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

I'm buying a new 4x4 as my work car, my current car is an AWD Suby. This could be my opportunity to buy something fun and maybe even a bit frivolous if I move the Suby on.

Currently considering a Mini Moke, a 4x4 Kei Truck, BRZ/86, Fiat 500, Suzuki Sierra. What have I missed? 🤡

Kei truck and BRZ sound like by far the most appealing of those mentioned... I drove an 86 at rally school day a few months ago and it was a joyous thing, not fast or powerful (drove a track prepped 2015 WRX Sti later in the day and it was bonkers) but lovely handling and a lot of fun.

The Kei truck would be extremely cool also but probably not overwhelmingly exciting driving dynamics...

Datsun Sunny Pickup would be an excellent choice?

BRZ is rear wheel drive?

Ha. I was talking about the T3. But nice work dude

So many cool old rigs on MarketPlace, this would tick a few boxes, 82 Ford Courier, looks really tidy so it's probably a complete lemon. No Sunnys but loads of 60s/70s Mazda and Hilux utes to be had.

@midlife, yup, totally driftastic. 😎

As soon as my new work rig arrives I'll chuck the Suby on the market and see what I can get for it.

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VW something or other? wash your mouth out :D

Porsche 356 from the mid fifties, all though the Semper badge made me think it was a kit car maybe but a quick Google reveals it may have been a very early Hybrid :)
https://www.thevehiclewrappingcentre.com/five-things-didnt-know-porsche/

The plate was for an Antique car. That plate means it is unlikely to be a kit car

https://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/registration/antique.html

The town has a boat yard with 7 figure yachts in for work. It also has Col Whitbread's yacht, the Lone Fox in for a restoration
(Whitbread PLC, original sponsor of round the world yacht racing).

So there is old, silly money around here. It is likely that is largely original, but partially restored.

VW something or other? wash your mouth out

Also..

Thank you.

Still earning its keep. Love this thing.

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The hatch really is useful on BMW estates

Spotted this Cadillac whilst mooching around Leyton / stone

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Is the wheel bearing in the attached video on the way out? It's accompanied by a humming noise above 30mph. Loudest at 40 then road/wind noise starts to cover it.

No lateral or vertical play that I could see, though.

I don't think the brakes are rubbing - there's no sticking when removing the handbrake and i can't detect an excess of heat in the calliper/wheel compared to the other side.

Video here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/oh3yu1jcqrur36ksgly6j/IMG_2575.MOV?rlkey=gw8u1upm1vsf6n7bmk93ri3th&dl=0

Quite a nice Ferrari in Brentford today

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We're looking for a car, went to see a Golf today but it was proper ropey so walked away.
Criteria are fairly compact but decent space inside if possible, at least 4 seats, hatchback style, petrol, ULEZ free, sub £5k, under 100k miles, good safety rating and something with some style or character

Shortlist so far is
Audi A1 or A3
VW golf or Polo
Mini Clubman
Citroen DS3

Will only ever be a weekend getaway, probably won't ever be driven into London but would like ULEZ compatible for resale in the south east.
Not a Jazz. Anything else we should consider?
I want a Yeti but they can't be had for the budget. VWs are the most boring but you know what you're getting

Not sure that resale value in a specific market is going to make a big difference to your equation.

Could also look at a Fabia or one of the Toyota hybrids?

I have a 2010 (59) silver blue Yeti with about 84k miles. With a petrol 1.8 TSI and 4X4. It's just had new front struts and springs, front drop links, lower control arm bushes, new front discs and pads, new tyres. It has a boot cover and moulded polystyrene spacer, jack and steel spare as they are aren't fitted as standard. There is a but - the clutch makes a stupid noise if you remotely slip it when pulling away. A noise like the badly adjusted canti brakes on a 90s MTB, a sort of squawk. I have been quoted £1440 all in to replace the clutch which it doesn't need yet. Yours for £4750

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The clutch thing sounds a bit too scary for me I'm afraid. I'm happy doing routine maintenance myself but I would quite like something which is likely to go for a couple of years without any major garage work needed

I understand this bloody car has led a sheltered life and neither of the previous owners got stung for any repairs. They've all started happening and been repaired during my 18 months. I'll run it until the clutch goes then it's going off Beachy Head.

Don't chuck it over Beachy, some poor bastard will have to check it for occupants. I only know this because a Sierra Sapphire company car went that way in the 90s. My mate was due a Merc, but the goalposts for age/mileage etc were shifted, it took a long drop bath.

We found out about the having to be checked thing later and almost felt bad.

Is the squeely sound just when slipping the clutch or any time the engine is under load for a moment? Sometimes a failed harmonic balancer makes that sound.

But yeah, if clutch it may not be worn as such but the surface glazed/contaminated or the flywheel surface has hotspots. Either way, a new clutch assembly and machined flywheel will sort it. Dunno why it £1400 though. That's how much it would cost down here in aus, would expect it to be cheaper over there.

Alfa Giulietta?

video won't play. heehee

I see what you did there.

Fabia Estate

something with some style or character

ah! I am out.