Discussion
After a couple of years in a Mk.1 MX5 my budget had grown and I was after something a bit quicker and a bit more special. Initially I was after a Lotus Elise, perhaps a 111S or maybe a 111R, but after a bit of research I found myself leaning toward the cheaper and just as fast VX220s - a little softer and set up a bit more for road use, together with a few safety items (airbag and, admittedly not great, ABS). Most important of all they're also cheaper than the equivalent age Elise...
I was only really starting to look properly and trying to decide between a supercharged 2.2 car, or an OEM Turbo two litre. I plumped for the turbo in the end because I'm hoping the standard car will hold its value better - a few of the supercharged cars for sale seemed to be hanging around a bit (probably as it was winter) and also I'm no use with a spanner and a modded car worried me a bit...
So I saw this slightly leggy (84,000 miles) car on PH, and it was a good price so off I went - of course you never buy the first car you see. Except that's what I always do, so here it is... (image from the ad)
and after a quick spin last weekend - no impressions on the drive itself yet as far too cold and slippery to press on. You are very low compared to other traffic on the M-Way though!
Edited to make images work!
I was only really starting to look properly and trying to decide between a supercharged 2.2 car, or an OEM Turbo two litre. I plumped for the turbo in the end because I'm hoping the standard car will hold its value better - a few of the supercharged cars for sale seemed to be hanging around a bit (probably as it was winter) and also I'm no use with a spanner and a modded car worried me a bit...
So I saw this slightly leggy (84,000 miles) car on PH, and it was a good price so off I went - of course you never buy the first car you see. Except that's what I always do, so here it is... (image from the ad)
and after a quick spin last weekend - no impressions on the drive itself yet as far too cold and slippery to press on. You are very low compared to other traffic on the M-Way though!
Edited to make images work!
Edited by Actus Reus on Friday 27th January 17:07
Thanks - and yes, it's garaged by me and also the previous owner.
It already, sadly, has paint bubbling on the rear clam - apparently the GRP wasn't cured that well when they were built, and moisture managed to hang on in the panels, and when it freezes it bubbles the paint. Apparently very common.
I'm thinking of tuning it to at least stage 1 (say 220hp) or perhaps stage 2 (say 250 or 260hp) - apparently not even an exhaust is needed to get stage 2.
First up though - new speakers. OEM stereo head unit went a while ago, but the speakers seem to be the OEM Blaupunkt jobbies and they're s
te. The big problem, though, is getting access behind the passenger seat to get the speaker out as the seat doesn't slide.
It already, sadly, has paint bubbling on the rear clam - apparently the GRP wasn't cured that well when they were built, and moisture managed to hang on in the panels, and when it freezes it bubbles the paint. Apparently very common.
I'm thinking of tuning it to at least stage 1 (say 220hp) or perhaps stage 2 (say 250 or 260hp) - apparently not even an exhaust is needed to get stage 2.
First up though - new speakers. OEM stereo head unit went a while ago, but the speakers seem to be the OEM Blaupunkt jobbies and they're s
te. The big problem, though, is getting access behind the passenger seat to get the speaker out as the seat doesn't slide. Actus Reus said:
Thanks - and yes, it's garaged by me and also the previous owner.
It already, sadly, has paint bubbling on the rear clam - apparently the GRP wasn't cured that well when they were built, and moisture managed to hang on in the panels, and when it freezes it bubbles the paint. Apparently very common.
I'm thinking of tuning it to at least stage 1 (say 220hp) or perhaps stage 2 (say 250 or 260hp) - apparently not even an exhaust is needed to get stage 2.
First up though - new speakers. OEM stereo head unit went a while ago, but the speakers seem to be the OEM Blaupunkt jobbies and they're ste. The big problem, though, is getting access behind the passenger seat to get the speaker out as the seat doesn't slide.
Bubbling on the rear clam happens to about half of the VXs made - rumoured to be some sort of problem either in the manufacture of them in France or the storage at Lotus. Either way, TADTS and you'll grow to live with it. It already, sadly, has paint bubbling on the rear clam - apparently the GRP wasn't cured that well when they were built, and moisture managed to hang on in the panels, and when it freezes it bubbles the paint. Apparently very common.
I'm thinking of tuning it to at least stage 1 (say 220hp) or perhaps stage 2 (say 250 or 260hp) - apparently not even an exhaust is needed to get stage 2.
First up though - new speakers. OEM stereo head unit went a while ago, but the speakers seem to be the OEM Blaupunkt jobbies and they're s
te. The big problem, though, is getting access behind the passenger seat to get the speaker out as the seat doesn't slide. Stage 2 is perfect for these cars, and is a much more cost effective option than just a stage 1 (stage two can be done on standard exhaust for example, a precat pipe and remap). Stage 2 is perfect IMO.
Speakers are s
te. CD player is ste. Change both. The passenger seat can be removed relatively easily, but the front outside bolt is an absolute to get out - you'll need a cut down allen key for that. There's a thread on vx220.org on how to remove it - in fact there's loads of DIY threads there which makes VX ownership cheaper than anyone had probably imagined.
I have actually had the speaker out and back again using a socket with a screwdriver attachment - tight but doable. Just need to install the new speaker now.
And yes, it's allegedly easy to work on, but I'm both clueless and short on time so may have work done by an indie. I fancy a new wing too.
As to tuning - AMD Essex are near me so might drop them a line.
And yes, it's allegedly easy to work on, but I'm both clueless and short on time so may have work done by an indie. I fancy a new wing too.
As to tuning - AMD Essex are near me so might drop them a line.
Mr E said:
Much like.
I looked hard at a vx, but the lure of the yellow badge proved too strong.
The lure of Lotus was strong, but the prices on these were lower and supposedly rising - it'd be nice to make a couple of quid on a car for a change.I looked hard at a vx, but the lure of the yellow badge proved too strong.
Can't wait for warmer weather - this is the first car I've owned that I actually go into the garage just to look at. Seems warm enough today to get it out and give it a quick wash and perhaps change the speakers.
Actus Reus said:
It already, sadly, has paint bubbling on the rear clam - apparently the GRP wasn't cured that well when they were built, and moisture managed to hang on in the panels, and when it freezes it bubbles the paint. Apparently very common.
How many years is the official Vauxhall paintwork warranty on it?Know someone else (different brand and model) who had bubbling paint due to undercured panels when built. They claimed on the paintwork / bodywork warranty (after ~10 years) and got the car completely debubbled and repainted by an official dealer for free. The local dealer said no at first, but they appealed to the HQ and finally got a yes after a month of polite badgering. Not saying Vauxhall will do the same, of course, but it may be worth a shot. Ask politely, explain clearly why the fault is caused by Vauxhall, and re-ask HQ (via the dealer and then direct) if they say no. Perhaps have a scan online and see if anyone else has had success in that way. Don't ask, don't get, etc.
That looks really nice, although I might be biased!
It's a bit further to travel, but I can thoroughly recommend Rabbid Remaps for the remap. I had my Turbo done there a couple of years ago, and it's a really nice map.
It's a bit further to travel, but I can thoroughly recommend Rabbid Remaps for the remap. I had my Turbo done there a couple of years ago, and it's a really nice map.
Regarding the paint - the warranty was six years so expired in 2012 sadly. It's a common problem and Vauxhall don't seem to want to know any more - it might mean a whole new rear clam, which would be big money (£2k? More?).
Regarding the map - thanks - I'll take a look at them. Mine is coral blue, and if I've read the VIN right one of the last cars ever made (perhaps the last 10 or 20 in fact).
First lesson is that the battery is a bd to reach to plug a trickle charger on.
Spot the battery:
Regarding the map - thanks - I'll take a look at them. Mine is coral blue, and if I've read the VIN right one of the last cars ever made (perhaps the last 10 or 20 in fact).
First lesson is that the battery is a b
d to reach to plug a trickle charger on.Spot the battery:
I'm incredibly careful deciding what car to buy, but like the op pretty much buy the first car I see.
The reason I wanted an Elise/VX was after driving a friends VX220. It was one of the most engaging drives. Felt as much fun as my integrale.
I went for the elise as it was primarily going to be driven by my girlfriend at that time. And fuel economy was king.
The VX was an incredible little car and with a turbo has bags of potential.
I'll keep my Elise though. I love it even though it's a bit underpowered. I have a 2nd large exhaust on the way. So it will look and sound fast. But not really fast.
The reason I wanted an Elise/VX was after driving a friends VX220. It was one of the most engaging drives. Felt as much fun as my integrale.
I went for the elise as it was primarily going to be driven by my girlfriend at that time. And fuel economy was king.
The VX was an incredible little car and with a turbo has bags of potential.
I'll keep my Elise though. I love it even though it's a bit underpowered. I have a 2nd large exhaust on the way. So it will look and sound fast. But not really fast.
Actus Reus said:
Regarding the paint - the warranty was six years so expired in 2012 sadly. It's a common problem and Vauxhall don't seem to want to know any more - it might mean a whole new rear clam, which would be big money (£2k? More?).
Regarding the map - thanks - I'll take a look at them. Mine is coral blue, and if I've read the VIN right one of the last cars ever made (perhaps the last 10 or 20 in fact).
First lesson is that the battery is a bd to reach to plug a trickle charger on.
Spot the battery:
Get a fly lead with a socket on the end and permanently attach that to the battery, then you can just lift the front cover and plug it in. The cig lighter socket is permanently live as well, so you can plug it in there with the correct lead.Regarding the map - thanks - I'll take a look at them. Mine is coral blue, and if I've read the VIN right one of the last cars ever made (perhaps the last 10 or 20 in fact).
First lesson is that the battery is a b
d to reach to plug a trickle charger on.Spot the battery:
Great purchase. I had the NA version. Massively underrated cars which to be quite frank every petrol head should own at some point in their lives (or equivalent Elise).
On the paint, the issue was that the body panels were not properly sealed when they were stored, so moisture made its way in, and was then locked in by the paint process. Although you can get the paintwork removed and repainted it will come back again as you only remove the moisture that created the bubbling, not the rest of it still within the bodywork. If you do not mind doing this job every two years or so then go for it otherwise you might have to just get used to it being there.
Heaters are good fun! Keep an eye out on the VX forum for the occasional sale of a heater adapted by a member on there, he did about 50 of them I think which meant they worked x5 more powerful. Makes a huge difference to the comfort levels. Otherwise do your best to ensure the tubing (can see you have some replacement black tubing in the photo) is always in place and doing its best to funnel the air, any insulation you can put around it will help.
But they are great cars, based on the Lotus S2 chassis but with more reliable engines (aside from the later Toyota versions in the Lotus) albeit heavier ones, its a great piece of kit. Motorways are proper scary, I had to drive mine home from Gloucester to SW London on the M4 when I bought it, overtaking lorries has never been so terrifying! The noise and crap coming off the wheels was mad.
I did notice also its well worth in traffic sitting back from the car in front, many cars cannot see you in their rear view mirror as you are so low down, had a number of instances where people sling it in reverse to back into the 'space' for whatever reason and nearly drive over the front of the car.
Oh and the doors make a hell of a racket when you pull them shut, its because they use a Vauxhall bolt on the door frame to hold the door closed, its a touch too narrow for the clip in the door. A nice little trick is to wrap a few layers of insulation tape around the bold that sticks out from the frame panel that catches the door and suddenly you have a door that closes much quieter and doesn't rattle ;-)
You have made a good investment though, I sold my pristine NA for £8k 3 years ago, looking at prices now of equivalent cars could get closer to £10k now.
On the paint, the issue was that the body panels were not properly sealed when they were stored, so moisture made its way in, and was then locked in by the paint process. Although you can get the paintwork removed and repainted it will come back again as you only remove the moisture that created the bubbling, not the rest of it still within the bodywork. If you do not mind doing this job every two years or so then go for it otherwise you might have to just get used to it being there.
Heaters are good fun! Keep an eye out on the VX forum for the occasional sale of a heater adapted by a member on there, he did about 50 of them I think which meant they worked x5 more powerful. Makes a huge difference to the comfort levels. Otherwise do your best to ensure the tubing (can see you have some replacement black tubing in the photo) is always in place and doing its best to funnel the air, any insulation you can put around it will help.
But they are great cars, based on the Lotus S2 chassis but with more reliable engines (aside from the later Toyota versions in the Lotus) albeit heavier ones, its a great piece of kit. Motorways are proper scary, I had to drive mine home from Gloucester to SW London on the M4 when I bought it, overtaking lorries has never been so terrifying! The noise and crap coming off the wheels was mad.
I did notice also its well worth in traffic sitting back from the car in front, many cars cannot see you in their rear view mirror as you are so low down, had a number of instances where people sling it in reverse to back into the 'space' for whatever reason and nearly drive over the front of the car.
Oh and the doors make a hell of a racket when you pull them shut, its because they use a Vauxhall bolt on the door frame to hold the door closed, its a touch too narrow for the clip in the door. A nice little trick is to wrap a few layers of insulation tape around the bold that sticks out from the frame panel that catches the door and suddenly you have a door that closes much quieter and doesn't rattle ;-)
You have made a good investment though, I sold my pristine NA for £8k 3 years ago, looking at prices now of equivalent cars could get closer to £10k now.
Thanks - I'm increasingly happy with it I must say.
Mine actually has had a few of the other issues you mention addressed - namely the heater is thr Fezzasus uprated heater - it's never a blast of warm air as such, but the cabin will get properly hot after ten minutes or so. The door pins have also been changed and so the doors don't rattle too badly.
I've also changed the speakers - it's still poor, as there are only two and my daily A4 probably has 12 or something, but it's better at least. I managed to change the passenger speaker with the seat in situ using a socket with a screwdriver attachment.
To really cure the paint problem you need a new clam - £1500 from Jon Seal sports cars. Then fitting and painting... think I'll just leave it.
Finally I cleaned it on Saturday with my very excited son. It comes up Ok.
Mine actually has had a few of the other issues you mention addressed - namely the heater is thr Fezzasus uprated heater - it's never a blast of warm air as such, but the cabin will get properly hot after ten minutes or so. The door pins have also been changed and so the doors don't rattle too badly.
I've also changed the speakers - it's still poor, as there are only two and my daily A4 probably has 12 or something, but it's better at least. I managed to change the passenger speaker with the seat in situ using a socket with a screwdriver attachment.
To really cure the paint problem you need a new clam - £1500 from Jon Seal sports cars. Then fitting and painting... think I'll just leave it.
Finally I cleaned it on Saturday with my very excited son. It comes up Ok.
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