The Best ///M/Barge/General Rant/Look at this/O/T(Vol XVIII)

[PowerslideSWE]

Rather expensive XJS V12. LHD, one owner from new to 2014. I'll let you work out the exchange rates yourselves.

16500 miles....

https://www.blocket.se/stockholm/Jaguar_XJS_V12_OB...

[Jimmy Recard]

PowerslideSWE said:

Rather expensive XJS V12. LHD, one owner from new to 2014. I'll let you work out the exchange rates yourselves.

16500 miles....

https://www.blocket.se/stockholm/Jaguar_XJS_V12_OB...

That's lovely, but nearly £26,000 is a lot of money. Maybe one that good is worth that now?

[Chris944_S2]

Jimmy Recard said:

PowerslideSWE said:

Rather expensive XJS V12. LHD, one owner from new to 2014. I'll let you work out the exchange rates yourselves.

16500 miles....

https://www.blocket.se/stockholm/Jaguar_XJS_V12_OB...

That's lovely, but nearly £26,000 is a lot of money. Maybe one that good is worth that now?

That's nothing compared to what you can find here in Switzerland. convertible 6.0 V12 for approx. £76,000:



http://www.autoscout24.ch/fr/d/jaguar-xj-s-cabriol...

[Diesel Meister]

So, whilst awaiting the Great British Justice System (TM) to do its thing, I've been having the usual impure and (oft muddled) thoughts about how to reorganise my car situation. Evolving priorities (and eyewatering bills for decorating / furniture) mean that I'm less likely to make the oft trailed leap to something Hethel-born just now.

Assuming that I'm to keep Emmy-Lou (the AW11) for now (bhes be crazy etc.), I am jonesing for something a little more driver-focused ("brisk, pointy and swooshable") than the Slowlo, albeit ideally with a smidgen of practicality (i.e. daily drivable, for someone who doesn't drive everyday, natch). The list (incomplete and metastasizing hourly) is looking eclectic and full of contradictions, as is my taste. Budget oscillates between tuppence and £10k and beyond. Couple of wildcards in thee too Let me know what you think, without being needlessly unkind please folks. Especially for any inadvertent Clarksonisms that may follow.

1. 986S – I already know that I want one. But two seats is too similar to Emmy Lou. Plus I already have a 986, for now.
2. 996 C2 – I am currently lack the courage, whether for the potential bork and running costs, or to answer to my close friends and family
3. 130i - Tempting purely for having the correct number of cylinders and RWD. Drive a dieseasal version a couple of times - ok if cramped and jiggly. May need something doing about suspicion to resolve ride / handling into something a bit more capable and less likely to be embarrassed by a FWD hot hatch.
4. E90 330i - See above. More space and less "challenging" styling. A bit predictable maybe but relatively discreet
5. Civic Type R (EP3) - No idea why. Styling and perceived image off-putting. Engine and gearbox enticing though. Practical too.
6. Cooper S JCW (R53) - I think it would be fun, notwithstanding doubts about the styling / image. Tried a CS and smiled at go-kart-like enthusiasm for brisk progress. Even though most of my fillings fell out.
7. Cooper S JCW (R56) - See above. More economical but slightly more goofy styling.
8. Golf GTi (V) - Tempting. A little big. A little turbo-charged. A little predictable but supposedly little good!
9. Golf GTI (VI) - As above but cheaper for VW to make. Apparently.
10. Megane Cup / Trophy (Last model) - These all seem to be about £20k still (ouch). Like the space / pace balance. Less so the entry price and potential depreciation (might not be as bad due to being last of the line but still...).
11. Clio Trophy - Like the idea, the reality is likely bit rich considering you can get a seviceable Clio RS for £2-4k.
12. Clio 200 Cup - Like a more habitable version of the above. Still £5-10k apparently. Not sure of the differences but I’m preferring a later model (styling aside). Not driven one but like the size and NA approach. Sceptical of “GT3 of hot hatches” title but have great expectations.

Other options include (i) status quo (bleurgh); or (ii) beater and something nice for later; or (iii) writing a book on the promise and perils of the internet

[Patrick Bateman]

If you want pointy and fun then you'll struggle to beat the Clio Trophy. Not exactly the nicest place to sit but if you've got some decent back roads near you you'll love it. On the right road, still the most fun car I've driven.

[Diesel Meister]

Patrick Bateman said:

If you want pointy and fun then you'll struggle to beat the Clio Trophy. Not exactly the nicest place to sit but if you've got some decent back roads near you you'll love it. On the right road, still the most fun car I've driven.

Thanks. I do a fair bit of schlepping, but I try to avoid m-ways where I'm not in a hurry. My front door is only about 10 miles from the B660 and other interesting back roads. I think I'll struggle to lay my hands on a trophy though - none really for sale atm.

Would love to try one though.

[dannyDC2]

Anyone know anything about THIS 540i6?

Seems cheap for the mileage, but the advert is doing its best to make the car sound dodgy.

Edited by dannyDC2 on Sunday 5th March 23:09

[Patrick Bateman]

Diesel Meister said:

Thanks. I do a fair bit of schlepping, but I try to avoid m-ways where I'm not in a hurry. My front door is only about 10 miles from the B660 and other interesting back roads. I think I'll struggle to lay my hands on a trophy though - none really for sale atm.

Would love to try one though.

Keep an eye out on the Trophy forum-

http://cliotrophy.co.uk/forums/cars-and-car-relate...

[ferrisbueller]

dannyDC2 said:

Anyone know anything about THIS 540i6?

Seems cheap for the mileage, but the advert is doing its best to make the car sound dodgy.

Edited by dannyDC2 on Sunday 5th March 23:09

Tricky. Rare cars and a stealth bombing goes, right up there.

However, I am similarly disturbed by the advert. It would appear there's something wrong with the car which he feels will come back and bite him in the arse - so much so that he won't put his name on it and will do his best to avoid any obligations of the SOGA. [If you want to stipulate "auction" T's and C's put it in an auction. AFAIK traders can't opt out of their obligations of the SOGA.]

As tempting as it is, I wouldn't personally. £6k is a hell of a punt on something even the seller appears to have no confidence in. You may as well buy a sheddy M5 and do it properly.

[ferrisbueller]

Diesel Meister said:

So, whilst awaiting the Great British Justice System (TM) to do its thing, I've been having the usual impure and (oft muddled) thoughts about how to reorganise my car situation. Evolving priorities (and eyewatering bills for decorating / furniture) mean that I'm less likely to make the oft trailed leap to something Hethel-born just now.

Assuming that I'm to keep Emmy-Lou (the AW11) for now (bhes be crazy etc.), I am jonesing for something a little more driver-focused ("brisk, pointy and swooshable") than the Slowlo, albeit ideally with a smidgen of practicality (i.e. daily drivable, for someone who doesn't drive everyday, natch). The list (incomplete and metastasizing hourly) is looking eclectic and full of contradictions, as is my taste. Budget oscillates between tuppence and £10k and beyond. Couple of wildcards in thee too Let me know what you think, without being needlessly unkind please folks. Especially for any inadvertent Clarksonisms that may follow.

1. 986S – I already know that I want one. But two seats is too similar to Emmy Lou. Plus I already have a 986, for now.
2. 996 C2 – I am currently lack the courage, whether for the potential bork and running costs, or to answer to my close friends and family
3. 130i - Tempting purely for having the correct number of cylinders and RWD. Drive a dieseasal version a couple of times - ok if cramped and jiggly. May need something doing about suspicion to resolve ride / handling into something a bit more capable and less likely to be embarrassed by a FWD hot hatch.
4. E90 330i - See above. More space and less "challenging" styling. A bit predictable maybe but relatively discreet
5. Civic Type R (EP3) - No idea why. Styling and perceived image off-putting. Engine and gearbox enticing though. Practical too.
6. Cooper S JCW (R53) - I think it would be fun, notwithstanding doubts about the styling / image. Tried a CS and smiled at go-kart-like enthusiasm for brisk progress. Even though most of my fillings fell out.
7. Cooper S JCW (R56) - See above. More economical but slightly more goofy styling.
8. Golf GTi (V) - Tempting. A little big. A little turbo-charged. A little predictable but supposedly little good!
9. Golf GTI (VI) - As above but cheaper for VW to make. Apparently.
10. Megane Cup / Trophy (Last model) - These all seem to be about £20k still (ouch). Like the space / pace balance. Less so the entry price and potential depreciation (might not be as bad due to being last of the line but still...).
11. Clio Trophy - Like the idea, the reality is likely bit rich considering you can get a seviceable Clio RS for £2-4k.
12. Clio 200 Cup - Like a more habitable version of the above. Still £5-10k apparently. Not sure of the differences but I’m preferring a later model (styling aside). Not driven one but like the size and NA approach. Sceptical of “GT3 of hot hatches” title but have great expectations.

Other options include (i) status quo (bleurgh); or (ii) beater and something nice for later; or (iii) writing a book on the promise and perils of the internet

A good list and one which threadists have covered pretty nicely. I can tick off ownership of two on the list, considering purchase of most of them at one point or another and have driven, I think, all of them bar the Clio Trophy.

[Diesel Meister]

patrick - thanks, registered. Lots of wanted threads means I might get drowned out I'd be willing to pay the going rate for a decent car (still <£10k by chunk though!) but there seem to be none under £6k and rather fewer than that that haven't been to the moon and back. Not usually bothered by miles but they will have been hard ones in such a car and I'm not filled with confidence WRT inherent longevity. Still, if fettled properly should be fine...

ferris - yeah, typos aside I was thinking "I have deja vu" when I re-read the list. Left a couple of options off (e.g. Fiesta ST - despite a few friends having having them I've not yet tried one) but it reflects my seesawing between FWD hatches and other things. Part of me is like "life is too short to drive boring" and the rest is like "dude, you're old and wear a tie to work" and I'm trying to figure out if the latter is merely a warning against the metaphorical backwards baseballcap of a small, vaguely disposable but lairy hatch or something more subtle, original and post modern... I doubt it will be trying to do something this month or next though as my last serious look included E36 M3s and like - and now look how many decent examples of those are for sale....

As usual, there are too many calls on ones time and meagre resources. I just hope the judge hurries up and realises that there's no hearing necessary and awards judgement in my favour forthwith, as I'd forgotten just how expensive things like beds, sofas and pro-decorators can be...

[shirt]

How about a sorted 944?

I'm supposed to be buying a sensible SUV and, like you, already have one impractical 2 seater. Plus I live in the desert. Going to see what looks like a mint s2 at the weekend and if he's sensible in price it will probably become my daily.

[barchetta_boy]

944 is too old, I wouldn't want to park one outside for bodywork reasons if nothing else.

DM, your big list is missing the E46 M3 manual coupe.

[Cheburator mk2]

barchetta_boy said:

944 is too old, I wouldn't want to park one outside for bodywork reasons if nothing else.

DM, your big list is missing the E46 M3 manual coupe.

Yep. Scrap the list... Just get a good daily... An E46 M3...

Drove the GT3 at Bedford on Sat - bonkers, mental and just sublime... (until I got flagged for noise)

Then dropped it off in the storage garage and sat back in the bone stock E46 M3. Fine, cossetting, and yet bonkers too if I really press on it. Overall, dare I say it, more multidimensional than the one trick deer out of Weissach.

Would I go as far as I rate it above the GT3?! Hell no, but the BMW is just so, so good. Sub £20k there is nothing to touch it as a "do-all car."

[Cheburator mk2]

olly22n said:

a 996?

I knew it was coming

Yes, a very strong contender and I think a very nicely resolved design... But a good one is now £15k+ and a really sorted one is knocking on £20k.

Yet...

Joel picked up a mintier than mint Carbon Black mit Imola heated leather, totally original cherished and historied car for £8.9k and I picked up a mintier than mint SMG Carbon Black mit Caramel heated leather original car (excluding stupid tintz] for £8k with 88k on the clock...

Add the proper 5 seats, huge boot which can swallow track wheels , bulletproof engines (provided the rod bearings are changed on time) and I have to say it is a better deal for the money.

When the 996s were languishing sub £10k, no question - they would have been the chariot of choice. Now I am not so sure, hence my vocal choice for the M3...

Edited by Cheburator mk2 on Monday 6th March 10:48

[Gruber]

Interesting list, DM!

I enjoyed my 130i. It had a Quaife LSD fitted, plus BMW performance brake kit and exhaust... all of which helped. But as you say, they do also need a suspension upgrade. The Birds kit is supposed to be very good.

Personally, I'd steer clear of a Mk6 Golf GTI. I had a brief dalliance with an Ed35 and found it disappointing - brakes too sharp, throttle too slow to respond, steering uninspiring etc, etc.

A Mk5 Ed30 might be worth a look - they hold their money well and seemed a little more lively than the Mk6. But I wouldn't choose one over pretty much everything else on your list.

I'm enjoying my R56 Cooper S. I'd just say that the revised engine didn't make it into the JCW until almost the very end of production, whereas the "standard" Cooper S got the newer (N18) engine from mid-2010 onwards. I don't find myself wanting for power in the ordinary CS.

I owned a 2008 factory JCW R56 back in 2008/9 and found it just a bit too hard sprung for British roads and, as a result, even with the JCW diff it struggled to get the power down in anything like a composed manner. The ordinary R56 CS might be a better compromise if you go down the MINI route.

[jeremyc]

Cheburator mk2 said:

When the 996s were languishing sub £10k, no question - they would have been the chariot of choice.

eltax91 has just managed to pick up this early C2 manual with all the relevant maintenance for £9k ...









So it's probably still a candidate.

[bodhi]

Diesel Meister said:

So, whilst awaiting the Great British Justice System (TM) to do its thing, I've been having the usual impure and (oft muddled) thoughts about how to reorganise my car situation. Evolving priorities (and eyewatering bills for decorating / furniture) mean that I'm less likely to make the oft trailed leap to something Hethel-born just now.

Assuming that I'm to keep Emmy-Lou (the AW11) for now (bhes be crazy etc.), I am jonesing for something a little more driver-focused ("brisk, pointy and swooshable") than the Slowlo, albeit ideally with a smidgen of practicality (i.e. daily drivable, for someone who doesn't drive everyday, natch). The list (incomplete and metastasizing hourly) is looking eclectic and full of contradictions, as is my taste. Budget oscillates between tuppence and £10k and beyond. Couple of wildcards in thee too Let me know what you think, without being needlessly unkind please folks. Especially for any inadvertent Clarksonisms that may follow.

1. 986S – I already know that I want one. But two seats is too similar to Emmy Lou. Plus I already have a 986, for now.
2. 996 C2 – I am currently lack the courage, whether for the potential bork and running costs, or to answer to my close friends and family
3. 130i - Tempting purely for having the correct number of cylinders and RWD. Drive a dieseasal version a couple of times - ok if cramped and jiggly. May need something doing about suspicion to resolve ride / handling into something a bit more capable and less likely to be embarrassed by a FWD hot hatch.
4. E90 330i - See above. More space and less "challenging" styling. A bit predictable maybe but relatively discreet
5. Civic Type R (EP3) - No idea why. Styling and perceived image off-putting. Engine and gearbox enticing though. Practical too.
6. Cooper S JCW (R53) - I think it would be fun, notwithstanding doubts about the styling / image. Tried a CS and smiled at go-kart-like enthusiasm for brisk progress. Even though most of my fillings fell out.
7. Cooper S JCW (R56) - See above. More economical but slightly more goofy styling.
8. Golf GTi (V) - Tempting. A little big. A little turbo-charged. A little predictable but supposedly little good!
9. Golf GTI (VI) - As above but cheaper for VW to make. Apparently.
10. Megane Cup / Trophy (Last model) - These all seem to be about £20k still (ouch). Like the space / pace balance. Less so the entry price and potential depreciation (might not be as bad due to being last of the line but still...).
11. Clio Trophy - Like the idea, the reality is likely bit rich considering you can get a seviceable Clio RS for £2-4k.
12. Clio 200 Cup - Like a more habitable version of the above. Still £5-10k apparently. Not sure of the differences but I’m preferring a later model (styling aside). Not driven one but like the size and NA approach. Sceptical of “GT3 of hot hatches” title but have great expectations.

Other options include (i) status quo (bleurgh); or (ii) beater and something nice for later; or (iii) writing a book on the promise and perils of the internet

Biggest improvement to the 130i you can make is get rid of the runflats and fit some Michelin Pilot Sport 4's. I did the same with my 125i (also worth a look, as a quick remap will bring them up to 130i power) and it is a completely different car. Don't feel the need to back off when the road gets a bit bumpy, and can do a long motorway trip without a visit to the chiropractor afterwards.

The PS4's are incredible tyres as well - hardly ever see the yellow light flickering, even in monsoon conditions.

[Seek]

Surely this is worth a punt by a threadist?
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...

[TheRocket]

Nice list DM, outside of the obvious 996 / M3 debate which I think most would go for, I definitely think you should keep Emmy-Lou, so for an all rounder which shouldn't kill the wallet I'd def have a go in the Megane how about this one ? :

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/r...

Ok so not the full on Trophy spec but looks like a well cared for car with the right bits and the money you save over the later Trophy cars could be spent on bringing Emmy-Lou to her full potential ?