Problem is (and each to their own) but they are not the best looking cars in the world - at least the Coupe is a classically styled car that hasn't really dated (in my opinion) and will always get admiring glances.

p.s. not "having a go", just making a point

I couldn't agree more

Kiltbill probably has more than cold feet reading this thread.
I imagine he's brought his boy a Toyota Avensis and given him couple of grand with strict instructions to find a girlfriend!

Not sure people give me admiring glances anymore, they actually think there goes a man that used to have money and a social life but now he owns a coupe...

Thanks for that. This was back in 2000, and it is really what put me off. The driving experience totally lived up to the hype. I wonder if it changed at some point or whether I should be wheeled out onto the lawn with a cup of Cocoa and a blanket?

Cold feet are over I think, I think he has decided this is the car for him. Not easy trying to buy one though!

Joe one of the members on here, has been trying to look at a car for 2 days now, seems like maybe the seller is more unreliable than the car! However he may have his reasons, so will wait and see. Joe is going to give it one more look tonight.

Finally got a chance to sit down and post, have been reading with interest though. Firstly, thanks to everyone for the great help, advice and discussion. Its very appreciated!

As mentioned still keen on getting a coupe, although I may now be terrified it will break down every time I go for a drive hehe!

don't worry, that never goes away! Welcome to the forum as well

We all have that feeling, you're not on your own.

I find it's best to worry, things are less likely to go wrong somehow if you're worrying. BUT, if they do, you've worried so much you already know what to do about it!

Get the coop, enjoy the coop, treat the coop well and she'll reward you plenty.

Can men who drive a Toyota Avensis get girlfriends ?
More chance with a broken coupe me thinks.

thats the thing alongs if you get someone that knows what there looking for to go see the car with you/for you it should turn out ok.

getting joe to have a look for you was a very wise move, he knows where all the bad spots are and tell tell signs ect ect

I've had my 20vt for just over 2 years and so far I have spent on:-

- 4 reconditioned original 20vt alloys plus my old knackered alloys PX'd towards the cost
- 4 new tyres
- new clutch slave cylinder
- new left-side windscreen washer valve
- new PRV
- new vacuum hose
- 2 new rear wheel bearings (failed MOT on these)
- new sump plug
- new drivers side wishbone

£1000 odd on the above over 2 years.

Still alot needs doing in the next couple of years (shocks are tired and need replacing at some stage after 90000 miles, cambelt needs doing next year, new clutch would be ideal but still works fine, probably needs a new thermostat, don't they all?)

Probably £1500 still to go to get it all sorted.
But as I will be selling it this year at some stage, that will be for another enthusiast to sort out if they care enough.
They need £500 quid a year maintenance minimum. This is my 2nd old coupe and the first one was exactly the same on maintenance.