Chris Baldwin (TheBALDpuma)
Mk2 Golf Driver, Fiat Stilo (blurgh - the shame), Ford Puma
Big enough for walkies without getting out
"I'd had the Puma three years and I loved it, but the rust had really started to take its toll and as well as looking pretty shabby, mechanically it was starting to let me down. It had also an argument with a skip, so wasn't looking very pretty with a big dent on the wing. For my job I have to carry a lot of kit around, some of which is quite large - it fitted in the Puma but only just, with the seats constantly lying flat. This means I needed an estate, so the hunt was on.
"On top of this with such a large dog, an estate was a must. I was originally looking at the E46 330i and also played with the idea of an Octavia VRS, or a fast Volvo. I wanted something fun but ultimately something a little bit special. The ST220 wasn't even on my radar until one popped up in a classified search and I soon stated to realise that for the money nothing came close to matching my criteria."
What I wish I'd known:
"I did a lot of research and realised I wanted a post facelift with the six-speed 'box and nicer interior but a pre '06 plate, so I didn't have to pay nearly double the tax each year! This left a fairly narrow window of cars, which are fairly rare in the first place (I've not seen another yet!). Saved searches set up on all the big classifieds meant a few months of waiting until the perfect one came up, only an hour or so away. I went to view it, and although I said I didn't want another black car, it looked awesome and I broke an often touted rule, buying the first one I went to see.
Hard driving sees the V6 return 17mpg!
"As I have mentioned, I did a lot of research into the pitfalls of these cars. The bottom of the doors can rust, wheel lacquer peels and the engines can be pretty sensitive to being mistreated in terms of oil level. My car has no rust, recently refurbished and powder coated wheels as well as full service history. A big thumbs up! I did however manage to kid myself that I'd get 30mpg from it. In truth, it isn't even close. I've averaged about 27mpg since I bought it, but that's mainly because I've been doing a lot of long motorway journeys that are out of the norm for me, where I can cruise at about 32mpg. My usual weekly commute sees about 24mpg. I've seen 17mpg on a hoon!"
Things I love:
"The poor fuel economy is all but forgotten when I plant my right foot. Just tootling about the engine is subtle and refined but when you bury the throttle it has a fantastic growl and really starts to howl as you approach the redline. I thought the engine would have loads of grunt from low down in the revs, but in truth it pulls well but doesn't really come into its own until 4,000rpm where it really goes and sounds fantastic. The engine is strong and feels like it pulls even harder once you get out of second and into third. It goes round corners really well too, and certainly doesn't feel like a big car. I have grown to love the toys it has too, something which I'm not used to. Cruise, heated seats and climate control are all things I've never had before and which I have now become quite accustomed to.
On top of all of this I can throw loads of work stuff in the boot or sit in sixth at motorway speed and waft incredibly comfortably (the Recaro seats are excellent) all day long. It really is the perfect all rounder. "
Took a while to find but worth the effort
"I'm not sure there is anything I hate about my ST. I dislike spending the best part of £80 on fuel and not making it to 300 miles before I have to fill up again. I also dislike some of the trim quality. It looks and feels good but there are a number of rattles. Something unidentified rattles in the back, the lid for the cigarette lighter rattles, the passenger seat squeaks against the centre console if someone of any size sits in it and a cubby hole door above my right knee falls onto my knee when I drive hard or go over a big bump. However, I'm not overly fussy with this kind of stuff so it goes unnoticed most of the time."
Costs:
"I paid £3,100 for it, which I think is an absolute bargain when you think just how much car you're getting for your money. As I've mentioned it likes a drink but the insurance and parts are reasonable. I did have an unexpected cost when I took it in for a service three weeks after I bought it. My local indy called me up and said "Erm, Mr Baldwin I think you need to come in and have a look at this." Probably the worst opening line from your garage!
The car had just gone through an MoT three days before I collected it but the MoT garage had been extremely careless. Rear brake lines were extremely corroded, a front brake hose had been fitted incorrectly and was rubbing on my wheel and had nearly worn all the way through and a front coil spring had snapped (and rusted) and was holding on by about 2mm. I'll give Moorfield Garage in Yeadon, Leeds a mention as I've been through a few until I settled with these guys and I'm very happy with the work I've had done here."
Fast, affordable and practical - PH gold!
"I've racked up only about 3,000 miles since I bought it about two months ago. I've not been anywhere too exciting; except for the Lake District where there are some stunning roads. I drove over Kirkstone Pass while I was there, which is a fantastic stretch of tarmac. I fancy popping my track day cherry with this car, and have a half-baked plan for a 'ring trip next year with a friend who thinks he'll outgun me in his E46 330d."
What next?
"I have no plans of selling it yet (although I've already had one enquiry to buy it). I think it will be a keeper until I no longer need an estate, at which point I want something with a V8and no roof. I'm not the modifying type so I expect it will stay standard, although a more fruity exhaust may be on the cards."
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