What car thread?
Discussion
Well having lived a cold turkey (lurking)exsistance for the last five years, not having any horse power worth mentioning other than in a tractor, i'm going to go against all common sense and buy something thats NOT for the farm, but fun.
My problem is i have to travel quite a distance on deserted high country gravel roads.Fine flat out in a Hilux, but i'm prepared to go steady on the loose and make up for it on the tar seal.Just ground clearance will be an issue, so no XTR2 i'm afraid.
Here's my thoughts at the mo....bare in mind it has no logic,but don't want to buy new just to get it gravel rashed and bullet ridden(it will i'm afraid)
Honda S2000(for the engine alone plus a six speed)?
Boxster/968cs/993?Had Porsche, great ownership experience but its a bit girly?
Evo 6,7,8?
imprezzi wrxstira?
here's the odd ball....XR6turbo ute?Ultimate slideways experience with a good 300horse and tax deductable!!!!
sad choice...MX5,again, six speed, light nimble and bullet proof?
I guess from an engineering point of view, no GRP or ali sills but sump guards and tank guards can be made.
Your thoughts greatly appreciated petrolheads?
ps...moving to town and buying a 360cs isn't an option...yet
My problem is i have to travel quite a distance on deserted high country gravel roads.Fine flat out in a Hilux, but i'm prepared to go steady on the loose and make up for it on the tar seal.Just ground clearance will be an issue, so no XTR2 i'm afraid.
Here's my thoughts at the mo....bare in mind it has no logic,but don't want to buy new just to get it gravel rashed and bullet ridden(it will i'm afraid)
Honda S2000(for the engine alone plus a six speed)?
Boxster/968cs/993?Had Porsche, great ownership experience but its a bit girly?
Evo 6,7,8?
imprezzi wrxstira?
here's the odd ball....XR6turbo ute?Ultimate slideways experience with a good 300horse and tax deductable!!!!
sad choice...MX5,again, six speed, light nimble and bullet proof?
I guess from an engineering point of view, no GRP or ali sills but sump guards and tank guards can be made.
Your thoughts greatly appreciated petrolheads?
ps...moving to town and buying a 360cs isn't an option...yet
Edited by pawsmcgraw on Wednesday 23 August 10:17
I'd go for one of the Japanese turbo 4 options if only for the 4WD on gravel. You won't feel as bad about beating it up either. The S2000 can be hairy in the dry and might be nigh on deadly on gravel. What about a Golf R32 or new Audi S3? They're fun but you won't get too attached (far too teutonic for that).
Mk2 Escort BDA 
Or a 4wd turbonuttermobile. I came very very close to buying an STi-RA, Evo's tend to be more expensive but some people prefer them - I'd go for an STi over an Evo every time, mainly because of the sound, performance is pretty similiar. (0-100kph in low to mid 5's for both).
If you go for an STi make sure its an R or RA, they're the ones with the DCCD (driver controlled centre diff) which is 64R/36F base torque split and much much more fun
Or a 4wd turbonuttermobile. I came very very close to buying an STi-RA, Evo's tend to be more expensive but some people prefer them - I'd go for an STi over an Evo every time, mainly because of the sound, performance is pretty similiar. (0-100kph in low to mid 5's for both).
If you go for an STi make sure its an R or RA, they're the ones with the DCCD (driver controlled centre diff) which is 64R/36F base torque split and much much more fun
Edited by GravelBen on Wednesday 23 August 11:44
From what I've read about the Golf R32 its an overweight, underpowered understeering barge compared to the rally-reps (STi/Evo), sure its got a few more luxury bits but I get the impression you're looking for something that primarily FUN.
How about a 944 turbo, and maybe spend a bit making it quicker?
How about a 944 turbo, and maybe spend a bit making it quicker?
If you want something more practical than an XTR2, I've always wanted a Stratos 
(replica) .
My daily is a STi Bug-eye. I haven't gravelled it much compared to the GT-Four's from a few years back but it is easier keep the power down in a straight line and also rotate when you want to.
4WD Turbos took a little time getting familiar with on the loose stuff when pedalling quick but they are also the most confidence inspiring things I've ever driven for ordinary day-to-day driving.
(replica) . My daily is a STi Bug-eye. I haven't gravelled it much compared to the GT-Four's from a few years back but it is easier keep the power down in a straight line and also rotate when you want to.
4WD Turbos took a little time getting familiar with on the loose stuff when pedalling quick but they are also the most confidence inspiring things I've ever driven for ordinary day-to-day driving.
R32 blow away an S2000?Is that right, as my experiences , albeit feel and not against the clock say the opposite.944 turbo is a great car, had an S2 many years back and i still remember it went very well.There seems to be a thing with Porsches in this place all been autos too.Only found one 968 that wasn't auto out of about 10.
Feeling a jap nutter turbo might be the way for max fun too.I'm guessing the wrx comes out way more reliable than the evo like for like?....i feel an evo 6.5 coming calling for the looks and rush alone.Might need to carry a few gerry cans in the boot out here though.
cheers
Feeling a jap nutter turbo might be the way for max fun too.I'm guessing the wrx comes out way more reliable than the evo like for like?....i feel an evo 6.5 coming calling for the looks and rush alone.Might need to carry a few gerry cans in the boot out here though.
cheers
pawsmcgraw said:
Feeling a jap nutter turbo might be the way for max fun too.I'm guessing the wrx comes out way more reliable than the evo like for like?....i feel an evo 6.5 coming calling for the looks and rush alone.Might need to carry a few gerry cans in the boot out here though.
cheers
Both should be ok if looked after, but Evo requires much more frequent servicing, and due to fancy electronicised bits like active yaw control I think you have to change trans fluid in them every time too. Mitsis in general have more of a reputation for breaking than Subarus (or Toyota, or Nissan for that matter) though. The STi is more of a mechanical AWD system than the Evo which is more computerised.
Whereabouts are you? I know people who get ~500km per tank from STis when cruising, obviously that goes through the floor when you give it ye olde gumboot though. Not sure about Evo drinking habits, but theres a dealer here in Dunedin who specialises in jap turbonutter stuff (JSL motors in kaikorai valley), he'd be a good guy to talk to about relative merits of them.
As another jap turbo suggestion, how about a Skyline GTR? a bit bigger than STi/Evo and not quite as nimble, but 2.6 twin turbo straight-six, fast and more of a RWD feel than most AWD systems I'm told.
Yeah, Skylines, especially mine (GTS-4, four wheel drive), do feel like rear wheel drive cars pretty much all the time and it is easy to get the back out too (usually only goes out when you want it to, so it isn't really that unpredictable). The exhaust note is to die for - Inline 6 for the win!
If you're thinking of an Aussie ute, i'd go for the FPV Tornado (basically a mental version of the XR6 Turbo ute). But otherwise an EVO or WRX would be good enough, but common as something very common.
If you're thinking of an Aussie ute, i'd go for the FPV Tornado (basically a mental version of the XR6 Turbo ute). But otherwise an EVO or WRX would be good enough, but common as something very common.
xtr2, what distance and k's per ltr can you get out of your sti?I see they are plentiful and easy to run over here.Another thing too.Does anyone know if ,providing your not driving hard with loads of throttle, would an sti manage to limp to the fuel station on low octance petrol without detonating or throwing an engine light?I'm all for high octane, but i'll have to buy it in bulk out here as its a long way to the nearest fill up point.Loads of 91 here though.
We're about 70kms into the high country from Queenstown,but not so much planning on going flat out over the gravel, more spirited driving and fun on the empy west otago/central back roads.There are still a few where the cops don't lurk(having said that i'll go get pinged now!)
Has anyone driven the Ettrick Heriot road?Its a huge climb, twisty tar seal, and imo probably one of the best roads i've driven on in the southern hemisphere.And theres hardly ever anyone on it....the odd mob of sheep maybe.
Evo/STI joint first choice....off to buy this next week , as long as we're not snowed in AGAIN.
We're about 70kms into the high country from Queenstown,but not so much planning on going flat out over the gravel, more spirited driving and fun on the empy west otago/central back roads.There are still a few where the cops don't lurk(having said that i'll go get pinged now!)
Has anyone driven the Ettrick Heriot road?Its a huge climb, twisty tar seal, and imo probably one of the best roads i've driven on in the southern hemisphere.And theres hardly ever anyone on it....the odd mob of sheep maybe.
Evo/STI joint first choice....off to buy this next week , as long as we're not snowed in AGAIN.
pawsmcgraw said:
xtr2, what distance and k's per ltr can you get out of your sti?
I try to avoid doing the calcs because it would only depress me
If I run it until the light is on (and pray I make it to the next BP) I'll have done 380-400 km and it will cost $85-$90 to fill up on 98.
She likes 98, will run on 96 OK, but I wouldn't want to try 91. It might be possible to get it re-tuned / re-mapped for 91 but I've never asked the question for fear of getting b
h slapped. pawsmcgraw said:
R32 blow away an S2000?Is that right, as my experiences , albeit feel and not against the clock say the opposite.944 turbo is a great car, had an S2 many years back and i still remember it went very well.There seems to be a thing with Porsches in this place all been autos too.Only found one 968 that wasn't auto out of about 10.
Feeling a jap nutter turbo might be the way for max fun too.I'm guessing the wrx comes out way more reliable than the evo like for like?....i feel an evo 6.5 coming calling for the looks and rush alone.Might need to carry a few gerry cans in the boot out here though.
cheers
Feeling a jap nutter turbo might be the way for max fun too.I'm guessing the wrx comes out way more reliable than the evo like for like?....i feel an evo 6.5 coming calling for the looks and rush alone.Might need to carry a few gerry cans in the boot out here though.
cheers
You might have to sit down for this lol……..All I can say is what ever makes your heart sink when you see the car you like or drive, but I get the feeling you still have a passion for european cars too. Cars are a real personal taste and only you will know what puts a smile on ya dial
The good thing about Jap/Aussie cars, if they break down most garages can fix them and they run on most stuff. The downside (I might get slapped for this) is that there are trucks loads of them around
Or as my husband says they are cliter—s cars, every Cu-ts got one…..sorry!! Part of the experience having something different, as you well know makes for great conversation and something to be proud of when arriving at the mates place for dinner etc (if that’s the direction your heading in??). The only thing that will change to the weekly/monthly shopping list will be to send the wife/kids down to the garage for a few drums of 96/98 to be hauled on the back of the Hilux… Lol – that’s if your going to go euro!. If you’re a bit a wrencher well then looking after your car won’t be so bad, parts may just take a little longer to arrive, that’s not such a bad thing either as good things take time eh!
Anyway I hear those $250K tractors down there have fridges, awesome sound systems and go pretty good in the gravel
Anyway back to work, you guys are a bad influence, I will get the sack one of these days!
How about some more requirements? What are the most important factors for you?
For example, I think of Evos and WRXs as fast everyday cars, not the sort of thing I lust after for a quick cross-country blast.
Is fuel consumption high on the list? Does it have to be tax deductable? Are you concerned about depreciation? Do you want a car that is not going to lose money but perhaps make it?
List your ideal qualities and then we'll be able to come up with more useful ideas!
By the way, nothing sad with MX5s - great cars to drive!
For example, I think of Evos and WRXs as fast everyday cars, not the sort of thing I lust after for a quick cross-country blast.
Is fuel consumption high on the list? Does it have to be tax deductable? Are you concerned about depreciation? Do you want a car that is not going to lose money but perhaps make it?
List your ideal qualities and then we'll be able to come up with more useful ideas!
By the way, nothing sad with MX5s - great cars to drive!
Great replies folks!So much choice and yet so undecided.
Well the most important factor i guess has to be that i want to own it.We have plenty of internal combustion engines around on our place, but to be honest they're just tools.(and yeah, tractors do have fridges now....which is great if your in Aus)Please get rid of this snow!!!
Been reliable is also an issue as a break down here is perhaps a tad more than inconvienient.But then again theres probably more chance of the nut behind the wheel failing and crashing it
Running costs are not too much of an issue, but again, the hassle of carting drums of fuel isn't exciting, especially at evo/hard driving usage.
Another plus is i only need two seats, theres only two of us and most people(actually everyone)would rather talk about a new John Deere than opposite lock...or bloody sheep, so what anyone else around here thinks is of no importance whatsoever.
Anyhow, i'll see what appears in the right colour on the trade me screen this weekend.
Many thanks for your thoughts too.
Never have i seen so many auto Porsches in one country.Are Kiwis just anti manual or what?
Well the most important factor i guess has to be that i want to own it.We have plenty of internal combustion engines around on our place, but to be honest they're just tools.(and yeah, tractors do have fridges now....which is great if your in Aus)Please get rid of this snow!!!
Been reliable is also an issue as a break down here is perhaps a tad more than inconvienient.But then again theres probably more chance of the nut behind the wheel failing and crashing it
Running costs are not too much of an issue, but again, the hassle of carting drums of fuel isn't exciting, especially at evo/hard driving usage.
Another plus is i only need two seats, theres only two of us and most people(actually everyone)would rather talk about a new John Deere than opposite lock...or bloody sheep, so what anyone else around here thinks is of no importance whatsoever.
Anyhow, i'll see what appears in the right colour on the trade me screen this weekend.
Many thanks for your thoughts too.
Never have i seen so many auto Porsches in one country.Are Kiwis just anti manual or what?
pawsmcgraw said:
Never have i seen so many auto Porsches in one country.Are Kiwis just anti manual or what?
I blame the JAFAs!
but other than that I have no idea, maybe the people who buy them for pose value object to spending that much money on a car that doesn't change its own gears?
It seems somewhat odd, because most of the people I know, at the lower end of the car value spectrum (like me) who still like cars wouldn't touch an auto with a bargepole.
All great suggestions...
I have to disagree over the EVO's reliability. When they first came out I owned an EVO before they were consumated by the teen's. It was a solid car with no issues. As they got used more by the teen's we noticed the Subies breaking gearboxes melting pistons etc. I do beleive (like Grahams STi) that a well serviced, looked after STi would be a reliable car but don't think they are more reliable than the EVO. I'm sure you's find more Subi's on TM that have had repairs than EVO's...just a guess? I would personally buy an EVO over a WRX and wasn't happy using the WRX in the Saker but it's the more sensible option in that application. Either the EVo or WRX will represent great bang for bang, be fun to drive but too easy, very safe down south and relatively easy to have serviced.
The S2000 I have never driven but from what I've been told they're a pure rev machine. Not my cuppa tea.
The Porsches are a great ownership experience and after owning a 911S, 993 C2, 944S2 and lastly the 911 Turbo in some ways the club atmosphere, Porsche invites etc I almost miss more than the cars themselves. I still plan to own a Porsche again. In alot of ways their advertising is so true "There's the moment you know you want one, there's the moment you own one and for the truly afflicted the decade or two in between". I'm sure you'd love a Boxster as they are a very competant car. I love the EVO's as they're a rapid car but I'd rather be driving over the Rimituka's and through Wairapa in a Boxster than an EVO etc with my wife...on my own...now that's another story. Your biggest problem with the Porsches will be depreciation from the gravel rash and servicing them somewhere. If you buy a good example with a FULL PPI you should only need to get it done once or twice a year.
The GTR Godzilla is my Jap favourite. Always wanted one never brought one. There's 2 tidy R32's on TM
www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Nissan/auction-67294453.htm
www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Nissan/auction-66636092.htm
and would make for a fun car and a classic for the future if kept standard. The red one belongs to Soichi from ST HiTec and he is regarded as one of the best GTR tuners in NZ.
I don't know what I'd buy if I was you as I don't drive your roads or know your driving style, circumstances etc. If it was me I'd probably go for a Boxster or GTR... Good luck
I have to disagree over the EVO's reliability. When they first came out I owned an EVO before they were consumated by the teen's. It was a solid car with no issues. As they got used more by the teen's we noticed the Subies breaking gearboxes melting pistons etc. I do beleive (like Grahams STi) that a well serviced, looked after STi would be a reliable car but don't think they are more reliable than the EVO. I'm sure you's find more Subi's on TM that have had repairs than EVO's...just a guess? I would personally buy an EVO over a WRX and wasn't happy using the WRX in the Saker but it's the more sensible option in that application. Either the EVo or WRX will represent great bang for bang, be fun to drive but too easy, very safe down south and relatively easy to have serviced.
The S2000 I have never driven but from what I've been told they're a pure rev machine. Not my cuppa tea.
The Porsches are a great ownership experience and after owning a 911S, 993 C2, 944S2 and lastly the 911 Turbo in some ways the club atmosphere, Porsche invites etc I almost miss more than the cars themselves. I still plan to own a Porsche again. In alot of ways their advertising is so true "There's the moment you know you want one, there's the moment you own one and for the truly afflicted the decade or two in between". I'm sure you'd love a Boxster as they are a very competant car. I love the EVO's as they're a rapid car but I'd rather be driving over the Rimituka's and through Wairapa in a Boxster than an EVO etc with my wife...on my own...now that's another story. Your biggest problem with the Porsches will be depreciation from the gravel rash and servicing them somewhere. If you buy a good example with a FULL PPI you should only need to get it done once or twice a year.
The GTR Godzilla is my Jap favourite. Always wanted one never brought one. There's 2 tidy R32's on TM
www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Nissan/auction-67294453.htm
www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Nissan/auction-66636092.htm
and would make for a fun car and a classic for the future if kept standard. The red one belongs to Soichi from ST HiTec and he is regarded as one of the best GTR tuners in NZ.
I don't know what I'd buy if I was you as I don't drive your roads or know your driving style, circumstances etc. If it was me I'd probably go for a Boxster or GTR... Good luck
Edited by Kiwi Carguy on Friday 25th August 22:47
If you decide to buy an EVO I'd go for a TM6.5 or a EVO7
If I was to buy a WRX it would be a 22B for sheer exclusitivity. There's been a couple for sale lately on TM.
www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Subaru/auction-66024798.htm
the other I can't find but was at Collins Auto's IIRC.
If I was to buy a WRX it would be a 22B for sheer exclusitivity. There's been a couple for sale lately on TM.
www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Subaru/auction-66024798.htm
the other I can't find but was at Collins Auto's IIRC.
Edited by Kiwi Carguy on Friday 25th August 22:56
www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Mitsubishi/auction-63666863.htm
time to smash the piggy bank open i does feel
she'll do!
time to smash the piggy bank open i does feel
she'll do!
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