Should I buy an FTO?

[David]

Hi there,

Kinda came across this forum by accident, I'm currently looking in to getting a new car during the summer.I've long been an an admirer of the FTO but only recenly realised that they are more affordable than I had thought. I really don't know much about the cars other than they look great so would appreciate some info.

I will be only just finished college this year so tax/insurance would be an issue for me, for that reason I would probably only be interested in the 1.8 model. I'd like a manual gearbox but they seem to be pretty rare in the FTO??

I can tinker about with cars to an extent but I'm no mechanic...are they reliable? I've had a couple of old Volvo's before now (came across this site via the Volvo 480 Europe site) and was plagued with electrical issues so am hoping to avoid that scenario again!

Are there many good ones about? Many of the ones I see on donedeal, ect. are cheap but seem a bit abused...I wouldn't want an ex-boy-racers car.

I realise everybody here will be more than a bit biased but I'd appreciate any advice.

[paul2508]

this link should come in handy for ya dave
http://www.mivec.co.uk/q_and_a/q_and_a.htm

[colm_mcm]

I've had 2 and neither of them had any real issues. had a wiper spindle that needed lubrication on the first one and a sticking front caliper on the second one.

Your only real stumbling block may be insurance. note that the 1.8 is taxed as 1.9 - so if the insurance is similar, then get a V6.

[Bernard]

I've had a couple of old Volvo's before now (came across this site via the Volvo 480 Europe site)

I'm curious to know how we got ourselves a mention on a volvo owners club?

Before you decide on any particular model or transmission, take a few for a drive, also keep an eye on the meets section. There should be a meet coming up soon enough and it would give you a chance to see some of our cars in the flesh.
Welcome along by the way.

[colm_mcm]

fto doesn't get a great reception on there

[StewyD32]

who cares... volvos are for old grannies and grandads.

volvos suck
ftos rock


get yourself an fto david. their the best cars around.
Manual ftos aren't as rare as you think. its a bit of a myth

[David]

Cheers lads,

Thanks for the replies. Thought I replied to this already but it doesnt seem to have showed up...

A guy called Kace mentioned FTO's on the Volvo forum, so that's how I ended up here. Just got an online quote for a 1.8 GS and it worked out at over 1100 euro...bit more than I expected!

I really wont be in the market till the summer so plenty of time to do a bit more research, have a look about, ect...

[StewyD32]

what age are ya

[CJ]

fto doesn't get a great reception on there

You don't say!

FTO stands for

F*cking
Turn
Off

(okay that was a bit harsh, sorry)

I am not a fan of mitsubishis and the FTO is no exception, in NZ they are cheap as chips and or good reason, they are slow and expensive to fix, and a smoking FTO is a common site.

[David]

I wouldn't take much notice of what they say on that Volvo site, they are a great bunch but some are WAY too into their Volvos!

I'm 25...26 in June...

[power]

Did you get a quote on a 2litre?
I'm 23 and only payin 1300 fully comp on the 2litre non mivec.

I think most people that get the 1.8 usually end up trading in for the 2litre, so save yourself the hassle and just get one now

[Dilogoat86]

€2500 and you can have my GPX. Comes with a timing belt kit, engine bolt kit, new front downpipe gaskets and a new kambda sensor.

[David]

Thanks for the offer but I'm flat broke till I start work next month...won't be able to buy anthing till then!

[Sebastian]

don't buy a GS ( 1.8 ) , you'll regret it after 1 week .

Go for a V6 2 L engine , tax is not to far from a 1.8 , and insurance really depends on your luck and history.
Preferably a manual box would make the driving more enjoyable but the INVEC II tiptronic box is not to be overlooked .

if you want a top model than the MIVEC is the way to go ( GPX or GPvR)


Should you buy an FTO ?
YES .

Cheap parts , big and helpful community and unique looks.
Good luck

[Dilogoat86]

My car is a 2.0 GPX manual, weird kinda camo-ish green (almost black).

Forgot to mention also with the deal is a clutch and a set of HIDs. And just for you I'll drop the price to €2,450

[cullen5998]

Buy buy buy!
Nothing like an FTO for looks
V6 sweeeeet!
Mivec
I went from a BMW 316 Coupe to GPX , insurance is €762 TPFT and im 23 with quinn direct.
Go for it if you can!!

[David]

762 euro?? How the hell did you manage that? You must have a stack of no claims bonus built up?! That's not much more than what I'm currently paying to insure a fiat punto!

[cullen5998]

I have 6 years no claims alright. My insurance went up about €200 from the 316 1.6 to get insured on the FTO which is grand. Quinn were the only insurance company to give a quote though as im under 24.

[StewyD32]

. im with Quinn as well and paying nearly the same and only have 3 years no claims with windscreen cover etc, and only 23

[David]

Will ring Quinn and see what they say...the last quote I had was online. Few nice FTO's cropping up on internet now...wish I was workin!

Jusut out of interest, has anyone here heard from Kace recently??

[CJ]

Kace in on every now again, I'm sure he'll spot this thread soon...

[Kace]

Will ring Quinn and see what they say...the last quote I had was online. Few nice FTO's cropping up on internet now...wish I was workin!

Jusut out of interest, has anyone here heard from Kace recently??

I'm around Dave - will get those pictures for you as soon as I can.

[David]

No bother Kace - thanks. Actually another one cropped up for sale in Rosscommon...nothing for ages and then...

[StewyD32]

could it be faith

[Muad_dib77]

I'm sure you mean fate?

faith is what some people have in Jesus, other people and the economy..

/sorry..