What is going on here?!?! *insurance*

Best to leave it running for a bit if you're only moving it 6 feet, or just push it. Bore wash isn't the best of things for an engine
 
Sime said:
Anyways. Do you think id be able to get a test drive in an RX-8 looking like a dirty student?
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I've test driven Golf R32, BMW 530i Sport, BMW 530d Sport, Golf GTI, Clio 182 etc etc all looking like a clean (I have showers) student. It's not an issue if they think you are credible. I had issues trying to get people to let me drive a 530i Sport but ever since I've had one myself people fall over themselves to let me drive fast stuff for a bit..
 
Dress casual but fairly smart-looking, clean your car before arriving, and when you arrive have a good old poke around the RX8 to appear genuinely interested in the car. If no one approaches you after a while, find a salesman and state your desire for a thrash.. sorry.. test drive ;)
 
If you want to guarantee a drive, call ahead first. Dont mention the test drive - dont even ask - just say you've seen they have an RX8 and would it be possible to make an appointment to view it.

I did this with an ST220 and he gave me the keys for the afternoon. Which was really, really helpful as it meant i was able to get to know the car a bit more than a typical test drive. As long as they think you are serious they'll let you - I called ahead and arrived in what looked like a Mondeo ST24 (He didnt ask what I drive, merely saw me park) so I was credible ST220 buyer.

You will be arriving in a recent model Astra Coupe - a credible Mazda Coupe buyer.
 
[TW]Fox;12641548 said:
Thats because a 1994 model Astra is a totally different car. Two model years of the same car wont make a difference - it certainly never has for me.
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I know that but the reason given was the year - I've also found that how long you own the car also makes a difference
 
[TW]Fox;12641647 said:
If you want to guarantee a drive, call ahead first. Dont mention the test drive - dont even ask - just say you've seen they have an RX8 and would it be possible to make an appointment to view it.

I did this with an ST220 and he gave me the keys for the afternoon. Which was really, really helpful as it meant i was able to get to know the car a bit more than a typical test drive. As long as they think you are serious they'll let you - I called ahead and arrived in what looked like a Mondeo ST24 (He didnt ask what I drive, merely saw me park) so I was credible ST220 buyer.

You will be arriving in a recent model Astra Coupe - a credible Mazda Coupe buyer.
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Why didn't you go for a ST220 before you got the old man car? :p
 
[TW]Fox;12641050 said:
An opinion backed up by the shocking residuals - being able to get a 2005 version for £7k is great but you also have to ask yourself why they are so cheap. Yes, cars like this have been taking a hit for ages but you cant get 2005 Golf GTI's for £7k can you, nor can you get 2005 anything else like an RX8 for £7k.
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But's it's not an opinion backed up by pretty much every review of the car in the motoring press, I think you'll find they all praise it, particularly the handling. Sure it's not that fast, but the engine is butter smooth and loves to rev. That said, it's an engine that you either 'get' or you don't. To quote wiki:

wikipedia said:
As of October 2006 the RX-8 has won at least 37 international motoring awards including 2003 International Engine of the Year, the 2003 Japanese Car of the Year, Australia's Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 2003, the 2004 Singapore Car of the Year, the 2004 U.S. Best Sports Car, and several UK Best Car Awards. It was named on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 2004, 2005, and 2006. It also took home 1st place on Car and Driver's "Four of a Kind" comparison test.[8] Winner of the 2006-2007 Golden Icon Award (presented by Travolta Family Entertainment) for "Best Sports Car"
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I think the residuals have taken a hit due to comical fuel consumption and the stupid new tax rules hitting it hard, not because it's a crap car, because it isn't. It's a great drivers car (with a marmite engine).
 
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Holy ****... In relation to road tax, what does First Year Rate mean? becuase it menas ill be paying £950 for 2010-2011!!

Although if its £455 ..then thats better...
 
Ye but it costs a lot to detroy the enviroment, money well spent imo...

btw, ajgoodfellow...Hows your Astra doing? Wasnt in great shape last I heard...
 
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Nope, not great

Just cost me £250 for the MOT. At least the overheating was down to a dodgy plug fixed for £50 at Vauxhall

Still got the same old problems I had before. I'd get rid of it if I could afford to!
 
:( shame that mate. Seems youve got abit of a lemon there.

Happy to say the only thing thats gone wrong with mine is a wiper motor, couple of bulbs have gone and tires.

Still, no matter what car I have, how reliable it is, I still keep wanting more :( Hense this thread :p

Heres another question...

I got the Astra in January - about 10 months ago? So if I got rid of it tommrow, will I loose all my 10 months working upto another years NCB? or basically do I have to stick with the same insurance company to carry it on?
 
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Hi

Didn't get a reply notification for some reason!

Glad yours is OK - my parents also have a 2001 Astra and it's been faultless so I must be unlucky!

If you want to keep your NCB you'll have to use the same insurer and change the car unfortunately - that's what I did. I've just renewed my policy now and changing from Admiral to Swift Cover saved me £400!
 
I recently test drove a brand new rx8, I am 24 and don’t dress that smart but I guess I was wearing a some nice jeans, proper shoes and a shirt, I do have messy longish hair and a beard though.

Just book it before hand they cant turn you down when you get there by saying you look like a ***** but if you turn up they can use the old its booked up excuse.

I really like the rx8, it doesn’t feel cheap to me as I haven’t owned any nice cars, I love the interior and the suicide doors, it feels like a coupe but is practical also as you can fit people in the back relatively easily.

The power is enough for me and the delivery seems fine, i like to rev, it would be nice to have some torque to overtake when feeling lazy but compared to my mx5 it is very fast and I don’t mind changing gears that much.

Fuel and oil could be a put off if you are doing big miles because most people think its not that fast for the low mpg where as you could get something like a v8/turbo which will be faster and do the same/better mpg.

Why do I like it? For 7k you can pick up a well specced (leather, bose, climate) relatively new car, I like Mazda’s, I still think it looks modern, I think its fast.

Dude.
 
Well I had a test drive...Im not sure I like the fact you have to get stupid revs before it go's really :( Not a huge fan of ragging tbh...Saying that, the looks, interor, sucide doors are just so stunning it might make me change my mind...

Anyone got any ideas of cars that will be fun and can take 4 adults comfortably? around 5-6k mark?
 
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What about a Honda Civic Type-R? Still need to rev it though. A Celica VVT-Li is great fun too but the back seats have very limited headroom and you need to rev it!

Maybe a Leon Cupra R? Turbo charged engine so should have decent low range punch
 
ajgoodfellow said:
What about a Honda Civic Type-R? Still need to rev it though. A Celica VVT-Li is great fun too but the back seats have very limited headroom and you need to rev it!

Maybe a Leon Cupra R? Turbo charged engine so should have decent low range punch
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like it mate. keep em coming :p
 
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