Damn the temptation... - Page 4

Grandad · 23-03-2007, 12:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Le Will

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

Matblack · 23-03-2007, 12:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Le Will

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

Mark · 23-03-2007, 12:48

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.

Will · 23-03-2007, 12:57

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.

Jonny69 · 23-03-2007, 13:36

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...

mejinks · 23-03-2007, 13:44

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...

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.

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.

Soooo...sensible car search now.

Oh...must tell the other half too....

Simon/~Flibster

Dr. Z · 25-03-2007, 18:43

Got any photos?

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_Gui...rences/JPS.jpg

Simon/~Flibster

Mark · 25-03-2007, 19:20

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.

23-03-2007, 12:48	#33
Mark Screaming Orgasm Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Newbury Posts: 15,194	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. Last edited by Mark; 23-03-2007 at 13:12.

23-03-2007, 12:57	#34
Will BBx woz 'ere :P Join Date: Jan 1970 Posts: 2,147,487,208	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. __________________ *No No!*

23-03-2007, 13:36	#35
Jonny69 Noob Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Socialist Republik of Kent Posts: 5,032	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... __________________

25-03-2007, 15:19	#37
Flibster Moonshine Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 3,388	Oh god... 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. 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. Soooo...sensible car search now. Oh...must tell the other half too.... Simon/~Flibster __________________ Last edited by Flibster; 25-03-2007 at 15:22.

25-03-2007, 18:43	#38
Dr. Z I'm going for a scuttle... Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,021	Got any photos? __________________

25-03-2007, 19:17	#39
Flibster Moonshine Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 3,388	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_Gui...rences/JPS.jpg Simon/~Flibster __________________

25-03-2007, 19:20	#40
Mark Screaming Orgasm Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Newbury Posts: 15,194	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.