Saturday 27th August 2016

£100K Garage: James Townsend

Skoda sorts out sensible, leaving fun to be covered by an Exige and a GT-R!

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Name: James Townsend
Previously owned: Fiat Bravo, Subaru Impreza WRX, Vauxhall VXR8, Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Mazda RX7 Type RB
Currently owned: Audi A4 Avant TDI
On the shortlist: Nissan GT-R (R35)

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Lotus Exige S
Cost: £28,995.
Balance: £71,005
Why I chose it: "I've always wanted a track focused car for the weekends when we get that rare bit of sun. I previously ran a Impreza STI Widetrack as a daily driver and track toy, but trying to live with its firm coilovers and snatchy performance clutch was easier said than done on a daily basis! So with this in mind I've always fancied an Exige S if I had something more sensible for a daily hack. This one in particular has an outstanding spec list, not to mention a meticulous service history. This would also fulfil my RWD requirements. Why wouldn't you choose it?!"

Nissan GT-R (R35)
Cost: £49,950
Balance: £21,055
Why I chose it: "As a fan of watching Subarus battling Mitsubishis in the WRC way back when, I've always had a soft spot for all-wheel drive cars. The GT-R was always a poster car of mine, from the R32 variant through to the current R35. I wanted a car I could munch up miles in on trips to the 'ring or Spa, lap the circuits very quickly and then cruise home in comfort after. This ticks all those boxes for me. This GT-R is a Recaro edition; also, as an 11-plated car, it gets essential software updates and a factory power boost as standard. Unmolested examples are now getting thin on the ground which is another reason this one stood out."

Skoda Octavia vRS Estate
Cost: £21,989
Balance: -£934. Oops... (We'll let you off James, just this once - MB)
Why I chose it: "Yes, I know, slightly over budget, but given the first two are private sellers I'm thinking a little money off might be had! So anyway, my final choice is what I would class as my sensible daily. I've always liked vRS Octavias - the recent breed even have some nice styling in my opinion. Given the cost of a VW rival this is definitely the thinking man's choice. Fully loaded, only 2,000 miles on the clock and a fruity engine - what's not to like? OK, maybe the name still brings a slight giggle to a conversation, but I think I could live with that given the three-car garage. This ticks the final box for my FWD car."

[adingley84]

Some 100k garages spread themselves too thinly as you can only drive 1 car at a time...but If I had 100k cash to actually spend, I'd be chuffed with these 3!^

^I'd probably ditch the Skoda actually and get something a bit rarer/special for the family jobs

[Smokey32]

Not a bad choice. Maybe swap the skoda for a 20k e63 estate or rs6 but otherwise nice.

[CABC]

not my choice, but at least i can see his logic and share a petrolheads dream.
approved!

[mclwanB]

Smokey32 said:

Not a bad choice. Maybe swap the skoda for a 20k e63 estate or rs6 but otherwise nice.

But with the new rules one car has to be front wheel drive. Given that huge limitation pretty good choices- would have a modified gtr and honda'd Elise though. If ignoring the questionable fwd rwd 4x4 thing I'd find a 330d x drive to replace the Skoda

[T1berious]

Not a bad choice! I think I'm going to do one and stop lurking!

I think the new format is a bit restrictive but this lot gets a thumbs up from me

[ORD]

The new format is utterly stupid.

What if, like me, you have sod all interest in AWD and FWD cars? Is PH now a place for people who have to pretend to like cars that they don't so that nobody's feelings get hurt?

'He doesn't like AWD?! But I do!!! Where's my safe space?!'

[CABC]

missed this new rule...
maybe it's advertising related, Haymarket can't just appeal to a minority, the money's with cupholders and top trumps.

[Turquoise]

So something that has long been a staple on here as a bit of anything goes frivolous fun, has now been told to abide by strict rules?!?

WTF? Pathetic and needless in equal measure.

[Smokey32]

Yeh a 100k dream garage is pretty pointless if you cant have what you want.

[Evilex]

I keep hearing about "the new rules", but haven't seen what they actually are...

In any case, they've watered down what was a bit of fun into something really rather dull.

[Turquoise]

I haven't seen the new rules either but I'm assuming it's 3 cars. One rear wheel drive, one front wheel drive and one all wheel drive.

Well done PH. Great way to take the fun out of things...