Owning a V8 in the UK?

[jet_noise]

Dear Big Tav,

ah, but places are much closer over here. We think nothing of the next door neighbour being within walking distance, or even speaking if you live in a flat

Pop over to PH's own HSV & Monaro forum and you'll find there are a lot of V8 Shell shareholders who wouldn't drive anything else

regards,
Jet

[Dog Star]

I've got a V8 Merc SL500 and to be honest the fuel is not the major consideration in running costs - neither is insurance. It's tyres, servicing, maintainance etc. I'm stopping using it for commuting as I now think I'm "wasting" the car and just due to the cost, but the fuel isn't really the killer.

[Big Tav]

The car I would be considering is a C5 Vette or late model Mustang.

I don't have a job as yet...I've only been here a month. The C5 or Mustang was always on the must have list but I am just thinking if now is the time. I will get a job next month though (I hope)

I know places are a lot closer too over here. I live just out of Edinburgh so it will be a 30 mile round trip to just about anywhereI got a job in the city (google maps says 9 miles from me to Princes St)

I also know the cars are cheaper here too but that is the appeal!

[AnotherClarkey]

Big Tav said:

The car I would be considering is a C5 Vette or late model Mustang.

I don't have a job as yet...I've only been here a month. The C5 or Mustang was always on the must have list but I am just thinking if now is the time. I will get a job next month though (I hope)

I know places are a lot closer too over here. I live just out of Edinburgh so it will be a 30 mile round trip to just about anywhereI got a job in the city (google maps says 9 miles from me to Princes St)

I also know the cars are cheaper here too but that is the appeal!

Running a V8 is the least of your problems going in to Edinburgh, finding somewhere to park which doesn't bankrupt you is.

[balls-out]

I love my V8s and really don't want anything else. I've had 3 of the rover variety, one BMW, and 4 chevy.
I've currently got 2 - nothing else comes close - although I haven't every owned a v12.

[vxrandy]

Hereward said:

V8's won't be around in 20 years. Own one before it's too late.

^^^^^^This is why I own 2

[Garlick]

One 4.0 V8 in my TVR, just bought a 4.0 V8 barge as a daily.

I don't do big miles, but find it manageable.

[Matt UK]

swilding said:

I'm sure its been said before but fuel prices are not likely to be reducing so now is as cheap as its going to be to fuel that V8 itch!

But the more fuel prices go up, the less these cars are likely to be worth. It's all a balance.


<wanders back to Autotrader>

[TDFPELTD]

260 miles to 75 quid of V-Power. Money well spent! Cerbera 4.5 BTW

[jbi]

4.0 litre V8 been driving it for 2 years.

I'm 25 now and it's my 2nd V8.

My mates can't seem to get their head around it being a "small" V8 either.

Meh... they can keep their little honda's and renaults while I enjoy a real engine

[HowMuchLonger]

Does my diesel V8 count? It is 4.4 litres of fun.

Edited by HowMuchLonger on Tuesday 4th January 21:56

[Caruso]

The good thing about the UK is that everywhere is closer together than Oz or the US, which helps to make up for the more expensive fuel.

[jbi]

Caruso said:

The good thing about the UK is that everywhere is closer together than Oz or the US, which helps to make up for the more expensive fuel.

Of course it's the short trips where a V8 drinks the most

[gsd2000]

vxrandy said:

Hereward said:

V8's won't be around in 20 years. Own one before it's too late.

^^^^^^This is why I own 2

Greedy

[gsd2000]

Big Tav said:

Hi guys, just wanted to ask the owners of V8's here in the UK if they regret owning it with the fuel prices here. I am from Australia and your fuel is about 50% more expensive than ours. I know a V8 is not a diesel Golf and never will be and if you want performance you've got to pay but I'm just asking if it's worth it or should I consider something else?

I'm not broke (don't have a job yet though) and I know some will think if you have to ask you can't afford it but I just don't want to make a stupid impulsive mistake then regret it.

Hear from you soon!

Ford or Holden?

[TheStoat]

Do it. Get a job first but do it. I've run a replica Cobra as a daily driver and now have a Viper. Large engines are fantastic and a decent car like a Corvette, Monaro or Viper will always sell if you change your mind later on. Trust me, I'm not a doctor but you won't regret owning a V8

[gsd2000]

I love my 5.7 litre "small block" engine

[V88Dicky]

LuS1fer said:

You can balance it. For example, I have a 2005 Mustang and it's relatively cheap to insure, cheaper to tax than a UK supplied 2.0, will do 24mpg and depreciates far less than a normal car. The one I have now is a low mile garage queen but I've run them as dailies in the past and only a family prevents me doing so now.

Swap 'Mustang' for 'Monaro', and this pretty much sums it up for me too

A 14 year old Fiesta for the daily commute, and the Holden for high days and holidays

[mattmoxon]

Having owned a V8 for over a year and a half I have to say it is great. On my 2006 Mustang GT Auto I get 18 to 20mpg day to day and just over 30mpg on a run (70mph with the cruise control, air con etc all on). Sure it drinks a bit but aside from modifications all I have spent on it over the past 19 months is tax, insurance, MOT and servicing and a set of tyres (not a huge amount left on them when I bought it).

In short if you can afford it do it!!

[C8PPO]

There is nothing whatsoever wrong in owning a V8 (or two!). In fact, it's SO right that I'm willing to sell you my Vauxhall Holden just so that you can prove it to yourself!