Bargain 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!

     

Mercedes Benz ML55 AMG

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.

The original high performance SUV

Porsche Cayenne Turbo

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.

     

BMW X5 4.8is 

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!

       

Range Rover Sport 

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.

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.     

Lamenting no more manual GTI? Try these

You 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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

BMW 130i M Sport

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.

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.     

Audi S3 8P

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.

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.     

Kia Pro'ceed GT

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.

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. 

Peugeot 206 GTI 180

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.

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. 

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 proper hot hatch with great driving dynamics, I could go on and on and on reeling of alternatives, but I wont subject you to that.     

Car of the week: Porsche Cayenne

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.

How much?

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.

Performance

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.

Interior

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.

Reliability

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 Everyday Driver Youtube 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.

That whole gag of once your inside you don't have to see it 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.

2003 Porsche Cayenne S: $17,990

Super Cheap Euro's: Vol 3

If you haven't read my previous super cheap euro 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?

Fiat Regata

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.
1987 Fiat Regata; $1000

Peugeot 306 Cab

From an Italian car to one that was designed by one of the countries finest design studios. The regular 306 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?
1998 Peugeot 306 Cabriolet; $1800 

BMW 3 Series

Want to be part of BMW history for not a lot of money? Then the 3 Series 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.
1993 BMW 318i; $1500

Citroen Xantia

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.
1996 Citroen Xantia; $400

Saab 9000

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.
1995 Saab 9000; $1650     

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.

What 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.

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.

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.

Underneath a Calibra lurks this repmobile

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.
      

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.

Decidedly bland

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: Holden Calibra    

What ever happened to 90's coupes: Toyota Celica

To 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.

Gone are the pop up's 

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.

   

Choices, but not many

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, 10 seconds. 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?

This is a UK delivered GT4, it didn't score the big wing, boo

 

Inside

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.

  

With reliability comes value 

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.

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!

Image credit 

Top 5: big speed, little money

Did 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 Stuart Highway in the Northern Territory (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.

Toyota Soarer

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 $4,800.

Nissan 300ZX

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 $7,000.

BMW 540i E39

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 $8,000.

 

Audi A8 V8 D2

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 $8,500.

   

HSV Clubsport 15th Anniversary

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 $6,500

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 carsales.com.au

Car 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.

All about the engine

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.

What's it like inside

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.

How does it drive

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.

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.

Go get yourself one

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 carsales.com.au. 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.

2003 Volkswagen Bora V6 4Motion, $4000