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

Oh really? I thought rust was sorted for the NC :(
Looks like there’s quite a few special edition 2.5s around and in budget (and that look cared for), might go that way then.
MR2 is even more impractical but meant to be top lols and cheap to run...

http://www.classicandsportscar.com/news/hoard-classics-be-evicted-surrey-field

Reminds me of this
https://www.28dayslater.co.uk/hi-roll-cottage-surrey-november-2016.t106293

Mr2 Mk3 knacker engines. Oval bores so use oil, and pre cat disintegration.

I have a mk3 with the engine removed and am looking for the a celica engine for a 50bhp boost. Similar to the Lotus Elise.

I thought that was only the pre-facelift version? I don't think I have the time/money for an engine swap but there is a lairy green one (with smoking engine) on autotrader for £500 currently.

The bores or the pre cat.

Both.

Aaargh, wife just called me at work, car won't shift gears while engine is running. New (to me) Volvo v70 MY12. Sounds like fucked clutch something or other according to google. Tow to garage time. On the plus side I got some kind of extra insurance from the seller which seems to cover clutch & gearbox issues. Oh well, it's friday and in an hour I'll have a beer or two.

@Dramatic_Hammer obvious comment is obvious etc... but if you go the MX-5 route and don't have a preference on mk 2.5/3 I'd be tempted to buy on condition.

Anyone in the West Country want to go test drive a BMW for me?

When/Where?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2007-BMW-M5-M5-5dr-SMG-5-door-Estate/181965292344?hash=item2a5dfa0338:g:-TwAAOSwa~BYd~zx

Apparently it's been there for at least 7 months, so interested in why that is, how it drives, does the dealer seem to be the reincarnation of Del Boy Trotter, etc.

Anyone know any good insurance companies for slightly modified cars, looking at a car that has uprated suspension / tyres / wheels ect. and every quote I have got so far adds 1.5k or more to the price over a standard car?

I am 25 which I don't think is helping but still didn't think I would be looking at 2.5k premiums...

Doves Volvo, Croydon, have my Volvo at the moment- I'm collecting it tomorrow.

They've just sent me the following:

"Dear Dammit,

We have recently received an enquiry into Doves Volvo for a potential customer wishing to purchase a used Volvo 850 R, very similar to your model and specification.

Therefore, we would like to purchase your vehicle and are willing to give you an exceptional price for it to fulfil the enquiry.

We will of course be able to offer you preferential terms in changing into a brand new or used model if you are able to help us."

Who wants to guess what they'll offer?

£2100

Bit unprofessional them using your lfgss name.

£3800.

£3500 and a free tank of fuel or floor mats for the V50 of your choice.

2 fiddy

I think I prefer the 2.5 looks wise but as it’s technically for Mrs Hammer, I thought the increased comforts of the 3 might go down better. And they’re just dropping into budget.
Might go and see whatever is nearest tomorrow to get a feel for them. New cars are over-stimulating!

Fascinating. Please do share the offered price.

Thanks Speedhunters!? 😎

@Dammit £1500, they are a dealer after all

Beautiful :)

That V8 2002 though :P

I suspect it's a ruse to make me by a new vehicle, we shall see.

That 20k one is interesting- I could wind 100k off my odo as well if the MOT history was in Japanese.

+1 on the mk2.5 lookswise. And +1 on buying on condition.

From what I understand it's similar in a lot of ways to the mk1. When they came out I'm sure TG made a bit of a joke about it. Internet says mk3 is a bit more lardy/creature comforts.

I think you should try and get a test ride in both.