks...

My suggestion for a fun car: Mazda Miata, GTI (MAKE SURE YOU GET A 6-SPEED), STAY AWAY from any FORD their cars (not trucks) aren't very well made

Rolling pile of junk vs. Money pit

i would get a vw since your in Europe parts are not that bad though man

lol r8 relax bud

I was waiting for the former car salesman pitch

Scotty kilmer voice

Thanks, I've only owned 3 cars, 2 of which have been Miatas.. One was an NA the other was an NB.
I want something different, unless I somehow find an ND in budget.

Golfs in general are everywhere here, GTIs less so, everyone I know has a Golf, but none of them own a GTI.

I'm just looking at the 6 speed Manuals, DSGs don't really do it for me.

As for the Ford thing, I know the quality isn't going to be there in terms of the interior but I've heard nothing but praise for their engines and drive trains, plus the Fiesta ST is revered for how it handles.
I'm fine with cheap plastics and a crappy stereo if it's fun to drive.

Audi R8s are cool, the first Gen Manual V10s are great.
I don't care much for the newer versions or the autos.

That being said - Don't buy it unless you're willing to pay €€€ when things go wrong.
A guy I know owned one, he had to fix a small part in the engine (can't remember what the part was), it's a Lamborghini part (All under the VAG) and it cost me something like €800 for that alone.
Brake callipers were €2k too I believe.
Rear tyres were €300 a corner.

Don't buy it just to look cool, they're expensive as f***.