RatLad's Car History
Discussion
Since I always enjoy reading others Car historys, I thought it was time that I did my own.
My history is somewhat less illustrious than many other members on here, however I’ve always got a kick out of buying fun, bargain cars – however, I’ve also got a very short attention span, so get bored pretty quickly!
I passed my test 4 years ago at the age of 19, since then I have owned over 20 different cars sadly, most of them not worth mentioning on here…
The first fun car I went for after a year of rubbish hatchbacks was this Mark 1 Toyota MR2.
Bought for just shy of a bag of sand, I don’t think there could have been a better way of spending my money. The looks I appreciate are a bit Marmite, but what a continual laugh this was… For me, it was perfect, with an engine that thrived on revs, pinpoint steering and flawless reliability. These cars must have been a revelation 25 years ago as they are still relatively brisk even by modern day standards. In fact, this car started a bit of a love affair with early MR2’s and led to me owning several after this one. Every time I got another car, I would soon get bored and go back to something that gives me more smiles on B-Roads than anything I had ever driven.
This one was bought for the total of £500 as a fun runabout for a few months; I love them in black…
I thought after this that they could have been more hardcore and even lighter, so I got to work and purchased this for £900:
Stickered it up in advance of competing in the MR2 championship, however the loss of garage space and a lack of cash flow led to me parting with it… I WISH I still had this one.
I do however think I took too much weight out of the front as it had a tendency to understeer, but the response of this thing was awesome. Any superfluous material was either taken or cut out with just a Kevlar backed seat and removable steering wheel cluttering the interior. The windows other than the front were replaced with Perspex, the sunroof was deleted for sheet aluminium and all bracing was taken off the boot, bonnet and engine cover to save further weight. It was running Koni coilovers and Toyo R888’s so even with the 140 bhp it was running – this really was an impressive piece of kit….It was painful on my back and ears on my daily commute to work and I certainly wouldn’t recommend a harness as you look an idiot when you have to get out of the car to put a ticket in the supermarket car park machine and then make others wait while you clip yourself back in!
In between this flurry of great MR2’s there were a few other cars that I have enjoyed in last 3 years of driving ‘decent’ cars.
]
Now, there a lot of bad things written about these… and justifiably so. The VVC 1.8 is a really sweet engine, it’s very revvy with peak power at 7,000 rpm with a 7,200 redline and with 147 bhp it helped the MGF get to 60 is just over 7 seconds of which was quicker than it’s rival MX5 at the time. Sadly, just reasonable poke does not a good sportscar make; the steering was void of any feel and it was anyone’s guess what the chassis was doing. It could be coaxed into slides, but you will need to be quick as I have found it certainly snaps at you. I’ll be honest, I really like the looks of them and in the 2 years of ownership I spent a small fortune on upgrades plus two Head Gasket failures – but I won’t dwell on that!
I put some cream leather in it, of which smartened up the interior, I lowered it and put some ‘trophy 160’ wheels and splitter on it. Oh, and the obligatory PH.com sticker.
I then needed a 4 seater, so bought a Fiesta RS1800, I can’t explain why… But, I was rather impressed with this, it was much better than I thought it would be. It was lowered on GMax coilovers and was running a proven 160 bhp, thanks to a bigger throttle body, aggressive cams and a re-map. It certainly reached 60 quicker than my friends Mk5 Golf GTI, which was impressive but more likely down to the stupidly close ratio ‘box.
Despite this, it was a bit too Barry for me so after a few months it was sold to my housemate
A few more purchases later, namely of a proper load lugger in the shape of a Volvo 960 2.5 with LPG conversion and a rev 3 MR2, my drive looked like this;
I’m not a
, honest… But yes, that is a Transit Minibus on my drive…
I thought it was time to try to move away from MR2’s, so I got this for the grand total of £900…
‘There is no such thing as a cheap Porsche?’
Correct, 100%
This was rubbish, I am glad I got another later on as all I had read was rave reviews of perfect balance and being able to steer with the throttle. This 944 2.5 8v, although in a very nice and rare colour seemed to lack every desirable feature of the 944. I could never figure out what was going on with the steering as it never quite felt connected and the gearbox, well it was a case of ‘ a new day and new grind’. The sold on after 3 months for that same amount I bought it for.
Moving on then…
Back to a Rev3 MR2.
Nothing was done to this, as they really are fantastic cars. This cost me £1500 and the Revision 3 cars capture the spirit of the Mark1 cars due to revised suspension and brakes but just with looks that didn’t make my OH say ‘What the hell have you just bought?’
After 9 completely trouble free months, it was moved on for £1500 and I thought at the grand old age of 23 it was time to get something more stylish and after falling love with my friends 147 GTA I got this:
Sex on wheels, I think you will agree. It was a Lusso spec 3.0 V6 car with the desirable tan leather and the soundtrack to die for. It should have been perfect, but the very heavy front end meant that I just didn’t find this car engaging in anyway other than foot down in a straight line through a tunnel. It’s a real shame as I adore the looks of them, I also couldn’t get away from the thought that a major bill was just around the corner.
Most of the time I would drive around with music off just to make sure I could pick up and knocks of bangs – It’s kind of like a Car-Hypochondriasis. The tuning point was for me as I bought the car after the top end was rebuilt due to a Cambelt Failure, so I thought I was safe, but then the Water pump failed meaning I was hit for a bill over £1000 as the belt has to come off to do the Water Pump – Live and learn I guess.
I got scared of anything else going wrong, so I sold up after just 2 months but made £500 – that helped ease the pain.
Porsche Take 2: I paid a bit more for this one, and just as well as I now realise what the fuss is about. I was sold on this the moment I saw it, although it was the Fuchs that sealed the deal for me.
Despite being 27 years old and on 142,000 miles, this really feels like it will be going on for a lot longer; The non power steering is a joy on the move and the whole car is so confidence inspiring, you can just feel when you are finding limits of traction and I guess this is testament to buying on condition and history, not mileage. The car is currently for sale, but I change my mind every time I drive it. I would definitely recommend the 944 to anyone, it’s refined enough to cross countries and will never fail to amuse you when the road opens up…
The latest addition to Casa RatLad and joining the Porsche is this Eunos (MX-5) RS I picked up just before Christmas. I’ve been reading these forums for over 3 years now so I guess it was only a matter of time before I purchased what is the response to every ‘What Car’ thread on here.
[img] http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii65/RatLad/Car... [/img]
The RS is only 1 of 500 ever produced solely for the Japanese market and is regarded as the ‘Holy Grail’ of Mark 1 MX5’s thanks to its Bilstein suspension setup, lightweight BBS wheels, Torsen LSD with shortened final drive, Kevlar Recaros and a lightened Flywheel. This car changes direction like nothing I have experienced, there is no roll whatsoever and a quick dab of throttle mid corner will make you feel like a driving God.
Yes, another MX5 fanboy has joined the ranks. I do look a bit girly but I am currently trying to rationalise why this little car makes me giggle like a schoolgirl more than the Cayman S I borrowed for a while...
Don’t get me wrong, I would take a Cayman over the MX5 any day, but is the MX5 more involving? I would say yes, definitely. There is something that feels just a bit too clinical with the 987 Boxster / Cayman, maybe they are too capable? Anyway, the MX5 means you can have the same fun as in other exotica but at 1/10th of the pace, and I think that is the point. It’s such and honest simple car and makes me smile continually.
Sorry for the lengthy read, I hope it didn’t send you to sleep.
My history is somewhat less illustrious than many other members on here, however I’ve always got a kick out of buying fun, bargain cars – however, I’ve also got a very short attention span, so get bored pretty quickly!
I passed my test 4 years ago at the age of 19, since then I have owned over 20 different cars sadly, most of them not worth mentioning on here…
The first fun car I went for after a year of rubbish hatchbacks was this Mark 1 Toyota MR2.
Bought for just shy of a bag of sand, I don’t think there could have been a better way of spending my money. The looks I appreciate are a bit Marmite, but what a continual laugh this was… For me, it was perfect, with an engine that thrived on revs, pinpoint steering and flawless reliability. These cars must have been a revelation 25 years ago as they are still relatively brisk even by modern day standards. In fact, this car started a bit of a love affair with early MR2’s and led to me owning several after this one. Every time I got another car, I would soon get bored and go back to something that gives me more smiles on B-Roads than anything I had ever driven.
This one was bought for the total of £500 as a fun runabout for a few months; I love them in black…
I thought after this that they could have been more hardcore and even lighter, so I got to work and purchased this for £900:
Stickered it up in advance of competing in the MR2 championship, however the loss of garage space and a lack of cash flow led to me parting with it… I WISH I still had this one.
I do however think I took too much weight out of the front as it had a tendency to understeer, but the response of this thing was awesome. Any superfluous material was either taken or cut out with just a Kevlar backed seat and removable steering wheel cluttering the interior. The windows other than the front were replaced with Perspex, the sunroof was deleted for sheet aluminium and all bracing was taken off the boot, bonnet and engine cover to save further weight. It was running Koni coilovers and Toyo R888’s so even with the 140 bhp it was running – this really was an impressive piece of kit….It was painful on my back and ears on my daily commute to work and I certainly wouldn’t recommend a harness as you look an idiot when you have to get out of the car to put a ticket in the supermarket car park machine and then make others wait while you clip yourself back in!
In between this flurry of great MR2’s there were a few other cars that I have enjoyed in last 3 years of driving ‘decent’ cars.
- Dons flame suit*
]Now, there a lot of bad things written about these… and justifiably so. The VVC 1.8 is a really sweet engine, it’s very revvy with peak power at 7,000 rpm with a 7,200 redline and with 147 bhp it helped the MGF get to 60 is just over 7 seconds of which was quicker than it’s rival MX5 at the time. Sadly, just reasonable poke does not a good sportscar make; the steering was void of any feel and it was anyone’s guess what the chassis was doing. It could be coaxed into slides, but you will need to be quick as I have found it certainly snaps at you. I’ll be honest, I really like the looks of them and in the 2 years of ownership I spent a small fortune on upgrades plus two Head Gasket failures – but I won’t dwell on that!
I put some cream leather in it, of which smartened up the interior, I lowered it and put some ‘trophy 160’ wheels and splitter on it. Oh, and the obligatory PH.com sticker.
I then needed a 4 seater, so bought a Fiesta RS1800, I can’t explain why… But, I was rather impressed with this, it was much better than I thought it would be. It was lowered on GMax coilovers and was running a proven 160 bhp, thanks to a bigger throttle body, aggressive cams and a re-map. It certainly reached 60 quicker than my friends Mk5 Golf GTI, which was impressive but more likely down to the stupidly close ratio ‘box.
Despite this, it was a bit too Barry for me so after a few months it was sold to my housemate
A few more purchases later, namely of a proper load lugger in the shape of a Volvo 960 2.5 with LPG conversion and a rev 3 MR2, my drive looked like this;
I’m not a
, honest… But yes, that is a Transit Minibus on my drive…I thought it was time to try to move away from MR2’s, so I got this for the grand total of £900…
‘There is no such thing as a cheap Porsche?’
Correct, 100%
This was rubbish, I am glad I got another later on as all I had read was rave reviews of perfect balance and being able to steer with the throttle. This 944 2.5 8v, although in a very nice and rare colour seemed to lack every desirable feature of the 944. I could never figure out what was going on with the steering as it never quite felt connected and the gearbox, well it was a case of ‘ a new day and new grind’. The sold on after 3 months for that same amount I bought it for.
Moving on then…
Back to a Rev3 MR2.
Nothing was done to this, as they really are fantastic cars. This cost me £1500 and the Revision 3 cars capture the spirit of the Mark1 cars due to revised suspension and brakes but just with looks that didn’t make my OH say ‘What the hell have you just bought?’
After 9 completely trouble free months, it was moved on for £1500 and I thought at the grand old age of 23 it was time to get something more stylish and after falling love with my friends 147 GTA I got this:
Sex on wheels, I think you will agree. It was a Lusso spec 3.0 V6 car with the desirable tan leather and the soundtrack to die for. It should have been perfect, but the very heavy front end meant that I just didn’t find this car engaging in anyway other than foot down in a straight line through a tunnel. It’s a real shame as I adore the looks of them, I also couldn’t get away from the thought that a major bill was just around the corner.
Most of the time I would drive around with music off just to make sure I could pick up and knocks of bangs – It’s kind of like a Car-Hypochondriasis. The tuning point was for me as I bought the car after the top end was rebuilt due to a Cambelt Failure, so I thought I was safe, but then the Water pump failed meaning I was hit for a bill over £1000 as the belt has to come off to do the Water Pump – Live and learn I guess.
I got scared of anything else going wrong, so I sold up after just 2 months but made £500 – that helped ease the pain.
Porsche Take 2: I paid a bit more for this one, and just as well as I now realise what the fuss is about. I was sold on this the moment I saw it, although it was the Fuchs that sealed the deal for me.
Despite being 27 years old and on 142,000 miles, this really feels like it will be going on for a lot longer; The non power steering is a joy on the move and the whole car is so confidence inspiring, you can just feel when you are finding limits of traction and I guess this is testament to buying on condition and history, not mileage. The car is currently for sale, but I change my mind every time I drive it. I would definitely recommend the 944 to anyone, it’s refined enough to cross countries and will never fail to amuse you when the road opens up…
The latest addition to Casa RatLad and joining the Porsche is this Eunos (MX-5) RS I picked up just before Christmas. I’ve been reading these forums for over 3 years now so I guess it was only a matter of time before I purchased what is the response to every ‘What Car’ thread on here.
[img] http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii65/RatLad/Car... [/img]
The RS is only 1 of 500 ever produced solely for the Japanese market and is regarded as the ‘Holy Grail’ of Mark 1 MX5’s thanks to its Bilstein suspension setup, lightweight BBS wheels, Torsen LSD with shortened final drive, Kevlar Recaros and a lightened Flywheel. This car changes direction like nothing I have experienced, there is no roll whatsoever and a quick dab of throttle mid corner will make you feel like a driving God.
Yes, another MX5 fanboy has joined the ranks. I do look a bit girly but I am currently trying to rationalise why this little car makes me giggle like a schoolgirl more than the Cayman S I borrowed for a while...
Don’t get me wrong, I would take a Cayman over the MX5 any day, but is the MX5 more involving? I would say yes, definitely. There is something that feels just a bit too clinical with the 987 Boxster / Cayman, maybe they are too capable? Anyway, the MX5 means you can have the same fun as in other exotica but at 1/10th of the pace, and I think that is the point. It’s such and honest simple car and makes me smile continually.
Sorry for the lengthy read, I hope it didn’t send you to sleep.
Edited by RatLad on Sunday 31st July 11:38
rb5230 said:
some interesting cars, short back and sides please. only joking looks like you are having a fun and interesting time with cars.
what will you look at next? not fancy anything a bit more powerful or a bit bigger?
Thanks for the replies; and it just would be right if the hairdresser jokes weren't rolled out! I'm pretty happy with the MX5, but it will be becoming more track orientated later this year hopefully. Other than that I have a serious craving for a Volvo 850 T5R Estate...what will you look at next? not fancy anything a bit more powerful or a bit bigger?
£1000 for a water pump on the Alfa 24v?
That is, erm, expensive! Is that all it was?
Anyway, good collection.
I often wish I had photos of all the cars i have owned over the last 20 years - nothing desperately exciting, but a few PH faves!
Range Rover , BMW 750iL, 635CSi, M535i,lots of Alfas, Renault 19 16v, Toyota MR2 Mk1, 205 GTi, 106 XSi, Rover 220 GTi Turbo Hatch, Legacy 4 Cam Estate,a few Peugeot runabouts, Opel Monza GSE, Manta GSi (really!), Manta GTE with a straight 6, Renault 5 GT Turbo, Senator 24v, Carlton GSi 24v, Carlton 3.0 12v CD Estate + 2.6 CDX Estate, Rover 620 Ti, Landrover SIII, Merc 230 TE, 300SEL, Rover Vitesse, etc.
Most examples I've had a couple of, some more, and some several at the same time!
It IS a disease!
ETA How could I forget the MX 5?Also a Volvo 850 T5 saloon and a Mazda Xedos 6.
That is, erm, expensive! Is that all it was?
Anyway, good collection.
I often wish I had photos of all the cars i have owned over the last 20 years - nothing desperately exciting, but a few PH faves!
Range Rover , BMW 750iL, 635CSi, M535i,lots of Alfas, Renault 19 16v, Toyota MR2 Mk1, 205 GTi, 106 XSi, Rover 220 GTi Turbo Hatch, Legacy 4 Cam Estate,a few Peugeot runabouts, Opel Monza GSE, Manta GSi (really!), Manta GTE with a straight 6, Renault 5 GT Turbo, Senator 24v, Carlton GSi 24v, Carlton 3.0 12v CD Estate + 2.6 CDX Estate, Rover 620 Ti, Landrover SIII, Merc 230 TE, 300SEL, Rover Vitesse, etc.
Most examples I've had a couple of, some more, and some several at the same time!
It IS a disease!
ETA How could I forget the MX 5?Also a Volvo 850 T5 saloon and a Mazda Xedos 6.
Edited by Rollcage on Monday 11th January 22:59
RatLad said:
WRT Water Pump; That was the cost for the cambelt change as well as it has to come off for the water pump to be fitted. The V6 is really squeezed in the GTV, most garages suggest taking the engine out to to the job...
Easy to be wise after the event and no help now, but these guys are excellent and have a great rep.Jamie Porter
I think they charge about £550-600 inc Vat ( Genuine Alfa Parts) for a belt and pump on a GTV.
Edited by Rollcage on Tuesday 12th January 00:19
Wow this is very interesting - as every single one of those cars is one I have seriously considered owning - it seems our taste in cars is very similar. MR2, 944, GTV and Volvo estate are all on my hitlist!
Out of interest - id like to hear your thoughts on the MX5 (mines very similar to the one you've just bought) and the Mk1 and Mk2 MR2's. I nearly swapped my roadster for a Rev 3 MR2 last year, but didnt in the end - I think i made the right decision....
Out of interest - id like to hear your thoughts on the MX5 (mines very similar to the one you've just bought) and the Mk1 and Mk2 MR2's. I nearly swapped my roadster for a Rev 3 MR2 last year, but didnt in the end - I think i made the right decision....
snotrag said:
Wow this is very interesting - as every single one of those cars is one I have seriously considered owning - it seems our taste in cars is very similar. MR2, 944, GTV and Volvo estate are all on my hitlist!
Out of interest - id like to hear your thoughts on the MX5 (mines very similar to the one you've just bought) and the Mk1 and Mk2 MR2's. I nearly swapped my roadster for a Rev 3 MR2 last year, but didnt in the end - I think i made the right decision....
Hi Stotrag, in fact it was looking on your profile on here that inspired me to get an MX5! The waether has been rather inclement to say the least, so my experience with the car so far has been somewhat limited.Out of interest - id like to hear your thoughts on the MX5 (mines very similar to the one you've just bought) and the Mk1 and Mk2 MR2's. I nearly swapped my roadster for a Rev 3 MR2 last year, but didnt in the end - I think i made the right decision....
I've still been managing to get in into the office, however mostly at a 45 degree angle. So far I have only been able to get the top off once and take a 'quick', well 3 hour drive around some of the best rounds I know in Berkshire, but my first impressions are very promising. You should feel very pleased not to have swapped your '5 for a Rev 3 MR2 as it just doesn't feel quite as engaging. The MR2 is far better on a long run however, both economy wise (which surprised me) and in general refinement. I think the Mx5 will always have the edge as it feels so rewarding to drive and has a sense of urgency about it that I never felt with the MR2, probably down to the weight differences.
All I can say is that you a man of impeccable taste
. If you fancy having a blast in my 944, you are more than welcome to see what you think.RDMcG said:
That's very impressive!....I had nothing like that number or quality of cars at the same period. At this rate you will have 50 more in the next ten years
Many thanks. One day, I hope to have a garage like yours.Congratulations Sir, a 997 GT3RS is my idea of automotive perfection.
Thought I'd better update this.
The '5 is gone, I really will miss that. The 944 is gone, I wont miss that so much.
However, my sadness is soon supressed each time I drive my latest acqusition:
Lotus Elise 111S = the most exhilarating and nerve janging way to travel. There aren't enough superlatives to decribe this car, so I will sum it up in one word - Awesome.
It been a while since I have owned a car that makes me think of excuses to tell my OH that I suddenly 'have to drive' somewhere. You step out of it, look back at it, go inside, look out the window at it again and without a moments thought, you are jumping back in it in the search for that perfect, clear yet twisty B road.
After desperately wanting one since aged 11, I am so happy that my dream car is even better than I'd hoped.
The '5 is gone, I really will miss that. The 944 is gone, I wont miss that so much.
However, my sadness is soon supressed each time I drive my latest acqusition:
Lotus Elise 111S = the most exhilarating and nerve janging way to travel. There aren't enough superlatives to decribe this car, so I will sum it up in one word - Awesome.
It been a while since I have owned a car that makes me think of excuses to tell my OH that I suddenly 'have to drive' somewhere. You step out of it, look back at it, go inside, look out the window at it again and without a moments thought, you are jumping back in it in the search for that perfect, clear yet twisty B road.
After desperately wanting one since aged 11, I am so happy that my dream car is even better than I'd hoped.
Edited by RatLad on Sunday 31st July 11:40
Your Elise looks cracking, congratulations! I'm an MR2 man myself and it seems to me that Elise is the logical next development of the same formula (ish). You sound very happy with it - is it everything you loved about the MR2, but more?
I'm going to look a bit naive here but that looks like a little extra spoiler it has on the rear there. Is that the case - any pics of the rear end?
I'm going to look a bit naive here but that looks like a little extra spoiler it has on the rear there. Is that the case - any pics of the rear end?
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