New to Dubai - Saying Hi

[matt_knowles]

Hello all,

Moved to Dubai in December and loving it over here so far. I live in the Marina area and work up in DSO.

I'm on my 2nd car in Dubai already, but getting close to going for a 3rd! I bought a Cayman S in February, and although I loved the car, it's just something that ins't suited to most of Dubai's long and straight roads. My commute to work only involved a handful of corners, and then I was sat in 6th gear on a straight road for 20mins. After selling the CS on, I wasn't sure what I wanted but in the end went for the best car my money would allow which was this Golf GTI. It just ticked so many boxes, that it was hard to pass up on (plus gives me extra room to transport a bike in). Its a 2013 model just over 7000km on the clock, in Shadow Blue colour and otherwise full specification. Because of my cash purchase option, I was in a strong position to get a good deal done......and that I did. Now after a months ownership, I'm looking to flip the GTI and get something a bit between the CS and the GTI. Something that is more special than the GTI, but with the easy going nature of it on a day to day basis.

Looking forward to maybe catching up on possibly a few track days, road trips or other car related things in the UAE shortly.

Always been into my cars, and my here is a little snippet of my car history (Don't Laugh!)

1. First Car 1989 Vauxhall Nova 993cc in Blue
2. 1993 Ford Escort 1.3 in Red
3. 1998 Fiat Punto Sporting 1.6 in Blue
4. 1989 Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9 in Silver
5. 1994 Honda Prelude SI VTEC 2.2 (BB4 import) in Red
6. 2006 Vauxhall Vectra SRI 2.0 CDTI in Blue (company car)
7. 2007 Ford Modeo Edge 2.0 TDCI in Black (company car)
8. 2007 Ford Modeo ST Estate 2.2 TDCI in Black (company car)
9. 1999 Peugeot 306 Rallye 2.0 in Black
10. 1999 Ford Fiesta Zetec 1.25 in Green
11. 2006 BMW 325i M Sport 2.5 in Black
12. 2012 Mini Cooper S 1.6 in Grey (company car)
13. First Dubai Car - 2007 Porsche Cayman S 3.4 in Black (manual)
14. Current Car - 2013 VW Golf GTI 2.0 in Blue (DSG)

Few snaps of my previous motors......again, don't laugh!

205 GTI





Honda Prelude





306 Rallye





BMW 325 M Sport





Porsche Cayman S





VW Golf GTI





All the best,

Matt

[Chilli]

Hello mate,

I've also had a couple of the cars you've previously owned....seems a long time ago now.
Can't believe you've left it 7 months to post....appalling behaviour!

[dxbtiger]

Welcome.

My first motor was also a Nova but the firebreathing 1.4 GL version

What you looking to spend on the GTI replacement, I think it sounds like you need something with the proper number of cylinders (8).

[craigdub]

I've not long sold my Golf GTI for something with the correct amount of cylinders also, 6.4 liters make a lovely noise !!

From this,


To this.

[matt_knowles]

Hey guys!

I'm ashamed to admit it, but after all these years browsing about on PH (and occasionally some of the forum's)I didn't notice the Middle East section! haha, sorry!

I have a buyer lined up for the GTI, so it'll be probably going soon. Its replacement?? I'm really struggling with at the moment, so may need to take my time. I've had muscle car thoughts (Mustang, Camaro, Challenger) but i'm not sure if that's just a phase as I blow hot n cold with the idea of owning one. I also like the idea of the BMW Z4MC, but i'll probably have the same frustrations that I had with the CS.

My choice will be limited to a budget of 100k, so throw me some ideas! I need to keep hold of this one a little longer than I have the CS and GTI! haha

Cheers

Matt

[shirt]

welcome matt. where abouts in the marina are you? all the cool kids live there y'know.

100k is a very good budget. from what you describe i would say an m5 v10 would be just the ticket. i'd also advocate a 2 car garage and join in the trackday scene.

head over to the 'what car musings' thread, seems only to be populated by my yearnings these days.

[matt_knowles]

I contemplated the M5, but worried it may be a money pit.

Funny you mentioned the 2 car option......I've thought about that t00. It'd be a great to get into the trackday scene over here, what with 2 great tracks near by!

Ummm, food for thought!

I'm in Bay Central tower, but will be moving somewhere else in December.

[shirt]

i know a few guys with older [2004/5] s55 amgs and rs6's. none have had a massive bill yet.

there's a few US market manual e60 m5's knocking around. a manual box is usually a good sign that the owner possesses a modicum of mechanical sympathy.

also remember that big bills in the history don't neccesarily indicate the car is a knacker. main dealers here are masters at doing work that isn't needed. buy one that has just had a ton of cash spent on it and enjoy for 12-18mths.

just don't go looking for a manual e46 m3, i think that is the answer to my current what car conundrum.

[dxbtiger]

Not looked for a while but what are (my shape) GT500's going for now?

Has Del sold his Vette?

Edit - happy to take you for a spin in mine to see if you like the muscle experience, you could buy 2 with that budget. The newer 5.0 GT will be similar for pace but more refined.

Edited by dxbtiger on Sunday 28th July 19:22

[thb]

From someone who has a strong history of decent European metal, don't go for a Yank muscle car - there's a reason why they're cheap. Handling is poor, brakes are crap and the interiors leave a lot to be desired (Camaro is a disaster). Yes they're great in a straight line, but the poor NVH will grind you down.

M5 V10 would be a good shout, as would an Audi RS model. Alternatively, spend a little money on some Revo tunes on your GTI and you'll be onto a winner - or upgrade to the Golf R, those really respond well to a bit of Revo magic.

[Onetrackmind]

Hi Matt,

I'm also Matt and I've a similar car history to you.

I'm also on the lookout for a new motor. Namely, another E46 M3, E39 M5 or possibly even a 996 911 (if I'm brave enough!). Looking at trading the Toerag for a GTI or Leon FR for the missus.

Sounds like you want a V8 B7 RS4. Sophisticated muscle car!

[K50 DEL]

dxbtiger said:

Not looked for a while but what are (my shape) GT500's going for now?

Has Del sold his Vette?

Edit - happy to take you for a spin in mine to see if you like the muscle experience, you could buy 2 with that budget. The newer 5.0 GT will be similar for pace but more refined.

Edited by dxbtiger on Sunday 28th July 19:22

Nope, Del still has his 'vette.... I've put more KM on it in the last 2 months than in the rest of the previous year and it's been faultless and great fun.
It's still on the 'bizzle though, that Aston / Dancing Donkey is calling ever louder

[matt_knowles]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions!

I like the idea of an B7 RS4, but need to do my research. Aren't they prone to expensive suspension failure?

I may struggle with my budget anyway!

GT500 - Again, need to take a look about

[matt_knowles]

dxbtiger said:

Not looked for a while but what are (my shape) GT500's going for now?

Has Del sold his Vette?

Edit - happy to take you for a spin in mine to see if you like the muscle experience, you could buy 2 with that budget. The newer 5.0 GT will be similar for pace but more refined.

Edited by dxbtiger on Sunday 28th July 19:22

Thanks for the offer!

I may well take you up on that!

[matt_knowles]

thb said:

From someone who has a strong history of decent European metal, don't go for a Yank muscle car - there's a reason why they're cheap. Handling is poor, brakes are crap and the interiors leave a lot to be desired (Camaro is a disaster). Yes they're great in a straight line, but the poor NVH will grind you down.

M5 V10 would be a good shout, as would an Audi RS model. Alternatively, spend a little money on some Revo tunes on your GTI and you'll be onto a winner - or upgrade to the Golf R, those really respond well to a bit of Revo magic.

You know, I've inquired about the Revo tune at Parc Ferme for the GTI. Its impressive what they can do, but I don't think it'll solve my problem. I want something that feels special, and although the GTI is a good car.......I don't think it'll ever give me that wow factor. An R is a good shout, but is it all that different to the GTI (apart from the semi 4x4 and extra oommppphh)

[thb]

A Golf R with a Revo tune is batsh!t crazy - especially if you go to Stage 2+ levels.

I'd highly suggest borrowing or renting some Yank muscle before going down that route. The thought of a 5.0 V8 can be tempting, but you need to see whether you can live with the other foibles in the long term.

[Onetrackmind]

matt_knowles said:

Thanks for the comments and suggestions!

I like the idea of an B7 RS4, but need to do my research. Aren't they prone to expensive suspension failure?

I may struggle with my budget anyway!

GT500 - Again, need to take a look about

Yep, the suspension is prone to failing but not the end of the world. Can be sorted perminantly with a set of coilovers. MTM do a set for €1189 (Bilstein). You may also need to get the engine de-coked from time to time. Otherwise pretty robust and should be cheaper to run than an E60 M5. There's a gorgeous one on Dubizzle for 120k AED, but they do come up for less.

[matt_knowles]

Thanks again for the replies!

What's peoples thoughts on the Z4M Coupe? Similar to the Cayman I know, just curious what people think of them.

I do love the RS4.....ummm

[matt_knowles]

S4 anyone, or should I push the boat for an RS4?

[IanUAE]

matt_knowles said:

Thanks again for the replies!

What's peoples thoughts on the Z4M Coupe? Similar to the Cayman I know, just curious what people think of them.

I do love the RS4.....ummm

My bike racing mate had one and loved it.