Car Downsizing - Arbarth?
Car Downsizing - Arbarth?
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Discussion

Four Litre

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

221 months

Tuesday 21st May 2019
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Due to my health its not longer worth me having / paying to maintain a more premium car. I've been lucky enough to own AMGs, RS, M series cars over the years but now my days of going for a blast are over / on hold for now.

I've been toying with the sad idea of going electric, possibly an BMW I3 as it would be a station car, then I thought what about something a bit left field, the Arbarth Competizione? They are small but with 180 hp would still be slightly fun for a spirited drive to shops. Im really not keen on minis so there are a no no for me as are fiestas etc. I appreciate they are rated as a better product, however I wont be tackling the st bernardo pass in this so its got to have a 15 mins drive fun factor.

Has anyone downsized quite drastically and how have they found it. Currently I drive an M4 which absurdly is my station car as I no longer drive when I don't have to due to my health constraints (eyes).

carinaman

25,109 posts

201 months

Tuesday 21st May 2019
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Abarth.

phil4

1,645 posts

267 months

Tuesday 21st May 2019
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My other half has a 595 Comp which you're thinking of.

It is small. The seats are quite "perched", and the plastics very hard.

It's noisey, hard riding and torque steery.

For quick blasts about, it's a heck of a lot of fun. But for longer or in traffic runs... not so much so. Oddly all the journeys you'd think an electric car suitable for are the ones you'll find this the most fun/tolerable. The difference is you can do a long trip even if it's not the best car for it.

pidsy

8,699 posts

186 months

Tuesday 21st May 2019
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Went M3 to competizione a month ago.

I’m a massive convert - fantastic little thing.

carinaman

25,109 posts

201 months

Tuesday 21st May 2019
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Sorry about your failing eyesight. I met someone awaiting Cataract surgery a few years ago. I assume he was reliant on lifts and public transport.