Cars

[Stormtrooper37]

We have music, TV, movies/films, sport, other collecting, food/drink etc but no off-topic about cars :?

Does no one own a car :?: I can't live without one where I live as public transport is infrequent and limited so without my little runaround I'd be lost.

Now after I move in the spring I will be replacing my car and I've not bought a car for 5 years.......but what a boring selection of cars there are out there or is it me :?

It seems unless your budget is £50k+ everything else is well rather bland to say the least. Would like a Range Rover Evoke but even 2nd hand these are out of my price range.

I'm not buying brand new so will be looking at nearly new maximum age 2 years old. Narrowed it down to 3 although beginning to dislike one as I type this.

BMW 1 Series (the coupe, not the hatch as the rear is ugly IMO)
Audi A1 (Seems overpriced, but it has definitely caught my attention)
Alfa Romeo Mito (This one scares me a bit, being an Alfa and their reliability record, but the car has character)

I'm going off the BMW a bit so it will probably be between the Audi and Alfa

Previously owned from old to new
Daihatsu Charade - first car
VW Golf Driver - Unreliable
VW Golf GTI - Brakes were utter shite, leaked oil and the thing nearly killed me twice :lol:
Peugeot 205 1.6 GTI - Fantastic car
Peugeot 205 1.6 GTI - Bought another and again absolutely fantastic
Fiat Uno - Yes a big difference from the Pug as I bought my first house and sold the Pug and bought this heap of unreliable shite - WOULD NEVER BUY A FIAT AGAIN :evil:
Hyundai Accent - Just a relief to get rid of the Fiat in all honesty, This one was okay I guess, but dull
Peugeot 206 - Why did I buy this? It was awful to drive and was heavy on fuel for some strange reason
VW Lupo GTI - Nippy, but not as fun as the 205 GTI and it broke down TWICE :evil:
Mini Cooper S JCW GP - Fastest production Mini, but somehow never lived up to the 205 GTI. It was impractical and heavy on fuel so got of rid of it for something much more economical
Toyota IQ - Small, economical, looks different and dead easy to drive and park.

I've never owned an Audi or an Alfa so which ever I go for it will be a first.

Be interesting to hear others car stories

Paul

 

[Jediknight3263827]

i have a works vehicle,so my form of transport is a Ford Transit and the wife has a Vauxhall Astra which is quite a nice drive but when you are used to driving vans then i feel low down in a car so for me i prefer driving vans

 

[SublevelStudios]

Seems we had a similar car history Stormtrooper37!

1. VW Beetle, 1973, bright lemon yellow. Brilliant first car as girls loved it Mine was sadly very unreliable.
2. Then a Mk3 Ford Fiesta - absolutely great, cheap to run little car. Many Happy memories
3. D Reg Pug GTI 1.6 - fanny magnet back in 1994 and I was 21 - great car.
4. VW Golf Driver - crap car.
5. Mk1 Pug 306 Turbo Diesel - great car but sold it when I moved out.
6. Another PMk1 ug 306 Turbo Diesel - loved the first one so much I bought another, easily the best car I've ever owned. Had it for 10 years, wished I never sold it.
7. Audi A4 Avant 1.9 CDTI - worst car I ever bought - EVER.
8. Vauxhall Astra 1.9CDTI SRI - fantastic motor, went like **** off a shovel.
9. Currently own a Vauxhall Mokka - good little motor for running the kids around but major mechanical issues to start with. Dealership have been **** to deal with too - don't buy from Bristol Street Motors!

 

[weasel]

How's this for a car history...

1) Fiat Panda. Twelve years old 0.9 litre engine, came without a radio and looked like an upside down skip. Only much less sturdy.
2) Rover 200. It was a Rover. Ohh and Rovers don't float so don't try to drive them through floods!
3) Aston Martin DB9. My baby.

 

[Frunkstar]

Been motorbikes for most of my life, but when the kids came along I used my grandads rights on the licence to drive a 3 wheeler, did that for 8 years before admitting defeat with them being terribly unreliable though what a work horse they can be.

Got a Honda EG 3 door to practice for my test & then went for a Civic 1.5 aerodeck which is unbelievably reliable, a workhorse in the extreme & exceptionally practical, can't recommend them highly enough.

I now also have the 1.8 VTI V-Tec Aerodeck but its a work in progress & is going to get the treatment as my fun car.

Still prefer my ZZR600 Kawasaki though if you want to have fun & blow away the cobwebs, goes like **** off a stick.

 

[edd_jedi]

I'm a big petrol head, although currently drive a very modest Golf GTI MkIV as I had to free up some cash for a recent flat purchase. I did own this until 6 months ago, loved it!

Apart from the first couple of run arounds I've pretty much always had BMWs, IMO if you buy them used at around 5 years old you can't beat them for balance of quality and price. I've never understood why someone would spend 15 grand on a brand new Astra when you can buy a 3 year old BMW or Mercedes for the same money that will be a far better car.

Because I get the train to work I rarely get to drive these days, do miss it sometimes.

 

[SublevelStudios]

Apart from the first couple of run arounds I've pretty much always had BMWs, IMO if you buy them used at around 5 years old you can't beat them for balance of quality and price. I've never understood why someone would spend 15 grand on a brand new Astra when you can buy a 3 year old BMW or Mercedes for the same money that will be a far better car.

Stunning motor although every german car I ever had has been crap

It's not always about the car when you talk about money, it's the running costs. 15 grand on an Astra with a lifetime warranty, cheap insurance, cheap parts and labour and low road tax is something that appeals to the average motorist.

Whereas the Beemer is a fantastic car, our insurance premium is higher as is the road tax. If something goes wrong and you have to take it to the garage, the bills are SCARY, and believe me I know - my Audi bills were horrific.

And I bet when you fill up at the petrol station you need a bank loan to fill the tank.

If money is not the issue, these cars a great I agree, but on what I make financially and given the choice, the brand new Astra wins everytime over the 5 year old Beemer

 

[edd_jedi]

You're obviously right about fuel costs and road tax (although that's due to the power/engine size not the brand) but in my experience things like maintenance are no more than any other car. Dealer servicing costs a fortune no matter what brand you have, I always used to either do oil changes myself or take it to National who do oil services for about £40, you can't even buy the oil that cheap! Same for parts, if you know where to look they're no more expensive than any other brands. All car manufacturers rely on the people too scared to change a bulb themselves.

My old 5 series went through three MOTs without needing so much as a new tyre, the cheapest car I've ever owned running costs wise.

Also, I'm not sure how £80 less road tax makes up for 3 grand depreciation per year :lol:

 

[weasel]

If something goes wrong and you have to take it to the garage, the bills are SCARY, and believe me I know - my Audi bills were horrific.

And I bet when you fill up at the petrol station you need a bank loan to fill the tank.

You think Audi bills were bad! :lol:

 

[Frunkstar]

If we're talking reliability & cheapness, so value for money motoring, you IMO simply can not bean the older 90's Honda's, they rarely go wrong & my 1.5 drives like most 1.8's with plenty of power for what it is, cheap tax/insurance only down side is they are heavier on fuel for their engine capacity, but as also said, they well & truly outperform their CC capacity, I would not change mine for another car if I could unless I won the lottery, then an R8 maybe on the cards

 

[Robstyley]

I like cars and bikes, my old mans a petrol head and worked for Fords so I grew up around cars and bikes. Always down Brands Hatch when I was a kid. Rode a 1978 Kawasaki 125 scrambler when I was 16 (illegally). I've had all sorts, a lot of hatchbacks! Nothing that flash; A Beetle, Fiesta(s), Escort, Fiesta XR2, Renault 5 Turbo, Peugeot 205, Peugeot 206. If I had lots of money I'd probably buy a Porsche or a BMW. Now I have a Ford Focus and the use of a Mercedes SLK which isn't mine. When I bought the Focus we wanted a medium sized family hatchback, not too thirsty and big enough for kids and stuff. I had a good look at Golfs, A3's, Astras, Focuses etc and the Focus was the best one for the money. It's the biggest inside, it has a massive boot, it drives really nice and it's a lot cheaper than an Audi, BM or VW. It's not all that exciting but it does what it says on the tin and I love it. I'm going to probably get a Mondeo or something similar in a few years time. That Z4's lovely Edd, I've driven one of them, very similar to the SLK.

 

[weasel]

The missus' ma has a focus, nice car. Although hers is an automatic and it's a woeful system. The rest of the car is absolutely fine though.

 

[SAVORY100]

My car history is not that great, but has had some highlights...

Personal:
1967 VW Beetle - broke down regularly was beaten up on the wings, but it was the right car to have straight after passing my test as a Uni student
Peugeot 205 - one of the best cars I've ever owned... seriously... great fuel consumption, pokey and light with not one single mech issue in the 4-5 years I had it
Peugeot 306 - by far the worst car I've ever owned
Honda Civic Type R - by far the most fun and most costly (7 points and two big fines in 8 months) car I have ever owned
Mini Cooper red with a union Jack roof - loved it... but missed the oomph of the above
Mini Cooper S with a load of the Works kit fitted to give it a boost - bought direct from the factory (family work there), fully spec'd to all my wants and needs
Nissan Juke - bought to fit all the equipment in for my part -time PT business, OK car, but should have bought a bigger engined model

Family:
Ford Mondeo - massive boot and a great engine that just kept going for ever!
Ford Grand C-max (we're on our third) - absolute winner of a family car, convert to 7 seats,but day:day performs and drives like a normal hatchback

No idea what next, though I have been driving a Rav4 the past week as a hire car and really enjoyed it, especially when I thought I was going to get stuck up at Hadrian's Wall in the Snow... it got me out and went like a train!

 

[Cazza]

Was thinking of starting a car thread the other day! Well done Paul

Out of your choices, I'd go with the Beemer.

My car history:
Nissan Sunny 1.6 16v
Mini City (wrote it off)
Peugeot 306 2.0 l Sedan
VW Corrado G60
EG6 Honda Civic VTI
VW Corrado 2.0 16v
VW Corrado VR6
MB6 Honda Civic VTI
VW Corrado 2.0 16v
VW Corrado VR6
Skoda Octavia vRS estate
VW Corrado 2.0 16v
VW Corrado VR6
Honda Prelude 2.2 VTI Motegi
VW Corrado 1.8 16v- absolutely mint, concourse condition
VW Corrado VR6
VW Corrado VR6 Storm
Currently: 2002 BAM Audi S3, Avus Silver

Bit of a Corrado nut as you can see and still a mod on the Corrado Forum. Think I've got them out of my system now, although still miss the vr roar 8) Thoroughly enjoying my S3- such a capable car, been reliable and very good value. Remap is essential though

 

[x-pack]

Always been well into cars. Dad has a massive car park at his pub and by the time I was twelve I had a Mini Clubman and an Allegro. Both were shitters from the scrap yard and I couldn't drive them for toffee.

Loads of cars have passed through my hands as I was a mechanic and could use cars that were hanging around the sales pitch, in some case for months on end. But since 1995 I haven't owned that many.

First car/camper was a Fiat Amigo. It was pretty cool when I was 19 and many a memorable moment were had in the back of it :wink:

After that a 1985 XR3i that I always regret selling. It leaked water in like a bastird but I loved it.

At some point there was an XR2 that made alarming scraping noises from the back when going around corners. Quick though :?

A 1967 Ford Anglia 1200 Super. It was a show car and too perfect to drive, which is why i sold it after only 6 months.

Mk1 Escort Mexico. It was a rot box and I should have known better as the seller was dodgy as ****. Sold it shortly afterwards as a shell and kept the good bits.

Then there's the car I have now - Mk2 Escort x-pack. It's a Frankenstein type car. Not in the slightest bit original, but as someone pointed out to me, "it's a Mk2 that's still shiny". There aren't many left and i've had this one 15 years. In fact this week i'm looking for a new car because the Escort has done me well but it needs to be a summer mobile only to keep me from carrying out restoration work every 12 months.


Boring bit for people who aren't into bikes ...
AR50
TZR125
NSR125
TZR125 YPVS Import
TZR125 YPVS
RD 350 YPVS
Honda 900 Fireblade

 

[Stormtrooper37]

Was thinking of starting a car thread the other day! Well done Paul

Out of your choices, I'd go with the Beemer.

My car history:
Nissan Sunny 1.6 16v
Mini City (wrote it off)
Peugeot 306 2.0 l Sedan
VW Corrado G60
EG6 Honda Civic VTI
VW Corrado 2.0 16v
VW Corrado VR6
MB6 Honda Civic VTI
VW Corrado 2.0 16v
VW Corrado VR6
Skoda Octavia vRS estate
VW Corrado 2.0 16v
VW Corrado VR6
Honda Prelude 2.2 VTI Motegi
VW Corrado 1.8 16v- absolutely mint, concourse condition
VW Corrado VR6
VW Corrado VR6 Storm
Currently: 2002 BAM Audi S3, Avus Silver

Bit of a Corrado nut as you can see and still a mod on the Corrado Forum. Think I've got them out of my system now, although still miss the vr roar 8) Thoroughly enjoying my S3- such a capable car, been reliable and very good value. Remap is essential though

Wow Andy, 10 Corrado's!!
Yeah thought it odd that a forum of 99.9% of lads into Star Wars and no mention of cars :shock:

 

[x-pack]

Was thinking of starting a car thread the other day! Well done Paul

Out of your choices, I'd go with the Beemer.

My car history:
Nissan Sunny 1.6 16v
Mini City (wrote it off)
Peugeot 306 2.0 l Sedan
VW Corrado G60
EG6 Honda Civic VTI
VW Corrado 2.0 16v
VW Corrado VR6
MB6 Honda Civic VTI
VW Corrado 2.0 16v
VW Corrado VR6
Skoda Octavia vRS estate
VW Corrado 2.0 16v
VW Corrado VR6
Honda Prelude 2.2 VTI Motegi
VW Corrado 1.8 16v- absolutely mint, concourse condition
VW Corrado VR6
VW Corrado VR6 Storm
Currently: 2002 BAM Audi S3, Avus Silver

Bit of a Corrado nut as you can see and still a mod on the Corrado Forum. Think I've got them out of my system now, although still miss the vr roar 8) Thoroughly enjoying my S3- such a capable car, been reliable and very good value. Remap is essential though

Wow Andy, 10 Corrado's!!
Yeah thought it odd that a forum of 99.9% of lads into Star Wars and no mention of cars :shock:

I think it's 100% now that Deber has ****ed off. Could be a few ladies in the shadows though :wink:

 

[Stormtrooper37]

I'm a big petrol head, although currently drive a very modest Golf GTI MkIV as I had to free up some cash for a recent flat purchase. I did own this until 6 months ago, loved it!



Apart from the first couple of run arounds I've pretty much always had BMWs, IMO if you buy them used at around 5 years old you can't beat them for balance of quality and price. I've never understood why someone would spend 15 grand on a brand new Astra when you can buy a 3 year old BMW or Mercedes for the same money that will be a far better car.

Because I get the train to work I rarely get to drive these days, do miss it sometimes.

Totally agree Edd. Some people may argue about cost to run more expensive marques, but the depreciation on a new car would be far worse and is the biggest cost of all. But then again some people like peace of mind of a 3, 5, or even 7 year warranty on a new car to avoid unexpected bills I suppose.

Insurance has never been an issue for me even when I had my top of the range Mini, the car tax cost more than the insurance on that one. Providing you have a full no claims and don't have a high risk Post code Insurance for most on here should be reasonable. I now look at how much it will cost to tax the car now as this tends to be the issue for me - I wont pay more than £250.00 to tax a car.

 

[Stormtrooper37]

Seems we had a similar car history Stormtrooper37!

3. D Reg Pug GTI 1.6 - fanny magnet back in 1994 and I was 21 - great car.
/quote]

I had my G Reg Pug GTI 1.6 in 1994, Gunmetal Grey with those bright red carpets, go kart handling, I was 22 and had a steady girlfriend then, wish I could go back to those times, great car, clubbing Friday and Saturday nights with my mates who were all on the pull except me (my girlfriend would have killed me). I always drove and parked in a well dodgy area at night when going out with only a Krooklok (remember those :lol: ) to protect my Pug but it was never touched, good ole days

 

[ODB]

This is my toy for sunny days:


I have to resist getting one of the new ones to compliment it though.

Everyday car is a new shape Mazda 6, it gets me from A to B comfortably.