What Car Thread (Admit it, you love them)
Discussion
Well it's that time of year again, where my bank ballance begins to look nice, and I get silly ideas of things to spend my cash on.
As my commute will be massively reduced from a 40 mile minimum to a 3 mile max (getting a flat in town outskirts, money set aside already, and own a bicycle), I will only need a car for weekends/roadtrips e.t.c.
As a result, I think that I can finally lob the Micra and get something more interesting, and more useful.
Pints have helped my reasoning, but I feel that as I will no longer have points, and will have some NCB my engine choices are far less restricted.
Criteria are:
Max £2000
min mpg 25
RWD (not necessary just fancied)
4-5 seats ( Friends in back, so leg room doesn't matter)
A boot big enough for a bouldering mat(1*0.60*0.5m when folded), and 4 70 litre back packs (bouldering mat is a must, bags are optional as i don't care if others are in pain, their laps will be available)
FUN!
Lowish chances of spontanious combustion/death (But I can weild a spanner if need be)
Don't be too unkind on spelling/grammer etc. Had a horrid day at uni so have been in the pub since lunch
Humor me please, as i do intend to act on one of the ideas.
May edit when sober.
As my commute will be massively reduced from a 40 mile minimum to a 3 mile max (getting a flat in town outskirts, money set aside already, and own a bicycle), I will only need a car for weekends/roadtrips e.t.c.
As a result, I think that I can finally lob the Micra and get something more interesting, and more useful.
Pints have helped my reasoning, but I feel that as I will no longer have points, and will have some NCB my engine choices are far less restricted.
Criteria are:
Max £2000
min mpg 25
RWD (not necessary just fancied)
4-5 seats ( Friends in back, so leg room doesn't matter)
A boot big enough for a bouldering mat(1*0.60*0.5m when folded), and 4 70 litre back packs (bouldering mat is a must, bags are optional as i don't care if others are in pain, their laps will be available)
FUN!
Lowish chances of spontanious combustion/death (But I can weild a spanner if need be)
Don't be too unkind on spelling/grammer etc. Had a horrid day at uni so have been in the pub since lunch
Humor me please, as i do intend to act on one of the ideas.
May edit when sober.
Caulkhead said:
Sweet, away to poke some meerkats untill i get a quote Beautiful cars - the blend of luxury and performance is quite intoxicating.
However.
Expect sub-20mpg unless you're very light-footed, you also need to keep on maintenance to keep them nice. Ignore the Nikasil issues now, unless it runs like a bag of ass it won't have problems. Timing chain tensioners need to be checked/replaced, as the plastic ones have a habit of self-destructing.
But... If you're vaguely handy with spanners they're not hard to work on, and I really can't state how wonderful they are.
However.
Expect sub-20mpg unless you're very light-footed, you also need to keep on maintenance to keep them nice. Ignore the Nikasil issues now, unless it runs like a bag of ass it won't have problems. Timing chain tensioners need to be checked/replaced, as the plastic ones have a habit of self-destructing.
But... If you're vaguely handy with spanners they're not hard to work on, and I really can't state how wonderful they are.
Krikkit said:
Beautiful cars - the blend of luxury and performance is quite intoxicating.
However.
Expect sub-20mpg unless you're very light-footed, you also need to keep on maintenance to keep them nice. Ignore the Nikasil issues now, unless it runs like a bag of ass it won't have problems. Timing chain tensioners need to be checked/replaced, as the plastic ones have a habit of self-destructing.
But... If you're vaguely handy with spanners they're not hard to work on, and I really can't state how wonderful they are.
How much maintenance is needed? I assume rgular oil, and filter changes, along with visual checks of everything I can lay an eye on? However.
Expect sub-20mpg unless you're very light-footed, you also need to keep on maintenance to keep them nice. Ignore the Nikasil issues now, unless it runs like a bag of ass it won't have problems. Timing chain tensioners need to be checked/replaced, as the plastic ones have a habit of self-destructing.
But... If you're vaguely handy with spanners they're not hard to work on, and I really can't state how wonderful they are.
RX8's are down to silly money.....£2k gets you a runner.....but they can implode at any time, cost you £2k for a new engine if it happens....or you can pick them up as non-runners for £500 on e-bay then new engine in total cost £2500 then you have total peace of mind and a warranty.
I know of one at a specialist right now, 53 plate 231 in red with aero kit, heated leather, sat nav, sunroof, £3100 buys it with a new engine (its currently out being reconditioned £250 ontop gets it ported so more power and better cruising economy), and restored to mint condition......with 12 months warranty on the engine.......
Nothing to do with me by the way....i was on the cusp of buying it but life situation change has put the kybosh on it...gutted its a lovely car
I know of one at a specialist right now, 53 plate 231 in red with aero kit, heated leather, sat nav, sunroof, £3100 buys it with a new engine (its currently out being reconditioned £250 ontop gets it ported so more power and better cruising economy), and restored to mint condition......with 12 months warranty on the engine.......
Nothing to do with me by the way....i was on the cusp of buying it but life situation change has put the kybosh on it...gutted its a lovely car
big_boz said:
RX8's are down to silly money.....£2k gets you a runner.....but they can implode at any time, cost you £2k for a new engine if it happens....or you can pick them up as non-runners for £500 on e-bay then new engine in total cost £2500 then you have total peace of mind and a warranty.
I know of one at a specialist right now, 53 plate 231 in red with aero kit, heated leather, sat nav, sunroof, £3100 buys it with a new engine (its currently out being reconditioned £250 ontop gets it ported so more power and better cruising economy), and restored to mint condition......with 12 months warranty on the engine.......
Nothing to do with me by the way....i was on the cusp of buying it but life situation change has put the kybosh on it...gutted its a lovely car
I love the idea, and RX8's but i'm not sure i could handle an exploding engine I know of one at a specialist right now, 53 plate 231 in red with aero kit, heated leather, sat nav, sunroof, £3100 buys it with a new engine (its currently out being reconditioned £250 ontop gets it ported so more power and better cruising economy), and restored to mint condition......with 12 months warranty on the engine.......
Nothing to do with me by the way....i was on the cusp of buying it but life situation change has put the kybosh on it...gutted its a lovely car
also £3100 is a little steep, it would leave me withought a borkfund. Cheers though300bhp/ton said:
Porsche 924. Not the most speedy, but would be fun and look great.
I actually went to look at one of these last year 
They are very nice, and POP-UP LIGHTS!Unfortnately on that occasions the dude was a p
k, because i was/am young, and he automatically assumed i was a tirekicker, then when i asked to look under the bonnet he used these words exactly "what are you, an Engineer?"...I walked away, although odly i am an Engineer(ing student)
chongwong said:
Krikkit said:
Beautiful cars - the blend of luxury and performance is quite intoxicating.
However.
Expect sub-20mpg unless you're very light-footed, you also need to keep on maintenance to keep them nice. Ignore the Nikasil issues now, unless it runs like a bag of ass it won't have problems. Timing chain tensioners need to be checked/replaced, as the plastic ones have a habit of self-destructing.
But... If you're vaguely handy with spanners they're not hard to work on, and I really can't state how wonderful they are.
How much maintenance is needed? I assume rgular oil, and filter changes, along with visual checks of everything I can lay an eye on? However.
Expect sub-20mpg unless you're very light-footed, you also need to keep on maintenance to keep them nice. Ignore the Nikasil issues now, unless it runs like a bag of ass it won't have problems. Timing chain tensioners need to be checked/replaced, as the plastic ones have a habit of self-destructing.
But... If you're vaguely handy with spanners they're not hard to work on, and I really can't state how wonderful they are.
Sealed for life gearbox oil needs changing @ 50k then 25k intervals, possible but complex and fiddly job to do, plastic bodied secondary timing chain tensioners need to be replaced with metal bodied mk3 design, diff oil needs changing every 50k, plugs on n/a cars@70k and supercharged @30k. Timing chains can stretch at high miles-listen for cold start rattle. Pre 2000 cars had weak water pumps and thermostats. Best to have pump changed for later metal impeller design as failure will lead to overheating and HGF. Low oil level can cause oil starvation and run bearings. Pre 2000 cars also had recall to have throttle body changed for later design
Check very carefully for rust behind both front shocks where the subframe is bolted to the body, check tyres for uneven wear patterns, make sure car stops straight and judder free. Gear changes should be smooth and silent with no hesitation in engaging or taking up drive. If drive engages with a thump gearbox is on borrowed time. Make sure all electrics work and engine starts quickly and quietly. Possible rust around screens and wheel arches otherwise body and paint as well as general build quality is very good. Spares are reasonable and they are not to scary to work on. Lots of parts suppliers and reputable breakers for secondhand bits such as Eurojag. Tyres and fuel will be your main expense. Don't believe anybody who claims 30+MPG, mid 20 is achievable with carefull use but will fall to way below 20 if you do lots of city centre dawdle and thrash or spank it everywhere.
Any hard driven XJ will chew brakes, suspension components and tyres to bits as well as use more fuel than a war in the Middle East. Best to buy the very best well cared for example you can find rather than a cheap one that looks too good to be true. V8 XJs will carry high miles with ease if properly cared for but unlike the earlier 6 cyl cars, which are bombproof, the V8 will degenerate into a complete dog if abused or neglected.
Buy a good one and it'll look after you-buy a rough one and you'll be looking after it.
Edited by Jaguar steve on Thursday 7th March 18:49
thoughts?
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
ETA: i realise that the interior is naff and the mileage is huge, and it would mean a 539 miles drive home, but is it worth it?
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
ETA: i realise that the interior is naff and the mileage is huge, and it would mean a 539 miles drive home, but is it worth it?
Edited by chongwong on Friday 8th March 18:34
Jaguar steve said:
Sealed for life gearbox oil needs changing @ 50k then 25k intervals, possible but complex and fiddly job to do, plastic bodied secondary timing chain tensioners need to be replaced with metal bodied mk3 design, diff oil needs changing every 50k, plugs on n/a cars@70k and supercharged @30k. Timing chains can stretch at high miles-listen for cold start rattle. Pre 2000 cars had weak water pumps and thermostats. Best to have pump changed for later metal impeller design as failure will lead to overheating and HGF. Low oil level can cause oil starvation and run bearings. Pre 2000 cars also had recall to have throttle body changed for later design
Check very carefully for rust behind both front shocks where the subframe is bolted to the body, check tyres for uneven wear patterns, make sure car stops straight and judder free. Gear changes should be smooth and silent with no hesitation in engaging or taking up drive. If drive engages with a thump gearbox is on borrowed time. Make sure all electrics work and engine starts quickly and quietly. Possible rust around screens and wheel arches otherwise body and paint as well as general build quality is very good. Spares are reasonable and they are not to scary to work on. Lots of parts suppliers and reputable breakers for secondhand bits such as Eurojag. Tyres and fuel will be your main expense. Don't believe anybody who claims 30+MPG, mid 20 is achievable with carefull use but will fall to way below 20 if you do lots of city centre dawdle and thrash or spank it everywhere.
Any hard driven XJ will chew brakes, suspension components and tyres to bits as well as use more fuel than a war in the Middle East. Best to buy the very best well cared for example you can find rather than a cheap one that looks too good to be true. V8 XJs will carry high miles with ease if properly cared for but unlike the earlier 6 cyl cars, which are bombproof, the V8 will degenerate into a complete dog if abused or neglected.
Buy a good one and it'll look after you-buy a rough one and you'll be looking after it.
Edited by Jaguar steve on Thursday 7th March 18:49
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