Civic type R, Astra Gsi Turbo or BMW 325 compact?
Discussion
Type R 100%!
Reliable, awesome engine and gearbox combo, cheap to run, great dual personality (sedate when you want, can make good progress without thrashing, then take it beyond 6200rpm for fun).
The BMW 325ti is decent too, but not as much fun when you are up for a thrash.
I wouldn't bother with the Astra, its got a decent enough engine, but not a very good chassis and not as much fun.
Reliable, awesome engine and gearbox combo, cheap to run, great dual personality (sedate when you want, can make good progress without thrashing, then take it beyond 6200rpm for fun).
The BMW 325ti is decent too, but not as much fun when you are up for a thrash.
I wouldn't bother with the Astra, its got a decent enough engine, but not a very good chassis and not as much fun.
StottyZr said:
GSI. Probably better on fuel than the CTR and easily tunable when you get bored of the power. I can't see their value going down either. And they look great in blue 
I honestly didn't expect to see anyone in favour of the Astra in this thread. I certainly isn't a PH favourite, though for some reason I've got a bit of a soft spot for it.StottyZr said:
GSI. Probably better on fuel than the CTR and easily tunable when you get bored of the power. I can't see their value going down either. And they look great in blue
I so very nearly bought one a few years ago,it was arden blue too,lovely colour.Always regretted not going for it.I imagine the CTR (EP3?) would be the most exciting and reliable. I had an FN2 (same engine) which enjoyed despite FN2s being s
t, apparently. It's not bad on fuel (pushing 40mpg long runs when cruising) and more than enough power to shove it along at normal rpms.
325ti with RWD might give you more options/depth regarding handling and straight six soundtrack.
Never owned/driven one but the Astra GSi is all straight line power? Didn't Evo/Autocar say it was the most boring 150mph car or something? (probably wrong)
t, apparently. It's not bad on fuel (pushing 40mpg long runs when cruising) and more than enough power to shove it along at normal rpms.325ti with RWD might give you more options/depth regarding handling and straight six soundtrack.
Never owned/driven one but the Astra GSi is all straight line power? Didn't Evo/Autocar say it was the most boring 150mph car or something? (probably wrong)
Crickey. Well that's about 3 votes for the Type Arrrrrr (A la pirate) a few for the GSi and a single one for the 325. I should probably out line some pros and cons for each car-
Civic-
Pros- Fastest out of the 3, probably the most reliable. Achieves similar mpg to the others and will be faster.
Cons- Cost. C. O. S. T. Insurance comes in about £400 over the 325, while I can take that the're expensive to buy in the first place. I've only ever go for a sub 50k one, and that's pushing my budget some what.
GSi-
Pros- That blue colour. Wow. Cheapest to insure of the 3, probably the rarest of the 3. Engine tuning is well documented if I fancied turning it up a bit.
Cons- Sounds like its not great fun? Reliability issues?
325-
Pros- RWD!, interiors on them are great, good MPG numbers, I'd be driving a BMW. They seem to go on for ever. You see plenty of 150k plus ones on ebay.
Cons- Its pretty nonexclusive. The exterior is a bit bland, when it comes to servicing I might just cry. Prices vary wildly, what I'm after, usually at the top of my budget.
Civic-
Pros- Fastest out of the 3, probably the most reliable. Achieves similar mpg to the others and will be faster.
Cons- Cost. C. O. S. T. Insurance comes in about £400 over the 325, while I can take that the're expensive to buy in the first place. I've only ever go for a sub 50k one, and that's pushing my budget some what.
GSi-
Pros- That blue colour. Wow. Cheapest to insure of the 3, probably the rarest of the 3. Engine tuning is well documented if I fancied turning it up a bit.
Cons- Sounds like its not great fun? Reliability issues?
325-
Pros- RWD!, interiors on them are great, good MPG numbers, I'd be driving a BMW. They seem to go on for ever. You see plenty of 150k plus ones on ebay.
Cons- Its pretty nonexclusive. The exterior is a bit bland, when it comes to servicing I might just cry. Prices vary wildly, what I'm after, usually at the top of my budget.
I know this is easier said than done, but you should really (if you haven't already that is) try all three and see which one suits you best.
Just another word of encouragement for the BMW - can't really comment on the Honda or the Vauxhall, but parts and servicing costs on a BMW can be quite cheap as as you say it's a fairly common car so parts can be easily sourced cheaply and your local independent can easily sort anything - they are fairly robust anyway, just buy on condition!
Up to you though so would advise trying all 3!
Just another word of encouragement for the BMW - can't really comment on the Honda or the Vauxhall, but parts and servicing costs on a BMW can be quite cheap as as you say it's a fairly common car so parts can be easily sourced cheaply and your local independent can easily sort anything - they are fairly robust anyway, just buy on condition!
Up to you though so would advise trying all 3!
Definitely an EP3 Civic Type R. For me, it's one of the best hot hatches of the last decade. Awesome engine, fantastic gearbox, just a real pleasure. They look very good too.
I'd be less wild about the Astra GSi but I wouldn't write it off. A lad I work with used to have one, and it was reasonably quick in a straight line when the turbo kicked in, but the handling was pretty inert and it wasn't very graceful when cornering. The Civic Type R will show the Astra GSi a clean pair of heels in most places, such is the benefit of having a well sorted chassis!
As for the BMW, I wouldn't bother personally. I find them pretty bland and the insurance and servicing will be steep for what it is, just because of the badge on the front. I think you can get more for your money elsewhere. If you really crave RWD thrills, I wouldn't be looking at a low end BMW for them, go for an MX5 or an MR2. Both cars I've owned, both more exciting than the BMW...you just have to choose which engine layout you prefer! Mid-engined for me, thanks!
I'd be less wild about the Astra GSi but I wouldn't write it off. A lad I work with used to have one, and it was reasonably quick in a straight line when the turbo kicked in, but the handling was pretty inert and it wasn't very graceful when cornering. The Civic Type R will show the Astra GSi a clean pair of heels in most places, such is the benefit of having a well sorted chassis!
As for the BMW, I wouldn't bother personally. I find them pretty bland and the insurance and servicing will be steep for what it is, just because of the badge on the front. I think you can get more for your money elsewhere. If you really crave RWD thrills, I wouldn't be looking at a low end BMW for them, go for an MX5 or an MR2. Both cars I've owned, both more exciting than the BMW...you just have to choose which engine layout you prefer! Mid-engined for me, thanks!
I just downsized monetary wise to a 325ti. Picked up a 2002 with 70K miles for 2300, so money wise can't argue with that. Its in great nick, people who don't know assume its much younger than it is. Fully serviced and above 4000rpm its lovely, sounds fantastic. However mines is an se (can't comment on the sport) definetly not the sportiest of cars although handles well enough and shifts on a bit at higher revs. The one I got has a nice interior but some can be quite nasty. MPG sees high 20s.
Mine also came with an RDS cassette player only, square wing mirrors and small 16" alloys, very retro which i liked
Mine also came with an RDS cassette player only, square wing mirrors and small 16" alloys, very retro which i liked
Certainly not the Astra.
Haven't driven the BMW and I'm sure it's great but to me, it's always looked awkward and...like an Astra so not for me even though I've been tempted several times.
I've had a CTR - great to drive and a fabulous gearbox you want to use constantly. It can be a bit of a "white good" in many ways but it's still one of the "good cars" I've owned.
Haven't driven the BMW and I'm sure it's great but to me, it's always looked awkward and...like an Astra so not for me even though I've been tempted several times.
I've had a CTR - great to drive and a fabulous gearbox you want to use constantly. It can be a bit of a "white good" in many ways but it's still one of the "good cars" I've owned.
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff