Thinking of one as a wee runaround - any experiences?

I had one as a courtesy car when my 16VT was in for servicing, around 2004. I thought the handling was astounding. Far better than the coupés! I almost swapped for it permanently.

No experience, But I was tempted to buy one sooo many times as a cheap reliable quirky car, I like them still, And thining about it - Cant remember the last time I saw one on the road...

I remember the magazines thought highly of their handling but presumably any out there now will need some suspension refreshment to feel their best.

yea there is only one near me and its kept in great condition -seems to be alot of car for the money they go for - mpg should be decent aswell compared to the coup.

I owned one many moons ago. Very good handling, utterly reliable, decent fuel economy and quite nippy.

TimR is right about the suspension though, mine hadn't covered many miles but I needed to change the rear shock absorbers if I recall in my ownership. Also the clutch cable needed replacing but apart from I don't think I had to replace any other parts as it always flew through it's MOT.

Check for rust on the rear arches but that is the case with nearly all old Jap cars. All in all a very good car, will serve you well if you purchase one.

On my list as potential next runabout snotter - but there don't seem to be many about. Whether this is because there weren't many sold or whether they haven't taken the miles too well I don't know.

Always liked them, read a decent review of one at the time (97ish) when there weren't too many not hatches kicking about. Seemed to offer decentish performance and looked quite sharp.

Oh, and then there was the Sweeney p1sstake advert for them which was inspired

Theres an expensive one on Autotrader, But this is a cheapy, I really do think they are cool, http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/class...hs-m-o-t/781517

Update*

I found a low mileage well cared for example for sale for 1k - had to travel to the arse end of England to get it but the gamble payed off. Last owner was a valeter and it shows, it's in mint condition and has a few modifications done to it. Handling wise it's in a different league to the Coupe (reminds me of the old clio willams) and performance wise its not far off the new hot hatches considering the lack of turbo charged grunt it posted a 15.4 1/4 mile time at crail.

Reliability wise I've only had to change tyres, brakes and clutch cable so far. It's amazing value for money if you're not a badge snob, also great for surprising more modern machinery down a B road.

It's not red is it? Sounds like my old one. Same time at crail.

I've had two

no mine is the controversial Tropical Green colour. I love it myself cleans up nicely.

I found at crail that i beat almost everything off the line including a 911 turbo and Ariel Atom but once into 2nd/3rd they flew past me like i'd just selected reverse.

Tempted to go down the turbo charging route but don't have the funds at the moment.

They are brilliant to boost, awesome cars. Loved mine to bits just check for rust. Rear inner arches and under the rear seat is favourite for the nasty Brown.

There was one on ebay a couple of weeks ago with a Pulsar engine fitted.
Shame it had been parked up for a while as it needed a lot of welding I believe.

Let's have some pics then

Tidy red one on ebay:

red gti

Sold for £1750!

almera/sr20

Couple of really nice ones there. I kinda regret selling mine.
But id have not got the great coupe money pit if I'd not sold it.

Yea i saw that on ebay when it came up - 400hp in the almera would be ridiculous going by Dave Bulls Crail videos on youtube.