£3000 to spend... which one?
09 May 2005, 06:57 PM
#1
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Lancaster/Manchester or stuck in a traffic jam somewhere in between
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
£3000 to spend... which one?
The GF has got around £3000 to spend on a new car after writting of her MR2, so here's what we've narrowed the list down to...
Another MR2 (K reg ish)
Ibiza Cupra 2.0ltr 16v (around R - S reg) my personal preference
Fiat Coupe 16V or 20V (P reg)
Toyota Celica GT (L reg)
Any recommendations?
TIA
Jeff
Another MR2 (K reg ish)
Ibiza Cupra 2.0ltr 16v (around R - S reg) my personal preference
Fiat Coupe 16V or 20V (P reg)
Toyota Celica GT (L reg)
Any recommendations?
TIA
Jeff
Last edited by Jay_bee; 10 May 2005 at 04:48 PM.
09 May 2005, 10:59 PM
#7
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Lancaster/Manchester or stuck in a traffic jam somewhere in between
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yep, can't be an import, she's under 25, otherwise MR2 Turbo would def have been on the list. We may still look at a Fiat Coupe Turbo, but next years renewal may be a bit strong what with the claim that will kick in next time round...
Keep 'em coming though, and if anyone has owned any of the above mentioned, please feel free to offer any advice.
Cheers
Keep 'em coming though, and if anyone has owned any of the above mentioned, please feel free to offer any advice.
Cheers
Trending Topics
10 May 2005, 04:52 PM
#9
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Lancaster/Manchester or stuck in a traffic jam somewhere in between
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by scoobyboy1
Pug 106 Gti on a P or a R-reg, 0-60 in around 7seconds.
To be honest, we're leaning towards the Fiat Coupe, either a 16v or 20v Turbo... Anyone got any experience of these?
10 May 2005, 05:13 PM
#10
Scooby Regular
Did she write it off or was it you Jeff 
I remember you saying how much you loved that RWD.
Forget the Fiat Coupe - nice looking but insurance is much higher than an MR2, and they are nowhere near as reliable.
Whats the main criteria? MX5 any good?
I remember you saying how much you loved that RWD.Forget the Fiat Coupe - nice looking but insurance is much higher than an MR2, and they are nowhere near as reliable.
Whats the main criteria? MX5 any good?
10 May 2005, 05:14 PM
#11
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: There is only one God - Elvis!
Posts: 8,328
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Jay_bee
Tried that, no go, she doesnt like them!
To be honest, we're leaning towards the Fiat Coupe, either a 16v or 20v Turbo... Anyone got any experience of these?
To be honest, we're leaning towards the Fiat Coupe, either a 16v or 20v Turbo... Anyone got any experience of these?
i would reconsider!!
10 May 2005, 05:23 PM
#12
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: UK
Posts: 13,274
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Double check the insurance on the Fiat Coupe as well!!
The Turbo is group 20, so I'm sure the normally aspirated one will be equally silly!!!
The Ibiza is a fun FWD hot hatch, very much in the ilk of the mk2 Golf, although it will be a very different driving experience compared the rwd mid-engined MR2.
That said, I would go for a clean mk2 8v Golf GTI.
The Turbo is group 20, so I'm sure the normally aspirated one will be equally silly!!!
The Ibiza is a fun FWD hot hatch, very much in the ilk of the mk2 Golf, although it will be a very different driving experience compared the rwd mid-engined MR2.
That said, I would go for a clean mk2 8v Golf GTI.
10 May 2005, 05:28 PM
#13
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Lancaster/Manchester or stuck in a traffic jam somewhere in between
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Si ya cheeky barstool!!!!Anna was at the controls. Did I write it off?!? 
I do like RWD, thats why I love my Type R
She's checked the insurance and its not drastic, A couple of hundred more a year on a 16v Turbo, double that on the 20VT. As for the N/A ones, they aint too bad at all, but it looks like the turbos are the ones to get.
As for reliabilty, Ive been doing my research (registed on Fiat Coupe Forum) and looking at their buying guides. To be honest, they seem like they need the same looking after and TLC that Scoobs need, you can get good ones and bad ones.
Still, If we could find a 16v Cupra in the "right" colour, then I think overall, that would probably end up being the one thats on the drive...
MKII Golf wouldnt be on the cards, she doesnt like 'em. I tried to get her to have a look at an Oak Green MkII, she just turned her nose up
For the money, you can pick up an R or S reg 16v Cupra, and lets be honest, they'll be quite a bit better than a MkII Golf both technology and performance. 16v Cupra is basically a polo with a MkIII 16v Golf GTi engine with traction, ABS etc etc
If she gets one, I'll be looking forward to driving it anyway (as long as it aint yellow
)
I do like RWD, thats why I love my Type R
She's checked the insurance and its not drastic, A couple of hundred more a year on a 16v Turbo, double that on the 20VT. As for the N/A ones, they aint too bad at all, but it looks like the turbos are the ones to get.
As for reliabilty, Ive been doing my research (registed on Fiat Coupe Forum) and looking at their buying guides. To be honest, they seem like they need the same looking after and TLC that Scoobs need, you can get good ones and bad ones.
Still, If we could find a 16v Cupra in the "right" colour, then I think overall, that would probably end up being the one thats on the drive...
MKII Golf wouldnt be on the cards, she doesnt like 'em. I tried to get her to have a look at an Oak Green MkII, she just turned her nose up
For the money, you can pick up an R or S reg 16v Cupra, and lets be honest, they'll be quite a bit better than a MkII Golf both technology and performance. 16v Cupra is basically a polo with a MkIII 16v Golf GTi engine with traction, ABS etc etc
If she gets one, I'll be looking forward to driving it anyway (as long as it aint yellow
)
Last edited by Jay_bee; 10 May 2005 at 05:36 PM.
10 May 2005, 05:37 PM
#14
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 478
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Charade GT-ti is No Joke...
If you could find a Daihatsu Charade GT-ti to drive, you'd appreciate that the above comment was no joke. 100BHP from a 3-cyl 1 litre engine in a car that weighs sod all = 0-60 in 7.8 secs and a lot of laughing at the expressions on other drivers' faces. Oh, and the 3-cyl engine makes a fantastic noise as you get it up to 7,000 odd RPM.
10 May 2005, 05:49 PM
#15
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Lancaster/Manchester or stuck in a traffic jam somewhere in between
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thats fine but she's not interested in upsetting people from the traffic lights or how much BHP is developed from a 1.0 engine. Please remember <zips up flame suit> this is for a girl
It has to go well but look good at the same time, and Im pretty sure that they are an import?
It has to go well but look good at the same time, and Im pretty sure that they are an import?
Last edited by Jay_bee; 10 May 2005 at 05:52 PM.
10 May 2005, 05:55 PM
#16
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 478
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Charade GT-ti was a UK car, although I'm sure there are imports around too. One of my mates had one for a while, and it really was a hoot to drive. However, if it's looks your after then it's definately a no-go area - it's a pig ugly car. In addition, it's tiny, so not much cop for shopping. Also, I think the newest UK car you'll find is about 1993 (J or K reg, I think).
Supposedly, the Seat Ibiza is a good car. However, my wife's one has been the most unreliable heap of sh1te we have ever owned.
Supposedly, the Seat Ibiza is a good car. However, my wife's one has been the most unreliable heap of sh1te we have ever owned.
10 May 2005, 06:05 PM
#17
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Lancaster/Manchester or stuck in a traffic jam somewhere in between
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There wasnt much room in her MR2 so I dont think thats a concern, she def isnt bothered about practicality.
But I know what she'd say about the Daihatsu...
But I know what she'd say about the Daihatsu...
10 May 2005, 06:20 PM
#18
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Sheffield; Rome of the North
Posts: 17,582
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Toyota Starlet EP82 GT Turbo; I understand that the insurance on them is reasonable; and the performance is **** hot; 130+ bhp in an 850 kilo car.....
10 May 2005, 11:28 PM
#20
Scooby Regular
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Leigh on Sea
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ibiza Cupra 2.0ltr 8v are pretty good too. I had one for a while from new.
With the Ibiza's they did a GTI 16V. That is the one to get if you can as it came with Air Con and leccy sunroof. Cupra's did not!!!
Also check out the cordoba 2.0 sx 16V. It is classed as a coupe. It is not to everyones taste but it is a cracking car. You will get a good low mile one for £3K
With the Ibiza's they did a GTI 16V. That is the one to get if you can as it came with Air Con and leccy sunroof. Cupra's did not!!!
Also check out the cordoba 2.0 sx 16V. It is classed as a coupe. It is not to everyones taste but it is a cracking car. You will get a good low mile one for £3K
11 May 2005, 12:44 AM
#22
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Surrey/London borders.
Posts: 8,300
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by -AL-
my mate will be sellin his mr2 soon, he wants 3200ono, its blue n/a uk 1, good condition think its a k-plate
15 May 2005, 08:35 AM
#25
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: N Yorks
Posts: 663
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ibiza Cupra 2.0ltr 16v (around R - S reg) my personal preference..
Mine too. I bought one in 1998 brand new (15k). Still got it, still mint. Never had a car even half that long as I can't bear to part with it.
Loads of fun, predictable lift off oversteer, grips as well as anything including my Scoob unless its bumpy. (It prefers smooth roads - firm ride).
As for reliability, I have had mine almost 7 years now and have had NOTHING go wrong. Narda. Zip. Not even a bulb. Can't argue with that.
Insurance £299 FC. Did get a quote for £254FC but non protected ncd.
Not many low owner ones about though now (ie looked after). Easy/cheap to maintain. The only thing I would consider to replace it is a Clio cup. Same hardcore edge.
Great car, extremely under estimated. Cant believe how cheap they are now. Daz
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/dazc/cars014.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/dazc/sunday012.jpg
Mine too. I bought one in 1998 brand new (15k). Still got it, still mint. Never had a car even half that long as I can't bear to part with it.
Loads of fun, predictable lift off oversteer, grips as well as anything including my Scoob unless its bumpy. (It prefers smooth roads - firm ride).
As for reliability, I have had mine almost 7 years now and have had NOTHING go wrong. Narda. Zip. Not even a bulb. Can't argue with that.
Insurance £299 FC. Did get a quote for £254FC but non protected ncd.
Not many low owner ones about though now (ie looked after). Easy/cheap to maintain. The only thing I would consider to replace it is a Clio cup. Same hardcore edge.
Great car, extremely under estimated. Cant believe how cheap they are now. Daz
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/dazc/cars014.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/dazc/sunday012.jpg
Last edited by dazc; 15 May 2005 at 08:48 AM.
15 May 2005, 05:26 PM
#26
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Lancaster/Manchester or stuck in a traffic jam somewhere in between
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This is what we settled on...
Well, we've finally made a decision and put a deposit down on a car yesterday.
Here's what we've got...
98S Ibiza cupra sport 2l 8v. Metallic Black. FSSH and receipts for everythings that its ever needed, mot till feb 06, tax till end of july. 2 owners, current one bought from a Seat dealer.
65000 miles
Lowered on spax springs with bottom adjustable spax rear dampers and koni adjustable front dampers
Magnex cat back 6x4 exhaust
E-Tech front strut brace
Green Cotton induction with cold air feed
16" Seat alloys (1 with water damage) + spare with no tyre
panasonic drx900n head unit
Infinity 6x4 in the rear
Heres some pics...
It drives really well and seems to be a bit nicer to drive than the 16v as it feels a bit more torquey so you dont need to rev the nuts off it. Sounds well with the induction and Magnex. The car is absolutely mint, inside and out.
I think the scoob will be left at home during the week now, and I certainly wont mind driving the GF's car to work now.
I'll get some better pics after we've collected it.
Thanks to everyone for your input
Jeff
Here's what we've got...
98S Ibiza cupra sport 2l 8v. Metallic Black. FSSH and receipts for everythings that its ever needed, mot till feb 06, tax till end of july. 2 owners, current one bought from a Seat dealer.
65000 miles
Lowered on spax springs with bottom adjustable spax rear dampers and koni adjustable front dampers
Magnex cat back 6x4 exhaust
E-Tech front strut brace
Green Cotton induction with cold air feed
16" Seat alloys (1 with water damage) + spare with no tyre
panasonic drx900n head unit
Infinity 6x4 in the rear
Heres some pics...
It drives really well and seems to be a bit nicer to drive than the 16v as it feels a bit more torquey so you dont need to rev the nuts off it. Sounds well with the induction and Magnex. The car is absolutely mint, inside and out.
I think the scoob will be left at home during the week now, and I certainly wont mind driving the GF's car to work now.
I'll get some better pics after we've collected it.
Thanks to everyone for your input
Jeff
15 May 2005, 07:20 PM
#27
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
im sure you will enjoy it,i picked mine up(cupra 16v,s plate,61000 miles for just over 3g's) on wednesday night and i have loved every minute in it.i seem to be getting reasonable milage in it aswell which is a bonus. its in the same colour as dazc's and its lovely.will be getting a magnex exhaust on it as soon as i can afford it and get it sitting on some better springs and dampers aswell.
not bad for an 18 year olds first car.
not bad for an 18 year olds first car.
15 May 2005, 09:19 PM
#28
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Jay_bee
Well, we've finally made a decision and put a deposit down on a car yesterday.
Here's what we've got...
98S Ibiza cupra sport 2l 8v. Metallic Black. FSSH and receipts for everythings that its ever needed, mot till feb 06, tax till end of july. 2 owners, current one bought from a Seat dealer.
Jeff
Here's what we've got...
98S Ibiza cupra sport 2l 8v. Metallic Black. FSSH and receipts for everythings that its ever needed, mot till feb 06, tax till end of july. 2 owners, current one bought from a Seat dealer.
Jeff
Have fun with it!
Marcel
16 May 2005, 11:00 AM
#30
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Lancaster/Manchester or stuck in a traffic jam somewhere in between
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Danbo
Looks really nice!! And sounds like a bargain! Might have to think about one of these for my missus!!