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A friend has just visited, driving a jag xf loaner. He couldn't wait to get his skoda superb back - he found it much more family friendly, and easier to drive.
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“Not a huge fan of peugeot, but I did rather like the 406 coupe, especially in 3.0 V6.”
Peugeot are very much a hit and miss firm. From the brilliant 205 (pretty much every one of them other than the early 954cc base model) to the well made and very comfy 406 they made some belters and some horrors like the 307, 308, 1007, 407, 408 etc.
Particular soft spot for some of their mild to hot sporty superminis. 106 XSi, 106 GTi, 205 XS, 205 GTi, 306 Dturbo, XSi and GTi-6. All a real joy to hammer down a twisty B road.
Edited by SLO76 on 20/06/2019 at 14:50
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Renault were another hit and miss firm. Ugly and poorly made 70’s rot boxes like the 18 and 20/30 but fantastic driving family cars like the first gen Laguna and brilliant hot hatches like the Clio 16v and 19 16v. They fell again in the naughties with the miserably unreliable second gen Laguna and Megane.
Edited by SLO76 on 20/06/2019 at 14:53
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We had two 306's. I had a 306 Turbo D, which was a hoot and handled better than anything else I've ever driven (not hard after years of Sierra company cars). Needed a new rear heated screen and alarm module under warranty, otherwise fault-free in 65,000+ miles. The original Michelin tyres lasted to 52,000 miles.
We then had a new "end of the line" 1.6 petrol 306 Meridian for 13 years - all it needed (apart from servicing) was exhaust back boxes (lots of short journeys), a battery and temperature sensor.
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Sorry to be a pedant SLO, but the Daihatsu 'Move' and Daihatsu 'Grand Move' were completely different cars. The Move was essentially a 'kei' car, but with a bigger engine (847cc as opposed to >660cc). The Grand Move was a (slightly) more conventional looking thing using the (utterly conventional) underpinnings of the 4th gen Charade. It had a 1.5 or later a 1.6 4 cyl engine.
live.staticflickr.com/912/40930484975_d40c862518_b...g
s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/gallery/DAIHATSUGr...g
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“Sorry to be a pedant SLO, but the Daihatsu 'Move' and Daihatsu 'Grand Move' were completely different cars. The Move was essentially a 'kei' car, but with a bigger engine (847cc as opposed to >660cc). The Grand Move was a (slightly) more conventional looking thing using the (utterly conventional) underpinnings of the 4th gen Charade. It had a 1.5 or later a 1.6 4 cyl engine.”
Yup I know, I quite liked the Move. It was cheap and quirky which is always good and surprisingly entertaining to drive around town. The Grand Move was utterly drab in comparison.
Edited by SLO76 on 20/06/2019 at 18:04
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We then had a new "end of the line" 1.6 petrol 306 Meridian for 13 years - all it needed (apart from servicing) was exhaust back boxes (lots of short journeys), a battery and temperature sensor.
As we are on the 306, I ran a Meridian turbodiesel for 6 years. I wouldn't call it 'fun' but it was good and economical to drive and reliable. Swopped it for my present 207SW (just as big but one 'size' smaller to Peugeot). First impressions were steering less precise (electric, not pump PAS) and higher bonnet line hid more of the road ahead. Otherwise 100% reliable and 10% more economical.
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Delorean probably falls into the "never built a good car" category.
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The 1992 VW Golf Mk III 1.8 CL - 75bhp from a 1.8 motor, utterly basic spec and no anti-roll bars made for a truly glum poverty spec car at a surprisingly high price.
It was overpriced but it was in fairness better than the Mk2 1.6 CL which had even less kit and only 70 bhp (and the troublesome Pierburg carb). At least this had injection.
1990 Ford Escort Mk V - all were terrible especially the lower spec examples. The 1.4 petrol was a slug and wallowed all over the place on a twisting B road.
The early Mk 5's were truly dreadful but the last one just prior to the Focus were actually OK, just a shame it took Ford from 1980 to 1998 to get it right. I used to get 1.4's as hire cars and did not forward to my day out until I got "lucky and was given a 1.6 Ghia for the day in about 1992. It had the new 1.6 Zetec engine but Mr Ford got the gearing so wrong it was impossible to stay in 5th on anything but a level road. In its defence the 1.4 was OK in 5th on the motorway.
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The early Mk 5's were truly dreadful but the last one just prior to the Focus were actually OK, just a shame it took Ford from 1980 to 1998 to get it right. I used to get 1.4's as hire cars and did not forward to my day out until I got "lucky and was given a 1.6 Ghia for the day in about 1992. It had the new 1.6 Zetec engine but Mr Ford got the gearing so wrong it was impossible to stay in 5th on anything but a level road. In its defence the 1.4 was OK in 5th on the motorway.
My first company car was a 1987 mk4 CVH (lean burn) 1.4 Escort. Probably the nosiest most troublesome engine ever (hydraulic tappets that didn't work)? Ford do have a history of not being able to design valve-gear which is quiet. It had to have a new engine before it's first birthday even after I'd told the dealer within a week of delivery there was something wrong with it.
Edited by nick62 on 20/06/2019 at 16:17
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Delorean probably falls into the "never built a good car" category.
Given the company only made one model of car, and wasn't around that long, it is a little unfair to put the DMC12 in here. But yes, it was a poor car. It was a great concept, but poorly executed, and could have been so much better. The handling issues can now be vastly reduced with a (relatively inexpensive) suspension kit. As for the lack of performance, the Douvrin V6 is very tuneable, not to mention the fact that turbo versions of the engine were available with up to 250(ish)bhp, which is a bit of a jump from the standard cars 130bhp.
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The 1992 VW Golf Mk III 1.8 CL - 75bhp from a 1.8 motor, utterly basic spec and no anti-roll bars made for a truly glum poverty spec car at a surprisingly high price.
It was overpriced but it was in fairness better than the Mk2 1.6 CL which had even less kit and only 70 bhp (and the troublesome Pierburg carb). At least this had injection.
1990 Ford Escort Mk V - all were terrible especially the lower spec examples. The 1.4 petrol was a slug and wallowed all over the place on a twisting B road.
The early Mk 5's were truly dreadful but the last one just prior to the Focus were actually OK, just a shame it took Ford from 1980 to 1998 to get it right. I used to get 1.4's as hire cars and did not forward to my day out until I got "lucky and was given a 1.6 Ghia for the day in about 1992. It had the new 1.6 Zetec engine but Mr Ford got the gearing so wrong it was impossible to stay in 5th on anything but a level road. In its defence the 1.4 was OK in 5th on the motorway.
Here’s where it comes down to personal opinion. I much preferred the substantially lighter Mk II 1.6 which had 72bhp (from memory) as it was more nimble and still quicker. Agree totally about the carb issues though, very common on VW’s of the time.
Agree also regards the Escort. Ford accepted their mistake and rushed through several updates starting in 92 and finally creating the car it always should’ve been by 95 in final facelift 16v form. The RS2000 was a gem too. But as you say the early 1.4 was awful in every way.
Edited by SLO76 on 20/06/2019 at 18:10
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Delorean probably falls into the "never built a good car" category.
We may have a winner here.
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Delorean probably falls into the "never built a good car" category.
We may have a winner here.
Then I nominate the Hunslet Scootacar.
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Delorean probably falls into the "never built a good car" category.
We may have a winner here.
Then I nominate the Hunslet Scootacar.
It’s funny though. The Delorean was a car that should’ve been great but failed spectacularly. Let’s be honest, if it wasn’t for the film history would’ve ignored it.
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Delorean probably falls into the "never built a good car" category.
We may have a winner here.
I dunno - time travel's a good as well as a unique feature. Even capable of flying and running on the railway with the right conversion kit! :-)
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“As we are on the 306, I ran a Meridian turbodiesel for 6 years. I wouldn't call it 'fun' but it was good and economical to drive and reliable.”
Surprised to hear you say that. The 306 had probably the best fwd chassis of its time, only really being surpassed by the Focus in 98. The only one I’ve driven that I disliked in any way was the base model 1.4 XN I flogged my sister in law in the late 90’s and that was thanks to the lack of power steering which made it unacceptably heavy at low speeds. Other than that they were great fun whether in 71bhp 1.9 XUD form or 167bhp GTi-6. I loved them.
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? VEB Sachsenring Automobilwerke Zwickau ... makers of the infamous East German Trabant
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? VEB Sachsenring Automobilwerke Zwickau ... makers of the infamous East German Trabant
There are probably a few of the more obscure 'Eastern Bloc' manufacturers which could, like the above, contenders!.
How about Yugo? (though i do remember a young Bruce Willis driving one in Moonlighting!)
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The Peel P50 was a bit of a slug, but actually produced in even fewer numbers than the De Lorean.
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“The Peel P50 was a bit of a slug, but actually produced in even fewer numbers than the De Lorean.”
Yeah, but it makes you smile or laugh which kinda redeems it.
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“How about Yugo? (though i do remember a young Bruce Willis driving one in Moonlighting!)”
Appeared in Dragnet too. Based on old Fiat’s they did have a bit of spirit and were hugely cheap. The more expensive Yugo Sana was kinda appalling though, almost Lada Samara bad.
Edited by SLO76 on 20/06/2019 at 22:47
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? VEB Sachsenring Automobilwerke Zwickau ... makers of the infamous East German Trabant
I saw one in the car park at our local Jardiland garden centre here in France last week - resplendent in that dour grey/beige colour they all seemed to come in.
Have a look at the money being asked for them nowadays;-
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/list/745/
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“As we are on the 306, I ran a Meridian turbodiesel for 6 years. I wouldn't call it 'fun' but it was good and economical to drive and reliable.” Surprised to hear you say that. The 306 had probably the best fwd chassis of its time, only really being surpassed by the Focus in 98. The only one I’ve driven that I disliked in any way was the base model 1.4 XN I flogged my sister in law in the late 90’s and that was thanks to the lack of power steering which made it unacceptably heavy at low speeds. Other than that they were great fun whether in 71bhp 1.9 XUD form or 167bhp GTi-6. I loved them.
So SLO76 is there anything you won't sell? :-] ...... 'I flogged my sister in law in the late 90’s'
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“So SLO76 is there anything you won't sell? :-] ...... 'I flogged my sister in law in the late 90’s'”
I’ll do a real special deal on my 35yr old wife.
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“So SLO76 is there anything you won't sell? :-] ...... 'I flogged my sister in law in the late 90’s'” I’ll do a real special deal on my 35yr old wife.
Is that FSH and 0% PCP?
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“So SLO76 is there anything you won't sell? :-] ...... 'I flogged my sister in law in the late 90’s'” I’ll do a real special deal on my 35yr old wife.
Is that FSH and 0% PCP?
I know the last 7yrs but history unknown before that. 0% credit available on the £0 purchase price. Deal may be revised during next argument to me offering you money to take her away.
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I know the last 7yrs but history unknown before that. 0% credit available on the £0 purchase price. Deal may be revised during next argument to me offering you money to take her away.
I wonder if she reads this?
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I know the last 7yrs but history unknown before that. 0% credit available on the £0 purchase price. Deal may be revised during next argument to me offering you money to take her away.
I wonder if she reads this?
I’ll know shortly...
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Does the £0 purchase price price include free delivery or is it buyer collect?
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Does the £0 purchase price price include free delivery or is it buyer collect?
Will dispatch with all haste
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<< The 306 had probably the best fwd chassis of its time, only really being surpassed by the Focus in 98. >>
I agree. It also had a degree of passive rear steering (allegedly) which I don't think later Pugs have kept. I enjoyed owning it. I merely suggested that if I was after driving 'fun' I might choose something else.
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Wartburg Knight? 2 stroke engine, smoky and noisy,
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Gents, please don't laugh but way back when I bought a FSO polonez, at the time I thought it was great ( it was my first brand new car). I always remember the top gear magazine review of it, quote : "in Poland this is a luxury item.......but so is bread" sort of sumed it up nicely....
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Gents, please don't laugh but way back when I bought a FSO polonez, at the time I thought it was great ( it was my first brand new car). I always remember the top gear magazine review of it, quote : "in Poland this is a luxury item.......but so is bread" sort of sumed it up nicely....
Aah, the Polish Morris marina!. I seem to remember there being a pretty useful pickup version, and that it, along with diesel versions of the polonez, used the ubiquitous Peugeot 1.9 diesel lump, so not all bad!.
And BTW, i had a Lada 1600, complete with opening quarter lights!.
Edited by badbusdriver on 21/06/2019 at 08:21
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“Aah, the Polish Morris marina!. I seem to remember there being a pretty useful pickup version, and that it, along with diesel versions of the polonez, used the ubiquitous Peugeot 1.9 diesel lump, so not all bad!.”
Yup, even FSO got it right once. The Polonez 1.9D pickup was a robust workhorse.
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“And BTW, i had a Lada 1600, complete with opening quarter lights!.”
Quite liked the spartan simplicity of the Riva, especially the early models and the estate.
Edited by SLO76 on 21/06/2019 at 09:29
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What about Hummers?
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What about Hummers?
Awful but redeemed surely by the real life military variant we oft see smashing stuff up wherever the Yanks go both in film and the news.
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What about Hummers?
Awful but redeemed surely by the real life military variant we oft see smashing stuff up wherever the Yanks go both in film and the news.
Always struck me as a deeply flawed design. I mean i'm sure there must be a reason for its proportions, but at what cost?. It is designed to be transport for military personnel, it is huge (something like 2.3 meters wide and 5 meters long), but it only seats 4?. I suppose Yank cars are not noted for good utilisation of space, so why would their military vehicles?.
But on the subject of military vehicles (and continuing my theme of liking cars which are actually pretty rubbish), there is the Russian UAZ 469. Their equivalent of a Landrover (or possibly a Hummer), a vehicle which, like the Lada Niva, can actually still be bought new!. Though now renamed 'Hunter', in much the same way the Landy 90 and 110 were renamed 'Defender'.
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“But on the subject of military vehicles (and continuing my theme of liking cars which are actually pretty rubbish), there is the Russian UAZ 469. Their equivalent of a Landrover (or possibly a Hummer), a vehicle which, like the Lada Niva, can actually still be bought new!. Though now renamed 'Hunter', in much the same way the Landy 90 and 110 were renamed 'Defender'.”
Simple, utilitarian, go anywhere vehicles are always worthy. I like stuff like this too. It’s of the old school of if it works, why change it?
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