RE: VX220 Turbo
Discussion
Mine's an NA not a Turbo but may be useful to hear that comfort for few hours in VX fine for me, tho' I'm 6'3. Heater needed the popular mod this winter & you still really need a few layers if below zero.
Is ok on m'way below 80mph where the wind roar builds up a lot, but on A and especially B roads & islands it's so full of feedback thro' steering and adjustable balance compared to most alternatives that you'd forgive it anything. Mine's on £1k worth of Nitron suspension set pretty soft which did refine it further
Turbo adds power but is less well balanced, and in the NA 50-70 in 3 secs gets you past most things pretty quickly. Just as much fun in a different way as my 390bhp TVR.
Is ok on m'way below 80mph where the wind roar builds up a lot, but on A and especially B roads & islands it's so full of feedback thro' steering and adjustable balance compared to most alternatives that you'd forgive it anything. Mine's on £1k worth of Nitron suspension set pretty soft which did refine it further
Turbo adds power but is less well balanced, and in the NA 50-70 in 3 secs gets you past most things pretty quickly. Just as much fun in a different way as my 390bhp TVR.
My wife had one of the last dozen or so and it is now coming up to its third anniversary. She loves the bright yellow car and now, despite being officially a pensioner, drives it every day (now 35000 miles on clock)to and from work. Who are these people that can't handle the comfort of a car that's so much fun to drive !
The car is only mistreated very occasionally by me when I fancy a bit of fun (my last three cars are a 911 C4S, 911 GT3 and an AM N400 V8 Vantage so when I say fun I mean go-kart style). The car is great to drive, good feedback, no reliability issues (although creaking sounds are always present with either the hard top or soft top), the vauxhall dealer always treats her really well and special (e.g. the garage always swap th soft/hard tops twice a year without charge), she somehow gets 220-240 miles out of the Turbo's tank although this falls if I drive over an occasional weekend. The only gripe I have is the lack of a dust filter (can one be fitted) and the top of the dash is constantly dirty.
This particular car has never been tracked but given my experience around the country roads of the cotswolds it would be fantastic on the track. Faster, more responsive, better looking (more masculine despite being driven by my wife)than an elise, IMHO of course, and a lower price than an equivalent Lotus.
The car is only mistreated very occasionally by me when I fancy a bit of fun (my last three cars are a 911 C4S, 911 GT3 and an AM N400 V8 Vantage so when I say fun I mean go-kart style). The car is great to drive, good feedback, no reliability issues (although creaking sounds are always present with either the hard top or soft top), the vauxhall dealer always treats her really well and special (e.g. the garage always swap th soft/hard tops twice a year without charge), she somehow gets 220-240 miles out of the Turbo's tank although this falls if I drive over an occasional weekend. The only gripe I have is the lack of a dust filter (can one be fitted) and the top of the dash is constantly dirty.
This particular car has never been tracked but given my experience around the country roads of the cotswolds it would be fantastic on the track. Faster, more responsive, better looking (more masculine despite being driven by my wife)than an elise, IMHO of course, and a lower price than an equivalent Lotus.
Had mine nearly 3 years and love it just as much as the day I bought it!
Last year going to the 'VX Chase' I did 1000 miles in 2 days with no problems whatsoever, just a great big grin! its the sort of car you 'wear' rather than sit in so I guess it will suit some and not others but it fits me just fine.
It turns heads where ever you go, is genuinly 'super car' fast more so when taken to stage 2+ and just about the most fun you'll have!
Got no plans to sell mine thats for sure!
Last year going to the 'VX Chase' I did 1000 miles in 2 days with no problems whatsoever, just a great big grin! its the sort of car you 'wear' rather than sit in so I guess it will suit some and not others but it fits me just fine.
It turns heads where ever you go, is genuinly 'super car' fast more so when taken to stage 2+ and just about the most fun you'll have!
Got no plans to sell mine thats for sure!
Wantanewnoble said:
(although creaking sounds are always present with either the hard top or soft top), the vauxhall dealer always treats her really well and special (e.g. the garage always swap th soft/hard tops twice a year without charge), she somehow gets 220-240 miles out of the Turbo's tank although this falls if I drive over an occasional weekend. The only gripe I have is the lack of a dust filter (can one be fitted)
My soft top now doesn't creak at all - easy fix, wipe some good quality wax on to the rear face of the side supports, lasts for 3 months. I used furniture beeswax.A dust filter can be fitted by yourself or a garage - needs a fine mesh such as an old stocking (useful wife, again) across the heater pipe - search topic on VX220.org.uk on how to.
Had my NA Vx 4 years now as a DD. Done about 53K miles in that time. I'm 6'4" , hefty and have loved every minute. I can only see myself swapping if I win big on the Lotto.
IF you need a top spec heater , electric memory seats , CL , electric windows etc etc etc then it's REALLY not for you. It can be cold,... or too hot in summer. The suspension IS firm,... thankfully. It's not the roomiest or easiest car to get in or out of elegantly.
If you want something genuinely affordable and rewarding to drive you need look no further.
HTH
Kev
IF you need a top spec heater , electric memory seats , CL , electric windows etc etc etc then it's REALLY not for you. It can be cold,... or too hot in summer. The suspension IS firm,... thankfully. It's not the roomiest or easiest car to get in or out of elegantly.
If you want something genuinely affordable and rewarding to drive you need look no further.
HTH
Kev
Ive owned an n/a and turbo and have loved both cars.Dont think there is much out there for the money/looks /performance and rarity on the roads that is better than a vxt.It is a proper drivers car,no fancy traction control,electrics,aircon or even a decent heater!Just great handling and supercar straight line acceleration.
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