Help me spend around 7.5k

[NemesiS153]

Firstly I’d like to say hello

As for my question, I’m in the market for a new car. I currently own a FTO GPX and im looking for an upgrade. I’m looking for recommendations and ideas. I was thinking Impreza WRX 2002 which would be a great car for round my area and great for modding but the interior etc don’t seem as good as my FTO. I've also considered a civic type R but I think it’s a bit limited on getting more power. What do you guys think?

Thanks
Chris

[PATTERNPART]

What about an Integra Type R?

[NemesiS153]

i want to get sumit as new as i can and a DC5 is out of my budget

[Stu R]

should get a nice very late uk spec 200sx, or better yet an import one for that sort of money.
Nice interiors, very tuneable, and a great drivers car with a few quid spent in the right places.

Failing that I'd probably go for the scoob, the interiors aren't bad at all, but as a drivers car they're leagues ahead of the FTO tbh, and considerably quicker.

[MrFlibbles]

I went from a GPX Mivec to a 2002 Impreza WRX last year (See profile).

The scoob was loads quicker and a much more pleasant car to munch miles in. It didnt have the frenetic nature of the FTO - it was nice not having to rev the boocks off it to get anywhere.

I thought the interior was much nicer than the FTO's too, very supportive seats in particular.

Ultimately though, I found it a bit dull and uninvolving, so I got rid.

[GTS Turbo]

MR2 Turbo? should get a late minter for that!

[graham22]

Celica 190, regretfully selling mine: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/204089.htm

I was in a similar situ, had an Impreza Turbo but was fed up with the sub 20mpg. Wanted something still reasonably quick but still Japanese.
Narrowed my choice to an Integra DC2 or the Celica 190, not much in it really but decided to wait for the right car as far as mileage/owners/condition etc to come along.
One thing I did notice, £ for £ the Celicas were always a few years newer & in better condition (the Recaros in the 'teg seemed to show their age/mileage & let down the 'Honda' build quality).

Overall I've been pleased with the Celica, mega reliable and still fun plus being a coupe it looks a bit nicer than the Impreza and does not have the image problem the Imprezas have now got (which is a shame as I still do like them - it's just the being sensible as far as running costs are concerned).
Good luck with finding the car but might just be worth looking at all sorts with a open mind & buying the car on condition/spec/mileage etc.

[ScoobieWRX]

There's a good reason why the Impreza is crap on fuel....It's a high performance machine that goes and handles like it says on the tin.

However....the Celica is a really nice looking car, has go-kart handling and is great on fuel consumption, not to mention bloody reliable too but then it is Japanese. We had the 140 VVTi and as nice as it was it wasn't comfortable on long journeys, the seats were crap, so it had to go. Great fun to drive and a proper drivers car too imho.

[graham22]

ScoobieWRX said:

There's a good reason why the Impreza is crap on fuel....It's a high performance machine that goes and handles like it says on the tin.

You're right & I personally wasn't complaining about the economy - it's just I changed jobs & needed to commute & using the Impreza was a criminal waste of the car - if I wasn't commuting I'd have kept the car.

Problem is, people forget it's a performance car and expect Jap Saloon economy then scrimp on other things when they need to put their hand in their pocket. The Impreza is still one of the best value all round performance cars to buy but the performance (like any performance car/bike) will cost ££ when it comes to running costs.

People also forget - if you got 20mpg out of a 2.0S Capri/Cortina a few years back then you were doing well.

Surprised you found the seats uncomfy in the Celica, admittedly not brilliant at journeys due to tyre noise but found the seats OK in mine (Portsmouth to Cornwall only stoping for fuel last week)- do the leather seats in the 190 differ in construction the the fabric ones in the 140?

Edited by graham22 on Friday 3rd August 09:59

[ScoobieWRX]

graham22 said:

ScoobieWRX said:

There's a good reason why the Impreza is crap on fuel....It's a high performance machine that goes and handles like it says on the tin.

You're right & I personally wasn't complaining about the economy - it's just I changed jobs & needed to commute & using the Impreza was a criminal waste of the car - if I wasn't commuting I'd have kept the car.

Problem is, people forget it's a performance car and expect Jap Saloon economy then scrimp on other things when they need to put their hand in their pocket. The Impreza is still one of the best value all round performance cars to buy but the performance (like any performance car/bike) will cost ££ when it comes to running costs.

People also forget - if you got 20mpg out of a 2.0S Capri/Cortina a few years back then you were doing well.

Surprised you found the seats uncomfy in the Celica, admittedly not brilliant at journeys due to tyre noise but found the seats OK in mine (Portsmouth to Cornwall only stoping for fuel last week)- do the leather seats in the 190 differ in construction the the fabric ones in the 140?

Edited by graham22 on Friday 3rd August 09:59

I haven't sat in one with leather interior, that might make them a bit more comfy. I just found that due to the wide girth of my ar5e and the short length of the bit you sit on it made my right leg, after a couple of hours go numb. My Impreza though, despite the seat being firmer is very comfy and supportive on long journeys, plus it's a bit more of an upright sitting position compared to the Celica. I didn't find the Celica seats all that sideways supportive either so it was easy to get flung out of it on the odd sharp or quick bend. But it was a hoot to drive and suprised a lot of drivers in straight-line quicker machinery due to it's Go-Kart handling characteristics, specially around town and b roads. Good car though, it would do 130mph, so no slouch really and despite the firm suspension it was extremely good at soaking up bumps!! However, i bet the 190 is a storming drive, and i wouldn't mind a blast in one either.