Now that's what I call a PRACTICAL performance car!

[browno]

I've just got back in from another little expedition that reminds me why my family lugger is such a competent all-rounder - and certainly a bargain-buy now!

What else can you find for so little money (I paid ca. £11k at 18months old, they are now as low as £4500) with the combination of performance (300BHP/400ftllbs, 165mph+, would leave my Boxster S for dead), low running costs (it's cost me servicing and an alternator in 3 years) along with exclusivity (134 estates made of about 1000 of the model).

The badge, and the fact that a certain Mr Clarkson has a hatred for them will probably alienate many, but Evo liked it a lot, and as a daily car it's the perfect tool for so many occasions... and I have other options to cover the bits it doesnt excel at - MX5 and Clio 182 cover balanced handling for RWD and FWD well enough for me!

I give you the Vauxhall Vectra VXR Estate!

Having had a couple of days to do some decorating, I had to do the dreaded Ikea trip this morning (I've not quite got round to fully de-stickering from Le Mans)...



Which resulted in all of this:



Which definitely wouldn't go into Thunderbird 1 (to fit Mrs browno & baby browno)!



So it was time to draft in the big fella:





A bit of lugging later, and it was all in (including the 2 240cm tall wardrobes, large bookcase, drawer units x2 and other stuff)





It did look a bit lower than normal but drove as normal on the way back.



I'm now getting disapproving looks from the boss - so I guess I'd better stop posting and start assembling then!

[Prof Prolapse]

Always had a soft spot for these. Didn't know they had gotten so cheap!

ETA: Oops sorry didn't see the sticker explanation.

Edited by Prof Prolapse on Tuesday 7th August 14:09

[Jimmy No Hands]

I've always liked these. Whats the standard exhaust like, do they make a decent noise?

[LouD86]

I was looking at an ex plod version of this, an SRI bodied VXR. Such stealth, awesome vehicles! Nice to see someone else loves them too!

[msmith0592]

Is your car stock?

I thought the VXR produced ~250 BHP and ~260 lb/ft.

[Willeh85]

It has to be Ikea Guiltbrook, OP is from 'Derbyshire' and I recognise it too. When I was at school I used to work in Decathlon after school and during the school holidays. I used to go get my lunch in Ikea and do the same, watching people struggle with their purchases

[milfordkong]

Nice car... I like the rarity and if I were a new Dad with a labrador and a pram to cart round i'd be strongly considering one.

Can't find any anywhere near £4500 though? The only one on PH classifieds is £8500?

[browno]

Cheers for all the replies - yes it was Ikea giltbrook!

My car has a stage 1 map on - as a later one, it was 280/260 standard - the map unleashes the torque!

The engine is a 2.8turbo V6 - and the standard exhaust is good - not loud, but a nice burble!