T.R | Title | User | Personal Name | Date | Lines |
---|
1195.1 | Some more candidates. | TASTY::JEFFERY | Tears of disbelief spilling out of my eyes | Mon Aug 20 1990 21:00 | 10 |
| What about the Cavalier GSi 2000 or Vauxhall Calibra 8v or Rover 216 GTi
or Rover 416 GTi.
They all fill the previous criteria, However, based on my experiences driving
a Cavalier SRi, I don't think that the GSi 2000 or Calibra will be "fun" to
drive.
Based on my driving a Rover 214Si, however, I am optimistic. I'm hoping to
arrange a Test drive of a Rover x16 GTi soon, but will probably order the
GSi through lack of cash.
|
1195.2 | 16 valve Calibra maybe, but not 8 valve. | CRATE::SAXBY | Is this personal or what? | Mon Aug 20 1990 21:24 | 11 |
|
The GSi may be fun to drive but the 8valve Calibra won't be fun if,
as I've heard, it drives like the CD Cavalier. Nice car for my dad!
Rovers just don't have the power. Any idea when the 220 Gti is coming
out.
Don't write off the Citroens on account of soft suspension though, the
BX GTi is stiff.
Mark
|
1195.3 | | CHEST::WRIGHTP | Never, in the field of human conflict .... | Mon Aug 20 1990 21:25 | 4 |
| Daimler is over 2 litre .... but fits rest of spec!
Paul
|
1195.4 | Another part of the spec | BAHTAT::FORCE4::hilton | How's it going royal ugly dudes? | Mon Aug 20 1990 21:41 | 12 |
| Mark,
Perhaps you should add
'Should be less common than top ten popular cars'
Although Renault 5 GT Turbo sightings have increased in my area, I
still think they have a certain unique value/appeal.
Greg
|
1195.5 | Try a Mazda | VOGON::MORGAN | The King of Wishful Thinking | Mon Aug 20 1990 22:33 | 12 |
| Thought about a Mazda 323F GT ??
1840 c.c. - 16v
All the leecy goodies that you might want.
Four doors with hatchback.
Drawbacks ? - 4/5 month delivery
Rich
|
1195.6 | | IJSAPL::CAMERON | Tempus fugit | Tue Aug 21 1990 11:42 | 17 |
|
Astre GTE 16v - Not my personal choice, but can seat four with
*reasonable* comfort. Certainly within your budget.
Alfa 75 Twin spark - At the top end of your budget, but has had a lot
of good reviews.
As a matter of interest CAR magazine had a short but interesting test
comparing the revamped Mini Cooper against most of the current "Hot
Hatch" brigade. Including the Renault 5 GTT, Pug 205GTI, Golf GTI,
Astra GTE, Mazda 323GTF, Fiat Uno Turbo etc.
If anyone's interested in what the result was, and doesn't want to
buy the magazine I'll send you a photocopy of the result.
Gordon
|
1195.7 | Another condition. | CHEST::SAXBY | Is this personal or what? | Tue Aug 21 1990 12:09 | 4 |
|
Oh yes, one more condition. Must NOT be Japanese.
Mark
|
1195.8 | or if you want to be 'posh' - a discovery | IOSG::MITCHELL | Elaine | Tue Aug 21 1990 12:59 | 8 |
|
V8 Land Rover?
:-)
|
1195.9 | | VOGON::ATWAL | Dreams, they complicate my life | Tue Aug 21 1990 13:41 | 5 |
| re.7 well said :-)
re.8 i was going to suggest that!
...art
|
1195.10 | Musn't be a commercial vehicle! :^) | CHEST::SAXBY | Is this personal or what? | Tue Aug 21 1990 13:57 | 10 |
|
V8 Land rover - Under 15k?
It's over 2 litres!
Acceleration like a 5 GTT? :^)
Cheap to insure I suppose, but not to run.
Nice try, but why would anyone want to drive a truck?
Mark
|
1195.11 | | VANISH::TALBOYS | Peter Talboys 774-6270 | Tue Aug 21 1990 14:44 | 13 |
| re .7 Out of interest ... _why_ not Japanese ... it's obviously _not_
a case of "Buy British" or anything like that?
I've so far had 2 French, 7 British, 3 Japanese, and 2 German cars,
plus multitudinous Japanese motorbikes, and the Japanese cars have
been by _far_ the most reliable, and out of the hardtops, about the
most fun too ... I wouldn't hesitate to get another one ... in fact
have just got another one and wife has yet another coming in 10 days
time ...
Just curious ...
Peter
|
1195.12 | Random thoughts... | FORTY2::BETTS | | Tue Aug 21 1990 15:10 | 12 |
|
Pug 309 Gti, quick, handles well, fun, easy to drive...
Alfa Twin Spark, Fun, quick, quite well appointed, has character.
Spent 24 hours in one, would do it again.
Rover Gti. Quicker on the straight than the Twin Spark, probably
better finished.
Golf Gti. Still a winner (if a bit easy to drive / sterile).
Bill.
|
1195.13 | Woof Woof | HEAD::BOPS_RICH | his dusty boots are his cadillac | Tue Aug 21 1990 15:15 | 8 |
| Mark,
have you thought about getting a second-hand Golf Gti, and letting
Turbo Technics or similiar do a conversion ?? You can then have
a wolf-in-sheeps-clothing car. Also reasonable resale/reliability.
Dont know if they'll run lead free juice tho'.
Rich.
|
1195.14 | | VOGON::ATWAL | Dreams, they complicate my life | Tue Aug 21 1990 15:25 | 1 |
| or go for the 180bhp BBR chip & head mods on the 5
|
1195.15 | | CHEST::SAXBY | Is this personal or what? | Tue Aug 21 1990 17:24 | 22 |
|
Why not Japanese?
Well it's partly good old bigotry! :^) A lot of people in here make
comments about French cars being badly made, but on the whole I think
the interiors of Japanese cars are revolting (the 200SX being the only
exception which springs to mind). Secondly I still feel more than a
bit annoyed that the Japanese motor industry muscled into Britain and
Europe (and probably America and Africa) by dumping cars at vastly
subsidised prices.
Ok, so that's a political problem, but my slightly wierd political view
says why buy from a country who will flood the oppositions markets
while preventing any serious competition at home?
So, that's why I wouldn't buy Japanese. Certainly the New MR2, the
200SX, the Mazda RX7 and MX-5 and the Supra are all very nice looking
cars (and so's the Honda CRX), but none of them have the space I need
and there's nothing else in terms of Japanese cars which I think offer
anything over European equivalents.
Mark
|
1195.16 | A matter of principle... | CURRNT::PREECE | Fresh From The Sewer | Tue Aug 21 1990 17:50 | 29 |
|
ratholing even further down that line, Mark.....
Anybody see the article in the paper yesterday about a woman who
refused the "Star Prize" in on of thos orgiastic American TV game shows
(sort of like The Price is Right, but within its innate decorum and
modesty) ?
Why ? Becasue, while the audience screamed and yelled and did
whatever it is gameshow audiences do, the curtain pulled back to reveal
a brand-new....... Honda.
the lucky contestant, being a staunch Union memeber, was obliged to
refuse it, since it wasn't built by US union labour. Collapse of whole
game show (it was never transmitted...).
Seemingly, she's since been _given_ a couple of brand new US cars, by a
grateful Automotive Workers' Union, and had a letter of thanks from Lee
Iacoca (sp).
Another example, in the US, Suzuki's aren't called Suzuki, "it sounds
too foreign, they'd never sell 'em."
... and you think the politics is strong _here- !
Ian
|
1195.17 | In charge of of own destiny? | WOTVAX::MEAKINS | Clive Meakins | Tue Aug 21 1990 17:52 | 18 |
| re .15
I would describe myself as being pro European where possible.
I've given up being just Pro British, we don't make too much
nowadays. I would rather that European industry did well rather than
the Japanese for the reasons stated in .15. A successful Europe, I'm
sure, would be a better place to live in than a collection of countries
that the Japanese use for assembly plants.
Also Japanese cars tend have a short life cycle, so there's a good chance
your new car could be out of date sooner than you would like. They do
the same with Hi-Fi, how many people have bought new CD players that
don't sound too different to their old ones? Mind you, this is great
marketing.
I have to admit there are times when choice is restricted to Japanese,
the coupe market sector is going that way.
|
1195.18 | Calibra today, MG tomorrow? | CHEST::SAXBY | Is this personal or what? | Tue Aug 21 1990 19:10 | 5 |
|
The coupe market? No the Europeans are coming!
Mark (PS Sometimes though I know when to admit defeat and a Sanyo
camcorder has just been ordered! :^( )
|
1195.19 | Ban 'em | DOOZER::JENKINS | | Tue Aug 21 1990 23:23 | 20 |
|
Re .15
I don't think its fair to say that the Japanese entered the UK market
by dumping subsidised cars on us (much as I'd like too). Car prices in
Japan are approximately half or maybe even slightly less than that of
those in the UK.
However, they do have one of the most protected car markets in the
world and for that reason alone we should have banned all imports of
their vehicles. Continuing with this 10% import quota farce just helps
to maintain their secondhand values.
I do agree with the general sentiments of .15 and I certainly won't be
buying a Japanese car. Buying a Japanese car in Europe, with one or
two exceptions just rightsizes the jobs of European car workers or
those from related industries.
Richard.
|
1195.20 | I don't buy Japanese either
| NSDC::SIMPSON | Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain... | Wed Aug 22 1990 12:16 | 13 |
| Perhaps we should take the attitude of the patriotic GM dealer in the US who
had just has his wrist slapped. His advertising ran along the lines of:
"We build cars for our size people; they build cars for theirs". Is this is
what is meant by "rightsizing" (see -.1)?!
Personally, I can't forgive the Japanese their role in the last World War -
which is why I prefer to buy Volkswagens.
:-)
Steve
|
1195.21 | | COMICS::FISCHER | Y'can't touch this | Wed Aug 22 1990 17:04 | 10 |
| The Rover 216 GTi (not out til mid Sept (Autocar & Motor)) has a Honda engine
so that's out. I'm not sure about the Rover 200 vitesse (out Spring '91). They
are also bringing out a 200 cabrio.
What about a (boring) XR2i or Fiesta RSTurbo, or one of the new Escorts - I
know you'll have to put up with the old Ford boy-racer image, but you did
say speed is what you after. btw there's an Escort Cosworth out next year.
Ian
|
1195.22 | Why move DOWN market? | CRATE::SAXBY | Is this personal or what? | Wed Aug 22 1990 18:44 | 8 |
|
I looked at a Ford Escort Cabriolet last weekend. Ford still appear to
through their cars together though and I can't see them improving
radically in the next 5 or 6 months. I doubt I'll be buying a Ford and
certainly not one of the grossly overpriced go-faster (but not than a
Renault 5) Fiasco derivatives!
Mark
|
1195.23 | the best IS best | ULYSSE::FROST | | Wed Aug 22 1990 18:46 | 11 |
| Some of you people out there are weird!!
The only sane philosophy in my book is buy what is best. If the UK has
been beaten to the punch in terms of car quality, then the Japanese
produce better cars.
Yes there will be the initial rush to buy cheaper but things soon sort
themselves out (if the emphasis is put on the customer satisfaction not
on the old whinge about the worker staying employed).
regards George Frost
|
1195.24 | What IS best though? | CRATE::SAXBY | Is this personal or what? | Wed Aug 22 1990 18:56 | 8 |
|
But are the Japs BEST? Personally I don't think so. Trim quality (as
I stated) is poor and the rapid turnover of models leads to poor resale
values.
In MOST cases the Japanese are only equal and not the best.
Mark
|
1195.25 | Be bold - go Italian | YUPPY::PATEMAN | Forza Leyton House!! | Wed Aug 22 1990 19:13 | 7 |
| Going back to the base note...........
Can I throw in another vote for the Alfa 75TS? As long as you are no
taller than me (5'9") its a wonderful car. I've now done 6000 trouble
free miles with a glorious engine note.
Paul
|
1195.26 | Japanese cars are not the best | DOOZER::JENKINS | | Wed Aug 22 1990 20:58 | 17 |
1195.27 | | FORTY2::QUICK | Trust me, I know what I'm doing. | Wed Aug 22 1990 21:17 | 13 |
|
But surely if Japanese cars _are_ better, but we continue to
buy British for the sake of it, then British car manufacturers
will not see any reason to improve their products...
I personally think the UK produces the best 4wd vehicles in the
world. I looked at the Japanese opposition when buying my current
(3rd) Range Rover and thought it was crap. The opposition, that is.
I'm not so sure I'd have bought British if I wanted a performance
car though...
Jonathan.
|
1195.28 | would I? | BIGHUN::THOMAS | The Devon Dumpling | Wed Aug 22 1990 21:36 | 7 |
|
Why not build one from a kit?
or buy a kit already made with non-Japanese bits
Heather
|
1195.29 | Get the best available | VANISH::TALBOYS | Peter Talboys 774-6270 | Wed Aug 22 1990 21:59 | 16 |
| The reason I've bought the Japanese cars that I have is that there has
been very little comparable on offer from any other supplier ... as .-n
said ... go for the best that is available be it Japanese, German or
British ... It so happens that 2 of the Japanese ones I've had fit with
Mark's idea of the "good" ones, the RX Turbo Cabrio and the MX5, there just
isn't anything else around like them. The other 2 are more like Mark is
looking for, both being Mazda 323 4x4 Turbo's ... room for 4, goes like
nobody's business, handles exceptionally well, and can easily cope with
vast increases in power ... the 200bhp chip modification version is
still one heck of a motor car, but let down a bit by the interior.
I would rather buy from a more local manufacturer if one existed
supplying my needs/desires ... but at the moment, sadly, there isn't
one that fits the bill .....
Peter
|
1195.30 | Ginetta? | IOSG::MARSHALL | Harry Palmer | Wed Aug 22 1990 22:03 | 0 |
1195.31 | Why not just keep it | HAMPS::LINCOLN_J | John, Hampshire House, Basingstoke | Wed Aug 22 1990 22:04 | 4 |
| I suggest that you keep it. Surely there's something that
you'd like to use the near 10 grand you'll save for.
-John
|
1195.32 | | SKIWI::EATON | Marketing - the rubber meets the sky | Thu Aug 23 1990 03:08 | 9 |
| Alfa 75 is ugly. You pay a price for the engine note.
If you want a good handling/performance package, buy French. I don't think
anyone makes better mass-produced chassis' than Peugeot (through their whole
range).
If you want a strong perception of quality, buy German.
If you want a solid, average, (good), car buy Ford or Japanese.
|
1195.33 | Japanese is not worse than British | ULYSSE::FROST | | Thu Aug 23 1990 14:12 | 22 |
| Mister Eaton in the last seems to me to have almost got it. His views
do reflect those of an awful lot of people.
re .23 You really are kidding yourself to think that you will be
keeping your fellow countrymen in work by producing inferior products.
Continue your tunnel vision buying habits and you will actively lay off
your fellow countrymen.
.23 Wrong in that Japanese INDUSTRY has stronger import controls
than almost ANYONE else, not just the EEC, and not just the motor
industry.
Now, I don't advocate their trade policies (those who practice
hysterical buying do), what I am saying is - actively force the
British Motor industry to produce better goods and you will win,
otherwise you are on the slippery slope. (greased by Britain).
There are enough examples around to make my point.
regards George Frost
|
1195.34 | Integrale ? | RUTILE::SMITH_A | No-one puts baby in the corner | Thu Aug 23 1990 14:22 | 1 |
|
|
1195.35 | Fiat Strada Abarth 130 TC ? | VULCAN::BOPS_RICH | his dusty boots are his cadillac | Thu Aug 23 1990 14:46 | 3 |
| Only joking !
Rich (ex owner)
|
1195.36 | Push the limit a bit? | CHEST::SAXBY | Is this personal or what? | Tue Aug 28 1990 16:55 | 17 |
1195.37 | | CHEFS::OSBORNEC | | Tue Aug 28 1990 22:58 | 3 |
|
All the road tests by testers that I trust suggest the Calibra is
absolutely NOT a fun car. Cavalier in drag seems to be the consensus.
|
1195.38 | Road tests - Ignore the subjective bits. | CRATE::SAXBY | Is this personal or what? | Wed Aug 29 1990 12:36 | 16 |
|
I've read bad reports too, but I've lost my belief in ANY road tests.
If I'd believed the bad press about the Renault 5GT Turbo I never would
have bought one, now the same magazines who damned it are raving about
it. Fickle is a word that springs to mind!
I read one (very recent report) which talked of a new GM steering rack
which has improved the steering (reduced Torque-steer to virtually
nill - possibly Lotus designed?) of the Calibra and which is likely to
be fitted to GSI Cavaliers as well in the near future.
As I like the look, build quality and space of the Calibra I shall give
it a road test sometime.
Mark
|
1195.39 | | HAMPS::LINCOLN_J | John, Hampshire House, Basingstoke | Wed Aug 29 1990 13:06 | 3 |
| How about the Escort RS2000?
-John
|
1195.40 | Fix Or Repair Daily! | CRATE::SAXBY | Is this personal or what? | Wed Aug 29 1990 14:07 | 10 |
|
I would definitely rather have a Calibra for that kind of money!
Does anyone else think that fast(ish) Fords are badly overpriced?
Mark
PS I assume you mean the NEW RS2000, I don't really want a 10 year
old car! :^)
|
1195.42 | RS COSWORTH | COMICS::MILLAR | No Porn please I'm Graphic | Wed Aug 29 1990 16:13 | 5 |
| You could wait until 1992 for the new Escort RS Cosworth. The pictures
in last weeks AuotoSport are stunning.
Bruce
|
1195.43 | | NCEIS1::CHEVAUX | Patrick Chevaux, Nice, 828-6995 | Wed Aug 29 1990 18:59 | 6 |
1195.44 | Test Drive of Rover 416GTi | TASTY::JEFFERY | Tears of disbelief spilling out of my eyes | Wed Aug 29 1990 21:40 | 25 |
| In my quest to replace my "fun car", I've been looking at the Rover 416 GTi
(or 216 GTi), as an alternative to the "less fun", and ubiquitous Cavalier.
I had a test drive from David Ruskin Garages near Winnersh. The car was
beautifully finished, and very comfortable inside. My head grazed the roof
a little, but I didn't have the chance to find out if the seat could be
lowered. It also has all the goodies: front & rear electric windows (naff
switches), electric sunroof, very nice stereo (same as in GSi 2000 Cavalier).
The engine felt very responsive, and could have probably revved quite high
(being a Honda), but it hadn't been run in. Obviously, it wasn't as fast
as the R5GTT, but it felt pretty good all the same. Unlike the Cavalier SRi
or Peugeot 309 GTi, the engine was very quiet indeed. It is one of the
quietest cars I've driven on the Motorway.
The power steering was superb, suitably light when parking, but very positive
on a straight line, with good "feel" around corners. On Motorways, I thought
of the Cavalier SRI's steering, as being like trying to grab the soap in the
bath. I didn't get enough of an opportunity to really assess what it was like
going around corners, but it felt pretty good.
All in all, a very good car, but I don't think I shall be able to afford it
for this lease. It is difficult to justify the 1200 or so lease cost.
Mark.
|
1195.45 | MG Maestro TURBO? | CHEST::SAXBY | Is this personal or what? | Fri Aug 31 1990 12:59 | 10 |
|
Anyone KNOW anything about the MG Maestro Turbo? It's not the world's
prettiest car, but the figures make it sound pretty effective as a
very fast 5 door saloon, and the standard MG Maestro has pretty good
handling.
Anyone had any first (or even second) hand experience of one of these
rare beasts?
Mark
|
1195.46 | | COMICS::FISCHER | Y'can't touch this | Fri Aug 31 1990 13:12 | 7 |
| I thought Rover were dropping the MG badge from Maestros, Montegos and
Metros so they can use it on a new MGD sports car. I don't know what
the equivalent of the MG turbo will be.
Ian
|
1195.47 | | PEKING::TAYLORG | Bodybuilders do it till it hurts | Fri Aug 31 1990 13:43 | 6 |
1195.48 | | VOGON::ATWAL | Dreams, they complicate my life | Fri Aug 31 1990 13:53 | 12 |
1195.49 | What a paintjob! | WOTVAX::HARRISC | A man has to know his limitations | Fri Aug 31 1990 14:14 | 8 |
| Grant,
I agree that 22k is STEEP, but the car looks gorgeous... Especially in
the CCC article!
Take a look..
..Craig
|
1195.50 | Maestro Turbo. | VULCAN::BOPS_RICH | his dusty boots are his cadillac | Fri Aug 31 1990 14:32 | 7 |
| Mark,
I seem to remember the reviews saying that basically there was far
too much power, which made the car an absolute nightmare to drive.
Hence you hardly see any one the roads. (Perhaps the ditches ?!)
Rich.
|
1195.52 | | ANNECY::MATTHEWS | M+M Enterprises. Thats the CATCH | Fri Aug 31 1990 15:26 | 8 |
| re: .45
Not the Maestro, but I did know some people who had the Montego version.
The only negative comments related to build quality ... lots of squeaks
and rattles.
A very fast car ...
|
1195.54 | | SUBURB::PARKER | GISSAJOB | Fri Aug 31 1990 16:22 | 5 |
| I seem to recall that early versions had lethal torque steer, but this
was fixed for later ones. Get one de-badged, or even better re-badged
as a 1.3 City - what a Q-car!
Steve
|
1195.55 | RS200? | RUTILE::SMITH_A | No-one puts baby in the corner | Fri Aug 31 1990 16:53 | 11 |
| re. the homologised Cosworth Escort - is this going to be the new
Ford Rally car ?
...and on that train of thought, how much did the RS200's cost when
they were sold off after the Rally regs' were down-rated.
Saw one last year on the way back from Le Mans, but unfortunately
only in a traffic jam so wasn't able to see how it went.
AmS
|
1195.56 | | OVAL::GUEST_N | Somewhere else... | Fri Aug 31 1990 17:08 | 10 |
|
They were selling them at 45,000 or so 2 or 3 years ago. That was
the time when you could pick up a 6R4 for 15K or so.
A couple of years ago one went past me just outside Camberley,
recognised it in the rear view mirror, and then it went past.
Not as fast as you may think in STANDARD trim.
Nigel
|
1195.57 | Just to be clear | HAMPS::LINCOLN_J | Where sheep dare | Fri Aug 31 1990 17:12 | 7 |
| Just for clarification the Escort RS2000 I mentioned earlier
on refers to the 2 litre sporty version of the new Ford Escort
which is to be announced next month (but everybody seems to
have heard of already). There is also going to be a 4WD Cosworth
version too but doesn't that come later.
-John
|
1195.58 | | WOTVAX::HARRISC | A man has to know his limitations | Fri Aug 31 1990 17:30 | 11 |
| re .55
Yes, according to CCC the Escort Cosworth (compleate with 7 gears) is
planned to enter the 1992 World Rally Championship..
Re: RS 200s They were going for somewhere in the region of 53k and I
think only 200 were made for the road...as for performance, they are
FAST!!
..Craig (started saving already 8-))
|
1195.59 | | PEKING::TAYLORG | Bodybuilders do it till it hurts | Mon Sep 03 1990 14:24 | 5 |
| re-1
The Escort RS Cosworth (road going version) is said to have 250bhp!!!
Grant
|
1195.60 | Keep the boost going! | TASTY::JEFFERY | Tears of disbelief spilling out of my eyes | Thu Sep 06 1990 22:28 | 23 |
| How do I replace such a fun car ?
Simple, I get another one the same!
I took the plunge, and, given my bosses permission, I should be able to take
on the lease for a Red R5GTT, with Electric Slide/Tilt Sunroof, towbar and
lights-on buzzer. The car has 20 months of lease left, so maybe I'll buy
it then, as a collectors item!!
Performance seems smoother than my car (known hereinafter as "George"), but
handling seems a little nervous, and there is a touch of torque steer. I'd
never really noticed it before (except in GTE 16V's).
Strangely enough, George had this problem before he (isn't anthropomorphism
great!) was smashed up (see 256.xxx for account). Strangely Wheelers did a
superb job on the suspension, because George is absolutely rock solid, and
possibly the best handling car ever!!!!! (Isn't exageration great!)
Anyway, I'm very pleased to get another one (gotta think of another name),
and even more pleased that the lease cost on this one is even cheaper than
George's, even with all the extras!!
Mark.
|
1195.61 | New car will probably wait until next August now. | CRATE::SAXBY | Time to say something contentious! | Fri Sep 07 1990 12:46 | 7 |
|
Perhaps this is the inevitable conclusion all R5 GTT owners come to in
the end. There can't be many modern cars which invoke such emotion in
their owners. In 20 years time people will be queuing up to buy a good
Renault 5 GTT just as they do now for Mini Coopers, et al.
Mark
|
1195.63 | Or maybe a Robinson R22? | CRATE::SAXBY | Time to say something contentious! | Fri Sep 07 1990 12:55 | 12 |
|
Derek,
you seemed to have missed part of the title, it says...
'How do you replace such a fun CAR'!!!!.
---
Buying a four wheeled motorbike with no luggage space is not the
answer!
Mark
|
1195.65 | 23 track mind? | CRATE::SAXBY | Time to say something contentious! | Fri Sep 07 1990 13:09 | 5 |
| So?
Ah, I see, a 23 doesn't?
Mark
|
1195.66 | Golf G60 statistics | NSDC::SIMPSON | Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain... | Mon Sep 17 1990 19:40 | 45 |
1195.67 | yawn.... | VOGON::ATWAL | Dreams, they complicate my life | Mon Sep 17 1990 19:50 | 14 |
| >>Acceleration:
>>
>> 0-62.5 mph in 8.3 seconds
doesn't the normal 8v GTi have a similar figure?
it must surely be quicker than that if its supercharged
i thought supercharged engines had zero (boost) lag!?
...art
|
1195.68 | If you're going to sit the wrong side then get a Lancia | CRATE::SAXBY | and he's making that Marcos VERY wide... | Mon Sep 17 1990 19:51 | 4 |
|
Isn't it also available only in LHD?
Mark
|
1195.69 | | OVAL::GUEST_N | Nowhere at all.... | Mon Sep 17 1990 19:52 | 6 |
| re .67
Sounds like the figures i've heard in mag's over here. It ways a bit
more than the 8v....
Nigel
|
1195.70 | | NSDC::SIMPSON | Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain... | Tue Sep 18 1990 14:28 | 3 |
| As said before, these are figures taken straight from the magazine - I may have
translated parts inaccurately? Yes, its only available in LHD however that'll
probably change 'when it reaches the UK?
|
1195.71 | "The Spurt" of the car magazines | DOOZER::JENKINS | | Wed Sep 19 1990 18:34 | 6 |
|
The new G60 (91 model year) is supposed to be available in RHD
.....assuming Auto-Express is to be believed.
Richard.
|
1195.72 | | VOGON::ATWAL | Dreams, they complicate my life | Wed Sep 19 1990 18:39 | 14 |
|
>> The new G60 (91 model year) is supposed to be available in RHD
>> .....assuming Auto-Express is to be believed.
>>
>> Richard.
i've seen a (yellow) rhd G60, it was a 'G' reg; saw it in the carpark at the
Sandown kit-car show.
also seen piccies of H reg ones in magazines
...art
|
1195.73 | Update, but no further. | OVAL::SAXBYM | Teenage Mutant Ninja Teutons | Thu Jan 03 1991 15:13 | 17 |
|
Well, here I am only 5 weeks away from finishing the payments on the
Renault and still undecided on what to replace it with (if anything).
My heart cries Calibra everytime I see one, but my head says, no, you
can't afford it. I've also started considering an Alfa 164 TS after
sitting in one prior to a test drive in a 33 16v (which is not very
high up my list after a test drive). I would consider getting a low
mileage used version of either car, but to be honest neither seems to
get much cheaper until the mileage gets near to what the Renault has
done (c. 35k), so it seems likely that I'll be looking at another
brand new car.
Anymore suggestions for cars fitting the original criteria would be
gratefully received.
Mark
|
1195.74 | or a Turbo-Technics 205 GTi 1.9 | CHEST::RUTTER | Rut The Nut | Thu Jan 03 1991 15:47 | 8 |
| How about a second-hand Alpine GTA ?
Not sure how much it is a 4-seater, as opposed to a 2+2,
but it seems like a pretty good buy.
It's even [badged as] a Renault, so no change there
J.R.
|
1195.75 | Nice idea, but... | OVAL::SAXBYM | Teenage Mutant Ninja Teutons | Thu Jan 03 1991 16:33 | 11 |
|
I've thought of it.
It's bigger in the back than a 944 or a Nissan 200SX, but wifely
pressure deems it too small to be called a real 4 seater and I
suppose one ridiculously impractical car (well, ok it's not a 7,
but...) is enough for anyone.
Mark
PS a modified car is out of the question as far as I'm concerned.
|
1195.76 | Vauxhall in Reading? | OVAL::SAXBYM | Contentious?Moi?Rides again! | Mon Jan 21 1991 12:12 | 5 |
|
Further to this subject, does anyone know if there is a Vauxhall
dealer within lunchtime driving range of Dec Park?
Mark
|
1195.77 | Near the Station? | VOGON::MITCHELLE | Beware of the green meanie | Mon Jan 21 1991 12:26 | 3 |
|
Is that garage behind the station Vauxhall? - Great Western Motors, or
something like that.
|
1195.78 | | SIEVAX::CORNE | Sometimes you get the Elevator, sometimes the Shaft | Mon Jan 21 1991 12:43 | 4 |
| it is, but is anywhere in Reading within lunchtime driving distance of
deathpark? :-(
Jc
|
1195.79 | for a small fee, of course :-) | VOGON::MITCHELLE | Beware of the green meanie | Mon Jan 21 1991 12:56 | 2 |
|
re .78 - YES - if I lend you my motorbike! :-)
|
1195.80 | 4.30 lunch break? | OVAL::SAXBYM | Contentious?Moi?Rides again! | Mon Jan 21 1991 13:17 | 4 |
|
Depends WHEN you take your lunch break! :^)
Mark
|
1195.81 | | JUMBLY::DEAR | Jay Dear | Mon Jan 21 1991 15:59 | 7 |
| Spratleys in Mortimore have been helpful to me recently, and it's
probabvly quicker to drive out across the motorway rather than trying
to drive into town.
Their number is: rdg 332338.
Jay
|
1195.82 | GWM no more | STRIKR::LINDLEY | Strewth mate..... | Tue Jan 22 1991 15:32 | 6 |
| Great Westerm Motors are closing down this weekend, to be replaced by
WADHAM KENNING, on Portman Road. It sounds like all the staff are
moving to the new place.
John
|
1195.83 | Update. | OVAL::SAXBYM | Contentious?Moi?Rides again! | Thu Jan 24 1991 13:03 | 36 |
|
Well,
It now looks like a toss-up between a Rover 216 GTi Twin Cam, an 8
valve Calibra or a 16 valve Calibra.
Despite being the cheapest, the best trade in offer came from the
Rover dealer (David Ruskin). The car was very enjoyable to drive, with
similar handling to the Renault, but most certainly not the same
performance (although it wasn't slow and mid range seemed quite good).
Like Mark Jeffrey, I didn't exploit the engine's ability to rev to
7200 rpm, but I personally felt the engine was a bit coarse. Having
said that I believe that the turbo on the Renault spoils me in terms
of engine quietness, as everything else I've driven (except the
Integrale) sounds rough and noisy.
Vauxhall dealers don't seem too keen to offer a particularly good deal
on Calibras (although one dealer was prepared to offer 5% discount on
top of the trade in price), saying (probably rightly) that they can
sell as many as they can get without offering anything special. The 16
valve Calibra is what I really WANT, but it's a lot of money and I'm
trying to convince myself that I could live with the 8 valve's inferior
performance (hopefully I'll get to try one soon!).
Other cars which have fallen by the wayside include the Alfa 33 (poorly
built and sounded like a Beetle on its last legs!), a number of Pugs
(I still don't like them!), and the Citroen BX GTi (Wife can't stand
'em and depreciation looks bad.)
Still, this time next week I could have a totally different car at the
top of my list!
Stay tuned.
Mark
|
1195.84 | | CHEST::RUTTER | Rut the Nut | Thu Jan 24 1991 13:55 | 8 |
1195.85 | | VOGON::ATWAL | catch a fish, eat it | Thu Jan 24 1991 14:03 | 5 |
| go for the Calibra, it's appearance must far out weigh the lack of performance
...art
|
1195.86 | | OVAL::SAXBYM | Contentious?Moi?Rides again! | Thu Jan 24 1991 14:05 | 14 |
|
Re .84
Could be anytime now. The car is paid for on 4th Feb and I'll be
thinking of picking up a new one after that.
Re Toyota's.
Early in this note there is a big discussion on the merits and
otherwise of Japanese cars, but suffice to say that I haven't, and will
not be doing so, considered Toyotas.
Mark
|
1195.87 | | COMICS::FISCHER | Inna concrete situation | Thu Jan 24 1991 15:43 | 6 |
| >go for the Calibra, it's appearance must far out weigh the lack of performance
Yeah I suppose it does look slightly better than the Cavalier!
Ian
|
1195.88 | | BAHTAT::FORCE4::hilton | How's it going royal ugly dudes? | Thu Jan 24 1991 16:14 | 8 |
| Mark
If the performance is OK, the price is cheaper. buy the Rover and keep the Renault!!
I really like the look of the Rover 216 GTi
Greg
|
1195.89 | Which one? | UKCSSE::RDAVIES | I can't tryp for nots | Thu Jan 24 1991 16:35 | 12 |
| As there are now two variants, can you please distinguish, do you mean
the 216 GTi 3 door or 5 door?.
I really like the look of the 3 door, but it would be impracticle
with my family!.
P.S. I notice they are now hyping the 'twin cam'. all rover 200/400
GTi's have always been a 1600cc, 16 valve, twin cam, programmed fuel
injection engine. (the GSi's are 1600cc, 16 valve, single cam, programmed
fuel injection engine)
Richard
|
1195.90 | 3 door Twin-Cam (Sounds good doesn't it?) | OVAL::SAXBYM | Contentious?Moi?Rides again! | Thu Jan 24 1991 16:43 | 6 |
|
The one I like is the 3 door model. My wife wants me to buy a 4 door
216 in green, but I don't think I'm ready to be sensible about cars
yet! :^)
Mark
|
1195.91 | | CHEST::RUTTER | Rut the Nut | Thu Jan 24 1991 17:35 | 7 |
1195.92 | Still no turbo boost though! | TASTY::JEFFERY | I shot the sherrif (and the deputy!) | Thu Jan 24 1991 20:19 | 6 |
| Yeah,
I'd wait a bit, and go for the promised 220 GTi, or the Renault 19 16V when
either comes out.
Mark.
|
1195.93 | Imminent | CHEFS::OSBORNEC | | Thu Jan 24 1991 20:27 | 3 |
|
R19 16v already in deepest Acton. Due for announcement any day (was
expected in January -- few days still left)
|
1195.94 | Not in the running. | OVAL::SAXBYM | Contentious?Moi?Rides again! | Fri Jan 25 1991 11:58 | 10 |
|
Mandy doesn't like the R19 and the 220 Gti will be as dear as a
Calibra, and then there won't be any contest!
Also, Rover dealers say they haven't had any confirmation of a 220
GTi, the only new 200 they are expecting is the cabriolet.
Mark
|
1195.95 | Go for the Rover !!! | BRUMMY::MATT | A tiny, but exciting....... | Fri Jan 25 1991 16:21 | 34 |
| Being a 216 GTi driver, I would say.... Get one !
The fact that you can really REV the car, without thrashing it is the
hardest thing to get used to.
I am not a family man, (ie no kids), but I went for the 5 door because
of the nicer interior finish. ie wood dash surround. After all inside
the car is where you spend most of the time.
I was also lent a Renault 5GT Turbo for a couple of days. Yes it is
quicker,but IMO the Rover is a much,much nicer car to drive, especially
at speed. (Its also a lot more comfortable than the Renault.)
The Calibre is prettier, but the it is really a Cavalier underneath,
and do you want to spend the extra spons on a Cavalier ! ;-)
Points to watch with the Rover: (on mine anyway)
1. Sunroof leaks if left standing in the rain.
2. Bootwell fills up with water, with no apparent entry point.
3. Petrol guage is VERY inaccurate. ie Fill up, do 28 miles petrol
guage reads 1/2 full.
My car is in the garage, hopefully having the above problems plus a
late 6k service as I write this note.
Other than the above points I really like the Rover.
Matt.
|
1195.96 | 8 Valve Calibra. | OVAL::SAXBYM | Let's get personal | Fri Jan 25 1991 16:43 | 27 |
|
Well, thanks to Chris Jordan I've now had a chance to drive an 8
valve Calibra.
Despite my best intentions I had a preconceived idea of what the car
would be like (created mainly from driving my father's Cavalier CD).
I can safely say that I was wrong. The 8 valve is noticeably slower
than the 16 valve, but it is anything but slow. It requires a bit
more working of the gears, but brisk acceleration is easily achieved
and the car will accelerate from motorway cruising speeds for easy
overtaking on the motorway. The car is a lot quieter than it's 16 valve
brother, but still has the same quality feel.
Those of you who say the Calibra is just a Cavalier underneath may well
be right, but if it's true then there isn't a lot wrong with the
Cavalier. The quality of the car is as good, if not better than the
Rover and, superior to a number of 5 series BMWs I looked at recently.
A car with this kind of build quality doesn't have to make any
apologies for its ancestry.
I'm still undecided, but the 8 valve Calibra has risen a lot further in
my estimation since driving it, and with 9000 mile service intervals,
cheaper parts at servicing time and fairly cheap insurance it looks a
bargain, especially when you consider what ABS, electric windows and
an alarm add to the price of the Rover.
Mark
|
1195.97 | | COMICS::FISCHER | Inna concrete situation | Tue Jan 29 1991 12:06 | 8 |
| Don't forget that the Rover 216 has a HONDA engine. That's Japanese
y'know!!!
Incidentally the Rover 200/400 1.4 engines are twin-cam too!
Ian
|
1195.98 | Minor nit pick | UKCSSE::RDAVIES | I can't tryp for nots | Tue Jan 29 1991 15:32 | 9 |
| >> <<< Note 1195.96 by OVAL::SAXBYM "Let's get personal" >>>
>> bargain, especially when you consider what ABS, electric windows and
>> an alarm add to the price of the Rover.
ABS and alarm yes, but surely the 216GTi has electric windows?. (the 4
door has them front AND rear)
Richard
|
1195.99 | | OVAL::SAXBYM | Let's get personal | Tue Jan 29 1991 15:41 | 12 |
|
Re. The last two.
The Honda engine is only a component (albeit a major one) in a car.
I wouldn't disregard a car because it had Japanese windscreen wipers!
:^)
The 2 door GTi doesn't have electric windows. Don't ask me why,
presumably it's just a ploy to get a lower showroom price.
Mark
|
1195.100 | | CHEST::RUTTER | Rut the Nut | Tue Jan 29 1991 16:29 | 3 |
1195.101 | Rip off? | OVAL::SAXBYM | Let's get personal | Tue Jan 29 1991 17:05 | 6 |
|
Re .100
Can't be that, it's a 275 pound extra!
Mark
|
1195.102 | I might not be joking... | UKCSSE::RDAVIES | I can't tryp for nots | Tue Jan 29 1991 19:12 | 3 |
| perhaps the 275 dosh is for twin motors in each door :-)
Richard
|
1195.103 | | NEWOA::MACMILLAN | So many roads, so little time | Tue Jan 29 1991 19:40 | 2 |
| It depends on which 216 GTi you're looking at - the twin cam one has
got electric windows.
|
1195.104 | | OVAL::SAXBYM | Let's get personal | Tue Jan 29 1991 19:43 | 4 |
|
No it hasn't!
Mark
|
1195.105 | Yes they have | NEWOA::MACMILLAN | So many roads, so little time | Tue Jan 29 1991 20:07 | 2 |
| They did have yesterday! I didn't think the car market moved that
quickly :-)
|
1195.106 | Don't confuse me with facts!! | UKCSSE::RDAVIES | I can't tryp for nots | Tue Jan 29 1991 20:27 | 16 |
| >> <<< Note 1195.103 by NEWOA::MACMILLAN "So many roads, so little time" >>>
>> It depends on which 216 GTi you're looking at - the twin cam one has
>> got electric windows.
This is where the confusion starts :-) The 4/5 door GTi has always had
the twin cam engine, (only on the 4/5 door models they didn't use to
badge it). They've also always had electric windows.
The single cam 16v engine is used in the GSi. So has the 3 door got two
different engine spec'd GTI's ?? or is it that the 3 door has two
different models, a something and a GTi?.
Who's got the damn brochure?.
Richard
|
1195.107 | There are two models here...GTi and a GTi Twin Cam. | HEWIE::RUSSELL | Well, it was here a minute ago... | Tue Jan 29 1991 21:11 | 12 |
1195.108 | Makes the Phart go Honda | UNTADA::LEWIS | It's a Racing Snail... | Wed Jan 30 1991 10:22 | 11 |
| Re a few back (AVN packed up on me...)
Wots wrong with Honda engines ? Don't they make good car engines ?
Having had a whole series of Hondas, I would have thought that the
engine would be the strong point.
There again, I wouldn't buy a Japanese car... ;-)
Rob
|
1195.109 | | OVAL::SAXBYM | Let's get personal | Wed Jan 30 1991 11:55 | 5 |
|
The Rover 216 Gti Twin Cam 3 door does not come with electric windows
as standard. If you want them they are a 275 pound option.
Mark
|
1195.110 | | DOOZER::JENKINS | Aventini. Better than an Aventinus | Wed Jan 30 1991 15:45 | 5 |
|
How cheap can they get?
|
1195.111 | Get A 5 Door | BRUMMY::MATT | A tiny, but exciting....... | Thu Jan 31 1991 16:25 | 5 |
| If you get the 5 door GTi (Twin Camm) you get electric windows
as standard.
Matt.
|
1195.112 | | OVAL::SAXBYM | Let's get personal | Thu Jan 31 1991 16:34 | 13 |
| Re 5 door Rover GTi.
I don't like the 5 door, well it's ok, but the 3 door looks a hell of
a lot better, IMHO.
Re The Renault 19 16 valve. Autocar liked the car, but the performance
figures are very disappointing for this type of car and nowhere near
the 130 mph+/0-60 in 7.7 seconds figures attained by Car magazine with
a LHD model. Makes you think, don't it?
Mark
Mark
|
1195.113 | | VOGON::ATWAL | catch a fish, eat it | Thu Jan 31 1991 16:42 | 4 |
| why not get a used sapphire Cosworth?
...art
|
1195.114 | A FORD - perish the thought ! ;-} | CRATE::RUTTER | Rut the Nut | Thu Jan 31 1991 18:15 | 8 |
1195.115 | Should have kept the Cossy | KERNEL::SHELLEYR | Help ! I've got Iraqnophobia | Thu Jan 31 1991 18:39 | 3 |
| Did he consider changing the girlfriend/fiancee instead ? :-)
mcp
|
1195.116 | Mr Cruising-Gently. | OVAL::SAXBYM | Let's get personal | Thu Jan 31 1991 18:45 | 8 |
|
Re .115
A much better suggestion! :^)
I don't fancy a Cossy. Favourite at the moment is an 8 valve Calibra.
Mark
|
1195.117 | The journey's end. | SUBURB::SAXBYM | Contentious? Moi? | Mon Feb 11 1991 12:15 | 40 |
|
The search finally came to an end on Saturday morning.
I took delivery of H880 JPR and waved my little Renault 5 GT Turbo
goodbye.
H880 is a 16 valve Vauxhall Calibra and so far I'm very pleased with
my choice. The quality is excellent and the car feels much more solid
than the Renault (Considering it's probably getting on for twice as
heavy you'd expect that!). Performance is not the same as the Renault,
but it's the way it delivers its performance rather than the figures
that is noticeable. The car reaches 60 or 70 with contemptuous ease and
it's all too easy to find oneself doing a 100 mph on the motorway. All
the fittings work well and the car looks absolutely stunning (IMHO),
although white really isn't the best colour for this weather!
Fuel consumption seems good too and despite its huge tank, it's pretty
cheap to fill up due to the wide differential in leaded and unleaded
prices.
Bad points? Well it's actually quite a narrow car so passengers have to
be careful where they put their elbows and why Vauxhall put the window
switches in the back of the car is beyond me!
So in the end how does the car measure up to my original criteria?
4 seats - Easily the biggest car internally in its class.
Performance like the Renault - Overall about the same, but without the
same furious urgency, which can be a shame, but can also make things a
lot more relaxing.
Less than 15,000 pounds - Failed, but being a 4 month old demonstrator
rather than a new car, not by much.
Unleaded fuel - Takes nothing else.
A pretty good match I'd say. Now all I need is an Autobahn to see if
my Calibra will go off the 140 mph speedo! :^)
Mark
|
1195.118 | EMS funnies | 45235::KORMAN | tgif!! | Mon Feb 11 1991 14:40 | 11 |
1195.119 | Celica - Uncommunicative in the extreme. | SUBURB::SAXBYM | Contentious? Moi? | Mon Feb 11 1991 15:21 | 7 |
|
I test drove the Celica when the Toyotas were at DEC Park for the day
and I thought it one of the nastiest cars I'd ever driven. :^(
Mark
|
1195.120 | | TASTY::JEFFERY | I shot the sherrif (and the deputy!) | Mon Feb 11 1991 15:53 | 8 |
| Hi,
I found this driving the Astra GTE 16V. It must be "normal", but the way the
EMS tried to rev the car really annoyed me. Trying to inch forward in a
traffic jam was really tiring, with the car revving up to stop the engine
stalling.
Mark.
|
1195.121 | | SUBURB::SAXBYM | Contentious? Moi? | Mon Feb 11 1991 16:50 | 5 |
|
I've not noticed the revving up yet, but I'll keep an eye/ear out for
it.
Mark
|
1195.122 | | SUBURB::THOMASH | The Devon Dumpling | Tue Feb 12 1991 15:44 | 7 |
|
I has a meastro, and now a Montego, both had EMS, neither of them
had the problem you refer too.
Is it only specific makes?
Heather
|
1195.123 | An apple doesn't squirt like an orange! | UKCSSE::RDAVIES | I can't tryp for nots | Tue Feb 12 1991 15:57 | 18 |
| >> <<< Note 1195.122 by SUBURB::THOMASH "The Devon Dumpling" >>>
>> I has a meastro, and now a Montego, both had EMS, neither of them
>> had the problem you refer too.
>> Is it only specific makes?
Different manufacturers use diffent makes of 'EMS' which have different
way's of doing things. Sort of like my VAX in work runs programs, so
does my ATARI at home, but even though they do the same function (Word
processor, spreadsheet, calandar management...) you can bet your bottom
dollar they don't do it the same way.
The previous comments apply to Vauxhall's, you're referring to
Rover/ARG/BL/BLMC/BMC/austin/Morris/.................(probably honda in
there somewhere too :-) )
Richard
|
1195.124 | back to the base topic... | VOGON::ATWAL | Maybe a Sun reader could tell us more... | Tue Sep 17 1991 11:52 | 25 |
| I was going to replace my GT turbo with a new Metro 16v GTi (I know, - but the
deal was good :-)
until...
I went to pick up the car on Friday afternoon, the paintwork on the drip
rail/seam on the roof of the car was of the same texture as orange peel at best
and fully blistered and rusty at worst - and all this on a brand new car!
There was also a four inch long scratch on the tailgate - down to bare metal.
The salesman offered to rectify the two problems but the sales manager refused
to acknowledge the 'orange peel' paintjob problem and refused to budge on the
issue. He tried to pressure me into driving the car away and having the scratch
repaired when they could book it into the paint shop. Unfortunately for him I
knew a little about consumer law and rejected the car - and was refunded my
deposit.
Frankly I was amazed at the difference in their attitude from early negotiations
(where it was all smiles and 'how much we respect our customers') to 'we've
got your money so get lost'!
anyhows I should (fingers crossed) be picking up an MR2 T-bar this weekend,
more in the MR2 topic...
...art
|
1195.125 | | VOGON::ATWAL | I _am_ a hairdresser... | Thu Sep 19 1991 20:07 | 13 |
| Had an HP check done on the car I was going to buy...
heard that the MR2 was an insurance write off this July! Must have had a
complete new shell put on it.
Guess I'll have to shop around some more before I can find another
affordable 'fun' car...
ho hum,
...art
|
1195.126 | | WOTVAX::HARRISC | Not very nice at all | Fri Sep 20 1991 11:16 | 5 |
| re -1
How do you find out info about a car, eg has it been a write off etc??
..Craig
|
1195.127 | | VOGON::ATWAL | I _am_ a hairdresser... | Fri Sep 20 1991 12:03 | 16 |
| >> How do you find out info about a car, eg has it been a write off etc??
the DVLA tell you - but only if you're registered (read: pay hugh fee) with them
and only then if you're a dealer or credit company
or you can call your local citezens advice bureau as they would have been
provided (by insurance cos.) with a list of insurance write-offs in their area
I'm pretty sure that motoring orgs. such as the Guild of experienced drivers (!)
and the AA can provide you with info such as outstanding loans/major accidents
that a car may have had (I think the AA charge 12quid if you're a member)
I got the info through a friend in the trade.
...art
|
1195.128 | Please help me replace my "fun car" - A loving Kiss | TASTY::JEFFERY | Dan Quayle : Just say noe | Thu Nov 26 1992 23:58 | 89 |
1195.129 | I'm the same boat... | KERNEL::BAYLISD | I know pigs exist, therefore... | Fri Nov 27 1992 12:04 | 30 |
| re -.1
Your facing the same decision I have to make, and I also have a 5 GT
Turbo to replace !!!. In fact your selection criteria is pretty close
to mine, (except I don't want 5 doors).
>Renault 19 16V 4 door Chamade.
I've read these suffer a lack of 'mid range grunt', (although the new
facelifted model has revised gear ratios to improve this). If this is
still true I don't think I could live with after the 5.
>Renault Clio 16V
Should be close to the 5 in terms of performance.
How about the Citroen 16V, (I think it's only a 3 door). I'm seriously
considering one of these and am currently waiting for a test drive.
Or a Rover 220/216 GTI, (216 is a 5 door).
The 220 (maybe the 216 as well) recently had a minor face lift which
included suspension mods as well, (lowering the car and making it
handle better).
With Rover's price cuts and the eradication of car tax these should
drop well within your lease cost.
Dave.
|
1195.130 | | BAHTAT::HILTON | Beer...now there's a temporary solution | Fri Nov 27 1992 12:10 | 15 |
| Hi Mark,
Check out the Rover 216 GTI 5 door.
I got a 19 16v saloon as a replacement for my Turbo, the inside is a
lot nicer since the revamp, the seats aren't as garish.
Also although performance isn't as exciting as the 5, but if you keep the
revs over 4000 rpm it still brings a smile to my face, like the 5 did.
cheers,
Greg
|
1195.131 | | NEWOA::SAXBY | Mean and Brooklands Green! | Fri Nov 27 1992 12:31 | 14 |
|
Yep,
The Rovers look good value as does the Renault 19 Chamade (Probably the
one I'd pick if I was changing the Calibra just now).
Re Lack of mid range grunt on the 19. This is probably something ANYONE
comparing with a turbo engine would say of any normally aspirated 16
valve engine. Turbos have LOTS of grunt in the 2k - 5k range, but 16
valve engines are particularly lacking there. Relatively, of course.
How about a Volvo 440 Turbo?
Mark
|
1195.132 | :-) | WARNUT::NISBETD | nisbet@cix.compulink.co.uk | Fri Nov 27 1992 14:07 | 4 |
| Ah... decisions, decisions. Must be terrible...
Dougie
|
1195.133 | Anyone driven a non-coupe version? | MILE::JENKINS | Suitably refreshed | Fri Nov 27 1992 17:30 | 9 |
1195.134 | | TASTY::JEFFERY | Dan Quayle : Just say noe | Fri Nov 27 1992 19:40 | 8 |
| I thought about the Rovers. The impression I've got is that the handling is
slightly suspect. I'm still open to suggestions though!
A new car that has caught my attention is the 405. The 405 GRi is a good price
on the scheme. The new model has a really nice interior, and when I hired a
405 SRi, the car was great to drive.
Mark.
|
1195.135 | A challenge? | VANTEN::MITCHELLD | | Fri Nov 27 1992 23:53 | 3 |
| what do you mean suspect??
I will gladly demonstrate it is not suspect..
|
1195.136 | | TASTY::JEFFERY | Dan Quayle : Just say noe | Sat Nov 28 1992 00:26 | 9 |
| I Got this from a colleague who had a 214 for a month, before getting
his Corrado G60. He *HATED* the Rover. I think there is more than
a touch of German snobbery (something I don't understand).
Anyway, I've heard bad things about the 220 GTi, handling wise.
I'm happy to be proven wrong!
Mark.
|
1195.137 | | NEWOA::SAXBY | Mean and Brooklands Green! | Mon Nov 30 1992 11:50 | 10 |
|
214 v Corrado G60 - Hardly a fair comparison really...
I thought the 216 GTi seemed fine when I drove one (for a short spell,
only a test drive, but I don't pussy foot around :^)) and I've never
heard people say the GTis were anything but good.
Mark
PS Get a Calibra, a proper challenge to drive quick! :^)
|
1195.138 | Do you believe this? | TIMMII::RDAVIES | An expert Amateur | Mon Nov 30 1992 15:54 | 7 |
| re
>>I Got this from a colleague who had a 214 for a month, before getting
Probably many renault 5 campus drivers would complain that the handling
of the 5 turbo had to be suspect as theirs was?
Richard
|
1195.139 | Hanging up my white socks and Reeboks for a pipe and slippers! | KERNEL::SHELLEYR | No time for catching 'Zee's | Thu Oct 07 1993 23:20 | 45 |
1195.140 | | ERMTRD::ALFORD | lying Shipwrecked and comatose... | Fri Oct 08 1993 14:53 | 6 |
|
The Vauxhall alarm is a remote alarm
I personally don't think the VSL alarm is better than the Vauxhall System 3
offering...
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1195.141 | | COMICS::FISCHER | I can always sleep standing up | Fri Oct 08 1993 15:01 | 14 |
| PS Last night I discovered why garages supply plastic gloves for
diesel users :-)
I saw an old boy fill up his 5 series BMW with unleaded at
Tesco's and then throw the box of plastic gloves into the back
of his car. Tesco's no longer have plastic gloves at their
pumps.
I'd imagine someone who can afford a 525i can afford to buy
plastic gloves!
Ian
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1195.142 | | VANGA::KERRELL | The first word in DECUS is Digital | Fri Oct 08 1993 15:26 | 6 |
| re.141:
What did he say when you challenged him? No doubt the police have traced him
from his number plate and will take appropriate action.
Dave.
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1195.143 | maybe MGB owners need 'em too. | RDGENG::RUSLING | Dave Rusling REO2 G/E9 830-4380 | Fri Oct 08 1993 15:52 | 11 |
|
So far I've only found one petrol station that I can fill
my MG BGT up at without spilling petrol somewhere. The
problem is that you can't get the pump in at anywhere
near the correct angle (with unbolting the bumper) plus
the petrol is at quite a high pressure with some of them.
Why is diesel so dirty?
Dave
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1195.144 | Vauxhall alarm not remote as standard. | NEWOA::CROME_A | | Fri Oct 08 1993 16:07 | 11 |
| RE .140
Jane
Your Vauxhall alarm may be a remote one but the standard offering is one
which is activated by key via the deadlocks, and in this case the VSL alarm
is far superior as the thief has to gain entry to the car to switch it off,
but the Vauxhall alarm can be defeated by 2 minutes with screwdriver on the
door handle.
Andy
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1195.145 | I've got both ! | COMICS::PARRY | Trevor Parry | Fri Oct 08 1993 16:37 | 14 |
| Believe it or not I've got both alarms fitted. The VSL is good as a
remote but is susceptible to the 'grabber' and I've often come back to
the car and found it unlocked. I figured that I shouldn't play 'making
the red light come on' on the remote thingy as it's a radio control not
infra-red. Still I've found it unlocked in the mornings though,
perhaps the cats have been playing with the remote:-)
The Vauxhall alarm does deadlock the doors (which the VSL doesn't) so a
thief can't just break the windows to get in or use a 'grabber'.
I'm hoping a thief will be so confused by two flashing LEDs they'll
give in without trying :-)
tp
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1195.146 | So Have I.... | NEWOA::CROME_A | | Fri Oct 08 1993 16:59 | 11 |
| Trevor
I have both on my Astra GSi, but have never found my car unlocked in
the morning. I - as a precaution - use both anyway, but on any of my five
previous cars with VSL alarms fitted have I never found the car unlocked, or
the alarm disarmed. I would definitely contact VSL and have the alarm fixed.
Just out of curiosity, has anything ever been taken from you car when
you've found it unlocked ?
Andy
|
1195.147 | | ERMTRD::ALFORD | lying Shipwrecked and comatose... | Fri Oct 08 1993 18:27 | 5 |
1195.148 | | COMICS::PARRY | Trevor Parry | Fri Oct 08 1993 19:02 | 14 |
| Andy,
It's probably not the alarm that needs fixing, it's me. The car is
parked within range of the VSL remote so if something in my pocket
bashes against it (e.g. book or other keys) or something bashes against
my coat (e.g. the wife) that could be unlocking it. I'll have to
start hanging it out of reach :-) Meanwhile, yes I do use both alarms
when I park it anywhere susceptible cos the VSL one doesn't unlock it
then.
Mine's an Astra GSi aswell, but its a takeover so I don't know the
history.
tp
|
1195.149 | | COMICS::FISCHER | I can always sleep standing up | Fri Oct 08 1993 20:09 | 1 |
| Maybe you should wear lead trousers Trev!
|
1195.150 | The sequel! | FUTURS::SAXBY | Is it friday yet? | Fri Nov 12 1993 17:15 | 33 |
1195.151 | Mines done more miles than yours :-( | RIOT01::SUMMERFIELD | Skin up, vote Labour ! | Mon Nov 15 1993 15:33 | 21 |
| re .150
> Well the Calibra's getting long in the tooth (57k miles) and I'm
> seriously considering replacing it before it becomes worthless.
Peanuts Mark. Mine's done 106k miles and when nosing around a Rover dealer
recently, I was recently offered 5,500 pounds part ex on a Rover 220 Turbo
Coupe. To be perfectly honest though, it is still in good condition, drives
better than you might expect (given 106k miles in just over 3 years), so I'll
be keeping it a bit longer.
If you want an interesting experience, try test driving the 220 Turbo Coupe.
Looks nice, reasonable amount of space in the back, tho' not as much as the
Calibra. Wonderfull straight line performance, but terrifying interesting
cornering. Sometimes it would fly round bends as if on rails, and others left
me reaching for the Andrex. The salesperson looked a bit shaken as well.
In spite of that, it was fun and I'll certainly consider the 220 when looking
for the Calibra's replacement next year. There again, I'll probably look at
another Calibra as well.
Clive
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1195.152 | | BAHTAT::HILTON | Beer...now there's a temporary solution | Mon Nov 15 1993 16:09 | 8 |
| Mark,
Dunno how much it it but have you tried the 4 wheel drive 16V Turbo
Calibra?
Cheers,
Greg
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1195.153 | Capri ? | FUTURS::LONGWY::LEWIS | Amused to Death | Thu Nov 18 1993 20:10 | 4 |
| Be a Real Man - buy a Capri.
Or are they calling it a Probe.
;-)
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1195.154 | I've switched. | FUTURS::SAXBY | Is it friday yet? | Fri Jan 14 1994 12:55 | 48 |
1195.155 | ahh so thats who's it is ! | NEWOA::CROME_A | | Fri Jan 14 1994 13:39 | 14 |
| I must confess to having admired that nice shiny red GSi this morning,
Very snazzy, but it must have a different engine to any Rover 220 I've
driven because I didn't think they had "absolutely tons of torque" and was very
revvy, not that that makes it a bad car. The 2.0 16v engine in my Astra GSi has
what I'd describe as "absolutely tons of torque", and I thought it was similar
unit as the Calibra 16v (although I understand the 2.0 16v engine has recently
undergone a revamp, mainly to make it quieter).
Looks great though and your right about the interior, much nicer.
Andy
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1195.156 | | FUTURS::SAXBY | Is it friday yet? | Fri Jan 14 1994 13:50 | 11 |
|
Umm. Well they did replace the M16 2 litre with an improved torque T16
engine a while ago, maybe that's the difference. It's probably no
better than the Calibra's 16v, but it's certainly a lot better than
many of the others. The 220GTi I drove actually seemed more flexible
than the Calibra though on the test drive.
BTW it will rev to 6500 rpm, but I don't imagine it'll be neccesary
very often.
Mark
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1195.157 | | COMICS::FISCHER | | Fri Jan 14 1994 15:24 | 7 |
| I think the people who refer to Rovers as Old Men's cars
are those who haven't driven one since the new 200 was
introduced.
Ian
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1195.158 | | SUBURB::THOMASH | The Devon Dumpling | Fri Jan 14 1994 15:32 | 10 |
|
As I might be replacing my car soon , are you prepared to say waht
sort of deal you did?
And do they still have their warrenty where anyone can service as
long as they sign the book, rather than an authorised dealer?
Thanks,
Heather
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1195.159 | | FUTURS::SAXBY | Is it friday yet? | Fri Jan 14 1994 15:47 | 9 |
|
I didn't drive too hard a deal. They offered a fair trade in against
list (most dealers wanted to do it that way rather than offer discounts
on the list price).
Don't know about the warranty terms. I'll have mine serviced by a main
dealer (probably the one in Fleet, where I purchased the car).
Mark
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1195.160 | | UFHIS::GVIPOND | tobed@2witha10woke@10witha2 | Fri Jan 14 1994 18:07 | 6 |
|
Well I've just got a new (to me) Rover 827 Vitesse ( its a 90 ) and I'd say
its an old mans car, Auto, electric everything, big wide seats and Power
steering, But then again I'm an old man, nothing wrong with that.
Auld Codger
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1195.161 | Still GTi suspension? | WOTVAX::MEAKINS | Clive Meakins @OLO | Tue Jan 18 1994 15:57 | 8 |
| The 220 DOES have tons of low down torque. It's not a power or high
revs engine though. Going to the rev limit is rarely required. Mine's
(220 GTi 6 months old) drinking oil, though this is unusual. Rover are
about to sort this.
The torque is wonderful, I've not driven better, the handling is
excellent too, very well balanced: does the GSi retain the old GTi
suspension?
|
1195.162 | | FUTURS::SAXBY | Is it friday yet? | Tue Jan 18 1994 16:05 | 7 |
|
Re .161 GSi suspension.
The 220 GSi and Turbo have 'lowered, uprated suspension' according to
the brochure. Mine certainly feels like the GTi I test drove.
Mark
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1195.163 | torque may not be the issue | LEMAN::CHEVAUX | Patrick Chevaux @GEO, DTN 821-4150 | Thu Jan 20 1994 12:51 | 5 |
1195.164 | Torque spread rather than absolute values. | FUTURS::SAXBY | Is it friday yet? | Thu Jan 20 1994 12:56 | 9 |
|
Only about a 150kgs difference in favour of the 220.
The key may well be the issue mentioned in the Land Rover note ( I
think). The T16 Rover engine produces its PEAK torque at only 2500 rpm,
whereas even the Vauxhall 16v engine produces its (slightly greater, I
think) peak torque at much higher revs.
Mark
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1195.165 | | LEMAN::CHEVAUX | Patrick Chevaux @GEO, DTN 821-4150 | Fri Jan 21 1994 17:11 | 5 |
1195.166 | ????????? | PEKING::ATKINSA | PRC Vauxman. | Fri Jan 21 1994 17:15 | 7 |
| RE T.
I don't think so,but I may be wrong,I thought they only did the 220
Turbocharged (and the 1.8 diesel models)
Am I wrong.
Andy.
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1195.167 | 220 or not 220 - | NEWOA::CROME_A | | Fri Jan 21 1994 17:23 | 8 |
| Isn't it the 220 thats being discussed ?
My understanding of T16 is
T= Torque (or torque improved )
16= 16 valve
But I could be wrong....
|
1195.168 | Some figures to consider. | FUTURS::SAXBY | Is it friday yet? | Fri Jan 21 1994 17:50 | 17 |
|
Yep, we're talking about the 220, but NOT the turbo version (which uses
a turbocharged version of the T16). FWIW, I think Andy is spot on with
the nomenclature.
Here's a comparitive table of some cars I looked at.
Max Power Max Torque
Rover 220 136PS @6000 rpm 185Nm @2500 rpm
220 Turbo 200PS @6000 rpm 237Nm @2100 rpm!!!
Renault Clio 16v 137bhp@6000 rpm 158Nm @4250 rpm
Calibra 16v 150PS @6000 rpm 196Nm @4800 rpm
VW Corrado 16v 136bhp@5800 rpm 180Nm @4400 rpm
Mazda Mx3 1.8 134bhp@6800 rpm 160Nm @5300 rpm
Mark
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1195.169 | | WELSWS::HEDLEY | Lager Lout | Fri Jan 21 1994 19:09 | 6 |
| I think `T' is just an arbitrary identification given to a particular
engine series. Equally meaningless designations are `K' for the
current 1.4s, `A' for the ancient 1300 mini engines, and the dreaded
`O' series used in Maestros etc.
Chris.
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1195.170 | M16 and T16 | WOTVAX::MEAKINS | Clive Meakins @OLO | Sat Jan 22 1994 21:39 | 9 |
| The current 220 and 820 engines are the T16. The previous version was
called M16. The 220 turbo actually uses a turboed M16. I suspect
lower production volumes of the turbo mean it's not worth updating
considering it's already thought of as one of the best, not so with the
steering though! I suspect the limited slip diff causes problems with
the turbo's steering, the GTi is fine.
BTW Cosworth did the mods to go from M16 to T16, Rover didn't pay
enough though, so they can't put Cosworth on the car.
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1195.171 | Some kind soul please supply: PS to HP; Nm to Lb/ft. Can't help it, I'm English! | CMOTEC::POWELL | Nostalgia isn't what it used to be, is it? | Mon Jan 24 1994 15:23 | 0
|