Choose me A Car..

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Hmmm... well I'll be taking a test drive soon. Were these the latest model Rob?
 
One was definitely the new model, not sure about the other - this was two guys who bought them after our TELIC tour and bought thiers last summer. One guy I know bought new - the other may have bought his 2nd hand...
I do like the look of the new ones better, but still not enough to be convinced...

I have to say it's one of the things I do actually pay attention to on Top Gear - even Clarkson liked the old Ford Cougar - when it was deeply unfashionable to say so...

I think that being an Audi, there'll be nothing at all wrong with it...nothing...it may just feel a bit...staid...it is German after all...
In Germany they're the most ruthlessly efficient of all the domestic marques...
Now that Audi own Porsche things may improve a little - give them a bit more edge...

I just hope they go back to being called Auto-Union...
 
Boxster S

I've owned mine for over 5 years now,, use it every day and the only thing I can think of to replace it with is another Boxster S. Since you have owned an S2000 you are clearly not averse to a mid-engined two seater.
 
I love my BMW 540i touring , 6speed manual box makes it fun and the fuel bills less of a joke.
 
I have to say it's one of the things I do actually pay attention to on Top Gear - even Clarkson liked the old Ford Cougar - when it was deeply unfashionable to say so...

Funnily enough, Clarkson loves the new TT (he hated the old one) not that I think he's the final arbiter in these matters, but it does indictate a difference between the two models.
 
Boxster S

I've owned mine for over 5 years now,, use it every day and the only thing I can think of to replace it with is another Boxster S. Since you have owned an S2000 you are clearly not averse to a mid-engined two seater.

I'm not averse to the idea of a Boxster at all, I'm sure it's a load of fun. It's just not practical enough for an only car, which is why the S2000 had to go.
 
Prefer the Corsa VXR over the Astra purely down to how daft it is, torque steer is part and parcel of the car but it's an absolute hoot :)

Slightly more sensible but still very good fun is the Mazda 3 MPS, was the fastest hatch out there for a good while (not sure if it still is), good reliability as well :)
 
I remember reading your tale of woe Mr Outlore, I still suspect your car is an oddity as I know a fair few owners of the DSG box in VAG form and have encountered many many more vehicles with the Ford Powershift version, and none have had similar issues with the transmission.

The internal workings of the transmission are fantastic, I was lucky enough to have a good old play with a cut away unit and could watch the pre selection of the gears and clutch actuation :D

It may be me that's the oddity actually - as my 1st DSG equipped car had to have the box replaced at 9000 miles as well :)

I agree - for the most part, they are strong reliable and a good compromise between manual and auto, but speak to ANY VAG tech "off the record" (at least the 5 or 6 I have spoken to) and they'll tell you what a nightmare they are - partially because you cannot order components for them, it's a replacement box, or nothing.

VAG USA has increased it's warranty period on DSG boxes to 100,000 miles as a result of a spate of complaints regarding them being faulty. Read into that what you will.
 
Funnily enough, Clarkson loves the new TT (he hated the old one) not that I think he's the final arbiter in these matters, but it does indictate a difference between the two models.

I must have mis-heard him then: I got the impression that it was 100% better than the old one but still a little too divorced from the road to be real ''fun'' to drive if ever the mood took you to let the thing off the leash...
 
It may be me that's the oddity actually - as my 1st DSG equipped car had to have the box replaced at 9000 miles as well :)

I agree - for the most part, they are strong reliable and a good compromise between manual and auto, but speak to ANY VAG tech "off the record" (at least the 5 or 6 I have spoken to) and they'll tell you what a nightmare they are - partially because you cannot order components for them, it's a replacement box, or nothing.

VAG USA has increased it's warranty period on DSG boxes to 100,000 miles as a result of a spate of complaints regarding them being faulty. Read into that what you will.

Oh ****!

OK then, these issues apart, what do think of the drive and handling generally?
 
I must have mis-heard him then: I got the impression that it was 100% better than the old one but still a little too divorced from the road to be real ''fun'' to drive if ever the mood took you to let the thing off the leash...

Thats my impression from being in one, and driving the old one around brands hatch. They just have tooooooooooooo much grip to fun. Unless you really really provoke them, then you really need your whits about you to catch them.
 
I must have mis-heard him then: I got the impression that it was 100% better than the old one but still a little too divorced from the road to be real ''fun'' to drive if ever the mood took you to let the thing off the leash...

"Proper sports car" I'm sure I heard him say.In fact I don't think I've read a bad review of the new model - although you have to be careful - sometimes they're driving the TTS which will be a different animal.

I certainly hope it's better, I went for a test drive in the old car all ready to buy and the drive was a big disappointment.In fact I went straight round to the 'onda dealer, had test drive in the S2000 and bought one there and then.

The CTR is going to be a tough act to follow for fun and for handling, in fact it's pretty much ideal - I just fancy a change.
 
Is a shame they dont do the Accord Type R anymore isnt it ?
Actually, it is Ian. The new Accords are really nice in top end spec too - lack for nothing except a bit of grunt.
 
The old Italian lady could be available Cedric.....................:D
 
I'd love an Italian lady, but I'm not looking to go that exotic mate. :D
 
That is a shame, she is a lovely ride.................:naughty:
 
Sloppy seconds? :nono:
 
Talking of Audis, the engine in my neighbour's (just) 3 year old A4 just spread itself all over the road - £6k bill for a new one. Audi have offered a £500 "goodwill" payment....
 
Mazda RX8. Amazingly cheap ones about now they've stopped making them. We had a look at a one year old one for £14K with 6K miles on the clock. That's £11k depreciation in the first year!

Good size boot, 4 proper seats, great performance.

Just 15-18mpg around town, 25-27mpg on a run and a litre of oil every 1000 miles.
 
Yep -the RX8 is a nice car, but Mazda really told a few porkies about the anticipated mileage, which peed off a lot of users and is probably responsible for that price drop.
 
VW Golf GT Diesel

Probably the fastest accelerating car i have ever driven (except my kit cars!) These things have SO MUCH TORQUE!!!!! They are amazing! Made me fell 17 again when driving it for 3 days while our VW Sharan was at the menders having a lambda sensor replaced.
 
I'm not averse to the idea of a Boxster at all, I'm sure it's a load of fun. It's just not practical enough for an only car, which is why the S2000 had to go.

I've just got rid of my Porsche (yesterday) after being sick and tired of ridiculous running costs (using a specialist). MPG's fine, but every year was 2 sets of tyres, a set of brakes (discs & pads) and 2 services :(

Replaced with a 10 month old Focus ST3 with 4K miles for well under 20K, it's quick and can carry more gear too :)
 
Get yourself the soon to be launched Peugeot RCZ - I think its gorgeous. I love Audi TTs but I think the RCZ looks more unique and distinctive and will save you a bit of money !
 
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Another vote for anything with that VW 170 bhp engine in it :)

I have a golf GT Tdi and it goes like stink. Having said that I'm looking to change it later this year too and I have a BIG problem choosing what to get next too. Need a 4 seater that will take 2 dogs or a bootfull of gear. So things I LIKE such as the TT or anything with a boot are out.

I have driven the Audi A3 with the 2l diesel and dsg gearbox and I have to admit it was rather fun, especially in sports mode. :)
 
Seriously considering a BMW 320 diesel estate. I know, I should wash my mouth out! ;)
 
Seriously considering a BMW 320 diesel estate. I know, I should wash my mouth out! ;)

Makes a lot of sense considering what you want it for. You'd think choosing a car would be easy wouodn't you - but it isn't!
 
How about a nice Nissan 200sx s15, nice comfy interior which feels good to be in and great cars to drive!

Warning: that will be a very biased opinion ;)
 
Actually, anyone not buying and running a Ford on this Forum should be shot and/or excommunicated...
 
I'm due to change my car around next June so no great rush, but I'm sick of looking at cars and not finding anything that floats my boat (without remortgaging anyway) so any ideas will be great.

My last few cars to give you some idea where I'm at.

Ford Probe 24 valve 2.5 Litre
Toyota MR2 MK2
Honda S2000. Loved it but got the 2 seater sports car out of my system.
Honda Civic Type-R last version.
Honda Civic Type-R current version.

You can probably tell I like the Type-R as it ticks all the boxes for me, having the performance and practicality, but part of me feels I need a change and that I should be looking at something with a more 'respectable' image for a state pensioner. :D That's where I'm having the difficulty .If I stick with Honda, I suppose the Accord would be the obvious choice and a sensible one if decide to do 'sensible' but probably sacrificing too much pokeand just plain old fun.

Interior environment is very important to me and the interior in the Type-R is great. I just haven't seen anything I like nearly as much with the possible exception of the Audi A4 - one of the better ones not sure which it is.

Go on then what would you go for? I don't want to spend much more than £20K and I'd consider very low mileage used.
jag xjr,
merc e55 amg
rs4
rs6
e39 m5
all 400bhp minimum, refined, comfy, fast as phuk when you want them to be :)
and they can be fun too :)
 
jag xjr,
merc e55 amg
rs4
rs6
e39 m5
all 400bhp minimum, refined, comfy, fast as phuk when you want them to be :)
and they can be fun too :)

LOL Some seriously tasty stuff there, but I'm not looking for humungous performance - just something around what I have that's reasonably practical without too much of an 'in yer face' image.
 
My suggestions would be:
Jag XK8 old shape though, not so keen on the new ones.
Mazda RX8, ok it could be more economical but in the scheme of things if you are spending 20k on a car....
Nissan 350Z (or whatever the new one is called 370??)
 
Audi S3!

I have one as a loaner at the moment and I am certainly not looking forward to giving it back tomorrow! Unassuming but if you're in the know, then you're impressed. Also, lovely when the turbo kicks in although you will have to get out of your 9000rpm habit.
 
How about a nice Nissan 200sx s15, nice comfy interior which feels good to be in and great cars to drive!

Warning: that will be a very biased opinion ;)

Rocking Horse Poo for a good one but I'ld give my vote for that :)

Look stunning as well :)
 
Thanks for all the great suggestions folks. :thumbs:I've been for a test drive in the TT though today, which has pretty well clinched the decision - so it's going to be a TT - probably very soon. ;)
 
In that case I look forward to seeing some nice moody shots of the new TT in the forums soon.
 
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