I sold my 16V last year and went car-less for a bit, while taking my time getting a new car and looking at my options.
At the time of sale, a Cup, 172 and 106 GTi were the strongest contenders. Im a perfectionist and my 16V had cost me a lot to run during the two years I had it - nearly enough in fact to have justified the extra whack of a new 172 over the time.
When it came to it though, I wasnt that impressed with the cars (especially not the 106 GTi). What youre paying for with a new car is the reliablity factor, with often a healthy dollop of added ability thrown in.
Im a fairly low mileage driver who mainly uses my local Welsh B-roads and I couldnt really justify spending £10k on a car that would lose so much in depreciation. The more I looked at the matter, the more the scenario sceamed "mint Williams" at me. Half the price, arguably the same/greater ability for my needs and less big bills if I found a good one.
In the end I found a minter and I dont regret it. Its clearly the wrong car for someone who does a lot of commuting and racks up large mileages, but for me its perfect. There have been some expenses over the last 6 months, but its nothing greater than a medium service at a Renault dealer would cost on a 172/Cup - and the car hardly depreciates!
So, if youre in a similar situation, older can be better.
You should consider selling up a finding a similar car in better condition!
http://erc.qmuc.ac.uk/cliosport/gallery/full/1074958393__IMGP0018.jpg
