Everyday Car?

[Mr Darcy]

Mate of mine has seen a M12 in his price range. I am trying to talk him out of it as it will be his only car. Can you really use these things everday?

[hollowpockets]

I used my one daily for 8 months. why not?

[Mr Darcy]

Aren't they meant to be a bit unreliable? Heard of turbo's going on them at a cost of 3k a pop.

[david.mt]

Mr Darcy said:

Aren't they meant to be a bit unreliable? Heard of turbo's going on them at a cost of 3k a pop.

st....better stop driving mine around ....Heresay Mr Darcy - May I have the next dance, Miss Elizabeth?.

[hollowpockets]

It really depends on how its been looked after, turbo's don't just go, they need a re-furb every few years but only costs about 400 quid per turbo, I hear when porsche engines go bang it can cost 15k but that didnt stop you buying one?

Its a bargain high performance road/track car, it needs maintained like any other but i wouldnt say unreliable, they have known weak spots though.

[Mr Darcy]

hollowpockets said:

It really depends on how its been looked after, turbo's don't just go, they need a re-furb every few years but only costs about 400 quid per turbo, I hear when porsche engines go bang it can cost 15k but that didnt stop you buying one?

Its a bargain high performance road/track car, it needs maintained like any other but i wouldnt say unreliable, they have known weak spots though.

15K and then some.

So in general are they pretty cheap to run?

[sjc]

5 year old M400, owned 3 years,now at 27,000 miles used everyday until the recent crap weather.Touch-wood never let me down, never lost its appeal,never had a horrendous shock with a service bill.Highest 1500 quid (including new style manifold and pads last year)Yes,they can be used everyday if you can get comfy and don't need luggage space but they don't particularly like sitting still for long periods either in any case.They do have their issues as they were built down to a price to get the performance/cost ratio right,but don't believe internet bks of 3 grand turbo bills!

[Mr Darcy]

So what issues do they have? And what should he look out for?

[hollowpockets]

Original manifolds and exhaust mounts crack but most cars have been upgraded. Make sure the fuel pump and associated wiring are done. Otherwise in terms of upgrades look for one with an upgraded intercooler, exhaust and re-map and it should be good to go. G

[slipstream 1985]

if he can afford a noble he can afford a second runarround car.

my clio costs me £35 road tax £250 insurance and does 65mpg.

[slimtater]

Not quite the same as everyday use, but the dilemma I have is that it will be kept outside. Two cars on the short-list - M12 and Cerbera 4.5. At least they are both plastic! Do car covers increase or decrease problems?

[wessexrfc]

slimtater said:

Not quite the same as everyday use, but the dilemma I have is that it will be kept outside. Two cars on the short-list - M12 and Cerbera 4.5. At least they are both plastic! Do car covers increase or decrease problems?

Before I built my garage, I used a folding car garage: http://www.canopiessouthwest.co.uk/car_ports_peram...
I found the outside car cover for my Chimera damaged the material on the removable roof section. When I brought the M12, I rented a mates un-used garage until mine was ready. For me it was a no-no to leave my P&J outside, but everyones situation is different.

[Duke Thrust]

slimtater said:

Not quite the same as everyday use, but the dilemma I have is that it will be kept outside. Two cars on the short-list - M12 and Cerbera 4.5. At least they are both plastic! Do car covers increase or decrease problems?

Having had both I'd go for the Noble, a much more useable proposition day to day. (Although the boot on the Cerb is great)

[andygtt]

Use mine everyday and its never let me down in the 30k miles I have done, does around 30mpg costs less than my M3 to service and tax and tyres seem to last forever (unless your name is Adrian)... Ive just taken the gearbox out as one of the bearings was rumbling and thats only costing £500 to get reconditioned (of cause Im fitting and LSD and getting it shot peaned/polished etc while its there lol)

A turbo is around £400 reconditioned and Ive inspected mine and dispite having done 40k they are both fine...

I must admit I do tend look out for things and sort them before they become an issue, but in general I just go out and drive it like it was a fiesta and get it serviced when I should and do little else..... From my experience Id totaly recomend one as an everyday car.

[sjc]

Duke Thrust said:

slimtater said:

Not quite the same as everyday use, but the dilemma I have is that it will be kept outside. Two cars on the short-list - M12 and Cerbera 4.5. At least they are both plastic! Do car covers increase or decrease problems?

Having had both I'd go for the Noble, a much more useable proposition day to day. (Although the boot on the Cerb is great)

Also had both and totally agree with the above.