Good Evening all

[mitzi]

Evening

Thought i'd better introduce myself.

I'm Andy 26 from Cheshire currently driving a FTO,

However due to circumstances changing I need a bigger car, and have been looking at Galants, mainly the saloon ones,

Which model would you recommend and what should I look out for when getting one?

[aboo]

Hi & welcome to CVR4.

[chrisvr4]

[elnevio]

What version are you looking for? Or rather, what are your criteria? Fast/slow, etc.

[aboo]

If baby is on the way then estate is what you want. The arms on the boot lid of the saloons go's to far in to the boot space for a buggy.

especially if your putting luggage in as well.

I talk from experience.

[mitzi]

Thanks for all the welcomes

Aboo baby is already here he was born 3 weeks ago

I was looking at the saloons as I prefer the look of them to the estates. Estates aren't out of the question and if buggies don't fit in the saloons then there ruled out straight away. Thats why the FTO has to go.

Enginewise i'm undecided i'd like the speed but don't fancy any reliability issues with twin turbos etc, unless they are reliable enough then its twin turbo all the way.

[bradc]

Have you seen both the prefacelift wagon and facelift?

The twin turbos (and the entire VR-4) aren't any more or less reliable than any other option. The 2.0 4cyl is a great engine but imho the 2.5 v6 is worth it for the extra power, torque, smoothness and exhaust note for 1-2mpg worse fuel consumption.

Note that the UK new non-VR-4's are all 2wd, whereas VR-4's are 4wd and are quite a different monster. The are basicall an Evo with 2 more cylinders, one extra turbo and less lag in a slightly bigger (but not much heavier) shell.

All models can be a bit of a pain if you buy an Auto car, they require quite specific oil and can suffer failures.

[mitzi]

Thanks Brad

Its the facelift one I want.

Good to know that the Twin Turbo's aren't any worse at reliablity and that MPG ain't much worse,

Can you get UK VR-4's or are they all Jap Import, Import's don't bother me to much the FTO is a import and haven't had any issues with it. I find imports are usually better looked after than english car's anyway.

Oh and a Auto is already ruled out, its got to be a manual, it took me ages to find the right manual FTO

P.s sorry for all the noob questions

[bradc]

MPG is about 5mpg worse again from a V6 to a VR-4 driven similarly.

All VR-4's were made in the UK, however Mitsi in the UK did put a foglight into the bumper of some and for insurance purposes they are UK new cars.

[Ryan]

You will find yourself hanging out for a manual, simply by virtue of the fact that there were a lot more autos made than manuals.

[bradc]

Yep, always harder to find a manual. I'm a big fan of manuals, they are 40kg lighter, lose less power and the shorter gear ratios make the car feel a lot more sporty, the auto ones are great cruisers though.

[mitzi]

I'd noticed there was a shed load of auto's out there seen a couple of manuals though, but not the right one yet.

I've got until Jan to find one really thats when my other half needs her car back, so no mad rush but the sooner the better really

[andyleaves]

Good Luck finding a Manual...
You can get them but they are snapped up pretty quick.... It wont be long before they command a price bracket themselves...

Thought about a man conversion?

Welcome to the club, One of the reasons that I got my Legnum was that we were expecting. It's a very good choice of motor, and then theres the sleeper factor as well, the look on Mr BMW's face is worth it, when an estate goes past.

Brad lets not forget the tip on the auto box that can be real fun

[bradc]

The auto boxes are great autos, don't get me wrong, but I prefer the manuals

[Mark 4]

An auto with paddle shift suits my purposes very well. I am sure if others did the same they would be very pleased with the results.

[Humpty's Revenge]

An auto with paddle shift suits my purposes very well. I am sure if others did the same they would be very pleased with the results.

Mark I`ve tried a paddle type steering wheel

Got it stuck in the moonroof.............

[Nick VR4]

Hi and welcome to the forum

[Pastor of Muppets]

theres the sleeper factor as well, the look on Mr BMW's face is worth it, when an estate goes past.

Shame about small french cars though matey!!!

[miller]

The auto boxes are great autos, don't get me wrong, but I prefer the manuals

Perfect!

Thats all I have been asking of you for ages Mr Brad C

[RobboVR4]

Evening

Thought i'd better introduce myself.

I'm Andy 26 from Cheshire currently driving a FTO,

However due to circumstances changing I need a bigger car, and have been looking at Galants, mainly the saloon ones,

Which model would you recommend and what should I look out for when getting one?

Hello & welcome
I was in your situation 2 years ago, like you i had an FTO & was looking to upsize. I would definately recommend u do, as the VR4 is in a completely different league to the FTO, ull definatly notice the difference in power & as we know power corrupts Ull most likely get 20-25mpg in the VR4 on a good day but the FTO aint much different as i got 25-35mpg.

I was also deciding wiether or not to go for the Legnum or Galant. In the end i chose the Legnum as you have the extra boot space , plus the seats can fold down the legnum, so you can kip in there if your in the doghouse lol. Galants are just as good but not as much boot space & the back seats they dont fold down fully.