General New to forum and advice needed

[symonh2000]

Firstly I would like to say hello to everyone here as this is my first post. The first question I would like to ask is basically which model of Coupe to buy.
I have around £3250 to spend on a Coupe and would like a Turbo model as my previous car, a Alfa 145 Cloverleaf was not really fast enough for me..
I need to know should I buy a Leggy 20 Valve turbo model or a 16 Valve turbo model with a lower mileage and maybe in better condition.. I have read up on cambelts, red keys etc.. I also need to know is the 20 valve much better to drive, which model is more reliable and which is easiest to tune. (I am looking a a few tasteful modificaitions including getting it chipped).
I thank you in advance,
Simon.

 

[sammiboo]

basically, the 20vt is the better car but is also the most unrealible car, anyhting with a turbo you pay top whack for with anything that you do.

You need to be a bit more specific on what you want, the 20vt you can chip and can bring the BHP up by around 20.

 

[symonh2000]

Well I want a car with around 200bhp + and even the 16 valve is very close. I also want air-con and preferably leather. The reason I asked the question is I can get a 16 valve turbo cheaper than a 20 valve and would like to know whether the 20 valve is worth the extra. I also intend to chip it and do other small tuning mods, and needed to know which is the easier engine to release extra horses with. Also is the 16 valve significantly worse on fuel compared to the 20 valve as in some reviews it says it is.
Many thanks.

 

[pinin__prestatyn]

Hiya

I have owned a 16vt and now own a 20vt. My conclusions:

The 20VT is the all round better car. If you can find a semi decent 20VT within your budget, it would be preferable to the 16vt.
My 16vt was a LOT thirstier than my current steed, I mean it really drank the juice. The 20VT can be thirsty as well (obviously) but if you don't boot it about everywhere then it returns a fairly decent MPG for the Performance.
Then again it's always best to go for a well-looked after coupe. I would go for a well maintained 16vt before a shady 20VT.
It's easy to squeeze more horses from a 20VT, you just buy the G-Tech for £25 and change to a panel filter. This should see you hitting 240 Brake +.

There's a few coupe's in your budget here:

http://www.fccuk.org/ubbthreads/postlist.php?Cat=0&Board=UBB12

And here's a VERY nice looking 16VT:

http://www.fccuk.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=482731&an=0&page=0#482731

Although it has higher mileage, beggars can't be chooser's at this budget

 

[symonh2000]

Many thanks for the links pinin__prestatyn I had actually seen the 16VT on e-bay and it didn't meet the reserve, so I sent him a mail to arrange a view but I haven't had a reply yet. There is also a 20VT for sale at a garage near me it looks in reasonable condition although it has had some paint, it a 1998/R with 88k showing and is portifino blue. I would consider it but it has no air or leather and he wants 4k for it, and thats a bit too steep I think.. Basically I will have to just wait to get the money and have a look around, there is no real rush as I can borrow my dads car, and be a bit more picky.
Regards,
Simon.

 

[sammiboo]

i def wouldnt buy a coupe without the leather, it looks a lot better inside and gives it more of a sports car feel (which it is!)

Best thing to do os take your time looking, and buy the best example that you can afford, nothing worse than buying a unmaintained coupe.

 

[pinin__prestatyn]

Yes as Sammi says take your time when looking, it's good you are in no rush. Take your time, it's sods law if you rush and buy a coupe that wasn't quite what you are looking for, the "perfect" coupe will come up the week/month later. I know 'cos I rushed out and bought the 16vt without looking at any others.

 

[hmallett]

The most important page on the internet for you...
http://www.fccuk.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=256230&an=0
H

 

[pinin__prestatyn]

Second most important page on the internet for Coupe owners:

http://ads.eu.msn.com/ads/adredir.a...&FORM=AS5&PS=46459&OID=121553&OLI=1&ImgFlag=0

 

[symonh2000]

Thanks guys for the help it is much apreciated. I will hopefully have the financial side of things sorted out by the end of the wek, then I can be a bit more serious about looking. By the way I forgot to mention my dad had a 20VT + a couple of years ago and he really regrets selling it. I don't think my budget will quite stretch to one of those but I am sure I can get something pretty decent.
Simon.

 

[pinin__prestatyn]

Yes you're about 5K short on a decent plus However Believe it or not you can pick up an alright 20VT in your (small) budget, if you read and re-read the guide and take your time. It's a buyers market at the moment.

 

[symonh2000]

I do really want the 20VT to be honeat i will just wait till one come up in budget. I do have my eye on one at the moment but don't want to say too much or someone else may snap it up..