Boots 28 Posted December 6, 2012 Report Share Posted December 6, 2012 (edited) As the title suggests I would like to sup at the collective and awesome fountain of knowledge that resides in this forum to help me decide what car next. My budget alas cannot stretch to another Lotus at the moment, besides I have scratched that 'itch'. I would like a car that is unusual, has more than 2 seats and has a boot. Unfortunately I have been spoilt by the power and performance of the Esprit and would like something comparable. Fickle I know but I am a female of the species. Sue Edited December 6, 2012 by Boots Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Günter 28 Posted December 6, 2012 Report Share Posted December 6, 2012 Subaru... first series Impreza should be cheap in UK ...and it is not the typical car for a woman of your age ... (type) ..or Ford-Sierra with at least 150hp ..or Cosworth (220hp) -not seen so often nowadays there are at least several 'hot hatches' with more than 200hp in UK, but those are more or les 'common' if you would say so. ..with your type of money ..you are limited on older rear wheel driven 'future classics' with notable miles ..or those small powerfull cars from the frontwheeler class Quote ********************************************************************* to name the things if I see them, that's what I call integrity.. ********************************************************************* Link to post Share on other sites
Vulcan Grey 251 Posted December 6, 2012 Report Share Posted December 6, 2012 I love my Honda Integra Type-S (DC5) made 2002-2006. 200hp, 31+mpg, great 6 speed shifter, toss-able handling, can carry up to 4 people, or 2 people + 2 mountain bikes + gear in the hatch. I added a LSD, which the Type-R has, plus 220hp. I have coworkers in the back seats often, as well as my 3 nephews. Quote Travis Vulcan Grey 89SE My Lotus Photo and Projects Album Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky 2,831 Posted December 6, 2012 Report Share Posted December 6, 2012 Quote British Fart to Florida, Nude to New York, Dunce to Denmark, Numpty to Newfoundland. And Shitfaced Silly Sod to Sweden. Link to post Share on other sites
arbell9 21 Posted December 6, 2012 Report Share Posted December 6, 2012 Golf GTI / 4 motion / R32 civic type R Quote Link to post Share on other sites
nigeninja 60 Posted December 6, 2012 Report Share Posted December 6, 2012 I know someone with a R32,and he reckons it really is not quick ,early skyline are cheap enough these days Quote Link to post Share on other sites
arbell9 21 Posted December 6, 2012 Report Share Posted December 6, 2012 http://www.pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=47&i=13806 review of R32 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
910Esprit 531 Posted December 6, 2012 Report Share Posted December 6, 2012 Not sure the unusual box has been ticked yet? May aswell add M3... I always fancied a Volvo P1800 or a Lancia Fulvia - 4 seats and style, but no power Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Vulcan Grey 251 Posted December 6, 2012 Report Share Posted December 6, 2012 Wheeler Dealers did that 2000-2002 BMW M5 for £6000... Quote Travis Vulcan Grey 89SE My Lotus Photo and Projects Album Link to post Share on other sites
Günter 28 Posted December 6, 2012 Report Share Posted December 6, 2012 how much is the Lancia-Delta Integrale in UK, these days ? ..it is powerfull, and more agile ...esoecially compared with the heavy Golf-R32 Travis, you ..as an engineer & quality worker --you should not take wheeler-dealers for serious ..it is *work on a budged* for show, and most of what is shown there would not pass the work education levels over here Quote ********************************************************************* to name the things if I see them, that's what I call integrity.. ********************************************************************* Link to post Share on other sites
Vulcan Grey 251 Posted December 7, 2012 Report Share Posted December 7, 2012 I looked online in the US at used cars last night and the 2000 M5 sells for about $10,000 here... That is cheaper than a 2004 Honda Civic Si... The V10 M5's are going for only $22k now! Quote Travis Vulcan Grey 89SE My Lotus Photo and Projects Album Link to post Share on other sites
Kimbers 1,774 Posted December 7, 2012 Report Share Posted December 7, 2012 Mitsi Evo VIII FQ 300 - 340 MR. Awesome, but get one not "Modified" as they are more than quick enough without. You can get the Holden Vauxhall Monaro or VXR8 cheap these days too! Hows about a Mustang V8 GT with Roush suspension and supercharger? Or a Dominator 500? Scooby is a bit Chavvy but look at the RB320 for an awesome experience. Or the WR1 Hows about a nice Focus RS? You now have my own personal shopping list Quote Possibly save your life. Check out this website.http://everyman-campaign.org/ Distributor for 'Every Male' grooming products. (Discounts for any TLF members hairier than I am!) Link to post Share on other sites
73JPS 0 Posted December 7, 2012 Report Share Posted December 7, 2012 Mazda RX8: predictable, tossable, redline-hungry, tire-smoking, spirit-of-Lotus-handling-and-lightness fun... with four seats and a boot to boot. Quote "At home, I have a King Sized bed. Now, I don't know any Kings, but I would imagine if one were to come over, he would be comfortable." -Mitch Hedberg Link to post Share on other sites
Bazza 907 1,057 Posted December 7, 2012 Report Share Posted December 7, 2012 Mini Cooper S? I had one until recently and they are great fun. The Supercharged ones are thirsty though so I'd try and go for a later turbo version. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
islandbloke 1 Posted December 7, 2012 Report Share Posted December 7, 2012 Mazda RX8: predictable, tossable, redline-hungry, tire-smoking, spirit-of-Lotus-handling-and-lightness fun... with four seats and a boot to boot. I've driven a couple of these and think they're fantastic cars. However, they drink petrol AND oil apparently, and you need to ensure you get a good one without rotor tip wear. Quote Proud recipient of the LEF 'Car of the Month Award' February 2008"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming: "Wow, what a ride!!" Link to post Share on other sites
73JPS 0 Posted December 7, 2012 Report Share Posted December 7, 2012 Yes, they certainly are thirsty for fuel: my RX8 didn't get much better fuel economy than my Esprit V8! They don't use much oil though: I never had to add oil to mine given that I kept up with oil changes. Quote "At home, I have a King Sized bed. Now, I don't know any Kings, but I would imagine if one were to come over, he would be comfortable." -Mitch Hedberg Link to post Share on other sites
TBD 781 Posted December 7, 2012 Report Share Posted December 7, 2012 Sue must have hit a trigger here. So much discussion going on, but no new input from her. Is she still listening? Quote If you have the choice between a Stairway to Heaven and a Highway to Hell don't forget the Nomex®! Captain, Lotus Airways. We fly lower! Link to post Share on other sites
Boots 28 Posted December 7, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 7, 2012 Yes I am here lurking amongst the testosterone fuelled posts Not sure about hot hatches they are driven mostly by chavs here. I have a car in mind and hope to test drive it this weekend. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Günter 28 Posted December 7, 2012 Report Share Posted December 7, 2012 I looked online in the US at used cars last night and the 2000 M5 sells for about $10,000 here... That is cheaper than a 2004 Honda Civic Si... The V10 M5's are going for only $22k now! compare the investments you have to do on a 2000 M5 BMW, for service & repairs (parts prices) ..with those of an 2004 Honda you mentioned. Would guess you can't offer a top-quality and freshly propper 2000 model M5 for this sort of money as advertised? ..can you really do this there in the US ? Quote ********************************************************************* to name the things if I see them, that's what I call integrity.. ********************************************************************* Link to post Share on other sites
red vtec 178 Posted December 7, 2012 Report Share Posted December 7, 2012 Depends what your budget is, a good Honda prelude VTEC would be a good buy go for a 5th Gen Motegi edition, 4ws, 190bhp and that wonderful VTEC engine. Superb build quality. Or if you can get your hands on a Type S 217bhp. I had a 4th gen it was a great car to drive. it is a 2+2 in reality. Quote Amateurs built the Ark Professionals built the Titanic "I haven't ridden in cars pulled by cows before" "Bullocks, Mr.Belcher" "No, I haven't, honestly" Link to post Share on other sites
Al. 294 Posted December 7, 2012 Report Share Posted December 7, 2012 The problem with an RX-8 in the UK is it costs an arm and a leg to tax it and that is now before the green eyed monsters get any more zealous. It puts out the same CO due to the way calculated as an AMG 6.5 Ltr I was looking at. It totally put one of my sons off it. He then went and bought a Civic Type-R GT and I am really impressed with that. Bullet proof, cheap(ish) to run, goes like clappers when revved into VTEC zone but quite easy drive when not. Gets 30+ mpg on long runs at 80+ and is like a Tardis inside. I am REALLY imprerssed with the packaging there and I like the quirky dash and it has all the toys. Also best car seats I have sat in, in a main stream manufacturers car. Quote A LEGS man and proud to declare it! Lotus Enthusiasts Group Scotland Autocar's Best UK Drivers Car 2009. Car's Performance Car of the Year 2009; Evo's Car of the Year 2009. Top Gear Sports Car of the Year 2009 Link to post Share on other sites
Boots 28 Posted December 9, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 9, 2012 Well went to a garage to see a car. Unfortunately couldn't get a test drive and it wasn't the exact model I want. The car I went to see is a BMW 840. I await your opinions and the inevitable German leg pulling so I will start, "Fur you Tommy Atkins zee var ist over!!!" Quote Link to post Share on other sites
andydclements 749 Posted December 9, 2012 Report Share Posted December 9, 2012 No leg pulling here, I like the look of those, similar styling as the M1 but in a slightly more practical form. OOOOO Just realised who styled it. Now sue, is that by chance or design? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TBD 781 Posted December 9, 2012 Report Share Posted December 9, 2012 Take it from a Germany, but not a Bavarian. A BMW 840 ist about as big as it is useless. There are so many cars around for that kind of money, and but the 840 would be last on my list. Quote If you have the choice between a Stairway to Heaven and a Highway to Hell don't forget the Nomex®! Captain, Lotus Airways. We fly lower! Link to post Share on other sites
Günter 28 Posted December 10, 2012 Report Share Posted December 10, 2012 (edited) Not for me Tommy boy , not for me ! Have you ever seen this funny movie with Alicia Silverstone *Excess Baggage* (Ärger im Gepäck) ? She is in the boot of her own 8-series, and gets kidnapped ..but there is enough space for a attractive young girl with long legs and a nice body. What meant from my point of view the boot must be big enough, just like in the old Mafia films ..so I thought "this car is cool, fast & practical to own ! " ..with other words, my V8 Esprit was actually planned to be a BMW-840 manual shift, with the 4.4 L (if possible the later version) Our *Schwacke list* told me that in my specification/model year and with the miles required it would have been the sum of around 17k € there in 2002 , as I searched for this kind of car. (so what I wanted without specification on brand was actually a car with no notable image, therefore relatively cheap to buy, two or 2+2 seats, rear wheel driven, manual box, 6 cylinder or V8, quadcam four valves, as much as possible in factory order without add-ons by first owner ..and at least a notable boot ! -but KBA information showed up with no notable owner numbers for this model in the late production period. So after a lot of dealer offers for only the heavy V12, in auto & manual option, I simply gave up ..and by luck there was an other interesting strange car in focus in 2002 -for around doubled money, but still possible to pay for with some family help. now it's 90.000km and many many moons later ..and I'm still here with the Esprit *so Sue, to make a long story short ..the 8-series is heavy and elegant, and not the nimble rattling Esprit that you used to know -but if there is something to do for John, no worries ..I have a lot of workshop-stuff / files data here on the HDD and know a good service-data link for you. Edited December 10, 2012 by Günter Quote ********************************************************************* to name the things if I see them, that's what I call integrity.. ********************************************************************* Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.