View Full Version : Damn the temptation...
Flibster
04-03-2007, 23:16
I need to replace the Renault.
Was pretty set on a Mazda RX8 231 with all the toys *includign the sat nav which would be replaced with a in-car PC. ;)*
However, went out today and saw a couple of things to tempt me away from the ****el. *snigger :D*
For 2 grand(!) less than what I was looking at spending on a RX8, I can get a 2yr old Poxhell Monaro! Gaaaaah.... but it gets worse.
Ex-workmate is selling his Maserati 3200 as he's buying a house and I'd get mates rates on it. It's a fabulous dark blue and is immaculate. Although, I think I'd feel a bit of a tosser in it. Plus would piss off my boss.
Or I could just spend more on trying to get the Stratos finished. *only been 2 1/2 years*
Car buying sucks.
Flibster
04-03-2007, 23:38
Hmmmm.....
NO!
I'd rather walk tbh. Can't think of a single BMW in the past few models that I'd even consider owning. Yes they can be quick and reliable, but they're about as interesting as Belgium.
Last good looking BMW was the 2002, I'd prefer a Mercedes E190 2.5 T16 Cosworth over that though.
Simon/~Flibster
Hmmmm.....
NO!
I'd rather walk tbh. Can't think of a single BMW in the past few models that I'd even consider owning. Yes they can be quick and reliable, but they're about as interesting as Belgium.
Last good looking BMW was the 2002, I'd prefer a Mercedes E190 2.5 T16 Cosworth over that though.
Simon/~Flibster
:huh:
No accounting for taste then....
Isnt the 3200 plagued by build quality issues? Buy it regardless, its the only option that even remotely makes up for you buying a Megane...
Flibster
05-03-2007, 00:22
:huh:
No accounting for taste then....
Yup.
I have some. :p ;)
Isnt the 3200 plagued by build quality issues? Buy it regardless, its the only option that even remotely makes up for you buying a Megane...
Who cares tbh. ;)
Ok, I know it'll be expensive, unreliable, annoying and well... Italian, but it'd be worth it!
Simon/~Flibster
Flibster
05-03-2007, 00:25
D'OH!
One can delete one's own posts here y'know (though it doesn't hide them from :adminpower:).
You might be able to buy it at mates rates, but can you afford to run it?
I'm not sure I'd like to see the servicing schedule or bills for one of those :/
Flibster
05-03-2007, 14:34
Servicing doesn't sound too bad on the Masser. Local chap to me who's a well known Maserati expert - yearly or 10k - £600
Tyres last 10k if driven well. So thats 5k for me. ;)
No major parts shortages or big issues with one thats been well looked after.
Also - this chapos Labour charge is around £60 per hour which isn't dramatically different to my local Renault chap.
WOO!
Simon/~Flibster
I have thouht about stuff such as a Maserati, XKR8 DB7 etc in the past but I'm far too scared of the unreliable reputations ( well maybe not the DB7 )
Flibster
07-03-2007, 22:39
Found a couple of 3200's for sale near me earlier today. Went and had a looksee at them and have a chat with the owners.
One was red, with red leather interior..... Ugh... Luckilly it also didn't have a full service history and needed some paint work. It was cheap and nasty.
The other was owned by a car nut and I spent FAR too long talking to him. He's currently rebuilding a Lancia Delta Evo I :D
Talked about the 3200 - he's persuaded me not to buy one. He loves it but it's too Italian - his has spent more time in the garage than on the road. He's got a Ferrari 328 GTB on the way to replace the Maserati *sulk time* so it's got to go.
After looking through his garage *what a treasure trove it is... Morgan 3-wheeler in bits, Norton something or other awaiting restoration* we took a look at the Maserati. It's deeply, stunningly supremely beautiful. I think I'd put it VERY close to the DB9 and above the Vantage. The dark blue paint and beige leather is a winning competition.
He got the keys and we went out in the Maserati.
It's a fabulous car. Not a true sports car, it's definately a GT car first, but it's superb at it. The interior is wonderful - it's like a bigger, more cow unfriendly Alfa Romeo. But the driving position is all wrong for me. Just couldn't get comfortable in it. :(
Shame. But he's pointed me towards some other cars he looked at before he bought the 3200.
Jaguar XK8 - don't like the interior - too cluttered, shame as it's lovely to look at.
Jaguar XJR - This could be worth a look at.
1970s/80s Aston Martin Vantage - oooooooooooooh :D
Lotus Esprit V8 - [mutley mode] Yeahyeahyeahyeahyeahyeahyeah! [/mutley mode]
Vauxhall Monaro - Got to find one of these locally to have a go in.
BMW M5 - Errrm NO!
Porsche 911 Carrera - I can't see myself driving one tbh. It's almost shouting "I am a cock!"
Honda NSX - Very tempting, but possibly too raw for everyday.
Amongst other options.
Arse. More temptations. :(
Simon/~Flibster
Lotus Esprit V8 - [mutley mode] Yeahyeahyeahyeahyeahyeahyeah! [/mutley mode]
I assumed you'd know to stay well away from those. The V8 costs Lotus a fortune in warranty repairs for a reason...
I'd love one like this though:
http://www.carpage.hu/esprit-04.jpg
Flibster
08-03-2007, 13:14
Monaro VXR ?
A possibility. Would have to get a different bonnet for it though. 6l V8 :D
I assumed you'd know to stay well away from those. The V8 costs Lotus a fortune in warranty repairs for a reason...
I'd love one like this though:
http://www.carpage.hu/esprit-04.jpg
I know the V8 is unreliable, but I still love it.
It's like how some people forgive the TVR for being utterly terrible in anything but a straight line and seem to be built by 2 year olds from playdough - I'm like that with the Esprit V8 *especially the Sport 350*
The old Turbo Esprit :D Would either have to find one of the JPS limited edition ones, or one in burgandy and strap some skies to the roof. ;)
Simon/~Flibster
Matblack
08-03-2007, 13:23
The Honda NSX was always my favorite supercar apart from possibly the EB110, they are inexpensive to buy now and although the costs of a new clutch for example aren't cheap they aren't in the same league as a lot of the other cars of the same capability. The VTEC system on a larger displacement engine would be a LOT of fun!
MB
I agree with MB - I absolutely adore the NSX.
never driven a NSX but was always put off by it's lack of power for a supposed supercar
Matblack
10-03-2007, 13:52
A reasonable point, Honda relied much more on weight saving than adding a massive engine but the Type-R will make 0-60 in 4.4
http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/cargrouptests/205575/honda_nsx.html
http://www.evo.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_426/car_photo_213189_7.jpg (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:openWindow%28)
http://www.evo.co.uk/images/quote2_left.gifThe short, rifle-bolt action of the six-speed ’box was so fast and accurate you could dazzle yourself with your own hand speedhttp://www.evo.co.uk/images/quote2_right.gif
A road-going racer designed to kick Skyline and Supra butt in Japan’s JGTC race series, the NSX-R never officially made it to the UK, which was a tragedy. Lighter, harder, faster (http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/cargrouptests/205575/honda_nsx.html#) and hornier than the standard item, it would have been the perfect repost to the 911 GT3 and Ferrari 360 CS. We’ll certainly never forget our time behind the wheel.
According to Honda, the quicker (4.4sec) 0-60 time was purely due to weight savings and slightly shorter gearing which, incidentally, knocked the top speed down to 168mph. The 3179cc V6 was rated at an identical 276bhp. Our guess was a bit more. The motor was balanced and blueprinted after all. Certainly, the sharper throttle response and more ‘urgent’ feel suggested more gee-gees than Honda would admit to.
The NSX-R got the job done like no other sub-300bhp supercar on earth. Traction off the line was stunning, the short, rifle-bolt action of the six-speed ’box so fast and accurate you could dazzle yourself with your own hand speed. And jeez, what a noise: a howl so hard-edged it could chisel granite. The steering was alive with feel, just the right amount of weight and damping smoothing off the rough edges. The confidence it gave was astonishing. Much like the car itself…
MB
A reasonable point, Honda relied much more on weight saving than adding a massive engine
that would all be lost as soon as I sat in it though ;D
Always loved the NSX, there is a vid of Senna driving one on a track on youtube. I don't think I will ever be able to afford to run one though :(
can't imagine a NSX would be that expensive to run, Hondas are very reliable and it would probably do over 20mpg , consumables may be expensive but probably not outrageous
Flibster
22-03-2007, 21:40
Renault has GONE! :D
Took it for a service last week and the usual loan car was out. So they lent me their demo Megane Sport R26...
When you conisder you can get this car for £16k - it's staggering!
I'm not a fan of the gearchange or the seating position, but my god it's quick!
I'd certainly take one over a Focus RS or ST. The LSD on it makes a hell of a difference to the standard Megane Sport.
Wouldn't buy one because it's not really my sort of thing tbh, but it was extrordinarilly impressive.
Have got myself a little run-around until I find my new car though. Little Festa RS Turbo. It's a little ratty, but the mechanicals are sound and shockingly has a full Ford dealer service history. Still, £1350 is bloody good. Once it's tidied up and I find a replacement it should go for ~£3k
Sad thing is...I keep on going back to looking at Maseratti's. They're drawing me in. :shocked:
Simon/~Flibster
Have got myself a little run-around until I find my new car though. Little Festa RS Turbo. It's a little ratty, but the mechanicals are sound and shockingly has a full Ford dealer service history. Still, £1350 is bloody good. Once it's tidied up and I find a replacement it should go for ~£3k
Bargain, wish i can find something like that here ! :(
Those Megan sports are pretty awesome I have to say, I was very impressed with the one I testdrove. :)
Those Megan sports are pretty awesome I have to say, I was very impressed with the one I testdrove. :)
only coz its French :p
Matblack
23-03-2007, 10:03
I enjoyed my Cliosport for the time I had it, the engine is pretty basic and the trim and build quality poor but the car itself hung together well and was a good drive albiet slightly noisy.
MB
only coz its French :p
:rolleyes: Yeah... that's why I drive a jap car...
:rolleyes: Yeah... that's why I drive a jap car...
Same reason I drive a boschmobile?:) We've both experienced French cars?
I've suddenly developed a liking for the MX-5 or a S14a 200SX. Hmmm.
Nowt wrong with french cars if you know what you're getting or what to expect ;)
The megane is phenomenal though IMO.
Nowt wrong with french cars if you know what you're getting or what to expect ;)
My only experience of a French car was a Ciyroen I had from new, within 18months the amount of warranty work exceeded the original price of the car and I dumped it on the dealers forecourt and left it there ;D
Matblack
23-03-2007, 12:42
Nowt wrong with the french if you know what you're getting or what to expect ;)
Poor build quality, flashy looks, sometimes does something unexpected, premature acceleration, has trouble stopping, ride can be a little hairy ;)
MB
My most memorable French car experience was going from Chelmsford to Coventry in the back of a deux chevaux with no back seats thanks to Essex County Council incompetence (they told the driver he was only getting one passenger, and he actually had two).
That was 20 years ago, and I can still remember it - including the back pain - that's how bad it was. As a result, I'm somewhat anti-Citroën at least. :(
Totally illegal now, and probably illegal then too.
That's the problem, they put too much electronics in it, but they do it in a half hearted way and don't test it fully. It's a shame as the cars they make are full of character and usually really good fun to drive.
Shame they can't perform like their formula 1 or rally teams which are record beating. It's unfortunately the typical nonchalant attitude - we've had problems with Peugots and other froggy cars - which is such a shame really.
I've been in a handful of French cars. A 2CV many many years ago and that was, well, a 2CV. Went in a 206GTI and that was bloody fast, My mate had a mid spec late 90's 206 which was quite nice. Went to France in a series 1 Williams Clio and I have to say the handling was amazing and the acceleration out of this world for a n/a 2 litre and the interior was quite comfy. G/f has an early 2-litre Scenic and that's going strong, nothing gone wrong on it and cost us next to nothing to run it, it's comfy, a/c, and handles like any other small mpv. Dad had a new Scenic 1.6 about 2 years ago and that was gutless but it's a huge vehicle with a 1.6 so what do you expect? It's like putting a 1.3 in a Capri...
I have to agree with you about the Megane. I had a phase 1 on starship milleage and in 5 years it cost me tyres and brakepads and oil. The gearbox was about to fall out though. :)
I was seriously considering the 225 sport the other day, but im more for comfort in my old age these days, so expect to see me on a motorbike soon when I have my mid life crisis.:)
Flibster
25-03-2007, 15:19
Oh god... :D
I've pretty much just agreed to buy another car. Festa will get tidied and sold shortly.
However, as it's a crashed and repaired car, it's CHEAP! Was rebuilt by a ex-workmate and I know what his work is like, and he's been driving it for the past 6 weeks so he must be happy with it.
7 year old Lotus Elise Type 79. :D One of only 22 RHD models built.
Black, with gold wheels, black and gold interior - and has received at some time in it's life the Sport 160 upgrade. have also managed to wangle some decent dampers out of the tight git!
Was mainly Clam damage, so got the car straight form the insurance company cheap, got a clam from another written off Elise and swapped the parts and replaces others where necessary. Drives nicely. Couple of slight issues, but thats mainly the wheel alignment showing that it needs adjusting.
Only concern is the tyres. They're the wonderfully grippy Yokohama's A048's. Absolutely fabulous tyres.... In the dry.... Dangerous as hell in the wet. May have to get a second set of gold alloys and stick some Michelin's on and save the Yoko's for summer.
If all goes to plan I'll have that for my easter present. :D
Soooo...sensible car search now. :(
Oh...must tell the other half too.... :embarassed:
Simon/~Flibster
Flibster
25-03-2007, 19:17
Not at the moment.
If I'm allowed it *other half is NOT happy! :(* then I will get some nice ones.
But, it looks like the left one here:
http://www.lotus-elise.nl/Buyers_Guide/Differences/JPS.jpg
Simon/~Flibster
Being a non-car person I won't comment on the choice other than to say think carefully. Being an insurance write-off, you might have problems should you ever decide to sell. Of course, I don't know what you're planning to pay for it, so that may not be a problem.
Flibster
25-03-2007, 19:32
Currently the cheapest non crashed Elises are ~£7k
It's less than that.
Simon/~Flibster
It was only a Cat D write off anyway.
Front and rear Clams were damaged - and at ~£3k new each the insurers decided not to repair it. The clams it has on now are from 2 Cat B Elises - which together cost less than £3k.
Git. Always thought those black/gold ones looked awesome when I saw them all lined up at the factory.
I love those black and gold ones! I'm sure your missis wont mind when you show her the pics - its gorgeous!
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