[Limerick man]

Originally Posted by 166man

This is a bit left field, but a fine motor nonetheless, you like the Alfa's too iirc..

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Alfa-Ro...t?channel=CARS

i know you like Alfa's, but come on, that's not even worth a grand.

As for the T sports, a friend of mine has one and loves it. He did say about the oil pump issue and said it is a very common problem, i've heard this from a few people also.

[Alanstrainor]

Originally Posted by Limerick man

i know you like Alfa's, but come on, that's not even worth a grand.

As for the T sports, a friend of mine has one and loves it. He did say about the oil pump issue and said it is a very common problem, i've heard this from a few people also.

I presume there would be no way of checking the condition of the oil pump in these?

[Drummerboy08]

Originally Posted by Alanstrainor

I presume there would be no way of checking the condition of the oil pump in these?

Just allow the cost of replacing it when and if you buy one...

[unkel]

You seem set on the Corolla, but would there not be some other (imho more interesting / better) cars you should consider / test drive (check insurance)?

MINI Cooper S
Clio 172
FIAT Coupe
Alfa GTV
Mazda RX-8
Audi TT

Remember it's the ultimate buyers market at the moment and very few people want a petrol sporty car (and many people that have them are trying to sell them). You do a low mileage and I think you have built up a bit of NCB. I'd expect insurance on any of the above would be reasonable enough if you invest some time making inquiries...

[challengemaster]

Have a look at Nissan pulsar VZRs too, they're going quite cheap these days, would probably be similar to the corolla, high revving N/A with NEO-VVL (essentially VVTL-i), and IMO look nicer.

[166man]

Originally Posted by Limerick man

i know you like Alfa's, but come on, that's not even worth a grand.

You know when I look at the ad again, you're probably right.. It's on the expensive side compared to what's available on donedeal. Still though I think it's one of the nicer examples of that car around.

[Limerick man]

Originally Posted by 166man

You know when I look at the ad again, you're probably right.. It's on the expensive side compared to what's available on donedeal. Still though I think it's one of the nicer examples of that car around.

My Afla friend bought a 02 156 2.0 170 bhp, mint as mint as an 02 car gets for 800 euro.

[166man]

Originally Posted by Limerick man

My Afla friend bought a 02 156 2.0 170 bhp, mint as mint as an 02 car gets for 800 euro.

170bhp? Aren't they 155bhp? Good point but still not too many minty Sportwagons around is all...

[Limerick man]

Originally Posted by 166man

170bhp? Aren't they 155bhp? Good point but still not too many minty Sportwagons around is all...

No, his is a JTS and saloon.

[166man]

Originally Posted by Limerick man

No, his is a JTS and saloon.

Ah right it's the TS I was thinking off. Lucky sod you're Alfa mate is!

[Alanstrainor]

Originally Posted by unkel

You seem set on the Corolla, but would there not be some other (imho more interesting / better) cars you should consider / test drive (check insurance)?

MINI Cooper S
Clio 172
FIAT Coupe
Alfa GTV
Mazda RX-8
Audi TT

Remember it's the ultimate buyers market at the moment and very few people want a petrol sporty car (and many people that have them are trying to sell them). You do a low mileage and I think you have built up a bit of NCB. I'd expect insurance on any of the above would be reasonable enough if you invest some time making inquiries...

Will have 2 years NCB by June. My current policy has an additional bonus for driving experience too. Will be ringing my broker in the morning to suss out the insurance situation!

I am pretty set on the corolla, but it was mainly to do with the insurance aspect. I also liked the idea of a sleeper too tbh!

I love cars, but at the same time i'm no mechanic so something reliable would be preferable too. So Clio 172s, RX8s, Fiat Coupes etc would worry me being honest. I'll know fairly quick in the morning how the insurance situation pans out, so my options in the car dept could broaden quite a bit!

[Limerick man]

Rx8's don't touch, they require as much maintenance as a pushy wife.

Fiat Turbos the same.

Clio 172s are basic and most of the bits and pieces bar the engine as as simple as a normal Clio.

[unkel]

I would step back if I were you and carefully consider your options. Don't make a hasty decision

Originally Posted by Alanstrainor

I love cars, but at the same time i'm no mechanic

I'm the same. It's good you recognise your limitation. It doesn't have to stop you choosing certain cars, it is an opportunity to approach them differently. Research the car. As an example take the RX-8. You know there are plenty threads on here about them. "they use oil" - "they need their engine rebuilt every year" - "they never start when you want them too". You know that most of the scare about them is pub talk. Research the car, talk to owners, find a good indy and buy a car from an honest enthusiast (bring an indy with you when buying or let the seller show up at the indy)

And have a bit of budget. Don't spend your full budget of 4k, but only spend 3k and keep a grand and add an additional €50 per month to it or whatever is appropriate to cover eventualities

And if that would be too tight financially, I'd clock up another year of NCB in your current car and have another look at opportunities next year

Originally Posted by Alanstrainor

I'll know fairly quick in the morning how the insurance situation pans out

Originally Posted by Alanstrainor

Will be ringing my broker in the morning to suss out the insurance situation!

Honestly, you'd be better off spending several hours on the phone to all insurers and all brokers. You could very well save yourself hundreds and / or can get reasonable insurance from one crowd where the others wouldn't quote you at all for a particular car

[Alanstrainor]

Originally Posted by unkel

I would step back if I were you and carefully consider your options. Don't make a hasty decision



I'm the same. It's good you recognise your limitation. It doesn't have to stop you choosing certain cars, it is an opportunity to approach them differently. Research the car. As an example take the RX-8. You know there are plenty threads on here about them. "they use oil" - "they need their engine rebuilt every year" - "they never start when you want them too". You know that most of the scare about them is pub talk. Research the car, talk to owners, find a good indy and buy a car from an honest enthusiast (bring an indy with you when buying or let the seller show up at the indy)

And have a bit of budget. Don't spend your full budget of 4k, but only spend 3k and keep a grand and add an additional €50 per month to it or whatever is appropriate to cover eventualities

And if that would be too tight financially, I'd clock up another year of NCB in your current car and have another look at opportunities next year


Honestly, you'd be better off spending several hours on the phone to all insurers and all brokers. You could very well save yourself hundreds and / or can get reasonable insurance from one crowd where the others wouldn't quote you at all for a particular car

Cheers man!

I'm in no rush to buy, and the financial situation is fine too!

And you're right about the insurance; all my quotes so far have been online, which i know from experience to be a joke. It's just that i'm finally in a position to buy, before it was always something in the future, but now the time has come

[unkel]

Originally Posted by Alanstrainor

It's just that i'm finally in a position to buy, before it was always something in the future, but now the time has come

Great feeling and fair play for getting yourself there

Never a better time to buy something sporty with a bit of power. Take your time though and buy something you deserve (and not something mediocre )