Downgrading - and I can't wait

[redgriff500]

I've just sold my Leon Cupra so started looking for its replacement.

Main priority being a usable car that is FUN as the Leon just isn't.

I considered Mini Cooper S, Clio 172 / 182 etc but they just don't "grab me"

So I've gone for a car that's ten years older, has less power, fewer gears, less spec, yet is costing me MORE.

Mk2 Golf GTi with a (replacement) 2.0 16v engine and a few other upgrades.

I used to drive these 15yrs ago and I can't wait to get behind the wheel again.

[redgriff500]

icepop said:

Ahhhh.....the smell of bankruptsy.

Erm my replacement is costing MORE.

Its just it's "inferior" in every way

Except in FUN.

[redgriff500]

Welshbeef said:

kambites said:

Modern cars are rubbish if you want to have fun, IMO.

But safety is leagues higher your far more likely to survive in a modern car over an older car so... You take a risk running an older one.

My grandfather was told if he didn't stop drinking, smoking and eating rich food he'd die within a year, if he did he'd probably live 5yrs more.

He chose one good year as opposed to 5 miserable ones and I think he made the right choice.

[redgriff500]

Welshbeef said:

MartinQ said:

I'm shortly to sell my E46 318i and "downgrade" to a E36 328i. Although that could well be considered an upgrade. Hmm, I'm confused now.

Crumple zones are less
Braking distance is more
Safety generally is a generation behind the E46. The E36 came in at what Jreg so your talking about 1980's design whereas the E46 is mid 90's.


I'm struggling to understand why so many are discarding safety? Do you carry loved ones in your car ?? Surely the safety of your child and partner wife is the most important thing - if not is selfish the nicest description that could be used for you?

I had an E36 328 for a few years - not bad cars but not as great as many make out. I "upgraded" to an E46 328 - what a piece of st. I had no idea what was going on as I was isolated from the entire driving experience by clutch delay valves and electronics - sold it within months.

[redgriff500]

LocoCoco said:

I think what Welshbeef means is that you can have more fun in safer, new cars since you can tear it about at the limit knowing that if you crash, the airbags etc will save you. You have to drive older cars very slowly because the slightest bump could break your spine and that's no fun.

Yeah because that's how it works...

Motorbikes are the most dangerous vehicles on the road and you always see them pootling along at 20mph.

[redgriff500]

I collected it tonight, probably paid a smidge over the odds but its a nice 120k car with only 3 owners and loads of receipts and had a new 2 litre 16v (£4k bill) installed 70k ago.

I last owned a similar car 12-15 yrs ago and this is in as good condition as that was, which is no mean feat.

It feels really light, strange as I also drive an MX5 which must be a similar weight. Its quick but 85mph feels fast whereas in modern cars 120 feels fast so its definitely a step in the right direction (ie the direction away from a ban / prison).

Its much more fun than the Leon (not hard TBH) and I'd happily turn up anywhere in it.

Overall I'm very pleased with it and after a little fettling I'm sure I'll end up keeping it for years.

[redgriff500]

Will take some pics tomorrow but basically it looks like a std 3 dr 16v which is what I wanted.

It just goes a bit better

[redgriff500]

paps said:

Seriously considering chopping in my A3 for an original mini.

As it happens I drove one today.

Its a step too far for me, steering wheel position is like a bus and awful bouncy ride.

[redgriff500]

Welshbeef said:

paps said:

Seriously considering chopping in my A3 for an original mini.

In a crash you'd stand no chance

My mate had 3 original mini's when he was 17-21.

The first one he rolled on a country lane the second he stuffed in a ditch, both write offs.

Never got so much as a scratch.

3rd one he managed not to crash for 3 yrs and sold it on.