Time to change my car???

ok boys, time to put the testosterone back in the bottle. I drive a vx220, we own one. yeah, it has a body and some leather on the seats, but thats about as close to a 'road car' as it gets. Suspension is rock solid, its a track car, when you corner it, its digs in..and digs a bit more...then it lets go..and its nowhere near as forgiving as most road going sports cars. They [both vx and lotus elise/exige] are noisy as hades on the motorway and have all the luggage capacity of one of those small shopping trolleys at Tescos [i can vouch for this, I have tried, about £60's worth]. As much as I would be very happy to sell ours to MG TF, I think if he is looking at tintops as a replacement for his MG, then arguing over the produce of Hethel [and the lousy build quality that that entails] is a tad futile. :cuckoo:
 
LadyLens said:
ok boys, time to put the testosterone back in the bottle. I drive a vx220, we own one. yeah, it has a body and some leather on the seats, but thats about as close to a 'road car' as it gets.
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Isn't that the whole point? It's the best big boys toy there is...unless you want to spend seriously silly money!!

Gary.
 
EdinburghGary said:
Isn't that the whole point? It's the best big boys toy there is...unless you want to spend seriously silly money!!

Gary.
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Well you can have something that's fast, handles like a race car, is totally impractical and hideously uncomfortable for not alot of money, if that's what you want.

LadyLens is right though, driving round in a beast of a car isn't for everyone and even for those of us who do like it, the shine can soon wear off when you have to use it every day.
 
S2000 - still the most fun sports car on the market, a real go kart, rip your face off exhilarating drive. Be very very careful in this weather though!

Civic Type-R you wont go wrong with either the outgoing model or the new one - both are a blast to drive. :thumbs:

Rcommendations based on owning all three of the above.
 
LadyLens said:
ok boys, time to put the testosterone back in the bottle. I drive a vx220, we own one. yeah, it has a body and some leather on the seats, but thats about as close to a 'road car' as it gets.
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VX220's and Elises are definite road cars (for me anyway).

Road legal track cars I would class as things like Ariel Atoms, Radicals, Westfields, Caterhams etc
 
I've got a beautiful Midnight Red Rover 45. She's a stunner and I call her The Burgundy Stunner. A lovely car with so many extras! No plans to replace her.
 
Ross said:
VX220's and Elises are definite road cars (for me anyway).

Road legal track cars I would class as things like Ariel Atoms, Radicals, Westfields, Caterhams etc
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I think you missed the point. Yes, they are built and sold as road cars, but have all the comfort and luxury of a track car, which for someone going from an MG might be a step too far - and rattle like billyho when London and its speed humps are your hunting ground :shake:

On the otherhand if you want something totally nutty, a boy racers car on steroids for the older boy that does at least have a roof and some carpet, try a Clio V6 :lol:
 
I tend to agree with LL - some cars need quite a bit of commitment to use on a daily basis once the initial buzz has worn off. ;)
 
Be very very careful in this weather though!
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Now now CT, you know as well as I do that the ditchfinding stories we hear about S2kips are based on nothing more that clod footed morons trying to blame the car for their own stupidity and remarkable lack of talent.

The S2kip is as gentle a pussy cat as you will find with 200+ horses going to the right wheels. :)
 
LOL. I mostly agree Daz, but I remember driving down the M6 from Manchester in the S2K when it was bitterly cold in torrential rain with the road surface holding standing water in lots of places. Despite taking it very easily, the car was feeling very unplanted. I was really glad to hang the keys up!

The car's fine as long as you appreciate the nature of the beast - just cos you can afford one doesn't mean you oughta get one. ;)

Winter tyres are a sensible mod on the S2000- the stock SO2s are little more than racing slicks.
 
I used to have one of these years ago:

YNP775Glarge.jpg


I wish I still had it! If I was looking for a weekend sporty car, I would, without a doubt, have another one (buy an older one and you'll get free road tax and very cheap classic insurance).

Lots for sale here.
 
LadyLens said:
I think you missed the point. Yes, they are built and sold as road cars, but have all the comfort and luxury of a track car, which for someone going from an MG might be a step too far - and rattle like billyho when London and its speed humps are your hunting ground :shake:
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I'm not missing the point at all, just that we have a difference of opinion of what makes a road car :thumbs: Elises and VX220's have toys such as stereo's and air conditioning, airbags, ABS and so on.
 
Right i have decided that i'm going to look into the Mini Cooper S. I have a couple of months to find myself a bargain so i'm don't have to rush things.

So the purpose of this post now is to ask if anyone out there has experience with a Mini Cooper S, what issues there could be with second hand ones and bascially a little review if poss.

I know its alot to ask! But its the wonder of the interweb ain't it. You can go to look at a car loaded up with information and make sure you don't buy a plum..

Thanks folks. (Oh and thanks for everyone's suggestions above!!)
 
Kyle, i'm moving in to a new flat soon so i'm having to look at the long term costs. My heart is saying 'Z4' but my head is saying 'Mini'.

I'm also concerned about owing a soft top with out having a garage, at the moment i have a garage so its not a problem. But when i move i will not have that luxury.
 
Hi, I was looking at getting a mini a while back. And thoroughly tested a couple of cooper S'. Was really impressed with their performance - and the super charger sounds amazing when pushed! Great fun to drive when you want - but also a great run-around, bit of a Jekyll and Hyde car really.

Only downsides are that they hold their value - I was looking at 53-04 plates and prices were around £11-12.5k. Also 'real' running costs - only bout 25-30mpg.

I would recommend getting one from dealer though - as with a 'cherished mini' you get FSH, a year's warranty etc, etc.

Also, make sure it has at least half leather and Chilli pack and Air Con (for re-sale value).

HTH.

:thumbs:
 
I'm sorry but a new Mini (Cooper S or not) is just a handbag. I've not driven one but won't deny they may be fun to drive. But do you seriously want to be seen driving a handbag.
 
Bought this for £800, got two years of fun and trouble free motoring and loved it, 1.8i workhorse! :thumbs:
mondeo.jpg


Traded it in for this! and now telling everyone to get one! Minis are GREAT, want the cooper S next! :naughty: good choice! :D :D :D
MINI21.jpg
 
I think i'd pick the Mondeo.

The Mini convertibles ride quality is the pitts.... very disappointing
 
dcash29 said:
I think i'd pick the Mondeo.

The Mini convertibles ride quality is the pitts.... very disappointing
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I'd have kept the Mondeo. Handbag should have been left in the cupboard.
 
dcash29 said:
I think i'd pick the Mondeo.

The Mini convertibles ride quality is the pitts.... very disappointing
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Nah, def the mini for me! Handles better than the monde, they are not called jelly mould for their looks alone! :lol: :p :D

nilagin said:
I'd have kept the Mondeo. Handbag should have been left in the cupboard.
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Yeah? You just KNOW girls and handbags are meant to be together! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Mini- try one, I DARE YOU!!!!! :D :D :D
 
Here's another option loads of room, loads of fun and practically no deprecaition to worry about :) (yes it is mine and its for sale at just over £5k, PM me if I've tempted you ;))
1999 Accord Type-R - Pirates Black – V Reg, 2.2V-tec, 209bhp
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yr4wtr.jpg
 
Ladybird said:
Nah, def the mini for me! Handles better than the monde, they are not called jelly mould for their looks alone! :lol: :p :D



Yeah? You just KNOW girls and handbags are meant to be together! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Mini- try one, I DARE YOU!!!!! :D :D :D
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The Sierra was the "jelly mould" not the Mondeo. Each Mk of Mondeo has been renowned for being one of, if not the best handling car in its class. Having suprised the hell out of a Mini owner with a Ford Fusion TDCi (not exactly a performance car), I don't think I'll bother, thanks all the same.
 
Must admit one of the Honda's would be a better option

Although even a smart car or my golf would be
 
How about a Fiesta or Focus ST. Ford are to introduce dealer fit tuning kits which will not affect your warranty. These can be fitted to new or old cars alike. Fiesta kit is available in 165 or 185 hp levels the Focus raises to 260hp. All kits have been developed by Mountune Engineering of Essex. These are the people who developed and supplied the Ford Escort Cosworth World Rally Car engines.
 
I have the Fiesta ST, well its called the XR4 here, and to be honest I am not that impressed! It was good fun to start with but have got bored of it very quickly. My previous car was a Seat Leon Cupra, now that was fun and practical too.
 
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