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KovacsC wrote:

Might be beacuse the Police want to look at the car

I don't doubt that, but it's hardly a legitimate reason to stop and delay someone is it.

I backed one out of the workshop, turned it around, and put it back in.
I possibly turned it around "the long way".
Choose from this list of adjectives: "fast noisy fast uncomfortable fast heavy-to-steer fast fast fast".

How far up the M40 did you go the other day, by the way?

That video must have been faked though, when you look at the figures there's no way in hell the F1 can catch up to the Veyron - assuming drivers of equal skill of course.

They're not practical in the slightest.

Putting "cheap to run, maintain and practical" into the equations limits your choices a shit-tonne, especially the last one. If you are planning to have it professionally maintained and serviced then you probably don't really want a fast car at all, as it'll cost you supa-billions. I figured you were planning on buying a socket set and a Haynes manual to go with it, but appreciate that not everyone has the space to get away with that.

What were you going to do with it?

I would also choose a Charger. I'll bet you could get your mitts on an old Viper for that money, though.

I am moving to California on Sunday, so I need a new car when I get there. At the moment I have a Mini Cooper S (16000 miles, 54 plate, FSH, £8500 ono, if anybody is interested), and I love it. I have been thinking of upgrading it to a fully loaded JCW Cooper S, but it is, well, so un-American. Therefore, I am tempted by either a Dodge Challenger SRT8, a Chevy Camaro 2SS, or a Ford Mustang GT. I am leaning towards the Challenger cos it is Starsky and Hutch/Dukes of Hazard styled retro heaven. And it goes like shit off a stick.

What do you lot reckon? Any recommendations for around $50,000 are welcome. The only requirement for me is this: must go fast.

Grim... wrote:

I would also choose a Charger. I'll bet you could get your mitts on an old Viper for that money, though.

You mean a Daffy Duck?

Whatever you buy, buy it quick before California make it mandatory to buy a Prius

DBSnappa wrote:

Whatever you buy, buy it quick before California make it mandatory to buy a Prius

Don't get one of them for Heaven's sake; they're too bloody quiet and you'll run down unsuspecting pedestrians.

Still, if you want lots of go for "not much" money, it can only really be the Ariel Atom. £30k will get you a used one than will do 0-100-0 faster than the McLaren.

Author:	markg [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 14:30 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
Not legally maybe but they are meant to be doing a fucking job, so pulling over a posh car is certainly not a legitimate use of their time.

Author:	KovacsC [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 14:33 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
It only takes a few mins out off the shift...

Author:	Zardoz [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 14:36 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
...to fall in love.

Author:	chinnyhill10 [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 14:42 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
My car mats finally arrived. All fitted in so that's good although annoyed to find that the passenger side matt doesn't have holes for the locking studs despite the matts claiming to be bespoke for a mk5. Oh well. Next thing to sort out is the comedy wireless. Not sure how to approach this. There are run throughs online but it's not as simple as previously and if you get it wrong you end up needing VW to reset the airbag warning lights. Also none of the sites that offer the connection adaptors for various cars appear to offer one for the mk5. A far cry from last time around where I just purchased a radio, an adaptor and it was a simple case of pulling out the old radio, inserting two adaptors and putting the new radio in. 10 minute job that even a simpleton like me could master. One local company quoted 60 quid for a fitting. I see that Halfords are far cheaper but in store they were clueless and said that if they can't do it themselves they could get someone in. Cue visions of Halfords monkeys failing to fit the radio, setting off the warning lights and then having to get someone else in.

Author:	Grim... [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 15:05 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
DBSnappa wrote: KovacsC wrote: Might be beacuse the Police want to look at the car I don't doubt that, but it's hardly a legitimate reason to stop and delay someone is it. Many years ago (sob), I drove a Discovery pulling a car trailer to Germany. In said (unmarked) trailer was a McLaren F1 GTR car. When I got to Germany I put my little boot down, and the Schutzpolizei pulled me over a few minutes later. Apparently the trailer limit in Germany isn't really 100KPH like I had been lead to believe, and they weren't happy. They can (under very specific circumstances, but I wasn't to know that at the time) crush your car for speeding in Germany, and if that also included anything the car was towing my life was over. "What is in box?" "A racing car." (sees interest on faces) "Would you like to see it?" "Yes. Open door." Upon seeing the car, the police suddenly become friendlier, and, astoundingly, much better at English. The power of McLaren! "This is very nice car, can I sit inside?" "Sorry, no - I can't open the doors in the trailer." "Ah, okay. Such a nice car. What is in these?" (points at some cardboard boxes) "Those are t-shirts given to us by [team management], we've got hundreds." (realisation) "Would you like one?" "Very much." So, I give the nice Schupo a T-shirt each, and they let me drive on my way. It took me about three hours to get to where I was headed in Germany. I was pulled over eight times. One of them even addressed me by name when I opened the window. Still, I was just glad I still had the car

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Author:	Cavey [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 15:16 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
You had to tow a McLaren F1 Grim...? Wow, awesome! Next question is, of course, 'have you ever driven one and if so what's it like mate?', accompanied by much salivation and gnashing of teeth in anticipation. Makes my Cayman look like a Metro City E

Author:	Grim... [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 15:18 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
I backed one out of the workshop, turned it around, and put it back in. I possibly turned it around "the long way". Choose from this list of adjectives: "fast noisy fast uncomfortable fast heavy-to-steer fast fast fast".

Author:	Cavey [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 15:25 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
Grim... wrote: I backed one out of the workshop, turned it around, and put it back in. I possibly turned it around "the long way". Choose from this list of adjectives: "fast noisy fast uncomfortable fast heavy-to-steer fast fast fast". Heh, like it. So basically, you drove a £1M ultracar that many still consider to be the best the world has ever known, for any price, period... ... shit, I've got a 'semi' on just thinking about it, frankly. Fair do's mate.

Author:	Grim... [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 15:28 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
I'm not sure of the price tag, to be honest - this was the GTR car, not the road car, hence the uncomfortablenss and the heavy steering and the noise. I only drove it for about half a mile around the industrial estate, but, you know, yeah

Author:	Grim... [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 15:29 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
Just how good the 13-year old car was can be summed up by this video. When it came out it was insane.

Author:	GazChap [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 15:38 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
That video must have been faked though, when you look at the figures there's no way in hell the F1 can catch up to the Veyron - assuming drivers of equal skill of course.

Author:	Zio [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 15:38 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
MaliA wrote: How far up the M40 did you go the other day, by the way? I work just off of Junction 4 (Handy Cross), so every day my commute is: A41: Hemel Hempstead to Kings Langley M25: Junction 20 - Junction 16 M40: Junction 2 - Junction 4 then back again. All that M25 nonsense still hasn't killed my love of driving - but by God do I feel knackered by the end of the week. Grim...: as always, your stories are the bestest. The McLaren F1 is my all time boyhood car fantasy. But then again, it's boyhood fantasies like that that keep me looking at the Lotus Elan M100 ads on Pistonheads and thinking "hmmm, maybe", even though I could get an Elise for not much more.

Author:	markg [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 15:39 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
GazChap wrote: That video must have been faked though, when you look at the figures there's no way in hell the F1 can catch up to the Veyron - assuming drivers of equal skill of course. If you read the explanation alongside it explains that. Basically the hot dry conditions massively favoured the normally aspirated F1.

Author:	Grim... [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 15:41 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
GazChap wrote: That video must have been faked though, when you look at the figures there's no way in hell the F1 can catch up to the Veyron - assuming drivers of equal skill of course. It was a hot day, and it's probably that simple. The Veyron's multitude of cooling apparatus would have been running full tilt, and, more importantly, the turbochargers don't work as well in the heat. The little NA car that dealt with the hot temperatures by simply getting hot had a great advantage. But then, the figures aren't that different. 0 - 60, 0 - 100, 0 - 100 - 0: Veyron: 2.8, 5.5, 9.9 McLaren: 2.9, 5.9, 11.5

Author:	Zio [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 17:22 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
Maintenance and servicing costs are a big issue on some of those cars. I think I mentioned earlier in this thread that I've been looking at getting a current model Leon Cupra, which is obviously not in the same leagues as a Skyline or a Scooby, but is pretty fast, looks okay, fairly cheap to run and practical.

Author:	MaliA [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:15 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
It's a shame it isn't AZ, as then you could get a crossbow hunting licence (with a bow, you get in several weeks before the gun owners do) and cruise the woods on a quad shooting at animals.

Author:	Grim... [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 15:51 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
Still, if you want lots of go for "not much" money, it can only really be the Ariel Atom. £30k will get you a used one than will do 0-100-0 faster than the McLaren.

Author:	KovacsC [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 15:59 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
They are ace looking cars the atom, but how practical? Or they just fun?

Author:	GazChap [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 16:00 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
They're not practical in the slightest.

Author:	Zio [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 16:07 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
GazChap wrote: They're not practical in the slightest. Indeed. I am not a wealthy man, so any car I buy will be done by trading in my existing car.. so Lotii must remain a dream for me at the moment. Plus, when I said "not much more" I was kinda talking about 2nd hand Elises - £30k is at least £15k beyond my budget!

Author:	Grim... [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 16:11 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
£15k for a fast car? Buy a good Skyline or a Subaru Impreza WRX Sti. Or seven and a half (older) Subaru Impreza WRX's (yes, really).

Author:	GazChap [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 16:31 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
Could pick up a decent Audi S4 for £15K too. Not as raw as a Skyline or an STI, but just as capable and is super comfortable with lots of toys.

Author:	Grim... [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 16:33 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
Plenty of good cars in that price range, TBH. I'd spend £5k on a Discovery 2 and £10k on a Mitsi 300GT, I think.

Author:	BikNorton [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 16:35 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
Or an E36 M3 for £5k and £10k keeping it on the road. What? It keeps it interesting.

Author:	GazChap [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 16:58 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
You can pick up fairly decent Mitsi 3000GTs for much less than £10K, but the ongoing maintenance will fucking bankrupt you

Author:	Grim... [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 17:14 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits

Author:	Grim... [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 17:37 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
Putting "cheap to run, maintain and practical" into the equations limits your choices a shit-tonne, especially the last one. If you are planning to have it professionally maintained and serviced then you probably don't really want a fast car at all, as it'll cost you supa-billions. I figured you were planning on buying a socket set and a Haynes manual to go with it, but appreciate that not everyone has the space to get away with that. What were you going to do with it?

Author:	Zio [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 18:50 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
Grim... wrote: Putting "cheap to run, maintain and practical" into the equations limits your choices a shit-tonne, especially the last one. If you are planning to have it professionally maintained and serviced then you probably don't really want a fast car at all, as it'll cost you supa-billions. I figured you were planning on buying a socket set and a Haynes manual to go with it, but appreciate that not everyone has the space to get away with that. What were you going to do with it? Um... just having fun driving it about and that? Seriously, before Zioette came into the picture, I was very seriously planning on getting an Elan or an Elise (more than likely an Elise) as I had no real requirement for practicality other than the car having some kind of roof and I would've been happy with getting my hands dirty with regards most maintenance issues. Whether I ever tracked it or just did the occasional country joyride is debatable. Now though, I need something more practical (ie, 4 doors), safe and reliable... but still fairly fun. A Cupra would fit that bill from everything I've seen. To be honest, I'm more than happy with the car I already own, it's just Zioette's getting heavier and not having rear passenger doors is becoming an issue with regards getting her in and out of the car. So really I just want a four-door car now that'll be fun enough to stop me from missing the fancy dashboard in my current motor.

Author:	markg [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 18:54 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
Unless you have some aversion to them then if I were you I'd be looking at a BMW of some description. It'll do all the practical stuff well but it's also RWD and nicely balanced so you can have a bit of fun when you're on your own.

Author:	chinnyhill10 [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 21:43 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
Fun? Get the Golf GT Sport TDi like wot I have, but get an engine remapping so you get 200bhp. Apparently there are no ill effects and the engine is still absurdely economical. Meanwhile I've finally ordered a new car radio. http://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/pioneer-dehp5100ub-cdtuner-ipod-direct-control-preout-front-p-9217.html Somewhat more challenging to fit than anything I've previously attempted due to this being the first car I've ever had with an inbuilt double DIN radio. Was going to get it professionally done but I've now read lots of online guides and providing I don't disconnect the airbag warning light all should be cool.

Author:	Picston_Shottle [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 0:02 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
I am moving to California on Sunday, so I need a new car when I get there. At the moment I have a Mini Cooper S (16000 miles, 54 plate, FSH, £8500 ono, if anybody is interested), and I love it. I have been thinking of upgrading it to a fully loaded JCW Cooper S, but it is, well, so un-American. Therefore, I am tempted by either a Dodge Challenger SRT8, a Chevy Camaro 2SS, or a Ford Mustang GT. I am leaning towards the Challenger cos it is Starsky and Hutch/Dukes of Hazard styled retro heaven. And it goes like shit off a stick. What do you lot reckon? Any recommendations for around $50,000 are welcome. The only requirement for me is this: must go fast.

Author:	sdg [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 7:43 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
Sorry I have nothing car related to say, but good luck with your move!

Author:	metalangel [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 8:21 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
I'm a big Pontiac fan so I'd say get one of those as this is the last year for them (GM is dropping the marque, but you'll still be able to get them serviced). G8? Or the GTO (aka the Monaro)? Not really a fan of the Challenger, prefer the Charger myself. Don't really like the new look of the Camaro either, would prefer the older one (or again, the Firebird).

Author:	kalmar [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:13 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
Shame it's not Colorado, as you could then get a Tesla Roadster with a $42,000 tax rebate.

Author:	Grim... [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:20 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
I would also choose a Charger. I'll bet you could get your mitts on an old Viper for that money, though.

Author:	DBSnappa [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:34 ]
Post subject:	Re: Gas Guzzling Money Pits
Whatever you buy, buy it quick before California make it mandatory to buy a Prius