Andy_T

Ah, diesels... driven by inertia freaks. Even the 110 bhp 1.9 isn't particularly quick, but the 2.5 certainly doesn't hang about (apparently it even sounds nice).

As to why the IS200 isn't that quick (despite 155bhp, as much as the Alfa and more than everyone else gets from two litres)... can anyone say "dead weight"? I've driven one and it felt heavy, substantial and solid, unlike a two-litre 156 which felt lighter than it was (great engine, very noisy).

Sorry to burst yer bubble, Grubby, but do bear in mind that of those you "eat", 99.9% couldn't care less. But I guess that 0.1% make it worth it, though .

Andy T

KRS

I checked the spec on the IS200 Sport. It is a heavy car (hence 0-60 in only 9 secs) but the thing has more electronics than the space shuttle (and if it does go wrong, who cares as its a company car and won't cost me, and its Japanese).

Against the BMW 323CI and Merc. 200 Sport I would need to spend over 30k (including options) to get the same spec. as opposed to 23k (within my CC budget).

As for the Alfa, lovely car, love the idea of F1 style changes, but for performance I have the Impreza and what business miles I do do will be spent on the motorway in 6th gear in the Lexus.

Saying that, I test the Lexus on Monday, and if I don't like it, I'll look at other options (Alfa included).

I'll let you know.

KRS

tiggers

All this talk of V6 Vectras reminds me of one I see kicking around Warrington from time to time.

Driven by dubious looking 'sunglasses in the dark' type of character (almost definitely aspires to a BMW 318 - yawn).

On the bottom of the number plate where the dealer name, address and number are usually spotted he has the following 'awesome' slogan:-

'V6 Eat Weetabix, Bye Bye GTI'

All I can say is rearrange the words head, complete and dick to form a well known phrase or saying.

If God exists then eventually I will get the chance to show him what a real car can do and then I will offer to personally alter his silly slogan to the following:-

'V6 Vauxhall Vectra - blown away by an Impreza'

sunilp

Yawn

I'm tired .....feckin budgets!

Andy_T

Cheers KRS. The 323Ci is way overpriced (they cost $27k in the US) - I'd rather buy a three-year-old M3, although I appreciate not all employers will let you package 2nd-hand cars. And the C200's manual gearbox is no fun. Is a bog-standard C230K in the picture? Interesting mechanicals, at any rate.

For very cheap thrills I wouldn't have minded something like a Vectra V6 to knock around. The 318i, though, is obviously the spawn of the devil, and Subaru drivers seem to be more obsessed with this car than any other type of car (why? The Subaru is clearly superior so there's no need for the hang-ups). I'll have a nice 318tds in beige, thanks. Just right for Blair's Britain .

Andy T

GaryC

KRS - if the budget is £23k - definitly no contest - 156 V6. 190hp - six gears, best engine note this side of a 360....should be able to get lowered spring package too - needed on V6

Mark Johnson

Chris

Forget it all take the cash, get a company petrol card and then you are laughing.

YOU KNOW IT MAKES SENSE.

Either that or get a girlie hairdryers convertible.

Mark

grief

I'd still rather have an ST24 than a 318 if I were spending company money.

Better to rule in Hell than to serve in Heaven....

IanF

Looks like I am on both sides of the argument on this one.

I have a Vectra V6 SRi (V plate) as a company and a UK Impreza (MY99) as a private weekend car.

I do appx 5000 miles a month in the Vectra and 12000 miles a year in the Subaru.

For my company driving, in particular 200 motorway miles a day, I do prefer the Vectra. It is fully loaded (air, heated seats, side airbags, cruise etc etc), and the general smoothness makes it more comfortable to drive. Also it is better as I don't think I could put up with dodgy window seals and the accompanying soundtrack for 200 miles a day.

However, the Impreza is a damn good car as well and I guess if it came down to it I would take the Subaru. However, in doing this I would acknowledge that I am making compromises in certain areas.

I see a few Imprezas on the M40 every morning and evening (Jct 4 to Jct 15 and back every day), so if you see a dodgy looking Vectra (V*** FEX) give us a wave. I promise not to tailgate you!

Regards
IanF

James Neill

iTrader: (1)

IanF - I knew you'd have to own up eventually

James