LCR vs CTS

[autodave]

Im on the hunt for a new car in the new year. got it narrowed down to two choices. lcr or corolla t-sport. two very different cars but both have their ups and downs. lcr is quicker, better looking and rarer but is more expensive to buy and run and i cant find one locally (belfast) for love nor money. the cts is slower but reliable image for good resale value, cheaper to buy, lower insurance rating and great engine note and there are a few about. has anyone one here driven both to give me a comparison? the cts can be good fun but needs to be worked hard to perform. since i havent had a spin in a lcr i dont know if its worth the extra cash. opinions people?

 

[Blelock]

Whats your budget?

 

[autodave]

about 9k plus 1k for insurance. im pushing the budget trying to get an early 225 lcr i know

 

[edmong]

I now have a LCR and p/x my Corolla Tsport for it. I had a 2002 model tsport and loved every minute of it!

The only prob with it was the handling and fuel consumption! I get better mpg from my 2005 LCR.

The noise was great, espeicially with the K&N I fitted. Mine had leather interior, satnav, climate and all the other usual jap stuff. The seats didnt keep you in place that well. Discs and pads wear quickly but do not cost that much to replace.

I p/x mine for £4600 with 82k on it but had full TSH.

Now ive got my LCR I do miss the noise from the corolla but would never go back!

 

[autodave]

thanks for the comparison. on the toyota owners forum they just sitting on the fence. was hoping someone would come on and say the tsport as i have taking a liking to the lcr but its a streach of the budget. whats my chances of getting a 225 lcr with average miles, fsh for under £9k

 

[edmong]

You might be able to get one. Even if its got quite high milleage its still a good motor. (LCR)

The only reason i went for the CTS is that noone had one in Plymouth and I like to be different. The CTS is a great car and if you like it go for it. Mine was a pre facelift so 9k should get you one with the teardrop headlights. Think they stiffened up the suspension on these models too.

If I had'nt of clocked up the mileage i would prob still have it. BUT I would have to sort out the handling and braking.

How old are you? The LCR will be expensive if your young.

 

[autodave]

im 23 insurance co says 800 fully comp

 

[autodave]

theres not many/any of either round here. here being belfast

 

[cordobabrendy]

There are a few lcrs knocking about, I almost bought one a couple of years ago from autoq off the ravenhill rd for less than 9k, 210bhp version is still a viable option, dont restrict yourself to the 225.
I ended up keeping my leon cupra as it was newer and I had most of the mods the way I wanted them myself plus I knew its history. You could also look at cupras as they are every bit as strong mechanically and can be modded to bhp'a'plenty.

 

[dainott2105]

i dont think you will have a great problem getting a 225 LCR for 9 grand mate. If your struggling to find one in Belfast for that sort of money come over here and drive it back. Seen a few online going for that sort of money and of a decent age and milage aswell. Got to remember that with the price on fuel a lot of people are going to diesel now so quick petrols becoming more reasonable.
Was reading last nigt that Audi are bringing out a diesel TT in the near future so shows how the market is changing (also bringing out a petrol 2.5 turbo with 343 bhp though )

 

[skahigh]

im 23 insurance co says 800 fully comp

have you had a quote from greenlight? they just quoted me happy (sticks two fingers up at norwich union - the insurance company that only insures 50 year olds who drive ig 1 cars).

 

[autodave]

that 800 is with greenlight. the thing about goin over to england is if the car is not up to scratch then iv wasted a day and the fight and boat tickets. il be keeping an eye out on pistonheads after Christmas.

 

[Willie]

If you are coming over to Britian then try to see a few cars so theres less chance of your time being wasted, theres loads of them for sale just now

 

[Phil K]

Yeah, just be honest with the sellers and explain your coming for a weekend and are aiming to see 2 or 3 a day with the view of taking one back with you! Should be easy enough...