It must be old age!
Discussion
I have a fairly fast car, a Lexus ISF. However, I am struggling to justify to myself for keeping it.
I love the sound, acceleration and general feel of the car, but I only use about 40% of it's performance. I have taken the car on a trackday, which was really fun and extracted a lot more from the car. However, the question keeps coming back, what is the point of having a car with such performance that will hardly ever be driven in the way it was designed.
Why did I buy the car in the first place? Well I suppose it was the lure of the performance, exclusivity and reliability. Maybe that's worn off now.
A lot of people refer to track times and 0-60 times when discussing their cars. Manufacturers use this information to sell their cars, but how often do you take your car on a track or even hit 60 in 5sec?
I am not suggesting we all go out and buy a standard car, each to their own. However, I will be looking for something a bit more driver focused, for the road, with some track days. A hot hatch springs to mind.
How do you justify to yourself owning a high performance car if you hardly ever use the performance?
I love the sound, acceleration and general feel of the car, but I only use about 40% of it's performance. I have taken the car on a trackday, which was really fun and extracted a lot more from the car. However, the question keeps coming back, what is the point of having a car with such performance that will hardly ever be driven in the way it was designed.
Why did I buy the car in the first place? Well I suppose it was the lure of the performance, exclusivity and reliability. Maybe that's worn off now.
A lot of people refer to track times and 0-60 times when discussing their cars. Manufacturers use this information to sell their cars, but how often do you take your car on a track or even hit 60 in 5sec?
I am not suggesting we all go out and buy a standard car, each to their own. However, I will be looking for something a bit more driver focused, for the road, with some track days. A hot hatch springs to mind.
How do you justify to yourself owning a high performance car if you hardly ever use the performance?
I have a C63, and has been used as a weekend car due to commuting on the Tube, the wife is terrified of it, and I've done 10k from new in 2 yrs.
The engine sound compensates for not being able to gun it all the time, and I suppose like you,I've got used to the power. I've just bought a Q5 for the Mrs, and the softer ride, is much more enjoyable than the AMG, but this is due to the atrocious state of the UK roads.
The C63 will be off soon, and I will get used to its absence, until something else comes along
The engine sound compensates for not being able to gun it all the time, and I suppose like you,I've got used to the power. I've just bought a Q5 for the Mrs, and the softer ride, is much more enjoyable than the AMG, but this is due to the atrocious state of the UK roads.
The C63 will be off soon, and I will get used to its absence, until something else comes along
J4CKO said:
Lexus will provide you with a suitable alternative, PX the ISF for an IS200, auto in Gold with optional tartan car rug, pipe holder and Hard Disk HiFi system, pre loaded with Roger Whittaker, Kenny G and "Pan Pipe moods"...
Don't forget the flat-cap / straw hat on parcel shelf.Is this where the 'War on the Motorist' is having an effect?
From that thread, whilst we are not being priced off the road, car usage for fun & enjoyment is decreasing due to extended speed limits, poor road conditions and from posts on here, other drivers attitudes.
I've gone from a history of hot hatches, CRX VTEC, Impreza Turbos, Celica 190, Ibiza Turbo to a Diesel Automatic (albeit with more power than any of the above) purely because having a car with a lot of fun factor is somewhat wasted/frustrating - particularly here in the South West, 200 miles from the nearest circuit & roads clogged with tourists over the summer months.
OK, I've still got quick bikes but even there more time is spent competing off road.
However, would we feel the same if we lived in France or Spain with the better roads & weather and more room in general?
From that thread, whilst we are not being priced off the road, car usage for fun & enjoyment is decreasing due to extended speed limits, poor road conditions and from posts on here, other drivers attitudes.
I've gone from a history of hot hatches, CRX VTEC, Impreza Turbos, Celica 190, Ibiza Turbo to a Diesel Automatic (albeit with more power than any of the above) purely because having a car with a lot of fun factor is somewhat wasted/frustrating - particularly here in the South West, 200 miles from the nearest circuit & roads clogged with tourists over the summer months.
OK, I've still got quick bikes but even there more time is spent competing off road.
However, would we feel the same if we lived in France or Spain with the better roads & weather and more room in general?
I have a DB9 that I love driving BUT living in London and working a 6 day week I have little time to drive it and driving in London is a nightmare. I drive my old Ford Focus during the week and enjoy the "freedom" it gives not having to worry too much about the many inconsiderate and bad driving behaviour of other motorists.I got the same satisfaction for years driving my old Toyota lite ace van.
Having said all that driving the Aston gives a great sense of occasion that I would sorely miss.
Having said all that driving the Aston gives a great sense of occasion that I would sorely miss.
I have an XFR and live in the south east. I enjoy the noise of the rumbling V8, I enjoy the acceleration upon occasion and the top speed never, but nice to know it is there.
It is more expensive to run than the tractor diesel alternatives, but I choose to enjoy the feel and style of it; and regard it as the cost of my hobby as well as a means of transport.
It also makes a lovely contrast to the Caterham!
It is more expensive to run than the tractor diesel alternatives, but I choose to enjoy the feel and style of it; and regard it as the cost of my hobby as well as a means of transport.
It also makes a lovely contrast to the Caterham!
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