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Reliability of coupes
#806110
02/04/2009 12:59
02/04/2009 12:59
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hayley
Unregistered
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hayley
Unregistered
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Hey guys, I'm thinking of buying a 20vt coupe but since looking i've had so many bad comments about them, about how they are always breaking down? the cambelt is a big problem? and the electrics? I just wanted to hear your points of view first. And also i will be using the car for work so is it juicy on petrol?
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Re: Reliability of coupes
[Re: ]
#806119
02/04/2009 13:13
02/04/2009 13:13
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,244 Watford, Herts.
Hyperlink
Forum is my life
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Forum is my life
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,244
Watford, Herts.
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Its mostly toss. A well maintained one will be fine. Buy on condition/service history etc not mileage. Cambelt is an easy enough job for a specialist (about £400 covers it) As for fuel consuption? Depends what type of driving you do. I get an average of 30mpg from my 100 mile a day commute more if I am good, less if I enjoy the drive home Where abouts are you?
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Re: Reliability of coupes
[Re: ]
#806123
02/04/2009 13:15
02/04/2009 13:15
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 238 silverstone
djjd05
Making a profit
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Making a profit
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 238
silverstone
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Welcome to the forum,
The cambelt on a 20VT is no problem at all. i believe it needs to be replaced every 60k or 5 years. And theres several garages that will change its for a very reasonable price (around £400 all in).
I have a 20VT now and nothings gone wrong with it and in the 18 months i had my last one the only electrical problem i had was a small connector for the fuel pump. took all of 20 mins to change over.
It can be juicy on petrol, especially doing short stints, but if you drive off boost and keep the revs down theyre not bad at all. ive had 512 miles to a tank before!!
Joe
Last edited by djjd05; 02/04/2009 13:16.
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Re: Reliability of coupes
[Re: djjd05]
#806129
02/04/2009 13:21
02/04/2009 13:21
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hayley
Unregistered
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hayley
Unregistered
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Thanks, Well I do round town driving from home to home so petrol will be big, but thats not a big issue anyway. I guess most cars have their ups and downs like mine has been! These cars have really grown on me! Oh and i'm from essex, (no nasty comments please!haha)
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Re: Reliability of coupes
[Re: ]
#806131
02/04/2009 13:24
02/04/2009 13:24
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suba
Unregistered
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suba
Unregistered
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You also have a very good specialist in Basildon - which counts for a lot!
The main consideration is buy a good one with all the big jobs done - not a cheap one.
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Re: Reliability of coupes
[Re: samsite999]
#806132
02/04/2009 13:24
02/04/2009 13:24
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hayley
Unregistered
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hayley
Unregistered
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its mostly scare mongering (ignore my sig!) get a good one and there a great car, get a bad one (as with any car) and your going to need deep pockets) the coupe is the definition of "buy cheep buy twice" expent to pay around 2.5k for one thats going to do you with all the big jobs done, has history and is preferably a forum owner Okay thanks for that, i have been looking through the for sale bit. I've seen loads on piston heads from 1-2k which i was shocked about but thats abit too cheap then?
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Re: Reliability of coupes
[Re: ]
#806134
02/04/2009 13:24
02/04/2009 13:24
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,244 Watford, Herts.
Hyperlink
Forum is my life
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Forum is my life
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,244
Watford, Herts.
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Me too (from Essex). Your ideally located to use the services for Rog at PowerItalia. He's based in Laindon, Basildon. PowerItalia What kind of budget do you have?
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Re: Reliability of coupes
[Re: ]
#806135
02/04/2009 13:27
02/04/2009 13:27
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Dan_S
Unregistered
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Dan_S
Unregistered
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coops in general are reliable cars, as with any car there will be the odd one that has not been looked after which may have a few problems. Alot of us have modified them and this is suppsed to make them less reliable, but i for one have had no major issues with my coop, if you look after it, it will look after you Welcome to the forum
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Re: Reliability of coupes
[Re: ]
#806138
02/04/2009 13:28
02/04/2009 13:28
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suba
Unregistered
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suba
Unregistered
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I'd look at 2-3K and one that is in good condition + that has had:
recent cambelt new (ish) wishbones NOT the original oil cooler and pipes - they will be corroded to bits Specialist history An engine running good compression No smoke from the turbo when left on hot idle
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Re: Reliability of coupes
[Re: Hyperlink]
#806139
02/04/2009 13:28
02/04/2009 13:28
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hayley
Unregistered
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hayley
Unregistered
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Me too (from Essex). Your ideally located to use the services for Rog at PowerItalia. He's based in Laindon. I'm Southend so thats only 15 miles. Ideal! Was also gonna ask, the color range of these cars is abit limited isnt it? I'm looking for a black or gunmetal, do they come standard or do people get them resprayed? I have only seen a few.
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Re: Reliability of coupes
[Re: ]
#806143
02/04/2009 13:29
02/04/2009 13:29
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suba
Unregistered
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suba
Unregistered
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Loads of colours - they are Italian after all!
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Re: Reliability of coupes
[Re: Hyperlink]
#806260
02/04/2009 16:05
02/04/2009 16:05
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,919 Stoke-on-Trent duck!
Tommy_Coop23
My life on the forum
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My life on the forum
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,919
Stoke-on-Trent duck!
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I've never understood the misconception about the coupes reliability, i think theyre solid, reliable cars and never once worry that mine will break down on me. Mine has done 133k and apart from wear and tear items, ive had no problems at all and it runs fantastically. In terms of petrol consumption, considering its a 2.0 petrol and quite a sporty car, i find it pretty reasonable. You can buy an ink black which is a very dark blue but is a lovely colour and you can buy naturally aspirated or turbocharged variations, the na being cheaper to run and insure, the turbocharged one being a road rocket Im on my 2nd one now and will soon be looking to sell mine and by a 3rd which says it all really, i use mine daily to work and back and have no problems. Hope this helps and have fun searching for one!
I'll be back Alor Blue Seat Leon FR 180 atm
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Re: Reliability of coupes
[Re: ]
#806271
02/04/2009 16:22
02/04/2009 16:22
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Chewy
Unregistered
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Chewy
Unregistered
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its mostly scare mongering (ignore my sig!) get a good one and there a great car, get a bad one (as with any car) and your going to need deep pockets) the coupe is the definition of "buy cheep buy twice" expent to pay around 2.5k for one thats going to do you with all the big jobs done, has history and is preferably a forum owner Okay thanks for that, i have been looking through the for sale bit. I've seen loads on piston heads from 1-2k which i was shocked about but thats abit too cheap then? Mine's still on there for £1500, it's cheap because of the mileage. If you're not fussed about that, it's a great car & needs little to finish off & be a great Coupe- it's all in the advert. I have only had really crap offers of PX's, so I withdrew it- now the wife has been on at me again to get rid, so it's back up http://pistonheads.com/sales/921427.htmETA- If you can get another member more local to me to have a look at it for you- you're more than welcome. Cheers, Ben
Last edited by Chewy; 02/04/2009 16:26.
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Re: Reliability of coupes
[Re: ]
#806291
02/04/2009 16:42
02/04/2009 16:42
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,267 North Oxfordshire
simonj
Competition Level
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Competition Level
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,267
North Oxfordshire
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They aren't unreliable cars, they just need the correct maintenance. I've had two Coupes over a combined period of 5 years and neither have ever let me down (*furiously touches wood*).
Most are now at an age/mileage that means that many parts might well be reaching the end of their lifespan, as with any car of same age/mileage. This might be clutch, turbo, suspension, exhaust, oil cooler/pipes etc. Many buyers buy a car needing stuff like this done, are lumbered with a £1,000 bill early in ownership for stuff that needed doing anyway, and immediately start moaning about 'unreliablity'.
As said here, get one with all the big jobs done recently at a specialist or reputed garage and if that means paying an extra £500 compared to one with none of the jobs done, its got to be worth it.
I use my 20vt daily for a commute to work - 40 mile round trip in mixed traffic, some heavy. I don't thrash it and get about 375-400 miles to a tank, which I believe is about 30mpg.
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Re: Reliability of coupes
[Re: simonj]
#806305
02/04/2009 17:01
02/04/2009 17:01
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 818 Colchester
AlistairM
Enjoying the ride
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Enjoying the ride
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 818
Colchester
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If you want gunmetal grey (best colour ) then you'll need to look at the Limited Edition version of the coupe. They are more expensive than standard coupés but come with a 6 speed gearbox, a bodykit, titanium silver finishings, and different alloy wheels, oh and red and black leather recaro seats which may not be to everyones taste (but I like it ) Here's a Pic of mine from outside ..... and another Pic inside
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Re: Reliability of coupes
[Re: AlistairM]
#806308
02/04/2009 17:05
02/04/2009 17:05
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peanuthead
Unregistered
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peanuthead
Unregistered
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get one with all the bits done and have a safe fund. i needed mine as its hit me for 3k in 6 months. mainly jobs that need doing and its stuff that any old sports car will need so just have a kitty for the car. you can't run it on a shoe string. i have recipts for around 5.5k if not more including buying it and i bought it for £2200. but then any cary 11 years old will need bit done and i am very fussy so that is another factor to it.
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Re: Reliability of coupes
[Re: AlistairM]
#806311
02/04/2009 17:08
02/04/2009 17:08
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,704 Harpenden
sugerbear
Je suis un Coupé
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Je suis un Coupé
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,704
Harpenden
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In my two years of driving the coupe has failed me twice, once (old car) when the cambelt went because I was living on borrowed time (it was just past the recommended time to change) and once when it refused to start because of a burnt out connector to the fuel pump.
They are not cheap to run though, they need to be serviced every six months which is when the jobs that need doing will get pointed out.
Overall, I would say very good reliability compared to some cars I have had. Certainly no less reliable than the renaults I have had previously.
People only tend to mention the horror stories.
Last edited by sugerbear; 02/04/2009 17:11.
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Re: Reliability of coupes
[Re: AlistairM]
#806314
02/04/2009 17:13
02/04/2009 17:13
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Vmax
Unregistered
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Vmax
Unregistered
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I'm going to say this touching wood and with an MOT soon inbound on the 10th..........
Car has only cost me about £200 so far in problems and thats with 124k on the clock with 1.5k miles done and 9 months ownership... I've had someone look under it all and he said the car is in good shape for it's age.
I'm guessing wishbones are next along with a cat being a little loose on the clamps making a strange noise and thats it as far as I know at my guesses. Let's just hope I didn't jinx myself making this post.
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Re: Reliability of coupes
[Re: sugerbear]
#806315
02/04/2009 17:13
02/04/2009 17:13
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peanuthead
Unregistered
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peanuthead
Unregistered
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i think you'll find that as a package they are a good car but there are lots to go wrong on them i.e bushes and stuff so that will cost on maintance but the genral build is quite good.
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Re: Reliability of coupes
[Re: sugerbear]
#806317
02/04/2009 17:16
02/04/2009 17:16
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 818 Colchester
AlistairM
Enjoying the ride
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Enjoying the ride
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 818
Colchester
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In my two years of driving the coupe has failed me twice, once (old car) when the cambelt went because I was living on borrowed time (it was just past the recommended time to change) and once when it refused to start because of a burnt out connector to the fuel pump.
They are not cheap to run though, they to be serviced every six months which is when the jobs that need doing will get pointed out.
Overall, I would say very good reliability compared to some cars I have had. Certainly no less reliable than the renaults I have had previously.
People only tend to mention the horror stories. That’s true, people don’t come onto this forum and tell you how their car has not broken down today (well most don’t) . As it has been said most cars this age will need money spent on them but considering how powerful these cars are and all other factors they actually are pretty cheap and reliable to keep. Especially with the amount of people who have tuned them
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Re: Reliability of coupes
[Re: AlistairM]
#806336
02/04/2009 17:52
02/04/2009 17:52
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veggy
Unregistered
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veggy
Unregistered
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Don't forget prices currently represent the Credit Crunch, and if people are keen to sell in a dead market they'll go even lower. So cheap doesn't necessarily mean bad. As someone else said, the key is to learn what the weak points are on a coop and take your check list along. If the jobs haven't been done, budget for having to do them - the coop responds to attention but soon takes the piss if she thinks she's being ignored.
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Re: Reliability of coupes
[Re: ]
#806338
02/04/2009 17:58
02/04/2009 17:58
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symonh2000
Unregistered
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symonh2000
Unregistered
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My coupe broke down on me once...
The throttle cable snapped. However any car with a throttle cable could suffer the same problem.
Other than that, in the 16,000 miles I have done it has been perfect.
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Re: Reliability of coupes
[Re: ]
#806349
02/04/2009 18:13
02/04/2009 18:13
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sweetride
Unregistered
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sweetride
Unregistered
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^^^ Throttle cable wen't on me too, luckily on a flat and only a mile from the garage, was a slow long drive that one Only time i can say it's really put me on the spot.
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