Suzuki Ignis Sport

[GenePoolReject13]

I was hopping that anyone with experience with these little Suzuki's could tell me more. I've noticed them being mentioned a few times here and rated fairly well and I would like to know what they are like to live with, running cost, mpg, insurance cost, etc.
Its possible I could be in a new job in the near future which means a longer journey and motorway work which the puma doesn't seem to like. Ideally, if I did decide to change cars, I would like something more frugal but still a hoot to drive when the mood takes me. So, is a Suzuki Ignis Sport the car for me?

[GenePoolReject13]

It would only be a shortish motorway run (20 miles-ish) and mainly at peak times but the puma likes a drink even sat at a steady 65-70, would I have the same problem with an IS?
And what about other costs, servicing and general maintenance? Do they break or are they indestructible?

[GenePoolReject13]

Well they certainly seem to have alot of fans here. I dont mind the noise at motorway speeds, the puma isnt exactly quiet! I'm not to fussed about how stiff the ride is either, ran a modified focus for 2 years with large wheels, low pofile tyres and stiff suspension. Space is not an issue, only me and the misses and its rare I have passengers in the back and I'm happy if the boot will hold a weeks shopping. What I want if I change cars is something as fun to drive as the puma but more economical when I'm pottering about, also the pumas' brakes are crap and it feels rather fragile oh and dont mention rust! If the little Suzuki is better at those things then at £2-3k for a good 5-6yr old car it might just be worth me changing.

Chunkeymonkey - Thanks for the offer of a drive but I doubt I'll be heading up to scotland anytime soon.

[GenePoolReject13]

So, any more advice on these, things to look out for etc?

[GenePoolReject13]

I would be looking around the £2k mark as I think I could sell the puma for about that. I have seen some nice, low milage examples for around that though. I've heard they like 98 octane fuel? is this true? can normal 95 be used with out killing it? if so will it affect performance noticably?

Wow alot of question haha. Sorry to keep going on and on but just need it to be an amazing little car if I'm going to swap the puma for one. So please, feel free to post up your experiance with these if you have not already done so.

[GenePoolReject13]

I'm tempted but abit unsure about having to fill it with 98 Ron, that would rule it out in terms of economy unless it's alot cheaper in insurance. But then again the puma is abit high maintenance in comparison to the Suzuki by the sounds of it.

Need to get a couple of things sorted before I sell the puma so gives me time to think.

[GenePoolReject13]

YoungOne said:

I have the Suzuki Swift Sport and if its anything like that you won't be disappointed on the fun factor.

Speaking of you can get a Swift Sport for about 6 grand now if you want something a bit newer and I should imagine more refined.

Would love one but thats double my budget. Looking for cheap thrills really, the puma was cheap to buy and is fun to drive but drinks even when driving like a granny and prone to rust. Also the brakes are pants. The IS seems like the almost perfect alternative, better on fuel and better brakes, jap reliabillity and a lower insurance group. Harsh ride I'm ok with and the puma aint exactly quite on the motorway either. Oh and dials lit in blue light, yum. Shall sort out some bits on the puma then wait for a good one at the right price.

There is only one close by (close to work atleast) but it has aftermarket wheels on it. The wrong example for my first test drive I think. Also, the misses wants a yellow one!

[GenePoolReject13]

YoungOne said:

Sounds about right for your needs. I wouldn't worry too much about aftermarket alloys especially if they are in good nick, it means the owner cares enough about their car to look after it.
Now lowered springs is a different matter...

Good point but I thought sticking bigger wheels on them was supposed to spoil the handling abit?

[GenePoolReject13]

I kind of agree with the colour/character thing. Think they look great in black or blue.

[GenePoolReject13]

I want, I will have one at some point but money is tight right now so it will have to wait. I was offered the job I mentioned in my original post so hopefully I will be able to change car before too long. Either an iggy sport, another mx-5 or panda 100hp. I want all 3!

[GenePoolReject13]

The red iggy above looks superb! Only been in the new job for 2 weeks so still settling in but things are looking promising for a car purchase with in the next 6 months.

[GenePoolReject13]

I almost feel ashamed that despite starting this thread I am yet to buy one. Still really want an iggy sport though. Just need the funds first!
I never did ask, are there any good performance mods to get some more power with out going down the FI route?