Conference terri::cars_uk

Roy,

I've got an '88 Bluebird ZX Turbo at the moment. Fairly recent purchase 
actually, used to have an '87 XR3i.

Basically, the car is quite lively, with a max. speed of around 125 mph
and a 0-60 speed of around 8 seconds. Max. BHP is around 130 (@5600 revs/min).
The only downer performance wise is the fact that is very heavy on petrol when
driven harshly or at high speed. 

Handling is a little suspect at high speeds, but can be improved by adjusting
of the suspension using a three way switch (soft, normal & firm) located on the
dash.

The main selling points of the car for me though (apart from it being built
in Tyne & Wear, the place of my birth) were the build quality and all the
extras. For example:

Electric ariel, electric sunroof, electric/heated  mirrors, electric windows, 
electric lumbar support in driver's seat, remote boot/petrol cap release, 
uprated stero (debadged blaupunkt),three level suspension switch, dual 
tripmeters, turbo boost gauge, rev counter, capetted lower doors, map reading 
lights, variable wiper control, map pockets on back of front seats, red 
interior door danger lights, colour coded body kit  etc. etc.

    
	
    As the bluebird is no longer produced you can find some spectacular deals
    on them. They are one hell of a car for the price and if depreciation is
    not a factor in buying a car, then I would wholeheartedly recommend
    buying one.
    Incidently the retail price of a brand new ZX turbo recently, was around
    13.5K.

Tim...

PS. The saloon ZX turbos' don't even look boxy, what with the coloured coded
body kit ;-)   
    

    Thanks Tim, I've passed on your comments.
    
    My Dad has been put off by the fact that this car only runs on 4
    star and can't be converted to unleaded.
    
    What sort of average mpg do you get ? 
    
    - Roy
    

    Roy,
    
    Round town, I get about 27 mpg (which is better than the XR3i).
    
    However, I drive (frequently) to and from Newcastle from Newbury,
    at a journey average of 70 mph and it takes around 50 ltrs, (300 miles)
    compared to 45 ltrs in the XR3i. I've left my diary and calculator
    at work so you'll have to wotk out the mpg for yourself ;-)
    
    Incidently, it gives a super smooth drive on the motorways.
    
    Tim...

    Thats interesting Tim. 300 miles on 50 ltrs = 27.5 mpg.
    300 miles on 45 ltrs = 30.3 mpg.
    
    Thats a bit disappointing on a long run.
    
    By the way I drive an XR3i and on the motorway averaging 70-75 mph
    I get an impressive 38 mpg.
    
    - Roy

    Dave, I see your point. Your right I hadn't looked at it that way.
    
    - Roy

    
    Yes Dave you got my gist. However I usally travel at night and still
    can't average more that 50mph on the A34/A43 and around 80-90 (without
    incriminating myself) on the M1.
    
    Tim... 

    
    
    How much did you Bluebird cost ?? What sort of prices would
    you expect to pay on earlier models.
    
    Were they not popular as taxi cabs.
    
    Jeff.