Help needed to figure out what car to buy
Discussion
Hi i have a few cars in mind but im unsure which to go for i need some help, give me your opinions please on these cars, ive read up about them all but im still undecided I would like a fast car but not bothered about a turbo as i used to own a Pulsar GTIR i want somthing that handle's well, a nice drive with a nice dashboard and seats. The competitors are FTO GPX manual or tip, Honda prelude gen5, 300zx non turbo, 200sx s13/14 touring although im not that sure about the interior on them. Anyone had experiance with these cars??
No experience of Mitsu so can't comment.
Prelude is a Honda so reliable, but not that exciting on the styling etc.
300zx - its a NIssan so relatively reliable but jobs can be a nightmare cos the engine bay is packed and parts are relatively expensive
S13's are old in the tooth now - relatively reliable if you can find an unmolested one, but Big ends can be a problem if you push the power. Most are very rusty now, but you can get good ones. They are very practical cos of the hatchback.
S14/a Same as above - relatively reliable - a few common probs like intercooler cracks and fuel pumps but otherwise quite relaible
I don't think anyone would consider the S13 or 14 as having particularly nice interiors. - S14 touring has air and leather so they are not unpleasant places to be. - both S13 and S14 are seriously easy and relatively cheap to modify and many have been. £1000 will get you 280ish HP in an S14, if you buy everything new. Cheaper if you go for a modified one or use 2nd hand parts.
WWW.SXOC.com is probably the best owners site on the web (any make), they know more than Nissan do
p.s. vested interest cos I own an S14 - but I would have a 300zx if the 'engine bay' didn't scare the living daylights out of me.
Prelude is a Honda so reliable, but not that exciting on the styling etc.
300zx - its a NIssan so relatively reliable but jobs can be a nightmare cos the engine bay is packed and parts are relatively expensive
S13's are old in the tooth now - relatively reliable if you can find an unmolested one, but Big ends can be a problem if you push the power. Most are very rusty now, but you can get good ones. They are very practical cos of the hatchback.
S14/a Same as above - relatively reliable - a few common probs like intercooler cracks and fuel pumps but otherwise quite relaible
I don't think anyone would consider the S13 or 14 as having particularly nice interiors. - S14 touring has air and leather so they are not unpleasant places to be. - both S13 and S14 are seriously easy and relatively cheap to modify and many have been. £1000 will get you 280ish HP in an S14, if you buy everything new. Cheaper if you go for a modified one or use 2nd hand parts.
WWW.SXOC.com is probably the best owners site on the web (any make), they know more than Nissan do
p.s. vested interest cos I own an S14 - but I would have a 300zx if the 'engine bay' didn't scare the living daylights out of me.
I think the interiors on the Honda Type R's are the best. A little sparse perhaps, but better than most of the interiors in 90's jap cars. Take a look at a DC2 teg, EK9 Civic or Accord Type R's. If looking at a 5th gen prelude i'd try and find a Type S as, IMHO, they are nicer as they don't have the wood trim, etc... All cracking N/A FWD cars, but all depends on what you are after i suppose... manic, rev hungry 4-pot stylee like the above motor's or something more torquey like the 200zx or 300zx's.
You also don't specify a budget. 2K Will get you an awful lot of prelude, but not a lot of S14(a) at least.....
I've had a 200SX (S14a) for a couple of years. It's been an excellent car and I actually think the interior is pretty good for any car. It's not quite an audi, granted, but ergonomically it's great. I spend more time looking at the fast approaching scenery than the dash anyway!
As for handling, it's adequate but not great as standard. Designed as more of a GT than a really sporty car. Perhaps an S13 with some sensible mods would be more what you are looking for, they're sportier as standard.
I've had a 200SX (S14a) for a couple of years. It's been an excellent car and I actually think the interior is pretty good for any car. It's not quite an audi, granted, but ergonomically it's great. I spend more time looking at the fast approaching scenery than the dash anyway!
As for handling, it's adequate but not great as standard. Designed as more of a GT than a really sporty car. Perhaps an S13 with some sensible mods would be more what you are looking for, they're sportier as standard.
benyon said:
My budget is 2k, im not really keen on the prelude dash at all, so evan the FTO gpx are slow then, i thought they had some poke?
Those who are saying the FTO GPX manual is slow have obviously never driven one. Don't get me wrong - they are not outstandingly quick like an evo but they are quick. My brother has owned one for over a year and a half now and he has no complaints.It handles very well, stops fine and sounds lovely when the V6 winds up. To put the speed into perspective i own a Civic EG VTI which is supposed to have 160bhp roughy and his is easily quicker with far more low down power. it pulls the whole way up the rev range to 8200rpm.
The interior on the FTO is ok aswell. Plenty or guages and clocks going about and a big double din head unit make it a pretty pleasant place to be. My brother is away to get some EVO 9 seats in the car aswell which will help.
I'd say to go and give some a test drive and see how you get on. From what i have heard though stay away from the Nissan's. They are prone to rot and they don't really handle that well. I have not driven one though its just what i have heard from mates.
benyon said:
What are the gpx tips like compared to the manual, i have read that the facelift tips are good they have the uprated 5 speed box. I dont like the idea of a 4 speed box.
Don't get a trip box if you can help it. I have heard horror stories about them and they take away the fun of driving by all accounts. you do pay a little more for a manual but i think its worth it. danrc said:
benyon said:
My budget is 2k, im not really keen on the prelude dash at all, so evan the FTO gpx are slow then, i thought they had some poke?
Those who are saying the FTO GPX manual is slow have obviously never driven one. Don't get me wrong - they are not outstandingly quick like an evo but they are quick. My brother has owned one for over a year and a half now and he has no complaints.It handles very well, stops fine and sounds lovely when the V6 winds up. To put the speed into perspective i own a Civic EG VTI which is supposed to have 160bhp roughy and his is easily quicker with far more low down power. it pulls the whole way up the rev range to 8200rpm.
Depends on your definition of quick of course - they are about on a par with an EP3 Civic Type R.
MrFlibbles said:
danrc said:
benyon said:
My budget is 2k, im not really keen on the prelude dash at all, so evan the FTO gpx are slow then, i thought they had some poke?
Those who are saying the FTO GPX manual is slow have obviously never driven one. Don't get me wrong - they are not outstandingly quick like an evo but they are quick. My brother has owned one for over a year and a half now and he has no complaints.It handles very well, stops fine and sounds lovely when the V6 winds up. To put the speed into perspective i own a Civic EG VTI which is supposed to have 160bhp roughy and his is easily quicker with far more low down power. it pulls the whole way up the rev range to 8200rpm.
Depends on your definition of quick of course - they are about on a par with an EP3 Civic Type R.
My definition of quick would be cars around the FTO's performance such as the Type R, Celica ST202 or The Imprezza WRX.
As for slow cars i would say my Golf 1.4 Mk3 and fast cars i would probably suggest my older Brothers TVR Cerbera.
danrc said:
MrFlibbles said:
danrc said:
benyon said:
My budget is 2k, im not really keen on the prelude dash at all, so evan the FTO gpx are slow then, i thought they had some poke?
Those who are saying the FTO GPX manual is slow have obviously never driven one. Don't get me wrong - they are not outstandingly quick like an evo but they are quick. My brother has owned one for over a year and a half now and he has no complaints.It handles very well, stops fine and sounds lovely when the V6 winds up. To put the speed into perspective i own a Civic EG VTI which is supposed to have 160bhp roughy and his is easily quicker with far more low down power. it pulls the whole way up the rev range to 8200rpm.
Depends on your definition of quick of course - they are about on a par with an EP3 Civic Type R.
My definition of quick would be cars around the FTO's performance such as the Imprezza WRX.
(To be fair, it was quite quick just soooooo dull!)
benyon said:
I would like a fast car but not bothered about a turbo as i used to own a Pulsar GTIR i want somthing that handle's well, a nice drive with a nice dashboard and seats. The competitors are FTO GPX manual or tip, Honda prelude gen5, 300zx non turbo, 200sx s13/14 touring although im not that sure about the interior on them.
Are these the only cars on your list? None of them have a nice dash.At £2K the Fiat Coupe 20VT has a stunning dash that only recently are other manufacturers are starting to copy. Handles only ok, but it's far faster than any in your list, in a completely different league tbh. At £2 it would be one that would probably need work doing to it. It will sound better than any of the above as well.
Or a mk1 mx5. Dash is quite nice with the chrome surrounds and theres a good chance of finding a modded one.
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