Going to be chopping in my '6 and I'm wondering if I should spend to save, if you know what I mean!

I've spent quite a bit to keep the mechanical side in working order but various things let the car down. The front bumper has the grille missing and is cracked so really needs replaced, including the front fog lights. The rear discs and pads need done, although I know that's relatively cheap. The front fans have given up, but i don't know if it's the thermostat or if the fans are knackered. It needs a service as well and the wheels could do with a refurb as well. The tyres are good though.

I have had the clutch changed, various suspension bits as and when required, a new front shock absorber, new radiator, brake pipes, front and rear suspension mounts, track rod ends and a few other bits and bobs.

So, trade in its probably £200, eBay I might get £400. If I get a new bumper, get fans sorted, refurb wheels, get drivers seat retrimmed, try and deal with the patch of rust and get it serviced will I get more for it?

It's a phase 2.5 in black, paintwork isn't great but it shines up pretty well, has done 126k miles and Cam belt was done at 103k by methven garage in Perth so won't need done for another 10k at least and it's an S reg. should I spend £500 and do what I can? Will I make £800 for the car? Opinions?

In case someone asks, thinking about either a Leon Cupra (non R), Octavia vRS or Megane RS 225. I am also considering an Accord Type R but they're like rocking horse s**te up here!

I know but I don't really have the equipment to strip it and I really have nowhere to keep it all while I do it.

That is what I am worried about. I may try and source a bumper and see about getting the seat trimmed as it really let's the interior down. That and the overheating but I may just trade it in and hope he doesn't just decide to scrap it. I'm hopeful they will fix it and offer it up at £995 or something or send it to auction. It would be a real shame to scrap it, it's been unreliable and temperamental but when it was working it was great!

Yeah I'm thinking just trade it or whack it on eBay, auction style, £200 reserve and see what happens.

No. They're very rare north of the border. The idea of being civilised and almost docile and then beng able to let rip when needed does appeal but they're not much newer than the '6 and have some problems that I'm aware of. It's one of the options but the Leon is looking like the favourite at the moment.

Get a civic ek9

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cherry p1.....SOLD (regreting this)
blaze p2.....why did i buy this SOLD
Black p3

i think all of the type R range had lsd.

for a 2.2 they are not all that great.

was quite annoyed today, as there is a black one that passes through my town every now and then, and today i was finally behind him, was going to go out the road with him, but had my son in the car so i just went home. would of liked to see how it went, although im positive it was my pug i was in when i bet a 2.2 prelude. so they cant be that great.

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1997 blaze GTI-6 bought january '11 £800

Spend to date on parts £827.88