FTO - Quick questions...

[blackburn]

Hi all

I'm in work and haven't got time to do a comprehensive search, so here goes:

A female colleague has set her heart on a Mitsubishi FTO (at the lower end of the market). Is there anything really obvious that she needs to be aware of with these cars? I know most are autos, and that some use the MIVEC set-up. Are most of the cars pups or are they as sound as a pound?

Any info would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[nottyash]

By all accounts the manual Mivec GPX is the one to go for. I looked into it a few years ago as I wanted one.
They are 10mph faster top speed and a second faster to 60 than the tiptronics. If shes not racing around or bothered about speed there are plenty more tiptronics to choose from, and then the tiptronic would be a better buy.
There is a Version R GP but these cost a bit more and are more sought after, available with both gearboxes.
Ive driven both GPX and GP(in manual spec) and there wasnt much difference to be honest, certainly not enough to warrant the price difference.
I opted for a Prelude 2.2 vti at the time purley as the standard of build of the FTO is pretty cheap.

[blackburn]

Thanks chaps. I've found the owners club site and forwarded my colleague the link. Prelude... hmmm, don't think she's considered that option.

[FTJoe]

Being a girl I imagine the prelude won't have the same appeal as an FTO as they're not as pretty at all.

Most on the owners club seem to have good things to say about the tiptronic box but I'd still go for a manual if you can find one.

Nothing much serious to look for as they're fairly reliable cars. Check for roof rust, check for general rust underneath (most cars are undersealed when entering the country etc).

Here's some things to look for: http://www.ftooc.org/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=54296

I love mine It's not the quickest car around but it was cheap, it's still fast enough, it sounds great and I still think it's a really good looking car.

Most owners club cars are well looked after so definitely worth a look here:
http://www.ftooc.org/phpbb/viewforum.php?f=12

This car looks like a bargain to me, really low mileage, mivec, black and with subtle mods:
http://www.ftooc.org/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=102394

[Artois FTO]

Hi I am the female colleague in question, just picked up my new FTO today, thanks for the advice, got a GR Manual with a bespoke leather interior, VV nice, some slight TLC needed on bodywork but has been bought from an FTOOC member who has loved it and cared for it in and out. Insurance has been a prob due to some points and an accident last year where I had a prang with a crash barrier in my peugeot. I've sorted a reasonable quote with Al Flux ! Used to own a Celica 2.0L GTI - loved it, I can tell this FTO is going to be just as much fun as that - it's sexy, noisy and quick!!

Thanks again, am now a fully fleged member of the FTOOC.

[_Batty_]

Artois FTO said:

Hi I am the female colleague in question, just picked up my new FTO today, thanks for the advice, got a GR Manual with a bespoke leather interior, VV nice, some slight TLC needed on bodywork but has been bought from an FTOOC member who has loved it and cared for it in and out. Insurance has been a prob due to some points and an accident last year where I had a prang with a crash barrier in my peugeot. I've sorted a reasonable quote with Al Flux ! Used to own a Celica 2.0L GTI - loved it, I can tell this FTO is going to be just as much fun as that - it's sexy, noisy and quick!!

Thanks again, am now a fully fleged member of the FTOOC.

they are good cars, insurance is a nightmare, but i think worth it.
FTOOC is a great place to learn about your car, just avoid certain 'lightened' flywheels.

Matt

[sudders]

whilst getting quote for my evo i got one for wifes fto half of what we were paying and same company through keith micheals brilliant im paying same for ev0 as was paying for pajero.