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Post by Humph on Aug 26, 2020 16:20:27 GMT
You buy an Alfa convertible and I predict: 1. You'll still be driving the Mercedes all the time 2. You'll have a MINI Clubman shaped driveway ornament Tricky one what to spend money on. All hot hatches will have had their fair share of abuse otherwise why have one ? Would you not prefer something wafty ? Like a mid-70s two door saloon Jaaaag or Daimler ? Give the impression you use the main entrance of the house rather than the tradesman's entrance. Otherwise, I'd put the money away for when the Mercedes needs replacing, that will pay for a sunroof and a few extras off the options list. I pretend my Merc is a sports car when the roof is open. I also have to pretend it has a sporty engine that I'm just choosing not to exploit...🤓 |
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Post by Humph on Aug 26, 2020 16:26:45 GMT
He forgot the condom and is going to spend the next 18+ years saving up to buy an Alfa convertible at the first chance to relive his carefree years when he still had colour in his hair or any hair. It is one of those highly observable and frankly, mildly depressing facts of life, that most convertibles seem to be driven by middle aged bald guys or "larger" middle aged ladies with dyed blond hair. 🤔 |
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WDB
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Post by WDB on Aug 26, 2020 17:29:21 GMT
...because they’re bought as toys, and young people spend what would be their toy budget on smashed avocados and rent.
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Post by EspadaIII on Aug 26, 2020 20:28:35 GMT
Something wacko then -- Subaru SVX? Not this one - the walnut dash is dire.. Subaru SVX |
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Post by Humph on Aug 26, 2020 21:06:19 GMT
You can just about get a Boxster for £5000. Maybe even one that goes.
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Post by EspadaIII on Aug 26, 2020 22:11:29 GMT
I think one of the words I used was reliable...
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Rob
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Post by Rob on Aug 26, 2020 22:35:41 GMT
… Espada is the answer surely.  Don't keep too long before it costs money. The Mk6 was an improved version of the Mk5 - mainly to make it cheaper to build. But the Mk7 was much better. Seriously though a Golf makes no sense with your other cars. You want something fun Can't help but think a Lotus would be fun. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 26, 2020 23:03:45 GMT
You don't often see the words Lotus and reliable in the same post. Pretty to look at the Evora though mixed reviews for reliability.
I didn't know they were 51% owned by Geely, some scope for electrification then with Volvo and Polestar on the same team.
If you're looking at SVX then there might still be a Honda Leg End out there that hasn't been to Mars and back.
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Post by dixinormus on Aug 26, 2020 23:13:21 GMT
Best of both worlds: a Golf convertible?!
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Rob
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Post by Rob on Aug 27, 2020 0:02:01 GMT
I forgot about the reliable requirement. I can think of a lot of fun different cars but I know they will be expensive.
IF you get rid of the Mini then newer more fun options surely to consider? Maybe just a JCW Mini?
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Post by EspadaIII on Aug 27, 2020 5:57:16 GMT
The last Espada I saw was 130,000 Euros. The one belonging to Harry Metcalfe (Harry's Garage on YouTube) must be worth double. The year long refresh at Iain Tyrell cost him £28,000.
I'd love one but I'd need to sell the children and Espadrille. Besides, it's almost bigger in floor area than the Merc.
Golf convertible... hmmm. Probably the best hatchback based drophead.
Honda Accord Coupe? But I don't play golf....
Honda Beat? Those I loved. Or Suzuki Cappuccino?
Got months before the money arrives...
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Post by Humph on Aug 27, 2020 7:11:10 GMT
I occasionally think I might want another Westfield, or even a Caterham if I was feeling flush. But the then I think "what's the point?" When I had my Westfield I lived in the Scottish Borders at a time when there were no speed cameras, and very light traffic with fantastic driving roads on my doorstep.
Now, living in a camera festooned and traffic heavy part of the country, there seems little future, or potential pleasure in owning such a car.
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Post by dixinormus on Aug 27, 2020 8:20:44 GMT
Not much point in owning any fancy car if, in addition to Humph’s list of woes, we’re all largely confined to home for the next 18-24 months...
I’d look to upgrade the Merc, Esp, or better still put the 5 grand into a home cinema or a spa pool!!!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2020 8:27:51 GMT
I wouldn't give up just yet Humph though you have to be very particular in what you choose.
Hot hatch drivers get a bad rep though from the other side of the steering wheel it's amazing how Jekyll and Hyde the repmobile driver is when they see anything remotely sporty. Competitive Gran doesn't come close, they will drive on the wrong side of the road to stop anyone overtaking.
Something with around 300 horsepower, optionally with all wheel drive and as anonymous as a Honda Accord can be fun which is why I suggested a Honda Legend. 3.5 V6, auto to waft along and AWD with just under 300 horsepower to let rip when the mood/occasion/opportunity takes you. Nobody is any the wiser.
The one thing I really don't like about my Focus is the nitrous Blue paintwork, it sticks out like a sore thumb and draws the attention of the bellends. It's why I've gone for my next car in a colour available across the range and had all the badges removed. It could be a 3 cylinder 1.0 125 horsepower ST-line, only the exhaust pipes give it away which no one can see in their rear view mirror.
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Post by Humph on Aug 27, 2020 8:38:47 GMT
It's quite possibly a function of my advancing years, but to be honest, mostly I'm just happy now to waft along in my sedate estate, sunroof open if possible, while trying to ignore the outside world unless they present a hazard to me. I get my adrenaline fixes on my mountain bike instead.
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Don't keep too long before it costs money.