RE: £100K Garage: Steve Armstrong
Wednesday 18th February 2015
Name: Steve Armstrong
Previously owned: Peugeot 206 Roland Garros, Skoda Fabia vRS Mk1, Renault Clio 197, Honda Civic Type R (EP3 facelift), BMW 530d (E60), Honda S2000 (AP2), Skoda Octavia vRS (Mk2 TSI facelift), Mini JCW GP (R53).
Currently owned: Nothing! Driving around in a MY14 Mazda 6 as my company car and doing 25,000 miles a year...
On the shortlist: "Just cars I can enjoy myself in really! I don't have any kids so wouldn't have any great need for anything like an estate, although I would still have something that could carry things and friends if needed. The rest of the garage would just be about experiencing cars that I've always wanted to, but never been in the right situation or had the budget for."
Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo
Cost: £63,850
Balance: £36,150
Why I chose it: "I know it's a big chunk to spend on one car; bear with me. I've always loved Alpina, I think the cars represent the epitome of quality, plus they look fantastic and go like stink! This would be my daily; 350hp and 516lb ft whilst still returning mid-40s MPG has to be a winner, doesn't it? This is even the colour of choice for me, and is loaded with options. I genuinely don't think there is a better all-round car available to balance performance, economy, practicality and comfort."
Mercedes SLK55 AMG
Cost: £18,000
Balance: £8,900
Why I chose it: "I need another convertible in my life, for those two or three days a year in this country when the weather is just perfect for one. I've always had a love for the SLK55 ever since I saw it on Top Gear when JC drove it around whilst getting shot at by Army Commandos! Admittedly not the most capable car in it's class, but it's a beautiful example at an absolute steal. And who can resist the sound of an AMG V8 (especially with the roof down)?"
£100K Garage: Steve Armstrong
Alpina for everyday, Integra for track, SLK55 for sunshine and a Subaru for the rest - job done!
Previously owned: Peugeot 206 Roland Garros, Skoda Fabia vRS Mk1, Renault Clio 197, Honda Civic Type R (EP3 facelift), BMW 530d (E60), Honda S2000 (AP2), Skoda Octavia vRS (Mk2 TSI facelift), Mini JCW GP (R53).
Currently owned: Nothing! Driving around in a MY14 Mazda 6 as my company car and doing 25,000 miles a year...
On the shortlist: "Just cars I can enjoy myself in really! I don't have any kids so wouldn't have any great need for anything like an estate, although I would still have something that could carry things and friends if needed. The rest of the garage would just be about experiencing cars that I've always wanted to, but never been in the right situation or had the budget for."
Cost: £63,850
Balance: £36,150
Why I chose it: "I know it's a big chunk to spend on one car; bear with me. I've always loved Alpina, I think the cars represent the epitome of quality, plus they look fantastic and go like stink! This would be my daily; 350hp and 516lb ft whilst still returning mid-40s MPG has to be a winner, doesn't it? This is even the colour of choice for me, and is loaded with options. I genuinely don't think there is a better all-round car available to balance performance, economy, practicality and comfort."
Honda Integra Type R
Cost: £9,250
Balance: £26,900
Why I chose it: "Plain and simple - I'm a huge Honda fan. I thought my EP3 Type R was an absolute peach, and as far as I'm concerned the best hot hatch of its day. My S2000 was just fab also, open top fun and a rapid little car. I've always wanted to scratch the Integra itch - a guy I used to know had a DC2 and it was a cracking thing. This DC5 does everything for me: completely original, looks to be in A1 condition and would just be a great track and weekend car to take out for a blast on those dry summer days! The only thing I would do (as I think is necessary for all VTEC engines) is a couple of breathing mods - Gruppe M induction kit and cat back exhaust (with a subtle tailpipe and sound to maintain an OEM look)."
Cost: £18,000
Balance: £8,900
Why I chose it: "I need another convertible in my life, for those two or three days a year in this country when the weather is just perfect for one. I've always had a love for the SLK55 ever since I saw it on Top Gear when JC drove it around whilst getting shot at by Army Commandos! Admittedly not the most capable car in it's class, but it's a beautiful example at an absolute steal. And who can resist the sound of an AMG V8 (especially with the roof down)?"
Subaru Impreza WRX
Cost: £6,995
Balance: £1,905
Why I chose it: "As an Alpina back-up for the other 363 days of the year where the weather could do anything from rain, sleet, hail or snow! Apart from having something SUV sized (of which I'm a fan of none), I don't think there is a better tool for the job when the weather would rather you didn't go out driving. Really clean example, subtle (I'd opt for this rather than an STI) and I would leave it completely unmodified. Still has enough poke should you need it to overtake, and hell will probably freeze over before it ever broke down!
"The remaining £1,905 would be spent on fuel and the two little mods for my Integra."
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Discussion
Great choice with the D3. It's a substantial price hike over list tho.....
http://www.alpinaconfigurator.co.uk/modellselector...
Must be because it's rare & available or lots of options ticked.
http://www.alpinaconfigurator.co.uk/modellselector...
Must be because it's rare & available or lots of options ticked.
Everyone's dream garage is down to personal taste, but blowing over £60k on a (granted very nice) tarted up diesel rep mobile? 
You could spend less than half that on something a couple of years old to do the same job 99% as well leaving another 30k to spend on the track car/4x4/something interesting... 
As an aside, if I could afford £100k to blow on cars, then 40mpg wouldn't be much of selling point to me - would £64k buy an M4?
You could spend less than half that on something a couple of years old to do the same job 99% as well leaving another 30k to spend on the track car/4x4/something interesting... As an aside, if I could afford £100k to blow on cars, then 40mpg wouldn't be much of selling point to me - would £64k buy an M4?
nice garage but after driving an alpine d3 a few weeks ago id swap it for an m3 any day of the week at that price. The Alpina is based on the SE model so gets a tarted up version of the awful SE steering wheel and non of the fancy M sport bits to make it look nice. Wheels look aftermarket too as they don't sit right on the car. Drove well enough ad the engine is good but just no wow factor imo obviously
Like the dc5, ditto the Alpina, although as you say, it's quite a chunk of cash. Personally, never got the SLK thing, I'd choose S2000 (I know you've already done that) or Boxster. As for the (occasional) use of an Impreza, why not a spec B Legacy (LE6). They drive well, are just as practical, are less "in yer face", and they've got that creamy flat 6.
Pity that Alpina soaks up most of the budget, because Autocar's Steve Sutcliffe reckons after running one long term that it's one of the best all rounders in the real(ish) world.
Pity that Alpina soaks up most of the budget, because Autocar's Steve Sutcliffe reckons after running one long term that it's one of the best all rounders in the real(ish) world.
Edited by shipoftheseus on Wednesday 18th February 20:43
TimS2000 said:
Everyone's dream garage is down to personal taste, but blowing over £60k on a (granted very nice) tarted up diesel rep mobile? You could spend less than half that on something a couple of years old to do the same job 99% as well leaving another 30k to spend on the track car/4x4/something interesting...
As an aside, if I could afford £100k to blow on cars, then 40mpg wouldn't be much of selling point to me - would £64k buy an M4?
Have a look at this interestingly...look at which one comes out on top! You could spend less than half that on something a couple of years old to do the same job 99% as well leaving another 30k to spend on the track car/4x4/something interesting... As an aside, if I could afford £100k to blow on cars, then 40mpg wouldn't be much of selling point to me - would £64k buy an M4?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoRAeL8qgSM
nickboazracing said:
Sorry, £63k on a diesel 3 Series? Each to thier own...!
Was the only one on PH! Admittedly there is a premium to be paid here, but it's loaded with all of the best options and will do everything you will ever need it to, very, very well.As well as that, it's something a bit different...you're pretty much guaranteed to see a new M3 or M4 on a journey now!
Edited by steve1386 on Thursday 19th February 10:46
shipoftheseus said:
Like the dc5, ditto the Alpina, although as you say, it's quite a chunk of cash. Personally, never got the SLK thing, I'd choose S2000 (I know you've already done that) or Boxster. As for the (occasional) use of an Impreza, why not a spec B Legacy (LE6). They drive well, are just as practical, are less "in yer face", and they've got that creamy flat 6.
Pity that Alpina soaks up most of the budget, because Autocar's Steve Sutcliffe reckons after running one long term that it's one of the best all rounders in the real(ish) world.
To be honest, the ONLY reason why it isn't an S2000 is that I've already had one. I loved it to bits, and if I had another it would have to be in Indy Pearl Yellow, AP2 model...if you can find me one, I will buy it Pity that Alpina soaks up most of the budget, because Autocar's Steve Sutcliffe reckons after running one long term that it's one of the best all rounders in the real(ish) world.
Edited by shipoftheseus on Wednesday 18th February 20:43
in reference to the You tube video I've got to ay its one of the most biased reviews I've ever seen. The guy reviewing actually owns an Alpina! so is bound to be more confident in the car on the drive and would obviously be biased towards it. Next week we have Mr dyson reviewing Henry hoovers!
Steve have you ever driven an SLK55?
Dont listen to this SLK negativity. They are awesome, Okay no sharp edged tool aka Elise but as an occasion type car they are tough to beat. And as JC says on the army shooting vid 'That engine' 'amazing'.
I've had quick bikes (still got a quick one) so if i want mental speeds and thrills just hop onto that, but as a car I was really taken-a-back on the speed/grunt/wow factor of the SLK55. Owned one for 14 months now.
They are nothing like an ordinary SLK or stero-typed woman wagon, and even the 3.5 V6's can't touch the 55 for presence and impression you are left with.
Everyone (including doubters/moaners) who've been in mine have been shocked to the level of perfomance on offer. A special car and rare. will only go up in value now IMO and very decent ones are hard to source.
Dont listen to this SLK negativity. They are awesome, Okay no sharp edged tool aka Elise but as an occasion type car they are tough to beat. And as JC says on the army shooting vid 'That engine' 'amazing'.
I've had quick bikes (still got a quick one) so if i want mental speeds and thrills just hop onto that, but as a car I was really taken-a-back on the speed/grunt/wow factor of the SLK55. Owned one for 14 months now.
They are nothing like an ordinary SLK or stero-typed woman wagon, and even the 3.5 V6's can't touch the 55 for presence and impression you are left with.
Everyone (including doubters/moaners) who've been in mine have been shocked to the level of perfomance on offer. A special car and rare. will only go up in value now IMO and very decent ones are hard to source.
Edited by rgv250ads on Thursday 19th February 14:42
rgv250ads said:
Steve have you ever driven an SLK55?
Dont listen to this SLK negativity. They are awesome, Okay no sharp edged tool aka Elise but as an occasion type car they are tough to beat. And as JC says on the army shooting vid 'That engine' 'amazing'.
I've had quick bikes (still got a quick one) so if i want mental speeds and thrills just hop onto that, but as a car I was really taken-a-back on the speed/grunt/wow factor of the SLK55. Owned one for 14 months now.
They are nothing like an ordinary SLK or stero-typed woman wagon, and even the 3.5 V6's can't touch the 55 for presence and impression you are left with.
Everyone (including doubters/moaners) who've been in mine have been shocked to the level of perfomance on offer. A special car and rare. will only go up in value now IMO and very decent ones are hard to source.
Fair comment Dont listen to this SLK negativity. They are awesome, Okay no sharp edged tool aka Elise but as an occasion type car they are tough to beat. And as JC says on the army shooting vid 'That engine' 'amazing'.
I've had quick bikes (still got a quick one) so if i want mental speeds and thrills just hop onto that, but as a car I was really taken-a-back on the speed/grunt/wow factor of the SLK55. Owned one for 14 months now.
They are nothing like an ordinary SLK or stero-typed woman wagon, and even the 3.5 V6's can't touch the 55 for presence and impression you are left with.
Everyone (including doubters/moaners) who've been in mine have been shocked to the level of perfomance on offer. A special car and rare. will only go up in value now IMO and very decent ones are hard to source.
Edited by rgv250ads on Thursday 19th February 14:42
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