2 VWs, an Audi and an Aston
Discussion
Picked up a new addition to the fleet yesterday so thought I'd post something about our "fleet".
Going oldest to newest.
Yamaha YZF-R6
Bought this new in 2001. Don't ride her enough. Only thing non-standard is a handmade titanium race exhaust. It's one of the last carbureted super sport bikes and currently has just 3500 miles (I'm slightly embarrassed by this and really do need to get out on her more).
VW Golf V6 4Motion
Bought this 2001 Mk4 4Mo when I started commuting and no longer needed the A6 Avant I had. Paid for itself after 3 months of not having to pay for the A6. Have had it 5 years now, and apart from a new pair of front springs it just keeps going. Will keep it until it dies, whenever that is.
Audi A3 Sportback S-Line 3.2 V6 Quattro
Technically Mrs gpb1's car. She's always liked a hot-hatch and this q car is perfect for when someone tries to beat her away from the lights (not many manage it).
Aston Martin DB9 Coupe
I was born in Newport Pagnell and have always felt a link to the marque. When I eventually got the opportunity to own one (in a moment of weakness Mrs gpb1 gave in to my begging) I started looking for the perfect one. Finally found this one on eBay and struck a deal which included a years AM warranty. Makes me smile every time I open the garage door. Each trip in her is an event, from the moment the V12 wakes to when I put her to bed and close the swan wing door you cannot wipe the grin off my face.
VW T5 Transporter Campervan
Picked this up on Saturday. Another vehicle I always wanted was a campervan and so when Mrs gpb1 came home a month or so go and said she fancied getting a camper the hunt was on. Saw this one and fell in love. The colour, the interior, the spec (apart from the lack of diesel heater which is going to be rectified soon) was perfect. The previous owner bought her and after a few months of ownership he decided it wasn't big enough for his family (2 adults, 3 kids and 2 dogs). He'd taken a 10 year loan (ten years!!) on it and so there was outstanding HPI. This had put a few others off but as long as you are careful and talk to the loan company it really shouldn't put a buyer off. It's just a year old, but he bought her last December with 300 miles on the clock. Spent all day today cleaning her (the previous owner doesn't seem to have been a fan of vacuum cleaners/polish/car shampoo). Planning our first few days away soon, probably to the Cotswolds. After that I foresee rugby trips, summer festivals and trips to the seaside in her future.
Going oldest to newest.
Yamaha YZF-R6
Bought this new in 2001. Don't ride her enough. Only thing non-standard is a handmade titanium race exhaust. It's one of the last carbureted super sport bikes and currently has just 3500 miles (I'm slightly embarrassed by this and really do need to get out on her more).
VW Golf V6 4Motion
Bought this 2001 Mk4 4Mo when I started commuting and no longer needed the A6 Avant I had. Paid for itself after 3 months of not having to pay for the A6. Have had it 5 years now, and apart from a new pair of front springs it just keeps going. Will keep it until it dies, whenever that is.
Audi A3 Sportback S-Line 3.2 V6 Quattro
Technically Mrs gpb1's car. She's always liked a hot-hatch and this q car is perfect for when someone tries to beat her away from the lights (not many manage it).
Aston Martin DB9 Coupe
I was born in Newport Pagnell and have always felt a link to the marque. When I eventually got the opportunity to own one (in a moment of weakness Mrs gpb1 gave in to my begging) I started looking for the perfect one. Finally found this one on eBay and struck a deal which included a years AM warranty. Makes me smile every time I open the garage door. Each trip in her is an event, from the moment the V12 wakes to when I put her to bed and close the swan wing door you cannot wipe the grin off my face.
VW T5 Transporter Campervan
Picked this up on Saturday. Another vehicle I always wanted was a campervan and so when Mrs gpb1 came home a month or so go and said she fancied getting a camper the hunt was on. Saw this one and fell in love. The colour, the interior, the spec (apart from the lack of diesel heater which is going to be rectified soon) was perfect. The previous owner bought her and after a few months of ownership he decided it wasn't big enough for his family (2 adults, 3 kids and 2 dogs). He'd taken a 10 year loan (ten years!!) on it and so there was outstanding HPI. This had put a few others off but as long as you are careful and talk to the loan company it really shouldn't put a buyer off. It's just a year old, but he bought her last December with 300 miles on the clock. Spent all day today cleaning her (the previous owner doesn't seem to have been a fan of vacuum cleaners/polish/car shampoo). Planning our first few days away soon, probably to the Cotswolds. After that I foresee rugby trips, summer festivals and trips to the seaside in her future.
Edited by gpb1 on Sunday 4th September 21:59
Nice 'fleet' you have there 
Until I lived/worked for 10 months in Devon, I didn't appreciate how many VW campers/day vans there are out there & for some families the 'van' is an alternative to an SUV or 4x4 (& I can understand why as well). Out of interest, is the camper a VW conversion or a specialist? It's nice to see one as well in something other than white, black or silver/grey.
Until I lived/worked for 10 months in Devon, I didn't appreciate how many VW campers/day vans there are out there & for some families the 'van' is an alternative to an SUV or 4x4 (& I can understand why as well). Out of interest, is the camper a VW conversion or a specialist? It's nice to see one as well in something other than white, black or silver/grey.MrC986 said:
Nice 'fleet' you have there Until I lived/worked for 10 months in Devon, I didn't appreciate how many VW campers/day vans there are out there & for some families the 'van' is an alternative to an SUV or 4x4 (& I can understand why as well). Out of interest, is the camper a VW conversion or a specialist? It's nice to see one as well in something other than white, black or silver/grey.
It was a professional conversion by Camper King, and is one of their Red Edition models. Until I lived/worked for 10 months in Devon, I didn't appreciate how many VW campers/day vans there are out there & for some families the 'van' is an alternative to an SUV or 4x4 (& I can understand why as well). Out of interest, is the camper a VW conversion or a specialist? It's nice to see one as well in something other than white, black or silver/grey.
I keep looking at T5's but for the spec I want the cost seems eye watering when compared to full-size campers. Similarly, I don't fancy paying £25k for one that is 5 years old with 150k on the clock - as they seem to sell for. A pop top for me is a must have as I am 6'3" tall and dont fancy "living" crouched over.
The main issue with most for sale is the absence of air con.
The main issue with most for sale is the absence of air con.
Shnozz said:
I keep looking at T5's but for the spec I want the cost seems eye watering when compared to full-size campers. Similarly, I don't fancy paying £25k for one that is 5 years old with 150k on the clock - as they seem to sell for. A pop top for me is a must have as I am 6'3" tall and dont fancy "living" crouched over.
The main issue with most for sale is the absence of air con.
We were lucky that the previous owner took the initial purchase hit, as yes they can be very expensive. Think we got a bit of a bargain really.The main issue with most for sale is the absence of air con.
This one does have air-con (one of our must-haves as well). My son is 6'3" and he was comfortable in it yesterday with the roof up.
gpb1 said:
We were lucky that the previous owner took the initial purchase hit, as yes they can be very expensive. Think we got a bit of a bargain really.
This one does have air-con (one of our must-haves as well). My son is 6'3" and he was comfortable in it yesterday with the roof up.
Interesting stuff. It does seem to be proportionally little jump to go from a 5 - 6 year old high miler to a 1 - 3 year old low miler. I will continue looking...This one does have air-con (one of our must-haves as well). My son is 6'3" and he was comfortable in it yesterday with the roof up.
Lovely fleet by the way - the Aston is a beauty.
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