Which Car?

[Rev Limit]

Hi All,

Im looking to change cars in the next couple of months, im currently driving a Gen6 Celica SR.

Im looking (of course!) for something jap! Preferably a coupe or hatchback and ideally rwd/4wd

The only issue is that im 21 so scoobies, Evo's etc etc are not insurable! (although I did get a quote on a WRX of 1600 with a stupidly large excess)

Ive looked into 240sx's but there just dont seem to be any undrifted or low mileage examples anywhere!
ive also looked at EM1 Coupes and GT4's but again there just dont seem to be any decent examples that either havent been modded already or are a bit ropey!

Just wondered if anyone had any suggestions as to else I could look at ?

Cheers

[ScoobieWRX]

If you bide your time and just keep looking, and if you can stretch the budget a little bit more you will find unmolested low mileage examples of jap machinery in very good condition. They do cost a bit more than the usual tat or over modified/chavved up examples but at least you know what you're getting.

At 21yrs young it could cost thousands just to insure a Vauxhall Corsa never mind a rice rocket so as well as shopping around for the right car you'll have to do the same for insurance, and again, there will a deal out there somewhere.

£1600 for a 21yr old to insure a jap regardless of excess payment sounds pretty good to me. I would be strongly considering that quote!!

[Riknos]

Just to add; an ST205 GT4 will be very reasonable to insure at your age, compared to other turbo jap cars. Was the cheapest out of anything Japanese and turbo available. Get over to one of the GT4 owners forums and get some advice on what to look for. Consider an MR2 Turbo as an alternative also.

[kayzee]

£1,600 is not bad at all.

I'm 26 with 6 years NCB, no points and am paying £1,200 on my Impreza STI.

[Rev Limit]

I shopped around for insurance last night and managed to get a quote of £900 fc on a GT4, would imagine the MR2 would be similar if not less!

Anyone got any experience of owning one?

[SonicShadow]

I have an NA MR2, costs me £650 for the year @22 - a tubby would have been approximately twice that. Theres a fair few things to look out for if you are considering one - siezed calipers are a common problem, and as with any 15-20 year old car, rust / rot can be an issue. The engines are pretty solid - if you are looking at a tubby then its just the standard turbo stuff really - excessive shaft play, smoke etc, and stock they are pretty reliable.