sgould

Unfortunatly it looks like its time for me to change the scooby to something a little more practical (well just for a short time I hope)

Like we all know Scoobies are expensive to run, and my bank balance has taken a big hit. Its been well worth it though, but the big problem is what do I buy. Is there anything more sensible that isn't to depressing to drive?????

I am looking for something with mid 30 mpg and around 8,9 0-60 time, and cheaper insurance.

So far my list contains only the Audi A3 1.8T. Atleast it still has a turbo. The S3 and Quattro are a little outside what Im looking for.

Does anyone have any ideas? There has to be something out there.
I know its going to be a shock to my system, what ever I look at, and its all the fault of Mr 2 Jags Prescott.

Mossman

Skoda rs, Seat Leon Turbo - any good!?
I saw the former at the weekend and it looked superb! Seriously.

Mossman

jjk

Sorry to hear that. If you are looking for a hot hatch a clio sport 172 would be a good bet. Not bad price too.
Mate of mine has a A3 1.8T. Nice car but not as rapid as 172 and more common.
Wouldnt knock it though.
Hope this helps.

Jas

chiark

An A3 1.8T won't be that cheap in petrol - test drive model showed 25mpg when I drove it...

Can your initial expenditure run to a BMW 330d? (d=diesel) Running costs, if you do the mileage, should be less and the torque is all there - GaryC loves his, as he quite often says

Diablo

A3 Turbo Sport was one of the most dissapointing cars I've ever driven.

Well made, refined and totally lacking in character. No steering feel at all and mismached springs and dampers. Had the car for 24 Hours and did several hundered miles in mixed conditions.

Would never have one.

All just my opinion, of course

Thought about Seat Cupras, 14 to 15 grand, 30 mpg, cheaper to insure. Drove them, didn't really impress.

Got an Integra R with a few miles for not much more. Get 30+ to the gallon regularly (and I don't hang about much) and cheaper insurance than the Scoob. 9,000 mile 1 year service intervals. Go drive one

D

SJobson

I understand that the Seat Leon V6 4motion *is* available in right hand drive (Cyprus import or something) and Motorpoint of Derby are selling them at £15.5k-ish. My old Corrado VR6 gave an easy 29mpg, and I think the new V6 engine is more efficient... 210bhp, 4wd, cheap to run, cheap to buy, fairly innocuous so not as nickable as a Scoob. Got to be the Q-car of the month, anyway (if there are any left).

SJobson

Sorry, I take that back about Motorpoint - they haven't got any, nor Golf V6s despite advertising them every week.

Still, it is possible to get a Leon V6 in right hand drive, apparently, at about the same price as a new 20VT.

Simon

[This message has been edited by SJobson (edited 09 July 2001).]

subevo

THE new toyota mr2 group 13 insurance almost as fast as my uk 1999 turbo wagon.i.e.15secs for quarter mile.

Jerry Whitney

I had a 1.8 Audi A3 for 3 yrs. Faultless quality but never really felt it was me and it and never felt fast (too refined?). It averaged 28mpg.

Current car is an Impreza Sport 5 door which is the best car I've ever had by miles (and loads more room including luggage space than A3). I average 28.5 mpg pushing it VERY hard.

Go on, compomise with a non turbo, and the insurance is loads less.

The Zohan

How about a Puma 1.7
averages 35MPG
0-60 in 8.5
Great handling
Insurance group 14

£ 12K new if you hunt around - for a top spec model

sgould

I considered a standard non turbo scooby, but I think it would depress me to much. Plus I would kill myself when I go to over take someone, and put my foot down forgetting I don't have a turbo.

FORDs - NO WAY! I hate them with a passion.

I have spent ages trying to think about all the cars made, and nothing interests me yet.

jackal

I owned a Leon 20VT for about 3 months.. Its a fabulous car, very comfortable and really specced up... stereo system is awesome.

Its reasonably quick but not really a true drivers car... you can't hurry it and drive keenly and the brakes have to be the weakest point with absolutely no feel and a very on/off character. But for cars of this type (grown up hatch) its great and is the perfect thing for long journeys and heavy mileage motoring. I got mine with delivery miles for only 13500 - stunning value.

Having said that the fuel consumption is pretty poor.. on my commute to work it was only slightly better than the EVO6 that I changed it for. If you can live with this then go test drive one but otherwise I would personally shortlist the integra R or if you don't mind a smaller car then the peugot gti when it finally comes out.

good luck


Rich

rjh

I had a 106GTi before my Impreza + thought it was great. Revvy engine (7.5k no probs), 120bhp (as fast as the 172 Clio up to 100 in the months Evo), awesome handling (better than my Impreza in my opinion - lift off oversteer scares the crap out of your mates and makes you look like Burns ), 35mpg (I get between 18 & 23 now) + £150 servicing a year. When the day comes for a company car (not long now) I'm gonna buy one to race about in at the weekend

306GTi (didn't own but took for a long drive) is also good - bit more refined, didn't feel any faster + not as fun. 6 speed gearbox is superb tho

Unimpressed with the 206GTI (again didn't own) - just didn't feel fun, more like a fast family hatch than a GTi.

Richard

jon hill

Eddy Grimsteads in Romford (dont where you're located; if you're in inverness its a bit meaningless) had a couple of integras in. One had some mods - mugen pipe and wheels.

I reckon ITR or the 172 as first choices.

Maybe a test drive is in order ?

jon

SteveYeowart

How about a Golf GT TDi PD the new ones have 130 bhp 0-60 is about right group 10/11 insurance reasonable price and 60 odd mpg with a 6th gear and still fun too drive, miles cheaper insurance and only £110 a year to tax!!(Incase your wondering yes I have driven one and have ordered one to replace the scoob)

sgould

Someone has recommeded the Honda Civic Jordan. I know its only 1.6 litres but it looks like it should go fairly well.
Has anyone driven one?

jon hill

better to hang on for the new honda civic type-r if you want to go down that route. Supposed to be the dogs dangleys (ITR LSD, etc, etc) and (according to an inside source ) will be priced waaayyyyy cheap.

jon

IntegraR

sgould, Jordan Civic is a VTi with colour, so it is ultimately a good car.
Whether or not you want to pay the premium for the colour is up to you, though I'd recomend, if you're going for a HB, get a nice black one, they are very quick, chuckable, and lots of fun, plus manage to escape the attention of thieving hands, and drop 306 GTi's etc etc.

jon has a point though. The new CTR will be priced at £15995, and you can find some details on it here:

sgould

Had an insurance quote for a Integra Type R. £200 more than the Scoob. So thats crossed off the list.

BT52b

You want a 306
a 306 XSi
a white one
a 1996 one, well looked after
one from Hertfordshire

If you are quick there might just be one....!

gaz1048

My suggestion would be a Seat Ibiza Cupra. The standard 8v 2 litre is 0-60 in 9 and insurance group 13. Deceptive little thing though, buckets of torque just runs out of gas at high revs. Loadsa mods out there too if you are so inclined. Pretty good handling. VAG peace of mind too.

Getting rid of mine for a MY02. Moving up the rally car formula winners, only coz I need a bigger car.

ScoobyDoo555

IF you've got a family, the 306 Xsi is a good bet in a 5dr.....

Nearly as quick as the GTI, but has 5drs.....

On the same note, check out the 306 Turbo diesel Sport - WOW!!! bloody quick AND good MPG.....

Parents have a Vectra SRI (SH1TE) and a Mondeo ST24 (SH1TE 2).....

well, compared to my Scoob

Peugot's are good though....


Dan

SteveB

iTrader: (1)

Have a serious look at the Golf TDI PD diesel. 230 ft/lb of torque at 1900 revs ! I've had one now for 8 months now(Co' car) and it's a very good engine - lots of go when you need it - easily out performs the 2.0 L petrol cars. Just had a look at my trip computer - 2400 miles of varied driving, 90 mph motorway stuff and a fair bit of commuting - Average = 50.9 mpg

Steve.

matt d

Integra Type-R is a great car and reasonable value, decent mpg, plus it is a passable 2+2.

If you want some real savings, buy a Nissan 200SX. 4-5k will get you an ok one.

brumster

I know a mate who is selling a mint (I mean it!) V-reg Seat Cupra 16v for a good price if you ever do become interested.

As for the Puma idea, I can hold a hand up to saying that' what I did when I got shot of my Scooby and I honestly haven't looked back. It's a cracking little car, good fun, puts more grins on my face more regularly than the Scooby ever did...


...and it comes complete with a set of hair curlers in the boot ;-]

Cheers chaps,
Dan


[This message has been edited by brumster (edited 11 July 2001).]

GaryC

BMW 330d

190hp, 290lb/ft torque, 0-60 around 7secs, mid range to shame a 911 (and suprise a scooby ) and c45 mpg