Long term tests
Discussion
i posted this in the comments but would like to know what the editors think....
"i like the idea of long term tests, but with new cars its just doing the same job as Evo et al. the "bargain barge" long term test idea is, imho, much more in the spirit of PH.
my long term test reecommendation would be:
1) Bargain Barge (see the criteria in the thread)
2) £6k Hero (because of all those RX-7 / 944 Turbo / E36 M3 argument threads)
3) Bargain Supercar (£14k Porsche / TVR / Lotus Esprit)
The point of these is that PHers are always discussing the merits/dream of chopping in their newer hot hatchback or "sensible" car for a used "dream car" (i.e. the high mileage 911, or a 4.3 TVR) and regular, well written updates on the front page from writers who have actually DONE this will be a useful guide to PHers.
What ARE the running costs and pitfalls of doing this? Does an old 911 let you down on a rainy day in January when you need to get to work? Does buying a used Esprit S3 satisfy if you are a non Lotus addict?"
"i like the idea of long term tests, but with new cars its just doing the same job as Evo et al. the "bargain barge" long term test idea is, imho, much more in the spirit of PH.
my long term test reecommendation would be:
1) Bargain Barge (see the criteria in the thread)
2) £6k Hero (because of all those RX-7 / 944 Turbo / E36 M3 argument threads)
3) Bargain Supercar (£14k Porsche / TVR / Lotus Esprit)
The point of these is that PHers are always discussing the merits/dream of chopping in their newer hot hatchback or "sensible" car for a used "dream car" (i.e. the high mileage 911, or a 4.3 TVR) and regular, well written updates on the front page from writers who have actually DONE this will be a useful guide to PHers.
What ARE the running costs and pitfalls of doing this? Does an old 911 let you down on a rainy day in January when you need to get to work? Does buying a used Esprit S3 satisfy if you are a non Lotus addict?"
Perhaps i came across as dogmatic - im not saying "do it this way".
Merely commenting that there are many existing ways to judge the merits of brand new cars like the Z4, Seat Leon etc, that most PHers are very familiar with. Do a straw poll to see how many watch Top Gear and buy at least one car magazine a month, and even chuck in those who read a motoring section of the newspaper.
But PH has always had a strong culture of "chuck in your repmobile for your dream", be it a TVR Chimera, a Jaguar XJR or a Mitsubishi Evo...performance motoring on an enthusiasts budget, not a fat old lawyer in another Merc SL500 or 911.
articles that show how it can be done, but also show true stories of the down sides, would probably be a more differentiated proposition than offering what all the other auto media does quite well.
Merely commenting that there are many existing ways to judge the merits of brand new cars like the Z4, Seat Leon etc, that most PHers are very familiar with. Do a straw poll to see how many watch Top Gear and buy at least one car magazine a month, and even chuck in those who read a motoring section of the newspaper.
But PH has always had a strong culture of "chuck in your repmobile for your dream", be it a TVR Chimera, a Jaguar XJR or a Mitsubishi Evo...performance motoring on an enthusiasts budget, not a fat old lawyer in another Merc SL500 or 911.
articles that show how it can be done, but also show true stories of the down sides, would probably be a more differentiated proposition than offering what all the other auto media does quite well.
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