Which one?

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
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Sun 22 Dec 2002 00:08
Which one? - DavidHM
Three nice cars, all subtly different: Seat Leon 1.8T, Alfa 156 2.5, or Toyota Celica? All on an X plate, Alfa and Leon about the same price at £10k, Celica about £12k. Which one would you go for, assuming that all would do the basics (get around, quickly, with enough space) equally well?

Oh and torque is good, which probably rules the Celica out, although I've not driven any of these, so I'm willing to be proved wrong. Failing that, should my mate just go down the riceboy route and get himself a 2.0 (non turbo) Impreza?

HJ's opinions would be particularly appreciated.
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Sun 22 Dec 2002 13:41
Which one? - Honestjohn
I just spent half an hour answering this, then previewed it, then lost it. Too annoyed to do it again.

HJ
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Sun 22 Dec 2002 14:37
Which one? - Honestjohn
Okay, quick answer before the **** thing cuts me off again. If you mean new Celica, then this is the best buy. Good quality and the best front drive handling of the lot, but just 140bhp. The Alfa is a hooligan of a car, fully capable of shredding its front tyres in 3,000 miles and only does 20mpg if you work at it. But the engine is wonderful. The Leon is fine. Had no trouble with mine. Regret not getting the Cupra with the glovebox CD multiplayer. But don't regret losing ESPO as the car is better without it. Means you can leave traction control on and get the benefit of that without ESP interfering in everything you do. SEAT does very cheap servicing: 10k, 20k and 30k all £150 in the London area; £10 extra for fully synthetic oil; £30 extra for a brak fluid change. All these cars have six speed boxes. Mine has stayed nice and precise, but they don't all.

HJ
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