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

Finally got the Gti side stripes and rear window surround decals fitted - what a difference!

Only cost me the price of 2 rear window stickers, and a new rear bootlid glass :/

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2002, this one has a sunroof.

Slowly getting to bottom of outback issues. But in the mean time I'm going to give it some love for being a total banger astetically. Perfect for me, no shits given. Would give dammit a heart palpitations.

Anyway, must resist any and all temptations to improve aesthetically. Its a banger and should remain so.

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Plans are. Finalise the issue. Change ATF. Fit tow ball and bike rack. Damage some more panels. Winter wheels and winter tyres. Enjoy 11l/100km consumption.

Ok for the UK cheapoes. Tesco clubcard people get redex 2l fully syntetic motor oil 5w40 merc/vw/porsche spec for £6.50 while the 5w30 in ford psa etc spec is £8.

Anyone know the 4.2 S4 Avant? Look like a fun car and quite good value (thinking about post sale of E63/arrival of Camper/funds recovering a bit, so nothing imminent.

(That's the first one I found on eBay btw, I'm aware it's pretty ragged).

Might be feel a bit sluggish after the Merc? Was that gen of S4 not a bit of a understeery mess in the handling department with a boat anchor over the front axle? Could be wrong, but is the 4.2 not an engine out job to change the belts?

They do make a good noise. A barried saloon passed my Debussyed leaf last week (eventually) at the lights.

Edit to add.. has a chain.

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/414598-B6-B7-S4-Timing-Chain-FAQ-Information-Discussion-Thread

Isn't the s4 to get the supercharged one?

I'm thinking more "makes V8 noise, has decent shove" than "dab of oppo".

The vast majority of cars are slow after an E63, which in a way means you're happy with whatever you get from the next car.

Plus I've got the 996 project for much fast and corners.

What you want is an E39 M5 estate...

They're pretty small in terms of estates. More like a large hatchback. Seats down there is a good load space though. I've never driven one but did ask my mechanic if I should buy one ( you'd think he'd rub his hands together) he said, nah, they're shit. Make of that what you will.

On Aram's street!

That's why I posted it! A sweet SD behind it, too.

Good engine if taken care of, looks great, nice interior, but it's an anchor with a slow steering rack and sloshy chassis.

In other words it's great in a parking lot or on the freeway, but nowhere in-between.

In fact, I was very close to getting a very nice 9/10 one (USA, sedan) thinking exactly what you said (V8) but decided against it for a few reasons not the least of which was that a mechanic friend said even in the best of scenarios it's still a money pit.

Maybe you don't need to own three vehicles?

Surely you can use Supervan as your daily driver.

May well be the case - not got it yet. We shall see.

It just seems odd to get a fast wagon. You have a fast car and you will have a hauler in the VW.

Something in the middle just seems pointless. You’ll never end up driving it.

Get a motorbike if you want something completely different.

Get a motorbike

Truth

Get a motorbike

Or may be a bicycle...

Lots of middle aged people go out and buy the fastest bike possible. Motorbikes are fun and you don't need that large a cc to beat most cars.

Yeah, would you need a wagon, as bikes and large amount of luggave would go in the van, right?
Seems like you might not need 5 seats and a big boot, but might want something with a bit more space and comfort than the 911?
Grand Tourer of some sort maybe, to waft along in?
996 for "driving"
Camper for hauling bikes and holidays

From the sales thread -

https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/366987/

Surely you can use Supervan as your daily driver.

An LWB van as a daily driver is going to get old quick unless you only go places with generous parking.

If the Porsche is an often-broken project car then something else kinda makes sense. Especially a bicycle.

If not a bicycle, something like a light hatch makes more sense. Driving anywhere that's not a urban centre = van. Spirited driving on b-roads = Porsche. Anything else, short trips, runs into town. Whatever = hatchback.

Or this

https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/366987/