Six Grand for a bit of Evoness?

Six Grand for a bit of Evoness?

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Discussion

CarZee

Original Poster:

13,382 posts

273 months

Friday 28th June 2002
quotequote all
Right then.

I know we've had a similar thread before, but here it is again. The TT has to go - we need money for Mrs CarZee's business. So I want a car that's gonna bring a smile to my face for 5 to 6 grand.

I've drawn up a short list - some serious and some not so serious contenders (and not all quite fall within the price bracket, but bear with me..).

Pug 106 GTi
VW Corrado VR6
Toyota Celica GT4 (Carlos Sainz ltd ed?)
Toyotal MR2 Mk2 (UK)
Clio Williams
Calibra V6
Probe V6
Mazda MX6
Nissan 200SX

Favourites have to be the Corrado and the 106GTi. Any bright ideas that I've missed out?

I also considered a Carlton GSi3000 but they're getting a bit long in the tooth now, really. Might also consider a Saab Turbo of some descrption.

Also, am I likely to get more for my money if I buy Oop North?

>>> Edited by CarZee on Friday 28th June 09:48

ap_smith

1,997 posts

272 months

Friday 28th June 2002
quotequote all
Ok, so I'm biased as well you know , but what about an Impreza Turbo? Get a reasonable one for about 6-6.5k with 70k miles and FSH. I suppose the question of maintenance costs will be brought up at some point.

Other than that, the VR6 always gets rave reviews and the clio williams should be good for a giggle.

Marshy

2,748 posts

290 months

Friday 28th June 2002
quotequote all
CarZee - I was about to ask the self-same question. Well done - food for thought.

By the way, have you driven a 106 before? They're made for drivers of a slightly strange shape: the archetypal short-legged, long-armed italian type. As such, being somewhat long legged, driving a 106 ranks as one of the most uncomfortable things I've ever done...

>> Edited by Marshy on Friday 28th June 10:01

ap_smith

1,997 posts

272 months

Friday 28th June 2002
quotequote all
Oh, and yes, you will get more car for your money Oop North, but if you buy from a dealer and something goes pop under warranty then you'll have to go back there to get it sorted.

If you're buying privately, well, as we're both from Manchester we know all about the huge cut 'n' shut/ringer market up there.

Roadrunner

2,690 posts

273 months

Friday 28th June 2002
quotequote all
106GTi is much quicker than most would imagine (clarkson test: 0-60 7.2), although you do need to rev it a fair amount. Very good fun for the money, although it can be a bit noisey sometimes, especially after your TT. I decided after mine I would get something quieter with more torque.

Having already been through that, I'd shortlist...

200sx - mate had one chipped - v fast
err....


craigalsop

1,991 posts

274 months

Friday 28th June 2002
quotequote all
What about a Pug 205 1.9 GTi ?- a little long in the tooth perhaps, but there must be some good ones about...
An early Impreza Turbo?
The Toyota Celica GT4s aren't as fun as you'd think, the Clios are great.

Out of your list, I'd choose the Corrado for FWD & old shape 200SX for RWD depending what takes your fancy.

cheers,
Craig

P.S. I know someone selling a Corrado VR6 (Newcastle), so if you end up being interested & don't mind travelling oop North, then drop me a mail direct & I'm sure I can get you more details.

mondeoman

11,430 posts

272 months

Friday 28th June 2002
quotequote all
Go for the Mondeo V6 rather than the Probe (oo-eeerrr!)

CarZee

Original Poster:

13,382 posts

273 months

Friday 28th June 2002
quotequote all
quote:
By the way, have you driven a 106 before? They're made for drivers of a slightly strange shape: the archetypal short-legged, long-armed italian type. As such, being somewhat long legged, driving a 106 ranks as one of the most uncomfortable things I've ever done...
I've driven a few 106s (but not a GTi) and I really quite like them. I'm 5'10" ish so don't have the ergonomic issues you have.

My concerns with the 106 are build & reliability (I do drive cars hard) and the bloody awful pedal size & placement - I don't suppose there's a replacement pedal set for bloke sized feet is there?

Re. The Impreza - I'll give it some thought, but... hmm.. well, it's going on the list anyway.

andymadmak

14,833 posts

276 months

Friday 28th June 2002
quotequote all
Why not go right out of the box and get an Alfa 155 V6?
Its Rear wheel drive, has a scrumtious Alfa V6 engine. It'll be well cheap, even for a minter, and then you can up sec the suspension etc.
Must go for a lie down now
Andy 400se
PS I'm assuming a TVR 390se wouldn't make you smile then...?

Nathan_M12

56 posts

268 months

Friday 28th June 2002
quotequote all
Jap import integra Type-r, the most playfull, predicable and exiting fwd chassis around. Almost as fast point to point and better on fuel,tyres &servicing than an imprezza.

>> Edited by Nathan_M12 on Friday 28th June 10:16

NikB

1,834 posts

271 months

Friday 28th June 2002
quotequote all
Carzee,

I had the same dilemma about a year ago, and I eventually went for the Nissan 200. It's a hell of a lot of car for that sort of money (25K new). They quite quick, you don't see many around, and there is a growing owners club with lots of kit now being imported should you want to go faster.

Check out www.sxoc.com the bulletin board is excellent, and quite a few of us read pistonheads as well!

Nik

CarZee

Original Poster:

13,382 posts

273 months

Friday 28th June 2002
quotequote all
quote:
Why not go right out of the box and get an Alfa 155 V6?
That's a quality idea..

Alfa reliability issues kinda worry me though.. It won't get massive mileage put on it but I do need day to day reliability...
quote:
PS I'm assuming a TVR 390se wouldn't make you smile then...?
I think the accepted phrase is 'laugh and cry in equal measures'

Spiderman

60 posts

274 months

Friday 28th June 2002
quotequote all
quote:

Why not go right out of the box and get an Alfa 155 V6?
Its Rear wheel drive, has a scrumtious Alfa V6 engine. It'll be well cheap, even for a minter, and then you can up sec the suspension etc.
Must go for a lie down now
Andy 400se
PS I'm assuming a TVR 390se wouldn't make you smile then...?




155 is fwd but damn good choice.How about a 75 if you want rwd for 1k,leaving 5k change!!!!!!!!!

Spiderman

60 posts

274 months

Friday 28th June 2002
quotequote all
Or 155Q4 for 5k? 4wd,Integrale running gear.Pretty rare though!!!

AJLintern

4,234 posts

269 months

Friday 28th June 2002
quotequote all
How about a Porsche 944 ?? (I think I may have said this before somewhere )

GregE240

10,857 posts

273 months

Friday 28th June 2002
quotequote all
quote:

Pug 106 GTi
VW Corrado VR6
Toyota Celica GT4 (Carlos Sainz ltd ed?)
Toyotal MR2 Mk2 (UK)
Clio Williams
Calibra V6
Probe V6
Mazda MX6
Nissan 200SX



Nice choice of cars - you're on the right lines here mate. But a couple of points:

1) These are all coupes or hatches - what no saloons ? Scooby Impreza would be top of my list. It all depends how exotic you want to get (with relation to reliability)

2) Ford Probe ? You want your buns felt, old chap !

3) A couple missing - why not a Golf VR6 ? Corrado G60 ? (but these are all left hookers - I think) BMW 3-straight six - none of your wheezy 4 cylinder crap ?

I'll try and think of some more.

oneelevens

33 posts

268 months

Friday 28th June 2002
quotequote all
I know Ted has had a rant about some people who drive them, but I have had a Saxo VTS (unmodified!) for the past four years as a company car, and its been a complete hoot to drive. Even after 64k miles I still look forward to the blast into work each morning. Reliability has not been the best but then I think I got a Friday job!

jeremyc

24,370 posts

290 months

Friday 28th June 2002
quotequote all
You don't say what how you (and Mrs CarZee ) need to use the car, although I assume that if it's a replacement for the TT you won't need to be moving house with it .

Why not something like:

TVR S2 1989/F 10 days old ref: 4557
45,000 miles. 2.9i V6 unleaded, Laser green metallic, cream 1/2 leather interior, tax, MOT May 2003, Cat 1 immobiliser, TVR registration, some history, striking car in nice condition. See www.photobox.co.uk/public/detail.html?c_album=51701 for pictures [Blackburn, Lancs, UK]
Price: £5,850 ono
Contact: Geoff
Phone: 01254 671896

(with the added advantage of it being oop north ).

andymadmak

14,833 posts

276 months

Friday 28th June 2002
quotequote all
quote:

[
155 is fwd but damn good choice.How about a 75 if you want rwd for 1k,leaving 5k change!!!!!!!!!



Oops! With all this FWD, RWD, AWD it gets a bit confusing! I think I meant the 75, but then again maybe I did mean the 155..........
quote:
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PS I'm assuming a TVR 390se wouldn't make you smile then...?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I think the accepted phrase is 'laugh and cry in equal measures'


Ha ha good point. But if you aren't doing big miles they really are reliable! (Honest Guv!) My 400se did 20k + miles in my first 15 months of ownership and never let me down. OK, so it lets in a bit of water, but with all the thunder and lightning coming out of the tailpipe you've got to expect a bit of precipitation (big word for a friday!) haven't you?
Andy

Roadrunner

2,690 posts

273 months

Friday 28th June 2002
quotequote all
Sssh, dont mention saxo's.

Just a word of warning on the 106Gti's in general. I bought mine new and trashed the living shite out of it in a year, then got rid. I think this sort of treatment is usual in gti's, but I'm not too sure how long it's engineering will put up with it. I've heard a few stories of pug engines going bang. In fact my mates did too with about 30k on the clock. Maybe nothing to worry about, but you could be unlucky.