Discussion
Right, I'm 19 and looking at a new car. I've had it stuck in my head that a new Clio 200 cup is for me, but I'm now thinking that a 350 could be a good shout. Budget is ~£6000.
Am I daft? Would the V6 feel a bit sluggish with 150(??)bhp. Though the event is more attractive to ke than outright pace.
I've got a work car for commuting so mileage wouldn't be daft. Would my budget be suffice for a solid one and what is the main things to look out for when buying?
Am I daft? Would the V6 feel a bit sluggish with 150(??)bhp. Though the event is more attractive to ke than outright pace.
I've got a work car for commuting so mileage wouldn't be daft. Would my budget be suffice for a solid one and what is the main things to look out for when buying?
The answer to this kind of question is always "It Depends..."
I like the wedges and their style, but freely admit they aren't for everyone. I have a 280, and they aren't by any means sluggish (8 secs for 0-60mph is still reasonably good) , but they are now outaccelerated by quite a few turbo sports cars. It's quick enough for overtaking on the A roads.
I'm a bit taller than average, and I noticed the later curvy styles curve in at the top of the screen and sides, making me feel claustrophobic, whereas the wedges feel a lot wider and suit me better.
You can get over 33mpg with a 2.8 V6 on a decent run, I've done that a few times. not sure how the V8s stack up to that, I suspect they are quite a bit thirstier ?
But they are all getting old, and so need checking often, wiring is often tired and can be a bit flaky... but typical of many 30(ish) year old cars....
I like the wedges and their style, but freely admit they aren't for everyone. I have a 280, and they aren't by any means sluggish (8 secs for 0-60mph is still reasonably good) , but they are now outaccelerated by quite a few turbo sports cars. It's quick enough for overtaking on the A roads.
I'm a bit taller than average, and I noticed the later curvy styles curve in at the top of the screen and sides, making me feel claustrophobic, whereas the wedges feel a lot wider and suit me better.
You can get over 33mpg with a 2.8 V6 on a decent run, I've done that a few times. not sure how the V8s stack up to that, I suspect they are quite a bit thirstier ?
But they are all getting old, and so need checking often, wiring is often tired and can be a bit flaky... but typical of many 30(ish) year old cars....
If you are the type of person that likes working on your car then the 350i would be a good bet. The mechanicals are old technology so reasonably easy to repair at home, yet very fast through sheer muscle. Unlike a newish car it will not be loosing value. I know the value of 350i hasn't appreciated that much over the last few years but it hasn't depreciated either, also I believe that there is potential for a massive increase in value as the 350i is well undervalued in today's classic car market. Make sure you buy the right one and that its sound to start with, also at 19 check that you will be able to get insured. I have a 20 year old who wants to drive mine but i can't get him on the policy. Good luck with your search.
Tony. TCB.
Tony. TCB.
Check you can get insurance first... wedges can be had on classic policies from about £100 comprehensive but some companies insist that the driver also has to be a (ahem) classic - well over 21 or 25 anyway.
If you're handy with the spanners or would like to become that way
then a Wedge is every lads' Meccano, train set and pedal car rolled into one. If you throw up your arms in horror at the least rattle or glitch then FFS stay away, there have been enough monkeys around these cars in the last few years.
If you're handy with the spanners or would like to become that way
then a Wedge is every lads' Meccano, train set and pedal car rolled into one. If you throw up your arms in horror at the least rattle or glitch then FFS stay away, there have been enough monkeys around these cars in the last few years.Wedg1e said:
Check you can get insurance first... wedges can be had on classic policies from about £100 comprehensive but some companies insist that the driver also has to be a (ahem) classic - well over 21 or 25 anyway.
If you're handy with the spanners or would like to become that way then a Wedge is every lads' Meccano, train set and pedal car rolled into one. If you throw up your arms in horror at the least rattle or glitch then FFS stay away, there have been enough monkeys around these cars in the last few years.
Completly agree with Ian here espacally the last bit, but unfortunatly there still are a few monkeys plying with them! So watch out when you go to buy!If you're handy with the spanners or would like to become that way
then a Wedge is every lads' Meccano, train set and pedal car rolled into one. If you throw up your arms in horror at the least rattle or glitch then FFS stay away, there have been enough monkeys around these cars in the last few years.Andy
Hi mate..Id say go for it but as said check out what the insurance would be as i know they hammer young drivers..You might just need that amount of money again to insure it..These cars are for people who love to tinker and want to learn or who have a good mechanical knowledge,(Yes there are monkeys that own them but i thought they owned chimps?)..I currently own a 280i V6 and its not at all sluggish,Although the sound of the V8 is spine tingling awesome and i will treat myself to one eventually..Most of these cars will need regular maintenance, Probably more than your average car and my belief is they are best driven all the time..It doesnt do any car any good sat in a garage 80% of its life!!..I think you might also be the youngest wedge owner as well if you did...Good luck..Ziga
Unfortunatly there are in the market people who think they know what they are doing but don't! You just have to look at some of the prices they ask for the condition of the cars!
So beware when buying!
As regard to on the forum we have at least one chimpmister (Good bloke willing to help as well)
So you can't tell untill you come across there work! But we help them out on hear and there cars get sorted its the ones which haven't which you need to stay claer off.
Buy the best if your budget will allow!
Andy
So beware when buying!
As regard to on the forum we have at least one chimpmister (Good bloke willing to help as well)
So you can't tell untill you come across there work! But we help them out on hear and there cars get sorted its the ones which haven't which you need to stay claer off.
Buy the best if your budget will allow!
Andy
Just to add, after reading comments -
Don't know if classic policies are cheaper for 2.8 versus 3.5..I'm in NZ, rules are different here.
Don't be too frightened of the 2.8i injection system - it looks complex, but actually isn't, and it graced cars as varied as VW Golf through to the Audi turbos and V8 Ferraris, but for some reason it gets a hard time from so called experts nowadays.
If you are pretty handy, there's very little you can't maintain in you garage, but parts for all Wedges can be a challenge, finding out where they come from even !! This is where this forum helps a LOT.
My experience has been that the wiring on mine was the single worst feature - but now I've been through and sorted it, it's no problem any more, and car is reliable. last problem was a dripping water pump, but managed to find one even here in NZ, where 2.8 engine is pretty rare.
Don't know if classic policies are cheaper for 2.8 versus 3.5..I'm in NZ, rules are different here.
Don't be too frightened of the 2.8i injection system - it looks complex, but actually isn't, and it graced cars as varied as VW Golf through to the Audi turbos and V8 Ferraris, but for some reason it gets a hard time from so called experts nowadays.
If you are pretty handy, there's very little you can't maintain in you garage, but parts for all Wedges can be a challenge, finding out where they come from even !! This is where this forum helps a LOT.
My experience has been that the wiring on mine was the single worst feature - but now I've been through and sorted it, it's no problem any more, and car is reliable. last problem was a dripping water pump, but managed to find one even here in NZ, where 2.8 engine is pretty rare.
Wouldn't be for insurance. That'd be separate. Though having done more research, I can get insured sensibly... But with some of the worst companies and worst policies I've seen.
Been hunting around at random cars and I'm thinking I'm going for a Nissan 200sx s14a. Bit of an odd jump but it'll give me some more experience and be cheaper so I can get my TVR fix in the next few years if all goes to plan.
Surprised at the prices of chims, I'm sure last time I checked they were a lot lower!
Been hunting around at random cars and I'm thinking I'm going for a Nissan 200sx s14a. Bit of an odd jump but it'll give me some more experience and be cheaper so I can get my TVR fix in the next few years if all goes to plan.
Surprised at the prices of chims, I'm sure last time I checked they were a lot lower!
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