This is a tough question! Probably at the time I owned it my st185 Celica GT4 and my Mazda RX8 a close second that car was so much fun I think this changes over time as now I have a x260 jaguar xf 3.0 S and now I would say that it’s without doubt the best car I have owned for different reasons it’s fast but effortless (zf gearbox) and the interior is just fantastic (until it breaks!).
What is the best car you've ever owned and a brief reason why?
- Thread starter Gunni Parker
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Soldato
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In terms of fun factor, being young, my Opel Manta 2.0 GTC Coupe 87 plate, was brilliant, such great memories.
Soldato
In a previous life, a 1999 China Blue, phase 3 Peugeot 306 GTI-6. Far better than the Peugeot 205 GTi Mi16 it replaced.
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Soldato
My Ford Zodiac MKIII 2.5 litre straight six Dagenham dustbin. It was Z car's, it was awful, it was brilliant
1-2 cars from back in the day I'd like to buy/buy again, like the Golf VR6, but even the good examples are likely just a money pit now and few and far between at that.
I've only owned 3 cars so it's not really much of a competition but my BMW F11 is the best by far. I've had it six years and done north of 125,000 miles in it, 185,000 on the clock so far. It has needed two timing chains but other than that it's been flawless.
It's so effortless to drive and so practical. If I was to replace it I'd just look for another one but with a larger engine.
It's so effortless to drive and so practical. If I was to replace it I'd just look for another one but with a larger engine.
My 2011 E350cdi coupe thing. In old man spec, sky blue and 17 inch wheels, heated and vented seats.
Reasons: it's comfortable. It promotes a relaxed driving style. It can be nippy off the line when needed. If I could change anything it'd be the fuel type.
Some of my friends drive their cars the same way they ride their motorcycles. I prefer an armchair of a car (and secretly miss my armchair GS bike too but shush)
Reasons: it's comfortable. It promotes a relaxed driving style. It can be nippy off the line when needed. If I could change anything it'd be the fuel type.
Some of my friends drive their cars the same way they ride their motorcycles. I prefer an armchair of a car (and secretly miss my armchair GS bike too but shush)
Don
My first S2000. It’s the only car I’ve ever regretted selling. So much so, I got back in to another as soon as I could (9 years later).
Faultlessly reliable. Fun to drive. In a world of turbos and EVs where performance is a given, the S2000 makes you work for it but rewards with a glorious soundtrack and faultless handling.
Faultlessly reliable. Fun to drive. In a world of turbos and EVs where performance is a given, the S2000 makes you work for it but rewards with a glorious soundtrack and faultless handling.
Soldato
I’ve enjoyed all the cars I’ve owned for different reasons. All following a similar mould with no roof and all RWD, just with the engine in different places.
The one car that I don’t own officially (it has a roof, so can’t own it) but really like is our 2012 Kia Sportage. There’s a lot of joy in driving a shed, not worrying about curbing a wheel or a parking ding is refreshing. Also the kids can leave their biscuit crumbs and muddy footprints inside and I don’t really mind. Mechanically it’s simple and doesn’t really want for anything.
The one car that I don’t own officially (it has a roof, so can’t own it) but really like is our 2012 Kia Sportage. There’s a lot of joy in driving a shed, not worrying about curbing a wheel or a parking ding is refreshing. Also the kids can leave their biscuit crumbs and muddy footprints inside and I don’t really mind. Mechanically it’s simple and doesn’t really want for anything.
Soldato
Should be a poll with the year included. Seems like 95% of these cars are pre mid to late 2000s. Interesting as to whether it’s rose tinted specs, or my view is cars were just better back then compared to the appliances they’ve become now.
Integra DC2 UKDM.
Great car on the roads, enough power for my talent, it made b road driving a joy without doing stupid speeds.
Every time I took it to the track and got instruction, the instructors got excited about driving it to show me the lines.
Great car on the roads, enough power for my talent, it made b road driving a joy without doing stupid speeds.
Every time I took it to the track and got instruction, the instructors got excited about driving it to show me the lines.
Personally I often find I prefer mid 2010s cars - some of the design choices on recent cars are just weird or go against what you'd instinctively do or look for in an emergency, etc. far too many cars even go as far as styling the hazards button to merge in with the rest of the dash and/or position in places that aren't convenient if you are trying to push it quickly
which is just incredibly stupid and I find unbelievable hasn't been clamped down on.
Soldato
For me there's a couple:
205 1.9 GTi - had the shorter ratio 1.6 gearbox fitted, along with the 309 GTi rear beam. Would show a clean pair of heels to most cars through the back lanes, hilarious fun at less than licence losing speeds.
Current car Mk7.5 Golf GTI. Comfy, fast enough, handles brilliantly, the perfect all-rounder for me.
205 1.9 GTi - had the shorter ratio 1.6 gearbox fitted, along with the 309 GTi rear beam. Would show a clean pair of heels to most cars through the back lanes, hilarious fun at less than licence losing speeds.
Current car Mk7.5 Golf GTI. Comfy, fast enough, handles brilliantly, the perfect all-rounder for me.
Soldato
BMW 3 Series Compact 2.5i. That thing was absolutely rapid and terrifying, and luxurious. I'm sure it's a future classic. I broke it though and the repair cost exceeded the value of the car.
Soldato
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Probably my NC2 MX5. Really enjoyed it but needed something with an ounce of practicality.
Really enjoying the Mini F56 which replaced it, but it’s not as fun by quite a way.
Really enjoying the Mini F56 which replaced it, but it’s not as fun by quite a way.
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C43 AMG. Been my daily for 3 years, never missed a beat. Transported my wife and kids on 3 x euro trips in comfort and speed. Hands down the best car I have ever owned, and may likely ever own as fast estates aren't a growing breed.
I don't keep my cars for very long but this is the longest I've had it and it's only being replaced because I have an EV for everyday use now, and 90% of my driving is <30 mile trips.
I don't keep my cars for very long but this is the longest I've had it and it's only being replaced because I have an EV for everyday use now, and 90% of my driving is <30 mile trips.
Soldato
Kinda hard to top the McLaren really, just such an accomplished car. While it won't go down in history as the best car to ever have been made and certainly not a car for everyone, it fit me like a perfect pair of shoes. Absolutely nailed the brief completely. I am very much hoping that replacing it will turn out to be the right decision (!)
I've had quite a few cars by most standards but I only really regret selling my LCI M2 and my supercharged MX-5. I re-bought an M2 in Competition form but it isn't as good as the LCI and while I have a lot of fond memories of the MX-5, building one the same now wouldn't be the same.
I've had quite a few cars by most standards but I only really regret selling my LCI M2 and my supercharged MX-5. I re-bought an M2 in Competition form but it isn't as good as the LCI and while I have a lot of fond memories of the MX-5, building one the same now wouldn't be the same.