Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

I’m going to look at a 3 series touring today - 2011 so still with the 6 cylinder which I think I prefer. There’s such a frigging premium for them though, highly annoying.

I even thought about looking a Volvos for a minute until 17 year old me woke up and punched me in the cock.

Chrysler 300c?

From Retro rides and quite a few other car forums
http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/91441/lotus-carlton-looking-unloved-unused

A couple of comments:
Brake servo removed, and cheap brand tyres.
What about DVLA and the changes, then insurance would an engineers report be needed?

Finally the E30 touring aren't great load carriers as the rear inner arches and rear shocks impead the width of the rear load area and small boot entrance between the lights.

Around middle of 2010 so I guess its best to look at end of 2010 pre-facelift cars according to a thread on Pistonheads.

Sit in them all and see which seat you prefer?

I've done several trips to itsly and south of france, so long days in my e61 and I get out of it feeling good. The 530d I have does the job, but obviously is no m5.

The one thing I with I had is cruise control senson based of distance to car in front. That would be great.

Spent the afternoon driving a 1965 MK1 mini round twisty Italian mountain roads while listening to Matt Munroe singing "on days like these". Had to try very hard not to do very bad Michael Caine impersonations.

my cocaine

Alfa Romeo 159 3.2 V6 Q4 Sportwagon?

You could probably buy the best on the market for that budget?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ALFA-ROMEO-159-3-2-V6-Q4-2007MY-SPORTSWAGON-WITH-FSH-MEGA-SPEC-SATNAV-SUNROOF/113870119005?hash=item1a8330205d:g:8i8AAOSwTmRdWfWu

I want it now

High mileage 13 year old performance alfa.... Computer says no

I guess I’m not alone in my love for fast estates... the e30 looks lovely but kinda scary to buy another man’s project car. I have been looking for a 159 q4 but they seem a bit low on power (currently driving 200hp Saab and it feels a bit slow). Does 159 still have Busso engines or is it the gm block with Alfa heads?

Another idea was to get an is300 sport back and build up the 1jz with a supercharger

Oh you have won.

GM block in the 159 but it really is a great engine despite lacking the Busso legend.

My 2.4 JTDM doesn't feel slow so I can only imagine the 3.2 V6 should feel very lovely! If you're not religiously opposed to diesel the 2.4 is actually a superb engine, well capable of 250bhp with just a remap, it's built to last.

a 2012 Jazz is still a 7 year old car, and the UK average example would be on 70,000 miles - you might be fine, but it's getting to the age where it's going to need more than routine maintenance

This isn't really true, Hondas are not Mercs or Porsches and a VTEC engine is bulletproof and will generally just keep going - easily doing twice that - with some pretty routine servicing.

They might be beige but they're highly reliable :P

Bollocks

Saw the 11 330 touring. Bit underwhelmed. Not big at all in the back - frankly a bit of a waste of time as an estate. Also saw a lowish mileage 535i again...erring that way even if they leave me a bit cold. Far comfier for wean / dog on long journeys and the trunk looks cavernous compared to my old 530.

Second this - we had a 70s Honda with over 120k and my sister is on her 3rd consecutive Honda - the previous 2 all went over 130k and remained rust free after many, many, many New England winters.

I had a B7 RS4 - absolutely loved it. I know loads about them so give me a shout if you're interested and want to know what to look out for.

my father in law has a 2011 3 series estate and i reckon the back seat is more spacious in the golf.

When I sold my 1997 Honda Accord it had done 270,000 miles. The only thing outside of brake pads/discs/oil/plugs etc that needed replacing was the starter motor.

I sold it to a friend who then drove it to Chicago from Virginia. Visited her a year later and the Accord was still going strong.

Now my Dad and Brother both have Jazz’s and do a lot of miles in them. 20k+ a year, both cars have 100k+ mileage.

3 series

imo they're designed around the driver. The smaller Audis aren't all that much better either.

If you want space and comfort for all occupants at that size the less premium/sexy cars will all be better; VW, Ford, Toyota, etc.

rubbish pic, but thought it was cool

1 Attachment

Toyota

I was recently picked up at the airport in an Estima. It was huge inside and really comfortable. Import only, so no idea if they're difficult to get hold of. Struck me as a perfect family wagon.

E.g. https://www.thecarcapital.co.uk/used-toyota-estima-southall-london-2013145

Same as the Previa isn't it?