The Best ///M/Barge/General Rant/Look at This/O/T [Vol VIII]

[Output Flange]

M3 or 182 Trophy?

That'll come down to whether you want RWD and lots of power or FWD and lots of cornering.

If I could only have one, the M3. But ideally both (although I'd just have a 172 instead).

[jonnydm]

Clearly both very different but both special - in my eyes.

Will probably come down to an element of costs / I'll get something random and more boring.

[Frik]

olly22n said:

Has to be one of the greatest stories told..

Better with the accents though.

[Great Pretender]

jonnydm said:

Not a bad policy.
So...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

Or...
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3662246.htm

Do you even need to ask?

[jonnydm]

Gaz. said:

jonnydm said:

Clearly both very different but both special - in my eyes.

Will probably come down to an element of costs / I'll get something random and more boring.

In regards to something fun with boring running costs how about an Integra Type R?

Interesting proposition and one that I've considered albeit briefly. Not particularly drawn to Jap cars although with the ITR, I do get the appeal. Perhaps one for the list.

[Great Pretender]

Gaz. said:

In regards to something fun with boring running costs how about an Integra Type R?

Good call.

The Trophy may be a great steer, but I'd wager that either a DC2 or 5 would be almost as good, with the added benefit of a proper engine and gearbox, in a car built by people who actually gave a st.

Never had the pleasure of a 172/182, but the 197, I drove was a huge disappointment. Later 200s better, but I can't help but feel that with a small safety fighting fund, a £6k 'Teg would be a lovely thing to behold.

[jonnydm]

Great Pretender said:

Gaz. said:

In regards to something fun with boring running costs how about an Integra Type R?

Good call.

The Trophy may be a great steer, but I'd wager that either a DC2 or 5 would be almost as good, with the added benefit of a proper engine and gearbox, in a car built by people who actually gave a st.

Never had the pleasure of a 172/182, but the 197, I drove was a huge disappointment. Later 200s better, but I can't help but feel that with a small safety fighting fund, a £6k 'Teg would be a lovely thing to behold.

Wouldn't be looking at spending as much as 6 on any car, more like 4 on the E36 / Trophy, and for that I would expect a pretty decent car that wouldn't be needing much if anything in the way of spending.

There seem to be some OK looking DC2s around the 4 mark (question, do they have AC?) although there are a fair few modded / less great looking ones. Similar to insure to a Clio too. Re. 182 vs. 197, purely from reading but I'm sure LHD will be along to confirm, seems that basic 197 was a general disappointment compared to 182/172.

For someone with £6k needing a DC2 Teg, theres a 30k minter on Auto Trader at the minute.

[L100NYY]

Great Pretender said:

Gaz. said:

In regards to something fun with boring running costs how about an Integra Type R?

Good call.

The Trophy may be a great steer, but I'd wager that either a DC2 or 5 would be almost as good, with the added benefit of a proper engine and gearbox, in a car built by people who actually gave a st.

Never had the pleasure of a 172/182, but the 197, I drove was a huge disappointment. Later 200s better, but I can't help but feel that with a small safety fighting fund, a £6k 'Teg would be a lovely thing to behold.

172/182 is a totally different steed altogether (having had a 172 and a 197). The earlier cars feel like proper lightweight, lithe and fun hot hatches whereas the 197 feels heavy, refined and quick. 197 is not a bad car in any way really but it never set my pantaloons on fire like the earlier stuff, just felt a bit....well...noraml really I guess.

[braddo]

jonnydm said:

Wouldn't be looking at spending as much as 6 on any car, more like 4 on the E36 / Trophy, and for that I would expect a pretty decent car that wouldn't be needing much if anything in the way of spending.

There seem to be some OK looking DC2s around the 4 mark (question, do they have AC?) although there are a fair few modded / less great looking ones. Similar to insure to a Clio too. Re. 182 vs. 197, purely from reading but I'm sure LHD will be along to confirm, seems that basic 197 was a general disappointment compared to 182/172.

For someone with £6k needing a DC2 Teg, theres a 30k minter on Auto Trader at the minute.

A £4k M3 will cost you £6k before very long so you should go for a Clio.

[V8mate]

braddo said:

jonnydm said:

Wouldn't be looking at spending as much as 6 on any car, more like 4 on the E36 / Trophy, and for that I would expect a pretty decent car that wouldn't be needing much if anything in the way of spending.

There seem to be some OK looking DC2s around the 4 mark (question, do they have AC?) although there are a fair few modded / less great looking ones. Similar to insure to a Clio too. Re. 182 vs. 197, purely from reading but I'm sure LHD will be along to confirm, seems that basic 197 was a general disappointment compared to 182/172.

For someone with £6k needing a DC2 Teg, theres a 30k minter on Auto Trader at the minute.

A £4k M3 will cost you £6k before very long so you should go for a Clio.

Don't listen to him, Jonny.

[jonnydm]

V8mate said:

braddo said:

jonnydm said:

Wouldn't be looking at spending as much as 6 on any car, more like 4 on the E36 / Trophy, and for that I would expect a pretty decent car that wouldn't be needing much if anything in the way of spending.

There seem to be some OK looking DC2s around the 4 mark (question, do they have AC?) although there are a fair few modded / less great looking ones. Similar to insure to a Clio too. Re. 182 vs. 197, purely from reading but I'm sure LHD will be along to confirm, seems that basic 197 was a general disappointment compared to 182/172.

For someone with £6k needing a DC2 Teg, theres a 30k minter on Auto Trader at the minute.

A £4k M3 will cost you £6k before very long so you should go for a Clio.

Don't listen to him, Jonny.

Yeah, £4k is far too much for an E36M.
I'll be fine with this and a short prayer.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

[Crook]

V8mate said:

braddo said:

jonnydm said:

Wouldn't be looking at spending as much as 6 on any car, more like 4 on the E36 / Trophy, and for that I would expect a pretty decent car that wouldn't be needing much if anything in the way of spending.

There seem to be some OK looking DC2s around the 4 mark (question, do they have AC?) although there are a fair few modded / less great looking ones. Similar to insure to a Clio too. Re. 182 vs. 197, purely from reading but I'm sure LHD will be along to confirm, seems that basic 197 was a general disappointment compared to 182/172.

For someone with £6k needing a DC2 Teg, theres a 30k minter on Auto Trader at the minute.

A £4k M3 will cost you £6k before very long so buy one with your eyes open.

Listen to him, Jonny.

[V8mate]

You're the last person I expected such heresy from!

[Squirrelofwoe]

jonnydm said:

Wouldn't be looking at spending as much as 6 on any car, more like 4 on the E36 / Trophy, and for that I would expect a pretty decent car that wouldn't be needing much if anything in the way of spending.

There seem to be some OK looking DC2s around the 4 mark (question, do they have AC?) although there are a fair few modded / less great looking ones. Similar to insure to a Clio too. Re. 182 vs. 197, purely from reading but I'm sure LHD will be along to confirm, seems that basic 197 was a general disappointment compared to 182/172.

For someone with £6k needing a DC2 Teg, theres a 30k minter on Auto Trader at the minute.

If I could quickly pop back in offer my experience! - A/c was an option on the DC2, I went out of my way to search for one that had it (although quite a few seemed to) and has been well worth it even for the 15-20 times I've used it over 2 and a half years.

I got one under the justification of great fun with boring running costs and it hasn't disappointed. For comparison, my best mate runs a Clio 172 cup. We have decided there is very little between them in terms of outright fun. The DC2 just feels that bit more special due to the low driving position, notchy gearchange, and epic engine.

The Clio feels more willing in 80% of situations, but the sensation/noise at 9,000rpm in the DC2 more than makes up for it. As a result of this though, for 80% of driving the Clio is certainly more compliant, and the larger opening boot makes it a smidge more practical. Both have folding rear seats however so the load carrying in both is excellent.

As for running costs, in our experience the Integra has been the cheaper of the two despite doing more milage over a similar period, but this is more likely down to me being luckier with my purchase than my mate was with his Clio- don't mention exhaust replacements...

To sum up- Integra: Better driving position, gearchange, noise, feels more special.

Clio: Gruntier engine, better ride when not 'pressing on', doesn't scream Fast & Furious to all and sundry.

Just my ramblings having a very close experience of both, and I will happily be corrected if I've missed anything! (My DC2 will be up for sale shortly, but it's slightly modified- originality wasn't an issue for me when I purchased as I knew I'd be using the car daily in all weather)

'Squirrel

[wackojacko]

I'd take the M3 but not in that colour.


Clio would be more usable when pushing on in the wet of imagine ?

[Crook]

V8mate said:

You're the last person I expected such heresy from!

Did you see both of my edits?

[Squirrelofwoe]

Gaz. said:

Rust is just about the only thing to watch for on DC2's, we did consider one but my wife prefered the Celica. You'll get a tidy one for £4k or a very nice one for a bit more, I would definately seek out one with AC and as others have said, you'd want a slush fund for the M3, you may want one for the Clio but the idea wouldn't even enter my head for the Honda.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3702787.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3651780.htm

Modified but had archwork done:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3664746.htm

I was quite fortunate that my JDM has so far showed no signs of rust, despite doing a fair bit of looking in the usual places. In terms of costs, I replaced all bushes etc and the track rod ends when I purchased, and I've since had to buy a new battery, but aside from that it has passed each MOT first time with no advisories, has (to-date) never failed to start or broken down. It's just been routine servicing and new tyres (which on 15" wheels are a snip). Obviously this would likely be increased if tracked etc, but I think I've had <20 days where it hasn't been used over the 2 and a half years I've owned it.

Huge levels of fun for very little money.

[E30M3SE]

olly22n said:

BorkFactor said:

E30M3SE said:

What about this?

That is lovely, shame it is over 500 miles away from me

Should add - I am in Scotland!

Aeroplane/train?

£18.99 one way EDI to LTN on Squeazyjet, and a nice road trip home.

.......... a local cab journey costs more than that.

[jonnydm]

E30M3SE said:

olly22n said:

BorkFactor said:

E30M3SE said:

What about this?

That is lovely, shame it is over 500 miles away from me

Should add - I am in Scotland!

Aeroplane/train?

£18.99 one way EDI to LTN on Squeazyjet, and a nice road trip home.

.......... a local cab journey costs more than that.

Even a flight next week is only £35. Assuming 1/2 hour travelling and 45mins waiting either side plus the flight itself is 3:45. Took me over 2 hours on the train and cost about £30 when I went to buy my last car from somewhere about 40 miles away.

[_Batty_]

Meanwhile, at Charlies...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzFGUUR1UDI&fea...