What would you choose for pot-hole laden back road blasts
Discussion
What car would you choose if you were picking something to have fun on back roads littered with pot holes and poor surfaces? Particularly when they're surprise ones
Has to be fun and 'quick', however defined (i.e. not an old defender)
I'd want something light, sufficient tyre sidewall to take any hits, enough pace
Was thinking something light and nimble so an older hot hatch (Clio 182/Fiesta ST) or 00s Imprezo or Evo? Don't want something too big to make the most of the space. Always thought a Nomad would be a fun car in this situation
(this is hypothetical only, unlikely to change away from a Caterham anytime soon, but it still gets unsettled if you're going well and the surface is poor)
Has to be fun and 'quick', however defined (i.e. not an old defender)
I'd want something light, sufficient tyre sidewall to take any hits, enough pace
Was thinking something light and nimble so an older hot hatch (Clio 182/Fiesta ST) or 00s Imprezo or Evo? Don't want something too big to make the most of the space. Always thought a Nomad would be a fun car in this situation
(this is hypothetical only, unlikely to change away from a Caterham anytime soon, but it still gets unsettled if you're going well and the surface is poor)
I think the best options have been covered above.
If you had the spare money for a toy, a Nomad is the obvious answer.
If you don’t and need it to be more usable, an MX5. Model depending on budget.
And for a left field choice, I have been pondering for a while now how to build a Dakar replica out of a high mileage 996. Rothmans paint job would be mandatory.
It’s definitely not an EV: mine smashes over every road imperfection with its stupidly large wheels. Being leased though, I don’t have to pay for new tyres.
If you had the spare money for a toy, a Nomad is the obvious answer.
If you don’t and need it to be more usable, an MX5. Model depending on budget.
And for a left field choice, I have been pondering for a while now how to build a Dakar replica out of a high mileage 996. Rothmans paint job would be mandatory.
It’s definitely not an EV: mine smashes over every road imperfection with its stupidly large wheels. Being leased though, I don’t have to pay for new tyres.
I'm biased, but Mr2 roadster.
Light, fun, not exactly quick compared to cars today but excellent handling and nothing beats having the roof down, which I've had pretty must most days since April.
However biggest benefit is it comes with a space saver tyre under the bonnet, so when you do smack a pothole in the middle of Derbyshire dales 10 miles away from civilisation, you can still get home
Light, fun, not exactly quick compared to cars today but excellent handling and nothing beats having the roof down, which I've had pretty must most days since April.
However biggest benefit is it comes with a space saver tyre under the bonnet, so when you do smack a pothole in the middle of Derbyshire dales 10 miles away from civilisation, you can still get home
Here's my completely left field suggestion:
There is a big community in the US for upgrading and modifying the Jeep XJ Cherokee.
These had quite brisk performance for their era and are mechanically simple.
Thick anti-roll bars, gas shocks and double the spring rate, then supercharge it.
By modern standards they aren't that big, and are narrow, it will be fast enough, silly and will make you grin.
Here's my more sensible suggestion:
R56 Mini Cooper S' are cheap and there are loads of mods you can do.
Tarmac rally spec R56.
There is a big community in the US for upgrading and modifying the Jeep XJ Cherokee.
These had quite brisk performance for their era and are mechanically simple.
Thick anti-roll bars, gas shocks and double the spring rate, then supercharge it.
By modern standards they aren't that big, and are narrow, it will be fast enough, silly and will make you grin.
Here's my more sensible suggestion:
R56 Mini Cooper S' are cheap and there are loads of mods you can do.
Tarmac rally spec R56.
Something with small wheels and relatively tall profile tyres takes a lot of the wince out of rough roads.
Fairly spoilt here in Aberdeenshire by generally excellent surfaces but I'm always impressed by how supple our 986 Boxster is, especially once you're carrying a bit of speed. It is on 16 inch wheels with (I think) 55 profile tyres which really helps in my experience.
Not sure if the later cars are firmer?
Fairly spoilt here in Aberdeenshire by generally excellent surfaces but I'm always impressed by how supple our 986 Boxster is, especially once you're carrying a bit of speed. It is on 16 inch wheels with (I think) 55 profile tyres which really helps in my experience.
Not sure if the later cars are firmer?
As the previous owner of bike engined westy on 13s, lightweight unsprung mass parts, and Nitrons, and an RS Evo running EXE-TC suspension, I'd say a IRS 7 style car can be made to handle a bumpy b road just as good as an AWD car - in the dry.
Put what you'd spend on a hot-hatch / rally rep into the caterham.
Better dampers, lightweight magnesium or two piece wheels, billet uprights and lightweight brakes and discs. They really can be made to breath down a horribly bumpy road. The compliance really surprised everyone that drove my Westy.
Put what you'd spend on a hot-hatch / rally rep into the caterham.
Better dampers, lightweight magnesium or two piece wheels, billet uprights and lightweight brakes and discs. They really can be made to breath down a horribly bumpy road. The compliance really surprised everyone that drove my Westy.
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