Back in the fold questions

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

Quote:

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I always understood that power-wise a 20v n/a feels similar to a standard 16vt

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Really?

Ceejay - I reckon you could find a good later 20v for 3-3.5k, I've seen some quite good ones on AT for that in recent months. I sold my T-reg 53,000 mile leather clad VIS model with new tyres, brakes, cambelt etc. plus specialist history for 4k about 10 months ago and the prices have come down since then, so I reckon 3.5k would be on the money for it. It was a very tidy car with an almost immaculate interior (and I mean immaculate) and I never had any problems with it apart from general maintenance in the 18 months I owned it. I was paying about 500 quid/year in insurance for 26 year old, 4 yr NCB, 0 points, off the road in a pretty safe postcode.

Edit to say: the difference between the 147 and 155bhp cars is pretty much imperceivable when side by side and it always is down to the driver anyway.