Thinking out loud....

Rob S · Post by **Rob S** » Thu May 12, 2011 11:31 am

As you can deduce from the "For Sale" thread, I'm planning to changing my car.
I need something more suitable for shorter journeys, something can handle the mileage, something thats better on fuel, but something still capable of bringing some amusement.
It can't be a ridiculous colour, can't be too hard to get parts for, can't cost more than

Rob S · Post by **Rob S** » Thu May 12, 2011 5:30 pm

Saw this and wondered if it would fit the bill (having a grown up look at it online hopefully, might be of use given my history with cars!) Don't mind doing it up, certainly looks do-able!
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWAX:IT

Post by **Stuart** » Thu May 12, 2011 6:21 pm

Zetec S's are nice enough but don't forget that you are built like a brick shit house and you could probably put that in your pocket

Focus, Astra's and Golf's all represent good value and plenty of options. I still like the E36's but please watch the rust.

pablo · Post by **pablo** » Thu May 12, 2011 6:26 pm

I think the biggest factor with cars today is mpg. On a long journey Alan gets 35mpg out of his GT. The fiesta zetec s is a nice car but having driven one, not owned one, i found it bland and just another car. On a long journey the sierra will be quieter and more comfortable. It's also more practical, more space inside, much, much bigger boot and LOW mileage.

Another problem with the sierra,and one that will always nag away at you, is that it's an old car. Not old enough to be a real classic and therefore trendy, but old enough to make you longer for something newer.

The sierra isn't a rapid car, but it's an easier car to drive quick than many newer cars. I bet you've hardly revved yours over 3500 rpm, and yet keep up with traffic.

Me an Alan did an experiment as a mate of ours swore blind that his 1.8 p reg escort si was just as quick as Al's gt. 5th gear 50-70 mph accelleration. Al's gt ripped the escort a new arse hole. Had to change down to 4th just to keep up.

Good luck with your search for a replacement.

Rob S · Post by **Rob S** » Thu May 12, 2011 6:45 pm

Cheers guys.
You're right about the low mileage thing, but with my budget I'm not going to get something faster, handle better and go further on juice thats the same size.
I rarely do more than 10 miles in one journey at the moment, so the older Sierra has barely got warmed through properly, on a run it'll do 35mpg, but normally I get much less.
Not made any decisions yet, have driven loads of Fiesta's and can get quite comfortable (Thats the other thing, 99% of the time it's just me in the car- no friends

)

PS Pab's, mine's a pinto mate, not exactly the last word in hushed driving, the twink's are miles quieter

Tonynos · Post by **Tonynos** » Thu May 12, 2011 7:17 pm

What about this http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2774575.htm if you could get the price down a little?

Rob S · Post by **Rob S** » Thu May 12, 2011 7:23 pm

Thanks Tony, but I think that would prove too expensive to run with all the short runs I make.

Tonynos · Post by **Tonynos** » Thu May 12, 2011 7:50 pm

306 GTI-6? http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2801123.htm I had a 1999 2ltr Xsi before the scoob. Pretty quick fun hatchback.

Rob S · Post by **Rob S** » Thu May 12, 2011 8:12 pm

Stu had one too many moons ago. He loved it.
How do you rate the reliability? French stuff has always had a stigma.......

Post by **Stuart** » Thu May 12, 2011 8:31 pm

Great cars Rob, I mean really good. Cambelt and waterpumps need doing so make sure that is sorted. Crap lock on RH bends due to the six speed box affecting the steering rack (might be LH lock but you get the gist)

If you read a few of the ads mate, they talk about the 'common' issues. If I could fit in one with a crash hat, I would have another tomorrow.