Not enjoying new car alternatives?

thedazman67

thedazman67

thedazman67

Associate
Joined
24 Apr 2004
Posts
2,059
Location
Warrington, UK
Hi All,

3 Months ago I got myself a ST220 I've always wanted one but after 3 months of ownership I am simply not enjoying for various reasons.

It had problems early on and went back to the dealer. It rattles more than the my Volvo its not as comfortable on long journeys. I am not a fan of the gearbox
and I don't like how you need to rev the nuts of it to really get it going.

So overall a bad purchase from my point of view. So what I my alternatives? I've got what ever the ST220 is worth plus another 2K on top.

Daz
 
4 drs: Evo, STI

Skyline,350Z,Z4.

They are my itches that need scratching, especially now we have a little car to put the miles on. Saying that though, i love my ST220. Only ever seen 2 other ST220 around Chesterfield. Plenty of the dirty diesels though....
 
What is it you are looking for in a car? The ST220 is not a luxobarge, it has hard suspension and low profile tyres so it was never going to be more comfortable than an old Volvo.

Could you get it remapped to help with the power delivery?
 
the peak figures are

power @ 6150 rpm

torque 207lbft @ 4900

unless you drive something quick already, it shouldnt feel that gutless. 4900rpm is pretty high but its still a big dollop of torque.

are you 100% sure its working properly?
 
As above, I find them quite a nice drive really. Unless you go FI the equivalent large engines won't give you much extra including the BMW M54
 
Was your old Volvo turbo charged? If so that'd explain why you dont like the N/A nature of the ST220 even though it is fairly torquey compared to a lot of N/A petrol engines.

What do you want out of a car? Wafty power or handling?
 
What are the rattles? If it's from the front right of the engine bay it's probably the crank pulley and/or auto belt tensioner. Common issue and can be fixed for around £300 inc parts and labour iirc.
 
I know what you mean about lack of comfort. I have had cause to travel in one of my colleagues Mondeo's on a few long journeys and I get numb bum within 1 hour of sitting in the bloody thing. The seats lack support, though this isnt a sports model, and I find the thing quite uncomfortable on long runs.
 
Housey said:
I know what you mean about lack of comfort. I have had cause to travel in one of my colleagues Mondeo's on a few long journeys and I get numb bum within 1 hour of sitting in the bloody thing. The seats lack support, though this isnt a sports model, and I find the thing quite uncomfortable on long runs.
Click to expand...

The ST220 has full leather recaro, completely different to the normal Mondeo's :).
 
My last car was a S60 D5 so yes it had a torque very early on.

I don't think its broken pulls nicely from low down in any gear and comes alive over 4500 rpm its definitely not slow its my first high capacity N/A engine so may I simply don't like N/A power delivery as silky smooth as it is.

Previous to the volvo I had a modified 200SX.

I do a lot of motorway miles so comfort is a must do I do like a A road blast on the occasion. Given its due when driven in anger aside from the gearbox the ST220 is very good for a big car it handles surprisingly well.

Build quality I have now also discovered is a bit part for me. The ST220 is miles away from the Volvo.

Practicality isn't really an issue at the moment its either me or the girlfriend in the car the boot is used for the weekly shop and the occasional camping trip.

I would like to get myself into a 2 seater convertible before I have to grow up so that could be an option.
 
thedazman67 said:
I would like to get myself into a 2 seater convertible before I have to grow up so that could be an option.
Click to expand...

*ahem*

TWP_6286.jpg

TWP_6160.jpg


Surprisingly large boot and as long as it doesn't have runflats, comfortable enough for occasional long journeys (ive done a fair few 300+ mile trips now with no complaints)


Despite only have another 20ft/lb more torque, its lack of weight really makes the car come alive from anywhere in the rev range comparatively (I had an e46 330i a while back and the engine suits the z4 FAR better, and it's a stronger engine than the Duratec v6 anyway IMO)
 
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Maccy said:
What's the satnav actually like in that one???
Click to expand...

exactly the same as the e46/e39.....has perspective view, not the prettiest but very quick to route and so far hasn't given me any stupid instructions...it does just work in general.

not a patch at all on the very latest in the F30 etc though obviously.
 
So something like the mondeo, but more power with lazier delivery, more comfortable, better built and cheap? Get an E39 540i. All problems solved.
 
I've had a S60 I wouldn't want another. I'll look into the Z4. Tom, how do you find the seats over long journeys, also being a convertible what's the noise like on the motorway?

Other possibilities in my mind

Leon Cupra R
Octavia VRS
 
I would say theres a lot of difference between a s60 D5 and an s60 R.

Im confused that you want space for luggage, comfort on long trips, good seats etc...
then want a 2dr coupe.convertable?
 
thedazman67 said:
I've had a S60 I wouldn't want another. I'll look into the Z4. Tom, how do you find the seats over long journeys, also being a convertible what's the noise like on the motorway?

Other possibilities in my mind

Leon Cupra R
Octavia VRS
Click to expand...

Octavia is a good idea. 1.8t can be a good torquey engine with the right mods.

Nice lazy engine, if you want that sort of thing. mine is over 200lbft from 3k to 5k revs, peaking at 230lbft. 140lbft at 2krpm and mine has really conservative eco settings
 
Hi under no circumstances buy a Volvo s60r as shown above - in a nut shell - over priced rubbish

sell the st220 - there rubbish too, I know ive had 2, the 5 speed and the 6 speed,

buy another s60 d5 185 and get it remapped then you have economy and speed, not if you are not bothered about mpgz then buy a Subaru impreza wrx or sti
 
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