Planning new car - Help needed!

[Zak33]

S2000

the more I think the more it shouts at me...

its shouts "Jiff......come squeeze my 240 bhp through my rear wheels big boy"

No VX220 N/A is dead......stupid people at Vauxhall wanted the 200bhp turbo....and god its fast.....but its not.....right

Wish you could drive one to see.....

Someone might have an unregistered one somewhere...

[TomWilko]

S2000

the more I think the more it shouts at me...

its shouts "Jiff......come squeeze my 240 bhp through my rear wheels big boy"

......Nice wheels!!!

Nissan 350z?

[Moby-Dick]

The 350z comes in as over bidget , but IIRC Mr Lemon didn't like it ( even though it more or less fits the criteria and I will be very envious of him )

[TiG]

BMW Z3?
Alfa GTV? (FWD i think tho and quite possibly old?)
Alfa GT - YUMMY and very mean heh.
Porsches - many different opportunities although 2nd hand in your price range....
Hyundai Coupe?
Mazda New MX5?
Mercedes SLK?

TiG

[Lowe]

Lack of steering lock? Pah, you think you're going to leave it anywhere? C'mon, be sensible you're not going to leave a 25k *fun* car like a Westy or a VX anywhere so leaving a Clio would be no problem steering lock or otherwise.

Anyhoo I thought the phase 2's had this sorted?

[Jiff Lemon]

Zak - Will probably take a Turbo one for a buzz, but I'm not a fan of turbos and RWD (and yes, I know the Cappo is RWD and turbo!). S2000's too expensive They start at 27k! Shame cos my mate has one and tis LUSH!

TiG - New MX5! How could I forget! but NO FWD!! Tis the work of satan and I want fun - Fun=Rwd.

Lowe - Didn't realise there was a phase 2, but by steering lock I mean turning from lock to lock, not physical anti theft device! Have a look at the turning circle - Artic lorries have better!

[Moby-Dick]

get a 350z - you know you want to

[Lowe]

Oh yeah the turning circle is a little on the large side, but then with a track as wide as the Clio's is it any suprise? Doesn't mean it's difficult to drive as I'm sure you know.

Yes there's a phase 2 and it's bloody gorgeous.

A fully revamped chassis is complemented by an entirely new top end to the V6 powerplant resulting in 255bhp at 7,150rpm. Top speed is 153mph, with a 0-62mph time of just 5.8 seconds, while the six-speed gearbox has been up-rated specifically for this model.

The Clio Renaultsport V6 255 is a true sports performer and as such has already managed to bowl over the UK’s top motoring journalists - BBC‘Top Gear’ presenter Jeremy Clarkson saying:
“In my perfect 10 car garage I would definitely have one of these – no question”

Pics:

http://www.autotudos.hu/kep_het_kep_..._v6_3_nagy.jpg
http://www.autotudos.hu/kep_het_kep_..._v6_7_nagy.jpg
http://www.autotudos.hu/kep_het_kep_..._v6_2_nagy.jpg


Specs:

Engine
24-valve, 6-cylinder in 60 degree Vee formation

Capacity
2946cc

Max Output
255bhp & 7,150rpm

Max Torque
300Nm ISO @ 4,650rpm

Gearbox
6-speed manual

Speed (approx.)
0-62mph: 5.8 seconds

Top speed
153mph

Brakes Front
330mm Ventilated Disks with Four-Piston AP Front Calipers

Brakes Rear
300mm Ventilated Disks with Two-Piston Calipers

Wheels
front 7Jx18in, rear 8.5Jx18in

Tyres
front 205/40 R18, rear 245/40 R18

New colours in the phase 2 as well - yellow, red, grey (look mint) and the old black blue and silver.


If that doesn't get the pulse raised a little not a lot will

[XTR]

There was a W reg S2000 on the cliosport forums for sale the other day for £17k.... Very smart...

I'd personally get an RX8 or 350Z as they are lovely cars.... Mind you... i'd love to have a go of the V6 clio like lowe suggested.... mmmmmm

[Lowe]

Thing is the RX8, S2000 et all are nice, very impressive specs etc.. but they don't scream LOOK AT ME, I A BAD M********R!

They just look like any other coupe / jap convertible. I see countless S2000s and RX8s around here. I've seen 3 Clio V6's ever, and never a phase2!

[Rave]

I know you said you want to buy new but....but...



1997 P Reg Lotus Esprit 2.0 GT3
Petrol, Manual 6 speed, Silver Metallic, 60,500 miles, 2 Doors. full service history, just had 60K service with cambelt change, alarm and immobiliser, air con, leather, 275 BHP, 0-60 in 5.2 seconds, 170MPH supercar (STOCK NO:86) £15,000.

or



1991 LOTUS CARLTON
100,000 miles, Imperial Green. Full Black Leather, Cat 1 Alarm And Immobiliser, Full Vauxhall Lotus History. Totally Original RHD Example Of The Truly Awesome Lotus Carlton.£14995

I know they'll cost you a load more to run than something like an RX-8 or S2000, but they'll depreciate less. I wouldn't want to drive a car that's merely great when I could afford something extraordinary!

There are a few Honda NSXs around for £25kish too.

Rich :¬)

[Zak33]

VX220 turbo shouldn't bother you in the Turbo/RWD stakes cos these babies dont lag.....really.....they are easy and predictable.....and monster monster fast. Really devastating power delivery.

BUT I dont like them cos they've been "softened" in relation to 2.216v originals....its mine and my colleagues opinion, and it was decided by both of us with no discussion on a very short trial each. Its just not HARD enough...but no doubt that is sortable.

Have rang my friend at Monorep and he's been out of 2.2's new for a long time.

Possibly Lance Owen (several branches) cos they do well with them and own a lot...but its gonna be a demo or used car.

However.....after that.....please dont do the BMW thing

SLK? the Compressor models are nice....I personally love the 6 cylinder ones but not immensely fast. The VX Turbo would literally DESTROY it.

One last though.....

Lightning should be about a year away.

[Vimeous]

1) Lotus Elise - Already rejected, K series engine just fills me with horror.
2) VX220 - However, they only seem to do turbo now?
3) Toyota MR2 - Seem a little under powered.
4) Mazda RX8 - hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
5) Kit car or something similar (Caterham ruled out - Also uses K Series engine)

Read the motoring press more often Jiff!

New Elise has Toyota VVTi motor from Corolla T-Sport. 190bhp
Zak is VX220 know-it-all (see previous comments lol) but hell it's a lovely car.
MR2 - Turbo version with 195bhp not far off.
RX8 - Apparently engine gets alot stronger around 10k miles.
S2000 - Second-Hand?
NSX - Second-Hand (ok pipe-dream but there are H-reg ones out there)
Noble M12 - Second-hand ofc
Z3 M Roadster - TiG's influence here but 349bhp?! Big 'ole arse out and good value. (Also looks WAY BAD for Lowe to be happy )
Boxster - Easy S/H but a bit underpowered if not an S.

EDIT

I must appologise for this but I completely forgot about a certain Monaro although Zak, what is the expected price? Maybe a little comfortable though hehe

ANOTHER EDIT

Kits cars....
Ever though about these guys: http://www.daxcars.co.uk/start.htm
They do some lovely litle 'runarounds'.
Or
http://www.grinnallcars.com/content/home/home.html

[5lab]

volvo c70 convirtable??

a4 convirtable?
bimmer z4/3series coupe/whatever?
hrmm

[headbrace]

The RX-8 is a lovely machine, and not too pricey, but you cant get hold of one for ages, and the torque is a bit lacking.
As for hardcore kit style cars, how about an Ariel Atom? Look swish, aren't too expensive, and go like the clappers cos they weigh about as much as an apple.

Oh, BTW whats happening to the cappucino?

[5lab]

porshe boxter, you could get a ~2yrold one for that