| Archive for The Motor Forum talking cars since 2006 |
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Top five best things about your car.Im sure we did this recently? Oh well lets have some positives about your respectives steeds then!1. Its reliable and dare I say it, cheap to fix. If and when it ever breaks, I will let you know. (Rapidly touches wood) 2. It handles and rides really well. You all know the rest. 3. I THINK, it looks good still and maybe only the front showing signs of its design age. (The mk1.5 is better though) 4. Its well screwed together and does not squeek rattle or shake and has a sound interior. 5. Its spacious roomy and practical. |
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| Matt |
1.) The noise
2.) The cornering 3.) Pace above 4k revs in third and up. 4.) The looks. 5.) Available upgrades, like Vader seats. |
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| Li'ldude |
1) Room: By the bucketload.
2) Reliablity: Perfect record so far, despite having an argument with a Grand Cherokee... 3) Looks: I like it. That's all that matters. 4) Interior: Again, well screwed together (If some low-grade plastics) and practical. 5) Kudos: Gives me a chance for an argument... |
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| M. |
1. Looks, the 156 is lovely looking thing and I prefer it without the body kit - simple lines as the designer intended. The front is like an aesthetic snow plough in that people move out the way noticably more than any other car I've driven.
2. Interior, really is a feel good place to sit 3. Size, it's small but well formed. 159 replacement is far too big as is everything else in the class. 4. Steering, really is informative and confidence inspiring 5. The doorhadles, I like the rear hidden and the solid metal front handles are a work of art in themselves. |
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| PR |
1. The engine
2. Styling inside and out 3. Rear-drive on-power balance during cornering 4. High speed motorway composure 5. Scarcity of this model - specifically and also conceptually as a three-door, six cylinder hatchback |
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| Nice Guy Eddie |
1. The Engine - A hoot above 6000 rpm
2. The gearbox - Absolute rifle bolt, and close to hand. 3. Performance - has to be driven like your on an asbo. 4. The noise - with a cheeky Air filter it sounds fantastic 5. The seats - Very supportive and after a few hours behind the wheel its one of the most comfortable cars I've been in. |
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| Dr. Hfuhruhurr |
Best looking 911 ever
Soooooooooooooooooo fast! Suspension can change the laws of physics Focused driver environment NFG (TM) |
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| BeN |
1) It gets me around in relative comfort. All I ask for really. 
2) Nothing major has happened to it yet, as typical of a Toyota. The only time it has been to the workshop other than regular sevice was due to my accident. 3) Despite an engine that's somewhat lacking in power, surprisingly good mid-range punch. Gets from 60 to 100km/h fairly briskly. Not AMG Merc quick of course, but good enough. 4) Smooth shifting auto transmission, considering the way I drive. 
5) Good enough to reach 160km/h. 
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| Stuntman |
What's NFG? Not For Girls?
1. The handling balance - especially with the subtle-but-effective improvements available via the sport button 2. The ride (with PASM) - it's amazing for a car of its type 3. The brakes 4. The steering 5. The noise I could go on... The clarity of the instruments, especially the revcounter and digital speedo The gearchange The interior - luxurious and well put-together, without being needlessly opulent Receiving appreciation from those who know what it is, and how good it is The looks |
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| Dr. Hfuhruhurr |
I refer the honourable gentleman to my earlier remarks ... http://themotor.myfastforum.org/about3598.html |
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| Racing |
GTA:
1. The engine - It's lovely - goes well, sounds wonderful throaty and potent, and is very tractable. 2. The gearchange - very fluid and "snicky" if you know what I mean. 3. The external styling - it's very elegant and distinctive, and I actually like the 156 with the bodykit - in dark shades you lose any slightly heavyhanded feel the skirts add. 4. The handling - on smooth, well-surfaced roads, it's fantastic - little roll, sharp responses and lots of grip. 5. The size - I agree with Michael - it's a very well-judged size - no bigger than it needs to be. Z1: 1. The styling - I absolutely adore the looks of this car outside and inside - always have. So utterly distinctive and different with such great proportions and neat detailing. 2. The handling - it's got an absolutely sublime rwd chassis. It could roll a little less but otherwise I find it spot-on. 3. The noise - the straight-six makes a great noise to start with, but the Lorenz quad-pipe exhaust creates a noise Wagner would have been proud of - a bassy, fruity rumble that turns into a proper banshee shriek over 4500rpm. I'm addicted. 4. The driving feel - driving through countryside on a fine day with the roof and doors down is amazing - the smells, the sights, the sensations, the wood-rimmed wheel - it feels like a classic (like it should have cycle-guards and a fold-flat windscreen or aeroscreens) but in a good way - ie with the charm but without the foibles or discomfort. Again, I'm addicted. 5. The hard-top - it converts the car into a practical proposal for all weather and yet the car looks just as fantastic wearing it. As Stunters mentioned, I could go on..... |
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| Jasper |
Your enthusiasm for the Z1 is inspiring. Lets see if I can think of five good things about my motors. Van Diesel 1. It's really big. Big enough on the outside that you can easily scare other motorist into doing what you want them to do. Handy around town. On the inside it's really comfy for six people, with Captians seats in the front(with the big comfy armrests) and individual rears with DVD player that, thanks to a FM modulator, plays through the vehicle sound system, which its self has had a healthy upgrade. 2. I have got it looking about as good as a white van can. Tasteful alloys, clear indicators front and back, quality tints on the windows, a decent polish and, well thats about it. 3. The dash is maybe not the prettiest but was designed when VW put quality before cost. Everything feels like it will last forever and the instrument cluster has that nice blue and red illumination. 4. It is and will be reliable with the engine not having any NFG and everything held on with nuts and bolts.
5. For a van you can hussle it along quite nicely. The steering and handling have no hidden vices and the brakes are ace. Not that you need them much as 68BHP struggles to pull two tonnes along. Oops sorry positive thoughts only. The Puma 1. It may be a but of a girly motor but it looks fabulous from any angle at any time. I've had it parked on the drive for the last month so I can see it at least twice a day 2. The steering, pedals and gearchange are all very tactile, letting you know what's going on. 3. Power to weight ratio. I'm never going to win a forum power struggle but the Yamaha designed engine is a peachy wee thing. Swift, smooth and sounds throaty above 5k RPM. Combine that with the low weight and it feels a lot quicker than a 130BHP car. 4. It's cheap to buy and run. 35MPG, £200 insurance and parts prices are mostly cheap, although engine bits are pricey. 5. The Groove. A nice twisty road is this cars natural place and finding the groove is really easy, the Puma almost begging you to drive it a bit hard. No need to be flat out, swift is still a lot of fun but won't scare your passenger (I would say passengers but it's really only a two seater). Flat out however is an absolute blast. It's Epic. |
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| M. |
Jasper, have you got a picture of Van Diesel? I don't think I've seen it alloyed up and I'm quite interested. One of my friends has a transporter with those (fake) diamond cut Audi A8 wheel on it and it looks really smart. | ||
| Jasper |
I'll have to get my arse into gear on that front and do a proper before and after post. The downer is it'ss dark by the time I get home at night. 
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| LittleSwill |
1)Looks. I now you won't agree with this but IMO it's the best looking car ever. Deceptively simple styling mixed with the aggression of motorsport additions borne from necessity. I can't imagine ever tiring of seeing it and it still gives me goosebumps.
2)Pace. After all this time it still quick enough to surprise most cars south of £30k 3)Feedback. You can feel everything that's going on with the car. 4)Discreet. Only petrolheads have any interest in the car. You never need to worry where you leave it, yet it doesn't feel out of place with Lambos and Maseratis. 5)Perigee. It's an homologation of the most successful rally car ever, by a mile. I can't imagine how a road car could improve on this. 6)Classic. It's a classic car, not the latest "must have" consumable until you start lusting after the next version. 7)NFG. It has absolutely NFG at all. 8)Practical. For such a special car, you can still fit people and stuff in it. Did I mention I absolutely fucking love my car. |
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| Jasper |
Do you use it much or is it a special occasion car? |
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| LittleSwill |
The only restriction is that I try to avoid taking it out in the salt.
I only drive about twice a week. |
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| Matt |
NFG extends to the wipers too, Swill?
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| Jasper |
Brilliant cause it's great seeing old rally legends on the road. |
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| LittleSwill |
BOTH wipers are working, at the moment... AND the rear one, pity about the rear demister. 
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| Matt |
I often look at them and have mentioned before on here, but I just think, can it get any better than that? Especially an Evo model. Everything works, the arches, the front bumper, the exposed lights, everything. | ||
| ALF |
Cars are just a wrapper around an engine. For me the engine is 1-5 on the GTA's best features, so here are 5 that are all about the engine:
The way it idles and generally behaves exactly the same after a cold start in minus 10 degrees, or after a steady 130mph cruise at 40 degrees in Europe. Most engines range and faff and miss a bit, especially from cold. This doesn't. The rate at which - allied to a close ratio box - it gathers pace so readily even when not using full revs. Even on a part throttle and cold engine, using a 4500rpm limit (i.e. half way) it picks up speed rather well. The fact that, if doing the above (on a warmed engine naturally) you feel naughty and nail it through the rest of the rev range, the engine has so much more to give - it rushes ever faster to the red line, unlike and turbo I've driven or been in. The incredible variety of noise throughout the rev range and on different throttle openings and loads. Sometimes bassy, sometimes metallic and "Italian", always interesting on the induction side with the window down - it's never boring. The ECU programming and general smoothness - the way it lets you drop down to walking pace in even a high gear and pull away drama free, and in a similar vein doesn't require you to push the clutch in miles out from a junction or feel it judder away. Yum! |
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| PR |
ALF, whatever else you think about the rest of the car, I reckon you'd love the engine and drivetrain in the 130i. It exhibits most of those very same characteristics you list above. | ||
| Twelfth Monkey |
Soundtrack, speed, handling, traction and (for now) absence of rattles! | ||
| ALF |
I'm sure I'd love a 130 full stop. I like the small car big engine thing. I'm sure I could make it a bit rawer and louder to my liking too, and they are decent value too (for a beemer).
The looks are the big issue - I got used to the back and sides but have never become happy with the nose. However the 130 is a car like the 350Z that I like and would have but is likely to just never quite fit with my needs at the right time. I got the GTA before the 130 came out, which overlaps in my car choice - the 130 has the same performance and less character so would not be a suitable replacement. I'll either have a track car and something bigger than a 130 in future, or one car that does most of what I need like a 996 911 - which I'm starting to yearn for a bit, along with an upturn at work... |
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| Humphrey The Pug |
1. Fuel economy I am on around 52 pmg
2. Styling, I love the Megane styling and the fact that after 5 years it is still a conversation piece. 3. Comfort. 4. The A/C is strong 5. Fingertip stereo controls, I have driven many cars and Renault's have, by far, the best steering wheel stereo controls. |
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| Jasper |
You get fresh air out of the central air vents on Van Diesel.
Ha beat that! |
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| Blarno |
Clio:
1: Fast. A lot faster than you may think, it's so gutsy in third. 2: 37 mpg. 3: The noise. That stainless was the best I've ever had fitted. Above 4k it's intoxicating and downright bloody rude for a 4 pot. 4: The looks. The best looking hot-hatch since the 205 GTi. 5: Chassis. Limits are far beyond my own, so I feel utterly safe hooning around in it. I did get it to oversteer in the dry a few weeks back, but I was giving it serious beans. Vectra: 1: Cheap. £300 and I've as near as damnit made that back already, with a big stash of parts to sell. 2: The noise. Vauxhall 6 pots sound awesome with a decebt exhaust and filter combo. I imagine it's going to sound even better once the side exit is on. 3: How easy it is to fix. I don't have a Hayne's manual, yet I've not struggled to do anything yet. 4: The looks. I know it's only a Vectra, but the GSi kit is just right and the body coloured wheels make it look really menacing. 5: The wealth (and price) of parts and information available. Member's clubs have their uses after all. |
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| TimR |
1. The engine - so torquey and yet so much fun to thrash. Plus it makes a lovely noise of course.
2. The interior - well screwed together and nice to look at. Also roomy, comfortable and welcoming. 3. Ride/handling - it's much more comfortable than the Alfa was yet great fun to punt down a twisty road with the car seeming to shrink around you and turn into corners with no hesitation or feeling of bulk. Not bad for a 1700kg car. 4. Fuel economy - I was a bit concerned how bad this might be but since I bought the car it's managed 23.9mpg overall and can easily manage high 20s on the motorway. 5. Looks - to my eyes it looks purposeful, powerful and determined but if you took off the M5 badges it could easily be mistaken for a much smaller engined version. It's a real Q car. |
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| Andy C |
The Handling
The Ride The reliability (Yes, I'm being serious) The m.p.g The looks |
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| MaxPower |
1) The simplicity of my vehicle. I have exactly what I need, easily laid out in the cabin, and the mechanicals are cut-and-dry and easy to work on.
2) The reliability. No question that was a major reason for buying a Toyota Tacoma (Hilux in the UK, right?). And so far I've had no complaints. 3) The size. I need a truck but I don't like full-size pickups. It's big enough to haul what I need to haul but it doesn't feel like a boat. 4) The engine. I like the smoothness of the V6, as opposed to the rough four cylinder that's also available. 5) The utility. I enjoy having a vehicle that can haul, drive in all weather conditions, and tow. |
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| Matt |
I think the Tacoma is bigger than the Hi-lux. Certainly looks different at the front. | ||
| Jasper |
Nigel.
1. He's a really nice colour. 2. He has been 100% reliable. 3. He has air con and an electric sunroof.....that work. 4. The heater is quite good. 5. Comfy. The seats are all comfy like sitting in someone elses favourite armchair and the ride deals pretty well. |
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| Eff One |
I remember being astonished by the 172 Cup's raw pace when I tested one. I'd just hopped out of a Fiat Coupe Turbo and the Clio really didn't feel any slower. |
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| scamper |
1. Fun handling
2. Looks 3. Boot storage packs 4. (Relative) pace and refinement for a 2.0 d 5. Running costs |
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| M3 Paul |
1. Fast - stupid fast at times
2. Wonderful handling 3. Extremely practical 4. Isn't a wallet breaker considering the performance 5. Can be extremely economical if you want it to be |
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| Matt |
Have you ever seen one with the Speed Cloth? If I do get one of these in a few years, I want it to be as basic as possible. | ||
| Dr. Hfuhruhurr |
Do you mean an M3, Matt? If so, I think Nappa leather was standard for all UK market cars. US ones had part-leather, though ... | ||
| M3 Paul |
Spot on. M3s have nappa as standard. You could get it with leather and alcantara mix but it is very very rare and a resale killer. |
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| Matt |
I have the 2002 UK M3 brochure and it has 'Impulse' Cloth and leather, I think the cloth option on the E92 is called Speed cloth.
Still, I could happily live with Imola, Cinnamon, Kiwi or LSB leather. |
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| Dr. Hfuhruhurr |
Fair enough. Good luck finding one, though ... |
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| Matt |
The Impulse cloth is minging, seeing it in the brochure put me off. The Alcantara option isn't much better.
I far prefer the 'designer was on funny fags' print on the E36 Vaders. |
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| Jasper |
How ironic. We take their leather and give them cloth. Sorry America.
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| Turbonutter |
BMW 328
1. 2 mornings ago ( -4deg C ) the heated seats
2. the noise when it's run out to the dangerpaint 3. the economy which seems good for a 2.8 4. feels well made 5. handling quite balanced for a saloon Sapphire 1. the sheer grunt of the thing 2. stealth factor ( as the 355 driver found out at the lights with his half-hearted start ) 3. the handling, power to adjust in a corner, steering sharpness and turn-in 4. the brakes - impressive for a std car from the 80s 5. Useability - quite happy to pick kids up in it from nursery or collect stuuf from Wickes with the folding rear seats and large boot |