Thread: What are we driving? Board: Oblivion / Ship of Fools.


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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
We have a 2013 Ford Focus Titanium (LHD) with turbo, leather and sunroof. It really is my dream car: it is metallic black. Our other car is a rebodied LHD Vectra Estate, sold in the US as a Saturn LW 200. Both cars have a 5-speed manual gearbox.
 
Posted by Spike (# 36) on :
 
Right now I've got a Hyundai I30, but this week I'll be ordering my new car - a Toyota Yaris Hybrid. It's more expensive than I'd normally go for a car of that size, but the saving in fuel will more than make up for it.
 
Posted by jbohn (# 8753) on :
 
A '96 Dodge Caravan.
 
Posted by Twilight (# 2832) on :
 
1999 Dodge Neon. May it never break down. I would hate to have to learn anything new.

My husband has a new car that says, "OK, your door is open," and "OK, your seat belt is not fastened." The "OK," cracks me up, it reminds me of the boss in "Office Space." "OK, I'm going to need you to shut your door. Greeaat."
 
Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
'05 Neon here! (highfives Twilight)
 
Posted by RuthW (# 13) on :
 
1991 red Honda Civic hatchback, like this one. The paint actually looks that good, since I crashed it a couple of years ago, and I figured since I was shelling out for the front-end body work, I might as well get it all painted while I was at it. Still under 150,000 miles on it, and it gets 30 mph on surface streets and 36 on the freeway.
 
Posted by Sober Preacher's Kid (# 12699) on :
 
I drive a 2008 Toyota Corolla LE with sunroof and an automatic transmission. The maintenance is up to date, the paint looks great and it has no problems. I have a trailer hitch and the wiring installed if I need to tow (I'm a bachelor who might have to move for a job).

It is blue and looks great.

I use Rain-X on the windows which works nicely to keep the dirt off the windshield, I also have the Rain-X wipers and windshield washer fluid, which is great because it's all-season.
 
Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
White 2010 Hyundai Elantra, because in January 2011 our old car died; the dealers were all getting rid of their unsold 2010 models and Hyundai seemed to offer a good deal. It's probably bigger than we need: for the longest time we drove Nissan Micras, and the Elantra seems huge by comparison.

Sir K., is your Focus one of those rather classy-looking ones with a radiator grille that looks like an Aston Martin?

[Cool]
 
Posted by Latchkey Kid (# 12444) on :
 
1993 Daihatsu Feroza. About 250,000 km.
 
Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
1996 Mitsubishi Mirage POS sedan. a billion miles on it, got it for damn near nothing. hot little red number that gets stuck on the third snowflake but is a gas miser's DREAM CAR. half the electrical doesn't work and I'm holding the trunk closed with a bungee. my "books not bombs" bumper sticker gets me flipped off in Wasilla. which says so much about Wasilla. [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by piglet:
Sir K., is your Focus one of those rather classy-looking ones with a radiator grille that looks like an Aston Martin?

[Cool]
No, that would be the Fusion, an intermediate. This is the sporty compact, a step up from the Fiesta. It has a slim chrome grille with Ford in Ford script in the middle and jet black below. The black is not standard, but what could be best called "metalflake".
 
Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :
 
2008 Ford KA and I love it, especially the heated front screen - no scraping frost! It's nippy, neat and will park on a penny.

Now that we are both semi retired we are thinking of going down to one car, then I will have to drive a new VW Passat - not a happy bunny [Frown] I hate driving the VW,but the economics are obvious.
 
Posted by Heavenly Anarchist (# 13313) on :
 
I don't drive, I spent a good chunk of my adulthood in central London where there was no need to drive. Dh has recently bought a 2008 Audi A3 Sportback which he's very pleased with as it replaced a rather rusty and and ailing 2000 Suzuki Wagon R.

[ 04. March 2013, 07:53: Message edited by: Heavenly Anarchist ]
 
Posted by Meerkat (# 16117) on :
 
I have a late (UK) '56-plate Kia Magentis 2.7 V6 LS (auto / manual). Silver paintwork; black leather interior. VERY low mileage (22,000). Best car I have owned in 37 years of driving.

Mrs Kat has a '11-plate Kia Picanto 1.25 auto (Sensing a theme here? We have had 5 Kias in a row!). Very nice car and for a small body, it has PLENTY of room inside.
 
Posted by WhyNotSmile (# 14126) on :
 
A 1997 Ford Fiesta called Fifi. She's maroon, with a flower sticker on her boot. She's the only car I've owned, still running well, lovely to drive, and in the kind of condition where I don't mind muddy feet or messy children hopping in. She is small, but can carry loads of stuff.

I hoped to have her as my wedding car later this year, but the rest of the family didn't like that idea!

Still, I hope to hold onto her as long as possible; I'll be devastated when they tell me she can no longer be patched up.
 
Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
I have a '98 Saturn wagon with 118,000 miles on it. I ordered it new and specified what I wanted--standard shift, cruise control, etc.

I've had some major repairs, and it's still going strong. What I like best is that the body is not metal and will not dent. When I sideswiped another car years ago, the body shop removed all the marks with a cloth dipped in some fluid.

Moo
 
Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by WhyNotSmile:
A 1997 Ford Fiesta called Fifi.
forgot - mine is named Elmo - because it's the little red monster.
 
Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
I have a bright yellow 2004 Toyota Matrix with almost 107,000 miles on it. It has a standard transmission, and gets good gas mileage. May this car last the rest of my life. The seat is high enough that I have no problem getting in and out of it.

The outside is small (it's called a compact utility vehicle), but the seats all fold down, and I can haul Christmas trees, grills or other large things!

And bright yellow means I can find my car easily when it's parked somewhere! [Big Grin] I remember a male friend asking if that was the only color available, and I told him that I ordered it that way. He was shocked!
 
Posted by TomOfTarsus (# 3053) on :
 
We're on or 8th car in our nearly 38 year marriage. I drive a 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix that just ticked over 129,000 mi. Last year, we replaced our 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a very nice 2012 model. I felt a bit sheepish about getting the 5.7L Hemi, but I needed that configuration for a number of reasons - the Jeep isn't our big mileage car anyway - and am surprised to find that its fuel efficiency matches or betters our old Grand Cherokee that had the legendary 4.0L straight 6.

I like the named cars. We affectionately call our Jeep "Jeepie", and my older daughter is afflicted with auto-anthropomorphism syndrome. When she was about to trade in one of her cars, I snuck out into the driveway and poured some water under it's headlights, as though it were "crying" at being traded in. I did that because I know it "works". My mother inflicted the syndrome on me, now I'm happy to pass it along. [Two face]
 
Posted by Darllenwr (# 14520) on :
 
2008 Skoda Octavia Estate TDi (the 2.0 litre engine) in black. One of those happy accidents - we were looking for a replacement Octavia (the previous car was a 1.9 Octavia Diesel, but with manual geabox) - but knew perfectly well that what we wanted was as common as hen's teeth: diesel estate with automatic transmission. Once upon a time, these were common as muck as they were Reps. cars; fine if you didn't mind high mileage. These days, not so easy.

Two became available in the same week. The one we bought had just 14000 miles on the clock (at 18 months old). It was mere happy accident that it was also the top of the range model with the leather interior, cruise control, heated seats, climate control ... [Big Grin]

And, just in case you should wonder, yes, I had heard just about all the Skoda jokes. But, after the first one, we didn't bother to look for anything else. The only reason for the change was that St Gwladys' MS meant that she was finding it difficult to handle the clutch. It was a good thing we changed when we did - within 6 months she could no longer have operated the clutch at all. [Frown]

I think it is excellent. I'm not sure that St G is always entirely convinced - she finds it too powerful. It is certainly the most powerful car we have ever owned (which was true of its predecessor as well) at 140 bhp. Coupled with the 6-speed semi-automatic sequential gearbox, this can make for an interesting performance. It can also better 50 mpg under the right conditions. I like that! [Smile]
 
Posted by ExclamationMark (# 14715) on :
 
EM - a 1995 Vauxhall Nova with about 120000 on the clock (Diesel)

Mrs E M - a 1997 Ford Mondeo with 150000 on the clock (Petrol)
 
Posted by blackbeard (# 10848) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by ExclamationMark:
EM - a 1995 Vauxhall Nova ...
Ah well, I thought I had cornered the market in ancient Vauxhalls, but I never quite reached 18 years - it fell victim to the scrappage scheme at just short of 16. I had been warned that there was a shortage of sound metal to weld new bits on to.
 
Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :
 
2009 VW GTI.

Named "Sarah Jane IV" (a/k/a "Baby Sarah"). She is my first "fancy" car and I am glad I bought when I did because they redesigned the grillwork for the 2010 model year and I hate the re-design. I like to think I got a GTI Classic.

And yes, TomOfTarsus, it is tough to trade in the named cars. I get very mopey, but my prior Sarahs have all been very good about developing problems just prior to trade-in to make me feel like I made The Right Decision.
 
Posted by LeRoc (# 3216) on :
 
A Chevrolet Tracker 4x4.

I guess I'm one of the few people who have such a car and who really need to drive off-road [Smile]
 
Posted by Lucia (# 15201) on :
 
"Sandy" the Citroen Berlingo, so named due to its colour being listed as 'sable'. Bought in France and driven here to Tunisia from England via Dover, Calais, a lot of French motorway and a ferry from Marseille. Now 8 years old and still going strong. A great family car as you can get such a lot in its cavernous boot and it has sliding doors at the back so the kids can't whack them against the next car when opening them. All in all a good car.
 
Posted by Sandemaniac (# 12829) on :
 
Ooh la la! Another Berlingo driver signing in - mine is called the Dreadnought as it is large, grey, rolls like a ship at sea, and doesn't so much accelerate as gather speed.

Bought mostly for lugging bicycles on holiday (you don't even need to take the front wheel off!), it has turned out to be the ultimate crap hauler - current record five cricketers, plus their kitbags, though I did wonder if we were going to have to take up a floorboard and pedal when it ran up against a Devonian hill. Luckily this year we tour to Amsterdam, which is a lot flatter.
 
Posted by Barnabas Aus (# 15869) on :
 
Piglet wrote
quote:
White 2010 Hyundai Elantra, because in January 2011 our old car died; the dealers were all getting rid of their unsold 2010 models and Hyundai seemed to offer a good deal.
My wife is on her second Elantra a 2008 model. Got the first on a similar runout deal, and despite newer i30 and Micra models, she went with another for drivability, comfort and ride characteristics.

I have a 2008 model Nissan X-Trail SUV in which I've averaged about 37000km a year much of it over below-average quality roads, and it hasn't missed a beat.
 
Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
I suspect that if we could have got Micras over here we would have done, but we've never seen one in Newfoundland. When we were first looking for a car here (9 years ago) there were very few small cars available, although there are a few small Toyotas, Suzukis, Smart cars and Fiat 500s around the place now.

When we came here first we got a Kia Rio saloon, which really wasn't the nicest car in the world; it was all right, but not exactly inspiring (and had the worst rear leg-room I've ever seen). When it died, a friend passed on a spare, 12-year-old Saturn estate, which lasted about another six months and then died rather spectacularly and was replaced by the Elantra.
 
Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
My oldest car is a 43-year-old full-size Plymouth 7-passenger convertible: it has been called The Behemouth because of its size and has been known to carry a small motorcycle or a convertible sofa behind the front seat with rear cushion removed. It is currently a non-runner and is being marketed as such....
 
Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on :
 
2010 Mazda 3, gun-metal blue. It's the first car I ever bought because it was fun to drive (though I let my wife talk me into getting the automatic, which I regret slightly). It's a great car.
 
Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
A couple of years ago, I bought my first diesel a Benz, sold here as the E350CDI. It's the family sized one with the six cylinder diesel. I've been very pleased with it. It is not as smooth or quiet as the previous petrol ones when you're idling, but once you start moving, all becomes well. I bought it as a 10 year prospect, and so far there has been no problem with it.

In fact, it's so good that Madame bought herself the small C class coupe with the 4 cylinder diesel motor - you can't get the 6 in the coupe here, only in the sedan. In turn, she gave her 10 year old Volvo V40 to Dlet, as she got a better deal on the new car without a trade-in.
 
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on :
 
My primary wheels hang onto a Toyota iQ - it's plenty big enough for my needs (me plus up to 2 passengers, or 1 if I want luggage space), and is soooo economical to run. It's even road-tax free. Despite its small engine it manages my motorway commute splendidly, although it gets challenged in hillier places with 2 extra people.

My fun wheels are on a red 1976 MG Midget - my "excuse" is that I'm helping preserve part of our heritage. Whenever it's sunny I crave driving it, and it gets people talking (or giggling) most times that I take it out. As well has being fun to drive it's quite handy for transporting long/tall things like trees.
 
Posted by Kittyville (# 16106) on :
 
2012 VW Scirocco R, iridium grey. I wanted the blue, but the salesman talked me out of it and I'm glad he did. Very good fun to drive, if a bit on the firm side on NSW's less-than-well maintained roads.
 
Posted by Horseman Bree (# 5290) on :
 
Decided to trade the '00 Mazda MPV when the gas tank fell off, and moved up (literally) into a GMC Sierra half-ton. I'm driving a lot less now, so the low gas mileage is less significant, and the ability to move stuff without having to hook up trailers is great.
 
Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
A nearly 15 year old Mahindra Commander Hardtop - it is basically a jeep but made over here and has taken us all over India - it is an amazingly tough vehicle and rejoices in the name "Doris".
 
Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:
...it is an amazingly tough vehicle and rejoices in the name "Doris".
How do you know it rejoices? [Biased]

Moo
 
Posted by lilBuddha (# 14333) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Kittyville:
Very good fun to drive, if a bit on the firm side on NSW's less-than-well maintained roads.
Oy, can I relate. Daily driver is a 2004 Mini Cooper S lowered 4cm. Anything but a completely smooth road rattles the ivory. But very fun! [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Signaller (# 17495) on :
 
MG6 Magnette. It seemed to be the only thing thing remotely comparable to the Rover 75 after mine cunningly hit a bush near the M40 and died.

I'm still waiting to see another one!
 
Posted by Thurible (# 3206) on :
 
We have an N reg (1995/96) Peugeot 306. Diesel. Bought for £750 about five years ago. Still going happily although we fear it might not get through the MOT this year without a lot of work.

I've never learnt to drive but Mrs T says it's lovely to drive - well, other than the fact that it leaks so that the footwell gets an inch or two of water.

Increasing family size means we're looking for a second hand people carrier to replace it.

Thurible
 
Posted by Inanna (# 538) on :
 
Four months ago, I finally sold my beat up, battered, dented, but very loved white 1994 Honda Accord (my first car ever, since I didn't learn to drive til I moved to the States in 2003). It got replaced with an incredibly swish black 2011 Accord, with the heated leather seats, satelite radio, and all the whistles and bells. It feels like I grew up overnight, and I still can't quite believe it's mine...
 
Posted by Plain Jane (# 3988) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Sir Kevin:
We have a 2013 Ford Focus Titanium (LHD) with turbo, leather and sunroof. It really is my dream car: it is metallic black.
I have the 2012 hatchback Focus, tomato red, 5 speed manual transmission. Maybe I should feel a little guilty because I love this little car so much. But I don't.
 
Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Boogie:

Now that we are both semi retired we are thinking of going down to one car, then I will have to drive a new VW Passat - not a happy bunny [Frown] I hate driving the VW,but the economics are obvious.
VWs evil: Ford's archrivals. NB: I own shares in Ford and have done for some years. VW undercut Ford on price for similar cars in any market in which they can get away with it, particularly in the UK!

Do you have the Fusion or the Focus there? Perhaps you could at least step up to a Fiesta turbo or a Kuga....
 
Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Thurible:
We have an N reg (1995/96) Peugeot 306. Diesel. Bought for £750 about five years ago. Still going happily although we fear it might not get through the MOT this year without a lot of work.

Thurible
Look into the Ford C-max: we've even got it here in the US. My real-life friend and Shipmate Jahlove swears by Peugeots and is on her second one, but she prefers petrol with two doors... I think she has a tiny red one now.
 
Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Sir Kevin:
quote:
Originally posted by Boogie:

Now that we are both semi retired we are thinking of going down to one car, then I will have to drive a new VW Passat - not a happy bunny [Frown] I hate driving the VW,but the economics are obvious.
VWs evil: Ford's archrivals. NB: I own shares in Ford and have done for some years. VW undercut Ford on price for similar cars in any market in which they can get away with it, particularly in the UK!
Boogie, I agree the Passat is not VW's best model. I also am not wild about the Jetta. The GTI, however, [Axe murder]

And, Sir K, I own shares in VW, so I understand your attitude! Maybe we can agree on the evil that is Toyota... [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Hedgehog:


And, Sir K, I own shares in VW, so I understand your attitude! Maybe we can agree on the evil that is Toyota... [Big Grin]
I've seen motor trade articles from 40+ years ago saying that, despite better equipment (radio as standard and a heater included on basic models!!) Toyotas wouldn't sell in the UK because of the price of spares. After a few years it dawned on Ford UK, the Rootes Group (especially) and British Leyland, that the spares were pricey because they weren't needed much.
 
Posted by Og, King of Bashan (# 9562) on :
 
2008 black Subaru Outback station wagon, purchased used in 2010. I'm a station wagon kind of guy, as I have to parallel park on weekdays but want something I can get all of my camping gear / skis into on the weekend. I am sorry to see the station wagon's declining popularity. I am also a Subaru kind of guy. Every time I see a new Subaru advertisement, I nod my head and say "that advertisement was aimed at me and my wife." The black looked cool at the dealership; now I know that a black car shows dirt and dust like nothing else.
 
Posted by St Everild (# 3626) on :
 
I drive a red 3-door VW Up as my main car, in the "Move Up" middle spec to which I added a couple of extras when I ordered it...but I cannot now recall what those extras were. It is perfect for me plus one other, or me plus my handbag on the passenger seat. It is technically a 4 person vehicle, but is a bit awkward for elderly people to twist themselves into the rear seats. It's economical and cheap to tax.I love it!

Mr StE drives a silver BMW One series, which he drove from new as his company car, and which he bought from the lease company at the end of the lease period. His new job package does not give him a company car, unfortunately.

And our "toy" is a Ceirion silver (looks green to me) with a navy blue soft top Mazda MX5, which lives in the garage when we are not out in it - as a consequence it is usually covered in cat paw prints as our cat is absolutely fascinated with it and loves to walk all over it, go to sleep on it etc. We must be the only people who have to clean their car before going out in it...

This last is the car that drew the comment "b****y h**l it's the Vicar" at the Crem after a funeral...
 
Posted by Anselmina (# 3032) on :
 
Charcoal grey 2011 Seat Altea. Diesel. Big fuel savings compared to my previous 2001 Vauxhall (Opel) Zafira which was petrol. The Zafira was better for the dogs. But getting unreliable. The Altea has the perfect tight suspension for the roads round here, strong acceleration for hill climbing, but not quite high enough off the ground for worn roads, badly ridged in the centre and scraping the underbelly of the car. None of that with the Zafira.

Nevertheless, buying a nearly new car meant I had a reliable vehicle, a fairly fresh engine and chassis, and a zippy smooth ride over long distances.
 
Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
2007 Toyota Tarago 3.5 litre V6 (Previa in other markets) 8 seater in gold. 70000 kms

1996 VW Golf Cabriolet 2.0 litre 4 cyl. Silver. 96000 kms

mr curly

[ 08. March 2013, 00:06: Message edited by: Mr Curly ]
 
Posted by Campbellite (# 1202) on :
 
Silver 2000 Ford Focus SE with Z-Tec engine and a wing. Bought new in Nov 1999. At 178,000+ miles, I am due for my second tune-up.

I plan to drive it until the wheels fall off.
 
Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
That bodes well for my Focus then, Campbellite. I plan to keep it indefinitely.
 
Posted by OddJob (# 17591) on :
 
Just joined the Forum and hope to contribute to subjects of more depth, but cars interest me so I'll start here:
For most journeys, a 2002 Suzuki Wagon R has served well for the last 7 years. Bought as insurance salvage then 'uncrashed', but very cheap. And it's given better service than any of the 30+ cars I/we've owned. Its use/abuse has included nearly all stop/start city driving, teaching sons to drive and carrying building materials.
It's no motorway car though, and certainly wouldn't pull a caravan, so a 2003 Volvo S60 2.4 litre is handy for some occasions, and/or on the couple of times each week when we need to use two cars at the same time.
The restoration of a 1970 Morris Minor Traveller is a relaxation when time permits. Off road since 1992, in my hands since 2009, and it should see the road again this year.
Since 2000 I've owned another classic car, namely a 1957 Rover P4.
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Hi OddJob, welcome to the Ship.

Feel free to introduce yourself on this thread if you so wish.

Other than that, check out the Board descriptions and happy sailing.

Firenze
Heaven Host

[ 08. March 2013, 19:55: Message edited by: Firenze ]
 
Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
Snookie is a 2002 Vauxhall Astra with a go-faster stripe down one side in Bollard Yellow.
 
Posted by HughWillRidmee (# 15614) on :
 
When the employer paid I drove one of these

Plain white, no battenburgs or blues and twos, 2.3 Petrol, Geartronic, Cruise control, 2nd passenger side mirror, front and rear cameras etc. £270+ p.a road tax, 27 m.p.g., Top speed 150+ m.p.h..

Now I pay my own way one of
these is fine

1.3 Diesel, automatic, £30 p.a. Road tax, 45+ m.p.g., Top speed 100- m.p.h.. I've added a cheap forward facing GPS enabled video recorder though - it keeps my driving a little less silly and could get me out of trouble if someone else is stupid.
 
Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
IMHO HughWillRidMee's Volvo, in black, is pure car-porn. [Big Grin]

[ 09. March 2013, 02:09: Message edited by: piglet ]
 
Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by North East Quine:
Snookie is a 2002 Vauxhall Astra with a go-faster stripe down one side in Bollard Yellow.
We hired an Astra 1.6 when we were in Cornwall six years ago: light years faster though less luxurious than the Megane convertible hardtop we were upgraded to in Bristol! I had an enjoyable drive to St. Austell where we worshipped at the local RC parish with a Shipmate and later journeyed to Sennen Cove near Land's End where I went surfing in the Atlantic Ocean for the first time! Several good waves and good company down the coast a bit from the surfing school where I hired a board; next time I bring my own wetsuit!

I would likely have a Vauxhall Vectra Estate with 3.0 V6 Diesel and manual gearbox if we lived in the UK: it would likely go as well as the US petrol equivalent we have now and have owned since 2002. Have you lot any idea how difficult it is to locate a four cylindre (rebodied Opel Vectra) estate car with a manual gearbox in the US? I have never seen another one in all these years! We shall never sell it.
 
Posted by Graven Image (# 8755) on :
 
Silver 2008 V70 Volvo Station Wagon, the work car. That is it is used for hauling people and stuff. Known around the house as my car. I buy gas, and pay for upkeep.

Red 2012 Genesis Hundi Sports Car. The fun car. used for trips and when we go out together. AKA His car. He pays for gas and upkeep.

Although we both drive each car. I note Mr Image always takes the Volvo if it is raining.
 
Posted by mark_in_manchester (# 15978) on :
 
1974 Ural M66 (Russian copy of old BMW flat-twin motorbike) fitted with Daihatsu one-litre three cylinder diesel engine. Next jobs on the bench (apart from house painting, looking after kids, keeping marriage afloat...washing machine doesn't sound too good either) are finishing off a reverse gearbox,and then fitting a Busmar sidecar. These are a saloon thing like an enormous baked-bean made of plywood and alumnium...I currently have about half of one, with more materials secreted in church boiler room...
 
Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Fascinating! I too would like a bike with a sidecar, but I would choose a 1978 six-cylindre Honda CBX. It sounds just like a Porsche 911 under wide open throttle acceleration!
 
Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Sir Kevin:
... It sounds just like a Porsche 911 ...
Won't keep you dry in the rain though ... [Big Grin]
 
Posted by mark_in_manchester (# 15978) on :
 
The 'combination' in 'motorcycle combination' refers to that of the weather protection of a motorcyle, with the manoeverability in heavy traffic and high-speed handling of a Reliant Robin.

Like a life of faith, it makes little sense for the uninitiated.
 
Posted by Organ Builder (# 12478) on :
 
I'm on my second 2006 Mitsubishi Raider. The first was the color of the picture with six cylinders, but I totaled it October 4, 2012. Surprising, perhaps, that I can remember the date since I have no memories of the accident...

I wasn't particularly looking for a second one, but I found a black V-8 with half the mileage at a good price. It fits my butt and I already know where all the knobs are.
 
Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by mark_in_manchester:
... high-speed handling of a Reliant Robin ...
[Killing me] [Killing me]
 
Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Organ Builder:

I wasn't particularly looking for a second one, but I found a black V-8 with half the mileage at a good price. It fits my butt and I already know where all the knobs are.
Where'd the V8 come from? Your local hot rod shop?
 
Posted by Organ Builder (# 12478) on :
 
Sir Kevin, the V-8 was always an option with this vehicle, but I got a bargain by taking what the dealer had on his lot when I bought the first one. The second one came from CarMax.

In one sense, it's a fairly rare vehicle. Even in a city as large as Atlanta, I can go months without seeing another one. On the other hand, it's really a Dodge Dakota with a different skin and a different interior decor package. I liked the Mitsubishi styling better, but that's really the only difference. They were built in the same factory.
 
Posted by hanginginthere (# 17541) on :
 
We are on our third Micra - love them! This one is orange and has a Northern Irish number plate. (No! it is not a sectarian statement.) We bought it in York, from someone with connections in NI.
 
Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
I had a nice compliment on my car today. I was asked if it was new! Actually, this has happened a few times in the past month or so. The ones asking are usually pretty surprised to find that I'll have had it for ten years in September.
 
Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by hanginginthere:
We are on our third Micra - love them! This one is orange and has a Northern Irish number plate ...
We had three successive Micras when we lived in Northern Ireland, all with Co. Down registrations (BZ). When we moved to Canada we brought the last one over to Essex, where D's dad sold it for us.

I'm glad to report that none of them was orange. Or green. [Devil]
 
Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
We plan to keep our silver-blue 2002 Vectra Estate for at least 20 years and when it stops running, we'll go to the hot rod shop and have a Camaro V6 chassis installed under it, funds permitting!

The available V6 in factory fitment is actually quite boring as it is only 20 or so extra horsepower and has only an automatic gearbox available as opposed to the fire-breathing 310+ horsepower Camaro V6 which I believe can be had with a 6-speed manual!
 
Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by RuthW:
Still under 150,000 miles on it, and it gets 30 mph on surface streets and 36 on the freeway.
Don't people honk at you mercilessly and cut you off when you are going so slow?
[Killing me]

I activate the turbo frequently on my Ford, but it average over thirty Mile Per Gallon most of the time!
 
Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
[Snigger] I think she meant mpg.

(Oh, you beat me to it, Sir Kevin.)

[ 16. March 2013, 05:43: Message edited by: Kelly Alves ]
 
Posted by cattyish (# 7829) on :
 
I have a very dirty (and slightly rusty) Skoda Fabia 2 1.4l TDI 57 plate called Scooby, who will go anywhere and wears winter tyres between October and May. Scooby has done over 70,000 miles and I still get 55mpg. Mr C has a black BMW X1 which he loves and shines up. I think it's called Samson. I couldn't be bothered with his car, and he can't abide mine.

Cattyish, driver by necessity.
 
Posted by DonLogan2 (# 15608) on :
 
Until recently I had a series of 4x4`s Subaru and Suzuki`s to go off road as I hunted a lot and they allowed me to lamp successfully.
I now have another 4x4, but I don`t need it for the work the others did as I do not do anywhere near as much shooting as I did. It`s a 4 year old Skoda Octavia Scout and is a really nice ride on the roads compared to the lumbering around corners I put up with for years, much safer in many respects.
I think this will be the second or third last car I will own.
 
Posted by Alaric the Goth (# 511) on :
 
Before this morning, I haven't driven anything of my own. After PASSING MY DRIVING TEST, watch this space! [Smile] [Yipee]
 
Posted by Karl: Liberal Backslider (# 76) on :
 
[scans horizon for the other Horsemen of the Apocalypse]

No, seriously, congratulations mate.
 
Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Good job, Alaric!
 
Posted by Bishops Finger (# 5430) on :
 
I have a red 5-door Seat Ibiza. I'm a bit disappointed with it, though, coz the firm that sold it to me a year ago told me it was a real babe magnet. However, to date, not a single babe has stuck to it........

Ian J.
 
Posted by RooK (# 1852) on :
 
[BRAG MODE]

The RooKian fleet is as follows:
 
Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
2400 miles since 28 February on my 2013 Focus: getting about 29.4 MPG (US) on it since new, big step up from the V6 AWD we had before which did 18-20!
 
Posted by L'organist (# 17338) on :
 
What am I driving?

If the road surfaces around here are ever renewed after the snow then I'll be back in my 2nd hand Mercedes - comfortable for longer journeys and reliable.

Otherwise, the children's Peugeot 106: feels a bit like being on a motorised skateboard but it gets from A to B economically. Only trouble is that it IS the children's car so the interior is similar to a skip - I tend to take a plastic bag to sit on so I don't get stuck to the seat.

Best car ever? The old Citroen 19: had the 24 valve version - very nice.
 
Posted by Nenya (# 16427) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by L'organist:
Otherwise, the children's Peugeot 106: feels a bit like being on a motorised skateboard but it gets from A to B economically. Only trouble is that it IS the children's car so the interior is similar to a skip - I tend to take a plastic bag to sit on so I don't get stuck to the seat.
My car is a Peugeot 206, partly because of insurance purposes as Nenlet1 is a named driver on it. Its interior is not too bad but does still have some pine needles from bringing the Christmas tree home and then taking it to the tree composting place. I aspire to a Smart car or a Ford KA. The latter is more likely.

Mr Nen drives a Ford Mondeo which is absolutely brilliant at what it does (eating up motorway miles, moving family members and their furniture into new homes etc) but feels like a tank to me and I avoid driving it at pretty much all costs. He also has two classic Lancias which live in the garage... the cars we actually drive have to live outside. [Roll Eyes]

Nen - like cattyish, not a natural driver.

[ 25. April 2013, 10:14: Message edited by: Nenya ]
 
Posted by Nenya (# 16427) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Nenya:
My car is a Peugeot 206,
I mean a 106. [Hot and Hormonal]

Nen - not good with numbers. Or cars.
 
Posted by The Rogue (# 2275) on :
 
We have a brown (macadema) Vauxhall Zafira automatic. It has a good driving position for my wonky back and we can pile it full for holidays. Annual mileage is well under 10k.

Unfortunately no insurance company is interested in insuring oldest Rogueling in it. Ageism appears rampant in that industry. I would love him to learn to drive and so would he but without the opportunity to practice between lessons there seems no point.
 
Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 
In this country, it's a 2001 Holden Astra.

In the UK it would be a 2001 Vauxhall Astra.

In Germany where it was actually made it would be a 2001 Opel Astra.

I never did come up with a good name for the car... I've always loved the idea because of an old friend who came up with, IMHO, an absolutely brilliant name. Perhaps I've been daunted by the quality ever since.

He named his car Jehu. The reason being:

quote:
The driving is like that of Jehu son of Nimshi - he drives like a madman. (2 Kings 9:20, NIV)

 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
Or you could show of your Gaiman/Pratchett cred and call it Dick Turpin.
 
Posted by HughWillRidmee (# 15614) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by The Rogue:
I would love him to learn to drive and so would he but without the opportunity to practice between lessons there seems no point.
There is an argument that, unless inter-lesson practice is undertaken with a qualified driving instructor, such practice is unhelpful. Without competent supervision from someone who knows how to pass the test(s) (rather than someone who knows how to drive) the likelihood of embedding test-failing habit is quite likely.

Full Disclosure – I had no opportunity for practice as the family had no car at the time I was learning. A course of twelve lessons and straight to test worked OK for me (though it was long enough ago that I got the discounted hourly rate - £1 per lesson - by paying up front for the dozen hours).
 
Posted by The Rogue (# 2275) on :
 
The teacher teaches and people supervising a learner between lessons supervise. As long as both understand their roles the learner does much better.

And he will be learning to drive, not learning to pass a test. At least that's what he will be doing if he wants to drive my car. Except, of course, he won't.
 
Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by The Rogue:
I would love him to learn to drive and so would he but without the opportunity to practice between lessons there seems no point.
A problem here is that a learner driver not only has to pass the test, but has to have done a certain minimum number of hours driving, some of which must have been at night. When Dlet and his group learned, a learner needed 120 hours overall, with 20 night hours. Hours with a formal and licensed teacher counted treble up to some limit - can't now remember. So Madame and he would head pout in the afternoons, and in school holidays, I'd take him out at nights, and eventually the magic mark was reached.

[ 25. April 2013, 22:14: Message edited by: Gee D ]
 
Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:
Or you could show of your Gaiman/Pratchett cred and call it Dick Turpin.
I'm assuming that's a 'Good Omens' reference, but it's been a while since I've read it.
 
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by orfeo:
quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:
Or you could show of your Gaiman/Pratchett cred and call it Dick Turpin.
I'm assuming that's a 'Good Omens' reference, but it's been a while since I've read it.
Or you could have gone with: 'Ah yes. But a little obvious.'

Will I never teach you adroit pretension?
 
Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 
I'm a terrible liar.
 
Posted by L'organist (# 17338) on :
 
quote:
Posted by The Rogue
Unfortunately no insurance company is interested in insuring oldest Rogueling in it. Ageism appears rampant in that industry. I would love him to learn to drive and so would he but without the opportunity to practice between lessons there seems no point.

And he will be learning to drive, not learning to pass a test. At least that's what he will be doing if he wants to drive my car. Except, of course, he won't.
1. You may end up doing what we did: buy a cheap used car with you as main driver and the learner as a named driver. Once they pass the test the car is theirs. (And that is when you do the Admiral multicar thing).

2. Insurance: Try either QUINN (find them on the web) or NFU Mutual - both understand that learners need to have practise.

3. IMHO (and that of the guy who got me through my test) learning to drive and learning to pass a test are different things. Simplest thing is to take out the Roguelet and get it driving first, THEN get it taught how to pass the test.

4. Don't waste your time trying to insure your car for him until he's at least 23 - the insurance industry views automatics and younger drivers as akin to pouring petrol onto a bonfire.
 
Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Glad both of our cars have manual gearboxes as does that of the 34-year-old driver from Hell with a VW Beetle, our daughter who has wrecked every car she's ever owned or at least junked it for parts!
 
Posted by Circuit Rider (# 13088) on :
 
2007 Ford Crown Victoria.
 
Posted by Wet Kipper (# 1654) on :
 
I am another happy Skoda driver

(though my windows are not as tinted as those in the picture)
 
Posted by redderfreak (# 15191) on :
 
To quote the late Bob Marley, my feet is my only carriage.

Although my wife has a Citroen C4, which I sometimes drive.
 
Posted by no prophet (# 15560) on :
 
Not really fond of cars, except for Hermann, the 1963 VW Beetle. I sold him for parts. I bought him in 1976 for $100. New, he would have cost about 1200 I think. Drove him until about 4 years ago. They make after-market parts mostly in South America, so new hood, 4 wheel fenders. The electrical parts were the killer, this was a 6 volt system, and I couldn't source anything at reasonable prices. The alternative was to rewire as a 12 volt system. I have my "Fix Your Volkswagen" book from the late 1970s as the only reminder. I knew it was love when my (now) wife and I went out for our first restaurant supper in September 1980 and she had to push start Hermann. Lot of lovin' in that love bug.

We have other cars in the family, but Hermann was the only one worth posting about. The rest are the usual generic plastic bumper, metal and more plastic, computerized things that eat more gas that the old ones. They also have useless things like antilock brakes (terrible on ice), electric windows (which malfunction), and electric side mirrors (why?). It is also virtually impossible to buy a vehicle that can tow a trailer (caravan) that isn't an 'upgraded' model such that you must accept an automatic transmission. [/end of whining, sorry!]
 
Posted by JeffTL (# 16722) on :
 
I drive a 2011 Trek 7300, which is brown and grey, and otherwise ride the Chicago Transit Authority. My transportation beyond that would be for a shoe thread.
 
Posted by Karl: Liberal Backslider (# 76) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by JeffTL:
I drive a 2011 Trek 7300, which is brown and grey, and otherwise ride the Chicago Transit Authority. My transportation beyond that would be for a shoe thread.
Good that man. And in the Windy City too.
 
Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
I should have been driving a boat home tonight. Floods halfway up my wheels!!!
 
Posted by vw man (# 13951) on :
 
just by looking at my user name you should know the make .
I drive a passat sport with nearly 200000 miles on the clock and still drives very well,and my wife has a Golf or if you are from the states a rabbit.
 
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
There I had you either in Combi or a Beetle.

Jengie
 
Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :
 
My son has just ordered and new Audi A3 sports. I admit to being a little bit jealous.

[Smile]
 
Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Cool!
 
Posted by wishandaprayer (# 17673) on :
 
What am I driving? I'm driving out demons!!! Oh wait, wrong board [Snigger]

A BMW 5-series currently, but the wife HATES it; we have an agreement to change in the next few months; I would take any recommendations. Boot space is important to me, but it can't be an estate (wife's orders), I was looking at the Skoda Superb and am sorely tempted by a Jaguar XF.
 
Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
I have driven the XF: if you must get one, make sure you get the one with the supercharger, preferably in black or in British Racing Green if available!
 
Posted by wishandaprayer (# 17673) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Sir Kevin:
I have driven the XF: if you must get one, make sure you get the one with the supercharger, preferably in black or in British Racing Green if available!
Oh, I'm an awful person, I forgot to mention that. I only drive Diesels, so supercharger is out of the question, IIRC. I do like the Black one, but they also have a green/gold two tone that looks pretty cool.
 
Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Sometimes this or this (they are different) but usually this [Axe murder]

All diesel, of course.
 
Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by LeRoc:
A Chevrolet Tracker 4x4.

I guess I'm one of the few people who have such a car and who really need to drive off-road [Smile]
Sorry, Le Roc, but they're considered "soft roaders" or "hair dressers' cars" here [Snigger]
 
Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Campbellite:
Silver 2000 Ford Focus SE with Z-Tec engine and a wing.
Presumably a left wing? [Biased]
 
Posted by Badger Lady (# 13453) on :
 
I have a dark blue 2007 Mazda MX5. My first and only car. It is impractical but I love it!

Badger Gent has a silver motorbike (I know nothing about the specifications save it has a box on the back that doubles as a pillion's back rest for me).
 
Posted by MrsBeaky (# 17663) on :
 
We have just acquired a second-hand Toyota RAV4 and it cost us more than we have ever paid for a car in the 37 years we have been together. We needed four wheel drive for the rural roads here in Kenya but we still feel weird about how much we had to spend...our first car was a Morris Minor and our last car in the UK was my Dad's old S reg VW Golf so this is new territory for us and I have to say we are enjoying our new vehicle immensely!
 
Posted by The5thMary (# 12953) on :
 
Has anyone said, "Miss Daisy"? Ha ha...
 


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