Mud-club
Chat & Social => The Bar - General Chat => Topic started by: Bush Tucker Man on June 06, 2008, 15:26:44
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Does anyone have any experience of living with one of these on a day to day basis?
SWMBO is losing her company car ('04' plated Mondeo Ghia TDCi) in July, instead they're offering a cash sum per year to fund your own car
A fuel card will be provided, the servicing costs are still under discussion as far as I know.
So, we've been looking around.
She had a short-list of possibles, it was so much easier, when she was told what she could have (ie; Focus or a Mondeo)
We've looked at;
Mazda RX-8
Ford Focus CC (in second place, at the moment)
Vauxhall Astra Twin-Top (I'm not too keen, but she's test-driving tomorrow morning)
Renault Megane CC(?) (instant dislike to it upon a close inspection)
Volvo V50 (I like these, a lot, but she wasn't too keen. Sadly!)
I did also try to persuade her into a Ford Mustang, but to my disappointment, she's not too keen (the 4.6 V8 version would have been nice)
We test-drove a RX-8 (the '231' model) this morning, at the Mazda main-dealer in Wakefield.
We were both surprised by the ride over broken surfaces, it was a lot more supple than I certainly expected, no 'crashing' even over the very broken road surface I intentionally drove along.
Forward visibilty was good, if a little restricted for rear-seat passengers.
Very communicative steering, positive gear-change, quiet when at normal speeds.
It also picks up very quickly through the gears for overtaking (red-lined at about 8,300??)
A good turning circle, with decent mirrors - for reversing.
I think we're both quite smitten with it, plus we found an insurer that quoted less than £350 F/Comp for the both of us, with Business Cover included! :shock:
My only gripes are;
1. With the seat set correctly for me, the steering wheel was a bit too close, as it's not reach-adjustable :undecided:
2. I doubt I could get my Cyclo-Cross bike in the boot :doh:
3. The potential cost of a replacement (correctly speed-rated) 225/45 x 18 tyres ("Ker-Ching!!")
4. The apparant 'thirst' for oil (circa 1litre/1000miles. Allegedly)
So, over to you........................... see the opening line.
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Fuel economy - or lack of it. I know 2 people with these things, and one of them reckons he's seen 13mpg .... :shock:
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Fuel economy - or lack of it. I know 2 people with these things, and one of them reckons he's seen 13mpg .... :shock:
The secretary at Amelias school has one & reckons on getting 22-25MPG, but it's like any vehicle really , it's all down to the driving style used, as much as the vehicle.
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all i know is that the engine uses oil due to its unique design (not going to use its correct name for fear of giggles!)
mazda provides your first bottle of oil, maybe you can negotiate said replacement bottles :)
dont think it drinks it but it needs topping up at least every 1k miles i believe.
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can we even say wankle on here? :-$
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I would go with the focus BTM im very impressed with these i have drivin a few as hire cars brought in at work from the tdci sport etc and think there brilliant and well thought out
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From what I've heard they're fine so long as you can keep up with the servicing, oil, and fuel consumption.
I did hear an interesting tale about the old RX7 and aftermarket alarms causing engines to blow up. The theory seemed to be that messing around with the ignition circuits led to a poorer spark, thereby damaging the engine. Ones that haven't been meddled with are fine though.
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engines need rebuilds after a while due to the nature of the engineering, and fuel consumption is cr*p, sit in traffic and watch the needle fall, Focus every time, or the astra is also good.
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can we even say wankle on here? :-$
lol thats funny :P :P :P
I drove a tuned and standard RX-8 at brands hatch, drives lovely but, if the fuel isnt an issue alone the gear box is, the box is horrible!!
I would go with the ford just for re-sale value alone, it will also stay together for longer than the renault too lol :oops:
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we pick up a Ford Focus CC3 57 plate with 51miles on the clock next saturday nearly 5-7 k of the marked price.
Its got all the toys straight of the show room.
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/ford/focus-coupe-cabriolet-2006.aspx
Will let you know what's like
the sales staff are desperate for the deals you tell what payments and they will match it.
Dazza :lol:
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I would certainly suggest staying away from Renault.
I had a 51 reg Laguna 2 Sport Tourer from brand new. I had a long list of mostly minor problems that I had no end of trouble getting fixed. The customer service was awful.
I ditched the Laguna after 2 years, just after the turbo had died, been replaced by the dealer and died again 20km later! That's when I got my 9 year old Pajero and had less trouble with that than the new Laguna.
It wasn't just me, either - a couple of colleagues had a Y and a 52 reg Laguna 2 Hatch and they had a similar catalogue of problems.
When the turbo went, Renault refused to provide a courtesy car for the week it took them to complete the work. When the car went in for service/warranty work prior to that, if they did provide a courtesy car I had to arrange my own insurance cover for it!
I could go on and on, but you'd all fall asleep :|
Alaric.
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don't go near the renault megane. i have one as a company car. absolutely DREADFULL. i even have to take it to the dealers to change the headlamp or front indicator bulb. and don't get me started on the dealers. :-# worst car i have ever had.
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I would certainly suggest staying away from Renault.
I had a 51 reg Laguna 2 Sport Tourer from brand new. I had a long list of mostly minor problems that I had no end of trouble getting fixed. The customer service was awful.
I ditched the Laguna after 2 years, just after the turbo had died, been replaced by the dealer and died again 20km later! That's when I got my 9 year old Pajero and had less trouble with that than the new Laguna.
It wasn't just me, either - a couple of colleagues had a Y and a 52 reg Laguna 2 Hatch and they had a similar catalogue of problems.
When the turbo went, Renault refused to provide a courtesy car for the week it took them to complete the work. When the car went in for service/warranty work prior to that, if they did provide a courtesy car I had to arrange my own insurance cover for it!
I could go on and on, but you'd all fall asleep :|
Alaric.
We had similar problems with an 02 Laguna saloon (1.9 TD). My Dad had it as a company car, it was a great vehicle when new (endless grip and enough grunt to scare BMWs) but the electronics were rough. After a while it started randomly flashing up "Fuel Injection Fault" and going into limp home mode. The only way to clear this was to pull over, switch off, remove the key, reinsert the key, then restart. After four years of reasonably careful use it began to look very tired (things like the seatbelts wearing a groove in the plastic trim around them) and developed a series of annoying buzzes and creaks. It also needed a new cylinder head after a glow plug welded itself to the old one. :huh: Luckily as it was a company car this was all paid for.
Dealers tended to be very evasive about the fuel injection fault, to the extent that I suspect Renault knew very well what the problem was but didn't want to put a recall or a fix out as it would have cost them too much. Our local dealer responded to it with "Never heard of that before" when a quick web search 5mins later found whole forum threads devoted to it. I wouldn't buy one with my own money.
Have you considered a Saab? An '06 9-3 1.9TiD Saloon replaced the Renault and has proved a lot more reliable. I would definitely consider the same engine in the convertible if funds allowed. Make sure you buy the 150bhp version as it's an absolute hoot to drive and returns just under 50mpg!
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Avoid Renfaults.....
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The odds have changed somewhat.....................
She's driven the Astra 'Twin-Top' this morning (I was at work)
She liked it, but it has faults for her.
Then........... went to an 'independant'/used 'prestige' car-dealer with her father to look at another RX-8.
Then they spotted a car I wouldn't expect her to like, but she rang me at work to enthuse about it!!
A Volvo S40 (http://www.volvocars.com/uk/models/s40/Pages/default.aspx), which given her turning down of my suggestion of the estate varient (the V50) surprised me
The one she saw was a 2.4SE (pity it's not a T5)
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For goodness sakes don't buy the diesel S40, the one I had a brief go in a couple of years ago was slower than my Disco on the highly scientific "floor it in 3rd from 30" test!
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so far i have got the T5 i like upto £26k :shock:
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A few years ago a friend of mine had an RX-8. It was when they first came out. Anyway the first one only lasted 6 weeks before the engine destroyed itself..!!! He kicked up a real fuss and ended up with a new car, as said before they drink oil and he was using a litre ever couple of weeks or so. Also at that time tyres were a problem as they were a unique size with only one manufacturer making them (think it was Bridgstones) - they cost a fortune and were a special order but I don't know if this has changed.
It did go like the clappers though and I still think they look fantastic.
Mark.
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For goodness sakes don't buy the diesel S40
It's a 2.4 5-cylinder, with the 5-speed manual
Also at that time tyres were a problem as they were a unique size with only one manufacturer making them (think it was Bridgstones) - they cost a fortune and were a special order but I don't know if this has changed.
It did go like the clappers though and I still think they look fantastic.
Everyone I've seen has Bridgestone Potenza in a 225/45 x 18"
'Black Circles' (http://www.blackcircles.com/) offers quite a few in that particular size
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For goodness sakes don't buy the diesel S40
It's a 2.4 5-cylinder, with the 5-speed manual
Sorry :oops:
2.4litre 5-cylinder petrol
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Mmm, interesting :-k
http://www.rotaryengineillustrated.com/wankel-engine-animations/2-rotors-in-motion.html
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Well................ I got in at 22:15, & she tells me she's seen another car this afternoon
Something different this time..................
A Jaguar XK8 :shock: :shock: :shock:
(oh please let it be a 'R' derivative [-o<)
And was I interested in going for a look
The 'car saga' continues :roll:
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Been through all this, remember that the allowance will be taxed before you get plus the nice little fiddle with NI contributions. However you do save on your tax you are paying on the car now and can claim money back from Mr Darling if you pay for your own fuel, I usually get about £600.00 back in a nice lump about August time. I reckon I am about £2k a year better off going down the cash route.
If you are buying be careful of resale values remember you are paying the depreciation ! The Masda looks pretty, absolutely gollops fuel, we have two guys with them averaging 20 - 25mpg if they don't boot them ! oil consumption is also huge, tyres are very vulnerable too and cost a lot to replace.
My advice is be very careful and really work out what the costs of depreciation, servicing etc are going to cost, fuel consumption is becoming a biggie as well. I initially thought about a D3 or a RR Sport but £30.00 a day depreciation makes them a total non starter in my book !!! Work it out a 5 year old £60k RR for £15k now !!! Servicing costs at the main stealer were also a large chunk of money to be paying out and with the RR replacing diffs and gearboxes out of warranty are humungous costs.
Personally I have gone the "odd" route my last one was a PT Cruiser, bought a year old with very few miles on it, 2 years and 40k later got a good deal on my Patriot which is superb. VW engine so 100%, superb economy unlike the Freelander with enough bits to keep me happy and it will do gentle greenlanes. Not everyone's choice as it's ugly as sin !
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We didn't go to test-drive the S40 (or the RX-8 he had)
We went elsewhere, & she's 'signed on the dotted line' for something else :-#
Hopefully, with a pick-up at the end of next week :-k
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Well!!!!!
What is it then????
Dazza :D
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Well!!!!!
What is it then????
Dazza :D
Something I never envisaged, or considered!
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Well!!!!!
What is it then????
Dazza :D
Something I never envisaged, or considered!
This is on the driveway as I speak
(http://thumb12.webshots.net/t/50/650/4/90/64/2178490640047309372bsOcMZ_th.jpg) (http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2178490640047309372bsOcMZ)
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SNAP :D
Picked ours up today had the full leather pack a certain grin factor to it :P :D
Just have to read the manual know
Dazza :D
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I didn't say it was hers, just that it was on the drive at the time of posting
Did I forget to mention that it belongs to a work-collegue?, & was there whilst the pair of them were in Paris.
Nope, she's got something entirely different!! :-k
We were in Wakefield this morning, so decided to go and visit the dealer, just to look at it again.
The price has been removed from the windscreen, but it's still on the forecourt (at the back though)
Still looks a damn fine motor though (& it's not a RX-8)
Should I wait to 'spill the beans' until I can post a picture of it on our drive?
I've got a couple of images of it, but it's still on the previous owners 'private' plate at the moment
So, it needs re-registering, but Joanne has seen a registration that she wants for it
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Not a Ssangyong Rodius is it?
Talbot Matra Rancho?
Tata Safari?
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Not a Ssangyong Rodius is it?
I do know someone with one of those, one of the 'school-run' mums has one
Talbot Matra Rancho?
I've only ever seen one of those in the past 10 years or so
For a couple of reasons it's a vehicle that I'd never considered in the proverbial 'month of Sundays'
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Trabant?
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I've got it. It's a Reliant Scimitar.
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a DAF cheap ecominical :twisted:
i think i'll go into hiding outer hebrides may be a safe place :lol:
Dazza
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I've got it. It's a Reliant Scimitar.
Nope!
However, there are 3 of those within 200yards of 'BTM Towers'
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ok
how do you keep MCrs in suspense?
Richard will tell us later :D
Dazza :D
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It looks like being a 1st July collection at the moment, if only for the reasons of VED & sorting out a re-registration - still on DVLA systems on the previous owners private plate.
Does anyone have a clue yet, as to what it is? :-#
ok
how do you keep MCrs in suspense?
Richard will tell us later :D
Dazza :D
Yes, I guess I could tell you though?
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:roll: :roll:Come on spill the beans, I reckon it's a Merc SLK the nice one with a humungous V8 in it ? Hope it's not a poxy Beemer they are as common as muck and hugely overpriced in my book.
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Come on spill the beans, I reckon it's a Merc SLK
Hope it's not a poxy Beemer
No, it's not a SLK & definately not a B*W!!!!!!!! :x
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:roll:Oh no not another who has bought a J**P :roll: :roll: :roll:
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:roll:Oh no not another who has bought a J**P :roll: :roll: :roll:
Nope :evil: :evil:
Its 'stable-mate' was nice (the 300C), but she's not interested in one :sad:
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It looks like being a 1st July collection at the moment, if only for the reasons of VED & sorting out a re-registration - still on DVLA systems on the previous owners private plate.
Does anyone have a clue yet, as to what it is? :-#
ok
how do you keep MCrs in suspense?
Richard will tell us later :D
Dazza :D
Yes, I guess I could tell you though?
We've arranged a pick-up date & the insurance, 'private plate', etc.......
Do the letters 'R, X & K' mean anything to any of you?? :-k
For a couple of reasons it's a vehicle that I'd never considered in the proverbial 'month of Sundays'
Do the above letters make you realise why I'd never considered this particular car as an option??
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They sound great as well
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=-CrKE7XeAF8
Don't know why it won't play, as I've obviously 'linked' it from 'YouTube' & it's okay on there :-k
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looks nice but i thought you like push bikes
http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230261416208
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looks nice but i thought you like push bikes
http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230261416208
I do (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=190228235437&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=009) :thumbup:
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We've been down to the dealer this morning, & it's standing on the forecourt on her new 'private' plate now :D
The pick-up is now going to be on Tuesday 1st between 09:30 - 10:00 :dance: :dance:
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Well we just took an RX8 in part ex at work and apart from the fuel consumption it drove lovely.
I dont get on well with these low cars cos of me size, but comfort wise it was lovely as soon as i got in it.
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Well we just took an RX8 in part ex at work and apart from the fuel consumption it drove lovely.
Couldn't agree more, they are nice, but I think I still prefer her XKR :lol:
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Two days to go :dance: :dance: :dance:
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I missed this thread when it started and have just over it.
I *do* like these sorts of threads...good advice, no arguments and some reader suspense ;)
Sounds like Mrs BTM has picked herself up a lovely motor there, Richard
Looking forward to seeing the pictures of it :D
:dance:
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In a nice shade of British Racing Green ?
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I missed this thread when it started and have just over it.
I *do* like these sorts of threads...good advice, no arguments and some reader suspense ;)
Sounds like Mrs BTM has picked herself up a lovely motor there, Richard
Looking forward to seeing the pictures of it :D
:dance:
Thanks Jake, it ought to be nice!
The (main) dealer even put 2 new rear tyres on as part of the PDI! (255/45 x 18 Continentals suitably rated for a 155MPH restriction)
Can't wait to hear that Supercharger 'whine' for the first time :dance:
Sorry 'Piggy', as much I'd prefer 'BRG', it's blue
(click on pic to open)
(http://thumb12.webshots.net/t/24/665/3/9/48/2926309480047309372mUmlmI_th.jpg) (http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2926309480047309372mUmlmI)
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Got it & it's nice :clap: :clap: :clap:
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Nice? NICE?
The supercharger whine as you run over 6000rpm is divine (even if mine is in a heavier vehicle!) ...... get those windows down!!! My business partner had a convertible XKR before he sold it for the Ferrari...
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Nice? NICE?
The supercharger whine as you run over 6000rpm is divine (even if mine is in a heavier vehicle!) ...... get those windows down!!! My business partner had a convertible XKR before he sold it for the Ferrari...
Neil!
That's because I've only driven it for about 3miles this morning, so still have very much got to get used to it.
Some of the gizmos are a bit 'OTT', like motorised (up & down) head-restraints :-k
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XKR......very good BTM :dance:....bloke I know bought a convertible one recently from an independant dealer in Derby....within a few days the hood wouldn't retract ....(lack of use issue) phoned him and said I have a problem with it....guy said thats not your problem its mine..@2 hours later an ex Jag technician was sorting said problem out on his drive....
Proper service levels
Hope you and your good lady enjoy it...
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XKR......very good BTM :dance:....
Thanks, I'm going out in it later this afternoon & doing the school-run in it.
We bought from a main-dealer, so have a years warranty on it
I just want to put my oiliest jeans & rigger boots on though to go :roll:
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I took it to work on Wednesday afternoon.
I'd been mentioning its impending arrival for a few days; as you do! :lol: :lol:
I think it got a good reception; to my face at least.
What was said behind my back may differ :-k
On the way home from my parents house last night I had the first chance to 'boot it' (from a t-junction)
There was a long line of traffic, with a short gap - which was just Jaguar sized! ;)
By golly!!!, it does pick up rather rapidly, if only to 40MPH :shock:
I took this 'Grab-Shot' just prior to putting it away last night.
(http://thumb12.webshots.net/t/60/660/6/25/66/2790625660047309372flWDde_th.jpg) (http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2790625660047309372flWDde)
It bears the wifes initials
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I think I might take it up to the Leafers At t'Pit (http://www.mud-club.com/forum/index.php/topic,61500.0.html) meeting/show tomorrow afternoon :-k
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I think I might take it up to the Leafers At t'Pit (http://www.mud-club.com/forum/index.php/topic,61500.0.html) meeting/show tomorrow afternoon :-k
I did, but despite it being a close cousin (being 'born' in the same year too), they wouldn't let me show it :D
Nice? NICE?
The supercharger whine as you run over 6000rpm is divine (even if mine is in a heavier vehicle!) ...... get those windows down!!! My business partner had a convertible XKR before he sold it for the Ferrari...
Neil!
That's because I've only driven it for about 3miles this morning, so still have very much got to get used to it.
Driven it about 30-40 miles this week, it's a bit of a mixture.
One minute a refined 'Grand Tourer' that you just want to 'waft about' in, the next (in Sport-Mode) accelerating out of junctions into gaps with venom!
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It went back to the main-dealer this morning.
"Why?" you ask?
It needed washing :lol: :lol:
No seriously.
There was spring that had become detached on the passenger seat & was pressing up into the leather, so we got them to dismantle the seat & sort it out.
We got a fairly nice '08' plated (700mile) X-Type 2.2.
It was quite nice, but does drive like it's close relation - the Mondeo
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We got a fairly nice '08' plated (700mile) X-Type 2.2.
It was quite nice, but does drive like it's close relation - the Mondeo
thats because it built on the same floor plan, take a look at the steering wheel controls, straight out of the mondy!
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We got a fairly nice '08' plated (700mile) X-Type 2.2.
It was quite nice, but does drive like it's close relation - the Mondeo
thats because it built on the same floor plan, take a look at the steering wheel controls, straight out of the mondy!
I know, that's why I said it :wink:
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We got a fairly nice '08' plated (700mile) X-Type 2.2.
It was quite nice, but does drive like it's close relation - the Mondeo
thats because it built on the same floor plan, take a look at the steering wheel controls, straight out of the mondy!
I know, that's why I said it :wink:
It was the 2.2 diesel (Ford TDCi), 6-speed manual gearbox, black leather seats, black 'Piano' wooden inserts in the dash.
T'was nice, I'm not that keen on the estate varient, but this was okay
(still not entirely sure on the concept of a Jaguar diesel, it seems 'at odds' with their ethos?)
Click on pic to enlarge
(http://thumb12.webshots.net/t/60/660/5/28/56/2657528560047309372toWfdY_th.jpg) (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2657528560047309372toWfdY)
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Wish ours was this colour :|
That's it! hup some Deutsche butt ;D ;D
Two to One verdict (& one wavering towads the XKR)
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=whH_iJ9qGk0
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I took the brother-in-law on Wednesday evening, as he hadn't seen it, and Joanne said to take him for a ride, not that I took much persuasion to get the keys ;)
At one point during a 'full-bore (from feet off/walking pace) to the posted 50MPH limit, I saw 1.5MPG :shock: :shock: (for a couple of seconds)
Having said that, it still gives me the contented feeling of wanting to 'waft' about in it, not go silly.
Another thought is that it might be interesting to try the old trick that Carroll Shelby used to perform when demonstrating the Cobra to prospective customers (& journalists)
He used to tape a $10 bill to the sun-visor & challenge people to grab it under full-acceleration, when their arms were being forced into their laps.
I mightbe tempted to try it with with one of my collegues who's not used to a fast car :dance:
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'Strike 3' to us this afternoon ;)
We'd been to White Rose Shopping Centre on the southern outskirts of Leeds.
The way back to the M62 is an uphill dual-carriageway, & normally quite busy.
We were in lane 1, & closing up on a Meriva (or some such) that was being driven a few MPH under the posted speed-limit.
Peugeot 306 'Chav-mobile' in lane 2, 'over my shoulder', who accelerated as I indicated to pull out from behind Meriva.
I backed off. So did Chav (with giggling mates in back - all in baseball caps :roll:)
'Sport-Mode' selected (sharper throttle response), I indicated, Chav picks up a couple of MPH.
Amelia waved 'bye-bye' to Chav through the back-window as 'Starship XKR' goes to warp-speed (just up to speed-limit) & disappears through the gap :twisted:
We got to the traffic-lights at Tingley roundabout, Chav now in next lane won't even look in our direction :lol: :lol:
Aahh, such good fun; Chav-baiting :clap:
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thats really good reading...my missus likes RX8s and XKR's too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
how old is it? it looks a beaut!!
Cheeres
ANdy
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You might not believe this, but............
I'm getting bored with it.
It's too slow :shock:
I'm not on about the top speed, if I ever got anywhere near that, I'd deserve whatever fine I received
No, the acceleration now seems almost pedestrian; be it 'away from the lights' (up to the posted speed limit), or in 'kickdown' for overtaking/lane-chaging on m-way)
I guess, I've just got used to it 8-[
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BTM...Did you see the Corvette write up in yesterdays Times...?
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BTM...Did you see the Corvette write up in yesterdays Times...?
No, I didn't but it's on the website by now.
ZR1 (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/in_the_showroom/article4632767.ece)
0-100MPH in 7seconds :shock:, that's almost superbike quick!
(our is road-tested at 12.6)
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My dad's toying with the idea of an XK8, on the basis that you can pick one up for not a huge amount of money.
Shame, if I had a garage to keep it in he said he'd have gone me one :(
Anybody any opinions on the XK8?
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If your bores of the XKR, Strap Yourself into and M5 instead.
I know your all going to start whinging that its a BMW, and yes before having driven one (actually a 540i M- But close enough) I would have said the same- But trust me, once you have experienced the fluidity and unrelenting power I dont think you would ever go back.............
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I know your all going to start whinging that its a BMW
That's more than enough reason for me to say "No!!"
My dad's toying with the idea of an XK8, on the basis that you can pick one up for not a huge amount of money.
Shame, if I had a garage to keep it in he said he'd have gone me one :(
Anybody any opinions on the XK8?
Lovely cars!
Superb interiors, but not good if you ever take any rear-passengers. Personally I wouldn't want to travel any more than a hour without a stop for a stretch
Large boot for the car, get plenty of stuff in
Okay, they're ultimately slower than a XKR, but in most 'real-world' situations, it won't make a difference, however, the XKR has more torque by 1600RPM than the '8' provides at its peak!!! (bar for very rapid overtaking)
We tend to see perhaps 20MPG as an average, & that includes 'school-runs'. It had a trip to Newport (near Cardiff) a while ago & managed a 'guesstimated' 32/33MPG at a decent m-way pace
Servicing;
Find a good independant, once any warranty has expired.
Mindst you, we bought ours from the local main-dealer (Hatfield -Wakefield) & got exemplary service.
Two new rear tyres fitted as part of the PDI,as they were showing 4mm tread!! (255/45 x 18 Continentals)
It's been back for;
A spring on the passenger seat sorting out, before it penetrated the leather. We received a '08' plated X-Type as a courtesy car :clap:
A warning light showing for the ABS/Traction Control. A faulty sensor was ordered & changed whilst we waited :clap:
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If your bores of the XKR, Strap Yourself into and M5 instead.
I know your all going to start whinging that its a BMW, and yes before having driven one (actually a 540i M- But close enough) I would have said the same- But trust me, once you have experienced the fluidity and unrelenting power I dont think you would ever go back.............
Had a ride in a brand new one recently. Not impressed actually; it was certainly nippy, but I found the whole thing rather bland. Maybe it's different if you're driving it!
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If your bores of the XKR, Strap Yourself into and M5 instead.
I know your all going to start whinging that its a BMW, and yes before having driven one (actually a 540i M- But close enough) I would have said the same- But trust me, once you have experienced the fluidity and unrelenting power I dont think you would ever go back.............
Had a ride in a brand new one recently. Not impressed actually; it was certainly nippy, but I found the whole thing rather bland. Maybe it's different if you're driving it!
Despite the recent 'turn-about' by Clarkson over the attributes of varying marques drivers, I'd still go for the Audi RS4 over the Heink.., sorry, B*W
However, a VXR8 (yes!!!, a Vauxhall :shock: Well, a Holden really) would be very..... interesting :-k
(sadly the nearest authorised dealer is in Tyneside)
Failing that, Joanne (like me) fancies an Aston-Martin next time
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Tried to book a test drive of XK8 / XKR today and spoke to a series of dealers who have one but it's out with a customer / in for MOT / on loan to another garage / right at the back of the yard / etc etc. 2 dealers within a few miles of me have both in stock, but test driving them is turning out to be a bit of a chore. Maybe I should just lie and say I'm a cash buyer and see if that wakes them up.
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Given that carrot crunch thingie the BBC's on about ..why don't you ask the salesman to focus his attention by getting the dealers sales manager to phone you...
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I saw someone out in a XK8 convertible this morning, in a very nice light green too!, whilst doing the 'school-run'
I reckon he was concentrating hard if his route took him over some of our ungritted/lightly travelled roads, as even the slightest frost can get the T/C lights flashing if you're even slightly harsh on the accelerator (pulling out of a side-road,etc..)
Mindst you, it must be an 'outside car' (ie; not garaged overnight) as it had a light covering of snow
Whilst it's not too bad here at the moment, just very thin slush, our XKR is staying in the garage
After all, it might be someone else who slides into me [-X
(it's only been out twice in the past fortnight, the last time was last Thursday afternoon for the 'schoolrun')
There's a few more pics here of ours (click on pic to open album)
(http://thumb12.webshots.net/t/50/750/2/15/79/2782215790047309372KnVlgR_th.jpg) (http://rides.webshots.com/album/565234407iUhEas)
Digressing
For your 'delight & delectation', eh Dave?
1. How about a totally refurbished/rebuilt E- KR (http://www.beacham-jaguar.co.nz/c_thumbnail.asp?cid=1104890976)??
2. Jaguar Enthusiasts Club (http://www.jaguardriver.co.uk/)
3. XK Enthusiasts Club (http://www.xkec.co.uk/home/index.php) (some nice motors in the 'classified)
4. Jaguar Drivers Club (http://www.jaguardriver.co.uk/)
5. "This Jaguar's Got Some Serious Growl!" (http://www.paramount-performance.com/acatalog/AVGP_Paramount_384k-001.wmv)
6. Paramount Performance (http://www.paramount-performance.com/acatalog/Paramount_Performance_Jaguar.html)
7. Jaguar Fuel Conversions (http://www.jaguarfuelconversions.co.uk/) (who previously used to fit the Nissan diesels to the XJ40. Honest!!!)
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You know if your getting bored of it you could always part chop it for something with a few more horses under the bonnet, maybe something like this:
(http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc247/cardiff_gareth/bugatti-veyron-5.jpg)
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You know if your getting bored of it you could always part chop it for something with a few more horses under the bonnet, maybe something like this:
Hold on!
I'll just check my 'allowance' for this week.
Nope, sorry.
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You know if your getting bored of it you could always part chop it for something with a few more horses under the bonnet, maybe something like this:
Hold on!
I'll just check my 'allowance' for this week.
Nope, sorry.
I don't think my allowances will ever stretch that far :lol:
The Jag you got looks very nice, I love the lines on them, my mate has a 'S' type Jag, I like winding him up by saying its not a proper Jag :grin:
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I eventually managed to find a dealer who would actually let me test drive one without me actually waving wads of cash in his face. He was not exactly gracious about it but at least I got a go.
Drove a 4.2 XK8 Convertible. Liked it a lot; very quiet, smooth, comfortable, lively when you press the loud pedal. You could buy the older 4.0 equivalent for about 8 grand for a reasonable mileage/condition; this seems a lot of car for the money. The 4.2s go from about 12 grand. XJRs seem to be another few grand on top of that.
I'm not buying, but I hope my old man will... Shame as the insurance for limited mileage wouldn't be any more than the Disco!
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I eventually managed to find a dealer who would actually let me test drive one without me actually waving wads of cash in his face. He was not exactly gracious about it but at least I got a go
Our local main-dealer was more than happy to simply get the trade-plates on it when we initally test-drove it
Drove a 4.2 XK8 Convertible. Liked it a lot; very quiet, smooth, comfortable, lively when you press the loud pedal. You could buy the older 4.0 equivalent for about 8 grand for a reasonable mileage/condition; this seems a lot of car for the money. The 4.2s go from about 12 grand. XJRs seem to be another few grand on top of that.
I'm glad you liked it, thought you might :clap:
I'm not buying, but I hope my old man will... Shame as the insurance for limited mileage wouldn't be any more than the Disco!
There's 3 drivers on the policy, & we pay £570 Fully Comprehensive.
Joanne; (main driver) 40, full licence since 1989, 3 points for speeding (expired since taking policy out) & 'business cover' for her
Me; 43, full licence since 1983, clean since gaining it.
Father-in-law; (who almost begged to go on it) 62, full licence for 40 years?, 3 points for speeding, PSV & HGV licences.
So, I reckon it's a reasonable premium, given the vehicle (& possible cost of repairs)
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I tried the local main dealers but no joy; they only had the new model in stock. There are lots available around here but most of the independent dealers work out of a yard and don't want the hassle of digging the car out from the back of the yard unless you're actually planning on buying it. Fair enough they don't want to waste their time, but how can you decide whether you're interested in buying if you've never driven one?
This is the one I drove:
http://tinyurl.com/6p8vpo
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There are lots available around here but most of the independent dealers work out of a yard and don't want the hassle of digging the car out from the back of the yard unless you're actually planning on buying it. Fair enough they don't want to waste their time, but how can you decide whether you're interested in buying if you've never driven one?
I had the same problem a few years ago when I was looking to buy a Discovery (2002), I'd found one that 'ticked all the boxes' & 'rang all the bells' (300 Tdi, manual, electric windows, no air-con, no sunroofs, 5 seater)
The dealer wouldn't take it out of the showroom unless I gave him a solemn word that I would definately buy it (subject to test-drive)
So, obviously we walked away (it was still in there 5 months later!)
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Test drove another today, the guy couldn't have been more helpful. Just gave me the keys and let me get on with it. Nice car actually; 04 reg, 4.2 soft top, 28,000 miles, advertised price 14 grand.