Mitsubishi FTO (2000 - 2002) FTO 2.0 V6 GPX (197bhp) 2d Auto (2000/W) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Not really sure - I think it's a great car though. I've thoroughly enjoyed the past couple of years with it; it's beaten 400 mile roundtrips and given me the experience I wanted when buying it. I still smile when cleaning it; and I still look back every time I walk away from it.

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

My girlfriend loves it as much as I do. My family probably didn't expect me to be keeping it for 2 years!

Would you buy this car again and why?

If I skipped back a few years and put myself in the same situation as I was in; yes, definitely. I wouldn't buy one again purely because I've had my time with one and want to try out other cars.

What are you likely to buy next?

I'm looking at Imprezas, Civic Type Rs and Nissan 350Zs - just depends on which I enjoy the most really. My dream car is a MkIV Supra; so I'm constantly working towards that.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£800

When did you buy the car?

April 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

I bought the car privately from a known FTO Owners Club member. He had receipts of almost all work carried out since it was brought over from Japan. The car had 140,000km with a cambelt done at 110,000 - so yes, £800 for what ended up being 2 years of bulletproof driving, pretty good deal.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Bought as a weekend runabout / bit of fun.

What was the dealer like?

N/A

What's it like to drive?

Great fun. It sticks to the road nicely, pulls away fairly well (especially for a 20 year old car). I fitted a front strut brace which made all the difference to cornering; the front still tends to roll a bit due to the high stance of the front. I'm sure with coilovers these would make for great track cars.

What's it like to park?

Easy; visibility has never been an issue - the rear spoiler does take up a fair amount of the rear window though.

Have you had any problems with the car?

I've had it for 2 years; in that time I've replaced: - Front drop-links & ARB bushes - Rear drop-links & ARB bushes - Alternator And general servicing, which isn't too bad at all.

What's most practical about your car?

The car isn't really practical; however, the boot is surprisingly big - more than enough for a weekly shop. Space in the back is basically non-existent; anyone over 6ft will be resting against the rear window.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The V6 engine.