Discussion
GC8 said:
Fast Bug said:
They do fetch strong money, but that's silly! I used to buy them for just over £2k fresh off the boat 
The problem was, that everything bought at a docks auction was crap. Poor grades, repair history and frequently unsaleable through auction which is why it ended up where it was.Grade 4 cars sold for twice that in Japan. After that you had to pay for transportation, re-registration, storage and loading. Then shipping at $68 mer cubic metre, ports costs here along with duty and VAT and your customs agents bill.
Number 7 said:
You either get them or you don't - a bit like TVRs really.
How are they like TVRs? Even with all of the interesting 'quirks' that might put people off from actually owning one I don't think there is a petrolhead alive that doesn't see the universal appeal of a raw lightweight coupe/roadster with an amazing sound track. What's the universal appeal of a Figaro?
I'd rather have a mitsuoka viewt - more interesting without the "middle aged woman called Margaret owner" image that the figaro has
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsuoka_Viewt
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsuoka_Viewt
JoshyS said:
Number 7 said:
You either get them or you don't - a bit like TVRs really.
How are they like TVRs? Even with all of the interesting 'quirks' that might put people off from actually owning one I don't think there is a petrolhead alive that doesn't see the universal appeal of a raw lightweight coupe/roadster with an amazing sound track. What's the universal appeal of a Figaro?
Personally I enjoy seeing Figaros around town particularly the well looked after ones and I'd have a sorted TVR next to it.
There is actually a really bizarre dealership which specialises in these under the arches in one of the dodgiest bits of Hackney, right opposite one of east London's finest titty bars. Always stikes me as the least likely place you could want to pick to flog a Figaro when I drive past - unless I am missing something?
JoshyS said:
I don't think there is a petrolhead alive that doesn't see the universal appeal of a raw lightweight coupe/roadster with an amazing sound track
You see when I think TVR I don't think that. I think poorly built and unreliable. I like the fact that Nissan built a whole series of cars that are off the wall and not to make profit. I hated Figaro's until I spent some time in one. They grow on you!
I've had one of these since spring and I've already put it up for sale. Lovely car but I bought it for too much money and now I need something that can actually cruise at more than 50mph without sounding like Casey Jr going uphill.
It's a second car for people who live in towns and rural areas, not something a speed freak like me needs.
It's a second car for people who live in towns and rural areas, not something a speed freak like me needs.
morgrp said:
I'd rather have a mitsuoka viewt - more interesting without the "middle aged woman called Margaret owner" image that the figaro has
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsuoka_Viewt
Wow. At first glance I honestly thought those doors were off the previous gen Micra.http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsuoka_Viewt
GeordieInExile said:
morgrp said:
I'd rather have a mitsuoka viewt - more interesting without the "middle aged woman called Margaret owner" image that the figaro has
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsuoka_Viewt
Wow. At first glance I honestly thought those doors were off the previous gen Micra.http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsuoka_Viewt
My girlfriend drives one. She is obsessed with it. To be fair it serves its purpose, when working, to look cute and trundle along at a slow pace. That is it. That is all she demands of a car. I can tell you if she won the lottery she would have one in every colour. No fleet of super cars or anything remotely PH worthy. These vehicles are more like fashion accessories to women. Like a handbag or small puppy.
morgrp said:
Alex106 said:
Are they really that bad? My OH really wants one at some point..
Il have to hope theres a good one around.
Back on topic, there is a Nissan garage in Great Bookham I regularly pass and the Figaros on sale there range from about 3-6k on my last glance.
There are decent ones but be very careful - rot like a good un' on the chassis and floor pan so have a good poke about with a screw driver - never forget they are 20 odd years old now plus they were always imported and never adequately rust protectedIl have to hope theres a good one around.
Back on topic, there is a Nissan garage in Great Bookham I regularly pass and the Figaros on sale there range from about 3-6k on my last glance.
rehab71 said:
Utterly hateful things! I took one in PX last year and curiosity made me take it for a spin. Noisy, slow, uncomfortable, no boot, no real rear leg room, unsafe, gutless and awful steering, think that covers most of it!
Let me know if you get another one in part ex please dude There must be over a dozen within a half of here.
Whether they rust or drive like turds there is one simple fact and that is that they are infinitely preferable to see passing you by than 99% of the bland, utility products that plod along adding absolutely nothing to anyone's life or this world.
Whether they rust or drive like turds there is one simple fact and that is that they are infinitely preferable to see passing you by than 99% of the bland, utility products that plod along adding absolutely nothing to anyone's life or this world.
One of the teachers at my school has one of these.
I must admit, although it's a hateful thing, it still catches the eye better than the 30-odd Peugeots, Citroens, Volkswagens, Audis, and I smile whenever I see it, because it reminds me of Sarah Jane Smith.
Having said that, there's an beautiful Jaguar XK-R that makes the most delightful rumble when the extremely attractive lady driver floors it out of the staff car park.
I must admit, although it's a hateful thing, it still catches the eye better than the 30-odd Peugeots, Citroens, Volkswagens, Audis, and I smile whenever I see it, because it reminds me of Sarah Jane Smith.
Having said that, there's an beautiful Jaguar XK-R that makes the most delightful rumble when the extremely attractive lady driver floors it out of the staff car park.
I think I may be asking too much for mine but I bought it for £7,200 which was a ripoff, however mine has the bonus of very rare alloy wheels and the AUX radio. So I could get someone who loves it enough to buy it for the high price, I'm just hoping I get enough to get the Chrysler crossfire I want!
Edited by Malachimon on Thursday 24th July 09:10
£22k is very much pie in the sky. Although they are fetching strong money these days. I was paying between £2-3k for nice ones fresh off the boat 5 years or so ago. The exchange rate doesn't help, and the Japanese have noticed how many have come over here which has pushed the prices up in Japan.
Repainted ones in non standard colours don't seem to be as loved as original cars.
Repainted ones in non standard colours don't seem to be as loved as original cars.
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