Im going to get one..

[redsnapper]

Hi

I was looking to buy an MR2 when I eventually get back from Saudi but after looking into the VX 220 I've changed me mind. Now I want the yellow VX lightning with the black wheels.. Anyway, a few questions for the learned and all answers gratefully received:

1: Insurance? What are you paying in insurance? I've had a clean licence for 10 years and aged 44 so hopefully not too bad. Is the car fitted with a good alarm as standard?

2: Running costs. I assume the engine bits (filters, belts) are not too dear as the lumps come from a standard Vauxhall originally? I heard the brake pads were exorbitant, is there an alternative etc.

3: Any recalls or defects showing up over time? Are the engines reliable? Is the chassis ok over time?

4: Can you get a hard top for the winter months? If so how much?

5: Is the Turbo or the 2.2 considered the better choice (imagine it's difficult to be impartial)

Cheers for any assistance

Regards

RedSnapper

[fridaypassion]

hello mate, I'm waiting to pick my first vx up at the moment

The lightning comes with a hardtop as standard so you should be ok. I'm 27 with 4 years NCB and my insurance is £650 thats with adrian flux. We could probably have got it cheaper but we're locked in with Adrian flux for this year.

From what I can gather brakes and other components are cheap as chips as its all astra/vectra stuff. I think OE pads are about 40 quid but you can get more expensive fast road/race pads which are more expenive.

Cant really answer your question on the turbo n/a argument. I chose an NA primarily because its cheaper to buy but also I've just come from a 275 bhp megane 225 so I'm looking forward to the sensible fuel economy and lileyhood of keeping my driving liscence a bit longer!

[coxy79]

Hi Redsnapper

I'm also looking to get a vx in the near future, from what i can gather from vx220.org.uk the NA is the purer driving experience as its lighter, but the turbo has blistering straight line speed. I'd recommend having a look at the above forum...you're more likely to get a quick response from people who drive them every day, and good info on recalls etc.

I've only ever driven a turbo and it was awesome and having recently driven an exige S I can't wait to get my own elise derivative!

Hope you find a good one! Let us know how you get on.

Cheers

Coxy

Edited by coxy79 on Monday 14th August 08:19

[moisty]

redsnapper said:

Hi

I was looking to buy an MR2 when I eventually get back from Saudi but after looking into the VX 220 I've changed me mind. Now I want the yellow VX lightning with the black wheels.. Anyway, a few questions for the learned and all answers gratefully received:

1: Insurance? What are you paying in insurance? I've had a clean licence for 10 years and aged 44 so hopefully not too bad. Is the car fitted with a good alarm as standard?

2: Running costs. I assume the engine bits (filters, belts) are not too dear as the lumps come from a standard Vauxhall originally? I heard the brake pads were exorbitant, is there an alternative etc.

3: Any recalls or defects showing up over time? Are the engines reliable? Is the chassis ok over time?

4: Can you get a hard top for the winter months? If so how much?

5: Is the Turbo or the 2.2 considered the better choice (imagine it's difficult to be impartial)

Cheers for any assistance

Regards

RedSnapper

Insurance - well cheap. I have a XVR (age=45). Insurance would be £600 if it wasn't for my previous!

Running costs, very good -
brake pads are about £130 front and rear for Mintex, cheaper for Vauxhall


Engine looks to be fairly bullet proof and chassis has stood up exceptionally well for those unfortunate enough to damage their cars.


I think the hard top will cost you about £600-£800. It is not a simple affair so you tend to put it on once for winter and take it off and leave it off for summer.

VXT vs. NA, you will find lots of different opinions on vx220.org.uk. In the main it seems to be that most owners feel the NA is the better handling car but obviously the VXT has more oomph. Also if you are in to tuning, there are more possibilities with the VXT. Some owners have pushed past 300bhp!

My opinion is that the best thing you can do is got to vx220.org.uk and have a chat with the guys there. Also have a chat with the VX master, John Thorne, at thorneymotorsport.co.uk.


Cheers


Moisty

[Lazydonkey]

Insurance and runnign costs are buttons compared to the image / looks and any alternatives.

Pads are £110 a set for Mintex 1144s - thats hot hatch territory.

For what it's worth i bought mine 18 months and 20k ago with a view to chopping it in for a turbo after a while.................but to be honest i cna't see myself selling it anytime soon.

Yes a turbo is faster above 80/90 but up til then there is NOTHING in it on most roads and i just love my (modded) 2.2

Vx220.org.uk is a good way to waste a good few hours reading up on the buyers guide etc etc.

[joe-turbo]

agree with what the other guys have previously said,

but just to make clear,

Vauxhall WILL charge a ridiculus amount to change pads (£200 front and £200 rear, see this thread www.vx220.org.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=16315&st=0 )

The most recomended upgrade is Mintex 1144 pads that perform much better but only cost around £110-£120 (more track oriented would be Mintex 1155 or Pagids)

check out www.courtenaysport.co.uk or www.thorneymotorsport.co.uk

Joe