GT-Four to Civic Type R, silly move?

[eybic]

I've had my GT-Four for just over 6 years and feel it may be time to move on. I love the celica and it's 356 bhp but think I want to get something more sensible, practical and economical.

My criteria would be as follows:
Reliable
FWD
Hatchback
Semi decent performace
around £5k
cheaper insurance than the Celica

Based on the above I have narrowed it down to an EP3 Civic Type R as below 6k rpm in theory the fuel economy would be good (better than the Celica anyway), they are reliable, handle well for a FWD, have ok power, a nice noise and reasonably comfortable.

Does anyone have any advice relating to a Type R or suggestions for other alternatives?

Thanks

[STW2010]

Does it have to be FWD?

[eybic]

I feel safer and more confident in my abilities with FWD and able to have more fun. I love the AWD of the Celica but don't feel as confident as I used to with FWD. I have never driven a RWD so don't feel I could have as much fun. I miss the fun I used to have in FWD hot hatches.

[RobCrezz]

I went from a MR2 turbo to a CTR and although I really liked the CTR, it ultimately just wasnt exciting enough.

That said, they are very very good cars and mine was faultless, very well built.

[eybic]

I know the performance will be nothing like the Celica (356hp and 320ft/lb) but I need to get something more economical and with the Type R pre 6k rpm it will in theory be economical whereas the absolute best I can hope for in the Celica is 25mpg. It costs me around £850 pa to insure which is 25% on top of a standard one.

[Mr E]

My buddy went ST205 -> RX8 and misses the torque (loves the car though)

I went ST205 -> Elise and miss the heater.

[renrut]

What do you mean by semi-decent performance and how practical? I mean would a Primera GT fit the bill?

Better on fuel than the CTR will be but obviously nowhere near as quick but a great handling car and a huge boot and space for adults in the back. Obviously might be below the mark and fuel economy vs power is always a trade off in some area.

Alternatively something Turbo'd like an Octavia VRS? Better on fuel still if you believe the stats and quicker too. No idea about the handling but can't be that bad as its golf based and people rave about them.

[idge]

Is circa 5mpg more going to save you that much money?

I rarely advocate french or fwd, but the clio 182 is meant to be much better mpg and insurance wise.

Or if you need better mpg Seat Ibiza Cupra TDi 160 used to return about 48mpg and have a really decent amount of poke. As long as you dont mind the usual hard ride/rattles of a warmed hatch.

[traffman]

The fuel return on the type r is good if your allways careful , soon as you vtec it the consumption can give you a scare , if you drive it like a nutter youll empty a tank in around 150 miles. But you probably will die or at the very least lose your licence.

I think your getting itchy feet , the mpg is only 5 ish above what your currently getting, but i love our ctr and will be sad the day it goes , such fun and its not that much to run it.

[Steve_F]

Have you considered buying a small, cheap day to day car - something like a diesel 306 - leaving the GT four as a nice weekend toy. Limited mileage insurance should bring the price down too.

If you trade in for something slower you'll alway miss it. If you still have it as a second car the times you actually drive it will seem much more special.

Just a thought.

[RobCrezz]

eybic said:

I know the performance will be nothing like the Celica (356hp and 320ft/lb) but I need to get something more economical and with the Type R pre 6k rpm it will in theory be economical whereas the absolute best I can hope for in the Celica is 25mpg. It costs me around £850 pa to insure which is 25% on top of a standard one.

Yeah they arent that economical around town, but if you do a lot of time at 70mph on motorway they can return 40mpg.

[Roastie ITR]

How about a DC2 Integra Type R?

Better handling, LSD, slightly cheaper and still pratical. Only downside is that your looking for something a bit more modern.

[300bhp/ton]

eybic said:

I've had my GT-Four for just over 6 years and feel it may be time to move on. I love the celica and it's 356 bhp but think I want to get something more sensible, practical and economical.

My criteria would be as follows:
Reliable
FWD
Hatchback
Semi decent performace
around £5k
cheaper insurance than the Celica

Based on the above I have narrowed it down to an EP3 Civic Type R as below 6k rpm in theory the fuel economy would be good (better than the Celica anyway), they are reliable, handle well for a FWD, have ok power, a nice noise and reasonably comfortable.

Does anyone have any advice relating to a Type R or suggestions for other alternatives?

Thanks

I think you need to drive one tbh.

As there are several aspects which you may find an issue.

1. The evident less HP and speed
2. The lack of torque. Regardless how good the CTR is, you need to rev it's nuts off to see its true potential, this will be very evident if you've come from a powerful turbo or large displacement motor. You maybe fine with this, you may even love it, but it could also drive you nuts
3. The annoyance wheel spin will become, as in annoys you when it does it all the time


The CTR is a fine car by any standards, personally not my cup of tea, I'd much rather an ITR if I was going the VTEC route. Far better looking, faster and more focused.

I would also 2nd (or 3rd) the "why fwd?" comment. I'd seriously try rwd, more balanced and more fun IMO at any speed than fwd.

[Marf]

Roastie ITR said:

How about a DC2 Integra Type R?

Better handling, LSD, slightly cheaper and still pratical. Only downside is that your looking for something a bit more modern.

If you're going to trade down, then at least trade down to something good!!

[RobCrezz]

300bhp/ton said:

eybic said:

I've had my GT-Four for just over 6 years and feel it may be time to move on. I love the celica and it's 356 bhp but think I want to get something more sensible, practical and economical.

My criteria would be as follows:
Reliable
FWD
Hatchback
Semi decent performace
around £5k
cheaper insurance than the Celica

Based on the above I have narrowed it down to an EP3 Civic Type R as below 6k rpm in theory the fuel economy would be good (better than the Celica anyway), they are reliable, handle well for a FWD, have ok power, a nice noise and reasonably comfortable.

Does anyone have any advice relating to a Type R or suggestions for other alternatives?

Thanks

I think you need to drive one tbh.

As there are several aspects which you may find an issue.

1. The evident less HP and speed
2. The lack of torque. Regardless how good the CTR is, you need to rev it's nuts off to see its true potential, this will be very evident if you've come from a powerful turbo or large displacement motor. You maybe fine with this, you may even love it, but it could also drive you nuts
3. The annoyance wheel spin will become, as in annoys you when it does it all the time


The CTR is a fine car by any standards, personally not my cup of tea, I'd much rather an ITR if I was going the VTEC route. Far better looking, faster and more focused.

I would also 2nd (or 3rd) the "why fwd?" comment. I'd seriously try rwd, more balanced and more fun IMO at any speed than fwd.

Pretty much agree with you, except for the wheel spin part? The traction isnt that bad on CTRs, I didnt find mine wheel spinning much.

[TommyBuoy]

Maybe a Golf - I'm not clued up on them but seem to be a safe bet?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2271532.htm

Definately be cheaper to insure and still practical. Not my sort of car to be honest, but it does tick some, if not all, your boxes. Performance would be prefectly fine for normal day to day driving.

ETA: I read 5K as 6K

Still, there are hundreds around and I am sure they are within your budget, just not this one!

Edited by TommyBuoy on Monday 22 November 12:24

[300bhp/ton]

idge said:

Is circa 5mpg more going to save you that much money?

What fuel does the CTR run on? If it's 95 RON then it's likely more than 5mpg in terms of cost as the Celica will be running superunleaded and maybe even an octane booster too.

Also they said 25mpg best, so chances are it averages more like 22mpg as a rule. A CTR should easily average 30mpg maybe 32mpg. Factor in the fuel type and you are probably looking at 10+mpg difference, or 45-50% better.

[renrut]

You say you've narrowed it down already - what were the other front runners?

[300bhp/ton]

RobCrezz said:

300bhp/ton said:

eybic said:

I've had my GT-Four for just over 6 years and feel it may be time to move on. I love the celica and it's 356 bhp but think I want to get something more sensible, practical and economical.

My criteria would be as follows:
Reliable
FWD
Hatchback
Semi decent performace
around £5k
cheaper insurance than the Celica

Based on the above I have narrowed it down to an EP3 Civic Type R as below 6k rpm in theory the fuel economy would be good (better than the Celica anyway), they are reliable, handle well for a FWD, have ok power, a nice noise and reasonably comfortable.

Does anyone have any advice relating to a Type R or suggestions for other alternatives?

Thanks

I think you need to drive one tbh.

As there are several aspects which you may find an issue.

1. The evident less HP and speed
2. The lack of torque. Regardless how good the CTR is, you need to rev it's nuts off to see its true potential, this will be very evident if you've come from a powerful turbo or large displacement motor. You maybe fine with this, you may even love it, but it could also drive you nuts
3. The annoyance wheel spin will become, as in annoys you when it does it all the time


The CTR is a fine car by any standards, personally not my cup of tea, I'd much rather an ITR if I was going the VTEC route. Far better looking, faster and more focused.

I would also 2nd (or 3rd) the "why fwd?" comment. I'd seriously try rwd, more balanced and more fun IMO at any speed than fwd.

Pretty much agree with you, except for the wheel spin part? The traction isnt that bad on CTRs, I didnt find mine wheel spinning much.

Meaning FWD cars in general, wheel spin is so much more of an annoyance than a joy. RWD is totally different, its fun! Also if they are used to AWD chances are they are also used to using plenty of throttle pulling out of junctions, round abouts and the like. FWD will spin the wheels with ease.

[Prof Prolapse]

Marf said:

Roastie ITR said:

How about a DC2 Integra Type R?

Better handling, LSD, slightly cheaper and still pratical. Only downside is that your looking for something a bit more modern.

If you're going to trade down, then at least trade down to something good!!

Gettin' old them integras now though brother.

I'd have an Accord Type-R over either. But I am getting old.