Tyas Posted November 6, 2024 Posted November 6, 2024 19 minutes ago, HoolioPaulio said: I did achieve one car recently that I fell in love with immediately, and managed to get one as it was a more realistic goal. A 2019 plate Peugeot 508. I was looking for my next car when I had a Dacia Duster, which is a good car in general, and an exceptional car for the money, but I don't really like SUV's (it was a case of getting an affordable car for a family of 4). Saw the 508 on Autotrader and fell in love with the styling immediately, told my wife I needed one. Managed to get a great deal during the period after covid lockdown which made it affordable. And I could not have been happier with it. Everyone at work said hands down it was the best looking car in the car park. It cruised so well on long journeys. Handled the bends incredibly. It was lots of fun in sport mode, and surprisingly quick. And under normal driving I was averaging 46-54 mpg. It was so comfortable, and the seats were amazing. Genuinely gutted to get rid of it last year, but financially it made more sense to lease a hybrid through the NHS, and unfortunately that put me back in an SUV. But the next one can be anything I want as my oldest is now driving, so I need to worry less about luggage space. Still miss the 508 though, second best car I ever had. Just look at her I think if you need hybrid but misses the excellence of 508, find a used DS 9. No, not Citroen DS 9, just DS 9. Sits on the same platform as 508, but longer and more luxurious, and a real plush. Typical French big saloons. Also an absolute looker. 2
galaxyg Posted November 6, 2024 Posted November 6, 2024 I guess the one car I always promised myself I did end up owning, which was a 2002 Mitsubishi Galant, the ones at the end of the model run with body kit and big alloys as standard. There was often one parked in the pub where we used to go on Fridays at lunch from work, and I always loved how it looked. This was back in around 2001. Eventually I did get one, same spec and colour as the example, in 2008. Kept it for 6 years, sorry I parted with it really. Nice combination of elegance and aggression to look at. Very Japanese on the inside. I've also been lucky enough to be able to own three other of my "actually attainable" wish-list cars - A 5th Gen Honda Prelude, a Nissan 350Z and a Mazda RX-8. Contrary to all expectations, the RX-8 is the single most reliable car from any car I have ever owned. Even allowing for age and mileage, the 350Z is probably the least reliable. All three great fun to drive though. If I could have any of them back again, I'd take the Honda. As for what's left to promise/wish that is actually realistic with some financial effort for some of them: Alfa Romeo Giulia, Toyota Crown (preferably the 2004 version), a Nissan Cube, a Toyota 86, a Toyota Alphard, a Toyota Celica (any version), and the most likely to actually happen: a Lexus IS350h. 5
galaxyg Posted November 6, 2024 Posted November 6, 2024 1 hour ago, Tyas said: I think if you need hybrid but misses the excellence of 508, find a used DS 9. No, not Citroen DS 9, just DS 9. Sits on the same platform as 508, but longer and more luxurious, and a real plush. Typical French big saloons. Also an absolute looker. I have sat in one of these and it's fantastic. If I wait just a couple of years they'll have depreciated to less than the cost of a packet of crisps, and I can get one. That however relies on someone having bought one in the first place for it to appear on the used market. And I suspect there was a bigger market for such things like the VW Phaeton and the Honda Legend than there is for the DS9. Pity. 1
Vesa Jussila Posted November 6, 2024 Posted November 6, 2024 (edited) 6 hours ago, Tyas said: I've experienced 911 Turbo S once. It was a 991.1 Turbo S in Racing Yellow. It was during a roadtrip across Java Island. Over 150 miles, that thing performed basically flawlessly. On traffic it's not at all recalcitrant, on the bumpy roads the suspension soaks up road imperfections bar the absolute worst of speedbumps, and on motorway cruise it settles down nicely as a proper grand tourer. Yet with a flick of a switch it can turn into a savage rocketship. In straight line it easily devoured the GT3 RS (itself already ballistic). That experience will live forever rent-free inside my head. Oh and the Burmester sound system is top-notch. I know my dream 911 is a 991.2 GT3 Touring in Albert Blue, but for everyday stuffs I'd be more than happy to get a 991.2 Turbo S. In Saffron Yellow Metallic triple-layer colour, please. I think you formulated qualities quite well. This isn't a car for British B-roads. But excellent weapon to drive from Stuttgart to Warsaw. Or from Stuttgart to Milan... Choose your destination. Edited November 6, 2024 by Vesa Jussila
Tijuana Taxi Posted November 7, 2024 Posted November 7, 2024 (edited) Always wanted a VW camper, when I was a kid we had a very old knackered split screen VW bus (probably would be worth a fortune now) It was green and white, had a far too small engine, think it was 1200cc, also remember twin side opening doors. Parts were expensive and only available near us from a VW dealer at Plaistow Finally got one about twenty years ago, it was a newer T3 type and what a dog of a vehicle it was. Totally underwhelmed and completely ruined the dream, sold it and bought a cabin cruiser which is another story. Edited November 7, 2024 by Tijuana Taxi 4
Stef N. Posted November 7, 2024 Posted November 7, 2024 46 minutes ago, Tijuana Taxi said: Always wanted a VW camper, when I was a kid we had a very old knackered split screen VW bus (probably would be worth a fortune now) It was green and white, had a far too small engine, think it was 1200cc, also remember twin side opening doors. Parts were expensive and only available near us from a VW dealer at Plaistow Finally got one about twenty years ago, it was a newer T3 type and what a dog of a vehicle it was. Totally underwhelmed and completely ruined the dream, sold it and bought a cabin cruiser which is another story. Got myself a well kitted T5 and it is a rather nice drive. They definitely improved massively over the years. 👍
Spiny Posted November 7, 2024 Posted November 7, 2024 On 07/11/2024 at 13:18, Stef N. said: Got myself a well kitted T5 and it is a rather nice drive. They definitely improved massively over the years. 👍 [rant] I think everything has improved over the years, but one thing which definitely hasn't is the infotainment system. I hired a California last summer, and all the good bits were completely overshadowed by the sheer awfulness of the VW touchscreen/satnav system, especially when it came to navigation. I made the mistake of parking it in the sun - the whole system froze for 2 hours which, due to some strange diversions I achieved the rare (I suspect) distinction of managing to get lost in Liechtenstein. Even when it was working, it was always 20 yards behind - doesn't sound bad does it? But try it on a roundabout - it was always telling me to take the next exit just as I was going past the exit I needed🤬 And don't even get me started on the gesture control which reads your hand approaching the touchscreen as a swipe sending it over to the next menu... The moral of the story - enjoy your camper van for as long as you can, I can definitely see the attraction. But if when the time comes to replace it and your budget puts you in the range of campers from the early 2020s, my feeling after the holiday was that the infotainment system was so bad I would steer clear of any VW with it. I've heard it has a terrible reputation, and my experience was that it was well deserved. A shame, as the rest of the van was mostly very good. [/rant] 1
Tyas Posted November 8, 2024 Posted November 8, 2024 11 hours ago, Spiny said: [rant] I think everything has, but one thing which definitely hasn't is the infotainment system. I hired a California last summer, and all the good bits were completely overshadowed by the sheer awfulness of the VW touchscreen/satnav system, especially when it came to navigation. I made the mistake of parking it in the sun - the whole system froze for 2 hours which, due to some strange diversions I achieved the rare (I suspect) distinction of managing to get lost in Liechtenstein. Even when it was working, it was always 20 yards behind - doesn't sound bad does it? But try it on a roundabout - it was always telling me to take the next exit just as I was going past the exit I needed🤬 And don't even get me started on the gesture control which reads your hand approaching the touchscreen as a swipe sending it over to the next menu... The moral of the story - enjoy your camper van for as long as you can, I can definitely see the attraction. But if when the time comes to replace it and your budget puts you in the range of campers from the early 2020s, my feeling after the holiday was that the infotainment system was so bad I would steer clear of any VW with it. I've heard it has a terrible reputation, and my experience was that it was well deserved. A shame, as the rest of the van was mostly very good. [/rant] I like the new ID.Buzz, I think it was one of a handful of EVs that I would consider buying if I'm not so poor. But the infotainment system is infuriating. I did car reviews, and I have been complaining and ranting for eons that overreliance on touchscreen is dangerous and callous, especially if it's laggy or unintuitive. Doesn't matter if it's BYD Seal or Ferrari 296, touchscreen-only user interface is an absolute menace. 1 3
Max Headroom Posted November 8, 2024 Posted November 8, 2024 Datsun 240Z in black with six speed box. I remember an advert for a Hasegawa (?) model of it back in a 70’s in Airfix Magazine and thinking ‘cool’. Trevor 4
TonyW Posted November 8, 2024 Posted November 8, 2024 One car that has never sat on any drive of mine, keeps coming back to the top of my wish list. The Bristol 411 S3. Only that one though. The rest of the Bristol range all have something or other that makes them second fiddle to this particular one. To me, it's the most beautiful car they ever did. So understated, yet with such an elegance of line. The big Chrysler V8 just adds to the appeal. 9 2
Andrew Jones Posted November 8, 2024 Posted November 8, 2024 When I was younger it was an Opel Manta , did get a Y reg Manta 1.8 Berlinetta , lovely car probably one of the best I've ever owned . Then my dream car became a Range Rover . Some years later ,when my farm Landrover died I found that I could replace it with a P38 Range Rover for less money than a Defender the same age . So a 1998 Epsom Green P38 4.0 V8 it was , great vehicle but bit heavy on fuel , having a LPG conversion did help however . It would tow anything , 14ft flatbed , Ivor Williams stock box , with ease . Today I'm on my 6th rangie ,all of which except the current truck have cost less tha £5000 apiece , currently have a 07 sport 2.7 v6 and a 64 sport 3.0 v6 . Don't really have any other car that I lust over , but wouldn't mind a Jag xk8 . Andrew 4
MrB17 Posted November 8, 2024 Posted November 8, 2024 I promised myself a Capri back in 73 and ended up owning 3 Capri Mk.I’s back in the 70’s 80’s, a 71 2L Burgundy Metallic, 72 2L Maize Yellow, a 73 2.6L Red. I had a 74 Triumph Spitfire BR Green, a 67 Mustang Coupe Candy Apple Red (the factory name, not actual candy) and many run of the mill commuters. If I could have the pick of any car today, it would be a Capri Mk.I 1973 2L 4sp with front spoiler (not air dam) and rear spoiler and the European bumperettes. My 72 had all those goods, but I wasn’t a fan of Lucas and the 73 switched to Bosch. Cheers Jeff 5
GiampieroSilvestri Posted November 9, 2024 Posted November 9, 2024 On 05/11/2024 at 19:46, Windy37 said: Keeping to the title of the thread , growing up my earliest memories of wanting a car " when I'm older " my No 1 car of choice was a Guards Red Porsche 911 Turbo . I was obsessed by them and when Autocar Magazine recorded a 0 - 60 mph time in 5.1 seconds , well I just had to have one ! Sadly my dream hasn't come true and my favourite fast car I owned was a white Vauxhall Nova GTE from 1988. Currently I own a white 2016 VW Golf GTD which does everything just so well and effectively. Now , I'm off to put my lottery on and a deposit on that 911 Turbo.... Gary . The VW Golf GTD is a great car! Saluti Giampiero 1
othertales Posted November 9, 2024 Posted November 9, 2024 I have a few but a 1976 Citroen CX would be one of my first choices, without a doubt. 7
Noel Smith Posted November 18, 2024 Posted November 18, 2024 Golf R32. Great to drive, practical, not too big, and being a subtly styled, anonymous and not looking like a boy racer's car. 1
Anteater Posted November 21, 2024 Posted November 21, 2024 Some good choices in this thread, plenty of variety for sure. I bought and sold loads of cars in my younger years but seem to have settled into longish term ownership now. Truth is, I hate the process of buying or selling so I tend to keep cars going, and if they do break I just park them up with vague plans to get them going again. I bought a well used Skoda Yeti this year and it's probably all the car I really need, if I'm being practical. How dull! The car I promised myself was a Ford Capri 2.8i so as soon as I got my first proper job I scraped together the £2,000 required to buy one. That was quickly followed by another. I nearly returned to a Capri about 15 years ago but other things intervened and then they drifted out of reach. I have a strong suspicion a Porsche 944 S2 is a a much better car and these days a bit cheaper to boot. I failed to buy one of those when they were really cheap but they're still not stupid money. I still work around cars so have driven hundreds of different models, and still get to drive plenty of cars that are now considered classics. What have I learned from all that? Ultimately, the best car is one that belongs to someone else so you can hand the keys back when it needs attention... 3
Noel Smith Posted November 22, 2024 Posted November 22, 2024 Anteater. Your Skoda Yeti seems to have a bit of a cult following, so maybe not such a dull car after all ! 1
Neddy Posted November 22, 2024 Posted November 22, 2024 Definitely not! My best mate - a lifelong petrolhead - drives one and swears by it. Swears AT it occasionally... 3
Anteater Posted November 22, 2024 Posted November 22, 2024 Yeah, maybe not the car I always promised myself, but the Yeti is bit of a gem. I see quite a few here in the uplands, mostly diesel 4x4 variants. Mine was suspiciously cheap but has behaved quite well during the past 6 months. Cleaning out the throttle body wasn't fun, (they're prone to clagging up) and it has a few drivetrains quirks but further reading tells me it's mostly considered "normal". The 4x4 system is pretty effective and the hill descent mode works a treat on an icy stone track. For what it is, it's a pretty good all purpose vehicle. Being more aspirational, I keep thinking about a Jaguar XJ-S. It would need to be a V12 though, even if they're not that quick and I would be deeply disturbed by the fuel bills. The 6 cylinders are fine but at some point somebody would ask, "is it a V12", and I wouldn't want to disappoint them. 5
GiampieroSilvestri Posted November 22, 2024 Posted November 22, 2024 On 08/11/2024 at 10:49, TonyW said: One car that has never sat on any drive of mine, keeps coming back to the top of my wish list. The Bristol 411 S3. Only that one though. The rest of the Bristol range all have something or other that makes them second fiddle to this particular one. To me, it's the most beautiful car they ever did. So understated, yet with such an elegance of line. The big Chrysler V8 just adds to the appeal. If one considers that all Bristol cars were built on chassis of BMW 328 from the thirties. Saluti Giampiero
cmatthewbacon Posted November 22, 2024 Posted November 22, 2024 8 hours ago, Anteater said: keep thinking about a Jaguar XJ-S. It would need to be a V12 though, even if they're not that quick and I would be deeply disturbed by the fuel bills Had an E Type S3 V12 for a weekend. Amazing car, amazing engine. It’s not so much the fuel bills (though we did get through the best part of £150 in three days), it’s the “where’s the next garage with Super Unleaded?”. Find someone who knows what they’re doing, and the V12’s not so hard to look after, but it really is hard to live with. That experience is why I’ve landed on an XK8 or XK as a realistic option. An XK8 has all the ”Jaguarness” with svelte looks and GT performance in a modern car that does 35+ MPG on unleaded; an XKR does the same with 400BHP on tap if you need it (and both can be had for less than £10K). And the XK looks a bit fiercer, costs a bit more, but gives you a bulletproof engine in a rustproof body with all the 21st century bells and whistles for £15K. Dream on, Matt… 😜 best, M. 2
JohnT Posted November 22, 2024 Posted November 22, 2024 I blame my history teacher, one Peter Grainger for my schoolboy crush on the MGB. He had a green GT as I remember and it looked good and was British by God Sir. So the B roadster was in my sights and was the first car I bought myself with my own money. Having gotten into the mark and noting the old B wasn’t exactly a hot hatch I came across Ken Costello and the story of the V8. I added that to my wee stable at one stage. MG’s are good as affordable. And in my experience nowhere near as unreliable as they were made out to be The ones that got away would be in order of desire:- 1 E type jaguar soft top - I mean what else but out of pocket - lovely shape 2 MGA - another lovely shape 3 Lotus Esprit 2
Noel Smith Posted November 23, 2024 Posted November 23, 2024 Why on the new Jaguars being introduced is the dropping the traditional badges on the marque. Even their new ads not showing the cars at all has led to derision on social medis. Just what are their PR people playing at ? Unless a Jag has a leaping cat on it, to me it ain't a Jag any more. I think the backlash might cause a rethink in their design offices. If I had the money, a fully restored Mk1 EType Convertible would do it for me, but the Golf R32 I mentioned before in a post would be more realistic however. 1
cmatthewbacon Posted November 23, 2024 Posted November 23, 2024 I think Jaguar’s marketing campaign has got everyone talking about Jaguar. The leaping cat is still on the car. And the editorial team at the Road Rat has seen the car, and fully paid up gear heads as they are, say we will not be disappointed. I’m happy to wait and see on December 2nd. best, M.
Farmer matt Posted November 23, 2024 Author Posted November 23, 2024 The old saying about there being no such thing as bad publicity is not without foundation. However, perhaps they should have launched a stunning car, and then let people notice it had revised badging, rather than 'challenging' people with smart alec pretension. Matt
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