• Summary

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What does this car say about you?

    We care about excellent value-for-money and build quality. We also care about reliability and having three more years of warranty as back-up, even on a two year old car. We like something that looks sporty, but is still affordable to maintain and insure.

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    Don't care too much really. Most will probably think it looks great, until they see the badge and then the 'snobbery' factor will undoubtedly kick in!

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Yes - it represents tremendous value for money and, equally to the point, there are very few, if any, real alternatives considering the price we paid. The Celica is no longer made and second hand Sciroccos are scarce and still very expensive in comparison, while the Mazda RX-8 is obscenely thirsty!

    What are you likely to buy next?

    VW Scirocco or (hopefully) Audi TT

  • Buying experience

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Independent

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £8,750

    When did you buy the car?

    February 2009

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Excellent deal - presumably garages are finding it tough right now, so they are more prepared to negotiate.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Great value for money and met all of our requirements.

    What was the dealer like?

    Superb. Really helpful, well organised and very reasonable.

  • Driving it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What's it like to drive?

    I was pleasantly surprised at how impressively the Coupe drove. It feels very solidly put together, pulls strongly through the rev-range (much better than our old Celica) and generally performs really well. The steering is maybe a little heavy at low speeds, but it becomes lighter on A-roads and on the motorway.

    What's it like to park?

    Not surprisingly the rear visibility is not great, though this is something you get used to and learn to live with.

  • Living with it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    No, nothing yet, but then we've only owned it for a little while (about a month).

    What's most practical about your car?

    2+2 seats and a large boot.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Heated seats; climate control; trip computer; red leather interior.