I've had it with unreliable daily drivers...
Discussion
I think it requires something very sensible for a while else the benefits of the more extreme aspects of choice are surely diminished by over exposure.
What about an MX5?
Then after a couple of months simply pick the brains of other owners on PH about how to make it go ludicrously fast - if you still feel the need for that from a daily driver.
My understanding from reading comments is that the other aspects of the MX5 - esp. handling and reliability - should not be issues.
Not sure about insurance though.
What about an MX5?
Then after a couple of months simply pick the brains of other owners on PH about how to make it go ludicrously fast - if you still feel the need for that from a daily driver.
My understanding from reading comments is that the other aspects of the MX5 - esp. handling and reliability - should not be issues.
Not sure about insurance though.
I think that Tom will only be satisfied by something that is a little bit different. While a Dax, Caterham or Westfield will offer him just that, I think that the most realistic choice would be the S2. It is sufficiently different and offers the excitement and raw driving experience that Tom craves. If he gets a hard top roof then that would be a real plus in my mind.
EmmaP said:
I think that Tom will only be satisfied by something that is a little bit different. While a Dax, Caterham or Westfield will offer him just that, I think that the most realistic choice would be the S2. It is sufficiently different and offers the excitement and raw driving experience that Tom craves. If he gets a hard top roof then that would be a real plus in my mind.
Yep, I know, but 'different' and 'reliable' don't often go together in my experience. And in any case if reliable also means cost effective the diversion of funds from simply "trying to keep mobile/pockets of taxi drivers" to "refurb the G33" it would re-introduce the 'different' component.
Sometimes a bout of relative normality can be useful in assisting with re-focusing on what 'different' really means!
LongQ said:
'different' and 'reliable' don't often go together in my experience. And in any case if reliable also means cost effective the diversion of funds from simply "trying to keep mobile/pockets of taxi drivers" to "refurb the G33" it would re-introduce the 'different' component.
Sometimes a bout of relative normality can be useful in assisting with re-focusing on what 'different' really means!
I agree entirely, but 'sensible' ain't a word that springs to mind when tallking about Tom and motors. Neither is 'reliable' .
If he was being sensible he'd get a Corrado VR6 and use the extra £10K he proposes on shelling out on a new motor getting the Ginetta sorted. S2 is lovely but will need to get a new set of rear tyres every 1,500 miles. More money!
thanks for the useful comments folks, i'm going to the lotus dealer while i'm in newcastle on the weekend and i'm also going to drop by the VX220 dealer. I have been considering all things from a 3-series to a BMW mini including a civic type-R and a few others 
I think the lotus is forerunner while followed by the VX (VX more able to stand up to thrashings shirley being as it's less stressed and a bit 'chunkier'???)
also tempted by a 968, alfa GTV and a AMG 36 I saw in the classifieds...
I think the lotus is forerunner while followed by the VX (VX more able to stand up to thrashings shirley being as it's less stressed and a bit 'chunkier'???)
also tempted by a 968, alfa GTV and a AMG 36 I saw in the classifieds...
LongQ said:
... while i'm in newcastle on the weekend ...
Travelling by train I assume? Would be one hell of a taxi fare! (Or has Herbie come back to life?)
by train... unless my man fixes the mini on saturday... having said that, I think it's best that I go by train just in case I come back via lotus power
although to be honest that's not very likely since I haven't the time spare for more than a natter and a test drive, I haven't been up to my place there for so long my diary is full! and I promised to meet people at the beach all day sunday so that day's out
Tom
Not another car!!! I hope you take someone with you when you look at it. Your powers of judgment appear to be a bit lacking when it comes to choosing alternative transport....
Anyways, I would take the S2000 over the Elise any day. If it was a straight choice between a VX220 and Elise I would take the VX. Nothing against Lotus, I just think there are better cars out there even if it does wear a Vauxhall badge.
For 15k and sensible cars you are almost in reach of the Alfa GT (1 year old)
Or how about one of these
Alternatively, if you still want something a bit loony, my cerb is in the classifieds
Not another car!!! I hope you take someone with you when you look at it. Your powers of judgment appear to be a bit lacking when it comes to choosing alternative transport....
Anyways, I would take the S2000 over the Elise any day. If it was a straight choice between a VX220 and Elise I would take the VX. Nothing against Lotus, I just think there are better cars out there even if it does wear a Vauxhall badge.
For 15k and sensible cars you are almost in reach of the Alfa GT (1 year old)
Or how about one of these
Alternatively, if you still want something a bit loony, my cerb is in the classifieds
Balmoral Green said:
Or how about one of these
As it happens, out Tom is very familiar with those lately, having spent a lot of miles in BG this year.
it's tempting!
i'm currently at work looking through autotrader at bentleys while holding on the phone to adrian flux for a VX quotation
might get one for a mulsanne turbo while i'm at it
I'm wincing at the potential servicing bills on a bentley though and tbh if I turn up at work in one of those nobody is going to do business with me!
minimax said:
I'm wincing at the potential servicing bills on a bentley though and tbh if I turn up at work in one of those nobody is going to do business with me!
When you have finished with the insurance quotes you could try Shell to see if you can get a bulk order discount on fuel as well.
15k for the car, 15k pa for insurance, 15k pa for fuel ... and the budget for minimax maintenance schedules ... priceless?
LongQ said:
I'm wincing at the potential servicing bills on a bentley though and tbh if I turn up at work in one of those nobody is going to do business with me!
When you have finished with the insurance quotes you could try Shell to see if you can get a bulk order discount on fuel as well.
15k for the car, 15k pa for insurance, 15k pa for fuel ... and the budget for minimax maintenance schedules ... priceless?
it's only £686 fully comp with 3 points and 5 years NCB on a VX as opposed to £1200 for an elise so the VX is currently edging it
plus when I do bust it the VX is going to be easier on the wallet to fix
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