u/Unusual_Laugh_5433

Posting because of a discussion I've had with a few mates earlier. For instance there was a time in the early 2010s my dad had a 00' Toyota Levin whereas my mam had a 98' Mitsubishi Colt.

We had these cars up until 2016-2018 which really isn't that long ago and I don't remember any of them being rare by any means, especially the Colt. You'd even still see the odd Levin being driven even by the Average Joe.

Just strange how cars disappear in the blink of an eye. I'm aware the Levin is still popular with enthusiasts but I'd reckon I haven't seen any of the two on the street in the past 5 years and there's really none for sale currently.

Has anyone else had any other cars as such to reminisce over? I really miss the Levin myself it was a savage car, even if it was the BZG and not the BZR. I still remember the sound the throttle bodies would make haha, shame I didn't get my license till well later.

Id like to say this is one of my attainable dream cars. Ive heard that ireland probably has the most outside of japan but ive only seen a few around and theres only 2 for sale at the moment on donedeal/marketplace and havent seen any on group chats recently.

Im 21, based in Dublin and surprisingly insurance is very reasonable on these Im getting quoted the same amount i would for more economical low powered cars, theyre also decent on fuel for what they are. Would it be wise to pursue one of these as a first car from an unbiased perspective? I dont mind the tax on these that much (710eur) and id say i can spend about 10k in cash on one which i hope is enough for a decent one in running order? Importing is not really an option as it goes out of my budget.

Anyone know anything more about the situation/market in ireland, and if anyone has owned one do let me know regarding the good bad and the ugly when it came to owning one. Would it make for a good daily driver?

Also wouldnt mind info regarding the 2.4 vtec (cl9) too though ive heard/seen theyre much rarer.