Car decision - please help!!!!!
19 October 2005, 02:48 PM
#1
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: There is only one God - Elvis!
Posts: 8,328
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car decision - please help!!!!!
I am so f**ked off today, i have spent a week test driving cars and trying to decide what car i would like, i dont know anyone on the face of this planet who is so indecisive, i have narrowed my cars down to 4, so fire away with your opinions and what you think 'cos i'm bl**dy useless and cannot make my mind up.
Cheers fella's
1. Audi S3: plus points, Quick when modified, prestige, well built, reliable.
minuses are, steering a bit vague, does not really have the wow factor!! and does not sound special.
2. Porsche Boxster: Plus points, Quick, great handling, noise and image (ish)
minuses: expensive initial purchase cost, expensive to run (if anything goes wrong)
3. Toyota MR2: Plus points, Great drivers car, (EVO mag) handling, open top and cheap to run.
Minuses: Girly image, not super quick compared to the others.
4. TVR Cerbera 4.2 : Plus points, supercar performance, road presence, noise, image.
minuses, running costs, reliability, would cripple me if it broke down.
This is beyond a joke i really would love the Boxster, but this would really stretch me finacially, and teh running costs are dear, as the MR2 would be cheaper to buy and run but if i bought one would i wish i had bought a Boxster everytime i drove it.
Any help to this indecisive numpty greatly appreciated!
Thanks
Cheers fella's
1. Audi S3: plus points, Quick when modified, prestige, well built, reliable.
minuses are, steering a bit vague, does not really have the wow factor!! and does not sound special.
2. Porsche Boxster: Plus points, Quick, great handling, noise and image (ish)
minuses: expensive initial purchase cost, expensive to run (if anything goes wrong)
3. Toyota MR2: Plus points, Great drivers car, (EVO mag) handling, open top and cheap to run.
Minuses: Girly image, not super quick compared to the others.
4. TVR Cerbera 4.2 : Plus points, supercar performance, road presence, noise, image.
minuses, running costs, reliability, would cripple me if it broke down.
This is beyond a joke i really would love the Boxster, but this would really stretch me finacially, and teh running costs are dear, as the MR2 would be cheaper to buy and run but if i bought one would i wish i had bought a Boxster everytime i drove it.
Any help to this indecisive numpty greatly appreciated!
Thanks
19 October 2005, 02:53 PM
#2
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Not sure what your budget is but out of the 4 I'd go for either the MR2 or the Audi S3.
The Cerbera is likely to prove very expensive to run and the reliability record is not the best.
The porsche is nice but I'm not sold on the looks and they are over priced in my opinion.
The MR2 will be cheap to run and great fun to drive. Who cares about the image when you're having fun behind the wheel?
All the best
Martin.
The Cerbera is likely to prove very expensive to run and the reliability record is not the best.
The porsche is nice but I'm not sold on the looks and they are over priced in my opinion.
The MR2 will be cheap to run and great fun to drive. Who cares about the image when you're having fun behind the wheel?
All the best
Martin.
Last edited by lowlander; 19 October 2005 at 04:03 PM.
19 October 2005, 02:55 PM
#3
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: There is only one God - Elvis!
Posts: 8,328
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well i was swaying towards an MR2 - blatting along a country road in the summer with the roof down appeals to me quite a bit.
19 October 2005, 03:15 PM
#7
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 9,781
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by The Chief
Well i was swaying towards an MR2 - blatting along a country road in the summer with the roof down appeals to me quite a bit.
Trending Topics
19 October 2005, 03:16 PM
#8
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: There is only one God - Elvis!
Posts: 8,328
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by mr mash
Why not a STI TYPE UK with PPP ?
19 October 2005, 03:20 PM
#9
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: There is only one God - Elvis!
Posts: 8,328
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by mr mash
Why not a STI TYPE UK with PPP ?
19 October 2005, 03:25 PM
#11
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: BHP Club
Posts: 4,200
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
TVR ... no brainer really.
Boxter ... fabulous car but you'll want a 911 and you'll be slightly annoyed when you get walloped by someone in an STi (perhaps wearing a Nike baseball cap
)
MR2 - please! Hairdressers car ... trying to be a lotus elise but getting nowhere close
S3 - nice ... very nice. But boring! No noise, no road presence.
TVR - noise = awesome. look = awesome. interior = awesome. drive = awesome. running costs = not so awesome but can be justified by just blipping the throttle. Will you have any problems dispensing with our baseball capped friend in an STi??? PMSL - you wouldn't need to even change down a gear!
You can't take your dosh with you and if you want a smile everytime you drive then the TVR is the one ... all IMO!
Boxter ... fabulous car but you'll want a 911 and you'll be slightly annoyed when you get walloped by someone in an STi (perhaps wearing a Nike baseball cap
)MR2 - please! Hairdressers car ... trying to be a lotus elise but getting nowhere close
S3 - nice ... very nice. But boring! No noise, no road presence.
TVR - noise = awesome. look = awesome. interior = awesome. drive = awesome. running costs = not so awesome but can be justified by just blipping the throttle. Will you have any problems dispensing with our baseball capped friend in an STi??? PMSL - you wouldn't need to even change down a gear!
You can't take your dosh with you and if you want a smile everytime you drive then the TVR is the one ... all IMO!
19 October 2005, 03:28 PM
#13
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 412
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Chief, out of the list you`ve given, I, personally, would go for the Boxter.
I take it that, although it is tight, you could afford it, as you wouldn`t be considering it all if you really couldn`t ? Plus, as you say, the looks, prestige, performance and a proven track record. Sounds pretty good to me.
S3, a small-looking hatch that is devoid of character for me.
TVR, I drove a Sagaris last week (not quite the same I know, as the Cerbera), and they really are a Sunday car. Much as you`d like the performance, I would think you`d have trouble living with it on a daily basis (unless you only need it as a toy)
The MR2, as you`ve already said, you may spend your time wishing you`d got something else. I`ve had a soft-top in the past (Z3), and they are brilliant in the summer, but I think you`d suffer on power a bit maybe.
Anyway, all this is just my opinion, so...............good luck.
I take it that, although it is tight, you could afford it, as you wouldn`t be considering it all if you really couldn`t ? Plus, as you say, the looks, prestige, performance and a proven track record. Sounds pretty good to me.
S3, a small-looking hatch that is devoid of character for me.
TVR, I drove a Sagaris last week (not quite the same I know, as the Cerbera), and they really are a Sunday car. Much as you`d like the performance, I would think you`d have trouble living with it on a daily basis (unless you only need it as a toy)
The MR2, as you`ve already said, you may spend your time wishing you`d got something else. I`ve had a soft-top in the past (Z3), and they are brilliant in the summer, but I think you`d suffer on power a bit maybe.
Anyway, all this is just my opinion, so...............good luck.
19 October 2005, 03:31 PM
#14
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: BHP Club
Posts: 4,200
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by The Chief
Yeah if the TVR was reliable it would be no contest, but if the engine goes bang - then what? i'm f***d!
I know three people that have Cerbs and not one has had a problem. One guy even has NoS fitted! Crazy fool!
Depends how you drive it to be honest and how often. If you're looking for just a weekend toy then TVR ... if you're going to be doing serious mileage then I would say the S3.
Please please please eliminate the MR2 from the list though!!!
19 October 2005, 03:39 PM
#15
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: There is only one God - Elvis!
Posts: 8,328
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by dexter
Chief, out of the list you`ve given, I, personally, would go for the Boxter.
I take it that, although it is tight, you could afford it, as you wouldn`t be considering it all if you really couldn`t ? Plus, as you say, the looks, prestige, performance and a proven track record. Sounds pretty good to me.
S3, a small-looking hatch that is devoid of character for me.
TVR, I drove a Sagaris last week (not quite the same I know, as the Cerbera), and they really are a Sunday car. Much as you`d like the performance, I would think you`d have trouble living with it on a daily basis (unless you only need it as a toy)
The MR2, as you`ve already said, you may spend your time wishing you`d got something else. I`ve had a soft-top in the past (Z3), and they are brilliant in the summer, but I think you`d suffer on power a bit maybe.
Anyway, all this is just my opinion, so...............good luck.
I take it that, although it is tight, you could afford it, as you wouldn`t be considering it all if you really couldn`t ? Plus, as you say, the looks, prestige, performance and a proven track record. Sounds pretty good to me.
S3, a small-looking hatch that is devoid of character for me.
TVR, I drove a Sagaris last week (not quite the same I know, as the Cerbera), and they really are a Sunday car. Much as you`d like the performance, I would think you`d have trouble living with it on a daily basis (unless you only need it as a toy)
The MR2, as you`ve already said, you may spend your time wishing you`d got something else. I`ve had a soft-top in the past (Z3), and they are brilliant in the summer, but I think you`d suffer on power a bit maybe.
Anyway, all this is just my opinion, so...............good luck.
19 October 2005, 03:50 PM
#16
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Have you considered a TVR chimaera?
Great noise, road presence, comfortable, fast and cheaper than a Cerbera !
I'll be looking for a two seater sports car in the new year and have narrowed it down to the following
MX-5 (9-10K)
TVR Chimaera (12K)
BMW M Roadster (12K)
All down to persoanl choice but the Chimaera is likely to prove a bit cheaper to run then the Cerbera.
Good luck
Martin.
Great noise, road presence, comfortable, fast and cheaper than a Cerbera !
I'll be looking for a two seater sports car in the new year and have narrowed it down to the following
MX-5 (9-10K)
TVR Chimaera (12K)
BMW M Roadster (12K)
All down to persoanl choice but the Chimaera is likely to prove a bit cheaper to run then the Cerbera.
Good luck
Martin.
19 October 2005, 03:50 PM
#17
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Derbyshire
Posts: 4,496
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As an MR2 owner (although soon to be sold), despite the hairdresser and underpowered comments, they handle really well and remind you that you don't have to have stupid power to have fun....and it's not that far from the elise/vx camp as some would have you believe. Think of it as a refined version (although I know that isn't exactly the point of that sort of car!).
Straight line speed = boring
Corners = fun
There's ample power from stock, but if you get bored with it, bolt on one of the many turbo kits.
Boxster is much more grown up and will probably hold its value best out of the 4 mentioned. It's also more refined and you may find you don't feel the speed as much as the MR2. It's also heavier.
Had mine a year and a half now and I've found it much more fun than the Scoob ever was
Also, if you do go for a boxster, get the S version (which'll add more onto the price).
Straight line speed = boring
Corners = fun
There's ample power from stock, but if you get bored with it, bolt on one of the many turbo kits.
Boxster is much more grown up and will probably hold its value best out of the 4 mentioned. It's also more refined and you may find you don't feel the speed as much as the MR2. It's also heavier.
Had mine a year and a half now and I've found it much more fun than the Scoob ever was
Also, if you do go for a boxster, get the S version (which'll add more onto the price).
19 October 2005, 03:51 PM
#19
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,016
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would go for the S3 as first choice then the MR2, i've always been a fan of the S3, however I drove a MR2 recently and was very impressed, however it was a sunny day with the top down.
19 October 2005, 03:52 PM
#20
Scooby Regular
Join Date: May 1999
Posts: 7,901
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Although there are often rumours of V8 Cerbs going bang, they appear to be mostly unsubstantiated. On PH, Steve Heath had one go bang with >90k on the clock, and someone else has one running fine with 112k on the clock. But the camshafts do wear, particularly if you have the early ones (clatter cams). And you'll probably get through a few clutches. The clutch is actually cheaper than a Subaru item, but TVR have the supply tied up from AP and at the moment you can't get one for love nor money.
The Speed 6 engine is a different kettle of fish in terms of reliability though.
The Speed 6 engine is a different kettle of fish in terms of reliability though.
19 October 2005, 04:44 PM
#21
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 394
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm finding it absolutely unbelieveable that you are considering 2 seater sports cars
and havn't tried an MX5.
I guess you havn't tried one ??? It would be top of your list if you had, regardless of image.
I'll bet its a nicer drive than a Boxter as well.....
and havn't tried an MX5.
I guess you havn't tried one ??? It would be top of your list if you had, regardless of image.
I'll bet its a nicer drive than a Boxter as well.....
19 October 2005, 05:25 PM
#22
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: W Sussex
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Boxter for me, as long as its a S.
Never liked them until I drove one, sort of changed my opinion. Sweet handling, well built, nice sound, enjoy the sunny days with the roof down
Of the others TVR appeals but not as daily driver, or if you a reliant upon it, MR2's and I don't get along (something to do with lamposts) and S3 is nice but a little boring
Rgds
Neil
Never liked them until I drove one, sort of changed my opinion. Sweet handling, well built, nice sound, enjoy the sunny days with the roof down
Of the others TVR appeals but not as daily driver, or if you a reliant upon it, MR2's and I don't get along (something to do with lamposts) and S3 is nice but a little boring
Rgds
Neil
19 October 2005, 05:27 PM
#23
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: same time, different place
Posts: 11,313
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
2 Posts
I haven't driven any of them, but from my extensive reading of Scoobynet, and discounting the "poor man's Porsche" and "hairdresser" comments, I'd say a Boxster instantly. Though I'm hoping it's an S....
19 October 2005, 05:28 PM
#24
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: W Sussex
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Would also 2nd what ShyTot said about MX5, super little car to drive with very nice handling and driver involvment, however outright performance is not brilliant.
I would take a boxter every time, but thats just me
What about an elise S2
I would take a boxter every time, but thats just me
What about an elise S2
26 October 2005, 01:05 AM
#26
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: There is only one God - Elvis!
Posts: 8,328
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by tonner_notts
why not a 111r elise or something similar, looks great, great drivers car, fast and handles better than any
26 October 2005, 01:18 AM
#27
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Ibiza TDI - Causing a smokescreen on a back road near you
Posts: 1,848
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by The Chief
... i really would love the Boxster
Next question
26 October 2005, 01:48 AM
#29
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: There is only one God - Elvis!
Posts: 8,328
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by big MO
Ever considered a 330ci convertible? Classy car and a nice sounding in line 6. Values hold well too.
26 October 2005, 01:59 AM
#30
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: There is only one God - Elvis!
Posts: 8,328
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
After spending 3 days driving around the Scottish Highlands in my buddies Boxster i am well hooked, although needs revving and although the purchase price is not too bad, could i afford to run it over the others???