Help needed choosing a car

Post by **spot** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 5:14 am

After some years of sticking to public transport I find I need to buy a car after all. It's a bit embarrassing really.

I don't insist on it being factory-fresh but I'm assuming what I find will be close enough to make no difference.

Having looked around I find I'm partial to the coupe concept, I've no real need to carry more than one passenger at a time. Checking what's available there seems to be a choice between locally made and foreign. Foreign doesn't really appeal.

That brings me down to only three models, as far as I can see. The Bristol Car Company makes one, Aston Martin have one and Morgan. I'm not sure I like the Morgan though. Caterham have something too but both that and the Morgan look far too showy for my liking.

Has anyone driven both the Blenheim Speedster and Aston Martin DB9 to give me comparative advice? It's not urgent, I doubt whether I'll arrange a test drive before the middle of next month.

gmc · Post by **gmc** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 5:39 am

I fear you may find such cars hard to come by at a reasonable price. morgans are one of the few cars that are more expensive second hand than they are new, what with the waiting list and so on. or at least they used to be. You would not believe the number of times I have seen broken down aston martins. Persomnnally i would not order a blenheim without first taking a test drive in one.

Might I suggest the following as an alternative?

Daihatsu · Copen

Also featured on top gear- but I can't find the link so here's a different one.

YouTube - Top Gear boys Clarkson & Hammond rank cars on the cool wall - BBC autos

YouTube - Daihatsu Copen Video Road Test

just the kind of car that says I'm my own man and don't follow the herd.

buttercup · Post by **buttercup** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 6:06 am

Jumps up and down excitedly screaming buy this, buy this.

Attached files

Post by **spot** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 6:10 am

gmc;1239864 wrote: Also featured on top gear- but I can't find the link

They do have a way with words, Top Gear. "the 1.3-litre engine sounds like a leaf blower that smokes 20 a day. The sensation of speed, rather than anything amounting to actual speed, is what the Copen is all about".

They also mention a Bentley convertible... "you might as well don a velour tracksuit, have your teeth over-whitened and tan yourself orange". Ouch.

Post by **spot** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 6:14 am

buttercup;1239870 wrote: Jumps up and down excitedly screaming buy this, buy this.

I can see there's at least one FG poster wants a day-trip round the Trossachs with me then. it does have an understated charm, that car. They make it just up the road from here too.

gmc · Post by **gmc** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 6:27 am

spot;1239872 wrote: I can see there's at least one FG poster wants a day-trip round the Trossachs with me then. it does have an understated charm, that car. They make it just up the road from here too.

Meet you for a pint at the Byre Inn.

flopstock · Post by **flopstock** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 7:24 am

alternative transportation

Attached files

Post by **spot** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 8:23 am

flopstock;1239882 wrote: alternative transportation

You, flopster, have a memory like an elephant and an unkind nature.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 9:21 am

It depends on what you require of it Spot. We had this problem very recently and went with the Ford Focus estate for the purpose of cramming as much fishing and camping equipment in as poss. I understand 'Which' voted the Ford Focus as the best middle of the range car. I can certainly find nothing to complain about.... an excellent car. Of course, if you are looking for some-thing to get down and groovy in your hood with then you can't beat a good old BMW for a babe magnet.

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 9:35 am

I say get both.

The convertible for when your out and about with friends, and the Austin Martin DB9 when you need to have the total protection when transporting your beautiful grand daughter about.

I prefer the Austin Martin it just cool, classy, and safe. :driving:

Attached files

flopstock · Post by **flopstock** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 10:59 am

Did you know that they still make these?

Attached files

Valhalla · Post by **Valhalla** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 11:11 am

Is that a Delorian? I think they look great, but not the best performer, or the safest as they're made out of tin:p

Go for the DB9...*drool*:D

minks · Post by **minks** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 11:58 am

you need help?

Ok a minks suggestion look for one with 6 wheels.

for to roll on, a spare and a steering one. :p

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 12:06 pm

Spot would be safer on these:

Attached files

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 12:52 pm

Way to increase your carbon footprint Spot. We're all proud of you here in the good ole US of A.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 1:12 pm

YZGI;1239972 wrote: Way to increase your carbon footprint Spot. We're all proud of you here in the good ole US of A.

Maybe the bus company just banned him :sneaky:

Bill Sikes · Post by **Bill Sikes** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 1:18 pm

Valhalla;1239935 wrote: Is that a Delorian? I think they look great, but not the best performer, or the safest as they're made out of tin : p

They were de-tuned for the North American market. Other models had somewhat more power, but only about 170bhp AFAIR. Body panels were made out of stainless steel, in fact. When the company disintegrated, an amusing story circulated that the dies for pressing the body panels were sold as scrap, and used as net anchors in the sea somewhere off Ireland. Perhaps some were recovered. They look *very* dated now, very '70s, and oddly reminiscent of the shape of an Austin Princess (eurgh!).

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 1:19 pm

Austin Martin would be an excellent choice.

Bill Sikes · Post by **Bill Sikes** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 1:26 pm

chonsigirl;1239979 wrote: Austin Martin would be an excellent choice.

Pfffft! It could be.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 1:30 pm

Is this a serious question or are you dreaming?

Id really like to know if these are the 2 cars you have narrowed your choices down to.

If you really do need a car but you will be purchasing a more practical model then lets discuss that.

Also if your statement about buying home grown is true why have you decided this?

Thank you,

Nomad

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 1:41 pm

Nomad;1239985 wrote: Is this a serious question or are you dreaming?

Id really like to know if these are the 2 cars you have narrowed your choices down to.

If you really do need a car but you will be purchasing a more practical model then lets discuss that.

Also if your statement about buying home frown is true why have you decided this?

Thank you,

Nomad

Dear Nomad,

His Spotness is unable to respond to your questioning for some time on account of the No: 27 bus breaking down outside Horfield prison. Wardens who were having a crafty cigg break mis-took Spot for one of the countries most wanted and immediately Incarcerated him. After a prison riot where other in-mates objected to Spot sharing their wing, they released him. He is now on another bus out of town and should be home around 11.15 pm Blighty time to answer.

Yours,

Oscar

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 1:42 pm

oscar;1239994 wrote: Dear Nomad,

His Spotness is unable to respond to your questioning for some time on account of the No: 27 bus breaking down outside Horfield prison. Wardens who were having a crafty cigg break mis-took Spot for one of the countries most wanted and immediately Incarcerated him. After a prison riot where other in-mates objected to Spot sharing their wing, they released him. He is now on another bus out of town and should be home around 11.15 pm Blighty time to answer.

Yours,

Oscar

Oh.

Sounds like a full day for him.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 1:43 pm

Nomad;1239998 wrote: Oh.

Sounds like a full day for him.
And the other in-mates. :sneaky:

Clodhopper · Post by **Clodhopper** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 1:49 pm

Make of car doesn't matter. The important thing is colour. It should be red.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 1:52 pm

Clodhopper;1240008 wrote: Make of car doesn't matter. The important thing is colour. It should be red.

Ugh hate anything red.

Pewter. Its the color of distinction and subtle aristocracy.

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 1:54 pm

I agree all a RED car will get you is bunch of tickets. :driving:

[QUOTE]Ugh hate anything red.

Pewter. Its the color of distinction and subtle aristocracy.[/QUOTE]

Clodhopper · Post by **Clodhopper** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 1:57 pm

Naaah. Pewter says I'm middle aged and responsible and very, very dull. Red says I'm sex, pure sex. Possibly with kinky bits.

Much more the attitude I think spot should be projecting.

Bill Sikes · Post by **Bill Sikes** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 1:59 pm

Clodhopper;1240015 wrote: Much more the attitude (snip)

Cough.

Post by **Peter Lake** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:00 pm

Clodhopper;1240015 wrote: Naaah. Pewter says I'm middle aged and responsible and very, very dull. Red says I'm sex, pure sex. Possibly with kinky bits.

Much more the attitude I think spot should be projecting.

What does metallic blue say about a chap?

Post by **Betty Boop** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:00 pm

As delicious as Eva Padberg covered in rum and raisin ice cream. And about as likely to appear in my garage

Above quote taken from the advertising on the Aston Martin site...

Think Spot could be muttering that too :wah::wah:

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:00 pm

:yh_rotfl Naaah..!! Spot is more of a Tweed kinda guy. Maybe a Black car with leather interior. :driving:

[QUOTE]Naaah. Pewter says I'm middle aged and responsible and very, very dull. Red says I'm sex, pure sex. Possibly with kinky bits.

Much more the attitude I think spot should be projecting. [/QUOTE]

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:03 pm

Metallic dark blue, soft gray interior, moonroof, subtle mags, and a license to drive.

Post by **spot** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:06 pm

CARLA;1240020 wrote: :yh_rotfl Naaah..!! Spot is more of a Tweed kinda guy. Maybe a Black car with leather interior. :driving:

Now that's perceptive, Carla. There's no way I could drive either of those unless it was black. They don't have any option other than a leather interior, either of them. Black, as far as I'm concerned, is obligatory. Quite possibly black matte anodized bare metal.

Clodhopper · Post by **Clodhopper** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:07 pm

Power Pink?

Oh - I know - Leopardskin!

Rapunzel · Post by **Rapunzel** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:09 pm

Nomad;1240011 wrote: Ugh hate anything red.

Pewter. Its the color of distinction and subtle aristocracy.

Pewter is a chav colour.

Go for British Racing Green.

Mind you, this car looks beautiful in this colour. :-6

I'd be happy to take care of it for you when you go away. :yh_whistl

Clodhopper · Post by **Clodhopper** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:09 pm

Black, as far as I'm concerned, is obligatory. Quite possibly black matte anodized bare metal.

Boo! Boo I say!

You'll regret it. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Post by **spot** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:12 pm

Clodhopper;1240024 wrote: Power Pink?

Oh - I know - Leopardskin!

I'm just trying to work out what class of passenger you think I'm trying to attract, it's a distressing notion. Beehives wouldn't cope with the open top.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:15 pm

CARLA;1240020 wrote: :yh_rotfl Naaah..!! Spot is more of a Tweed kinda guy. Maybe a Black car with leather interior. :driving:

Too much work taking care of black paint. I dont think spocks up to the challenge. Perhaps a deep burgundy.

Barman · Post by **Barman** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:25 pm

Just where are you going to go in this super car spot?

Who is this mysterious passenger you intend on transporting wherever?

A lot more info is required before a suitable motor car could be suited to you.

I could let you have a go in mine if you are in London next week.:-6

Clodhopper · Post by **Clodhopper** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:30 pm

I'm just trying to work out what class of passenger you think I'm trying to attract

Hot ones and/or leopards.

Post by **spot** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:30 pm

Barman;1240036 wrote: Just where are you going to go in this super car spot?

Who is this mysterious passenger you intend on transporting wherever?

A lot more info is required before a suitable motor car could be suited to you.

I could let you have a go in mine if you are in London next week.:-6

The main reason for getting one of these is to drive round to your house and honk on your doorstep, mate. Around dawn, for preference.

Passengers would be anyone who could cope with camping, the cars each have enough luggage space for two rucksacks.

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:34 pm

Point taken they are work but maybe he has someone who can do it for him.

I actually like the shinny gun metal gray color classy, easy color to take care of. :driving:

[QUOTE]Too much work taking care of black paint. I dont think spocks up to the challenge. Perhaps a deep burgundy.[/QUOTE]

Barman · Post by **Barman** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:36 pm

spot;1240042 wrote: The main reason for getting one of these is to drive round to your house and honk on your doorstep, mate. Around dawn, for preference.

Passengers would be anyone who could cope with camping, the cars each have enough luggage space for two rucksacks.

I have a rucksack, i am always awake by 5:30, 6 am at the latest.

We gonna hit Newquay first pal.:wah:

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:36 pm

Rucksacks, camping NO NO NO camping with the Austin Martin just not cool. Get a SUV with 4wheel drive for the rugged stuff. :wah:

[QUOTE]Passengers would be anyone who could cope with camping, the cars each have enough luggage space for two rucksacks.[/QUOTE]

Post by **spot** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:40 pm

YZGI;1239972 wrote: Way to increase your carbon footprint Spot. We're all proud of you here in the good ole US of A.

The Blenheim does over 40 mpg actually. Though it might not depending on how it's driven. It's several years since I was behind the wheel of anything.

Barman · Post by **Barman** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:42 pm

So, we taking yours.

Or mine.

Clodhopper · Post by **Clodhopper** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:47 pm

It's several years since I was behind the wheel of anything.

Me too. Am probably going to have to hire something in New Zealand. Good thing NZ is mostly empty.

Post by **spot** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:48 pm

Barman;1240048 wrote: I have a rucksack, i am always awake by 5:30, 6 am at the latest.

We gonna hit Newquay first pal.:wah:

I'll bring a spare snorkel, my wetsuit, a twelve-pack of Carlsberg and a quart of lube, Newquay being what it is.

Barman · Post by **Barman** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:50 pm

spot;1240058 wrote: I'll bring a spare snorkel, my wetsuit, a twelve-pack of Carlsberg and a QUART of lube, Newquay being what it is.

What a man.

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:53 pm

Nomad;1240031 wrote: Too much work taking care of black paint. I dont think spocks up to the challenge. Perhaps a deep burgundy.

and it shows the dirt, how bout greys?