THE ULTIMATE CAR THREAD

[Joe]

Sold the BMW on. The further I dug into the timing chain issue the more horror stories I found so I decided to get rid.

I looked at the Mazda 6 2.2D but (having done the research *first* this time) found similar issues with timing chains. It looks like a lot of modern diesels with timing chains suffer premature failure because the DPF regen cycle allows fuel to contaminate the oil, which then doesn't lubricate the chain properly, allowing it to become stretched and fail.

So, now I'm looking at spending a bit more for an efficient petrol model instead. Currently no idea what to get though.

[Ekona]

How efficient does it need to be? As in, how heavy is your right foot?

For example, my diesel gets about 43mpg but it's still cheaper for me to drive the MX5 which only gets about 35mpg, simply because petrol is waaaaaay cheaper than diesel. Plus the petrol seems to care less how I drive it, when the diesel is massively sensitive to right-footage. No modern diesel will ever get near the claimed 60mpg but published petrol figures tend to be more accurate, so worth taking that into consideration. I'd be looking at a 1st gen 130i personally, they're a cracking engine and a really good drive with parts easily available.

[Joe]

Honestly these days I only squeeze the go pedal for overtaking. I'm happier cruising around in comfort at 60-70 on the motorway and keeping things sedate around town. Maybe it's knowing that driving harder doesn't really shorten journey times by much, maybe it's knowing how much fuel usage shoots up at 70 compared to 80, maybe it's just because Mazzy is old and I'm trying to go easy on her..

[Joe]

Oops. Bought a Mazda 3 again.

[Ekona]

MPS?

[Joe]

Haha not quite no, went for a 2015 2.2D 3 Saloon in Sport Nav spec, Arctic White.

Yeah, it's another Mazda 3. Yeah it's a diesel. But it's only 1 owner from new, 40k on the clock, it's quick and it'll save me a shitload in fuel costs.

Some might not get on with the proportions but I think it's rather lovely. Here's a walkaround of one that's pretty much exactly like mine - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahO484dAaAI

[Ekona]

Hey, sometimes all you need is something that goes from A to B, and since you know the cars you know the likely pitfalls. Why do you think I’ve owned multiple MR2s

[Captain Sisko]

Afternoon TOP fans and members

Took my Focus for a spin last night after filling her with petril - the view out of the screen at night and in the wet isn't great.

I'm sure I put new wipers on last year so they either need a good clean or the windscreen needs replacing (can see scratches and smears it was like that when I bought it)

A quick wipe with a tissue improved is a little bit not major improvement.

[Ekona]

Do both. Windscreen is cheap enough, just put a brick through it and claim on your glass policy.

[Helios]

Also get this post and the previous two posts deleted if you decide to go down this route.

[Captain Sisko]

I have a friend at work

He's 19, tall 6 5 approx currently drives a Clio 2008

He wants something a bit more sporty/powerful coupe like
Budget is about £4/5k

Requirements - good to drive, good looks, reliable and air-con

We've looked at

Renault Megane 2.0TCE Couple - Test driven but found the steering lacked feel
Hyundai Coupe SIII 2.0
Toyota Celica

I suggested a Ford Focus or a Golf V but didn't like the looks (kids today)

Any other suggestions?

[Ekona]

£5K puts him into a 350Z, or an RX8.

[Captain Sisko]

Insurance would be too much.

Think the Peugeot RCZ has now appeared on his radar

[Ekona]

Buy a cheap RX8 then, and spend the rest on insurance

[Captain Sisko]

Was looking at Alfa GTV's and then was like I want as seen a few of the V6 Bussos pop up