VXR8 - Gary/Chavy or not?
VXR8 - Gary/Chavy or not?
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Four Litre

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

221 months

Wednesday 1st September 2010
quotequote all
Im posting on here to avoid getting a biased reply (hopefully)...

Been looking to possibly change the s4 b6 to something a bit newer and maybe a bit more exciting. As I need four doors for the kids I'm quite limited to saloons. I came across the VXR8 and even went as far to have a test drive, really enjoyed the drive and loved the engine, power, sound, but coming from the understated Audi to the VX, I couldnt help but think, "Is this a bit of gary wagon" - e.g (Big spoiler on the back etc)? I couldnt decide. I really liked the car and if I purchase it will be for what I like, however I was interested to hear what peoples perceptions are of the VXR8 - is it more at home outside McDonalds than as a family car.....

I guess my main concern is attracting the wrong kind of attention if I get one!

(Apologies to any current VXR8 owners, just asking for opinions not insulting your car!Its not another 'what car' but has a cars image put you off buying one?)

XJR500bhp

1,205 posts

239 months

Wednesday 1st September 2010
quotequote all
Not at all, Any Gary? who can afford one is selling a substantial amount of pirate DVDs and must be mugging atleast 3 old ladies per day.

Go for it, They're huge fun!

Edited by XJR500bhp on Wednesday 1st September 13:26

Arese

21,350 posts

216 months

Wednesday 1st September 2010
quotequote all
These have appeared on my radar recently, too. They seem to be the best bet for the money if you want a V8 saloon, other than an E39 M5 which would be quite a bit older.

I have a tiny issue with the image, but I think they look better in an understated colour.

stew-S160

8,020 posts

267 months

Wednesday 1st September 2010
quotequote all
Do you care more about what other people think of you, or do you care if every drive has the potential to be a great event?

jas xjr

11,309 posts

268 months

Wednesday 1st September 2010
quotequote all
Arese said:
These have appeared on my radar recently, too. They seem to be the best bet for the money if you want a V8 saloon, other than an E39 M5 which would be quite a bit older.

I have a tiny issue with the image, but I think they look better in an understated colour.
understated colour was just what i was thinking.

never considered them to be chavvy in any colour.

do chavs understand n/a v8s? i thought they were into turbos innit

Four Litre

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

221 months

Wednesday 1st September 2010
quotequote all
Not at all - It was when I stood next to the rear spoiler I started to have a few issues!!! It seemed a lot bigger in real life!

I appreciate that this isnt something aftermarket that has been bolted on, but when I do see the 'stick on' DTM/LMS look ones on a car I cannot help but laugh...

simonej

5,395 posts

209 months

Wednesday 1st September 2010
quotequote all
I think it'll be a good few years before 'those types' can afford one, they're still the best part of 20k from what I've seen!

Surely a B6 is now dropping into the sub 10k price bracket and picking up a similar image to the one you're worried about? They've never been one of the classier cars on the road in my opinion.

I love the VXR8 so it's a big thumbs up for me!

David87

7,021 posts

241 months

Wednesday 1st September 2010
quotequote all
What about a B7 RS4?

Four Litre

Original Poster:

2,174 posts

221 months

Wednesday 1st September 2010
quotequote all
B7 RS4 would be ideal - but to expensive for me - 20k max. Dont seem to get anything decent until after 25k is seems...

John D.

20,999 posts

238 months

Wednesday 1st September 2010
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I think they are bloody ugly. Love the concept.

braddo

12,294 posts

217 months

Wednesday 1st September 2010
quotequote all
Given their size and styling they are a bit on the brash side, but at least they have the performance and noise to back it up. In an understated colour, go for it!

chocky

9 posts

214 months

Wednesday 1st September 2010
quotequote all
Four Litre said:
B7 RS4 would be ideal - but to expensive for me - 20k max. Dont seem to get anything decent until after 25k is seems...
Fuuny how if you've got £50k, all the decent motors are £60k++. And if you've only got £2500, there's nothing worth having below £3500....

Rochester TVR

3,314 posts

235 months

Wednesday 1st September 2010
quotequote all
Im considering one of these at the moment, well as soon I get shot of the Alfa!
Wouldn't say they are chavvy, get one in black debadge it and its almost a Q car.

OK the spoiler is a little on the large side, but so what, I still tuck my laces in my trainers! biggrin

homerjay

1,249 posts

254 months

Wednesday 1st September 2010
quotequote all
chocky said:
Four Litre said:
B7 RS4 would be ideal - but to expensive for me - 20k max. Dont seem to get anything decent until after 25k is seems...
Fuuny how if you've got £50k, all the decent motors are £60k++. And if you've only got £2500, there's nothing worth having below £3500....
very, very true that.

Yertis

19,712 posts

295 months

Wednesday 1st September 2010
quotequote all
You ought to ask this question over on the Holden / Monaro forum to see what response you get.

I went from an Audi to a Monaro, but admittedly went to the understated CV8 version rather than the VXR which was bit too be-spoilered for my tastes.

I'd add that I've only had a positive response from other road users, blokes asking me to rev the engine etc, which was a bit of a novelty.

Chris71

21,549 posts

271 months

Wednesday 1st September 2010
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If you're worried about the image you could always try the other extreme, the MG ZT 260 (the RWD V8 one). smile

jbi

12,700 posts

233 months

Wednesday 1st September 2010
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seriously... who gives a sh!t what other people think of you rolleyes

don't let perceived image put you off something you like.

chriis

859 posts

211 months

Wednesday 1st September 2010
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If someone was to describe a VXR8 to me prior to seeing one then i may agree that they sound a bit chavy .

However one lives at the end of my street - Its bright red and debaged . Looks mean as hell biggrin

Arese

21,350 posts

216 months

Wednesday 1st September 2010
quotequote all
It's alright you guys saying "Do you really care what other people think of you?" when in all honesty, we all care a certain amount about the image that we give out. I'd love a VXR8, but I'd always be slightly worried that someone will think adversely of me for driving one. Wrongly so, as I couldn't be any less brash. It would never be the reason I would not buy one though, fk 'em.

Aeroresh

1,429 posts

261 months

Wednesday 1st September 2010
quotequote all
Ive had mine for over a year and it only ever gets the thumbs up from other people. In fact on leaving it parked up in a car park or eleswhere, its the norm to find a mini crowd gathered round on your return all asking eager questions about how big the engine is, etc.

You also have to get used to the mobile phone vids and photos as its all part of owning one! Never had such a positive reaction in any other car.

As for the image, Mrs Aeroresh calls it the "chav mobile" as she hates the attention she/it gets from most blokes when shes driving it (its the wifes car really, wink )

Ignore the badge however, these things can mix it with some proper exotica and not look out of place.

Thumbs up from me!