Hi all,
Had a 16VT last year, and thinking of getting a 20V (non turbo) in June / July.
Wasn't going to as trying to keep my costs down, but looking at insurance differences between my 3 choices, Ford Puma, Hyundai Coupe or Coupe 20V, there is not an awful lot of difference.
Mains questions are:
Can I realistically get a decent sorted 20V for about 3 - 3.5K
Whats the running costs compared to a 16VT / 20VT - are the a lot less due to no turbo
Am I right is saying that they are 150bhp?
Thanks
Clive

Hi ceejay, yes you can definetly get a sorted and good cond N/A for your budget. They are 147BHP for the non vis and 154BHP for the VIS models IIRC however I think for your budget you'll be looking at the non VIS model.
I think the costs will be a fair bit lower than the 16VT, certainly a lot less thirsty. Also the engine is a more modern design etc.

Thanks pinin
Is the 147 / 154 bhp difference a year change thing, if so does anyone know when, and what actually is it!!!
Thanks
Clive

Well the VIS engines came in about '98 or '99 IIRC (Variable intake system) and this was the reason for the increase in BHP. However they have less low down pull apparently so you're better off with the non-VIS engine anyway. And what difference is 7BHP going to make anyway !

Thanks again
Can't see the 7bhp making much difference, and as you say I would probably be looking at a 97/98 anyway.
My rpoblem is to stop myself looking before I have the funds available now!!!

I got a forum member owned 97P 20v n/a in pretty good nick with a few mods, cloth and a/c, 80k on clock for around £2k (with 6 months tax) about 6 months ago...It was a very good deal to be fair, but I reckon for your budget you should be able to get a good un...

Running costs, mine has cost me nothing apart from insurance and petrol since purchase - having an MOT & service next week, but not expecting any horrible surprises...It is my second car, so tends to get used mainly for the longer more economical journeys on quicker roads and I reckon I get around 30mpg? (never actually calculated it, but it seems to do around 100 miles on £15ish of regular u/l)

I always understood that power-wise a 20v n/a feels similar to a standard 16vt (not in a position to judge though myself) but it is certainly quick enough for me (and costs £200 less a year to insure for me than a 20vt, lttle more than a 16vt)

Thanks Vickster,
Do like the look of your yella one, but somewhat tempted by a portofino. Did love the look of by blitz blue 16VT, but unfortunately I don't think it's an option on a 20V - hope I aint gonna start another colour thread

Not sure how 154bhp feels like 195bhp, it might be fashionable to knock 16valvers but only if you've got a turbo :P

Thanks Simonj
This is sounding better and better!!!
Will have a good hunt round when the funds come up - got a TPFT quote for 249 by the way =- gotta check the fully comp price yet!!!

There are late 20v n/a around in electric blue, so similar to blitz, plenty of murples though

Yes, Pooter has one.

Take a look here the black one on the first page is a P reg, but is well within your budget and looks in good condition and is low-ish (but not ridiculously low) mileage.

Also take a look at Gripped's car on here if you like porto blue 20v Coupes - he is selling at the moment, s reg I think with low miles, belts done etc. I saw it at a South West meet maybe a year back and it was in good nick, followed it on the drive and though not the VIS version I think, it was no different to mine.

N/a is a nice smooth ride, good strong power delivery and with a subtle aftermarket exhaust, sounds

See now you're teasing!! - I have to wait til mid Junish before I am in a position to buy, but they both look lovely cars

ceejay - its cj here-
i bought a great little 20v t reg vis - with a 10 month warranty 68k fsh - no cbelt though for 2.8k after cambelt and once over from Paul at motomech! all in 3.3k - im chuffed to bits...get one quick

Gripped sold his last weekend

cjh - sounds like a good deal - seems like I can get a newer 20V with lower mileage than a Puma or Hyundai, so my mind is made up!!!
Vick - glad it it's sold, looked like a decent one but I'm not ready yet!!

So hard to stop looking!!!!