What car do you drive?

Daily car is an 08 Honda CRV 2.2 diesel, its sailed through every MOT so far, no problems with it at all, a
very reliable car, the only off roading I do with it is across the odd field or two or along some of the cliff tops
when im out birding down here in Cornwall.

Other vehicle is an 03 Ford Transit long wheel base high top van which I converted a few yrs back into a very nicely
fitted out campervan, it usually needs a small patch or two of welding done to pass the MOT each yr but the age is there so to
be expected, but it keeps going and that is all that matters, last year it took us from Cornwall up to the Highlands for
three trouble free weeks, its not the fastest but its reliable, we tend to keep to about 55-60 on the Motorway or else the engine
is revving its guts out. Its going up to the Highlands again in Early May for hopefully another three trouble free weeks :D:D:D
 
Mikechappers said:
Daily car is an 08 Honda CRV 2.2 diesel, its sailed through every MOT so far, no problems with it at all, a
very reliable car, the only off roading I do with it is across the odd field or two or along some of the cliff tops
when im out birding down here in Cornwall.

Other vehicle is an 03 Ford Transit long wheel base high top van which I converted a few yrs back into a very nicely
fitted out campervan, it usually needs a small patch or two of welding done to pass the MOT each yr but the age is there so to
be expected, but it keeps going and that is all that matters, last year it took us from Cornwall up to the Highlands for
three trouble free weeks, its not the fastest but its reliable, we tend to keep to about 55-60 on the Motorway or else the engine
is revving its guts out. Its going up to the Highlands again in Early May for hopefully another three trouble free weeks :D:D:D
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There's a guy that specializes is welding and metal work near me. He has all the money you could wish for (he won the lottery many years ago), big house, fancy cars and a Ford Transit :D. This Transit has probably an extra ton in weight added by all the welding and another half a ton in Dulux paint applied by a paint roller, but it sure does get around though. He drives to Poland and back twice a year and stays there for a few weeks at a time. It's like a palace inside.
 
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CaveDweller said:
There's a guy that specializes is welding and metal work near me. He has all the money you could wish for (he won the lottery many years ago), big house, fancy cars and a Ford Transit :D. This Transit has probably an extra ton in weight added by all the welding and another half a ton in Dulux paint applied by a paint roller, but it sure does get around though. He drives to Poland and back twice a year and stays there for a few weeks at a time. It's like a palace inside.
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Im retired so mine gets a lot of use especially in the Summer months, not quite so much in the winter, I feel the cold these days, its ok in the van as its got a Propex hot air heater fitted, which makes it nice an snug, to snug to want to pick up the birding kit an walk to far, but its nice to just get away from everything for a few days cold or not. Not used any Dulux on it yet but a few cans of rust preventer and spray paint to hide the rust spots which keep appearing.
 
CaveDweller said:
(y)

It's also a classic pain in the rear end region. Got a few more stupid things to sort out then it will be driveable again. Last time I took it out, just before Christmas, I snapped a spring on the rear but I can't find the kit I bought in the first place, so it looks like I need to change all the suspension. I also tore all the bolts on the propshaft coupling to the gearbox, so need a new one of them as well. I've got some bits on order, but not the suspension. As soon as I get that sorted I'll be taking it everywhere for new pictures and videos (y)
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I like classic fords but escorts now are silly prices.
I used to run capris, the last being a fairly highly tuned 3.2 (2.8 long stroked and bored).
That ended up with all running gear replaced. I snapped the gearbox input shaft, replaced the gearbox and the diff crown and pinion shot out through the diff plate. Ended up with quaife rear diff, gearbox internals, uprated everything. Went really well and the handling was great.
 
Byker28i said:
I like classic fords but escorts now are silly prices.
I used to run capris, the last being a fairly highly tuned 3.2 (2.8 long stroked and bored).
That ended up with all running gear replaced. I snapped the gearbox input shaft, replaced the gearbox and the diff crown and pinion shot out through the diff plate. Ended up with quaife rear diff, gearbox internals, uprated everything. Went really well and the handling was great.
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Sounds nice. I had a Capri 2.8 project running along side my Mk2. Ended up selling it last year when I go it to a rolling painted shell because I couldn't afford both and it needed a new engine. Even though It was only a rolling painted shell it went for silly money, must have been the perfect project for someone to put what engine they wanted in. I only had it advertised for two days.

Can semi see it in the background, sat in the corner neglected :(
 
gman said:
I think it's mainly the bushes which aren't strong enough the weight and power. In less than a year I replaced almost the whole suspension including the springs, it was crazy! Unfortunately the poly bushes were mainly available for the MPS3. The rear diff mount bushes had to be replaced also, another weak point. It only had 30k on the clock.

You could jack the car up, take the wheel off and grab an arm and literally move it about like stirring soup and this was after fitting a brand new arm and bush! When I tried to do the same thing with my Accord you could hardly move it even with a breaker bar. Don't get me wrong, the handling was awesome but I got the fear every time I hit a pot hole in case it wrecked something. On the plus side, although there was very little poly bushes available there was plenty of 3rd party Febi etc bushes and arms available so if doing it yourself it wasn't massively expensive compared to using OEM parts, although the rear diff mount bushes was a huge job so I got a garage to do that. The rest I did myself but still a pain plus you would have to get a 4 wheel alignment done after most of the jobs so that's another £80-£100 each time.

There was also the timing chain and VVT issue which I didn't experience but knew to expect. That would be another £300-400. The fuel pump internals would only be good to about 300bhp so that would limit remapping unless willing to spend another £150-£300. Annoying because the AWD would allow you to put a lot more power down than a FWD without the dreading torque steer.

But for a 2.3L Turbo the performance was seriously impressive considering the car weighed just under 1.7T and the Haldex Gen 2 AWD was also excellent. I found it handled best with Vredestein Sessanta tyres on it which were reasonably priced considering the uncommon tyre size the car used.

A nice sleeper of a car but due to the age there were too many newer cars which could match or take it and they would have lower VED and better fuel economy. Just didn't make it worth it anymore. If they come out with a new one using that Skyactiv engine then it could be a game changer in that class of car due to the economy factor. It's unlikely though but I've heard there may be a new 2.5 MPS3 and it could have 325BHP so I would expect it will be modded to well over 400BHP.

I'm looking forward to seeing the new Civic Type R, especially as it uses a dual axis strut which I believe will help reduce torque steer considerably.
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Sounds like it's a common problem. His has covered a considerable amount more miles than the one you had, but he has probably replaced everything on the suspension twice over. He has only found Poly bushes for the anti roll bars, nothing else.

There's major problems wrong with every car when you read into it. It was a nightmare when I was shopping for a new car after I sold my Passat. Too many horror stories for my liking of timing chains snapping, swirl flaps getting ingested, oil pumps shattering, etc etc.
 
RedRobin said:
....Sounds like a case of pushing the performance envelope to the limit. You always need driveability and suspension is something which too many drivers don't pay enough attention to when modifying a car. Handling mods was one of the first things I did - Well, the folks at Volkswagen Racing did as they are far more expert than me. Mine is set up for fast-road and occasional trackday driving.
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Bit the bullet, it will soon be back on the road again. Just ordered this kit, should be with me Wednesday (y). Pictures and video to come when finished :D

mono_escort_3way_fronts.jpg
 
I'm currently driving an MG ZT 190, basically a chavved up Rover 75 with a 190hp 2.5 V6 engine. I bought it back in January 2013 unseen from eBay. I spotted it, saw it was the spec/colour I was after, saw that the auction was ending soon so stuck a bid of £800 on and ended up getting it for £770. 9 previous owners (I think I'm the 10th), no service history and being located in Canvey Island added to the overall picture, however, it drove well enough and had a years MOT, so I handed over the money. I've since done 25K miles in it, been to many places in it and I must say, it's a brilliant car. When I first bought it, I only really intended to keep it for a year at maximum, as long as it lasted that long, but I've now recently MOT'd it for the second time and will probably simply keep it going with basic/necessary maintenance (oil change, etc) until it conks out. In terms of overall condition, it's a bit of a shed, but it drives nicely and sounds great.

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Bargain. Nice one.
 
I'm a sucker for anything Rover/MG and I do like the ZT. Preference for me would be the facelift model from 2005
 
Currently a Toyota LandCruiser. Fits 4 adults with luggage and camera bags in some comfort. Hard to say how it handles since it's on studded tyres on snow/slush/tarmac in winds where the isobars must be almost touching!!! Seems to pick the correct gear and allows manual selection of ratios when required/wanted.
 
I have just sold my Mazda MX 5 2.0 Coupe which was a superb little motor. I needed something with a bigger boot so have splashed out on our new 2015 Subaru WRX STI which has a much bigger boot and is quite nippy as well :naughty: although it does have a bit of a drink problem.
 
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I had a play in a BMW 335D Xdrive this afternoon. I'm not one for deseasils, but man does it pull. It's currently a demonstrator and speced up to the eyeballs so I told them to think about it and come back with a better offer. Not sure I can handle the "white" leather interior... :eek:
 
I fancy a change from my Toyota Altezza and have been pondering options.

One possibility is a Audi RS6 that currently belongs to my mother-in-law that she has had from new, so I know its history from new. Otherwise I've been impressed with my brothers 2008 BMW 325i although sibling rivalry would mean I'd have to go for a 335i or M3. My parents have recently bought a replacement car for an incalcitrant Mercedes E-Class, and have chosen a VW Toerag V10. That has quite a good engine, but could do with a tad more torque. I want to have a look at an Alfa Brera as well.
 
I currently drive a Mazda 6 TS - Brilliant car and great for long distance (not the latest)

Like this one (not actually mine) ours has dark wheels

2009_Mazda_6_01.jpg
 
Jelster said:
I had a play in a BMW 335D Xdrive this afternoon. I'm not one for deseasils, but man does it pull. It's currently a demonstrator and speced up to the eyeballs so I told them to think about it and come back with a better offer. Not sure I can handle the "white" leather interior... :eek:
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They are fun (y). I went for the 330D because I'm not keen on auto's. Is it blue with white leather by any chance? Love that combo myself:D
 
CaveDweller said:
Talk about an old post, but this topic has been resurrected (y) How do you find your 330D for towing? You have pretty much the same combo as myself, apart from I have the Mk2 escort. It started off life as a 1.6 mexico, but it's been seriously molested.

It would be nice to use my 330D for towing rather than borrowing my bosses Land Rover, but I haven't got a tow bar fitted, shouldn't cost too much to have one fitted though. They have stupid amounts of torque standard but I've also molested the engine in my 330D as well. It's 355bhp and 550lb/ft of torque now, from the 231bhp and 368lb ft standard. I can push it a lot more yet but I actually want to keep the internals of the engine intact.

My 330D is above, here's my mk2. Old pictures though and they don't exist anywhere apart from an old Photobucket account, should really get some more taken. My garage is cleaner than my house lol. I replaced the old Capri in these pictures with an E34 M5, but sold that just before christmas so it's just this baby in my garage now.

Apart from the roll cage all the work has been done by myself, or a willing friend that's wanted to help me now and again. It's still an ongoing project and I will be with me till I die. I feel like going down a different route with it though. I'm very tempted to try and fit a 2jz in from a toyota supra, but it will lose that classic ford sound.


285bhp naturally aspirated Cosworth running Webber carbs, nothing can beat the roar from this :D



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Swapped my 330D M Sport for a new f31 320 M Sport last year complete with electric tow bar :) Car tows just as well as the 330 did. Are you taking part in this years Lakes Tour on May 23rd?
 
Currently drive a Skoda Octavia 4x4 work vehicle. I'm just about to order a new M3 and S1000R to go with my GSXR750Y, Honda Blackbird and CB500 commuter.
 
Frosticles said:
Swapped my 330D M Sport for a new f31 320 M Sport last year complete with electric tow bar :) Car tows just as well as the 330 did. Are you taking part in this years Lakes Tour on May 23rd?
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No don't know anything about that. Probably won't be competing in any sort of even this year. Maybe a few show and shine events, but no racing, not till next year anyway. I'd like to enjoy my work for a while before it gets twisted and dented all over again :rolleyes:
 
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John Young said:
I currently drive a Mazda 6 TS - Brilliant car and great for long distance (not the latest)

Like this one (not actually mine) ours has dark wheels

2009_Mazda_6_01.jpg
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Our sport nav tourer is brilliant. Just got this years road tax for £30, not bad for a 2.2 diesel turbo.
 
CaveDweller said:
No don't know anything about that. Probably won't be competing in any sort of even this year. Maybe a few show and shine events, but no racing, not till next year anyway. I'd like to enjoy my work for a while before it gets twisted and dented all over again :rolleyes:
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The Lakes tour is a Saturday drive around the lakes. Usually up to & sometimes over 200 MK1 & 2 Escorts attend :)
 
Frosticles said:
The Lakes tour is a Saturday drive around the lakes. Usually up to & sometimes over 200 MK1 & 2 Escorts attend :)
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Sounds good, can't say I've ever heard of it. Have you got anywhere I could get some more info about it? I have a friend with a turbo'd mk1 Cortina that would probably be interested, or is it only an Escort thing?
 
CaveDweller said:
They are fun (y). I went for the 330D because I'm not keen on auto's. Is it blue with white leather by any chance? Love that combo myself:D
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It is, it's some special dark metallic with soft white leather.

Anyways, as my backs been playing up again, I'm now looking at an X4 3.0 Msport. I need to stop playing boy racers and act my age (I am in my 50's) :D
 
Very nice. What engine has it?
 
Jelster said:
It is, it's some special dark metallic with soft white leather.

Anyways, as my backs been playing up again, I'm now looking at an X4 3.0 Msport. I need to stop playing boy racers and act my age (I am in my 50's) :D
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My dad is 88 and last year he bought a brand new KTM motorbike ;). Never too old(y)
 
Frosticles said:
Open to all pre 1980 rwd Fords. Information can be found on www.rallyesportescorts.co.uk :)
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I might be able to make it in time...hopefully. Got the new coilover kit today and I've sorted the UJ from the gearbox to the prop shaft. Just a few fine tweaks here and there so it should be ready to tear up the tarmac again soon(y). Most of the work now is just stupid stuff and fitting the new suspension. This suspension kit has separate remote canisters that I have to mount, which I didn't have before.

Have you been to one before? Are there many potential buyers at these events trying to spy their next "toy"? I'm not looking to sell but I've even had people pull me over on the side of the road to offer me money for it. Sounds stupid but it feels good when they do that lol, but a PITA at the time.
 
George7 said:
I've since done 25K miles in it, been to many places in it and I must say, it's a brilliant car. When I first bought it, I only really intended to keep it for a year at maximum, as long as it lasted that long,
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I always fancied one of these... But ended up getting a BMW with exact same idea.. just treat myself to a big fancy car for a year after driving astras and the like forever.... but had this a while now.. got cheap.. looks the dogs and drives brilliantly.. I aint letting go ever :)
 
Fiat Stilo, and a Citroen Picasso 7 seater Automatic (to fit my dogs in!).
 
Rather a dull 2006 Passat for me, would like to switch for a newer 3 series!
 
Stephen L said:
Clarkson likes them. Make of that what you will ...
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He's got good taste. I've had the only other car he rated five stars in his news paper column and it was one of my favourites ever...
 
CaveDweller said:
They are fun (y). I went for the 330D because I'm not keen on auto's. Is it blue with white leather by any chance? Love that combo myself:D
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I had a 2011 330m Sport a few years back. Light ivory interior, all the toys, one of my favourite cars I've owned ( company car )

rick448 said:
Currently drive a Skoda Octavia 4x4 work vehicle. I'm just about to order a new M3 and S1000R to go with my GSXR750Y, Honda Blackbird and CB500 commuter.
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I've had 2 of these recently, the new shape ones, absolutely amazing. In fact, a colleague went and ordered one as soon as he saw my first one. When I was told I was having a Skoda everyone laughed, they laughed on the other side of their faces when they went for a ride though.

lawrenceots said:
Rather a dull 2006 Passat for me, would like to switch for a newer 3 series!
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I've had about six of these, one was a petrol which was virtually silent, great boot and I really liked them, but, the Octavia is better in every single way.

In between, I've had a Volvo 40 D3, superb drive but for me just too small. An Audi A4 S line replace my last Octavia, which was the last company car upgrade. She who must be obeyed loves it, but I was gutted to see the back of my beloved Skoda :(

Tomorrow, we're getting a brand new Ford Kuga Titanium, thats ours/hers. Picking it up at 11am.
 
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