http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1487689.htm
But you'll need to grow a beard to fully comply
Help me choose an 'ordinary' car
LMAO reminds me of that on the buses filmGerry H wrote:There you go! Sorted and everyone's happy. Let's see you mod this.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Motorcycle-Sideca ... 1e5b06d217
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If you need something shooting, or a payload to low earth orbit. Just ask.
If you need something shooting, or a payload to low earth orbit. Just ask.
Lucy says NO!Gerry H wrote:Or
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1487689.htm
But you'll need to grow a beard to fully comply
Well, we had a good trawl round the dealers of essex and suffolk today. First up was 7-yr old Civic type s with supposedly 28k miles (and all the dealer stamps to back it up) but everything else said it had done double the mileage. Nice car and there'd be a keen deal on it (5k with all the niggles fixed but still a big question on history) but felt a bit bland with numb steering and squeals from its 65 profile energy saver tyres on 15" wheels.
Next up was an ST170 with 55k miles. Immediately more pointy, sporty (45 profiles on 17" wheels and great geometry) but felt pretty rough edged compared to the Honda. Hmm, not sure we want two rough-arsed cars in the household! Felt gruffer than the previous ST170 I'd driven, somehow, but didn't feel like there was anything wrong as such. Also, bit odd, the seating position felt sky-high without any adjustment.
Next up, a 55k mile Type S, which was in better nick than the 28k (yeah right) miler. This was good, a definite possible, but red colour was on the beginnings of fade and didn't look like it'd age well.
Bit more upmarket next, a main dealer 30k mile Type S, at 5-yr old this was an updated model on the previous two, and an extra 3k on the pricetag. Now then, this felt like a newish car, much nicer and perhaps worth its 8k asking price. Still the numb steering though, but better dynamics I think (55 profile on 16" wheels this time).
Finally, we saw (but didn't bother driving) a dog of an 80k mile ST170. This one had been driven through a hedge backwards so we didn't dwell too long...
Soo ... we're wondering whether boredom would set-in with a Type S, or whether we should keep looking for a good ST170 (tough really, as they stopped making them in '04). Or maybe the ST is a bit raw for everyday ... not sure.
Got a couple more low-miles Type S's lined up, will maybe view tomorrow. And, as I type, Lucy is browsing Cupra's on the other 'puter :-)
On a different tack, this morning Lucy pointed across the road saying "what's that?" at lovely looking Alfa 147 (with 5-dr, one of the requirements) so we'll likely have a look at some of those too....
Andy
Next up was an ST170 with 55k miles. Immediately more pointy, sporty (45 profiles on 17" wheels and great geometry) but felt pretty rough edged compared to the Honda. Hmm, not sure we want two rough-arsed cars in the household! Felt gruffer than the previous ST170 I'd driven, somehow, but didn't feel like there was anything wrong as such. Also, bit odd, the seating position felt sky-high without any adjustment.
Next up, a 55k mile Type S, which was in better nick than the 28k (yeah right) miler. This was good, a definite possible, but red colour was on the beginnings of fade and didn't look like it'd age well.
Bit more upmarket next, a main dealer 30k mile Type S, at 5-yr old this was an updated model on the previous two, and an extra 3k on the pricetag. Now then, this felt like a newish car, much nicer and perhaps worth its 8k asking price. Still the numb steering though, but better dynamics I think (55 profile on 16" wheels this time).
Finally, we saw (but didn't bother driving) a dog of an 80k mile ST170. This one had been driven through a hedge backwards so we didn't dwell too long...
Soo ... we're wondering whether boredom would set-in with a Type S, or whether we should keep looking for a good ST170 (tough really, as they stopped making them in '04). Or maybe the ST is a bit raw for everyday ... not sure.
Got a couple more low-miles Type S's lined up, will maybe view tomorrow. And, as I type, Lucy is browsing Cupra's on the other 'puter :-)
On a different tack, this morning Lucy pointed across the road saying "what's that?" at lovely looking Alfa 147 (with 5-dr, one of the requirements) so we'll likely have a look at some of those too....
Andy
The Focus ST170 if a good one is a verynice daily car, a mate has got 54 reg one. Common faults that he has told me about (he's a member of one of the ford forums / club). Turning circle is that of a bus, lacquer peels of paint around side bump strips, if the dashboard dimmer is turned up full the dash lights sometimes go out.
I'd still consider one knowing this.
I'd still consider one knowing this.
We have blackskygtr on the forum who is something to do with Fiat/Alfa too, Sales Manager for Norwich I think.
You do know what the 'S' stands for, don't you?
How about something French or Spanish?
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1558837.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1595222.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1574550.htm
You do know what the 'S' stands for, don't you?
How about something French or Spanish?http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1558837.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1595222.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1574550.htm
I'd much prefer a german platform, even if it Spanish or Czech badge. I've owned lots of VW's, a few Audi's and even a Seat and they were all BLOODY good cars. You've alreay got transport to set your arse alight, so the VAG will feel well screwed together for years, and yet still get you around quick enough and in style.
I don't rate "normal" Honda's, and do you really want to own an Alfa/Fiat?
Besides a Fiat 500, you'll lose a shit load of money, struggle selling it etc.....
I think the newer BMW's have lost there way a little bit, and are getting harder and harder to work on, outside of dealership work shops.
You pay your money, you make you choices, but the residuals on most italian cars are horrific.
I don't rate "normal" Honda's, and do you really want to own an Alfa/Fiat?
Besides a Fiat 500, you'll lose a shit load of money, struggle selling it etc.....
I think the newer BMW's have lost there way a little bit, and are getting harder and harder to work on, outside of dealership work shops.
You pay your money, you make you choices, but the residuals on most italian cars are horrific.
Ah, I'll drop Jay a message; thanks.stuart wrote:We have blackskygtr on the forum who is something to do with Fiat/Alfa too, Sales Manager for Norwich I think.
Had a look around a couple of 147 1.6's today and liked the style a lot. It's a car that's stayed 'normal' size with good looks whilst all around have got fatter and uglier. Will find a 2.0 to test-drive I think. The depreciation thing will have taken much of its toll by 5yrs old so doesn't bother me too much. Not yet sure how troublesome they're likely to be at that age though...
Looked at another Type S afterwards and both decided it's too bland!
Thanks for the advice guys.
Andy
To add my bit, A friend of mine has had a 51 plate 147 for the last four years or more and other than a broken wiper linkage has had no problems at all! What about a Mazda 3 2.0 sport? Same platform as a focus, just a different dress! First example i found....
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2005-MAZDA-3-SPOR ... 335b8b2e3a
I`m a big mazda fan (gerry`s old Rx8 aside) You get keys that turn in an ignition barrel ( no soppy cards or gimmick start buttons), Handbrakes are operated by a good old "stick" between the front seats! And you get dials! ( no digi dashes) In front of the driver as well! (not stuck in the middle of the car) But you do get a load of goddies that are of benifit including a cracking bose stereo and focus chassis!:)
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2005-MAZDA-3-SPOR ... 335b8b2e3a
I`m a big mazda fan (gerry`s old Rx8 aside) You get keys that turn in an ignition barrel ( no soppy cards or gimmick start buttons), Handbrakes are operated by a good old "stick" between the front seats! And you get dials! ( no digi dashes) In front of the driver as well! (not stuck in the middle of the car) But you do get a load of goddies that are of benifit including a cracking bose stereo and focus chassis!:)