tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19299976743219074712024-03-27T05:23:25.659+11:00 The Gearbox: Car news, Reviews and AdviceBrucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311611528692945888noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1929997674321907471.post-46964370363881584012019-01-30T15:44:00.000+11:002019-01-30T15:44:53.274+11:00Bargain HiPo SUV's I've become a bit smitten with an SUV of late, the Mercedes Benz GLC 63 AMG. Admittedly its probably because the squat flared stance reminds me more of a high performance wagon than a inner city fashion accessory, but none the less I like it. And by all the accounts I've read it hustles its way down nice piece of bitumen pretty well too. But what if you can't afford $165,000 worth of 4 litre twin turbo V8 SUV? Here are some bargain alternatives, oh but don''t expect them to be reliable!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFgwAfxgKsa0aANRWjfymglIJJUT-n_pOLGD_EMU_s-GTPa4Lm4RXVt6yulMZ_6gbUIgdrFl59DOpCvR2fH1rvxp1KGF-0qb-UtKR5mIChZVc-kiGeI-ygGT8MLdgjjdjbswi0AVIKMJT/s1600/GLC+63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mercedes Benz GLC63 AMG" border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFgwAfxgKsa0aANRWjfymglIJJUT-n_pOLGD_EMU_s-GTPa4Lm4RXVt6yulMZ_6gbUIgdrFl59DOpCvR2fH1rvxp1KGF-0qb-UtKR5mIChZVc-kiGeI-ygGT8MLdgjjdjbswi0AVIKMJT/s400/GLC+63.jpg" title="Mercedes Benz GLC63 AMG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mercedes Benz ML55 AMG</h3>
Mercedes can actually lay claim to be the inventor of the everyday high performance SUV. Back in 99 they released the ML55 AMG. At the time the big Benz was their only 4x4 offering and someone decided handing it off to the boys at Affalterbach would be a good idea. What came back was a beefed up ML sporting a 255 kilowatt 5.5 litre V8 and lovely set of alloys, the bodywork and suspension was also fettled with. However, unlike today''s GLC don't expect the ML to wow you in the corners, contemporary road tests praised it but by today's standards the big old ML is no dynamic superstar. Ignoring this though it's hard to scoff at something offering so much luxury and straight line pace for under $10,000.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuR1jm-GQVH7QVOOvlwensjMi2tFu55uotQysLM30MnezLHIjH2F6I84AwPFJ-twGhO9I5ID02c55Hw7B9e0JkA-57sa0VT29cpTSwlzKXu9lQe43Ey9Dx8J9wbhzHGI6QLeH8B9h7ROdn/s1600/ml55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mercedes Benz ML55 AMG" border="0" data-original-height="1053" data-original-width="1600" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuR1jm-GQVH7QVOOvlwensjMi2tFu55uotQysLM30MnezLHIjH2F6I84AwPFJ-twGhO9I5ID02c55Hw7B9e0JkA-57sa0VT29cpTSwlzKXu9lQe43Ey9Dx8J9wbhzHGI6QLeH8B9h7ROdn/s400/ml55.jpg" title="Mercedes Benz ML55 AMG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original high performance SUV</td></tr>
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<h3>
Porsche Cayenne Turbo</h3>
If its sports car levels of handling your after though, then may I suggest possibly the worst financial decision of your life? The original Porsche Cayenne Turbo. A car that made the Porsche purists wretch and everyone else just plain sick when they caught a glimpse of it, the Cayenne Turbo had a stretched 911 face that only a mother could love. But oh my could it handle, under the surface lurked a chassis tuned by some of the best engineers in the business, not to mention it wasn't even that bad off road. Cayennes came in a few flavours starting with a base V6, but its the range topping Turbo you want, complete with 331kw 4.5 litre twin turbo V8 the Cayenne could dispatch 0-100 in 5.6 seconds. Early cars (2003/4) can be had for under $20k, however these cars are notoriously unreliable. So maybe best to make a slightly less financially crushing decision and pay about $28k for a later car.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZz-vo_TSNqUYFyO702okG7vuSZ8x8_wCd2LXXfoImxLN3fQZZiNEYKjRk8io4ViFB0UUwKXXH1QtjGZJNi43mX9C1i98vJj8zK_gDC2P3sgw0Mi_xs31C0Z_ZrqIKXdRMB4Qk5TGwlsZ7/s1600/122306_39496-b-por.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Porsche Cayenne Turbo " border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZz-vo_TSNqUYFyO702okG7vuSZ8x8_wCd2LXXfoImxLN3fQZZiNEYKjRk8io4ViFB0UUwKXXH1QtjGZJNi43mX9C1i98vJj8zK_gDC2P3sgw0Mi_xs31C0Z_ZrqIKXdRMB4Qk5TGwlsZ7/s400/122306_39496-b-por.jpg" title="Porsche Cayenne Turbo " width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
BMW X5 4.8is </h3>
If the Porsche is just too ugly for you though and forced induction makes you feel dirty then how about the BMW X5 4.8is. The original X5 despite the controversy over its release back in 1999 has aged beautifully and makes the latest gen look like a bloated whale. It wasn't the hottest thing off road with 285 section rear tyres but it made up for it on road with BMW's signature driving dynamics woven into its suspension set up. A lovely 4.8 litre naturally aspirated V8 pushing 265kw and capable of 0-100 in 6.1secs rounded of a pretty compelling SUV package. As little as $5k will get you into an X5 with a V8, but best budget a little more for maintenance and fuel bills!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVLq7pAQOqhiAocxqZHkuGD_lB711VRyvCNY8DPgT_mq_LkYMEd8sEhmM_7SlCl0CE2k8Bq74FoEswAlJzadDLgOVGQcIQI5Mh0zhEWLJoTFkscRfPijdBOeZ-R3X17Zp1Y1iPPelFXkY/s1600/137062_30280bmw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="BMW X5 4.8is " border="0" data-original-height="1003" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVLq7pAQOqhiAocxqZHkuGD_lB711VRyvCNY8DPgT_mq_LkYMEd8sEhmM_7SlCl0CE2k8Bq74FoEswAlJzadDLgOVGQcIQI5Mh0zhEWLJoTFkscRfPijdBOeZ-R3X17Zp1Y1iPPelFXkY/s400/137062_30280bmw.jpg" title="BMW X5 4.8is " width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Range Rover Sport </h3>
Lastly how about a wildcard in a group of, well, wildcards. The original Range Rover Sport is now 14 years old and begging to burn its way through your savings account, all in the name of a wailing supercharged V8. Another 4.4 litre to be exact with 220kw, despite the supercharger though the Rangie is actually the slowest of the group clocking a 8.9 second sprint to 100 and despite the Sport nomenclature it is probably the least sporty of my quartet on the road. However show it some dirt and it will pretty much walk over the others. $15-$20k should get you into a well cared for early one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3J_6UivXuP4DoKYR2n1MmxetHiD8GbAhzT4Bpk4WxnwiOaKKl1JE4dxlzLYagRBHfbl0-TlfzZ7-wXvK7NQQdGNb36aYN5hg0uoOctyXC5XuEttSAScl5Dkiu19DNztsZm106OhqiMN12/s1600/131072_36778-17-lr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Range Rover Sport " border="0" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="1600" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3J_6UivXuP4DoKYR2n1MmxetHiD8GbAhzT4Bpk4WxnwiOaKKl1JE4dxlzLYagRBHfbl0-TlfzZ7-wXvK7NQQdGNb36aYN5hg0uoOctyXC5XuEttSAScl5Dkiu19DNztsZm106OhqiMN12/s400/131072_36778-17-lr.jpg" title="Range Rover Sport " width="400" /></a></div>
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Four high performance SUV's that can all be had for less than the cost of a mid spec Corolla. What could possibly go wrong I ask you? Well we all know quite a lot and don't even get me started on the fuel costs. However isn't depreciation a wonderful thing, especially if you've got a bit of maintenance money lying around, fancy a roaring V8 soundtrack and want some road presence. One of these bad boys could be just the car for you. </div>
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311611528692945888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1929997674321907471.post-12166553193230212682019-01-22T13:16:00.000+11:002019-01-22T13:16:22.094+11:00Crap cars that one day we'll all want: Vol 2I'm back with <a href="https://thegearboxaus.blogspot.com/2017/06/shit-cars-that-one-day-well-all-want.html">another list</a> of cars that I reckon one day we might all be lusting after, but for the moment at least are just the automotive equivalent of a sea sponge. Now some may cry that the cars I'm about to list are not crap per say, maybe just more boring than anything else, however it can't be denied that they are deep into their respective depreciation curves and for most people out there cars that are so cheap are just not worth a second look.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVtQVwFfBRPDXt38E5UzlxTG0D-_UbOckZXtyLI4RM5KtiX9lgU9YGjq9O-V1Nqux7drVythSbvdSF82jd0ds8g16crK1ylWYF_t0STEoV8mgoqqg7bAEP9IVhPiDlxjo1W9Ja0_-7MZf/s1600/Untitled+drawing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVtQVwFfBRPDXt38E5UzlxTG0D-_UbOckZXtyLI4RM5KtiX9lgU9YGjq9O-V1Nqux7drVythSbvdSF82jd0ds8g16crK1ylWYF_t0STEoV8mgoqqg7bAEP9IVhPiDlxjo1W9Ja0_-7MZf/s320/Untitled+drawing.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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Toyota Rav 4</h3>
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I'm going to begin with something controversial, the original Toyota Rav 4, arguably the first mass market and commercially successful SUV. But can an old SUV ever be desirable? A body style mostly hated by enthusiasts for killing off the conventional hatch/sedan/wagon it seems hard to comprehend right now, but I think the original Rav won itself a lot of admirers, it drove like a car not a 4x4 and allowed a generation of 90's kids to venture off road. And one day some of them might want one for old times sake. Not to mention that from a design stand point the Rav looked pretty good, especially in short wheel base 3 door form with a dash of 2 tone paint. Undeniably Toyota's SUV was a trend setter and right now with them costing as little as $1500 it might be good time to pick one up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSqQqXw3FyhSvnE1gUYY8OTRSNUBoEWpYJhE_t-bN7GfJfEHQJoONObxOM07rtLU3jpp9iu2_xO2Bk42RTFent7EMTdQrnIf23hp_m6SK8A1CKFLWoyHay0KNLPSRJZkKbAHCv4rEmtSx/s1600/Rav+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Toyota Rav 4" border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="1600" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSqQqXw3FyhSvnE1gUYY8OTRSNUBoEWpYJhE_t-bN7GfJfEHQJoONObxOM07rtLU3jpp9iu2_xO2Bk42RTFent7EMTdQrnIf23hp_m6SK8A1CKFLWoyHay0KNLPSRJZkKbAHCv4rEmtSx/s400/Rav+4.jpg" title="Toyota Rav 4" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Volkswagen Transporter T4</h3>
Car number two isn't technically a car at all, it's VW's 1990's Transporter van. Can history repeat for VW's watercooled offering? Could prices skyrocket like they have for the aircooled Kombi? Honestly probably not to the same degree, a Transporter will never be a $100k vehicle but they do have a intrinsically cool vibe to them, with active families and surfers still drawn to them much like they were to the Kombi in the 60's and 70's. Right now they may just be another abused and neglected van but one day the Transporter will be desired by the very people who mistreat them nowadays! Right now $5000 will get you a good one, I don't see the prices falling much more so it might be worth investing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Zxy3GSWNxkfHpBGpFOHHkcVTXC4BbULACSKrEbXQPfTXsijcI137HuHXxsStMWo2hwqcrjgDlpkOYrnKVNg9PldiZSiRmwgVtZyJhmNw0TnQS1VHwSBMVjSoSmBIiGLmXff6f-h-pL7A/s1600/Transporter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Volkswagen Transporter T4" border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="1600" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Zxy3GSWNxkfHpBGpFOHHkcVTXC4BbULACSKrEbXQPfTXsijcI137HuHXxsStMWo2hwqcrjgDlpkOYrnKVNg9PldiZSiRmwgVtZyJhmNw0TnQS1VHwSBMVjSoSmBIiGLmXff6f-h-pL7A/s400/Transporter.jpg" title="Volkswagen Transporter T4" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Holden Barina XC</h3>
The Holden Barina, currently sold as a rebadged Korean Chevy isn't a very good car at all. However back in 2001 when Holden had more money the European built and imported Holden Barina (Opel Corsa) scooped a Wheels Car Of The Year Award, a pretty fine achievement. However that was 18 years ago and the XC Barina is now one of the cheapest used cars you can buy. A little over $1000 will get you into one. While the Barina will never be a classic Mini in years to come I think as the numbers dwindle, as they are currently, a cult following might emerge for Holden's little slice of European class. Pick up a tasty manual 3 door SRI today and you might be onto a winner.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2G6UioQSoknxQoF8YptgTqbQY6gXqxQeDoDmNR6C1wZFxzQhgufz18c_pcBmN5_NqKamgtyv2F6yklMB_fx-w2_6vcPzmxmz0jfQX3GoYAEhpuLhPuRjcOJVRTw40gPNLIlPxdyC7hRQ-/s1600/Barina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Holden Barina XC, also known as the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa B" border="0" data-original-height="1023" data-original-width="1600" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2G6UioQSoknxQoF8YptgTqbQY6gXqxQeDoDmNR6C1wZFxzQhgufz18c_pcBmN5_NqKamgtyv2F6yklMB_fx-w2_6vcPzmxmz0jfQX3GoYAEhpuLhPuRjcOJVRTw40gPNLIlPxdyC7hRQ-/s400/Barina.jpg" title="Holden Barina XC, also known as the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa B" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Ford Laser KF/KH</h3>
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Lastly I give you the Ford KF/KH Laser, a car which from my time in Australia I've gathered Aussies have a lot of affection for. However despite the admiration the early 90's Lasers numbers are in steep decline and values are not exactly climbing either, thus the little Ford looks pretty crappy these days, but did you know the KF/KH was the last compact ford to be built in Australia? Don't you think that the styling is kinda aging gracefully? And need I mention the sporty TX3 and Turbo 4x4 variants? The little Laser has all the makings of a collectible Ford much like the Mk1 Escort and seriously who thought in the 1980's when those cars were a throw away commodity that we would ever lust after one? Right now you don't even need $1000 to get into a functioning Laser.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwaS9d1Aa3zFTk-T22k59KHDpXrkT7akkMdlYP4kNxcUXNl-viZyxY27lnMqCFhnkGgm4if0K6vf8qEjJPge8y_fEfztASX2tVtP5LSmiv8Y_1Zf6ijJ5BjqkjIzunRAOqxWXd4OTJYLH/s1600/ford-laser-tx-3-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/imagegen/cp/black/800/600/s3/digital-cougar-assets/tradeuniquecars/gallery1704/ford-laser-tx-3-1.jpg" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwaS9d1Aa3zFTk-T22k59KHDpXrkT7akkMdlYP4kNxcUXNl-viZyxY27lnMqCFhnkGgm4if0K6vf8qEjJPge8y_fEfztASX2tVtP5LSmiv8Y_1Zf6ijJ5BjqkjIzunRAOqxWXd4OTJYLH/s400/ford-laser-tx-3-1.jpg" title="https://d3lp4xedbqa8a5.cloudfront.net/imagegen/cp/black/800/600/s3/digital-cougar-assets/tradeuniquecars/gallery1704/ford-laser-tx-3-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rare as unicorn poo, TX3 Turbo </td></tr>
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There we have it, 4 more cars that right now might all seem pretty lackluster, but in my humble opinion might one day ignite nostalgia in people. If I am correct, best to get one now before they all disappear or become horrendously expensive. <br /> </div>
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311611528692945888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1929997674321907471.post-13155893894651504302018-10-18T16:01:00.000+11:002018-10-18T16:01:15.326+11:00Police getting BMW's, why not go premium yourself? It is now common knowledge that NSW Highway Patrol are replacing their current crop of Commodore SS and Falcon XR8's with frugal yet fiendishly quick BMW 530d's (and less frugal but still quick Chysler 300C SRT8's). Motorist state and country wide will be trying to etch the outline of BMW's big sedan into their subconscious, just in case they find themselves going 83kph in an 80 zone. And of course being of the mindset that euro luxo barges are always better I thought if the Police can do it so can you! Here are 4 big Euro sedans that you wont need to rob a bank for.<br />
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<a href="https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/9daed1221c9ddc5af3ebc39778d9e7d1?width=650" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="649" height="223" src="https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/9daed1221c9ddc5af3ebc39778d9e7d1?width=650" width="400" /></a></div>
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Speaking of robbing banks you know what would do nicely? Audi's C6 generation A6. Available with everything under the bonnet from a 2 litre turbo four all the way to a 4.2 V8 nicked from the R8 supercar the A6 has always been the understated persons luxury sedan of choice. Almost plain on the outside with just a whiff of class from that mid 00's smooth surface design language, the perfect shut lines and 4 silver rings doing just enough to let people know a lot of engineering went into the C6 A6. If fueling the thing up doesn't bother you then personally I'd find a big boy 4.2 litre Quattro for ultimate cross country cruising.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKg03bzCVjW46Pci96ZzqvCJ-poPc6YLcs98CNS_qOdDXhtgA32SsJl3TaYkcKFsvnhHSsfGQ7gbm3XKyq3gsbBPF10GUfuOoIj2cgNqoj3noOiDFLyC_0dcrID4pInLgoGxz-VeMAGKf0/s1600/Audi+C6+A6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Audi A6 C6 generation " border="0" data-original-height="1186" data-original-width="1600" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKg03bzCVjW46Pci96ZzqvCJ-poPc6YLcs98CNS_qOdDXhtgA32SsJl3TaYkcKFsvnhHSsfGQ7gbm3XKyq3gsbBPF10GUfuOoIj2cgNqoj3noOiDFLyC_0dcrID4pInLgoGxz-VeMAGKf0/s400/Audi+C6+A6.jpg" title="Audi A6 C6 generation " width="400" /></a></div>
And as luck would have it here is one I found earlier. Yes it might cost a bit to maintain and the KM's are admittedly high for such a high performance power plant but surely the addition of a sports exhaust to that V8 will melt away any warning light woes! <br />
<a href="https://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Audi-A6-2005/SSE-AD-4341009/?Cr=1" target="_blank">2005 Audi A6 4.2 Quattro: $8000</a> <br />
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On the subject of reliability what about a brand that can simultaneously strike fear and love into the hearts of owners? Alfa Romeo and specifically the 166. In my opinion one of the most uniquely handsome sedans ever made. With its comparatively small headlights pushed to other edges of the front end the car is quite hammer head shark like in its appearance. This might be a bit polarising but certainly goes some way to making it an instantly recognisable car.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhZ8vp3q5pxtyo4D3fG_lWTYqDMkBkFtOsaFHuqVfF4Po3942SJSsw37_IqtGi7M4SURiULe-DGRdbRKSrqD86kNk3Z_KHfi2sMugD5RsFxOkgfjSLqxp2HVZ9jsluJbzLktSDnGurlHg/s1600/Alfa+166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Alfa 166" border="0" data-original-height="1010" data-original-width="1600" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhZ8vp3q5pxtyo4D3fG_lWTYqDMkBkFtOsaFHuqVfF4Po3942SJSsw37_IqtGi7M4SURiULe-DGRdbRKSrqD86kNk3Z_KHfi2sMugD5RsFxOkgfjSLqxp2HVZ9jsluJbzLktSDnGurlHg/s400/Alfa+166.jpg" title="Alfa 166" width="400" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately Alfa facelifted the car in 2003 giving it normal sized lights and re profiled the front end. Personally I don't think the latter car is as pretty. Anyway design aside there was really only one engine the 166 deserved, Alfa's 3 litre "Busso" V6 sitting pretty with polished intake manifolds its enough to make you go weak at the knees and don't get me started on the sound! Luckily for us petrol heads Alfa's horrible reputation for reliability means even the relatively rare 166 is super affordable. $6k is all you need to bag a good one. Have a look below.<br />
<a href="https://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Alfa-Romeo-166-1999/SSE-AD-3883120/?Cr=0" target="_blank">1999 Alfa Romeo 166: $6000</a><br />
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Remember when James Bond drove BMW's? I can because they where the Bonds of my childhood and the one that stands out is 1997's Tomorrow Never Dies 7 Series. It wasn't a sexy bond car, it was't a glamorous Bond car but for some reason I lusted after it. 007's was of course a big 750i V8 but the BMW's range topper also came with smaller bent 8's and some of BM's sweet inline sixes too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgon2R7LqJrck98IDgM1k70QqwWcTUU7YsXg1pqRY-VVZFWO5LohInEeJtcyv2QKYMOgQvWGVpwugR9tArFlngNkN2PX8hjSiMnFFwEUw1NgFbb5QSYvJi3uiaywortQpUCkPeks7YWZF/s1600/BMW+E28+7+series.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="BMW 7 Series E28" border="0" data-original-height="995" data-original-width="1600" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgon2R7LqJrck98IDgM1k70QqwWcTUU7YsXg1pqRY-VVZFWO5LohInEeJtcyv2QKYMOgQvWGVpwugR9tArFlngNkN2PX8hjSiMnFFwEUw1NgFbb5QSYvJi3uiaywortQpUCkPeks7YWZF/s400/BMW+E28+7+series.jpg" title="BMW 7 Series E28" width="400" /></a></div>
Subtle and understated on the outside BMW threw everything but the kitchen sink at the interior. Sumptuous electrically adjustable seats, and a memory function that would adjust everything to a particular drivers preference when they opened the door. there was also tray tables in the back, a car phone, TV's and sat nav all featured in the 7 in the 1990's! No wonder it cost upward of $170k when it was new. Nowadays however a mere 6 grand will get you into one and in the case of the car I found below it could be a real peach, listen to my podcast for more details. <br />
<a href="https://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/BMW-735i-2000/SSE-AD-5686328/?Cr=4">2000 BMW 735i; $5999</a><br />
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No run down of luxury Euro sedans would be complete without taking a look at the Mercedes Benz line up. And to be honest with Australia having always been such a strong market place for Benz I was bit overwhelmed by the choice on the used market. Following the theme of the above cars I could have lumped for an big S-Class, there are too many to choose from for under $8k, but I thought it might be funner to push the hypothetical budget and get something a little rarer from the slightly smaller E-Class stable.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioa6ybXPke_Hpe7m8B6C1HBN8ewdBnBAkjGVfUHNlODwY_Bz8jbOpZfPGqKn2BTOURFohxpBusfAvjUuBIxmunwpyzsAzTDEPFbkWIonjIlRFrAbTTQX3Zim1k9PsmNFHmSM1hHownAQOb/s1600/e55+amg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mercedes E55 AMG" border="0" data-original-height="946" data-original-width="1417" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioa6ybXPke_Hpe7m8B6C1HBN8ewdBnBAkjGVfUHNlODwY_Bz8jbOpZfPGqKn2BTOURFohxpBusfAvjUuBIxmunwpyzsAzTDEPFbkWIonjIlRFrAbTTQX3Zim1k9PsmNFHmSM1hHownAQOb/s400/e55+amg.jpg" title="Mercedes E55 AMG" width="400" /></a></div>
I give you the sub $15k E55 AMG, sitting purposefully on classic Merc mono block alloys the E55 is an autobahn stormer if ever there was one. Unlike the AMG's of today which shout about their intentions and actually go around corners without falling over the old W210 E55 was designed to obliterate long distance drives and overtake everything in its path thanks to a 5.5 litre V8. Corners came second and the lazy auto box didn't exactly reward the spirited driver. In saying that that though the W210 chassis still underpins the Chrysler 300C some 22 years after it was released! Yes the very 300C that the Police now use in SRT8 form along with those BMW's, so much like I said at the start if its good enough for the law...<br />
<a href="https://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Mercedes-Benz-E55-1999/SSE-AD-5696617/?Cr=0">1999 Mercedes Benz E55 AMG; $13590</a><br />
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I have also rambled on and given some more details about these cars, specifically the ones for sale on my podcast. Please go and have a listen if you can spare the time.<br />
<a href="https://anchor.fm/bruce-jamieson/episodes/Episode-3-Alternative-Euro-Sedans-e2e1je">The Podcast</a><br />
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<br />Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311611528692945888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1929997674321907471.post-86608346647516036452018-06-01T13:02:00.002+10:002018-06-01T13:02:42.363+10:00Lamenting no more manual GTI? Try theseYou might have read over the past few weeks that as of 2019 the option of buying a brand new manual transmission VW Golf GTI in Australia will be no more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRqMBxAlw3gqWz4_5AVEAnRW_HfVBpaYOW5frcyiuEvmAd4QkRJs-eqmHcTcwNWrgyMQiUJhGbhWXEE4kDUHUWjh6RvTYaJtcy-c-k4EMyoyps1i1e6KTz1NCKFOqzgXJnoQxHKB3y98N/s1600/2018+Volkswagen+Golf+GTi+Original+456377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Volkswagen Golf GTI Original, the last manual Golf you can buy in Oz" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRqMBxAlw3gqWz4_5AVEAnRW_HfVBpaYOW5frcyiuEvmAd4QkRJs-eqmHcTcwNWrgyMQiUJhGbhWXEE4kDUHUWjh6RvTYaJtcy-c-k4EMyoyps1i1e6KTz1NCKFOqzgXJnoQxHKB3y98N/s400/2018+Volkswagen+Golf+GTi+Original+456377.jpg" title="Volkswagen Golf GTI Original, the last manual Golf you can buy in Oz" width="400" /></a></div>
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The reasoning for VW doing this is obvious, nobody bought the three pedal option so why bother packing them on the boat from Germany? It's business and the Germans do it rather well. However as a part time motoring journo and car enthusiast I just need a moment to lament the death of one of the purest hot hatches you can buy new. Whilst knowing full well that the reason its gone is because people like me didn't put there money where there mouth was!<br />
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For someone like me, the manual transmission adds an extra layer of character to a car. It makes you work hard for that forward momentum and turns that sometimes tedious job of getting from A to B into something that bit more exciting. Yes I am that 1% who doesn't mind a manual in traffic. Rev matching a downshift on the way to stopping at red light actually gives me some excitement and I feel that driving a car which allows you to do that is just that bit more personable even if it is an econobox.<br />
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But a manual hot hatch, they are quite possibly the most personable and characterful cars money can buy. They are workaday hero's who nip at the heels of cars 3 or 4 times their price. A three pedal hot hatch eggs you on, makes you feel like a driving god and releases your inner hooligan, in a good way of course. And the Golf GTI was arguably the original. So the thought of no longer being able to buy one new makes me very sad indeed.<br />
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So in a bid to stop myself lamenting the loss of the three pedal GTI I've hit the classifieds to see what used hot hatch hero's you can buy with a H pattern sticking out the middle. And in the process doing the very thing that probably killed the Golf in the first place; buying used instead of new!<br />
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<h3>
BMW 130i M Sport</h3>
My first pick is definitely one for a specific type of enthusiast, but wow what a car. The BMW 130i M Sport. A left field hot hatch if ever there was one. With a wopping great 3 litre straight six shoehorned under the bonnet sending 195kw of power rearwards the little 1 Series was highly regarded in period as one of the finest handling hatches available. That big 6 was of course mated to a crisp 6 speed manual that allowed BMW's hatch to be a smooth cruiser or a total hooligan.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibr-ILXwQIaKGBA3kiwEkgAIKGTcIFrYUzqdd0oOcINRT9vzpinw2LHhwo7IgSc6efROopRbrf65FxXp089eB-E3tIgPJ1-x-HPeGXHarodKBvKUjkTph1bKR5cA851TgPyq3hCU8Y7sQm/s1600/m130i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="BMW 130i M Sport " border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1200" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibr-ILXwQIaKGBA3kiwEkgAIKGTcIFrYUzqdd0oOcINRT9vzpinw2LHhwo7IgSc6efROopRbrf65FxXp089eB-E3tIgPJ1-x-HPeGXHarodKBvKUjkTph1bKR5cA851TgPyq3hCU8Y7sQm/s400/m130i.jpg" title="BMW 130i M Sport " width="400" /></a></div>
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Despite its niche appeal there are a few 130i's on the market at the moment, priced from $13,000 up to $25,000 the little BM is holding its value 13 years after it first appeared, but I view this as a good thing, previous owners have most likely looked after their big engine wrapped in a little package. <br />
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<h3>
Audi S3 8P</h3>
BMW a bit too slidey for you? How about something with 4 wheel drive? The second generation S3 took VW's already excellent 2 litre turbo four, upped the boost and added Quattro to make it an unstoppable 188kw all weather back road blaster. For some it might be a little too clinical, but I urge you to consider it if you lust after a Germanic hot hatch with a manual.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXNDNHH8vrLLi_nvyRrzzD-lPIRS3H39IFTC_9kQYudj0rmyAJEEg-AvL-U8eJ2PwyipBbB3h7C7pY8x_xPRguZPHQfq9rsOYrXWSsBTmFpfOQMAndwdNwRzeawwoOUgoc1BkJEeKX8cD/s1600/2007+Audi+S3+3-door+324927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Audi S3 8P" border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXNDNHH8vrLLi_nvyRrzzD-lPIRS3H39IFTC_9kQYudj0rmyAJEEg-AvL-U8eJ2PwyipBbB3h7C7pY8x_xPRguZPHQfq9rsOYrXWSsBTmFpfOQMAndwdNwRzeawwoOUgoc1BkJEeKX8cD/s400/2007+Audi+S3+3-door+324927.jpg" title="Audi S3 8P" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Prices for an S3 are slightly more palatable than the 1 Series and if you so choose an S3 can be had in ultra niche 3 door form, for that extra slice or hot hatch originality. Anything from $9000 to $20,000 should get you into one. I'd advise going mid teens for decent one. <br />
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<h3>
Kia Pro'ceed GT</h3>
My next pick is for someone who wants a car that almost nobody else has, which is odd given that it's a Kia. I present to you the Koreans first attempt at a mildly hot hatch, the Pro'ceed GT. A somewhat random but very welcome break from the norm that Kia billed as a halo car in Australia between 2014 and 2016. Powered by a 150kw 1.6 litre turbo the 3 door manual only Kia wasn't quite a fire breather when compared to some rivals in a straight line. But it made up for it in the corners with superb handing and a set of lovely Recaro bucketsto keep you snug. Also buy one of the last ones and you'll still have a chunk of Kia's 7 year warranty left too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpxMzrDuRFgjD8daNuEd-aB7KOnQ7m60tVRUAZYoWvnl_YhAZIQcYZhkv5pVy3rY5o-x6AVQ0R-dYijW32UUfRZRw-FQn2FGt1EM0T0zwg5d_sslUNgU1D5Q_cJ7P2xhAs-OXMCBMaBtT/s1600/29585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kia Pro'Ceed GT" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpxMzrDuRFgjD8daNuEd-aB7KOnQ7m60tVRUAZYoWvnl_YhAZIQcYZhkv5pVy3rY5o-x6AVQ0R-dYijW32UUfRZRw-FQn2FGt1EM0T0zwg5d_sslUNgU1D5Q_cJ7P2xhAs-OXMCBMaBtT/s400/29585.jpg" title="Kia Pro'Ceed GT" width="400" /></a></div>
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Prices have dropped well below $20,000 for Pro'Ceeds with low KMs, which given that the car is still pretty modern compared to the first 2 on my list seems like a very good deal. <br />
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<h3>
Peugeot 206 GTI 180</h3>
Everything else on my list proving too pricey? How about this little French rocket, from the makers of one of the godfathers of the hot hatch game (the 205 GTI) I give you the Peugeot 206 GTI 180. The recipe here is simple, take a small hatch, add a 2 litre 16 valve naturally aspirated engine, close ratio manual box, work some suspension wizardry and every time you get out you'll be smiling. That 180 denotes the bhp of the little Pug, that's 130kw by the way, in a car that weighs a little bit more than a bag of frozen peas.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROnPt6IX1-_XtST-NYyRns2IOfhK6s8XtNgQOKr2_LeUU1vErMdlnrQtuScVs21QMxT_d2L9RmFh6_WrG8tB5_9vmQTXVBPqK5cEWKXfrGpMVA_yvc9Y64v-Kn_HDvAgeR3OmuNLht15D/s1600/2003+Peugeot+206+GTi+180+430748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Peugeot 206 GTI 180" border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="1600" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROnPt6IX1-_XtST-NYyRns2IOfhK6s8XtNgQOKr2_LeUU1vErMdlnrQtuScVs21QMxT_d2L9RmFh6_WrG8tB5_9vmQTXVBPqK5cEWKXfrGpMVA_yvc9Y64v-Kn_HDvAgeR3OmuNLht15D/s400/2003+Peugeot+206+GTi+180+430748.jpg" title="Peugeot 206 GTI 180" width="400" /></a></div>
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Since the cars debuted in 2003 prices have plummeted as per most French cars Down Under. But although that might be bad for previous owners it means that hot hatch connoisseurs longing for back to basics thrills need only part with $5000 to get a good one. Happy hunting. <br />
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The manual Golf GTI is going away, but please don't despair, the used market is a treasure trove of hot hatchery with 3 pedals. I hope that showcasing 4 here has helped ease some sadness. The cars mentioned are really just the tip of the iceberg if you lust after a <i>proper </i>hot hatch with great driving dynamics, I could go on and on and on reeling of alternatives, but I wont subject you to that. <br />
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<br />Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311611528692945888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1929997674321907471.post-12225466768111809982017-08-11T09:00:00.000+10:002017-08-13T18:56:24.414+10:00Car of the Week: Lexus IS200I'm going to say something controversial; I think Alan Partridge might have been wrong when he called Lexus the Japanese Mercedes. Instead consider this, Lexus, particularly my car of the week is more the Japanese BMW. Ladies and gents I give you the Lexus IS200.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOj4QMRixpvb6cOP7y2zg1GDV4OIAPNg-4I-VUlHdAygg-thkJ_pDs81GblqIGBBY-d119yG6Ahv7_E6aNCgEkABIqBh8vcn8Bs4M-uyTS9sMvJT7mSdyUBClE_EHNsKi311kTNNjZ7Xb/s1600/lex+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lexus IS200" border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="1050" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOj4QMRixpvb6cOP7y2zg1GDV4OIAPNg-4I-VUlHdAygg-thkJ_pDs81GblqIGBBY-d119yG6Ahv7_E6aNCgEkABIqBh8vcn8Bs4M-uyTS9sMvJT7mSdyUBClE_EHNsKi311kTNNjZ7Xb/s400/lex+2.jpg" title="Lexus IS200" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3>
BMW DNA</h3>
It's all in the DNA of the IS200 that I reach my conclusion, attractive 3 box sedan, straight 6 up front, the option of a manual gearbox in the middle and power going exclusively to the rear wheels. All traditional BMW ingredients but wrapped up in a Lexus package the IS is cruelly overlooked, let me share with you it's merits.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOljG9mAn6y0L1mtyGDz3-sxPe4SpDWHLQxPFmlmhik_Pn6JASC4zkujbLofwKVYy9GT8JpBdV2EvNC90k7ASAhiAuf7ETBiiQQIcKQRpfBNZ-zpY1mEkzDlJaSLqx760NvUmmu7M8Y0O/s1600/lex+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lexus IS200" border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="1050" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOljG9mAn6y0L1mtyGDz3-sxPe4SpDWHLQxPFmlmhik_Pn6JASC4zkujbLofwKVYy9GT8JpBdV2EvNC90k7ASAhiAuf7ETBiiQQIcKQRpfBNZ-zpY1mEkzDlJaSLqx760NvUmmu7M8Y0O/s400/lex+1.jpg" title="Lexus IS200" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3>
Posh Toyota </h3>
First off we have excellent build quality, remember people Lexus is just a posh Toyota, makers of those "unbreakable" Hilux's and god forsaken Camry's. I harp on about European cars being reliable if you look after them, but with Toyota underpinnings a Lexus will probably just keep running in spite of you. And whereas a BMW might start to show some electrical niggles like dead switches by its 17th birthday you can bet an IS's rear passenger electric window button will just keep on going. Again not wanting to sound to hypocritical, I do believe in the affordable Euros, but a Lexus part is likely to cost you less come fixing time than a European one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmvZefVboC7OCvV0CmVCPPxt5vfXLOxtjYMEbIEPA5Jf8zCPl2wys8ePuemDFgDroF9W-tQNfP_YPbEI1I8aoFnsloCBYai9jPGLH6ZglU4KdEv09sMqmrkpliYxx3LcSArbWM9FOkSAv/s1600/lex+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lexus IS200 interior " border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="1050" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmvZefVboC7OCvV0CmVCPPxt5vfXLOxtjYMEbIEPA5Jf8zCPl2wys8ePuemDFgDroF9W-tQNfP_YPbEI1I8aoFnsloCBYai9jPGLH6ZglU4KdEv09sMqmrkpliYxx3LcSArbWM9FOkSAv/s400/lex+4.jpg" title="Lexus IS200 interior " width="400" /></a></div>
<h3>
Plastic fantastic (not)</h3>
Where the Lexus might not shine so greatly is the way the interior has aged, cheap feeling plastics and faux aluminium trim are a far cry form the quality of a contemporary E46 3 Series but a leather sports wheel and luxuries like duel zone climate control, cruise control and electrically adjustable everything might help lessen the blow. One thing you cannot escape though is the Lexus style rear lights, yup, the IS started the whole damn craze that still lingers in the modified car world to this day, they are dated and utterly naff, but at least you can have some sort of claim to fame. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbK8gV4LbG7GF07ExDKg6SUL1F3YOI4sH2E7MVOB7SDwUQov24WUF7GIGKBTVl5W5k-GvEyIG6jfgBt4pSmvi3_titRsjB3P3fu9OFD5gkFig9tHDZUKU8ppBfX9vJG1Yl8NomukspEfZy/s1600/lex+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lexus IS200" border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1044" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbK8gV4LbG7GF07ExDKg6SUL1F3YOI4sH2E7MVOB7SDwUQov24WUF7GIGKBTVl5W5k-GvEyIG6jfgBt4pSmvi3_titRsjB3P3fu9OFD5gkFig9tHDZUKU8ppBfX9vJG1Yl8NomukspEfZy/s400/lex+5.jpg" title="Lexus IS200" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3>
Its all about the 6</h3>
Driver appeal and genuine race car potential are more reasons to look the 200's way. It all comes back to that drive train, smooth revvy 6 cylinder up front and rear drive makes for a excellent base. And when mated to a 6 speed manual the deal is surely only sweetened. With direct steering, a composed, balanced ride and decent brakes the IS200 only gets better. With the inline 6 only displacing 2 litres the 200 is no rocket ship, making do with 114kw, revving it out is the only way to make real progress, no hardship of course, the VVTI likes a stretch. But if you do find it a little slow don't worry as being of Japanese origin means the IS is open to a whole range of modifications to make it faster. Watch here to see CarThrottle turn one into a track car and just listen to how good that engine sounds with an exhaust!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJL-GAY3mJB0vODGm2T9gc68RgkpdyH6asMtch7ytkZgM9Kl6_yLH1lqBwvR27C-_SV2ASPlxvhy8tWM3A86j3H0Nqsp4wSnZHD21TgV8kD52dAONuqq8LHqxKilhKuYFsVbBy1WYvZcM3/s1600/lex+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lexus IS200 straight 6" border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="1050" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJL-GAY3mJB0vODGm2T9gc68RgkpdyH6asMtch7ytkZgM9Kl6_yLH1lqBwvR27C-_SV2ASPlxvhy8tWM3A86j3H0Nqsp4wSnZHD21TgV8kD52dAONuqq8LHqxKilhKuYFsVbBy1WYvZcM3/s400/lex+3.jpg" title="Lexus IS200 straight 6" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3>
Go get one </h3>
<a href="https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MzAwWDQwMA==/z/AfAAAOSwOLJZi8jJ/$_20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MzAwWDQwMA==/z/AfAAAOSwOLJZi8jJ/$_20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><br />
I do like rarity in a car, being unique for me is part of the appeal and surprisingly a manual IS200 is rarer than an equivalent BMW E46 while still costing the same amount of coin. Prices range from $3000 for a rough high kilometer car to $10k for a modified one. Personally I'd go somewhere in the middle and a buy stock or just slightly modified example to give myself a blank canvas. The car I've chosen below is a good example and also happens to be the Sport LE version with a subtle body kit. Overlooked and underrated the IS200 is a hidden gem in Lexus's back catalogue, with an engaging nature and a drivetrain copied straight from the boys in Munich the 200 might just be the dynamic sedan you never knew you needed. <br />
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<a href="https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/chifley/cars-vans-utes/2000-lexus-is200-gxe10r-blue-6-speed-manual-sedan/1156399815" target="_blank">2000 Lexus IS200, $7440</a> </div>
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<a href="https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MzAwWDQwMA==/z/AfAAAOSwOLJZi8jJ/$_20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lexus IS200 for sale " border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MzAwWDQwMA==/z/AfAAAOSwOLJZi8jJ/$_20.JPG" title="Lexus IS200 for sale " width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311611528692945888noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1929997674321907471.post-8241680796256089232017-06-02T15:48:00.000+10:002017-06-02T15:48:00.038+10:00Shit cars that one day we'll all want: Vol 1<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcMA_4OIPd8pSOSZ6QLx7Ksze3LiMkp3NkRwPbzqgFJdEeUVe2km31oqDHztVp36I_b1sm0MD8zm46mRJHE0URM7T94kqp7XADUFHQU59kwtGtJFlOXAvCv64hv5dSQNu57ARNXRCEm_G/s1600/Untitled+drawing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcMA_4OIPd8pSOSZ6QLx7Ksze3LiMkp3NkRwPbzqgFJdEeUVe2km31oqDHztVp36I_b1sm0MD8zm46mRJHE0URM7T94kqp7XADUFHQU59kwtGtJFlOXAvCv64hv5dSQNu57ARNXRCEm_G/s320/Untitled+drawing.jpg" width="320" /></a>The Volkswagen Kombi, the Volkswagen Beetle, the Ford Escort and the Holden Gemini. These are just a mere few of the cars from our motoring past which were once so common people couldn't give them away. However nowadays they command such ludicrous prices it borders on insanity. As to the reason why? It certainly isn't because they were good cars. The Vdubs asthmatic aircooled lumps couldn't peel the skin of a bowl of custard, the Ford rusted in places no one ever thought possible and the Gemini TE looked dated the second it left the showroom floor.<br />
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<h3>
Why?</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisI8AFG8JPzW3cNES8eKAh2tVH2MGw0G-sK7xBR_Qe8cZybcGp3hbWNnTblNMO95c3ookluOQtJQ7mk48kFRtYypD0_-31IXx-VyE1eOYwLtZ4lh2200GPqiWHsUGaz6R176HK74px-Tsz/s1600/Hipster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisI8AFG8JPzW3cNES8eKAh2tVH2MGw0G-sK7xBR_Qe8cZybcGp3hbWNnTblNMO95c3ookluOQtJQ7mk48kFRtYypD0_-31IXx-VyE1eOYwLtZ4lh2200GPqiWHsUGaz6R176HK74px-Tsz/s320/Hipster.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This beard definitely wants a Kombi </td></tr>
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The reason of course is our fickle sentimentality that screams out for us to relive a misspent youth. Or in the case of the VW's a culture dictating that owning these cars makes you cooler than the most overtly bearded hipsters out there. And of course bulging bank accounts of that one time youth help too, willing to pay whatever for a memory. Now don't chastise me for these comments, I too would own many a shit box from my teens; bloated sorry excuse for a GTI that was the MK4 Golf anyone? Pick me! This nostalgia got me to thinking though, what recent cars, that we currently view as awful throw away items will we one day throw piles of money at to own? Here are 4 to get you thinking.<br />
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<h3>
<br />AU Ford Falcon (98-02)</h3>
Hard to comprehend that one day the droopy frog faced excuse of the big Aussie sedan might one day be collectable isn't it? But I bet your parents or grandparents thought the same of 1969's XW generation and try finding a decent one of them for under $20k now. Just today I spotted a dozen AU's and only one was mint, the others resembled rolling ash trays with the occasional miss matched chromey and sun burnt paint. Give it 10 more years and all the AU's you can buy for loose change will be gone, it definitely isn't the prettiest Falcon but is it worth playing the long game and buying one now? Time will tell.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPePxcgRDgWkIg4YX-h2bjAzPv246CqWZ4Hyxq6xHuQNqO85XmiLhx7Fibe8Y-_4hUpYWy7JDxlYHEWFVhz9hSXkixmgcw0WHpuYEGZJ5X78w4bYDwbrcyx-BFoT_rQVGpNgx2DKnM7RF/s1600/AU+Falcon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="AU Ford Falcon" border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="1600" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPePxcgRDgWkIg4YX-h2bjAzPv246CqWZ4Hyxq6xHuQNqO85XmiLhx7Fibe8Y-_4hUpYWy7JDxlYHEWFVhz9hSXkixmgcw0WHpuYEGZJ5X78w4bYDwbrcyx-BFoT_rQVGpNgx2DKnM7RF/s400/AU+Falcon.jpg" title="AU Ford Falcon" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A face only a mother could love</td></tr>
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<h3>
<br />Hyundai Excel X3 (94-00)</h3>
Nope, I've not lost my mind, I really do wonder if the Koreans first big hit might be a future classic. Could it be Hyundai's Beetle? With woeful build quality and interior plastics similar in feel to those tubs you buy mushrooms in from the supermarket the Excel really wasn't that great, however generous standard equipment and a bargain basement price when new saw some 200,000 sold Down Under. So not surprisingly, Excels are everywhere providing cheap mobility to at least 2 generations of P plater's and budget conscious motorists from Broome to Byron Bay. I'd bet their attrition rate is probably at an all time high right now. Much like the Beetle does now for the middle age generation will we one day long for a mint Excel GX 3 door that reminds us of times gone by?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMYqDuwJfPexJZnQCKH2OL2_amlPH4v-_fOWLsJM4PG8OP_nncEdDfU-Eul7PX-NGt3OxZg1klbzrjmeT6BKW4cArwh6KXWzizkj3Pk5XUQhLcNlHrEZayI8EFiM47N26vH7aT670BjkW/s1600/Excel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hyundai Excel" border="0" data-original-height="995" data-original-width="1417" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMYqDuwJfPexJZnQCKH2OL2_amlPH4v-_fOWLsJM4PG8OP_nncEdDfU-Eul7PX-NGt3OxZg1klbzrjmeT6BKW4cArwh6KXWzizkj3Pk5XUQhLcNlHrEZayI8EFiM47N26vH7aT670BjkW/s400/Excel.jpg" title="Hyundai Excel" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out that spoiler, phwoar! </td></tr>
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<h3>
Holden Cruze (09-16)</h3>
The rebadged Korean Chevy is similar in many ways to the Excel above, it's popularity can be largely put down to it's heavily discounted price when new, rather than it's actual abilities as a car. Deeply flawed when compared to European designed rivals like the Golf, Focus, 308 and even Holden's own Astra I cant help but feel the Cruze's of this world will drop and drop in price and numbers until there are very few left. If you've recently bought one of the last production run, keep it for a few decades and you might have an oddball collectors item on your hands.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIwjRbg9vkN7cFHJhDHY9tr8O3bMsIPGR1Cj9bouqYvYWCPE7xkz65hl4KFvNqdN91gjkuv2S0EDsiyEqvWkwwWyv2EzDl6ZHqK4RI1kJllr5L13CaFei2jkhA_ohx0cXT9RqnqNe1BYA/s1600/Holden+Cruze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Holden Cruze" border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="1417" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIwjRbg9vkN7cFHJhDHY9tr8O3bMsIPGR1Cj9bouqYvYWCPE7xkz65hl4KFvNqdN91gjkuv2S0EDsiyEqvWkwwWyv2EzDl6ZHqK4RI1kJllr5L13CaFei2jkhA_ohx0cXT9RqnqNe1BYA/s400/Holden+Cruze.jpg" title="Holden Cruze" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3>
<br />Mazda 323 (98-03)</h3>
Blander than Tofu dunked in soy milk the 323 was thoroughly surpassed in all areas by its Mazda 3 successor in 2003. Does that mean they will disappear into the "also ran" category of our motoring history? I have a feeling that they might. Which is a shame given the SP20 variant was a semi decent steer. We might not know it now but the Mazda 323 SP20 could be the Escort RS2000 of the 2000's. Best hold onto one just in case.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmDI-M47HI6QUHRb8DC_b-qqgf1KpHW5bmMaqV91rRRl-157bX9Dr0HKG-fpHYv9TIgJAh8G2G3nj6qlDIfPsun1daDBQTeK8erKNAsPCCNBivCAEUhq9wC-_07A7JY78Zqnd3Tq1SEPt/s1600/323+Sp20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mazda 323" border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1417" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmDI-M47HI6QUHRb8DC_b-qqgf1KpHW5bmMaqV91rRRl-157bX9Dr0HKG-fpHYv9TIgJAh8G2G3nj6qlDIfPsun1daDBQTeK8erKNAsPCCNBivCAEUhq9wC-_07A7JY78Zqnd3Tq1SEPt/s400/323+Sp20.jpg" title="Mazda 323" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Tell me how wrong I am...</h3>
Yes this whole article has been wild speculation, so if you feel like adding your own cars to the list feel free. Lets all check back in 40 years and see if my predictions came true, in the meantime I suspect there are many more volumes in this series so I'll get to compiling another list.<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/photo%20credit:%20wang-lu%20%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.flickr.com/photos/61535873@N05/10935384913%22%3EBeard%3C/a%3E%20via%20%3Ca%20href=%22http://photopin.com%22%3Ephotopin%3C/a%3E%20%3Ca%20href=%22https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/%22%3E(license)%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">photo credit</a>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311611528692945888noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1929997674321907471.post-89559634288686590972017-05-15T17:47:00.000+10:002017-05-15T17:47:58.105+10:00Buying new has never been cheaper<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwoSRVkHGbWJmElzbIKIQyViQM8eSC8ND4toXhZwuPhBSq2wXUPLXmxNsWGb9ekhCVMvgOzsgFBqIGpsVqoFmCku08kM78P5-sJpz7i30kUl86RprI21otMcXpI3UELKCHdJ8rV-N0D_FM/s1600/34304528472_d6ef8d6674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Inflation calculator " border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwoSRVkHGbWJmElzbIKIQyViQM8eSC8ND4toXhZwuPhBSq2wXUPLXmxNsWGb9ekhCVMvgOzsgFBqIGpsVqoFmCku08kM78P5-sJpz7i30kUl86RprI21otMcXpI3UELKCHdJ8rV-N0D_FM/s320/34304528472_d6ef8d6674.jpg" title="Inflation calculator " width="320" /></a>Did you know that right now the Australian car buying public have never had it better? Not only is the choice of new cars simply staggering, ranging from a $13k Suzuki Celerio to a million dollar McLaren 675LT, but the price you pay is actually the lowest its every been. Comparatively speaking if you look at the performance, safety and standard equipment packed into cars today, you'll wonder how manufactures ever managed to sell cars in the 1990's. Let me share with you some like for like examples, with the 20 year currency inflation taken into account.<br />
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Let's begin with a Munich legend, a performance hero, the BMW M3. Back in 1997 an E36 generation car was yours to the tune of $131,750. Readjusted for inflation that works out at just under $215,000. Compare that to the cost of a brand new M3 today, roughly $150,000 and the legend begins to look almost like a bargain. Yes you still get a chassis tweaked by the geniuses at M division but now you also get 2 turbos, an extra 100kw of power and driver aids that can both make you go faster and stop you from having a crash. It's also going to be less temperamental and more reliable than 20 years ago. The fact BMW can do all this for less money than it has ever cost is astonishing. Jury's still out on whether it's owner will no what an indicator is though....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKJeZXmkLLRxbXmo6d1SuBoIR5JoDX6eYZZSVQC4VvEy40MlepX3yalNuyFj-p2NV-70TdDGjkk2YbgAvbf2-3oHeu5N09KIUhNoxGv0tHS31rZDueOJR_SABuoVTz_ciy2A5AX-y06hs/s1600/E36+m3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="BMW E36 M3" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKJeZXmkLLRxbXmo6d1SuBoIR5JoDX6eYZZSVQC4VvEy40MlepX3yalNuyFj-p2NV-70TdDGjkk2YbgAvbf2-3oHeu5N09KIUhNoxGv0tHS31rZDueOJR_SABuoVTz_ciy2A5AX-y06hs/s400/E36+m3.jpg" title="BMW E36 M3" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7CvrDr_BveF1S1c2ICTYWbU9vDqyneUqwU_3IjrMRIzEfIJ083pbSxpwotyu7pK0mXRwp_R7H1FRsgez4c1djIKUmKM2Ynf7qQmmrzbJqthdEZw7Wns9BgUftkl6-QX6Di0AQVyZiA57/s1600/New+m3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="BMW F90 M3" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7CvrDr_BveF1S1c2ICTYWbU9vDqyneUqwU_3IjrMRIzEfIJ083pbSxpwotyu7pK0mXRwp_R7H1FRsgez4c1djIKUmKM2Ynf7qQmmrzbJqthdEZw7Wns9BgUftkl6-QX6Di0AQVyZiA57/s400/New+m3.jpg" title="BMW F90 M3" width="400" /></a></div>
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The same can be said for the M3's biggest rival, the Mercedes AMG C63. Back in the late 90's the C43 AMG was the halo car of the C-Class range and it was a rare beast, not a lot of Aussies shelled out the $155,000 to buy one, which when you consider that in today's money it works out at over $250,000 you can see why. Right now however Mercedes will sell you a brand new C63 for exactly the same as the C43 cost 20 years ago, not the inflation corrected price. The years might have passed but the price hasn't crept up with them. And whereas in the 90's you were lucky to get heated seats and a CD player today the C63 comes loaded with active safety tech, connectivity and enough performance to absolutely annihilate its grandfather in the traffic light grand prix.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vW5jPYBKdsjFVH_pv1pE4ZHm80VH1e2WHYorPVtDonZRbiAE1fuA9_dQp9w02o1X_OIBAdZcARsIHR3TDzCbE7pdZjKbzwy5fJbFbKTvniuKgzsFWjSE8yq1nmLuZb4K8g-ql_TxjYZM/s1600/w202+c43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mercedes Benz AMG C43" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vW5jPYBKdsjFVH_pv1pE4ZHm80VH1e2WHYorPVtDonZRbiAE1fuA9_dQp9w02o1X_OIBAdZcARsIHR3TDzCbE7pdZjKbzwy5fJbFbKTvniuKgzsFWjSE8yq1nmLuZb4K8g-ql_TxjYZM/s400/w202+c43.jpg" title="Mercedes Benz AMG C43" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZpnivRdMhxz1by_1uwrg4bMt1E4gRBAN2D7DJ_VsCuESgVfoPYFf0XUcaMmBlzCD6zJDwVNFYOO8qOfhGSnlvM8cv_F4Udj0WK-xhW9GtuwI8mHtzK6jAyZV3_YuokCK4GRNI7u_n89Q/s1600/C63+AMG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mercedes Benz C63 AMG" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZpnivRdMhxz1by_1uwrg4bMt1E4gRBAN2D7DJ_VsCuESgVfoPYFf0XUcaMmBlzCD6zJDwVNFYOO8qOfhGSnlvM8cv_F4Udj0WK-xhW9GtuwI8mHtzK6jAyZV3_YuokCK4GRNI7u_n89Q/s400/C63+AMG.jpg" title="Mercedes Benz C63 AMG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It is not just luxury manufacturers pulling off this trick of engineering far superior cars and selling them for less money. Take the humble Honda Civic, now in it's 10th generation and injected with some of the mojo it lost over the past few generations, a new VTI-S can be yours for a drive away just shy of $28,000. Roll the clock back and a new VTI sedan with an auto would have cost you $32,900 in 1997 (that is over $50k in today's money). Yes some dealers would have given you a saving, but ultimately today's Civic is substantially cheaper to buy and certainly a lot less likely to make people think you perform in the Sunday church choir.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Wx0YOwgIwNLg3xUl0Ww8p3E4-WD_tCUIh9tL01sYTV4610NWeHvH5M3n7TRKGNkefsUEzutmiUNg3m52na3MyQua0qahjFCYOk5ntZwHy83zgotyGWW1xiscbi1UQDadX1PrVmchYdRP/s1600/ek+civic+sedan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Honda Civic sedan EK" border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Wx0YOwgIwNLg3xUl0Ww8p3E4-WD_tCUIh9tL01sYTV4610NWeHvH5M3n7TRKGNkefsUEzutmiUNg3m52na3MyQua0qahjFCYOk5ntZwHy83zgotyGWW1xiscbi1UQDadX1PrVmchYdRP/s400/ek+civic+sedan.jpg" title="Honda Civic sedan EK" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bland??</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALNXt9DDHTXZT9CQYzrntDoKiujudmpb4zEt7lp9rLj7b4dpE1joomViAefBBtpbUgq2qtn9t44pgW_nO8lvq1rd_RIxJBbsYKEbj56bPeY6F7YxtpfGpIcYJILrKaWMGcBDmaLY6ImRf/s1600/new+civic+vtis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Honda Civic VTI-S FC" border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALNXt9DDHTXZT9CQYzrntDoKiujudmpb4zEt7lp9rLj7b4dpE1joomViAefBBtpbUgq2qtn9t44pgW_nO8lvq1rd_RIxJBbsYKEbj56bPeY6F7YxtpfGpIcYJILrKaWMGcBDmaLY6ImRf/s400/new+civic+vtis.jpg" title="Honda Civic VTI-S FC" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spaceship!</td></tr>
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Even at the budget end of the market new car buyers have it good, take the Suzuki Swift. In 97 around $12,000 got you behind the wheel. That's roughly $21,000 adjusted for inflation. Still not an unreasonable sum for a new city car today by any means. However when you consider the Swift of old had 3 items on its standard equipment list, those being a radio cassette, body coloured bumpers and a remote boot release, the drive away pricing right now on a 2017 Swift GL is looks like an absolute steal. With keyless entry, cruise control, bluetooth, and a 5 star safety rating for $15,990, millennials look like their getting a much much better deal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtd3WjuRe-1-2ugMdZlkNeZZEACi74xp41Sc2NC8UH5jXGOPkp8JxauVxyvCc0dlCbx6gqZW77WadQ7lnQ9sSo8S8jXIK706O8RpeSXWvJG_A0Q4uSWqfzYEHRlAGvdypvVkIERbxtTg0b/s1600/swift+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Suzuki Swift " border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtd3WjuRe-1-2ugMdZlkNeZZEACi74xp41Sc2NC8UH5jXGOPkp8JxauVxyvCc0dlCbx6gqZW77WadQ7lnQ9sSo8S8jXIK706O8RpeSXWvJG_A0Q4uSWqfzYEHRlAGvdypvVkIERbxtTg0b/s400/swift+%25282%2529.jpg" title="Suzuki Swift " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out those body coloured bumpers...</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdoExHzjqyyUmjiopnZqyJSyRyOce6h6ljV5ngMrtjVbJJw4fzWbn1muNdCOwj1buIrj1vaqijU6Kgsx9Qfc_Y6ljvlekk74u09u8Ya5CTGFNF-FR5_AMeM8DdCBCThUlvjuC9Joxrh6q/s1600/swift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Suzuki Swift " border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdoExHzjqyyUmjiopnZqyJSyRyOce6h6ljV5ngMrtjVbJJw4fzWbn1muNdCOwj1buIrj1vaqijU6Kgsx9Qfc_Y6ljvlekk74u09u8Ya5CTGFNF-FR5_AMeM8DdCBCThUlvjuC9Joxrh6q/s400/swift.jpg" title="Suzuki Swift " width="400" /></a></div>
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Now in no way am I trying to butter up any manufacturers here, the 4 cars listed are totally random. In fact most car makers probably still get away with charging too much for some cars in their lineups. I do think however that time has been kind, the advancement in technologies and manufacturing techniques over the last 20 years means that today you get far more car for your money than ever before. It really couldn't be a better time to be alive when it comes to new cars!<br />
<br />
Oh and on a final note, if like me you want to spend far too much time seeing how inflation can change the price of something head over to the <a href="http://www.rba.gov.au/calculator/" target="_blank">Reserve Bank of Australia's calculator</a>. Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311611528692945888noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1929997674321907471.post-31699015227028808912017-04-05T15:49:00.003+10:002017-04-05T15:49:49.011+10:00Trio of Mazda RX-7's go to auctionOriginality is a lovely thing, it gets nerds like me all hot under the collar. So imagine the excitement when I heard not one but three early Mazda RX-7's are to be auctioned at <a href="https://www.shannons.com.au/auctions/2017-shannons-melbourne-autumn-classic-auction/" target="_blank">Shannon's May 8th Sale</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhggSQZVFL-ZQ8ZGThEFhoEN3isMLSUd2ee3TE1NWXe9Wi4tnewwEazrXZ6qO8s1oyEu420bUQkoFVDcAKRUpqIIDt2BidYAPBmnKXzlSRwkMRmq0bhH9ulFkN1ZrQvf_OtM9LozyC1Mw_R/s1600/rx7s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Trio of Mazda RX-7's going up for auction " border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhggSQZVFL-ZQ8ZGThEFhoEN3isMLSUd2ee3TE1NWXe9Wi4tnewwEazrXZ6qO8s1oyEu420bUQkoFVDcAKRUpqIIDt2BidYAPBmnKXzlSRwkMRmq0bhH9ulFkN1ZrQvf_OtM9LozyC1Mw_R/s400/rx7s.jpg" title="Trio of Mazda RX-7's going up for auction " width="400" /></a></div>
<h3>
Aussie delivered</h3>
The cars are not just early but run in sequential model order too, Series 1, Series 2 and 3. To top it all off the cars will be offered with no reserve. Here are some details, firstly all three are manual and have low kilometres, they were also Australian delivered as new, no JDM importing here, this makes me even hotter under the collar!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6eolTBLMDSU6BF147YiH_XKuFZdxUw5zwsN7VEoj4k5nuOTeoEbrqh6lk4y9W-cr4bl-fohhghgbC_cVFQWk5T4AjvQQFwz0PNH5qz6GgZSiPM-a4NqLXhSMQNgR0A-K-ld-ccLYtNwV/s1600/series+1+rx7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Series 1 Mazda RX-7 up for auction " border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6eolTBLMDSU6BF147YiH_XKuFZdxUw5zwsN7VEoj4k5nuOTeoEbrqh6lk4y9W-cr4bl-fohhghgbC_cVFQWk5T4AjvQQFwz0PNH5qz6GgZSiPM-a4NqLXhSMQNgR0A-K-ld-ccLYtNwV/s400/series+1+rx7.jpg" title="Series 1 Mazda RX-7 up for auction " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Series 1 RX-7</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h3>
Unmodified </h3>
It gets better though, all three cars have come from the same private collection, so despite having had little use they have been meticulously well looked after and ultimately kept locked up away from modifying hands. Yes that's right, all three have their Wankles intact with not a hint of LS motor in sight! They even sit on their original alloy wheels. Inside the interiors are time warp, with factory spec'ed A/C and no sunroofs, not only does that make them that bit stiffer it's also one less place the RX-7's can rust from.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zPj3lgMdwQigZLuc6ssnY8PAuMCLZtxJpRKsTdu7VS8XxODOP8AGpNGEEaETKK6SorNkfwwJvpnKbr_gH30E7c85BrNRlCDBbwfiGtnrsqT0pC_usSEiN9MKAgCjZrobLo1hjsgiuKKB/s1600/series+2+rx7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Series 2 Mazda RX-7 up for auction " border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zPj3lgMdwQigZLuc6ssnY8PAuMCLZtxJpRKsTdu7VS8XxODOP8AGpNGEEaETKK6SorNkfwwJvpnKbr_gH30E7c85BrNRlCDBbwfiGtnrsqT0pC_usSEiN9MKAgCjZrobLo1hjsgiuKKB/s400/series+2+rx7.jpg" title="Series 2 Mazda RX-7 up for auction " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Series 2 RX-7</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
Collectable</h3>
Increasing collectable an early RX-7 is a good place to put some money, despite their lack of reserve the cars are likely to fetch strong money. Shannon's predict the silver Series 1 will go for $20-26k while the Series 2 and 3 are expected to fetch $14-18k each. Pricey but still a darn sight cheaper than many a European coupe of the same condition and vintage. If you want one get to <a href="https://www.shannons.com.au/auctions/2017-shannons-melbourne-autumn-classic-auction/" target="_blank">Shannon's Melbourne Autumn Auction</a> on the 8th of May, and should the Japanese coupes not take your fancy there are many other cars up for grabs too. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7PL7K6Ra1PI5_MgkHtlMi04Jv6skNMyKaJWBVZ7A03_8sT6czZkHhupnbLs0U7YygjFgxKggIImrtb15aiJ5UScLLcmAVl1P88_4BUF8rvpTd94Ot1T2Qj0Qd8BDBO16vhJDhLn9iui-6/s1600/series+3+rx7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Series 3 Mazda RX-7 up for auction " border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7PL7K6Ra1PI5_MgkHtlMi04Jv6skNMyKaJWBVZ7A03_8sT6czZkHhupnbLs0U7YygjFgxKggIImrtb15aiJ5UScLLcmAVl1P88_4BUF8rvpTd94Ot1T2Qj0Qd8BDBO16vhJDhLn9iui-6/s400/series+3+rx7.jpg" title="Series 3 Mazda RX-7 up for auction " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Series 3 RX-7</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311611528692945888noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1929997674321907471.post-35422395911689493362017-03-24T18:12:00.000+11:002017-03-27T17:12:59.514+11:00Car of the week: Porsche Cayenne <span id="docs-internal-guid-1e8e17fc-cf61-8b7b-06ce-2727b2a73cf3"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It might be uglier than a bottom feeder fish that has been hit in the face with a frying pan but did you know that the Porsche Cayenne is now 15 years old? And nowadays they represent a rather good second hand buy, I mean you cant argue that you get a lot of excellent engineering for your money.</span></span><br />
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-1e8e17fc-cf61-8b7b-06ce-2727b2a73cf3"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJM-AC1kuP9KvLM92PwYVU7yQrdlHOp_QMnwFPZXmBNDL2D6k5NNdZNXjwOAPWRgwHL6gY3h4GSYj-SOJ9xzBB_Rgt1JZA1pltrCILFI2P63xGrWcTXhP5vo_WEdQzAqVIhbfjdkhVKyy0/s1600/299234_041206-g-por.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJM-AC1kuP9KvLM92PwYVU7yQrdlHOp_QMnwFPZXmBNDL2D6k5NNdZNXjwOAPWRgwHL6gY3h4GSYj-SOJ9xzBB_Rgt1JZA1pltrCILFI2P63xGrWcTXhP5vo_WEdQzAqVIhbfjdkhVKyy0/s400/299234_041206-g-por.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-1e8e17fc-cf61-8b7b-06ce-2727b2a73cf3"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How much? </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What sort of money am I talking? $20,000 will get you behind the wheel of a well serviced, cherished example. Meaning that this side of a 986 Boxster the Cayenne is the cheapest modern era Porsche you can buy. And its important to point out that the Cayenne isn't a hulking great whale in Porsche clothing either, the companies first SUV stunned the world by actually driving like a Porsche too, so your not just buying a badge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://australiancar.reviews/_images2/lrg/porsche_cayenne_mk1_ser1_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://australiancar.reviews/_images2/lrg/porsche_cayenne_mk1_ser1_01.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVd6JvG51mXiZhD4G7w65ZeGMXfO-s3fPRj6S0tlZQLAueGclz468CcbKl07PfA9RQqnn5bq90gGztOBMyF3Jkblzs0HpPTb6vrU-2qX3dHHv4Llo2LQa2PqFTYT7v6hwkXuRBIXdsLVMK/s1600/120969_300606-e-por.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVd6JvG51mXiZhD4G7w65ZeGMXfO-s3fPRj6S0tlZQLAueGclz468CcbKl07PfA9RQqnn5bq90gGztOBMyF3Jkblzs0HpPTb6vrU-2qX3dHHv4Llo2LQa2PqFTYT7v6hwkXuRBIXdsLVMK/s320/120969_300606-e-por.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Performance</span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Performance ranged from brisk in the base V6 engined Cayenne to properly absurd in the Turbo S. I'm talking a 0-100km/h of just over 7 seconds in the V6, not bad for something weighing over 2 tonnes. While the updated Turbo S cracked the same sprint in 4.7 seconds! In the twisties it was impossible for Porsche to totally disguise the cars bulk but direct steering, stiff suspension and all wheel drive grip do their bit to deliver a entertaining steer. Both manual and auto where available, although I'd bet almost everyone chose the latter when they splashed out the $130,000+ for a new one back in the day.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Interior </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Inside things are suitably Porsche, with a familiar instrument cluster, steering wheel and lashings of leather. All finished to the very highest standards, it is a bit of a button frenzy inside though, as was the theme in the mid noughties.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCAs60pwlwIhflvyjyNxV_1OsbEtlmGwv58tB-NKpIXeiQ94wQULiwn53l2b6tB0FPa9ZgCD_u7IQQux09hyphenhyphenvedZT2dlvBa7VKBogl2TnihYusLpHlkyUwyFMY_vNkLfwq7VooQHsknCO/s1600/198993_069797900_1241099734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCAs60pwlwIhflvyjyNxV_1OsbEtlmGwv58tB-NKpIXeiQ94wQULiwn53l2b6tB0FPa9ZgCD_u7IQQux09hyphenhyphenvedZT2dlvBa7VKBogl2TnihYusLpHlkyUwyFMY_vNkLfwq7VooQHsknCO/s320/198993_069797900_1241099734.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reliability</span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now the burning question, I bet your all asking. Won't a 15 year old used Porsche just break? I argue that no, with proper regular maintenance the Cayenne is more reliable than you might imagine. From the outset the Cayenne was over engineered. And as a company Porsche regularly top reliability charts across the globe. Sure when something does go bang the repair costs will be high, but buy sensibly and you could get yourself a performance luxury bargain. For some proof check out the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv-FM9e2vGXIEExo7L-ogOQ" target="_blank">Everyday Driver Youtube</a> channel, one of their hosts has been doing a video diary on his experience of used Cayenne ownership and concludes that it isn't too terrifying. </span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/PmXOUOTVJ-I/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PmXOUOTVJ-I?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">That whole gag of once your inside you don't have to see it </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">definitely applies to the first generation Cayenne, I doubt even the very judgemental internet will argue with me there. However, if you are in the market for a luxury SUV for less coin than a new Korean hatchback please take one for a spin. Get inside past the bottom feeder face and revel in what is quite an achievement from a one time niche sports car maker.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Porsche-Cayenne-2003/OAG-AD-13413694/?Cr=10" target="_blank"><br /></a></span></span></span>
<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Porsche-Cayenne-2003/OAG-AD-13413694/?Cr=10" target="_blank">2003 Porsche Cayenne S: $17,990 </a> </span></span></span>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311611528692945888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1929997674321907471.post-55223117832793529872017-03-09T10:50:00.001+11:002017-03-09T10:50:45.193+11:00Super Cheap Euro's: Vol 3If you haven't read my previous <a href="http://thegearboxaus.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/super-cheap-euros.html" target="_blank">super cheap euro</a> pieces then let me give you a quick run down. I'm convinced that European cars need not be expensive things to own or at the very least buy in this country. This means that every so often I search online for a bunch of bargain euro's to give you guys out there some inspiration. A European car for under $2000, here are an eclectic mix I found earlier, what could possibly go wrong?<br />
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<h3>
Fiat Regata</h3>
<a href="https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/ODk5WDE2MDA=/z/WgcAAOSw4DJYmSgI/$_20.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/ODk5WDE2MDA=/z/WgcAAOSw4DJYmSgI/$_20.PNG" width="400" /></a>Do you want to own something that literally no one will have ever heard off? Coming complete with a slice of slab sided but oddly stylish 1980's Italian design flair I give you the Fiat Regata. As far as I can figure out Fiat did actually sell the Regata down under and I can only speculate they did not sell many. Making this car a rare survivor, especially given it's outstanding condition and the fact it's only recently run out of rego. For $1000 (if I was closer) I'd have it bought.<br />
<a href="https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/glynde/cars-vans-utes/fiat-regata-1987/1137859007" target="_blank">1987 Fiat Regata; $1000 </a><br />
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<h3>
Peugeot 306 Cab</h3>
<a href="https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/TjUAAOSwTM5Yu4eF/$_20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/TjUAAOSwTM5Yu4eF/$_20.JPG" width="400" /></a>From an Italian car to one that was designed by one of the countries finest design studios. The regular <a href="http://thegearboxaus.blogspot.com.au/2014/12/brucescar-of-week-peugeot-306-gti-6.html" target="_blank">306</a> is pretty thanks to the Pininfarina styling, but chopping its roof off only makes it better. Roof down, leather seats poking out the 306 convertible reminds me of a gorgeous Riva speedboat, only with the useful ability to drive on land and of course cost a fraction of the price. There are both phase 1 and 2 examples available, with the phase 1 just a little bit more angular in appearance. The car I've chosen is a phase 2, painted gold, because if your impersonating a luxury speedboat, why not?<br />
<a href="https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/valley-view/cars-vans-utes/peugeot-306-convertible-automatic/1141044526" target="_blank">1998 Peugeot 306 Cabriolet; $1800</a> <br />
<h3>
<br />BMW 3 Series</h3>
<a href="https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTA2N1gxNjAw/z/YowAAOSwB-1YuKQD/$_20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTA2N1gxNjAw/z/YowAAOSwB-1YuKQD/$_20.JPG" width="320" /></a>Want to be part of BMW history for not a lot of money? Then the <a href="http://thegearboxaus.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/car-of-week-bmw-3-series.html" target="_blank">3 Series</a> is your answer. With over 10 million made you could buy into that staggering statistic. Of course they are popular for good reason. For years only BMW offered buyers the combination of luxury and driver involvement, wrapped up in a solid Teutonic looking package. With so many around it's no real surprise they are cheap however, it also means there is choice galore. I've picked a manual, it is a drivers car after all.<br />
<a href="https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/berkeley-vale/cars-vans-utes/1993-bmw-3-sedan-1500-price-drop/1140796470" target="_blank">1993 BMW 318i; $1500</a><br />
<h3>
<br />Citroen Xantia </h3>
<a href="https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAwMFgxMzM0/z/EgIAAOSwpLNX9G5l/$_20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAwMFgxMzM0/z/EgIAAOSwpLNX9G5l/$_20.JPG" width="400" /></a>It's not quite Fiat Regata weird but the Xantia exists in a similar "what the hell are you driving" realm. Classic wedge shape draws from it's Citroen DS ancestry, similarly the hydropneumatic suspension that debuted in the DS ensures all of our roads imperfections are ironed out. Now the car I've picked does need some work, but it is awfully cheap and has been advertised since October last year, someone buy it please.<br />
<a href="https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/moonee-ponds/cars-vans-utes/1996-citroen-xantia-hatchback/1125903926" target="_blank">1996 Citroen Xantia; $400</a><br />
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<h3>
Saab 9000</h3>
To round off this eclectic mix of cars and guessing some of you may be laughing so hard at my suggestions already I thought why not include a car from a defunct manufacturer. Yes I give you the Saab 9000, however don't right the car off just because Saab does not exist anymore. The 9000 was one of the most over engineered cars of its time. Despite agreeing to platform share with Fiat/Lancia/Alfa to save money Saab engineers totally reworked their quarter of the foursome, making it stronger and re positioning things to make the 9000 one of the safest places to be should you happen to have a crash in the 1980's. The car soldiered on until 1998 however the example I've found comes from 1995. Being sold by what seems to be an honest dealer the 9000 is a trade in and has been given a mechanical once over. It's also a super rare manual car. The kms are high but that's probably why it's so cheap.<br />
<a href="https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/belmont/cars-vans-utes/1995-saab-9000-hatchback/1140025036" target="_blank">1995 Saab 9000; $1650</a> <br />
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Super cheap euro's volume 3, from Fiats to Saabs hopefully I have helped to showcase there really is a lot of choice for car enthusiasts in Australia.</div>
<br />Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311611528692945888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1929997674321907471.post-65359311337141744272017-03-02T11:48:00.000+11:002017-03-02T11:48:04.519+11:00Run Out Savings: Top 5 for 2017 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUjIz74lrbgtcx3gTw3DU9EGuQSOXAa51KpMzF4tLxv9lEeOkSnosfh4_w9a2hV5nto-VkouIerM_Yo-unqti1sYE8vE2CTwxAQXoiLmwH3LFiZGUZw_eDYnN8al5oHAz6zAWwvykNItc-/s1600/32362899291_593923efc0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUjIz74lrbgtcx3gTw3DU9EGuQSOXAa51KpMzF4tLxv9lEeOkSnosfh4_w9a2hV5nto-VkouIerM_Yo-unqti1sYE8vE2CTwxAQXoiLmwH3LFiZGUZw_eDYnN8al5oHAz6zAWwvykNItc-/s320/32362899291_593923efc0.jpg" width="320" /></a>In today's gadget obsessed fully connected world cars are a bit old hack. For over 100 years the basic principles of internal combustion pushing along four wheels has not changed one bit and car companies are well aware their products have nothing on the advancement of other smaller technologies; such as mobile phones. So to keep people interested the least they can do is release new models and with this comes immediate savings for buyers who are fine with a new car being "<i>so last year bro".</i><br />
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With most car makers churning out thousands of cars a day, the surplus of vehicles when a model changes over is huge. So not wanting to sit on tonnes of old (yet brand new) product manufactures shift these cars at big savings to make way for shiny new fully connected, actively safe replacements. The truth of course is that the cars being replaced have been updated so much from their original release that they share much of the advancements in technology, merely wrapped up in some old sheet metal. Here are some excellent cars getting replaced this year that might incur some run out savings.<br />
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<h3>
Audi A5</h3>
Do you love the Audi A4 but crave fewer doors and a sloping roofline? Then the A5 is the answer to your Teutonic coupe needs. This year will see an all new A5 hit the market, although given Audi's tendency to evolve the design of it's cars rather than totally redo them most people would be hard pushed to spot the difference. Of course this is good news if you crave a little four ringed goodness on your driveway for a reduced rate. Expect the asking price of the current 8 year old design to drop as dealers try to move their stock in preparation for the new arrival. Still available with a 2 litre turbo, quattro grip and a level of interior quality that some other car makers can still only dream of creating, the original A5 still has a lot to offer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPCDe_lzdsHfCeUfc7lrIEuf07pt3WezNVHKpWEsoWJXIbWNC-x6aUVCYHU7ExwxPMgEbIIDAYD3JKtdlEuZUGKr7QMxrll0Tb4bnC_RFj6vaKmH0sM5yJ3UbrmohsMhr2NOYIJRSwLB9/s1600/all+new+A5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="All new Audi A5" border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPCDe_lzdsHfCeUfc7lrIEuf07pt3WezNVHKpWEsoWJXIbWNC-x6aUVCYHU7ExwxPMgEbIIDAYD3JKtdlEuZUGKr7QMxrll0Tb4bnC_RFj6vaKmH0sM5yJ3UbrmohsMhr2NOYIJRSwLB9/s400/all+new+A5.jpg" title="All new Audi A5" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All new Audi A5</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAgfHRA_9WgCv616fU9sOZ3Dl2NUOBgUlNrb2t8P2EpxIDwX_5aJdXrUfMbtQuRisk42O_C05LqCPFD74NmjPJGVC81R_4nyiLO9ihmSEK7o75yX5j33GZeQka5JN-0jvnt9wBdP4T9Y8/s1600/old+a5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Old Audi A5" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAgfHRA_9WgCv616fU9sOZ3Dl2NUOBgUlNrb2t8P2EpxIDwX_5aJdXrUfMbtQuRisk42O_C05LqCPFD74NmjPJGVC81R_4nyiLO9ihmSEK7o75yX5j33GZeQka5JN-0jvnt9wBdP4T9Y8/s400/old+a5.jpg" title="Old Audi A5" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spot the difference? This is the last gen A5</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAp8CAvRJK7tJRcHIRO1gnr0wonqa_BbnjPKvtAwY5nS2lQrYKrTPT6-YFzkyIMPZgu1tca7uPaUVYahPtWwmrsRZPYrN_r6aU4Djj6sUYpQleOs3s1qxqow_XW4rmfoX9zl88TFDLpWfe/s1600/old+a5+interior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Old Audi A5 interior " border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAp8CAvRJK7tJRcHIRO1gnr0wonqa_BbnjPKvtAwY5nS2lQrYKrTPT6-YFzkyIMPZgu1tca7uPaUVYahPtWwmrsRZPYrN_r6aU4Djj6sUYpQleOs3s1qxqow_XW4rmfoX9zl88TFDLpWfe/s400/old+a5+interior.jpg" title="Old Audi A5 interior " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Audi know how to do interiors</td></tr>
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<h3>
BMW 5 Series </h3>
Much like the A5 above BMW's current 5 Series has been with us for a long time and again much like the Audi the BMW's transition into its seventh generation is a gentle one. Despite being all new from first glance you'd be hard pushed to see. With that good old BMW staple of front engined rear wheel drive the old 5 Series still fly's the flag for driver involvement in the luxury sedan market. You certainly wouldn't be disappointed taking a previous generation car of the dealers hands, for a reduced rate of course.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzDdV7F6P3X474lwavILLQXeBJQ5AOGmmAxGqVYZAXsPi6iqDqow_9Yef1DvnMqj5ePQmifszdouWz0dtw5xQ5ABrZxt6B8OHPocfBk0Imes-bsYLIP-eW8310A30CaSPavF5p-LRbv3S/s1600/new+5+series.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="All new BMW 5 Series " border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzDdV7F6P3X474lwavILLQXeBJQ5AOGmmAxGqVYZAXsPi6iqDqow_9Yef1DvnMqj5ePQmifszdouWz0dtw5xQ5ABrZxt6B8OHPocfBk0Imes-bsYLIP-eW8310A30CaSPavF5p-LRbv3S/s400/new+5+series.jpg" title="All new BMW 5 Series " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All new BMW 5 Series </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwzCLtcXnKkZaeuuq9vgFa1hyphenhyphen9PkhJLZYN6B0TpjoDyIA-mb1YtdGRbmu98qyDwVt-R3s2R1uVSbBBzXrPuOtnSi2RAbiGQ5Yzu_FURoQIqhrXqGk7U-ZP0RYUxXx3-l31lKcPbkjpVHd/s1600/f10+5+series.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Old BMW 5 Series " border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwzCLtcXnKkZaeuuq9vgFa1hyphenhyphen9PkhJLZYN6B0TpjoDyIA-mb1YtdGRbmu98qyDwVt-R3s2R1uVSbBBzXrPuOtnSi2RAbiGQ5Yzu_FURoQIqhrXqGk7U-ZP0RYUxXx3-l31lKcPbkjpVHd/s400/f10+5+series.jpg" title="Old BMW 5 Series " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit more spot the difference, this is the previous gen car</td></tr>
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<h3>
Land Rover Discovery</h3>
Another luxury car that's getting long in the tooth is the current Discovery 4, on sale since 2004. A newfangled Disco 5 is due later this year which might finally see prices for the current car take a hit. Despite it's age the Disco 4 holds onto value for good reason, 7 seats, Range Rover levels of comfort and genuine go anywhere off road ability. When the new one lands buying a previous gen example for a little saving won't be silly idea at all. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwAZud1JTYB7YTiV2wBVq2Yuv3S_lWMWMPnK7SYRjqR7AVONE3AxCzWfDlJ3VxmMfd-VNTq5qfySAHpzXEkbClFfezpx5nqEwPiG9yU43BJ4YDP2XHOP0HQcOu-2WNQbEtdKfjmh7ANVk/s1600/disco+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="All new Land Rover Discovery" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwAZud1JTYB7YTiV2wBVq2Yuv3S_lWMWMPnK7SYRjqR7AVONE3AxCzWfDlJ3VxmMfd-VNTq5qfySAHpzXEkbClFfezpx5nqEwPiG9yU43BJ4YDP2XHOP0HQcOu-2WNQbEtdKfjmh7ANVk/s400/disco+5.jpg" title="All new Land Rover Discovery" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All new Discovery 5</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKyvXj60swunVI99vpzxPmAArfFN2mThnSVHs2f5hOyEX7l5f9NphID42MUuk3q91ctYyz4Ydm1V0Lc4vRJ5Ymj9Le3F1q4Tb4DsjQVf0-xmx50gTX9GrX-hfC-7LLUv4CN1uk0QrcyyG/s1600/disco+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Previous gen Discovery" border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKyvXj60swunVI99vpzxPmAArfFN2mThnSVHs2f5hOyEX7l5f9NphID42MUuk3q91ctYyz4Ydm1V0Lc4vRJ5Ymj9Le3F1q4Tb4DsjQVf0-xmx50gTX9GrX-hfC-7LLUv4CN1uk0QrcyyG/s400/disco+4.jpg" title="Previous gen Discovery" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Previous gen Discovery 4</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h3>
Mazda CX-5</h3>
Australia's best selling SUV has been with us for 5 years and later this year will be bowing out to make way for an all new sharp looking newbie. However the current car is still doing the business for Mazda, providing buyers a high riding SUV which drives more like a car. The engines are efficient and the safety tech such as blind spot monitor, city brake assist and rear cross traffic alert will likely be exactly the same stuff offered on the new car. Connectivity is taken care off too with MZD Connect allowing users easy access to all their smartphone functions. Savings could be well into four figures.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgniOYcEOSZTGx-0n4UH7B5FKk2LKRH5P0FR76DWwCFal8XzlJPidfvpQlWzJKm2eNyC33YyRViEVSbUuCHl50noYE3OBf_2qdR7JBLosTbWgPT3vKNA3YtVOIuu48qOeQJ1_gfwYFggb6s/s1600/new+cx5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="All new Mazda CX-5" border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgniOYcEOSZTGx-0n4UH7B5FKk2LKRH5P0FR76DWwCFal8XzlJPidfvpQlWzJKm2eNyC33YyRViEVSbUuCHl50noYE3OBf_2qdR7JBLosTbWgPT3vKNA3YtVOIuu48qOeQJ1_gfwYFggb6s/s400/new+cx5.jpg" title="All new Mazda CX-5" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All new Mazda CX-5</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjBootqCVjNNejGhrZ0KQkLEf-y0p5PgQiuU6JSN6QONBE_IMtPLcbZMsV8OlZece9hyphenhyphen-GTblExkQOim7PvZ3s0osYvI0MvVHEMpGFPVyTjfZyDb2CV0AzwEvP_5KCN4LLlkZ77NYMmYO/s1600/cx5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Previous gen Mazda CX-5" border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjBootqCVjNNejGhrZ0KQkLEf-y0p5PgQiuU6JSN6QONBE_IMtPLcbZMsV8OlZece9hyphenhyphen-GTblExkQOim7PvZ3s0osYvI0MvVHEMpGFPVyTjfZyDb2CV0AzwEvP_5KCN4LLlkZ77NYMmYO/s400/cx5.jpg" title="Previous gen Mazda CX-5" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Previous gen CX-5 is still Australia's best seller </td></tr>
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<h3>
Suzuki Swift</h3>
Finally a budget car in this otherwise mostly prestige list, yes the current Swift which has been with us for 7 years gets totally rebooted later this year and with any luck yours truly might get to sample it. Now with Suzuki's already being aggressively priced compared to their competition, one can imagine that when the new Swift drops so will prices of the old car sitting on forecourts across the land. Good news, as despite it's age the current Swift represents the very ethos of what a modern small hatchback should be. It is light, nimble, nippy, big on the inside, has decent connectivity and is cheap to run. Getting a brand new one at a reduced rate merely sweetens the deal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zAL5fR6tnH2imssvOQ1qRAfzJkW8Gw85j-9u99NCeo8g7a3REV8NtSCFhUXrgUNSxcf9L5r4kU_7qgXo_xWTuvnoyi_4G8mvvRLiSZS1uBfFaDap7mIVWrIRNtBPoGhuQO4qEoWMB-jG/s1600/swift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Current Suzuki Swift " border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zAL5fR6tnH2imssvOQ1qRAfzJkW8Gw85j-9u99NCeo8g7a3REV8NtSCFhUXrgUNSxcf9L5r4kU_7qgXo_xWTuvnoyi_4G8mvvRLiSZS1uBfFaDap7mIVWrIRNtBPoGhuQO4qEoWMB-jG/s400/swift.jpg" title="Current Suzuki Swift " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Current Suzuki Swift</td></tr>
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The world is changing and so are the cars we drive, although that doesn't mean you need to have the latest and greatest to fit in. If you want to save a bit of cash and still walkaway with a new car consider the run out savings you could negotiate on one of the 5 cars above. All are still excellent, it is simply that their makers want to grab your attention with something totally generation Y instead. Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311611528692945888noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1929997674321907471.post-62500113175996555532017-02-22T14:02:00.000+11:002017-06-02T16:19:16.068+10:00What ever happened to 90's coupes: Holden Calibra This year is going to be a tough transition for Holden, attempting to change it's image from an all Aussie manufacturer to full importer of vehicles; it might put buyers off. However, in reality Holden have imported many a rebadged General Motors product over the years and one stand out came in response to Japan's rather good coupes of the 90's. I am of course talking about the Holden Calibra.<br />
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<a href="http://australiancar.reviews/_images/reviews/holden_calibra_ye_ser1_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Holden Calibra " border="0" src="http://australiancar.reviews/_images/reviews/holden_calibra_ye_ser1_01.jpg" height="268" title="Holden Calibra " width="400" /></a></div>
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Never heard of it? I don't blame you, nobody bought the darn thing, which is a real shame, let me explain why. Firstly there's the way the Calibra looks, designed in house by GM I can't help feel there's something of the Alfa Romeo SZ and BMW 840i about it, low nose, narrow slit headlights, flat rear end with some chunky light lenses all linked by a low roof line befitting of a sports coupe. The Calibra looks good especially when parked next to its far more rounded contemporaries like the Celica and Prelude.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEX0-BP27f_1DWHj9pMakU2dC6tP7UI926DNXHjErNRtMZ4jvI2JRicNx4apTjPIj8whtvUkoRgpQFcJUnH_zstN5Dgsnf89FvBiAF-Gj5aUbKMh5LVh9OXmxVPQ_NjrXmL0XRAy8c7goQ/s1600/878794_Vauxhall+Calibra.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Holden Calibra " border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEX0-BP27f_1DWHj9pMakU2dC6tP7UI926DNXHjErNRtMZ4jvI2JRicNx4apTjPIj8whtvUkoRgpQFcJUnH_zstN5Dgsnf89FvBiAF-Gj5aUbKMh5LVh9OXmxVPQ_NjrXmL0XRAy8c7goQ/s400/878794_Vauxhall+Calibra.JPG" title="Holden Calibra " width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDgt_WCxgfC6BNHXyZFm2lKCHJNULfDuoWs-9br5C9HR4hA5yn9HzBuR4ZuTcTy6D4hLrieFQX36VaG9NmjdZk1PDcFbYSO1gaKTpY_vWQbQDYkOOVRVakf6QZjSqq-xhLLnFKwPqI3sO/s1600/225418_024412600_1228222115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Holden Calibra " border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDgt_WCxgfC6BNHXyZFm2lKCHJNULfDuoWs-9br5C9HR4hA5yn9HzBuR4ZuTcTy6D4hLrieFQX36VaG9NmjdZk1PDcFbYSO1gaKTpY_vWQbQDYkOOVRVakf6QZjSqq-xhLLnFKwPqI3sO/s400/225418_024412600_1228222115.jpg" title="Holden Calibra " width="400" /></a></div>
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Another plus point for the Calibra lurked under that sleek bonnet, the star motor was a 2 litre turbo 4 cylinder linked to a 6 speed manual and a four wheel drive system. The Calibra Turbo was good for 150kw and a 0-100km/h sprint of 7.3 seconds. Considerably quicker that it's Japanese rivals. Other engine choices included a silky smooth 2.5 litre V6 and freer revving 2 litre 16v non turbo engine fettled by renowned engine guru's Cosworth, the two non turbo choices were front wheel drive only.<br />
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<a href="http://australiancar.reviews/_images/reviews/holden_calibra_ye_ser1_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Holden Calibra " border="0" src="http://australiancar.reviews/_images/reviews/holden_calibra_ye_ser1_06.jpg" height="250" title="Holden Calibra " width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGYaPS2-3deItpDL41ZCH7zK3R9SxAEN17-CHxp0Xh5OW80Rl_PYjA2deIQSNCXz2RE4YlRy8cgRhyphenhyphenu_Z2Ce9opNd0h1PHZ8Yimd6ssMMc8xh3usFvXO9Tj1HDYwlWDrkolGeUhWHBnLE/s1600/307624_195247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Opal Vectra/Vauxhall Cavalier" border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGYaPS2-3deItpDL41ZCH7zK3R9SxAEN17-CHxp0Xh5OW80Rl_PYjA2deIQSNCXz2RE4YlRy8cgRhyphenhyphenu_Z2Ce9opNd0h1PHZ8Yimd6ssMMc8xh3usFvXO9Tj1HDYwlWDrkolGeUhWHBnLE/s320/307624_195247.jpg" title="Opal Vectra/Vauxhall Cavalier" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Underneath a Calibra lurks this repmobile</td></tr>
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Chassis wise the Calibra utilised the underpinnings of the decidedly non sporty Opel Vectra/Vauxhall Cavalier (yes the thing in the picture). However despite the under whelming image the Vectra had a reasonable suspension set up. Utilising a front sub frame holding the engine with MacPherson struts and in four wheel drive models the rear torsion beam was swapped out for a totally independent rear end also in its own sub frame. So in spite of competitors being designed from the ground up as sports cars the Calibra could actually hold its own in the twisty stuff.<br />
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Interior wise the Calibra was less inspiring unfortunately, that same Vectra/Cavalier pairing that supplied a winning chassis couldn't supply an equally winning interior. Cheap plastics, flimsy construction, a big blob of a steering wheel and zero sporting accoutrements make for a very dated interior. Sure there was an option of leather seats to smarten things up but how well these have worn is questionable.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.club-opel.com/graphics/gallery/full/1710_interieur2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Calibra's uninspiring interior " border="0" src="http://en.club-opel.com/graphics/gallery/full/1710_interieur2.jpg" height="165" title="Calibra's uninspiring interior " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decidedly bland</td></tr>
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Now I mentioned that nobody bought a Calibra, which makes tracking one down difficult 20 years later. However if you are in the market for a 90's coupe I urge you to try and seek one out, They look good, go well, handle with composure and are rarer than things which command 6 figure asking prices! And for me the real clincher is that despite their rarity it has done nothing to push up values. As I type this there are fewer than 10 advertised online but all are for under $3000. Do your bit to save an original imported Holden before they all disappear. Here's one I found earlier: <a href="https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/mentone/cars-vans-utes/holden-calibra-2-0l-16v/1139663687" target="_blank">Holden Calibra </a> <br />
<br />Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311611528692945888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1929997674321907471.post-19070694361718337642017-02-20T12:09:00.000+11:002017-03-12T13:44:12.106+11:00Car advice? Step this wayIt has been months since I put fingers to keys and waxed lyrical about obscure vehicles I've found for sale, so maybe it's best I explain what I've been up to.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwR331jiUA2fvINxdrB3bujBc2GnVAyfrgyFj2XGcUmOFjVUPjjUiGvpE42JJt75-LN-WyCD0VHyX-hfrYV99CYRRx1VHWG0mlpQ32mDuuMKfB_v-IeJUEq6w91aEnAF3dd0lo_9ye85_G/s1600/Logo+large.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwR331jiUA2fvINxdrB3bujBc2GnVAyfrgyFj2XGcUmOFjVUPjjUiGvpE42JJt75-LN-WyCD0VHyX-hfrYV99CYRRx1VHWG0mlpQ32mDuuMKfB_v-IeJUEq6w91aEnAF3dd0lo_9ye85_G/s320/Logo+large.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Drum roll please.... The blog has spawned a business. Yes from casually filling minds with good deals and random cars I find online, now I will actually source and advise people on said cars, should they wish. The service is called <a href="http://thecaradvisor.com.au/" target="_blank">The Car Advisor Australia</a> and I hope it will take the confusion, headache and time out of the search for a new car.<br />
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Essentially I offer to conduct a new car search for a customer, saving time, effort and ultimately money. New, used or classic vehicles are all under my remit and by using my extensive knowledge of model ranges, specifications and prices I aim to find customers their ideal car quickly. Perhaps even putting their bum into a seat of a car they had not considered or thought totally out of their price range.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkfVo4wS4OUy7JNpnnSZR2ip-fX_3-wRZO1K8XuSKGwF2ZQkwZvYmGwFl6zOXC6owuPmBcvE8wZ0U5CYjgbUEfB7UBbHr3BU_9eK5QZutZDqT3rvsHHK80DNLDvJgQmcMJ7jyUK_4urTX/s1600/869275_080714toy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkfVo4wS4OUy7JNpnnSZR2ip-fX_3-wRZO1K8XuSKGwF2ZQkwZvYmGwFl6zOXC6owuPmBcvE8wZ0U5CYjgbUEfB7UBbHr3BU_9eK5QZutZDqT3rvsHHK80DNLDvJgQmcMJ7jyUK_4urTX/s320/869275_080714toy2.jpg" width="320" /></a>Let me give you an example, small hatchbacks. Admittedly not Australia's biggest market segment, there is still a lot of choice for buyers. And most people would be forgiven for thinking that Toyota (Australia's best selling manufacturer year after year) offer the best value car in this segment, that being the Yaris. However, based on my postcode driveaway pricing on a base manual Yaris is $19,032. A base manual Volkswagen Polo on the other hand, imported all the way from Germany and arguably better made can be had for $16,990 driveaway (current offer ending 31st March). That's just over $2000 worth of savings. Now that comparison isn't to say the Yaris is a bad choice but I'm merely pointing out options that buyers might not have thought possible, I mean a VW cheaper than a Toyota? The Car Advisor Australia aims to tell you these things.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwwCmuOSW7lt88-KS0DHyZ8uX36FYZlmjcAd3SO3Uwp6D_LINbnw1RrpIUUwqRlBXcBf7qz61vl30uuXqg7SozbWf5kgENI1AgKH6jpj1QqJxxlwNaZ75Csr2HleqwFtUSgTvHdn6l4xd/s1600/984939_VW_6981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwwCmuOSW7lt88-KS0DHyZ8uX36FYZlmjcAd3SO3Uwp6D_LINbnw1RrpIUUwqRlBXcBf7qz61vl30uuXqg7SozbWf5kgENI1AgKH6jpj1QqJxxlwNaZ75Csr2HleqwFtUSgTvHdn6l4xd/s320/984939_VW_6981.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Also for the sheer giggles do you know that $16-19k can buy you an even more premium small hatchback than the Polo? How does a <a href="https://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Audi-A1-2014/SSE-AD-3930892/?Cr=54" target="_blank">2014 manual Audi A1</a> sound? Pretty nice I think you'll agree and all yours for $17,500, heck you can have your pick of A1's for that budget. Sure it will be used and that might not appeal to everyone but surely it's worth considering? Just another example of what the Car Advisor can, well, advise!<br />
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<a href="https://carsales.li.csnstatic.com/carsales/car/private/cp5293279039927415174.jpg?aspect=FitWithinNoPad&height=700&width=1050" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2014 Audi A1 for sale" border="0" height="239" src="https://carsales.li.csnstatic.com/carsales/car/private/cp5293279039927415174.jpg?aspect=FitWithinNoPad&height=700&width=1050" title="2014 Audi A1 for sale" width="320" /></a></div>
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Please check out <a href="http://thecaradvisor.com.au/" target="_blank">The Car Advisor Australia website</a> and if you do need help, get in touch, I am more than happy to help. Ok shameless plug over, normal blog service will resume, I've still got some <a href="http://thegearboxaus.blogspot.com.au/2016/06/what-ever-happened-to-90s-coupes.html" target="_blank">90's coupes</a> to count down. Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311611528692945888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1929997674321907471.post-8421355180084240982016-07-24T16:02:00.002+10:002016-07-31T18:20:09.372+10:00What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota SupraThe Fast and Furious franchise has made stars of many cars, but perhaps none more so than a certain orange one driven in that first film, Toyota's top of the range 90's coupe, the Supra. Now of course if we get technical, a Supra badge has been glued to the boot of a Toyota since the late 70's, but back then it was merely a stretched Celica and although a bespoke Supra appeared in 1986 the curvy bewinged beast we all recognise didn't arrive until 1993.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJscJMVFIkDdhSSAp6hzlT4O1VzDZmaiPJ-R2b8w2XaUdF088PqQz5zjahp-K4k3Xt-942tuFf9TJMm4SVFqtFxgm-5-XIf4gvXOGBt0REmgYXM1wSmssgyYhcvrnG7C7OPaARxCSlWZg8/s1600/toyota_supra_a80_ser2_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota Supra" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJscJMVFIkDdhSSAp6hzlT4O1VzDZmaiPJ-R2b8w2XaUdF088PqQz5zjahp-K4k3Xt-942tuFf9TJMm4SVFqtFxgm-5-XIf4gvXOGBt0REmgYXM1wSmssgyYhcvrnG7C7OPaARxCSlWZg8/s400/toyota_supra_a80_ser2_01.jpg" title="What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota Supra" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
From Zero to Hero</h3>
Sudden movie stardom for the Supra was a double edged sword though. A car that for a long time was only tuned by skinny Japanese men in cramped Tokyo workshops, suddenly had a cult following, thanks to Paul Walker everyone wanted one. This brought about an issue as in Australia at least Toyota hadn't bothered to sell the Supra. Turns out in the 90's nobody outside of the Japan really wanted a twin turbo Japanese coupe. So in order to buy one importing became the thing to do and for a tuning obsessed generation Y the Supra and its Nissan sparring partner the Skyline became the turbo whooshing, neon light sporting version of a good old Ford vs Holden fight. But let's take a step back for minute and forget installing boost gauges and huge sub woofers and appreciate what is an increasingly rare Japanese sports car.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGZZMoKz495N8c2lSn9fZZXaGnA0Z_EBMuf__mqxVHHKlumbyZXWejBmpsuF5MJ0Txb2LH_z7aZlodxFN2q8ZAYCh0DOWfNJPu8LvbhoGzOIAIZ34gkRJeIJvGMzwW9yLeipY_dKdN5MJ/s1600/wallup-203559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota Supra" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGZZMoKz495N8c2lSn9fZZXaGnA0Z_EBMuf__mqxVHHKlumbyZXWejBmpsuF5MJ0Txb2LH_z7aZlodxFN2q8ZAYCh0DOWfNJPu8LvbhoGzOIAIZ34gkRJeIJvGMzwW9yLeipY_dKdN5MJ/s400/wallup-203559.jpg" title="What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota Supra" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really?</td></tr>
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<h3>
Whats under the bonnet?</h3>
Ok, the headlines, 3 litres, straight 6, 2 turbo's, rear wheel drive. A claimed 206kw and up to 451Nm of torque however many reports suggest Toyota undersold themselves a bit with power actually nearer the 240kw mark. You also got a bewildering array of specs ranging from SZ to RZ over the cars 9 years in production, with some variants getting traction control, limited slip diff, pioneering active aero, trick dampers and later benefiting from variable valve timing or VVTI in Toyota speak. Your choice with a Supra really is endless, heck they even made a non turbo version without the big spoiler, but why you'd want one of them is beyond me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87vF2BJFxrUM80mu2IWI9C11CG-V27iVJ50wXxGzFHXKgZErfQdQpokld5I_4G1QpnB6MeCnzPXyxTLsWE_pFBcYWG5eIK-1FRzJou89iimSyxoel7zeNYM1sj2AXo58j92u6cClPH4yi/s1600/toyota_supra_a80_ser1_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota Supra" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87vF2BJFxrUM80mu2IWI9C11CG-V27iVJ50wXxGzFHXKgZErfQdQpokld5I_4G1QpnB6MeCnzPXyxTLsWE_pFBcYWG5eIK-1FRzJou89iimSyxoel7zeNYM1sj2AXo58j92u6cClPH4yi/s400/toyota_supra_a80_ser1_05.jpg" title="What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota Supra" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3>
Just leave it alone</h3>
Other reasons why I want to celebrate the standard Supra are an appreciation for the exterior and interior. While its Skyline rival went for a macho boxy look, the smooth surfaces of the Supra are hard to resist. That swooping roof line and iconic tail lights made the Supra look good straight out of the box and are too often spoilt by body kits and massive adjustable wings. Then there is the interior, not usually a highlight of Japanese cars of this era, the Supra's is actually full of 90's charm, like a tape deck, crazy patterned seats and a stubby gear knob. Check out the centre console in the picture below it's angled towards the driver, like a fighter jets cockpit! There is nothing in there you need to change, it's suitably epic as is. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate tasteful modifications but I think sometimes we need to take a step back and see how nice cars can actually look when they are just left alone.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhTDaqffi1qEfkD2We_DU5l59zKVgCKep7EcEaeG_RW3nCq1ANxv-gUysVWWDkc7FdqDdTd2dVtTS3NoJ6oYlh0cJ-25G3H2GJol37JyY6QEzs7KmfVULdgUbjUPQj_NXCyPuFL03AriZ7/s1600/toyota_supra_a80_ser1_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota Supra" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhTDaqffi1qEfkD2We_DU5l59zKVgCKep7EcEaeG_RW3nCq1ANxv-gUysVWWDkc7FdqDdTd2dVtTS3NoJ6oYlh0cJ-25G3H2GJol37JyY6QEzs7KmfVULdgUbjUPQj_NXCyPuFL03AriZ7/s400/toyota_supra_a80_ser1_02.jpg" title="What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota Supra" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBvZbEno1iz83oKr-W_cjeI2fWvAtMfqC9WC-pmYvDYeo4hVHnK4UFvpCU9GLDCbeLN9jKZsLvgbOI7EvTHtV9Ln6jzC9lV-20wuNSHPnElayIWZBJb41QydI2Kk9_R0eh7jS8y6lOTyH/s1600/toyota_supra_a80_ser1_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota Supra" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBvZbEno1iz83oKr-W_cjeI2fWvAtMfqC9WC-pmYvDYeo4hVHnK4UFvpCU9GLDCbeLN9jKZsLvgbOI7EvTHtV9Ln6jzC9lV-20wuNSHPnElayIWZBJb41QydI2Kk9_R0eh7jS8y6lOTyH/s400/toyota_supra_a80_ser1_03.jpg" title="What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota Supra" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNWGTkiAaLiPs6ErHGZj9H2Q9BWo_reEG7PaXAnHOhK9kWBfHTs-CqxMGI9pEOrIPst5kRPCsJDowm1qqpLQjZ1XPIeiHOFr9adSPqpOfGsNDhkqYEq_AUIQt4_VAilDiGBOMUNgZmgg5/s1600/toyota_supra_a80_ser2_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota Supra" border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNWGTkiAaLiPs6ErHGZj9H2Q9BWo_reEG7PaXAnHOhK9kWBfHTs-CqxMGI9pEOrIPst5kRPCsJDowm1qqpLQjZ1XPIeiHOFr9adSPqpOfGsNDhkqYEq_AUIQt4_VAilDiGBOMUNgZmgg5/s400/toyota_supra_a80_ser2_06.jpg" title="What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota Supra" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3>
Future classic </h3>
Toyota's A80 Supra is one of those cars made famous by being modified but sometimes it can all get a little 2 fast 2 furious (sorry that was an awful pun), But seriously the Supra is rarely appreciated for actually just being a good looking, suitably fast 90's coupe with an interior to make you feel like a total top gun hero. Standard cars are increasingly hard to come by and quickly gaining value, a brief search throws up only a handful with prices well over $20k. It is a future classic for sure and with rumours of a new one coming I hope Toyota can regain their mojo while at the same time bring the name back for another generation to enjoy. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8qsQqC8uhBKLEXU0yeFT-ir_UDwLvmSQqQ_GfmcPIccWabbKlUteTKpzM62QyXuueAr96Ck9KbkJpvw4oljgKeEv52ZTb452DGVrwz4X5YyHeuPuJvAjfdroyhRD1ZCyZsR3L1_aaEuV/s1600/toyota_supra_a80_ser2_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota Supra" border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8qsQqC8uhBKLEXU0yeFT-ir_UDwLvmSQqQ_GfmcPIccWabbKlUteTKpzM62QyXuueAr96Ck9KbkJpvw4oljgKeEv52ZTb452DGVrwz4X5YyHeuPuJvAjfdroyhRD1ZCyZsR3L1_aaEuV/s400/toyota_supra_a80_ser2_07.jpg" title="What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota Supra" width="400" /></a></div>
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311611528692945888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1929997674321907471.post-35155536305259976772016-06-20T11:07:00.000+10:002016-06-20T11:07:02.845+10:00What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota CelicaTo start my journey into the world of 1990's coupes I am going to look at a car that had a rather good decade; the Toyota Celica. Of course the Celica nameplate goes much further back in time, to 1970 in fact but for this feature we're keeping it strictly Windows 95 and looking at the 6th generation Celica. Arguably the most affordable way into a reliable front wheel drive (mostly) sports car.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ej5Pt_c1t1vjcn22vTKeO1PqpmnSQ7DlcdfFIs-l4kOnedr_ZUtjdBLzdylaNliuPVDlZsMmLCdnkARBLm0PRAkcaTQPs1Y4RO0x3VsqPMsnaT2rhXXjCmO7MVT08dkIQmEZtob6M5FI/s1600/toyota_celica_t200_ser2_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota Celica" border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ej5Pt_c1t1vjcn22vTKeO1PqpmnSQ7DlcdfFIs-l4kOnedr_ZUtjdBLzdylaNliuPVDlZsMmLCdnkARBLm0PRAkcaTQPs1Y4RO0x3VsqPMsnaT2rhXXjCmO7MVT08dkIQmEZtob6M5FI/s400/toyota_celica_t200_ser2_02.jpg" title="What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota Celica" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3>
Gone are the pop up's </h3>
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Visually the 6th gen car broke away from the very awesome but very 80's pop up headlights of the previous generation cars. Quad headlamps dominate the front combined with the sloping roof line we expect from a coupe. The result is a car that bares more than a passing resemblance to it's bigger more powerful siblings the Supra and Soarer. Personally I think the rounded design has aged well the pumped arches give it road presence and crucially make it look wider and lower than the 7th Gen car that succeeded it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2XUrQQQ8ghqIU0wG5gUFdGfuXs8NgRGVWQE7uy5HZ9HEIfZejFKdrnTpk5MnW14qYToqF7cHeS20qfujMGHnpsjZ5Q3jLp7_ITdntI1CCe6gX2epNwvaeJ8MUOcId3P_ajHCMNc4C4Nx/s1600/259118_016662600_1210777443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota Celica" border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2XUrQQQ8ghqIU0wG5gUFdGfuXs8NgRGVWQE7uy5HZ9HEIfZejFKdrnTpk5MnW14qYToqF7cHeS20qfujMGHnpsjZ5Q3jLp7_ITdntI1CCe6gX2epNwvaeJ8MUOcId3P_ajHCMNc4C4Nx/s400/259118_016662600_1210777443.jpg" title="What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota Celica" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLeSJe72EJ6fDVO3rgmDTR1iFTkBKdFqz-4xX1I60sHiTgZ-AuODO34BEapN_EQD7qe_x6xj6l8L_jlSk2aNAR6nzgLS_sDmFsYgKF2V_vys8blZPJ0BeWySAvwa8RXK3j9JC43t4YEBL/s1600/Toyota+celica+rear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota Celica" border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLeSJe72EJ6fDVO3rgmDTR1iFTkBKdFqz-4xX1I60sHiTgZ-AuODO34BEapN_EQD7qe_x6xj6l8L_jlSk2aNAR6nzgLS_sDmFsYgKF2V_vys8blZPJ0BeWySAvwa8RXK3j9JC43t4YEBL/s400/Toyota+celica+rear.jpg" title="What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota Celica" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Choices, but not many</h3>
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Australia got to choose from three Celica variants SX, ZR and rare as unicorn poop GT-Four. The first two were both powered by a 2.2 litre 4 cylinder engine. It served up a not particularly sporting but adequate 100kw and 196Nm of torque, however that great marker of how quick a car is, the 0-100km/h time is best mentioned quietly, ahem, <span style="font-size: xx-small;">10 seconds. </span>Fast it is not, but teamed to the crisp shifting 5 speed manual (an auto was available) the Celica proved to be a fun car to hustle along, with direct steering and a competent chassis underneath. GT-Four's however where a different ball game, a homologation special that allowed Toyota to take the car rallying GT-Fours scored a turbo'd 2 litre, 4 wheel drive, massive wing, bonnet scoop and natty 3 spoke alloys. Only 77 of these 178kw, 306Nm monsters made it to Australia, so the chances of finding one are rare and expensive, but if you have one can I have a go?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0kYzpGYSk1iEmxhyphenhyphen0kkQODlT43UWhVlVXa37vEQkMSVwyrOiAe8UKPYPQs3p7RrCmctRETYmr3zQWOL3BoRFtUXM2zL1ltDpuSZ69vSg4w_SmtmVZHrL4YiQH2oqJ8uwte3h3PAzyITM/s1600/Toyota+celica+gt4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota Celica" border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0kYzpGYSk1iEmxhyphenhyphen0kkQODlT43UWhVlVXa37vEQkMSVwyrOiAe8UKPYPQs3p7RrCmctRETYmr3zQWOL3BoRFtUXM2zL1ltDpuSZ69vSg4w_SmtmVZHrL4YiQH2oqJ8uwte3h3PAzyITM/s400/Toyota+celica+gt4.jpg" title="What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota Celica" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a UK delivered GT4, it didn't score the big wing, boo</td></tr>
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<h3>
Inside</h3>
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Inside it's all very 90's, so expect hard plastics and optional extra's stretching to the dizzying heights of a CD player and front fog lights, oh and the ZR model also scored, wait for it... 15 inch alloy wheels, sweet! Reports say that the standard of fit and finish inside was good though so wear and rattles should be minimal some 20 years later.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QA6Jr-CasCbAL-4kxyG2vf1L_FDhZBLxaMrrnc0ERBCtvkp9_MeiLVlkrC2zITQu31qYF1kH8w-teQl6Kz3_pRGrAQAE1CyncZu5BRfzfITWli2r8bCwkFyVgLY3QAZDUUDD5NSji0Wn/s1600/toyota_celica_t200_ser2_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota Celica" border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QA6Jr-CasCbAL-4kxyG2vf1L_FDhZBLxaMrrnc0ERBCtvkp9_MeiLVlkrC2zITQu31qYF1kH8w-teQl6Kz3_pRGrAQAE1CyncZu5BRfzfITWli2r8bCwkFyVgLY3QAZDUUDD5NSji0Wn/s400/toyota_celica_t200_ser2_05.jpg" title="What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota Celica" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvtLkgEBYRbgS9UeNVdtohhUCupcA35KZbCivPCWafkpvNvgTNUtihbkmzR2y6f_m7Iszp5IgShaLG6srXRCKO0yDoPCOuNwgbsizuQGG7zrLaO5jZLAMVnloq2qVbDZnDwJm5pTsmPu3/s1600/toyota_celica_t200_ser2_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota Celica" border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvtLkgEBYRbgS9UeNVdtohhUCupcA35KZbCivPCWafkpvNvgTNUtihbkmzR2y6f_m7Iszp5IgShaLG6srXRCKO0yDoPCOuNwgbsizuQGG7zrLaO5jZLAMVnloq2qVbDZnDwJm5pTsmPu3/s400/toyota_celica_t200_ser2_04.jpg" title="What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota Celica" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
With reliability comes value </h3>
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The biggest selling point of this 90's coupe is that unbeatable Toyota reliability though. Most of the cars for sale today are pushing 200,000km's some are past 300,000. And you can't really get a better argument for longevity than people still trying to sell them with that many km's, whats more, the Celica will keep going, sure a new gasket, hose and the odd service won't go a miss but really that's all you'll need to keep your sleek coupe on the road. Those high km's combined with a distinct lack of popularity nowadays also means 6th gen cars can be bought for next to nothing. A fully functioning example with rego can be had for under $2000.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOrwcPa8uyFCsai34LH2z5bivjV7K18k8GVXocMDKJjseYLK_MN0BMBDuQdanAIZtWhVRj0wVGaYYkiM1hy6yn8t98JZQQY7FPLYIlg5LCLYy_LkP8hiLJijsZlVIkyrIgkLSwnv8wLTo/s1600/toyota_celica_t200_ser1_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota Celica" border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOrwcPa8uyFCsai34LH2z5bivjV7K18k8GVXocMDKJjseYLK_MN0BMBDuQdanAIZtWhVRj0wVGaYYkiM1hy6yn8t98JZQQY7FPLYIlg5LCLYy_LkP8hiLJijsZlVIkyrIgkLSwnv8wLTo/s400/toyota_celica_t200_ser1_04.jpg" title="What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota Celica" width="400" /></a></div>
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The reliability of a Toyota wrapped up in a coupe body style, essentially it's a curvy 2 door Camry. Many people may find it dull, but this is a crying shame, a 6th generation Celica is an increasingly rare under appreciated modern Toyota with a sweet chassis and just, and I mean just enough power to put a smile on your face. Bring back the 90's coupe! <br />
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<a href="http://australiancar.reviews/reviews.php#!content=images&make=Toyota&model=Celica&gen=889&pno=0" target="_blank">Image credit </a></div>
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311611528692945888noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1929997674321907471.post-91538298038936981862016-06-16T15:37:00.004+10:002016-06-17T22:17:12.385+10:00What ever happened to 90's coupes? Supra, Celica, FTO, MR2, 200SX, Calibra, Cougar, CRX, NX Coupe, Prelude, RX7, Probe, MX-6 and MX-3. Remember when car makers used to make cars you actually aspired too? Forget sports utility and lifestyle vehicles. In the 90's all the big brands made coupes, strictly 2 doors with a emphasise purely on sport rather than utility. It is about time we appreciate a decade when manufacturers didn't listen to consumer focus groups and just built what they damn well wanted.<br />
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Over the coming weeks I'm going to do a series on all those lovely cars mentioned above and why you need to buy one, dare I type the phrase #bringbackthe90scoupe?<br />
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To get started though lets ogle some oddly posed period press photo's and give you a snippet of information on why I have chosen the aforementioned machines. Also note how many of these press shots depict the car on either a beach or simply off road, an odd way to promote sports cars don't you think? <br />
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<h3>
1. Toyota Celica, Supra and MR2</h3>
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Let me start this series with Toyota, a company whose model range once bulged with coupes. I've picked out 3, the legendary Supra, mid engined MR2 and affordable Celica.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzpGxfPgr5k39IikS9b5IP78tG3HWr1u7lY8uSWlgMxhCrEO9yiRI0MpN8ZOY_Z813tPDDceQOap6UA2yC0pyVhaXXEmSBjvNpETMriI_Op9uuIwbhd5s8oPTCWj9bslEulqnxzWwlLZr/s1600/Toyota+celica+rear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What ever happened to 90's coupes? " border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzpGxfPgr5k39IikS9b5IP78tG3HWr1u7lY8uSWlgMxhCrEO9yiRI0MpN8ZOY_Z813tPDDceQOap6UA2yC0pyVhaXXEmSBjvNpETMriI_Op9uuIwbhd5s8oPTCWj9bslEulqnxzWwlLZr/s400/Toyota+celica+rear.jpg" title="What ever happened to 90's coupes? " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celica in a quarry, naturally </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHXBr_vthwzQzwk0IUtO8X0WZuLSSjoAi7AX0e114BawjdFUg4W_g_tb-eG2AFd3mchLaAS-Acgh8U5VSqfwT2jH_0BD24dWFiSBnqdjB-aQkbuTCwBHqjoGDI6WSSvwCYfgbKRewNpTP/s1600/Toyota+mr2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What ever happened to 90's coupes? " border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHXBr_vthwzQzwk0IUtO8X0WZuLSSjoAi7AX0e114BawjdFUg4W_g_tb-eG2AFd3mchLaAS-Acgh8U5VSqfwT2jH_0BD24dWFiSBnqdjB-aQkbuTCwBHqjoGDI6WSSvwCYfgbKRewNpTP/s400/Toyota+mr2.jpg" title="What ever happened to 90's coupes? " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MR2 on a pebble beach, obviously</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2V7Xpywa9YUdnPQ1sL4eWb3awmxQXMNK4qvNlIDpfWMtIHqYjhwUfGP6aBSK7gSVmquoWyHQ6I6tysz0VxBprfanZLRcpYa2Q_Tp24WE3nuIaBoGMkK6xE4L_gnim8tlme8QuKz7AgxvI/s1600/Toyota+Supra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What ever happened to 90's coupes? " border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2V7Xpywa9YUdnPQ1sL4eWb3awmxQXMNK4qvNlIDpfWMtIHqYjhwUfGP6aBSK7gSVmquoWyHQ6I6tysz0VxBprfanZLRcpYa2Q_Tp24WE3nuIaBoGMkK6xE4L_gnim8tlme8QuKz7AgxvI/s400/Toyota+Supra.jpg" title="What ever happened to 90's coupes? " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm unclear why a chef is taking boxes to a Supra though?</td></tr>
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<h3>
2. Honda CRX and Prelude</h3>
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Another company who once had a much more expansive and exciting model range, blame the financial crisis and lack of consumer interest for robbing car guys like you and me of the CRX and Prelude name badges.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxtM6QyHntKPM6IkvS7wVGapQ70AsT0vvzzxwwngFdaj5f3YnKCQ9I4HnwTo2SvQxc2AwOzXw1Dk3IF56CnAN1q3wp21w2Jsr5N4X7r2rL_6tcxpCX4SFU2Uf1kcD1IspxkkbI24Lm6l2/s1600/Honda+crx+del+sol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What ever happened to 90's coupes? " border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxtM6QyHntKPM6IkvS7wVGapQ70AsT0vvzzxwwngFdaj5f3YnKCQ9I4HnwTo2SvQxc2AwOzXw1Dk3IF56CnAN1q3wp21w2Jsr5N4X7r2rL_6tcxpCX4SFU2Uf1kcD1IspxkkbI24Lm6l2/s400/Honda+crx+del+sol.jpg" title="What ever happened to 90's coupes? " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'll just park my CRX on your patio thanks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YUF68xvuONSEbDOr2W0_ctddFjPqSyOU277uLFPCSLDM5DSHiAGpxszSJNnLo6f9yjBey6IbZ4qOnUUoUaeTFC49lxJqodx4NfhroliVovYDVAQao-YkHg_-QNlth3vORsHjPTRBhc4-/s1600/Honda+Prelude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What ever happened to 90's coupes? " border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YUF68xvuONSEbDOr2W0_ctddFjPqSyOU277uLFPCSLDM5DSHiAGpxszSJNnLo6f9yjBey6IbZ4qOnUUoUaeTFC49lxJqodx4NfhroliVovYDVAQao-YkHg_-QNlth3vORsHjPTRBhc4-/s400/Honda+Prelude.jpg" title="What ever happened to 90's coupes? " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandy beach? Park the Prelude there </td></tr>
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<h3>
<br />3. Nissan 200SX(Silvia) and NX Coupe</h3>
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Another Japanese brand now lacking in coupes, Nissan nowadays is all about the SUV. But here are a proper rear drive sports car and a quirky gull winged doored oddity that would never see production green lighted today.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdxe5MwodurQj3d5tlQ59svKhOAmpHQTpontaNg6Sv8xVBCquqaxh3eFi6QviYiXpscRxUXTBbuclD1prghGT_Fx3cz-OpB0suIdRYopERb4n5xMGIk8NOhlX0wEnMl2KnKh18orpc9QA/s1600/Nissan+200sx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What ever happened to 90's coupes? " border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdxe5MwodurQj3d5tlQ59svKhOAmpHQTpontaNg6Sv8xVBCquqaxh3eFi6QviYiXpscRxUXTBbuclD1prghGT_Fx3cz-OpB0suIdRYopERb4n5xMGIk8NOhlX0wEnMl2KnKh18orpc9QA/s400/Nissan+200sx.jpg" title="What ever happened to 90's coupes? " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'll just hide the 200SX in the heather dear.... </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKvC7d0YYPRaLEHvpPvuAUMPphPnZet0HGzZ1tPNQUXC5jl35dgQwS8dC1Y8gT4hrPiK9iK6oa6LASMpTUJDzPdMcuRWwJOny4B1SrsDZ4cCLBbo4EkAQwHalQ7ICBjKytnkcRX_3MDJx/s1600/Nissan+100nz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What ever happened to 90's coupes? " border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKvC7d0YYPRaLEHvpPvuAUMPphPnZet0HGzZ1tPNQUXC5jl35dgQwS8dC1Y8gT4hrPiK9iK6oa6LASMpTUJDzPdMcuRWwJOny4B1SrsDZ4cCLBbo4EkAQwHalQ7ICBjKytnkcRX_3MDJx/s400/Nissan+100nz.jpg" title="What ever happened to 90's coupes? " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach huts, oh lets park the NX coupe there.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<h3>
4. Mitsubishi FTO</h3>
<br />
You'd scarcely believe the company making hideous pink Mirage's, ageing Pajero's and family friendly Outlanders had it in them to build a little V6 engined coupe, but between 94 and 00 they did exactly that.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybvQN62u_bFomLSN7Z1FLH4b4nTiSn8hT5ouJd6_nROFJQn0IqlINatAL16QQLaTt-p4Wl7C3Vbcr_ehQiar4ErSJLz7hrLPoinXwD1Cq11LnKEi69tgAgm08p1xgBrc0xcudYjQA39HQ/s1600/Mitsubishi+fto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What ever happened to 90's coupes? " border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybvQN62u_bFomLSN7Z1FLH4b4nTiSn8hT5ouJd6_nROFJQn0IqlINatAL16QQLaTt-p4Wl7C3Vbcr_ehQiar4ErSJLz7hrLPoinXwD1Cq11LnKEi69tgAgm08p1xgBrc0xcudYjQA39HQ/s400/Mitsubishi+fto.jpg" title="What ever happened to 90's coupes? " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FTO, much faster than a single prop aircraft</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<h3>
5. Mazda MX-3(or Eunos 30X), MX-6 and RX-7</h3>
<br />
If you want a sporting Mazda today your only choice is the wonderful MX-5, but what if you wanted a roof, a choice of wheelbases and drive layouts? Mazda in the 90's had the answer.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6aSEywexC2ukMFw5WbXlm41k_Oloa9WwRbBg4qUsXS6vQmVbSZ19-YKgqvWeuJVSOddDx39DVlHeg63lBP0d6Ho6j-RN47N4Z3wQOePAszAKImBldrqY6Uy3WmtqNBvr6onZxBbGWS7b9/s1600/mazda+mx3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What ever happened to 90's coupes? " border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6aSEywexC2ukMFw5WbXlm41k_Oloa9WwRbBg4qUsXS6vQmVbSZ19-YKgqvWeuJVSOddDx39DVlHeg63lBP0d6Ho6j-RN47N4Z3wQOePAszAKImBldrqY6Uy3WmtqNBvr6onZxBbGWS7b9/s400/mazda+mx3.jpg" title="What ever happened to 90's coupes? " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hold on, Mazda parked the MX-3 on tarmac?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpdgIDdBbIV81XjCyKvRtAz4kbJCuzG-v-hM-455H3pg6BjDVGzRsRTABkChdFzNIzbDVxyOOKv0jRvjuWyzu7fVTxbZEhnwuITXXenIVkbxpUq7SUp9Dgn31in3Mfusbpg9QHpIgzqUX/s1600/Mazda+mx6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What ever happened to 90's coupes? " border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpdgIDdBbIV81XjCyKvRtAz4kbJCuzG-v-hM-455H3pg6BjDVGzRsRTABkChdFzNIzbDVxyOOKv0jRvjuWyzu7fVTxbZEhnwuITXXenIVkbxpUq7SUp9Dgn31in3Mfusbpg9QHpIgzqUX/s400/Mazda+mx6.jpg" title="What ever happened to 90's coupes? " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's better, shove the MX-6 on the grass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Nrc86CY7t9lzZ_Zd-5DnUoFMyccAtesws1inFjbycs8PhC3twXjGh4EgnnY1iXBA2xa-ExUcuU56drAxAy5dTHEj6O_s4yios9oqF5q89nq8DRa6pwrnwLm0awxrCLmDg9OuT-DKkVbj/s1600/Mazda+rx7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What ever happened to 90's coupes? " border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Nrc86CY7t9lzZ_Zd-5DnUoFMyccAtesws1inFjbycs8PhC3twXjGh4EgnnY1iXBA2xa-ExUcuU56drAxAy5dTHEj6O_s4yios9oqF5q89nq8DRa6pwrnwLm0awxrCLmDg9OuT-DKkVbj/s400/Mazda+rx7.jpg" title="What ever happened to 90's coupes? " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wait, this is actually quite a sensible picture of an RX-7</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<h3>
6. Holden Calibra</h3>
<br />
Perhaps because all the Japanese brands were doing it Holden too marketed a European sourced coupe down under in the 90's. Based on the total pudding and quite frankly awful Vauxhall Cavalier sedan the Calibra is forgiven thanks to that angular swoopy coupe look it has going on.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4AFBC1IsYDS-mBXktTICv5IGrLNfIRZmOZdzK0cD4ge8zOteo4rOaoGKFuYAJuf88ZfUJ9ejenrL5USkPsflnlgcM-7jCUjy6NpsbYzcRVasBW3mvYoyJJWln-SfbCWf51OGFMKFG07f/s1600/Holden+calibra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What ever happened to 90's coupes? " border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4AFBC1IsYDS-mBXktTICv5IGrLNfIRZmOZdzK0cD4ge8zOteo4rOaoGKFuYAJuf88ZfUJ9ejenrL5USkPsflnlgcM-7jCUjy6NpsbYzcRVasBW3mvYoyJJWln-SfbCWf51OGFMKFG07f/s400/Holden+calibra.jpg" title="What ever happened to 90's coupes? " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ah nothing quite shouts sporting intentions like a Calibra in an office car park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
7. Ford Probe and Cougar</h3>
<br />
Not to be mistaken for names of adult toys Australia's other big home brand Ford had a go at marketing coupes sourced from elsewhere in the 90's too. Firstly the unfortunately named Probe which was based on the Mazda MX-6 above. Then in 1999 the much better looking Mondeo based Cougar. Both flopped, massively, but like all the others I'm happy Ford tried.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-vg9Rx6eoilUnOojaonHPiGetgFI2n3JtGgUWHGBvq8sbKkOVQ5jcfzlSTJk3h6coEJY9ByWqPGJnC2IaTXN8Ax-wdrgk5-sUeyWSUk9SI0p9MepvG5xROUGgONhizad-Ozkz6RZEGWK/s1600/Ford+probe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What ever happened to 90's coupes? " border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-vg9Rx6eoilUnOojaonHPiGetgFI2n3JtGgUWHGBvq8sbKkOVQ5jcfzlSTJk3h6coEJY9ByWqPGJnC2IaTXN8Ax-wdrgk5-sUeyWSUk9SI0p9MepvG5xROUGgONhizad-Ozkz6RZEGWK/s400/Ford+probe.jpg" title="What ever happened to 90's coupes? " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A field, yup put the Probe over there</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegLkT7O7AW6UTxdyvpSUD9RTZr7ctyk5BXP6d0SXav4McZ3f1JW-MtEgdeTj3Ag6BPSM4_wSb1Z4rSwink6wGcq2DBcd3x8uW_0CHkICdfQL-57ic5gjC3rZLiRK3wNJ6dIVIlgGnvhre/s1600/Ford+cougar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="What ever happened to 90's coupes? " border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegLkT7O7AW6UTxdyvpSUD9RTZr7ctyk5BXP6d0SXav4McZ3f1JW-MtEgdeTj3Ag6BPSM4_wSb1Z4rSwink6wGcq2DBcd3x8uW_0CHkICdfQL-57ic5gjC3rZLiRK3wNJ6dIVIlgGnvhre/s400/Ford+cougar.jpg" title="What ever happened to 90's coupes? " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A blind bend, there are better places to stop your Cougar. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Seven manufactures, fourteen coupes. Over the coming weeks I will explore what makes these cars so special and reminisce about a decade when car makers gave us sports cars to aspire too, not SUV's to grow into. <br />
<br />Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311611528692945888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1929997674321907471.post-61481009101040312002016-06-06T09:00:00.000+10:002016-06-08T18:52:23.836+10:00Sacre bleu! Paris banning all pre 1997 carsIf the title did not elude to it enough, this is going to be a rather niche piece, however let me give you some context. To combat an ever increasing smog problem Paris's governors are going to implement that from the 1st of July all cars built prior to 1997 will be excluded from the city centre on weekdays between 8am and 8pm. The rules are set to change further in a few years too, by 2020 all cars in the city centre will have to be no older than 2010 and those older will be banned 24 hours a day. This is of course a very sensible idea, the 2 and a bit million people who call the centre on Paris their home and the millions of tourists who visit it every year deserve to breath better air, but for me and probably 3 other deeply dull anoraks the news is very sad indeed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8blV_Oy4oi0UObZRGOl567BtA0hagDvrAuLV7IZ_sH6kjoSOMb8Ud9wa0cW623WZxG-46KBUz8XxWw4EdrD3mYXQtvHzgB6Bh3TOOa7Rrae0Fk4Q7KSeC6z03Xw7EcnmBY9AV752cN03N/s1600/arc+de+triumph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Paris banning all pre 1997 cars" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8blV_Oy4oi0UObZRGOl567BtA0hagDvrAuLV7IZ_sH6kjoSOMb8Ud9wa0cW623WZxG-46KBUz8XxWw4EdrD3mYXQtvHzgB6Bh3TOOa7Rrae0Fk4Q7KSeC6z03Xw7EcnmBY9AV752cN03N/s400/arc+de+triumph.jpg" title="Paris banning all pre 1997 cars" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3>
It's a nerd thing </h3>
You see the joy for a nerd like me is seeing European streets crammed with an array of cars. Spotting increasingly rare and obscure 80's and 90's tin in Paris was as important to me as getting a blooming nice pain au chocolat and a coffee. In fact its one of the great joys of going to any European city, the diverse nature and varying condition of the vehicles adds to the atmosphere and brings character to already great cities. Old cars are the warriors, by merely surviving for such a long time in such harsh environments they should be celebrated, they wear their battle scars with pride. But with this legislation they are being forced out, imagine if you said "sorry no old people in the city, they smell and clog up the place", its shameful!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6epS_odyZDcbvWBkBT3yKTBI5N38fzUkTr6RVL0QvywdmwI3IcB2SR_lGWRtbb0GbuI9EAocblukH-SkcYDAbwgycq8ACB9XbwWgqE79LHZ4BGq3qwJypwUNDi_UZLeoawBKgVVZC-KK/s1600/paris+street.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Paris banning all pre 1997 cars" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6epS_odyZDcbvWBkBT3yKTBI5N38fzUkTr6RVL0QvywdmwI3IcB2SR_lGWRtbb0GbuI9EAocblukH-SkcYDAbwgycq8ACB9XbwWgqE79LHZ4BGq3qwJypwUNDi_UZLeoawBKgVVZC-KK/s400/paris+street.jpg" title="Paris banning all pre 1997 cars" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3>
Modern cars are wimps</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMK_k_IzGvMriS1NHXb5d54XqHhSNimO2SvAce8y7elcOegz9YWffNsXh_MRg0t5nypelRh0G7bgYcqLHjvEs9dt429QP40xN3UqvAKs9zJfJHyjM1oO5N7vC2kHwU8N7awv3s64et9rQ/s1600/c4+cactus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="New Citroen C4 Cactus" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMK_k_IzGvMriS1NHXb5d54XqHhSNimO2SvAce8y7elcOegz9YWffNsXh_MRg0t5nypelRh0G7bgYcqLHjvEs9dt429QP40xN3UqvAKs9zJfJHyjM1oO5N7vC2kHwU8N7awv3s64et9rQ/s320/c4+cactus.jpg" title="New Citroen C4 Cactus" width="320" /></a>Leaving the city's motoring landscape to be populated by modern cars just doesn't seem right. They lack the character of their predecessors. A bloated Puegoet 207 for example has zero sex appeal whereas a<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;">Pininfarina</span> penne</span>d 205 has more <i>jua de vive</i> than James Bond in a tux sipping a Martini. These cars need to be on the streets, generally cars post 97 and certainly 2000 are bigger, heavier, uglier and literally take up more space on crowded European streets. They are also a bit soft, take the new Citroen C4 Cactus pictured, yes it is quirky, cool and unmistakably French but it has air bumps all around it to shrug of city knocks, what a wimp! Its grandfather the Citreon ZX just had bumpers, for doing exactly that, bumping. And now the city officials want to force out hardened residents like the ZX?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDE60XcWKm-ULDUqgsIOSZJW6sCA8lxoDlaUdSyTSXmzpuTuGRMWPJ-M3fWepcnRSzLs106exnTDHUM8-UyNQ1IWsMscaO2gdMpqk2mvbecvRnQD6jtmE0vpO9mstUoqcl0RZVY26mq01S/s1600/c4+cactus+airbump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDE60XcWKm-ULDUqgsIOSZJW6sCA8lxoDlaUdSyTSXmzpuTuGRMWPJ-M3fWepcnRSzLs106exnTDHUM8-UyNQ1IWsMscaO2gdMpqk2mvbecvRnQD6jtmE0vpO9mstUoqcl0RZVY26mq01S/s400/c4+cactus+airbump.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Air bump, pah</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaldW313Xn0TNlP930Qu9uAv76-BpENGrHmSP2sgo0xnHJ4RGxeucB4k0ZwsUn-20A8ibdXAHX9oX3cCeB3rBjOMlpHZza4N6J7eExlRorLg4Ge1TQm0iFgXlhAnqfPCMBQ7sLKdK4bRn5/s1600/DSC00487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bumpers are for bumping " border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaldW313Xn0TNlP930Qu9uAv76-BpENGrHmSP2sgo0xnHJ4RGxeucB4k0ZwsUn-20A8ibdXAHX9oX3cCeB3rBjOMlpHZza4N6J7eExlRorLg4Ge1TQm0iFgXlhAnqfPCMBQ7sLKdK4bRn5/s400/DSC00487.JPG" title="Bumpers are for bumping " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bumpers are for bumping, obviously</td></tr>
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It's sad both that I care and that it's actually happening, but alas it is for the greater good. However, I can not help but feel that some of the cities character might be lost. Here are some pictures of traffic I took in Paris a few years ago to celebrate the diversity, 10 points for every pre 1997 car you spot.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXoIfyVvVw93StwA3ZA1Hc5ZJoh4jXKwKulBryGJDJ2Z69xHDnAxSKcrC-s-Tc33E3Et0p-xFXhKZ5pcAU7taErauRXCeKK_cUtNbSVkmvAKHRnMEWanrXMZcCkoIYHqEmEdL5nfBZuq9/s1600/DSC09513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Paris banning all pre 1997 cars" border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXoIfyVvVw93StwA3ZA1Hc5ZJoh4jXKwKulBryGJDJ2Z69xHDnAxSKcrC-s-Tc33E3Et0p-xFXhKZ5pcAU7taErauRXCeKK_cUtNbSVkmvAKHRnMEWanrXMZcCkoIYHqEmEdL5nfBZuq9/s400/DSC09513.JPG" title="Paris banning all pre 1997 cars" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXX_j_9eYHvv5eDsFjS7XQIQi9TIC6ISuOyACReX3ILJD6lww29LzWhSCUWdgku2ZvylnXwZPmTgxcOiaUumAyW16hgcysViki_K4eqMQOi5PPU5qaVRpe7U-ZJebOn_kDl3CGbgbZUa2q/s1600/DSC09514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Paris banning all pre 1997 cars" border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXX_j_9eYHvv5eDsFjS7XQIQi9TIC6ISuOyACReX3ILJD6lww29LzWhSCUWdgku2ZvylnXwZPmTgxcOiaUumAyW16hgcysViki_K4eqMQOi5PPU5qaVRpe7U-ZJebOn_kDl3CGbgbZUa2q/s400/DSC09514.JPG" title="Paris banning all pre 1997 cars" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6YxQA3OU6UjMAfQq9H9thwFC1MR7bBOheBo_MFyqkSLyceANFE8U6qNYgUTgAmZ7yYJ9FLSPAmoOzDU13CUZpy9lZM2eNBjq6HlJ_z8w9OsOFiM77me00Iaj_cgP_N8cIyM1sNOTVqAn/s1600/DSC09539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Paris banning all pre 1997 cars" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6YxQA3OU6UjMAfQq9H9thwFC1MR7bBOheBo_MFyqkSLyceANFE8U6qNYgUTgAmZ7yYJ9FLSPAmoOzDU13CUZpy9lZM2eNBjq6HlJ_z8w9OsOFiM77me00Iaj_cgP_N8cIyM1sNOTVqAn/s400/DSC09539.JPG" title="Paris banning all pre 1997 cars" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classic Range and Opel Manta</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjbUECqw97Vi6meyL9gNdxDBmUscvkmRKiiCqd1SX7ma_C3cHOnNuH_mjpdJCobr4v_0gUt1QeqeTQSOQzh6_IVEgpyyJbAjzKdbvUNhIriR15TnANZz8EIpbk46Otbo4azza7ztrCraZ/s1600/DSC09543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Paris banning all pre 1997 cars" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjbUECqw97Vi6meyL9gNdxDBmUscvkmRKiiCqd1SX7ma_C3cHOnNuH_mjpdJCobr4v_0gUt1QeqeTQSOQzh6_IVEgpyyJbAjzKdbvUNhIriR15TnANZz8EIpbk46Otbo4azza7ztrCraZ/s400/DSC09543.JPG" title="Paris banning all pre 1997 cars" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yes, that is a BMW CS behind the bike</td></tr>
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(Some of those Mini's pictured are indeed Cooper Sports so are in fact post 97, but they're cool so they stay)</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.flickr.com/photos/58514743@N07/26436068770%22%3EParis,%20rue%20du%2029%20Juillet%3C/a%3E%20via%20%3Ca%20href=%22http://photopin.com%22%3Ephotopin%3C/a%3E%20%3Ca%20href=%22https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/%22%3E(license)%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">photo credit</a>, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/photo%20credit:%20%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.flickr.com/photos/130465591@N06/26558981855%22%3EDo%20you%20call%20this%20an%20arc%20or%20an%20arch%20%7BExplored%7D%3C/a%3E%20via%20%3Ca%20href=%22http://photopin.com%22%3Ephotopin%3C/a%3E%20%3Ca%20href=%22https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/%22%3E(license)%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">photo credit</a>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311611528692945888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1929997674321907471.post-4464986448875184232016-05-30T19:44:00.002+10:002016-06-03T20:32:13.241+10:00The Oldest, Newest CarsLand Rovers stopped making the Defender earlier this year, bringing an end to over 60 years of continuous production. I don't think the mantra of<i> if it ain't broke don't fix it</i> has never been more applicable in the car world. However, with the Defender now shuffling off to collect its pension here are some other not so new cars that manufacturers really should have replaced by now.<br />
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<h3>
Nissan Patrol Y61</h3>
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Technically now out of production Nissan were still screwing them together just a couple of weeks ago, meaning there are still plenty in the dealerships. In production since 1998 the Y61 Patrol rules off road, but on road there are many newer, better choices.<br />
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<h3>
Mitsubishi Pajero and Lancer</h3>
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Struggling Mitsubishi probably isn't in a financial place to go replacing cars right now, but to get competitive again they should probably try. Apart from some new headlights and an interior refresh the big Pajero hasn't changed since 1999. While in the ever changing small sedan/hatch market the 2007 Lancer really doesn't cut the mustard any more.<br />
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<h3>
Mercedes Benz G-Glass</h3>
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Stuttgart's answer to the Defender since 1979. It is unquestionably cool but also agricultural, old and wets itself whenever it sees a corner. Although Merc will still charge you over $150,000 for a new one, go figure.<br />
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<h3>
Morgan Classic</h3>
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Classic by name classic by nature. If you think it looks like its straight out of 1950 you'd be right because it is. With a chassis made of Ash wood its amazing the Morgan still passes safety standards. Definitely one for the enthusiastic chap with a bulging bank account, prices start at $95,000.<br />
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<h3>
Suzuki Jimny</h3>
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It's small, 4x4 and looks alarmingly unstable. It has been on the market since 1998 and as competent off road as it is surely Suzuki could bash out a funky looking newer one? <br />
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<h3>
Toyota LandCruiser 70</h3>
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Much like the G-Class this is Japan's closest thing to a Defender. With a ladder chassis and zero on road dynamics it is arguably the workhorse of rural Australia. On sale in its current form since 1984. <br />
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-9c2ebca6-0106-26a1-92c0-d4934ae099ab"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There you have it, a selection of brand new cars you can buy right now that are actually rather long in the tooth.</span></span></span>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311611528692945888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1929997674321907471.post-89341622817906905432016-03-28T19:54:00.000+11:002016-04-03T14:11:08.121+10:00Top 5: Normal cars with not so normal enginesA sleeper, an otherwise ordinary looking car which has a not so ordinary engine under the bonnet. I love them, especially ones manufacturers actually make themselves, so here are my top 5.<br />
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<h3>
Subaru Forester XT</h3>
The Subaru Impreza WRX is an iconic vehicle, love them or hate them you can not argue with their rally conquering heritage and bargain basement AWD performance. The wagon versions are also reasonably practical. But what if you want even more practicality and looks so bland you could lose your car in an empty car park? Not to fear; Subaru also created the Forester and you guessed it, in GT then XT spec you got the Impreza's thumping turbo charged motor. All the pace of an WRX with none of the hooning in yer face body styling, well except for the massive bonnet scoop.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMrLEfuUrbezsPl9Q35F_Kx15F_UNL5fQ7azroRmH-m8alPmKJsXou4xL3hFNpX72pHU6487WynuzaTR5ZvK4LFSXnc5u0c7MVJAH6DJHyYwEZGVoFtKh-GGX4If12abxhN6vtwEAqVK_/s1600/Forester+XT+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Top 5 normal cars with not so normal engines " border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMrLEfuUrbezsPl9Q35F_Kx15F_UNL5fQ7azroRmH-m8alPmKJsXou4xL3hFNpX72pHU6487WynuzaTR5ZvK4LFSXnc5u0c7MVJAH6DJHyYwEZGVoFtKh-GGX4If12abxhN6vtwEAqVK_/s400/Forester+XT+1.jpg" title="Top 5 normal cars with not so normal engines " width="400" /></a></div>
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Specs; 2nd Generation Subaru Forester XT<br />
Engine/drive chain: 2.5 litre turbo charged boxer engine, AWD<br />
Kilowatts: 155<br />
Torque: 320Nm<br />
0-100km/h: 6.4secs<br />
Price range: $6000-$20,000<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOIU4ApKC0ZdJcP_U4yEE3BQzv9KHNwl-3NKKbO5XvbaksgTRFlQ5Y9Lu-FkelydJq4NXExpOetHNUqDizcCRa5nvB62ie5eMGA5-ePAJRFnSNgS255RZWPIYbQ2CDXYXzJ_CzapdoSk3/s1600/Forester+XT+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Top 5 normal cars with not so normal engines " border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOIU4ApKC0ZdJcP_U4yEE3BQzv9KHNwl-3NKKbO5XvbaksgTRFlQ5Y9Lu-FkelydJq4NXExpOetHNUqDizcCRa5nvB62ie5eMGA5-ePAJRFnSNgS255RZWPIYbQ2CDXYXzJ_CzapdoSk3/s400/Forester+XT+2.jpg" title="Top 5 normal cars with not so normal engines " width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Mercedes Benz S600 </h3>
Do you want an understated luxury sedan with enough power under your right foot to match that of a ballistic missile? If so can I suggest the Mercedes-Benz S600. A car with a 6 litre V12 up front, a V12 for goodness sake! That's the type of power plant usually reserved for super cars and here's Merc cramming one under the bonnet of a luxury sedan. Also expect much, much luxury.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uBhzkVjaKh1u5L0k47YqkKynDOv1Jr6m2POKjShJebimYhoyEyHTL6jR0Ly80adtWBGFOBvoSQlV4cvyKpeBB8_EsXatMySBhTsV-9AvOdXX-ym3ewo7hDQQuC5ZenyAC0q-VtvbMx9Q/s1600/S600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Top 5 normal cars with not so normal engines " border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uBhzkVjaKh1u5L0k47YqkKynDOv1Jr6m2POKjShJebimYhoyEyHTL6jR0Ly80adtWBGFOBvoSQlV4cvyKpeBB8_EsXatMySBhTsV-9AvOdXX-ym3ewo7hDQQuC5ZenyAC0q-VtvbMx9Q/s400/S600.jpg" title="Top 5 normal cars with not so normal engines " width="400" /></a></div>
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Specs; Mercedes-Benz W220 S600<br />
Engine/drive chain; 5.8 litre naturally aspirated V12, RWD<br />
Kilowatts: 270<br />
Torque: 530Nm <br />
0-100km/h: 4.6secs<br />
Price range: $25,000-$65,000<br />
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<h3>
Volkswagen Touareg V10</h3>
Do you need a car capable of towing a Boeing 747? Or maybe you want your house moved slightly to the left and need something to give it a shove. Well Volkswagen have the answer, the unassuming almost bland Touareg was once available with a twin turbo V10 diesel, which produced a quite frankly silly 750Nm of torque. Emissions laws killed off the mighty diesel after 3 years, but thank the car guy gods it existed in what was an otherwise normal SUV.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XX2HRSjJUZ7KsU_RR3MZAeM0uzMfTAhVsyQWZFtpUnTmSpoav8A5yPVjBkhWrvN4N8hPebqNZgtM9zMBuKSLYc-WB5Je5ayD-HzAn01hiiH7CG7kaXXGiCuk1wsU6xUkq_14ojG5rkYu/s1600/Touareg+v10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Top 5 normal cars with not so normal engines " border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XX2HRSjJUZ7KsU_RR3MZAeM0uzMfTAhVsyQWZFtpUnTmSpoav8A5yPVjBkhWrvN4N8hPebqNZgtM9zMBuKSLYc-WB5Je5ayD-HzAn01hiiH7CG7kaXXGiCuk1wsU6xUkq_14ojG5rkYu/s400/Touareg+v10.jpg" title="Top 5 normal cars with not so normal engines " width="400" /></a></div>
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Specs: Volkswagen Touareg 7L V10 TDI<br />
Engine/drive chain: 4.9 litre twin turbo V10 diesel, AWD<br />
Kilowatts: 230<br />
Torque: 750NM <br />
0-100km/h: 7.4secs<br />
Price range: $19,000-$45,000<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdI2DjGqWmbov5JrfWE9yr9p8VQkgqdeNironD21dTrLN4_iPIQuGPE4oxatyVtAJvldHI4PYPJ6Lf912VB9jRnZEuDF6SiOp5ugv6-hq-duJzbdYvl0qUF3_vzNZCwyo56vieXvVLw5w/s1600/Touareg+v10+badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Top 5 normal cars with not so normal engines " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdI2DjGqWmbov5JrfWE9yr9p8VQkgqdeNironD21dTrLN4_iPIQuGPE4oxatyVtAJvldHI4PYPJ6Lf912VB9jRnZEuDF6SiOp5ugv6-hq-duJzbdYvl0qUF3_vzNZCwyo56vieXvVLw5w/s400/Touareg+v10+badge.jpg" title="Top 5 normal cars with not so normal engines " width="266" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Volkswagen Passat W8</h3>
On the subject of bland, have you ever seen a Volkswagen Passat? Don't worry if you haven't, as despite their solid build quality and general good at everything'ness they just don't grab you visually. So really what better car for VW to shoehorn a W8 engine and 4 motion all wheel drive system into. For those unsure what a W8 even is think of it as a two 4 cylinder V-shaped engines welded together, making a W shape with 8 cylinders. Honestly it's a ludicrous idea for an engine and by putting it into the Passat the buying public clearly thought so too, with VW only selling 10,000 globally and a mere handful of those made it down under. As I write this I can't even find one for sale, but they're here somewhere in 2003 28 were registered!<br />
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Specs: Volkswagen Passat B5.5 W8<br />
Engine/drive chain: 4.0 litre W8, AWD<br />
Kilowatts: 202<br />
Torque: 370Nm<br />
0-100km/h: 6.8secs<br />
Price range: Educated guess, $8000-$15,000<br />
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<h3>
Volvo 850 R</h3>
Nothing quite says middle aged dentist's car like a Volvo 850. Volvo clearly thought the same so in 1996 they decided to ramp up the 850's cool factor by way of fitting a 5 cylinder 2.3 litre motor. Featuring a wonderful warble with added turbo whoosh, the R is an unsuspecting performance wagon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLeXgoTQYfJb4MnH73hO8eVaehpZelJiw7_jniyxGIAuQx0k4AB8yK84IJwS04HK6ZNkczY_8oZXGigprr8F1mdbW367uDy9sdY6QOVbp8thlhW5jXUeNhUkhyI_U_Crs13HDsR8P0LAj/s1600/Volvo+850R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Top 5 normal cars with not so normal engines " border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLeXgoTQYfJb4MnH73hO8eVaehpZelJiw7_jniyxGIAuQx0k4AB8yK84IJwS04HK6ZNkczY_8oZXGigprr8F1mdbW367uDy9sdY6QOVbp8thlhW5jXUeNhUkhyI_U_Crs13HDsR8P0LAj/s400/Volvo+850R.jpg" title="Top 5 normal cars with not so normal engines " width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
Specs: Volvo 850 R<br />
Engine/drive chain: 2.3 litre 5 cylinder turbo charged, FWD<br />
Kilowatts: 184<br />
Torque: 350Nm<br />
0-100km/h 6.9secs<br />
Price range: $6000-$13000<br />
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<br />Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311611528692945888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1929997674321907471.post-71782008271253135552016-02-24T09:00:00.000+11:002016-02-24T09:00:04.969+11:00Top 5: big speed, little moneyDid you know that there is one other place outside of Germany's autobahns where you can legally drive your car as fast as you want? That place is right here in Australia, a 276km stretch of the <a href="http://www.transport.nt.gov.au/safety/road-safety/open-speed-trial" target="_blank">Stuart Highway in the Northern Territory</a> (NT) which has had its speed limit lifted since 2014. And this got me thinking, can you buy a car that can crack 250km/h for under $10000? If you fancy a really long road trip here are 5 cars that'll do exactly that in the NT.<br />
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<h3>
Toyota Soarer</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsLZNgm7cilXllhZWYqxBFsDGRv43qF4coofEO2aiVs0nucjtfEov8reZdIVoBFzAuoiXqoqiFW7S0ttsOPibL95QVkp4V1tGsUWwlnFTQs3E0EFNpYT6-BT231esmHuP_gYc99xpcY3a/s1600/Toyota+soarer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Toyota Soarer " border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsLZNgm7cilXllhZWYqxBFsDGRv43qF4coofEO2aiVs0nucjtfEov8reZdIVoBFzAuoiXqoqiFW7S0ttsOPibL95QVkp4V1tGsUWwlnFTQs3E0EFNpYT6-BT231esmHuP_gYc99xpcY3a/s400/Toyota+soarer.jpg" title="Toyota Soarer " width="400" /></a></div>
Let's start with the car most likely to actually get you to the middle of Australia, the 90's Japanese super coupe with a reputation for never breaking. Available with 3 engines between 1991 and 2000 the Soarer you'll need to track down to break the 250km/h barrier is the 2.5 litre twin turbo straight 6. In standard form it could do the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.9sec before surging onto 260km/h, here's one I found earlier for a bargain <a href="http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/_/SSE-AD-2708166" target="_blank">$4,800</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://carsales.li.csnstatic.com/carsales/car/private/cp4773258881244216213.jpg?aspect=FitWithinNoPad&height=700&width=1050" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Toyota Soarer for sale" border="0" src="http://carsales.li.csnstatic.com/carsales/car/private/cp4773258881244216213.jpg?aspect=FitWithinNoPad&height=700&width=1050" height="300" title="Toyota Soarer for sale" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Nissan 300ZX</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJeKL3tzDRQN8hRD3ieals6nw_nBz73M4LWORywaBpk_NSNKz9RDbSCsGI-RFMJ5YSZW4copmduYqGi5nZv3GaYlCHPGCXkgU6_Q1tjE0WRa0bZDBCCmEcT7EZNtWqvgNJxM21mmrc4KVC/s1600/300zx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nissan 300zx" border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJeKL3tzDRQN8hRD3ieals6nw_nBz73M4LWORywaBpk_NSNKz9RDbSCsGI-RFMJ5YSZW4copmduYqGi5nZv3GaYlCHPGCXkgU6_Q1tjE0WRa0bZDBCCmEcT7EZNtWqvgNJxM21mmrc4KVC/s400/300zx.jpg" title="Nissan 300zx" width="400" /></a></div>
My second choice is another Japanese super coupe, complete with a couple of turbo's, the Nissan 300ZX. Again don't buy the wrong car in your search for speed, the one you need is the V6 twin turbo, The thing was so fast Nissan limited it to 249km/h from the factory although period road tests saw the car top out at 267. However with the limiter removed some reckon the 300 is good for 290km/h plus. Here's a garish yellow one I found in WA for <a href="http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/_/SSE-AD-3625631" target="_blank">$7,000</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://carsales.li.csnstatic.com/carsales/car/private/cp5649147183029787453.jpg?aspect=FitWithinNoPad&height=700&width=1050" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nissan 300zx for sale " border="0" src="http://carsales.li.csnstatic.com/carsales/car/private/cp5649147183029787453.jpg?aspect=FitWithinNoPad&height=700&width=1050" height="400" title="Nissan 300zx for sale " width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
BMW 540i E39</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh278a9CrCqppnj9_wO_ji13u637y05cWtjVrn_NFuh_2rhoI3kwKsSUUBCJiOxqfrw6MFOWqMOgNs2YsT-9EWNIhEnma5nZTUiVz-MV59c8xWNdQhPjYEYVhL9t-0p7WZgpFQNzBGC-l1/s1600/540i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="BMW 540i" border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh278a9CrCqppnj9_wO_ji13u637y05cWtjVrn_NFuh_2rhoI3kwKsSUUBCJiOxqfrw6MFOWqMOgNs2YsT-9EWNIhEnma5nZTUiVz-MV59c8xWNdQhPjYEYVhL9t-0p7WZgpFQNzBGC-l1/s400/540i.jpg" title="BMW 540i" width="400" /></a></div>
4.4 litres of naturally aspirated V8, that's all the E39 5 series needs to take it to a electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. Remove the limiter and you might see another 10 to 20km/h out of one. Besides the rather ballistic turn of speed though, these cars offer a whole lot more and are staggering value for money nowadays. Released in 1996 the early ones can now be picked up for under $7000 and come with all the bells and whistles you'd expect of German luxury sedan; heated leather pews, cruise control, climate control, some even came with a very 90's car phone and inbuilt TV! Here's a loevly looking face lifted 1999 540i Sport I found for just <a href="http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/_/SSE-AD-3730759" target="_blank">$8,000</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://carsales.li.csnstatic.com/carsales/car/private/cp5344455746006137521.jpg?aspect=FitWithinNoPad&height=700&width=1050" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="BMW 540i for sale" border="0" src="http://carsales.li.csnstatic.com/carsales/car/private/cp5344455746006137521.jpg?aspect=FitWithinNoPad&height=700&width=1050" height="298" title="BMW 540i for sale" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
<br />Audi A8 V8 D2</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwtX26UBVWMu3JGkKOji1DhGziVAG6d2X3kVoUkEXy3Qm3uAufzeNK2ueVrvgFXPcckXL-aNkmmGXSW8Gtc1xiEutwLkJ3rsMFal6AJ6vwwE2iE0m98Mq3Y5ftA8i9AVfKggQMlxvzfE_/s1600/a8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Audi A8 V8" border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwtX26UBVWMu3JGkKOji1DhGziVAG6d2X3kVoUkEXy3Qm3uAufzeNK2ueVrvgFXPcckXL-aNkmmGXSW8Gtc1xiEutwLkJ3rsMFal6AJ6vwwE2iE0m98Mq3Y5ftA8i9AVfKggQMlxvzfE_/s400/a8.jpg" title="Audi A8 V8" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFupZo8BozuVEMhWqcYQB_5Y3W6cZb5owUXgU0AzlojKMyZOXQ93ohV42v5CE27mWeh5SWqDOhR_xfkePrtdnPGzd1jcPvtKK5IGarQISiiazeHGBMeRv557h7HWLDHvo2tZZzD-dTBiK/s1600/a8+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Audi A8 V8 long wheelbase interior " border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFupZo8BozuVEMhWqcYQB_5Y3W6cZb5owUXgU0AzlojKMyZOXQ93ohV42v5CE27mWeh5SWqDOhR_xfkePrtdnPGzd1jcPvtKK5IGarQISiiazeHGBMeRv557h7HWLDHvo2tZZzD-dTBiK/s400/a8+2.jpg" title="Audi A8 V8 long wheelbase interior " width="400" /></a></div>
In much the same vain as the BMW above, only larger, Audi's A8 is a no holds bared full on luxury limo. The first gen D2 car is also a bit of a rarity, arriving in the mid 90's just before Audi's popularity started to take off. It's relative unknown existence means prices are very reasonable for a car with a 4.2 litre V8, famous Quattro AWD and self leveling suspension. Again the top speed is electronically limited to the magic 250km/h but the car is capable of more. This long wheel base version, offering back seats passengers the option to fully recline can be had for just <a href="http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/_/SSE-AD-3782463" target="_blank">$8,500</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://carsales.li.csnstatic.com/carsales/car/private/cp5531087401141214992.jpg?aspect=FitWithinNoPad&height=700&width=1050" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Audi A8 V8 long wheelbase for sale" border="0" src="http://carsales.li.csnstatic.com/carsales/car/private/cp5531087401141214992.jpg?aspect=FitWithinNoPad&height=700&width=1050" height="266" title="Audi A8 V8 long wheelbase for sale" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
HSV Clubsport 15th Anniversary</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_u6svV07N8iVQiiKY6rmE_hDt4Uf0mMBUcsuRdgGX3ILo6c4eW5g9wzSgpy_bzrAwviIAbopjG_GOn9KS89wjgjJJaUzmWFQyKwEWBPlxcjFLuIvXGu6EiXVt1A3cm0UV04avY1aHkZB/s1600/hsv_clubsport_vx_ser1_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="HSV Clubsport" border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_u6svV07N8iVQiiKY6rmE_hDt4Uf0mMBUcsuRdgGX3ILo6c4eW5g9wzSgpy_bzrAwviIAbopjG_GOn9KS89wjgjJJaUzmWFQyKwEWBPlxcjFLuIvXGu6EiXVt1A3cm0UV04avY1aHkZB/s400/hsv_clubsport_vx_ser1_04.jpg" title="HSV Clubsport" width="400" /></a></div>
I couldn't write something about an outback Aussie road without including a proper Aussie hero capable of 264km/h could I? I give you the VX Holden Commodore in fettled with HSV form. With a 5.7 litre LS1 V8 up front the Clubsport is a proper muscle car. Straight line speed and a bellowing bent 8 exhaust note makes it an ideal candidate for a top speed run. They're relatively abundant and cheap too, this ones a bit rough around the edges and can be had for <a href="http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/_/SSE-AD-3744656" target="_blank">$6,500</a><br />
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<a href="http://carsales.li.csnstatic.com/carsales/car/private/cp4677877572566414009.jpg?aspect=FitWithinNoPad&height=700&width=1050" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="HSV Clubsport for sale" border="0" src="http://carsales.li.csnstatic.com/carsales/car/private/cp4677877572566414009.jpg?aspect=FitWithinNoPad&height=700&width=1050" height="225" title="HSV Clubsport for sale" width="400" /></a></div>
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A few words of advice before you go out a buy one of these cars though. The stretch of road in question is a 31 hour drive from Sydney and 26 hours from Melbourne, that's a commitment already. Secondly there are no local amenities once your past Alice Springs and importantly no petrol stations, so best bring a Tim Tam and a jerry can. Thirdly seriously consider if your bargain performance car is reliable enough to get there, do 250km/h without exploding and get you home again, these cars are good but some are pushing 20 years old. Lastly the road surface on the Stuart isn't flawless, it dips and undulates so mashing the go faster pedal isn't all you need to do, it will take concentration and skill to vmax your motor up the highway. With all that in mind though it's still hard to disagree that these 5 cars offer some serious oomph for very little dollar. All cars found on <a href="http://carsales.com.au/">carsales.com.au</a>Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311611528692945888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1929997674321907471.post-14493266821889732012016-02-20T09:00:00.000+11:002016-02-20T09:00:28.150+11:00Mountune package makes fast Fords even fasterI love a good bit of modifying, for a car enthusiast nothing quite beats making your car go faster and look better than everyone else's. Trouble is modifying is largely seen as a young persons past time, once you get older boring stuff like warranties and resale values start to influence your car buying brain and suddenly modifying just seems like a waste of money. However imagine if a car company allowed you to buy a box full of go faster parts direct from them? Not only that, they would fit the parts and still happily cover your car with their warranty. Well Ford Australia are offering exactly that. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeOrJBEiSlQ8e-PJcOK3m-Re2vOfanpDBiKLq6q57Vf55hbg05jzy39WIvObnlnp5QY0iJ_kY464KdfyWqwyBY-4qQuwRUEuqrO9BJRX00-s8HbWOzGm1J_byULhizpISgodImwIhtxvH/s1600/Mountune+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mountune package for fast Fords will make them even faster " border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeOrJBEiSlQ8e-PJcOK3m-Re2vOfanpDBiKLq6q57Vf55hbg05jzy39WIvObnlnp5QY0iJ_kY464KdfyWqwyBY-4qQuwRUEuqrO9BJRX00-s8HbWOzGm1J_byULhizpISgodImwIhtxvH/s400/Mountune+4.jpg" title="Mountune package for fast Fords will make them even faster " width="400" /></a></div>
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From the middle of this year, conveniently around the time Ford will stop manufacturing locally, the blue oval is to offer a Mountune upgrade package for both it's Fiesta ST and Focus ST hot hatches in a bid to boost sales of it's already profitable performance car range. These packages sold under the Ford Licensed Accessory Programme will see buyers able to seriously up the performance of their hatch with full factory backing. And don't think Mountune is just some buzz word marketing lingo dreamt up to sell Ford customers a remap, no, Mountune is a bona fide company that's been tuning Fords for 30 years, these upgrade packages are the real deal.<br />
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For an extra $2328 and 1 hours labour Fiesta ST buyers get; a new airbox, high performance air filter, a new air feed pipe, engine remap and a Mountune badge on the boot. In power terms this equates to 158kw, that's over 20kw more than standard. A decent return on the initial investment in my book and one that can only make the already epic Fiesta ST that bit more rewarding to drive. Ford Focus ST buyers on the other hand can opt for the $4135 MP275 package which takes 2 hours to fit, this includes a new intercooler, air filter and remap to boost power from 184kw to 202kw. Again an impressive power hike that not only makes the car faster but makes it even more engaging to drive at the limit. The final benefit of the packages is that being a factory option available from any Ford dealer they shouldn't affect the resale/trade in price should you ever have to part ways with your hot hatch. If anything a Mountune package might make your car even more desirable to it's next owner.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYLJJHBdGOChkzb7vErLTF1CTTgKlOSauMtoQkOiTQAIplyS2uRucqjPzMK-zRh83hCi_HfhCgVl62QB-BcpmkOrngy7tbOTxsv_1jaFCksMXdRIml3KItrQKmO5ukQajRL474YxkyX_L/s1600/Mountune+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A load of go faster bits for the Fiesta ST" border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYLJJHBdGOChkzb7vErLTF1CTTgKlOSauMtoQkOiTQAIplyS2uRucqjPzMK-zRh83hCi_HfhCgVl62QB-BcpmkOrngy7tbOTxsv_1jaFCksMXdRIml3KItrQKmO5ukQajRL474YxkyX_L/s400/Mountune+2.jpg" title="A load of go faster bits for the Fiesta ST" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihybA_nWz9b8ptpZNEioYAOp-m7oxQqklQL79U6pAinEEuc0rdMWPU0SOCaSxFoKNE-sFbpkLOpBexjrLVupc5oCughN9B5OSILIKlPDzKYB00aH-GTo8AnwGRE-mQp4D0pffvfuCTBcGr/s1600/Mountune+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Focus ST gets an new intercooler and air filter amongst other parts" border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihybA_nWz9b8ptpZNEioYAOp-m7oxQqklQL79U6pAinEEuc0rdMWPU0SOCaSxFoKNE-sFbpkLOpBexjrLVupc5oCughN9B5OSILIKlPDzKYB00aH-GTo8AnwGRE-mQp4D0pffvfuCTBcGr/s400/Mountune+3.jpg" title="Focus ST gets an new intercooler and air filter amongst other parts" width="400" /></a></div>
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So if you buy a fast Ford and are concerned about the disapproving reaction your boring middle aged friends will give the moment you want to make it faster, fear no more. Ford Australia will happily help you modify it and won't kick you to the kerb should anything go wrong. Peace of mind and modifying, two things that rarely go hand in hand. <br />
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Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311611528692945888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1929997674321907471.post-52342902199316313242016-02-17T09:00:00.000+11:002016-02-17T09:00:18.982+11:00New Peugeot 308 GTI: 5 things you need to knowThe last time a mid size hatchback Peugeot wore a GTI badge in Australia was 2001. That's a long absence from sportiness for a company that used to be one of the major players when it came to the letters G T I. However the wait is now finally over, Peugeot has launched not one but two range topping 308 GTI's, here are the top 5 things you need to know about them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XMma2x6Anzc3luOoHz_J_nAkAj9MAZq4kKWUMj0KAUky-lEAItTpM2QwZvbW276QxAg9is-L55vvZVCgsNFpuoZ7qoIzbhYyRCAZqtN6YXoxpr5g8CyOnBiySRNuBqbt6Kj-K5j4RQtM/s1600/308+gti+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="New Peugeot 308 GTI" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XMma2x6Anzc3luOoHz_J_nAkAj9MAZq4kKWUMj0KAUky-lEAItTpM2QwZvbW276QxAg9is-L55vvZVCgsNFpuoZ7qoIzbhYyRCAZqtN6YXoxpr5g8CyOnBiySRNuBqbt6Kj-K5j4RQtM/s400/308+gti+3.jpg" title="New Peugeot 308 GTI" width="400" /></a></div>
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1. It will only come with a 6 speed manual! Yes, car guys the world over rejoice, much like Fords hot hatches of late Peugeot will not be offering an auto option. So if it's some cushy no clutch, flappy paddle action your after best look elsewhere. Good job Peugeot.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qJH6sfMWx_-RL5BYp8j70e-XH08uT0CqeU9V9KsKS-zUjK8ccgAvE3O1aUmNoBJAKrKx3WNA0wDJ90m5zGVUKGrgvJ_X-bhODyNYXVv41WFF0Gsb_M-8tGqfdkWC4QXGeNGSJe9wE5sQ/s1600/308+gti+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="New Peugeot 308 GTI" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qJH6sfMWx_-RL5BYp8j70e-XH08uT0CqeU9V9KsKS-zUjK8ccgAvE3O1aUmNoBJAKrKx3WNA0wDJ90m5zGVUKGrgvJ_X-bhODyNYXVv41WFF0Gsb_M-8tGqfdkWC4QXGeNGSJe9wE5sQ/s400/308+gti+4.jpg" title="New Peugeot 308 GTI" width="400" /></a></div>
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2. Power comes from a tiny 1.6 litre turbo, in an era where downsizing is king Peugeot has been leading the way, this engine has already been doing the business in the RCZ-R coupe since 2014. The 308's 1.6 will come with either 184kw or 200kw.<br />
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3. Yes what I said above is true, you can buy a 308 GTI in 2 states of tune, however quite why is unclear. Peugeot says the less powerful GTI 250 is for the daily driver, whereas the GTI 270 is for the enthusiast. Shouldn't everyone who wants a GTI be an enthusiast? Honestly save up that bit more and order the 270, there might only be a difference of 16kw between the 2 cars but when your buying a hot hatch more is always better. GTI 270's also come with a much better specification; you get upgraded brakes, a limited slip diff, 19 inch wheels, the option of garish 2 tone paint and a 0-100km/h time of 6 seconds, that's 0.2 seconds quicker than the 250, doesn't sound like much but it gives you infinite more man points.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrWuKaitv7QIJAaLgFp7l3WBz_B-bDMjN5OiTfTpjasNs8UjyR6vXv9bie_Jy2vVscCSym77o92l40TV7Oyj1ePmq4TrNhPv96Amd-vpQZgW-V2D3v6xMi7zKooybz1r4eYL2W7m775Uz/s1600/308+gti+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="New Peugeot 308 GTI" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrWuKaitv7QIJAaLgFp7l3WBz_B-bDMjN5OiTfTpjasNs8UjyR6vXv9bie_Jy2vVscCSym77o92l40TV7Oyj1ePmq4TrNhPv96Amd-vpQZgW-V2D3v6xMi7zKooybz1r4eYL2W7m775Uz/s400/308+gti+7.jpg" title="New Peugeot 308 GTI" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHO30jgXQNQiloRdcNRIPRScpB4IeD0Qn9wHNcjvQqHZgO5b05CZ2691FxnD42Ymjqe0lf4qCWYzI3Dw4KIkcjCdjcFV6c9otqprZ0cBHKARLWn2Tf2qwKqi1KEaAAkCy8EQgUB8IvS41/s1600/308+gti+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="New Peugeot 308 GTI" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHO30jgXQNQiloRdcNRIPRScpB4IeD0Qn9wHNcjvQqHZgO5b05CZ2691FxnD42Ymjqe0lf4qCWYzI3Dw4KIkcjCdjcFV6c9otqprZ0cBHKARLWn2Tf2qwKqi1KEaAAkCy8EQgUB8IvS41/s400/308+gti+6.jpg" title="New Peugeot 308 GTI" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnebIUqunDKXvPpBFA94omc3Z_w9B6II0vsFoUDV0sE7tg9_EYXVr-IbQSuZpsVjWe-5gpSN618Ma7XCYawgyyFvfFQuPwDTesrN4HO5A2WmT6AtMTayYmFhK3qeGuMN-06M3G29lZhmzX/s1600/308+gti+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="New Peugeot 308 GTI" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnebIUqunDKXvPpBFA94omc3Z_w9B6II0vsFoUDV0sE7tg9_EYXVr-IbQSuZpsVjWe-5gpSN618Ma7XCYawgyyFvfFQuPwDTesrN4HO5A2WmT6AtMTayYmFhK3qeGuMN-06M3G29lZhmzX/s400/308+gti+8.jpg" title="New Peugeot 308 GTI" width="400" /></a></div>
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4. <span style="font-family: inherit;">It looks fast too, but in a subtle Germanic way. That is provided you don't tick the option for, I quote "</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Coupe Franche separation-line design exclusive to the 308 GTi 270 contrasting the new, explosive Ultimate Red with Pearlescent Nera Black". Yes leave this option off and what you get is a sophisticated looking hatch that sits 11mm lower than standard on a nice set of wheels with twin pipes out the back and ever so slightly redesigned bumpers. The only obvious clue to it's sportiness being a GTI badge on the boot. The interiors a pretty nice place too, with go faster bucket seats and red detailing letting </span>passengers<span style="font-family: inherit;"> know this ain't no hum drum 308.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JbkS-LAVjMzlI5Nt9UMURLOrTWcP-dLlzLBRpn3LV6brBFAFI-RVeN7-u6mpq11V0MtnHlwyR-IXOOECgrzjo22P28v3WDjb-L_z4AJoTtpAZzWw17fNEvhjiDl8PJBkZs9Sjj563z8D/s1600/308+gti+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JbkS-LAVjMzlI5Nt9UMURLOrTWcP-dLlzLBRpn3LV6brBFAFI-RVeN7-u6mpq11V0MtnHlwyR-IXOOECgrzjo22P28v3WDjb-L_z4AJoTtpAZzWw17fNEvhjiDl8PJBkZs9Sjj563z8D/s400/308+gti+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 Pedals!</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPiuYC_WgkGNIfD7bWKhUuGTSunOZP84p5d2_mL5PmURyrZM8hSFLveiVusm6uiqKxXJFVjFiZ0SzQEfHif9ESaP_onmOhu-BlYmzcJ52WArKXD3cWafccqhOJU_-BCgilsNfJcv49kXYq/s1600/308+gti+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="New Peugeot 308 GTI" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPiuYC_WgkGNIfD7bWKhUuGTSunOZP84p5d2_mL5PmURyrZM8hSFLveiVusm6uiqKxXJFVjFiZ0SzQEfHif9ESaP_onmOhu-BlYmzcJ52WArKXD3cWafccqhOJU_-BCgilsNfJcv49kXYq/s400/308+gti+5.jpg" title="New Peugeot 308 GTI" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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5. Price, probably the most important thing to tell you about. Well if for some reason you want less power and a slower car $44,990 buys you a GTI 250 (that's the black car in the pics). Save up $49,990 though and you can drive away with the GTI 270, plus on road costs of course.<br />
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There we have it, 5 things you need to know about Peugeots welcome return to the land of hot hatches, let's hope it can live up to the hype.Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311611528692945888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1929997674321907471.post-63716731474265887622016-02-16T14:09:00.001+11:002016-02-16T14:09:42.635+11:00Volvo XC90 D5: The Video Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJjVp3Cc1V2sknwVsvJoPNK45ueFK1YOGCVeW1xxb-wPSawMMiuVmrFf-6bzecR2GNhzJn2kUuDxlCgmb7UjaS6RPJx48qQQnBkB64YaFnFaZNhZ8n53a_2RbBaaoXCL3L5ZrkUVp007kv/s1600/DSC05549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Volvo XC90 D5 Video review" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJjVp3Cc1V2sknwVsvJoPNK45ueFK1YOGCVeW1xxb-wPSawMMiuVmrFf-6bzecR2GNhzJn2kUuDxlCgmb7UjaS6RPJx48qQQnBkB64YaFnFaZNhZ8n53a_2RbBaaoXCL3L5ZrkUVp007kv/s400/DSC05549.JPG" title="Volvo XC90 D5 Video review" width="400" /></a></div>
Remember way back in January I brought you my review of Volvo's all new XC90? If not here's a <a href="http://thegearboxaus.blogspot.com.au/2016/01/all-new-volvo-xc90-d5-review.html" target="_blank">link</a> to it so you can familiarise yourself. Well now it is time to give you my video review, filmed after my week with the car ended I can only apologise that it has taken so long to get this uploaded! As you'll see I'm no Steven Spielberg when it comes to films so the editing might be slightly awful, but hopefully it will give you a greater sense of what Volvo's new flagship is like both inside and out.<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/z4tKzRDxbLY/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z4tKzRDxbLY?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311611528692945888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1929997674321907471.post-4515554679798866292016-02-12T17:12:00.001+11:002016-02-14T20:58:37.573+11:004 Alternative Budget Hot HatchesHot hatches, what's not to love about them? They combine practicality and performance, usually for very little financial outlay. Trouble is some of the worlds best are harder to find than unicorn poo in Australia or depressingly never made it here in the first place, I'm taking about Peugeot 205 GTI's, early Golf GTI's, Renault 5 Turbo's and Ford's XRI range of hatches. So what Aussie alternatives are out there for the budget hot hatch connoisseur? Let me share with you 4 of my favourites.<br />
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<h3>
Ford Laser TX3 Turbo</h3>
Based on a Mazda 323 the Laser range was a massive sales success for Ford in Australia over 5 generations. And naturally at the height of the 80's hot hatch war Ford couldn't resist strapping on a Turbo, some all wheel drive hardware and an X badge. Available in a sportier 3 door body style with obligatory rear spoiler, skirts and alloy wheels the TX3 actually has more than a passing resemblance to Ford of Europe's Mk3 Escort. With a turbo charged 117kw 1.8 litre and a kerb weight of just 1180kg the TX3 was good for 0-100km/h in 8.4seconds. The 4 wheel drive also meant the Laser was that little bit more sure footed than it's rivals on the twisty stuff. A truly forgotten hot hatch hero if ever there was one that you can pick up now for less than $3000, a future classic perhaps?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNKI0DyUAbOtkNqt6tfrOCn7g8fME1W8545TTFuFzX9gNppD1WlLVoORA7BL0opsiEc4oMXr4Mt7nw_NVGQkD1HYqZ1hw7BCLX93BFwpYHG2vY0-loEcArBRiQWIpIsYSvJ3Ne_JXoY5Z/s1600/7708290672_b7545d3672_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ford Laser TX3 Turbo 4WD" border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNKI0DyUAbOtkNqt6tfrOCn7g8fME1W8545TTFuFzX9gNppD1WlLVoORA7BL0opsiEc4oMXr4Mt7nw_NVGQkD1HYqZ1hw7BCLX93BFwpYHG2vY0-loEcArBRiQWIpIsYSvJ3Ne_JXoY5Z/s400/7708290672_b7545d3672_b.jpg" title="Ford Laser TX3 Turbo 4WD" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAcxo5nuEulhH2zqYNzSbQJVY7lhcrvTbboAgEG84ID90vpMLxiZYwJkcbyRFqJMrd3KlbFL90DidR1kGuFEVH1De8SG8xPqPA21uW1agNSfdQBTDiJwITsqM8XcVtXwv_fAauuO-iIak/s1600/7708291438_a3044efbed_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ford Laser TX3 Turbo 4WD" border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAcxo5nuEulhH2zqYNzSbQJVY7lhcrvTbboAgEG84ID90vpMLxiZYwJkcbyRFqJMrd3KlbFL90DidR1kGuFEVH1De8SG8xPqPA21uW1agNSfdQBTDiJwITsqM8XcVtXwv_fAauuO-iIak/s400/7708291438_a3044efbed_b.jpg" title="Ford Laser TX3 Turbo 4WD" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVa1KhJS4KOns1sZmeXteG8E0CbaoLBh4ZzNVImBaYyqD7Kg1P-iUr-xhX9u-4Du37AtxhG6I-yCL2Dhouj9i-DYKhIR_RtHjAb836J-y_N79yoJT-MCEnvX_hSBUUYXYoyqGYSDdY5qZO/s1600/7708291980_3c2b696e64_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Read it and weep, Turbo and 4x4" border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVa1KhJS4KOns1sZmeXteG8E0CbaoLBh4ZzNVImBaYyqD7Kg1P-iUr-xhX9u-4Du37AtxhG6I-yCL2Dhouj9i-DYKhIR_RtHjAb836J-y_N79yoJT-MCEnvX_hSBUUYXYoyqGYSDdY5qZO/s400/7708291980_3c2b696e64_b.jpg" title="Read it and weep, Turbo and 4x4" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Toyota Corolla GTI</h3>
Twin cam's, 16 valves and the engine code 4A-GE, 3 phrases that should raise the heart rate of any die hard car guy. Unfortunately though if you were brought up in the last 20 years the words Toyota Corolla are more likely to put you to sleep than set your heart racing. But imagine a time when all those words were thrown together! What appeared was a Corolla that deservedly wore a GTI badge on its boot. 100kw of naturally aspirated 1.6 litre goodness teamed to a light body and willing chassis saw the early 90's Corolla do a rather good job of being an every day performance car. 0-100km/h took a little under 10 seconds so although it wasn't blistering it had just enough fun factor to distract you from what was at best bland styling, the AE93 Corolla GTI is a rare gem which can be had for as little as $1500 nowadays, if you don't mind fixing one up like the car in the pics.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoXD8PjTkhl5rWTzDR-4Gsx2NioyoI3SYrluwVO0FZqmUAn34RbyqafSBio0K0G8hL-8gB9T_S2JQP_0xYnzgeE-6cpU5l7iyFXJtLE181KobP7wQP_9p9MWtx-xZRDSexHfw2RBjGRgh/s1600/20463867190_cd42ffc3d5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Toyota Corolla GTI AE93" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoXD8PjTkhl5rWTzDR-4Gsx2NioyoI3SYrluwVO0FZqmUAn34RbyqafSBio0K0G8hL-8gB9T_S2JQP_0xYnzgeE-6cpU5l7iyFXJtLE181KobP7wQP_9p9MWtx-xZRDSexHfw2RBjGRgh/s400/20463867190_cd42ffc3d5_b.jpg" title="Toyota Corolla GTI AE93" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8AGy4KIcRzRY4KrsGlV5y0gyUyuGKKorZvuB0o4MXS-cVrJA3gH_L6j89SqyUSkXAd26BfBv5YTo20W64km2FrjxffnY-1jm0sirWc47zdkyrpcYscCBJMFLZbfmQIF33vzUXDMSfy3XC/s1600/20465116189_4192cdcebb_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8AGy4KIcRzRY4KrsGlV5y0gyUyuGKKorZvuB0o4MXS-cVrJA3gH_L6j89SqyUSkXAd26BfBv5YTo20W64km2FrjxffnY-1jm0sirWc47zdkyrpcYscCBJMFLZbfmQIF33vzUXDMSfy3XC/s400/20465116189_4192cdcebb_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Holden Barina GSI</h3>
Holden's European cousins Opel/Vauxhall thought it was a good idea in the mid 90's to tune the engine they put in they're tiniest car and give it a set of 3 spoke alloys, what they created was the Corsa GSI, a car which thankfully Holden imported and sold here as the Barina. The Barina measures a mere 3.7 meters and has a dry weight of less than 1000kg, these figures are good from a handling point of view and when you slot in a 1.6 litre 16 valve engine which loves to rev, your left with a recipe for the perfect winding road warrior. The lady in the picture is certainly happy with hers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4dYgU-W6MaCHiuwRgVDNIFMQq39xZxkZzpB8HuoYc3L4mAldkZmSoD0zLYIaCa2ohgQQNqZnwhKtMP4RuwK9BLRYS_A6qSVVItLsbfFuBZNjxq_47JXSF6uMbeHActb5sGXeRU2Aa1ov/s1600/1993_Opel_Corsa_%2528_B_%2529_GSi_002_8208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Holden Barina GSI, although this ones an Opel" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4dYgU-W6MaCHiuwRgVDNIFMQq39xZxkZzpB8HuoYc3L4mAldkZmSoD0zLYIaCa2ohgQQNqZnwhKtMP4RuwK9BLRYS_A6qSVVItLsbfFuBZNjxq_47JXSF6uMbeHActb5sGXeRU2Aa1ov/s400/1993_Opel_Corsa_%2528_B_%2529_GSi_002_8208.jpg" title="Holden Barina GSI, although this ones an Opel" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Suzuki Swift GTI</h3>
My last choice makes do with just 1.3 litres and 74kw but it is arguably the most back to basics hot hatch on this list. With a willingness to rev, some period body modifications and a set of bucket seats the Swift GTI really isn't a whole lot more. And the great thing is it doesn't need to be, I've been passenger in a basic Swift (GLX if you want to get technical) which was driven briskly and can honestly say without sounding too clichéd it lives up to the name! A surprisingly balanced car that with a shot of GTI'ness makes it all the better. You can get one for under $3000 and I cant recommend one enough. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYnOxln7P7MCje-hGgtIlK3Ti8e6dacG9X2He6s6cYCmTz72oPdvfI4jkro12NM1M6gpXQLT3vwn4BX0FrkYsIr3tsSpQhEFf3vTkuHkNGycfWK_HL8MJUSpbjH50EemxWheMy-FJKfaQ/s1600/suzuki_swift_gti_red_1990_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Suzuki Swift GTI" border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYnOxln7P7MCje-hGgtIlK3Ti8e6dacG9X2He6s6cYCmTz72oPdvfI4jkro12NM1M6gpXQLT3vwn4BX0FrkYsIr3tsSpQhEFf3vTkuHkNGycfWK_HL8MJUSpbjH50EemxWheMy-FJKfaQ/s400/suzuki_swift_gti_red_1990_2.jpg" title="Suzuki Swift GTI" width="400" /></a></div>
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Coming from a era when 16 valve's, twin cam's and liberal usage of the letters S and X implied your car was better than everyone else's I hope my little run down has given you something to think about, especially if you find yourself sad at the lack of retro hot hatches Down Under. Naturally certain people might not agree with my 4 cars and for obvious reason, a least one of them looks like an utter pudding, but what lies beneath are ultimately fun and engaging cars with a liberal dosage of nostalgia. Perfect for tearing up a good road, without breaking the bank. Whack their names into <a href="http://gumtree.com.au/">Gumtree.com.au</a> and see what I mean.<br />
<br />Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311611528692945888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1929997674321907471.post-72954341111023412152016-02-01T09:00:00.000+11:002016-02-06T22:13:33.027+11:00Car of The Week: Volkswagen Bora 4Motion Car guys like myself love an oddball, particularly one from a manufacturer we adore. For me one such car is the 2.8 litre V6 4Motion Mk4 Volkswagen Golf (hears parents sigh). That's right, the 4Motion, not the full phat R32, rather its understated sibling tickles my fancy. Unfortunately though with VW never officially importing any I was disappointed by the lack of such oddballs in Australia. However a little bit of scouting around reveals the Golfs booted cousin the Bora made it down under and guess what, you could get it with that glorious 2.8 up front. Making it a perfect candidate for the long awaited return of car of the week.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo66fR4TqST1iSWNlN_PvcTgUGx4V-hMEO9ZEkVh9XHtfg5_RRL8CTDynKQfLeJi6R2PptcRV_m4sO96ELtEElFhb0Kuf98QzGgUh_uc_YnwI6x5pW25KTgtb_pXoZP1TQ2Y1d4HgWYMiW/s1600/bora+v6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Volkswagen Bora V6 4Motion" border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo66fR4TqST1iSWNlN_PvcTgUGx4V-hMEO9ZEkVh9XHtfg5_RRL8CTDynKQfLeJi6R2PptcRV_m4sO96ELtEElFhb0Kuf98QzGgUh_uc_YnwI6x5pW25KTgtb_pXoZP1TQ2Y1d4HgWYMiW/s400/bora+v6.jpg" title="Volkswagen Bora V6 4Motion" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjScw1Hurh-NBnXBIgIWSlxw5Eb1BFiJy_B1Lc-O8AK8JKz-l3qm2WG-aRSAkwN-m0D_1zkspAqG_0ocdlN08pMpQ-EYP9Z0_-ZkGfNVVBiMiMDc9IIua2F4QdlU83DfG98ppnVvmgDvjFv/s1600/bora+v6+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Volkswagen Bora V6 4Motion" border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjScw1Hurh-NBnXBIgIWSlxw5Eb1BFiJy_B1Lc-O8AK8JKz-l3qm2WG-aRSAkwN-m0D_1zkspAqG_0ocdlN08pMpQ-EYP9Z0_-ZkGfNVVBiMiMDc9IIua2F4QdlU83DfG98ppnVvmgDvjFv/s400/bora+v6+2.jpg" title="Volkswagen Bora V6 4Motion" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
All about the engine</h3>
It is all about that 2.8 litre V6; the sound, the power, the effortlessness of how it can devour kilometres. On paper the 4Motion seems like an unnecessary vehicle, but I for one am delighted it exists. Sold from 2001 to 2005 the 150kw V6 Bora could crack 100km/h in 7.6secs and surge onto a 240km/h top speed, 270Nm of torque and a lovely 6 speed manual also means the Bora makes light work of overtaking too. Then of course there is the sound, a gentle rumble at idle that turns to a operatic high note when you rev it out, there is not a better sound than a naturally aspirated engine doing its work. Yes it could be argued that a small sedan with 4 wheel drive and a stonking great V6 under the bonnet seems excessive, especially when a 4 cylinder Bora has the same quality fit and finish. But honestly the engine makes the car, it's the equivalent of taking a lovely Bratwurst roll and adding hot mustard, it turns every drive into an occasion.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RfxVh-rJWimEYIioqKDS_7tYYEYxbJbiiWehAcsYQcCenW5UPJaCkKTr9EqN4vGLkGVsOcP1XbYKGcekhSbs-ErA4vnCaH1GySQDI86qtLZYh3YjmM5ZizUEyK3Qi9UuxfECWb7pB4iD/s1600/bora+v6+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Volkswagen Bora V6 4Motion" border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RfxVh-rJWimEYIioqKDS_7tYYEYxbJbiiWehAcsYQcCenW5UPJaCkKTr9EqN4vGLkGVsOcP1XbYKGcekhSbs-ErA4vnCaH1GySQDI86qtLZYh3YjmM5ZizUEyK3Qi9UuxfECWb7pB4iD/s400/bora+v6+4.jpg" title="Volkswagen Bora V6 4Motion" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
What's it like inside</h3>
Mk4 Golfs and cars that share their platform are very well screwed together, sound deadening is good, materials high quality and the thunk of the doors is second to none. I know this from having owned a number of them and been passenger in many more. However I can tell you that its the little things that set the booted Bora apart from normal Golfs. Quality features like illuminated air vent controls, chrome rings around the dials, wood trim (albeit a bit tacky) and wonderfully supportive sports seats in the 4Motion give the Bora an air of luxury to go with the performance.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LXjfYmJFbA4dtBrdlRT_fuiYHLSGCtt8tMOU-MlS8Mz1gwd5EvlnHq-lfGBf7f2KgGkJhyphenhyphenSbeioGCgSZTKjlSazOHCpKsMba3az9JJZLLU2ZBDpLQNj4AbZpPJv5dS-ky6xSmLFX3ZtH/s1600/bora+v6+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Volkswagen Bora V6 4Motion" border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LXjfYmJFbA4dtBrdlRT_fuiYHLSGCtt8tMOU-MlS8Mz1gwd5EvlnHq-lfGBf7f2KgGkJhyphenhyphenSbeioGCgSZTKjlSazOHCpKsMba3az9JJZLLU2ZBDpLQNj4AbZpPJv5dS-ky6xSmLFX3ZtH/s400/bora+v6+3.jpg" title="Volkswagen Bora V6 4Motion" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
How does it drive</h3>
Historically Mk4 Golf based cars have been criticised in the driving department, roly poly handling and a lack of steering feel have been some of the things said of the them. I however would have to disagree, while not quite the playful puppy dog of earlier 1980's Golf's/ Golf based cars, Mk4's are never the less fun to drive, you just have to adjust your driving style. The chassis is good with the car never feeling unsettled at speed, such stability inspires confidence and with smooth steering inputs instead of jerky jabs at the wheel a Mk4 Golf/Bora can make good progress. The 4 Motions Haldex all wheel drive system adds to that stability. Not only does it provide a feeling of security when the weather turns nasty but a feeling of sure footedness when your really giving it some on a good stretch of road. The only downside of the V6 is the weight of the engine itself over the front wheels, under steer is easily induced if you go into a corner too hot, best to read the road ahead and adjust the throttle appropriately before turn in to settle the car. Here's Matt Farrah driving one to give you an idea of what I'm going on about.<br />
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Volkswagens Bora V6 4Motion; a wonderfully made, soulful sounding car that's better to drive than you might think. It's an oddball that's so much more interesting not to mention that bit rarer than its opposition and it turns every drive, no matter how mundane the destination, into an occasion.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gOUQi5YslCQ_VFQP3Q4_Q0KGLLUwYM46lvFa18pcx8AzPRRJJcaK8GKEE3IP_ND4yI2y5viOIKHlafFHScP7kO90tsxlUmY1KE8bJlN6RC_5yHBAs-nekNMr8dzwwUFT5ZUgVcbMR5Vx/s1600/bora+v6+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Volkswagen Bora V6 4Motion Sport added bigger wheels, new grill and rear spoiler in 2004" border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gOUQi5YslCQ_VFQP3Q4_Q0KGLLUwYM46lvFa18pcx8AzPRRJJcaK8GKEE3IP_ND4yI2y5viOIKHlafFHScP7kO90tsxlUmY1KE8bJlN6RC_5yHBAs-nekNMr8dzwwUFT5ZUgVcbMR5Vx/s400/bora+v6+6.jpg" title="Volkswagen Bora V6 4Motion Sport added bigger wheels, new grill and rear spoiler in 2004" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypkkjX-aVW7cvub6SbHj6tgzy21oiJMn6wQ1yTdCFXGKzA9e9ujjXUUYyGSIXV6fHCm-YjCA2-quJPcIIWTlCeo0NiiR8eW-a22ogPg7I61GBSDhGHtsNa6e0RaKm2z311r0blwOI2D8u/s1600/bora+v6+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Volkswagen Bora V6 4Motion Sport added bigger wheels and rear spoiler in 2004" border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypkkjX-aVW7cvub6SbHj6tgzy21oiJMn6wQ1yTdCFXGKzA9e9ujjXUUYyGSIXV6fHCm-YjCA2-quJPcIIWTlCeo0NiiR8eW-a22ogPg7I61GBSDhGHtsNa6e0RaKm2z311r0blwOI2D8u/s400/bora+v6+5.jpg" title="Volkswagen Bora V6 4Motion Sport added bigger wheels and rear spoiler in 2004" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Go get yourself one</h3>
<a href="http://liveimages.carsales.com.au/carsales/car/private/cp4932267544550528330.jpg?height=700&aspect=FitWithinNoPad&width=1050" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Volkswagen Bora V6 4Motion for sale" border="0" src="http://liveimages.carsales.com.au/carsales/car/private/cp4932267544550528330.jpg?height=700&aspect=FitWithinNoPad&width=1050" height="320" title="Volkswagen Bora V6 4Motion for sale" width="180" /></a>I don't know about you but I've convinced myself I need one and luckily there are a few to choose from in every state ranging from $2500 for a broken one to $8000 for decent one. Here is my pick from <a href="http://carsales.com.au/">carsales.com.au</a>. This 2003 car has by all accounts led a very sedate, loving life with it's second owner. Reading this offsets any worries I'd have regarding the 223,000kms and the bad points mentioned seem like very easy fixes. For $4000 this car is an absolute bargain.<br />
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<a href="http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Volkswagen-Bora-2003/SSE-AD-3750632/?Cr=24" target="_blank">2003 Volkswagen Bora V6 4Motion, $4000</a> <br />
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<br />Brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10311611528692945888noreply@blogger.com2