The itch to buy a new car....

[Smokey McPot]

Does anyone find it frustrating?

I think I want a new car, I'm not sure that I know what I want, though. I'm tired of driving long motorway distances in a 17 year old French hatchback.

I love driving it on B roads and some nice A roads and occasionally track days dearly, but there is nothing more mundane or frustrating than sitting in crawling motorway traffic watching all the temperature gauges getting close to the red line.

I guess this has no real purpose, but you know the feeling when you want something, but you just dont know what?

[Justin..]

I don't know why, EP3 Type R's would fill the box for me

[Smokey McPot]

I think I'm erring towards large 6 cylinder vehicles.

[djtlane]

I am having the exact same thoughts - audi, merc....................

[Smokey McPot]

Any of the above really. There is so much choice, and they're all largely as good as each other.

[rochdale_williams]

Know the feeling, bought the Williams and not regretted it for a moment, but the need for a winter car/everyday car seems apparent. Always liked the BMW 5 series for that.

[Swervin_Mervin]

I got the 197 because I knew I'd be doing an increasing amount of work mileage and, despite the valvers never actually breaking down on me, I really needed a turnkey motor.

In that respect it's fulfilled its duty pretty well, but tbh I miss the fun of the valver.

My thoughts now are that once paid off next year, I'll sell the 197, get myself a 330i MSport Touring Auto for daily hacking.

And if there's space left I'll get something old and fun as well. :D

[Swervin_Mervin]

I'll add I also wanted to scratch the new car itch.

I wanted something that at least wasn't slower than the valver, but brand new and the 197 fell right in my range.

Doubt I'll ever buy brand new again though, although 197 prices are holding up really quite well.

Must be because the 200 is a dog. Shame though because after a blast this w/e with a Teg and a Mito 1..4 turbo it does need just that bit more torque low down and a quicker rack. 200 has both of those things.

[Smokey McPot]

I have a 197 at my disposal most weekends, but its not mine. Decent car now its steering column fault has been fixed. Still feels far too big for a Clio however.

[Swervin_Mervin]

Still feels far too big for a Clio however.

Yes. Tight twisty B-roads are not it's forte imo. After this w/e I realised that the 50mph and upwards B-roads are really where it's at home. You're very conscious of its size on the tight stuff and always finding yourself having to drop it a cog more than anticipated.

[Loque]

Hmmm. Most of you guys would be putting me off a Clio if I did any form of 'practical' driving. Fact of the matter is I walk to work, and avoid driving at rush hour like anything, so the only reason I want one is to hack round B Roads... :)

[diathermy]

I bought my williams last year for a run about and to do some track days.

Its not been on the road much for varoius reasons as things always need fixing.

My clutch cable snapped yesterday and I think I have realised that this is now no longer an everyday car.

Sad thing is I dont want to get rid of it, but think I may have to buy something more reliable as I cant keep nicking my wifes car.

I want something fun, but ot too pricey (around 4-5k).

Not sure what though

[Smokey McPot]

I too walk to work, so dont use my car for a commute, however travelling most weekend to see my missus up north means im all to familiar with the weekend traffic on the M1 going south to north and back.

I was thinking some kind of large saloon would be the answer, however I dont really have any need for a particularly practical motor vehicle so I'm umming and ahhing over over a 2 seat RWD of some sort.

[Geeky]

I've just bought a Nissan Primera as a run around so I have more time to work on the Williams - was impossible trying to get jobs done knowing it had to be ready for work the next day. My insurance is overlapping at the mo but although I've taken the stereo out of the clio I keep driving that instead of the primera as it's more fuel efficient and easier to park. Frustrating being in the Primera when a quick overtake is needed or a chav mobile needs putting in it's place.

[vkosho]

I would love a mk5 Golf GTI. Reckon that would be the bollocks as a turnkey! 8)

[Swervin_Mervin]

330i MSport Touring Auto is on the list for my dailer runner.

[Coops]

been using williams as a daily and holiday motor for few years now, 0062 and now 0199, never had any major issues over normal old car run about issues

did 1200 miles to cornwall and back, scooting about and back to parents in manchester other week, didnt skip a beat

temps shouldnt head to red zone, thats not an old car thing, thats a poorly maintained old car thing, check over the cooling system imo :D

[Smokey McPot]

They never get into the red.

Idling in traffic after being driven for a bit the water temp is 3/4s up the indicator, oil stays around 80c idling. or at 100c if im driving at a steady 80.

[talkingfish]

My missus has a 197 - I would quite happily use it as a daily driver except for the fuel economy... 27mpg average..!!

[Coops]

They never get into the red.

Idling in traffic after being driven for a bit the water temp is 3/4s up the indicator, oil stays around 80c idling. or at 100c if im driving at a steady 80.

thats a little high, mine hits middle big bar, fan cuts in and it drops again to first big bar and cycles like that really when im hevy traffic after a run

oil temps sound spot on

[Smokey McPot]

I'm a little less concerned then :)

Anyhoo, I think I've talked myself out of buying anything, for now.

[1995clio16v]

Here, get one of these.

Cost me £1490 with 92k on clock and will go for another 192k, and all ive ever done is get in it and drive it. £32k new 9 years ago :wink:

http://i798.photobucket.com/albums/yy266/omega2point5v6/omega25v6nsangle.jpg

http://i798.photobucket.com/albums/yy266/omega2point5v6/omega25v6fullrear.jpg


8) :o :P

[vkosho]

Good buy! Shame it looks awful. :lol:

[Laine_16v]

That screams unmarked poilice car :D

[Smokey McPot]

Be good to find one looking that tidy.

[1995clio16v]

Good buy! Shame it looks awful. :lol:

It would rip the arse of your clio (if its 'reasonably standard') 50mph and above for the acceleration and would also give it a really good run for its money from a standing drag race. Wouldnt like to take you on, on B roads though. Definately not a B road terrorist!

But yeah I agree they dont look the best cars. I like them though. £1490 it cost me, electric everything, heated seats, leather, bose full sound system with amp wired in the boot (as standard), auto with sport mode, and rear wheel drive :o

Quite fun to drive tbh, and not bad handling for its size considering its 2tonne in weight.

It really is deceiptfully quick.


That screams unmarked poilice car :D

Police used to love these. They did one that was 3.2L manual with LSD and they are knocking round.

:o

Theyre great value for money. Rust buckets though!

[1995clio16v]

Be good to find one looking that tidy.

It was up for sale a couple of weeks ago, but ive decided to keep it till Spring 2011. Theyre great cars, and do have a reputation for strong engines and being reliable. Lots around, but most are shagged like anything, a case of being patient. But i was in same situation as you, if you only maybe have 2k or so to spend on a car there aint that much out there, as after all, you want something you like and something you would drive.

[col]

I drive a "c" class 96 estate ,i luv it. its reliable,comfortable,relitively economical...28 to 35 mpg.....an spares cheap! she runs on 16 " ronals.

The bit i like is cause you run a merc no matter what age people think you must have money to burn,......how wrong they are! :D

[Slam]

Carlton GSI ;) (with a super rare gold top engine if you can find it, limited to 180bhp when first released only were a 100 made)