Should I? Shouldn't I?

[CharlieRomeo]

Hello VX chaps,

I'm new and I want to get your advice in regard to my next potential buy. I currently own a Civic Type-R and before that was a Lotus Elise S1.

I've had the Civic for 2 and a half years now and my feet are itching for a change. I really long for a proper sports car again but having eventually regretted the 'Elise' experience I was hoping you could get me up to speed on what to expect from a VX220.

I'll just clarify what I didn't like about the elise.

1) Way too thrashy in nature to enjoy day to day.
2) The road and wind noise were abysmal.
3) The rear window started to make a bid to escape from the chassis and started a freeform jazz rattle and shake.
4) The servicing costs quoted by my local dealer were quite frankly mental (C service - £800!!)
5) Gear change was horrid.


There is nothing wrong with my Honda but do you think I would regret going from that to the VX? I know the VX is still a proper drivers car but is it civilised enough to drive day to day? Will it eventually irritate me like the elise did?

I need an honest opinion guys so can you help?

>>> Edited by CharlieRomeo on Tuesday 15th February 17:35

[Plotloss]

1) The VXT is very lazy for a 4 banger, much more V8 in its delivery so you dont need to wrings its neck like the Elise.
2) Cant really comment, not enough info as yet...
3) VX still built by Lotus so its not going to be germanic quality.
4) VX is £180 odd all the way through
5) Gear change still not great but better than the Elise.

[DanL]

CharlieRomeo said:

2) The road and wind noise were abysmal.

I'll answer the one Plotloss couldn't. It is noisier than a 'regular' car, but (compared to the S1/S2 Elises I test drove) it's much more civilised.

You looking at a 2.2 or a turbo, BTW?

Matt - you've probably already seen it, but clicky. Probably fits your desired spec - bit of a hike, mind.

Dan

[CharlieRomeo]

Thanks Plotloss, appreciate the feedback. Just looking at the engine capacity it suggests it would pull pretty well, more torque than power, but I haven't had the opportunity to drive a Vauxhall with it in.

As far as build quality I wouldn't expect anything Audi TT from the car. The Honda isn't the last word in quality, but I think as long as it has a 'solidity' about it i'll be happy.

I'm looking at an NA as I don't need anything too powerful to be honest. Most of the time I just pootle about in the civic as I feel a bit of a tool caning it about. Am I soft or what?!!!

>> Edited by CharlieRomeo on Tuesday 15th February 17:53

[DanL]

CharlieRomeo said:

I'm looking at an NA as I don't need anything too powerful to be honest. Most of the time I just pootle about in the civic as I feel a bit of a tool caning it about. Am I soft or what?!!!

Heh - well, I drive a BM these days, so I can't really comment! The NA's a good car - solidly built, reliable, cheap to run/service/insure. I really wanted an Elise when I got the VX, but there was no comparison - from the test drives, it quickly became obvious that the VX would be much easier to live with day to day.

Being a 2.2 it doesn't need the arse spanking off it to shift, whereas I found the Elise really needed to be revved.

Take one for a spin - you'll either be totally sold, or put off the idea!

You might want to click here too.

Dan

[Plotloss]

Yeah saw that Dan.

Have an RAC inspection booked with one in Chester on Thursday afternoon so if that comes off I'll have it at the weekend.

Black, AMD Stage 2. Its come up clean as a whistle on HPI so hopefully...

I cant wait!

[plipton]

Mine leaks a bit (being sorted tomorrow I hope) but apart from that it's great. Not the easiest car to get out of AND maintain any dignity though

Matt, You managed to fit in a VX ok then?

Plipton

[charlieromeo]

Well it's all sounding very convincing guys, even spoken to the wife and it's all positive!!

So back to the topic. If you are cruising at 70mph, as everyone does I hope , how fast is the engine running? Also if a sports exhaust has been fitted is it as boomy as the elise one was?

I might pop down to a local dealer and have a poke about in one. My local dealers prices quite frankly are a joke so I'll try to blag a drive and then get one privately if I decide to take the plung.

[TangoAlpha]

charlieromeo said:

If you are cruising at 70mph, as everyone does I hope , how fast is the engine running?

IIRC, somewhere between 3000 and 3500rpm

charlieromeo said:

Also if a sports exhaust has been fitted is it as boomy as the elise one was?

Standard fit is quite quiet. There are several after-market versions, each with it's own qualities. Come along to a VX meet and you'll have the chance to hear some.

[DanL]

Plotloss said:

Yeah saw that Dan. Have an RAC inspection booked with one in Chester on Thursday afternoon so if that comes off I'll have it at the weekend. Black, AMD Stage 2. Its come up clean as a whistle on HPI so hopefully... I cant wait!

Sounds very sweet. Black would be my colour of choice with a VXT too.

Dan

[c3 gtk]

Moonland is the only colour worth buying

I have had mine almost a year now and have enjoyed every moment.