Running Costs of a 20VT versus a Cupra R

[Matt85]

Im 21, 0 NCB but 4 yrs NCB as a named driver with Direct Line which they now take into account when getting your own policy. So they are way cheaper than anyone else - think about £700 last time i checked. Dont think thats too bad considering age.

 

[Jonny]

I had an FR 20VT and pretty much as soon as I picked it up, I was considering turning it into a Cupra R "lookalike".

I bought a set of 18" LCR alloys & tyres. I was lucky enough to get my hands on a full interior from a written off 210, black trims, head lining, door cards, front & rear Recaro's, steering wheel etc... Only engine mods I had was a Carbonio CAI & Forge 007 DV.

Insurance was costing just over £800 with the mods declaired. Fuel economy was around 30-32mpg on average. Never actually had the car long enough to comment on service costs.

When I calculated the likely cost of all the mods just to get it to look like an LCR, and the performance mods needed to hike the power to LCR levels, I found it was actually going to be a lot cheaper to buy an LCR! Especially with the rising cost of the insurance with each mod that goes on

So I did! I actually bought an LCR bumper on ebay, drove from South Wales to Manchester to pick it up and on the way back, I called into a Seat dealer in Cardiff to order the grilles etc. They had an LCR with "Sold" in the window, and just out of curiosity, I asked how much it would cost to upgrade.

There were only 3 new platinum LCR's left in the country at the time - then there were 2!!

Anyway, I had to sort out insurance for the new LCR... something I never even considered finding out about! I actually had a £60 refund on my insurance! A modified (only CAI, DV & "sports seats") FR 20VT is more expensive to insure than a standard LCR.

Fuel economy is slightly less, but not hugely different... I'm averaging 28-30mpg. I had my 1st service done at a Seat Specialist, had change from £90, which included an upgrade to fully synthetic oil.

Obviously things like tyres and brake parts will be more expensive. I think GSD3's for example are £15-£20 more expensive. Brake pads & discs are probably around twice the price.

As far as ride & handling go, the LCR feels more planted. I feel more confident throwing it around the twisties The brakes are excellent. The LCR looks more agressive and sounds a bit more throaty.

Some people think I'm mad for buying 2 brand new cars in the space of 6 months, but I'm more than happy!! I've had the LCR for just over a year now, and I still wear that silly cheesey grin every time I drive it!

I usually change my cars every 2-3 years, but I can honestly see myself keeping the LCR a lot longer - I love it!

 

[Deleted member 7729]

Food for thought

 

[RobM]

That's one of the best comparisons I've read of LC Vs LCR

 

[Jay20VT]

interesting topic this one. I had a Cupra for a couple years before I switched to my recent R and I have to say I love the little extra's you get with the R. Amongst the differences I have gained are:

1. red stiching round upholstery and handbrake
2. elec folding mirrors
3. 18" Rims
4. Brembo's
5. Black head lining on inside roof (rather than white )
6. 225HP (not that there is alot of difference against 180HP)
7. R steering wheel

Dont get me wrong, i loved my Cupra and was a shame to see it go, but when the alloys on the cupra went dirty it ruined the whole look of the car, where as with the R, it dont matter how dirty it gets it still looks 'aard

The other thing I really liked about the Cupra also was the face lift front bumper, looked more character like than what you get on the R.

In conclusion, get the R cos when I was driving around in my Cupra and saw an R, it made me want one

 

[Arnolfini]

The choice was easy for me... my budget was £5k - so no LCR for me! Don't get me wrong, I'd love one... but that said I'm still dead happy with the LC - especially now I've tweaked it a bit witha Revo, DV and Green filter.

I also kinda like the 'stealth' thing. It looks like a mundane family car, but can blow a lot of other cars into the weeds (for a very moderate price). That's always fun!

 

[cliveyp]

My choice was easy, i didn't think i could afford an LCR so went to Droitwich Garage to look at a couple of Cupra's. After being offered an 03 plate Cupra with 60 odd thou on the clock for £9500, and an 04 plate LCr with 16k on it for £12995, i decided i'd keep looking for a low mileage non-R...........when god forbid, they come up with an 03 plated R, in black, with 26k on it for £10995. Bit of haggling later, she was mine for £10600. Over 12 months later and absolutely no regrets!

 

[nibbles]

bought my lc in 2003 at the time i couldnt see spending the extra on on the lcr but then after 6 months spent £1000 on new wheels (wot was i thinking) 1 half years later bought my dream car my lcr , i should of waited in the first place. wot i,m trying to say get the lcr u wont regret it

 

[DamoR]

My choice was easy buy a car you can afford and it has to be top of its range! Otherwise you spend all your money on making it the top of its range! Normally your budget decides for you and thinks like servicing, running costs should be considered. No point affording a car if you can't afford to run it!! Evo8 springs to mind

 

[Rokerlad]

I would say , go for the LCR at all costs. You will always wish you had got one when you see one on the road. The LC is still a great car if you can't quite afford it, but as has been said, you may end up spending a fortune on mods etc doing the thing up. Either way you get a great car.

 

[ArosaRacer]

i have both

 

[nibbles]

Im 21, 0 NCB but 4 yrs NCB as a named driver with Direct Line which they now take into account when getting your own policy. So they are way cheaper than anyone else - think about £700 last time i checked. Dont think thats too bad considering age.

hi mate i,m 39 clean license £600 fully comp

 

[RobM]

hi mate i,m 39 clean license £600 fully comp

Post code has a massive influence over things, so if your postcode is less than desirable expect the premium to shy rocket! I pay £150 more than you and I'm 23 with a ban on my licence but live in a good postcode area.

 

[nibbles]

Post code has a massive influence over things, so if your postcode is less than desirable expect the premium to shy rocket! I pay £150 more than you and I'm 23 with a ban on my licence but live in a good postcode area.

wot u saying i live a s**t area

 

[RobM]

Not at all. I'm saying that there is more to insurance quotes than just your age and driving licence.

 

[DamoR]

wot u saying i live a s**t area

Thought your insurance came down when you were an old git hehe

 

[RobM]

Here you go, check this out:

http://www.geocities.com/mpgcalc/postcodeRISK.html

 

[ArosaRacer]

the cupra is 40 quid cheaper than the LCR

 

[DamoR]

Not at all. I'm saying that there is more to insurance quotes than just your age and driving licence.

Too true my insurance got miles worse when I moved to the centre of Birmingham. Despite having electric gates and 24hr concierge/security insurance companies aren't bothered the postcode names your price! Age, speeding/ban endorsements and years no claims etc all just vary the price. That's why we all shop around.

 

[nibbles]

Thought your insurance came down when you were an old git hehe

u go of folk quite easy on here no, but i know what u mean mine is not off street parking and notts is well known 4