What should I buy instead...of a TT

R420LA6X2/4MNA said:
Just kidding. :p

Anyway,for that sort of money I'd be after - well am I guess - an e38..... :o

Hopefully, watch this space..... :)
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I'm guessing the running costs on an e38 would be, well, massive, so much kit on them! If they where cheap to keep I would jump at getting one
 
Oh dear, you've made that very difficult! That Corvette looks great and I love the idea of owning something so classic! But the Alfa has massive appeal as well, nice engine and long list of kit. How bad are the running costs then?
 
I've only had mine for 4 months. Nothing wrong with it so far*, and nothing to indicate anything dodgy over the past 6.5 years of service history. Pretty heavy on fuel round town (15-18mpg), decent on motorway (29-32mpg)




Things to look out for?
  • Engines are fine, pretty bulletproof as long as belt changes are done every 3 years. Absolutely glorious sound right across the rev range, pulls well over 2500rpm to the redline. I thought i'd grown out of the whole induction/exhaust "upgrade" malarkey, but this car really has made me investigate it all again in order to...oh...dunno, make that sound more prominent I guess.
  • Electrics, again, not a major problem. The old "italian electics" tag doesnt really apply unless you get a real duffer, which can happen to any car tbh
  • Gearbox - Upgrade to Q2 (LSD) system is what all GTA owners say. Increased reliability and massively better handling. Im definitely getting this one towards the end of the year, and will see what "massively better handling" actually means since the std car handles really really well.
  • Suspension - Good ride quality overall, however suspension systems are probably the weak point of this car. Droplinks, ARB (bushes), wishbones all regularly come up in owners forums.
  • Interior - Decent quality, no TT in terms of build, lovely seats all around though.
* (I lied :D) My front ARB is on it's way out, specifically the bushes. Meh, 50k miles and 6.5 years, guess something has to give eventually.

If you do decide to test drive one, listen out for clunks from the suspension, and see whether it has had the Q2 installed / recent belt changes. Everything else...as with any car really. Condition over age, within reason.

Edit: Few pics.

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alfainterior.jpg

alfaback.jpg
 
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bledd. said:
Holy moly! :eek:
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I thought that was a tad on the small side?

OP, while I know I'm pointing out the obvious remember that the Corvettes are LHD. There are people out there who aren't even remotely phased by a Left Hooker, but then again there are PLENTY of people who just cannot get their heads around it. It really is something that you should bear in mind...

Of course a Jap import like the Soarer already has the wheel of the right (see what I did there?) side ;)

Http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1734064.htm
 
Right, so time for a minor update. Went to my local Audi garage today and drove a TT, they only had a Quattro Sport in, which is 260 vs 225 bhp as well as some other minor changes.

Really enjoyed it, interior is a lovely place to be, quite fast (certainly compared to by 220). But not overwhelmingly so, which considering this is more powerful than the version I would get is a worry. Also the steering did feel numb, not as good as some cars I've driven, felt like there was endless grip, just a bit boring!

Next step is I'm going to try and drive a 3 series and a Z3. Not going to be realistically going to be able to drive a Alfa GTA. Anything else I should be test driving?
 
Eliot said:
Mx5?
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In most ways its perfect, but my parents own one and (apart from not liking the idea of owning the same car as the 'rents :p) its not great on the motorway. Want to drive the Z3 to see if its any better!

Seems the dealer got it wrong too, the Sports only 237bhp, not 260, so its not as bad as I feared!
 
Well, driven both the Z3 and a 325Ci. Well the Z3 is off the list, not pleasant on the motorway at all! The 325Ci was much nicer, good interior and lots more space. But, who invented auto boxes? They are horrible! Why would anyone wilfully drive an auto?

Handing wise the 3 series is good, better than the TT. However I don't know if its just because of the auto gearbox, but it wasn't fast, certainly not noticeable faster than what I already have!

Leaning back towards just getting a TT now
 
What does everyone think of the Mercedes CLK 320? Seems to fit the bill, v6, good on tbd motorway and not bad in the twisties. Lots of kit too. Are the running costs going to bleed me dry?
 
It's a wafty Coupe and not bad as one. It isnt good in the twisties at all and £7k wont get a good later shape one only the old 1990's shape version, for which £6-7k is just too much money.

Newer shape one is unfortunately stuck with the awful C Class interior as well.
 
[TW]Fox;16743663 said:
It's a wafty Coupe and not bad as one. It isnt good in the twisties at all and £7k wont get a good later shape one only the old 1990's shape version, for which £6-7k is just too much money.

Newer shape one is unfortunately stuck with the awful C Class interior as well.
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Did notice that the interior looked a bit dated, but there seem to be a few under £7k, like this one. Haven't seen it though so might be in bad condition. This is I haven't found any good handing coupes within budget that I like, so seeing as I can't have what I really want (something like an S2000) I though I might as well as lots of luxury!
 
I am not sure I would want to own the sort of 02-09 shape CLK that under £7k gets you, really. You dont want a shabby or iffy Merc you want a nice one.

And a CLK does not have 'lots of luxury' :p
 
[TW]Fox;16744970 said:
I am not sure I would want to own the sort of 02-09 shape CLK that under £7k gets you, really. You dont want a shabby or iffy Merc you want a nice one.

And a CLK does not have 'lots of luxury' :p
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Fair enough, the more I read the more I'm put off! What about a Jag XK8? lol I'm running out of cars to look at! All I want is a sporty car which looks good, has loads of toys and is good on the motorway for <£7k!
 
Ok, so sadly and depressingly I'm going to have to compromise on the car and buy something cheaper to buy/insure/run etc. New budget is ideally 3-4k, 5k max

This leaves me with the obvious choice of...Ford Mondeo 2.0d (kill me now)

Also spotted the X-Type diesel, which I gather is based on the Mondeo, are these any good? Anything else I should consider? Anything around at this price which is less depressing than a Mondeo?
 
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