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-   -   21 grand to spend .. and no scoobies? (https://www.scoobynet.com/scoobynet-general-1/5272-21-grand-to-spend-and-no-scoobies.html)

Mungo 25 October 2000 12:49 AM

Fiat Coupe 20V Turbo

SimonM 25 October 2000 12:52 AM

I'd have to agree with EVO... I drove the Accord type R on a palmersport track day, and though it was awesome!

I know it's only front wheel drive but it still handles as good as my scoob.

SimonM
http://www.evosix.f9.co.uk/terzo.jpg

gizmo71 25 October 2000 12:55 AM

Second hand Evo, obvious choice really.

Failing that, probably a 200SX.

25 October 2000 11:57 AM

Say you had about 21 grand to spend and instead of giving birth to the Impreza, Mr. Subaru was still making farm machinery http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/frown.gif or v. strange SVX coupes.

What do you think you'd be driving? (An EVO article last year posed approximately the same question and tested 5 cars - winner was the Accord Type-R).

You don't have to buy a brand new car if you don't want one but allowed to buy a car say up to 3 years old?

I mean, for example, you could have an ST200, Accord Type-R, A4 1.8T Quattro Sport, T4, T5, 328i etc etc

What would you buy and why?

(You know the thing one person Accord Type-R because of kapow in V-TEC zone, not A4 because of cost, next person the A4 because of low depreciation and subtlety, not Type-R because of ludicrous spoiler http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/wink.gif ).

Thought this might be an interesting thread as a number of people will not now buy scoobies because of the bug eyes issue? This may force them to look at another car?

List your car and the reasons why, also any others you may have considered but decided against.

Doofus.

Robertio 25 October 2000 01:04 PM

Either an Escort Cossie or an import Audi S3. 4wd with reasonable performance and handling, being the only selection criteria.

JoeyDeacon 25 October 2000 01:08 PM

Fiat Coupe 20V turbo, infact I was going to order one until we tried to buy a brand new Fiat Punto from our local Dealers (Edwards of Epsom don't EVER go there). To cut a very long story short they never bothered ordering the car but took £3500 out of our bank account anyway. This caused a major headache as we had found another dealer that had the exact car we wanted in stock and had arranged to go and pick it up the next day. The garage said that it would take a week to get the money back and as you can imagine I was a little annoyed by this. how come it took 10 seconds to take the money from our account but would take a week to put it back. When I went to complain they told me that the salesman had the day off when I noticed him hiding out the back of the dealership. Even when my girlfriend phoned to complain to the manager he basically told her that he wouldn't do anything and if she didn't shut up that he wouldn't give the money back at all!!! She could also hear the salesmen laughing in the backgroud. Even Fiat head office didn't want to know!

I really wish I had taken a picture of myself standing between the two cars and sent it to them pointing out how they had lost 30 Grand!!!

[This message has been edited by JoeyDeacon (edited 25 October 2000).]

Martin Stirling 25 October 2000 01:13 PM

After a new job a few months ago and the sudden feeling of having a bit of extra cash burning a hole in my pocket, I decided it was time to get myself a new car. What I was looking for in a car was something quick (at least 5 secs 0-60), something different, not run of the mill, and something that would be great fun to drive, with 'on rails' handling. I also wanted a car that was less than three years old that I could fit me, the bird, two mountain bikes and a weekends luggage in without the need for a tow bar ;-). After crawling to the bank manager my budget was £25K tops.

My car criteria easily dwindled down the possibilities and as far as I could see, I was left with the following:-

1. BMW M3 Evolution.
2. Toyota Supra Twin Turbo.
3. Mitsubishi 3000 GT.
4. Subaru Impreza STI.
5. TVR Cerbera.
6. Mazda RX7 Twin Turbo.
7. Mitsubishi Evo VI.

The 3000 GT I struck off immediately because I thought it was ugly and a bit too eighties sportscar style for me.

The RX7 I decided against because of the rotary engine which it has and the bad reports I had heard about it.

The Cerbera I liked, but after almost unanimous reports about poor build quality, unreliability, and running costs, I decided against it.

The M3 I also liked alot and there was nothing that I could really fault about it as it is excellently engineered and superbly built. What finally put me off it was a severe case of reverse snobbery. I really didn't like the image associated with BMW's and didn't think it was really me. Also, they're so bloody common..

This left 3 cars; Impreza, Evo and Supra, all firm favourites, all fast, all reliable and great to drive. After many test drives and deliberation I finally decided on the Supra cos I thought it was the nicest looking, most reliable and with the best build quality.

I was wrong..

After having the car only a few weeks I decided I had made a mistake. Yes, the Supra was very sexy looking and very fast, but it didn't feel fast. The car was far too smooth and refined and the drive was almost too clinical. Although the car had a lovely 3.0 24V V6 pushing out over 340 bhp, it was as quiet as a mouse and you had to look at the speedo to realise how fast it was - no fun at all.

Before I had even sold the car I began looking for a replacement for it and began comparing the Impreza STI 5/6 and the EVO 6. I really found it a hard choice, both are exhilarating to drive, great to look at and roomy into the bargain (quite a novelty after the Supra). I tried to find areas where one was better than the other, but to my mind they were both equally as good!

In the end I decided on the Evo, purely because I think it is a little more original as there are less about and because I love the aggresive, pit bull looks of the car. It's also nice 'cos no-one knows what the bloody thing is. The usual question is "Is that one of those Subarus/Impreza's?"

In the end, I lived happily ever after..

MS.

ca 25 October 2000 01:19 PM

Bentley Turbo R

C

H 25 October 2000 01:32 PM

SimonM

I too have driven the Type-R on the Palmer day - I believe it is one the most drivable performance cars I have been in

Always felt in control, hardly have to touch the breaks (Not at all in the timed section)

It could just do with a bit more on the 0-60....

AWD 25 October 2000 01:37 PM


I would consider buying one of the following second hand:

Misubishi Evo VI
Nissan Skyline

Both excellent cars with 4WD, plenty of grunt, great handling, etc.

blubs 25 October 2000 01:44 PM

I'm facing this dilemma now. My scoob is up for sale but I'm not convinced on the new shape, (unless the shape morphs into something else by the time it hits the showrooms).

Nissan 200sx is great but I'd have to get a big second car aswell because there is nowhere to put sprog. This also applies to other coupe types.

Audi is nice, but if you are over six foot tall I found the seat does not go back far enough. It's overpriced aswell IMHO.

Mondeo ST200 will now be the old shape and I'm not sure if there will be an equivalent model on the new line up, (RS boyz?)

Accord Type R I have not considered so will give that some thought.

The car that seemed to fit the bill brilliantly was the Lexus is200 Altezza. 210bhp, 6speed, rear wheel drive and LSD. Impeccable build quality, reasonable exclusivity, great standard equipment but alas only available new as a Japanese import. I have seen them second hand for around 20g but I'm worried about servicing, parts etc.

Other than that, it's buy a Mundano and then get a Westfield or similar for the weekend 'release of tension'.

blubs

ps any info on the Altezza would be great if anyone can oblige.

AWD 25 October 2000 01:53 PM


blubs

How about the 3 litre Lexus? I heard that it was going to be released soonas the big brother to the LS200.

The 200SX is fine if you want to put sprogs in the back. Only if the people in the back are over 8-10 years old, does the size become a factor.

LanCat 25 October 2000 02:07 PM

21k - Elise. Sod the passengers!

Puff The Magic Wagon! 25 October 2000 02:08 PM

S2

Mulder 25 October 2000 02:18 PM



Oit! The supe is a straight six and 320bhp. Tut tut. http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/wink.gif

Chris L 25 October 2000 02:24 PM

Lancat

You read my thoughts exactly http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/smile.gif

Or get a sensible runabout for the week (take your pick...) and then get a Caterham 7 for the weekends. Mate of mine, just got one of these - fantastic car http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/biggrin.gif

Chris

TRIGGER 25 October 2000 02:48 PM

I had similar decisions to make a couple of months ago - have twin 2 yr olds so need a decent space but also a car suitable for daily station run. After much agonising and boring my wife (anybody else's wife get really annoyed abt the car thing ?) decided too much cost/bother to get 2 cars and I got a STI ver 4 type RA which covers all I need/want. I only had £16,000 to spend though.

goose 25 October 2000 03:34 PM

This thread is great - exactly matches the dilema i currently face.

Much as i would LURVE to buy an Impreza i really don't think i can bring myself to buy something so hideous looking. I'm trying so hard to like the MY01 but it just aint happening.

So, on my new list i have ...
Honda S2000, Accord Type-R and Lexus IS200.

S2K may be a bit of a struggle price wise but would be nice. Accord is clearly good but i'm not sure ...

I think i'd go for the IS200 if only it had more grunt. I know the Altezza has a 210 4pot but a 6pot is nice .... So, imagine my delight when i read about Lexus having a supercharged IS200 on their show stand ... Looks like TTE must have been on the case. Can't wait to check it out on Friday.
BTW, I gather from local dealer that 3litre due next year has 5 speed box.

Sorry Subaru but this is one punter who's been turned away by your facelifted Hyundai Sonata ... errr i mean new age WRX http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/smile.gif

Maybe i'll look again in a couple of years when they've sorted those Butt Ugly looks.

Anyone who's pre-ordered a MY01 WRX has my deepest sympathies - you must be Soooo gutted http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/frown.gif

L8r
Goose

Diablo 25 October 2000 03:49 PM

New would have to be Integra Type R with change for loads of beer.

Brilliant handling, compact, mental engine and fairly quick.

Secondhand I'd go for a Mitsu Pajero Evolution (you know, the shogun with 280 bhp)

Just because it must be a blast http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/biggrin.gif

D

Oge 25 October 2000 03:52 PM

I have thought about a second-hand 540 or the new shape M5 or a the new 3-litre IS200 (I think it is called IS300, but not sure), the bug eyes definitely scared me off..
Thank for the MY00, which I've got!

jjones 25 October 2000 05:01 PM

I have an Accord Type R and have had it for about 3 months now http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/smile.gif

Since then I have only seen two others http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/smile.gif http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/smile.gif

It has the large wing which i wasn't to sure about but it grows on you.

It has fantastic seats, engine, chassis ..

It lacks low down power but rev it into VTEC mode and it howls fantastically pulling like a shire horse on steroids!

AllanB 25 October 2000 06:50 PM

Have to be down to Fiat Coupe 20V Turbo, Mazda RX 7, Nissan 200SX, Integra or possibly an Audi S3 or Alfa 156


AllanB

DavidG 25 October 2000 07:51 PM

wait a few months and get a P1...

( http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/confused.gifOK OK, I know the whole question was what you'd buy if there were no scoobies ... I'll get me sonic blue coat)

[This message has been edited by DavidG (edited 25 October 2000).]

Steve Perriam 25 October 2000 09:23 PM

i reckon if no scooby then an S3 would be definitely considered.

maybe a Type R - just not sure i want to be revving it all the time to get decent performance ?

IS200 is a lovely car but not enough power.

steve

NITO 26 October 2000 08:11 AM

What cars would I be driving if it weren't a scoob?

When I bought my first scooby I was looking at;

Celica GT4-liked this one, but after the Subaru there was no comparison, steering too light, felt too clinical, good power at 90+ though

Delta Integrale evo- Too unreliable

Supra TT- Too expensive at the time.

Nissan 300zx- Liked this one but as I was weened on fwd thought I'd stuff it too quickly and say goodbye to insurance no claims!

M5- Always had a soft spot for these even though I hate BM's and BM drivers. Didn't test drive one so don't know.

Second time round the scoob won again. Choices were

Supra Twin Turbo- Not fast enough and steering tramlined everywhere even at 120mph on motorway fast lanes, oh and the boot was rubbish too.

Skyline R33, same problem as above.

Funnily enough I didn't even consider the Evo!

If I had to choose now, well I think the new Impreza has grown on me and I'm confident that there will be a solution for the looks fairly quickly. Otherwise it would be an evo or maybe a used R34, 200sx (new one looks quite nice) my girlfriend now has a 300ZX and they're fabulous cars. Don't think I would go back to fwd (so hondas)although I would go to rwd without a problem. The new S2000 looks like a car with a fair bit of potential but poor reviews and the fact that I'm not a fan of roadsters, particularly in this country would probably rule this out. Audi RS4, if I had the money might give this one a look in.

Should be lots of exciting cars coming out over the next couple of years, so I shall be keeping the scoob for a long while yet, not worth selling with the money I'd get back for it, plus being a wagon it's practical for children etc!!

Nito

blubs 26 October 2000 08:43 AM

AWD,

Is that Lexus 3L the same body size as the 200? I don't really want a cathedral on wheels.

I'm going to look at a 200sx this weekend to check it out for size. Cheers for the info.

blubs

26 October 2000 10:06 AM

Wahey a decent thread that I started http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/smile.gif .. woo-hoo

Basically I went through this decision a couple of months ago (by the way I'm starting to put on my flame retardant suit and helmet already http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/eek.gif ).

Had an MR2 (good fun, if not too quick) and was looking for something bigger, preferably 4 doors.

Back in 1998 a scooby was on the cards, I had been to Nobles in Penicuik to have a looksie and placed an order for a MY00 in silver. Wedding postponed the buy http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/frown.gif due to cash shortage.

Scoobies by now became majorly recognizable, everybody knew what they were. The missus said she would feel a bit unsafe while driving it because of the attention they seem to get round about by the local neds etc in their max powered Nova's/106's/Escort's (delete as applicable).

Sounds a bit poovy but I didn't want her indoors to be having some idiot in their baked bean equiped 1.1 driving an inch from her bumper. She drives a KA about 800 miles an hour and thought she'd be a liability in the scoob as well, bye bye licence !!

Then there was talk of a new scooby so I cancelled the order to see what the MY01 would be like ( http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/eek.gif ). Sorry I CAN'T be driving one of those !!!! No scooby for me I'm afraid http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/frown.gif

My shortlist was below, I wanted 4 doors so no coupe.

This is why I am driving what I am today ...

Saab 9-5
----------
For :
Fairly Anonymous, like the styling, size, power.

Against :
Can't handle the power, chassis poor, expensive to buy/own/run.

BMW328
------------
For :
RWD, You have the right of way at any junction. You can change lane at any time/speed without indicating http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/wink.gif

Against :
Would have been the old style. You can't turn the foglights off in any condition.. I'm not a **** (at least don't think so http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/wink.gif ), expensive.

Mondeo ST200
------------------
For :
Looks good, excellent chassis

Against :
However much I hummed and haahed, I couldn't justify spending 21K on a Mundano (that is now replaced by a Passat lookalike). , not sure about so much blue in the interior and although I have said in another thread (P1 owners - wish you'd waited and bought a M3) that you shouldn't worry much about depreciation (lets face it if you can afford a P1 or M3 you have wads of cash anyway http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/wink.gif ) the Mundano drops it's value faster than a 5 to 2 bird drops her knickers at the local disco. FWD.

Accord Type-R
------------------
For :
Power in VTEC zone, great handling.

Against :
My old man has an Accord (2.0). Interior plasticky and old fashioned. I hate the rear spoiler, it's way over the top .. it's almost as bad as the tail on the sport pack 156. If that's your thing that's fine but I was wanting something subtle. My MR2 annoyed me at times when you weren't high in the rev range (come on get f**kin moving!!) it was slow. I felt the Type-R was the same. FWD.

A4 1.8T Quattro Sport
---------------------------
For :
4WD. As Evo says 'as subtle as a wink to a blind man'. Fantastic interior, brushed aluminium detailing. Won't squeak/rattle. Good torque at low revs. Quick without revving it's balls off. Low depreciation.
Owner not pidgeonholed into ****/boyracer/photocopier salesman stereo-type.

Against :
Not as quick full on as Honda, Mundano. Expensive.

So it was the Audi for me (I promise I'm in no way related to 6SSK). Luckily I found out that one of my wife friends (who was franchise manager at the Toyota garage I bought my MR2 from) was in a stop gap job as Financial manager at Audi http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/smile.gif.

Picked up a 1999 Merlin Purple example with 7K miles, with Recaro's, BOSE sound system, cruise control, headlamp washers etc etc for about 20K.

Try not to hold it against me, sorry http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/wink.gif
Doofus.

[This message has been edited by Doofus (edited 26 October 2000).]


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