Your car and why? [Archive] - Motorsport Forums

GridGirl

24th May 2010, 21:12

I have a 2006 Ford Firsta ST. I bought it basically because it was a small car that I liked the look of. My only real requirement was a half decent boot to carry my work files and laptop. This pretty much ruled out most of the 2 seater convertable cars that I liked at the time though. I also didn't want something old enough for it to start falling apart either.

I didn't need a big car or a car that would go off road. I don't need to fit in kids or pets. Having 5 doors would be nice but I'm really not bothered. I don't care too much about engines but I don't think I want anything smaller than a 1.4l. Parking sensors are a must but that doesn't affect me picking a car. Money isn't a concern either as I can pretty much afford all small, and relatively sensible cars.

Only a small number of requirement's. I could be CarCrafts dream
customer if I like the look of something. :p

Sonic

24th May 2010, 21:34

Mine? A citroen C2 - because my clients like it.

MrJan

24th May 2010, 21:48

Toyota MR2 mk2 because I kept seeing one on the way home from work and remembered how much I liked them as a kid. Then I looked in the 'trader and realised that I could afford one. My thinking was that the time to have any kind of sports car in this country is surely on the wane, especially with fuel prices going up, and I may as well have a two seater while I'm single and have no real need to take people places.

I love the thing now and will be sad when I eventually have to sell it, it's beautiful to drive on some twisty roads and it's great having a mid-engined RWD car. It's been on axle stands for over 2 weeks because I botched some work and am waiting to find the right part. In the meantime I'm driving a 406HDi and feel like a meth addict doing cold turkey, I simply can't wait until I can sort the car out and take it out for a blast.

And, because it'd be rude not to, here's some pic whoring :D

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4583450587_f5c8362a5c.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4365581770_67dfbc37c4.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2267/3538739724_15ea7d715a.jpg

Koz

24th May 2010, 21:58

Toyota Hilux Surf 3.0TD.
I thought it would be cool to drive a big bad ass tank like thing on the road... I actually wanted a Hummer but I couldn't fine one in my budget :p

I needed something I could take off road for work as a second car. The more I drove it the more I enjoyed driving it, so I stuck with it even after I changed jobs.
I got no ABS, airbags, no climate control, no cruise control, no parking sensors even!!! But they are nearly indestructible. It's like a car [IMHO] should be, gets you from point A to point B reliably. Works for me. :)
Considering trading up for a Landcruiser, as these aren't all that great for towing.

BOZIANracing

24th May 2010, 22:04

106 rallye....i wish haha

toyota avensis 2.0d4d
practical and comfy....gonna keep it as long as it still drives and put every bit of money i have into rallying..group a suzuki swift ;)

Daniel

24th May 2010, 22:08

I love the thing now and will be sad when I eventually have to sell it, it's beautiful to drive on some twisty roads and it's great having a mid-engined RWD car. It's been on axle stands for over 2 weeks because I botched some work and am waiting to find the right part.

What bit did you botch?

This site here does good quality bits at reasonable prices -> http://www.importcarparts.co.uk/parts.asp?cat=89&sub=1347 and if you do a big enough order he gives a bit of a discount too. Ask for Mark :)

MrJan

24th May 2010, 22:13

What bit did you botch?

This site here does good quality bits at reasonable prices -> http://www.importcarparts.co.uk/parts.asp?cat=89&sub=1347 and if you do a big enough order he gives a bit of a discount too. Ask for Mark :)

Was changing the front brake pads and the slider on the caliper carrier was seized. In an attempt to unseize it I may have slightly sheered it :D Didn't want to drill out and replace the slider and also didn't want to spend the cash on a new part so flocked to Fleabay. THought I'd found one but when it turned up it was for a Rev1 mk2 and mine is rev2 so has uprated brakes. Got another one on the way now.

On a completely unconnected note, does anyone want a N/S/F brake caliper for a rev1 mk2 MR2? ;) I've also got some Corsa C headlights, but that's another story.

pettersolberg29

24th May 2010, 22:18

Daniel

24th May 2010, 22:20

Was changing the front brake pads and the slider on the caliper carrier was seized. In an attempt to unseize it I may have slightly sheered it :D Didn't want to drill out and replace the slider and also didn't want to spend the cash on a new part so flocked to Fleabay. THought I'd found one but when it turned up it was for a Rev1 mk2 and mine is rev2 so has uprated brakes. Got another one on the way now.

On a completely unconnected note, does anyone want a N/S/F brake caliper for a rev1 mk2 MR2? ;) I've also got some Corsa C headlights, but that's another story.

Doh!

That's the problem with cars and the amount of salt on the road here. With Caroline's car going in on Thursday I've sprayed penetrating fluid on all the bits the mechanic is going to need to undo because broken bolts aren't fun..... Which reminds me I should give it another spraying tomorrow.

Daniel

24th May 2010, 22:37

I have a 1995 VW Polo in a sort of greeny colour with scratches all over and the paint chipped of the bonnet. None of that was my fault!

It is explained by the fact that I got it free. Which is also the reason why I have it. You can't say no to a free car, especially if you're 17 and have just passed your test. One and a half years on - no crashes, 1 year no claim and enough cr@p in it to fill a cathedral!
:up: to you.

I never quite understand the parents who buy their kids a brand new car. You never appreciate just how nice a new car is till you've driven and old one with lots of bits that don't work or are just plain sloppy. Plus when you're just learning to drive you're bound to have a fender bender or some parking scrapes so your car isn't going to be pristine for long.

Brown, Jon Brow

24th May 2010, 22:52

2007 Fiat Punto. I learned how to drive in it. Easy to drive and cheap to insure. Plus my mummy wanted her precious son to be in a newer safer car that would protect me when I crash....even though this car is too slow to possibly lose control of.

tannat

24th May 2010, 23:05

2007 Ford Focus four door

Why? 0.9% financing for 60 months (or is it 72 months) :D

Wasn't a better deal around when we were shopping...

GridGirl

24th May 2010, 23:07

Plus my mummy wanted her precious son to be in a newer safer car that would protect me when I crash....even though this car is too slow to possibly lose control of.

Quite possibly true about the Punto but it doesn't mean someone else won't loose control of thier car. Hopefully you won't get to test the NCAP rating. :)

MrJan

24th May 2010, 23:17

Quite possibly true about the Punto but it doesn't mean someone else won't loose control of thier car. Hopefully you won't get to test the NCAP rating. :)

That's the main worry with my car. No side impact bars, no airbag, no ABS and nothing up front. If I get into a head-on or side smash then it won't be pretty.

Daniel

24th May 2010, 23:29

That's the main worry with my car. No side impact bars, no airbag, no ABS and nothing up front. If I get into a head-on or side smash then it won't be pretty.
You can't go through life worrying about that sort of thing tbh. Buy a safer car and someone will just crash into you faster or with something bigger. I'll admit I do like ABS because it's easy to talk about cadence braking but when you're crapping yourself it's just talk and it's nice to have the system there for you. A couple of months back someone pulled out in front of me when I was doing about 50 through a dip and over a crest and the ABS gave me the confidence to mash the pedal as hard as I could and the winter tyres gave me the grip I needed to stop.

To bring a tired old idea back to life I'd rather spend some extra money on winter tyres so you have the best chance to avoid an accident when the roads are at their slippiest and get the best summer tyres you can afford and some decent brakes and suspension. Avoiding an accident is always better than having to survive one.

Rollo

25th May 2010, 00:25

I have a 2001 Ford Ka Mk1 in Colorado Red.

Why?

Because I saw one at the 1996 Paris Motor Show and decided there and then "Oh yes, it will be mine".

Actually it combined all sorts of elements together at once which make for a brilliant little car. The 105E engine I'd worked on a lot in various Anglias, Escorts and Fiestas, the platform was from the Mk3-5 Fiesta, and the suspension and heads, you could swap very easily for those used in Formula Ford Racing.

... And it looks soo cuute :D

Daniel

25th May 2010, 00:29

driveace

25th May 2010, 00:36

Mercedes Benz,220d ,for comfort and economy,does 50mpg even on Mways
Kia Sorento XT ,Auto/Tiptronic ,for towing a large caravan all over Europe.
Ford Fiesta 1.8D for driving tuition,AND ecomomy.
And all are cheap to run!

wedge

25th May 2010, 00:37

Recently swapped my Pug 206 for a Toyota Celica mk7 - the poor man's Integra! :D

Was one of the best handling FWD cars when it first came out and it's one of the best used cars you can buy.

Can't wait to do some trackdays before my pilgrimage to Mecca AKA the 'Ring!

I have a 2001 Ford Ka Mk1 in Colorado Red.

Why?

Because I saw one at the 1996 Paris Motor Show and decided there and then "Oh yes, it will be mine".

Actually it combined all sorts of elements together at once which make for a brilliant little car. The 105E engine I'd worked on a lot in various Anglias, Escorts and Fiestas, the platform was from the Mk3-5 Fiesta, and the suspension and heads, you could swap very easily for those used in Formula Ford Racing.

... And it looks soo cuute :D

Jan Magnusson thought it was terrible car to drive!

Rollo

25th May 2010, 00:45

I thought you were getting rid?

True it did get smashed quite badly in the rear end, but in the end the insurance company repaired it.

Major sections of the floorpan from the floorpan were cut out of it, and new pieces welded back in place, and the whole rear of the car was put onto a jig and re-squared up.
Because the rear was punched in and the coil sprung torsion beam bit the dust, it meant that I could finally throw all of that away and fit a nice set of wishbones for the rear (to match the front).

Daniel

25th May 2010, 00:49

True it did get smashed quite badly in the rear end, but in the end the insurance company repaired it.

Major sections of the floorpan from the floorpan were cut out of it, and new pieces welded back in place, and the whole rear of the car was put onto a jig and re-squared up.
Because the rear was punched in and the coil sprung torsion beam bit the dust, it meant that I could finally throw all of that away and fit a nice set of wishbones for the rear (to match the front).
They do an IRS for the Ka?

Rollo

25th May 2010, 01:03

In a word, no.

The Ka Mk 1 came with a coil sprung torsion beam, and a couple of trailing arms which basically act as locators. The beam itself is a big fecking squareish sort of thing which is for all intents and purposes a dead axle.

Fortunately, the Ka uses No.19 bolts all over the place, and the bits which fit on the Ford Puma and the Ford Fiesta RS, just bolt in nicely. The really weird thing about the rear wishbones, is that they were developed by Van Diemen for Formula Ford racing.

gloomyDAY

25th May 2010, 03:08

1998 Toyota Camry

I can easily fit two surfboards in the boot with the seats folded down (I've managed up to 4 boards with 3 in the boot and one on the roof), I can slap on some snow chains and go snowboarding without a hitch, the back seat has plenty of space for a "quickie", and simple to parallel park.

Alexamateo

25th May 2010, 03:29

I have a 2002 Toyota Tundra Extended cab with a 4.7L V-8. I use it in my work for towing and hauling. When I first got it, I was concerned it would have enough power as I have never had anything less than a 5.7L V-8 before. Truth be told, it's the best pulling truck I've ever had.

The wife has a 2004 Chrysler Town & Country kid hauler.

I sold my CBR600 and am currently motorcycleless :(

Donney

25th May 2010, 07:40

Ford Focus MkI State, 1.8 TDI, 196000 Km on the clock and still running nicely.

It was the best practical car I could afford 10 yrs ago.

Big, practical, decent looking and drives very well. It needs some maintenance now, and I will be sad the day I have to sell it.

Mark

25th May 2010, 08:34

I guess I should go back to the start... in 2004...

I'd originally thought about getting something like a Corsa, as they'd been quite good when I'd hired them.. I used to hire cars a lot before I bought one.

But I'd put it off for quite a while as Corsas were expensive!
Then while walking around near the university I spotted a red Fiesta which I quite liked the look of, and started researching how much they would be to buy, and it turned out the finance was much cheaper than a Corsa, so I got one!

After 4 years in 2008; I got a job in York and wanting to upgrade my car anyway, and get a Diesel I now have a 1.6 TDCi 5-Door Fiesta, 'new' shape.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3207/3055774658_8b2fba3396.jpg

Jag_Warrior

25th May 2010, 10:02

I don't have kids... so I have cars. Of the ones I drive on a semi-regular basis: a 2004 WRX daily driver and a 2005 Jaguar XK8 weekend car.

I say this with all sincerity: that WRX is the absolute best car that I have ever owned - there's really nothing about it that I don't like. I bought it mainly because of the AWD, and then the horsepower. And it has not let me down one single time since I bought it. I dumped some money into the suspension, brakes and engine when I first bought it. But every cent was well spent. If I was only allowed to own one car, I'd send everything else down the road and keep that car until it fell apart or blew up. Subaru :up:

fandango

25th May 2010, 12:39

I don't have a car! We used to have a Picasso, which is very practical when you've got kids. Then I was introduced to the world of campervans. So now we have this '98 VW California.

Great for getting away, especially with kids, because you're nor stuck in a hotel room when they crash (the kids that is). Also, you're not stuck looking for somewhere to eat on a day trip. You just have to remember to keep the fridge stocked with cold beer for when the day's driving is finished.

During the week, though, I'm on two wheels, both of them attached to a Suzuki GSX 1200. I've always loved the look of this bike, but it's not very popular. It's a great allrounder, for city or long distance. Can be a bit hot in a Barcelona Summer traffic jam, but you usually aren't stuck for too long...

Sonic

25th May 2010, 14:10

Totally with you on the camper thing Fandango. I must be getting old coz I REALLY want one! Can't afford the 40k price tag tho :(

MrJan

25th May 2010, 14:29

Totally with you on the camper thing Fandango. I must be getting old coz I REALLY want one! Can't afford the 40k price tag tho :(

My old man has a G reg ('89) hi-top. It's completely uncool and has given us a few troubles but seeing as we use it to tow a car and trailer that's to be expected. It's fantastic to use at motorsport stuff and gives a bit of freedom :up:

fandango

25th May 2010, 19:57

Totally with you on the camper thing Fandango. I must be getting old coz I REALLY want one! Can't afford the 40k price tag tho :(

Well, we didn't buy ours brand new ;) The other nice thing about it is that it's classed as a car, so you don't have to worry about low bridges, toll areas and car park entrances. That's where I prefer it over the bigger motorhome things.