: Mondeo ST, Astra SRI Suzuki GSX-R600
"I never intended to! My ST had just ticked over 96K, it was still going strong but I had a minor bump six months previous and a car is never the same after a prang, no matter how well repaired.
"My wife had a diesel Juke at the time and I always liked it. It was very well equipped, and drove pretty well, but I always wished it had more go! While browsing the web one day I spotted the Juke NISMO not too far from me and my only intention was just to go and have a look. After a short test drive I was sold and some number crunching meant it was just too good a deal to pass up!"
What I wish I'd known:
"I wish I'd known the new Nismo RS was coming. I might have held on for a year for that!"
"I literally love everything about it! I love its Marmite looks. It's got all the gadgets you'll ever need in a car. I love the way it revs and the way it sounds. There's a short tunnel near where I live and flooring it through in second gear at about 2,400rpm is just awesome. I love the seats. Most comfortable I've ever sat in. I love that there's not many around. You see STs and GTIs on every corner. I like that the NISMO is different. I like the little bit of oversteer you get in the wet."
Things I hate:
"Not so much hate but there are a few annoyances. Under the storage tray in the boot there's another tray that houses the tyre repair kit. It's not secured, and never has been, so it rattles about over bumpy roads."
"I average 22-23 mpg so the biggest cost is fuel! It's still under warranty and I have a service plan with my local dealer so there's no costs here. My local dealer incidentally is Middlehurst Nissan in St Helens and their service is faultless!"
Where I've been:
"It's been everywhere from Scotland to Cornwall, to York and Wales!"
What next?
"Probably hold on to it for another year. I'm always looking for my next car though, and so far the only thing I can think of that will match the NISMO is another one!"
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