Omega Owners Forum
Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: Mikejr on 14 October 2009, 17:55:52
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Well, lost my job a few weeks ago and being 6 months from 'official' retirement think it unlikely that I'll get another :'( or in reality ;D :y
Anyway, luckily I have a pension I can take which will help but really think the Omega now has to go :'(
Now, with this pension I can take a tax free lump sum so was thinking about buying an Astra Elite Auto, 2008 low mileage BUT when I was 17 yrs old a mate was selling his Mini Cooper. I had a test drive and was astounded at the performance (At the time I had a 1947 Austin 8, headlights on mudguards and running boards for those old enough to recall) so the speed was a real eye opener. I was about to say yes, I'll have it, when my Dad said NO!! think he had visions of me 'chatting' with a tree, so that was the end of that. However since then I've always regretted not getting it.
Now the quandary, should I 'scratch the itch' and go for a Corsa VXR, again 2008, low mileage or go straight for the Astra?
I would expect to keep the Corsa for a max of 12 months when I would then, probably, go for the Astra.
The reason for, ultimately, getting an Auto is that I have rheumatoid arthritis and it saves all that pushing with the left foot. However, I believe the Corsa has a lot of torque so, hopefully, wont involve to much gear changing around town and it wont be a problem on long runs.
So, which way to go all constructive ::) comments appreciated. :)
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Now the quandary, should I 'scratch the itch' and go for a Corsa VXR, again 2008, low mileage or go straight for the Astra? ......
How about a test drive of both? I haven't driven one, but I would expect the suspension of the Corsa being quite hard. Would you not prefer the comfort of the Astra ..... you're not 17 any more ::) ;) :y :y :y
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sounds like you have worked all your life.................so ,go with your heart rather than your head imo. :y
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Sounds like a choice between toothache and piles.
Perhaps an auto VXR8 would be nicer
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my idea is to re-think about the 2 choices..
there are many alternatives in their price range..
but also you must decide you want comfort or performance..
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Now the quandary, should I 'scratch the itch'.....
Get an original one, let the newbie upstarts fend for themselves.... :y ;D
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There a good drive the VXR Corsas...but I would not want to live with one long term as my main motor
I can rate the Astra/Zafira Elites, nice level of kit and not a bad drive.
If you are starting to suffer a few joint issues then consider something along the lines of a Zafira or Meriva type thing as they are easier to get in and out of.
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If you are starting to suffer a few joint issues then consider something along the lines of a Zafira or Meriva type thing as they are easier to get in and out of.
My thoughts too - but apparently, Merivas have dreadful steering problems and Vauxhall don't want to recall them, so that in itself puts me off them - good lookers for a small van though! Threads on VXON about them.
Zafira GSi Turbo is an animal and I beleive the VXR is moreso.
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i'd get neither, if i had that money to spend it would be either:
Vauxhall Monaro, BMW 530d 330d depending on my millage
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Why not really scratch the itch and get an original Mini Cooper.
Have it for a year and you'd probably make a small profit when it came to selling :y :y
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If you are starting to suffer a few joint issues then consider something along the lines of a Zafira or Meriva type thing as they are easier to get in and out of.
My thoughts too - but apparently, Merivas have dreadful steering problems and Vauxhall don't want to recall them, so that in itself puts me off them - good lookers for a small van though! Threads on VXON about them.
Zafira GSi Turbo is an animal and I beleive the VXR is moreso.
Never known a Meriva with steering trouble......they are only a large Corsa (other than track rod ends which is general wear and tear on any car)
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Perhaps an auto VXR8 would be nicer
No, don't think so Martin, purchase and running costs will be too much now that I've been 'forced' into retirement, really looking to downsize ;) :y
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If you are starting to suffer a few joint issues then consider something along the lines of a Zafira or Meriva type thing as they are easier to get in and out of.
My thoughts too - but apparently, Merivas have dreadful steering problems and Vauxhall don't want to recall them, so that in itself puts me off them - good lookers for a small van though! Threads on VXON about them.
Zafira GSi Turbo is an animal and I beleive the VXR is moreso.
Never known a Meriva with steering trouble......they are only a large Corsa (other than track rod ends which is general wear and tear on any car)
http://www.vauxhallownersnetwork.co.uk/showthread.php?t=97438
http://www.vauxhallownersnetwork.co.uk/showthread.php?t=198177
http://www.vauxhallownersnetwork.co.uk/showthread.php?t=137385
I'm sure there are more threads like this on VXON, as I thought about buying one in the spring (slapped myself hard and came out of it PDQ!).
They seem to have engine cutting out problems too, as I recall.
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Now the quandary, should I 'scratch the itch' and go for a Corsa VXR, again 2008, low mileage or go straight for the Astra? ......
Would you not prefer the comfort of the Astra ..... you're not 17 any more ::) ;) :y :y :y
Correct on both counts Andy (age & comfort) :y BUT still have this hankering to try something sporty even if only for a few months ;) ;) :y
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Why not really scratch the itch and get an original Mini Cooper.
Have it for a year and you'd probably make a small profit when it came to selling :y :y
Sounds like a good plan! :y
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;D
Why not really scratch the itch and get an original Mini Cooper.
Have it for a year and you'd probably make a small profit when it came to selling :y :y
Yes, you're probably right but have now got used to more comfort and goodies e.g. aircon, decent headlights, comfortable seats, decent heating/ventilation etc so afraid that will be a no no ;D :y
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have you considered something like a volvo C30 D5 gear"gay"tronic? they're about the same size as the new golf and the D5's quite a good engine
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i'd get neither, if i had that money to spend it would be either:
Vauxhall Monaro, BMW 530d 330d depending on my millage
I was meaning to say that ;D
530d good machine, comfy, good performance and economic to run..
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i'd get neither, if i had that money to spend it would be either:
Vauxhall Monaro, BMW 530d 330d depending on my millage
I was meaning to say that ;D
530d good machine, comfy, good performance and economic to run..
Yup - Sadly they carry the usual BMW price tag, but if the bike is anything to go buy, its worth it!
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this would be my ideal replacement:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/200940342716198/sort/priceasc/search-target/usedcars/make/bmw/model/5_series/fuel-type/diesel/engine-size-cars/3l_to_3-9l/maximum-mileage/up_to_80000_miles/postcode/nn136er/page/1?previous=%2Fsearch%2Fresults%2Fusedcars%2Fpostcode%2Fnn136er%2Fmake%2Fbmw%2Fmodel%2F5_series%2Ffuel-type%2Fdiesel%2Fengine-size-cars%2F3l_to_3-9l%2Fmaximum-mileage%2Fup_to_80000_miles%2Fsort%2Fpriceasc%2Fpage%2F1&anchor=advert200940342716198&logcode=p
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this would be my ideal replacement:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/200940342716198/sort/priceasc/search-target/usedcars/make/bmw/model/5_series/fuel-type/diesel/engine-size-cars/3l_to_3-9l/maximum-mileage/up_to_80000_miles/postcode/nn136er/page/1?previous=%2Fsearch%2Fresults%2Fusedcars%2Fpostcode%2Fnn136er%2Fmake%2Fbmw%2Fmodel%2F5_series%2Ffuel-type%2Fdiesel%2Fengine-size-cars%2F3l_to_3-9l%2Fmaximum-mileage%2Fup_to_80000_miles%2Fsort%2Fpriceasc%2Fpage%2F1&anchor=advert200940342716198&logcode=p
yep.. but I would go for a white or silver color..easy to keep clean..
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But ........ the OP wants to choose between Corsa or Astra! ;) ;) ;) ;)
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But ........ the OP wants to choose between Corsa or Astra! ;) ;) ;) ;)
Piles or toothache ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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But ........ the OP wants to choose between Corsa or Astra! ;) ;) ;) ;)
Piles or toothache ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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;DWhy not really scratch the itch and get an original Mini Cooper.
Have it for a year and you'd probably make a small profit when it came to selling :y :y
Yes, you're probably right but have now got used to more comfort and goodies e.g. aircon, decent headlights, comfortable seats, decent heating/ventilation etc so afraid that will be a no no ;D :y
But you are looking for a quick thrill before getting sensible, reliving a lost childhood, even the later RSP Coopers offer loads of fun, keep for a year for some winter and then summer fun, sell on and then get boring..... :y
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If you want a final shot of fun......VX220 Turbo.....a proper sports car, not some beefed up hot hatch
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If you want a final shot of fun......VX220 Turbo.....a proper sports car, not some beefed up hot hatch
and an impressive design..
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And you are unlikely to lose money on it over 1 year!
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you could compromise
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/200936341100063/sort/priceasc/search-target/usedcars/make/saab/model/9-3/price-from/10000/price-to/11000/keywords/aero/postcode/pa29rd/page/2?previous=%2Fsearch%2Fresults%2Fusedcars%2Fpostcode%2Fpa29rd%2Fmake%2Fsaab%2Fmodel%2F9-3%2Fkeywords%2Faero%2Fprice-from%2F10000%2Fprice-to%2F11000%2Fsort%2Fpriceasc%2Fpage%2F2&anchor=advert200936341100063&logcode=p
nearly a vauxhall
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you could compromise
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/200936341100063/sort/priceasc/search-target/usedcars/make/saab/model/9-3/price-from/10000/price-to/11000/keywords/aero/postcode/pa29rd/page/2?previous=%2Fsearch%2Fresults%2Fusedcars%2Fpostcode%2Fpa29rd%2Fmake%2Fsaab%2Fmodel%2F9-3%2Fkeywords%2Faero%2Fprice-from%2F10000%2Fprice-to%2F11000%2Fsort%2Fpriceasc%2Fpage%2F2&anchor=advert200936341100063&logcode=p
nearly a vauxhall
Can think of better cars i would spend 10k on
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you could compromise
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/200936341100063/sort/priceasc/search-target/usedcars/make/saab/model/9-3/price-from/10000/price-to/11000/keywords/aero/postcode/pa29rd/page/2?previous=%2Fsearch%2Fresults%2Fusedcars%2Fpostcode%2Fpa29rd%2Fmake%2Fsaab%2Fmodel%2F9-3%2Fkeywords%2Faero%2Fprice-from%2F10000%2Fprice-to%2F11000%2Fsort%2Fpriceasc%2Fpage%2F2&anchor=advert200936341100063&logcode=p
nearly a vauxhall
Can think of better cars i would spend 10k on
Go on then tunnie :) as long as its not a beamer, not to keen on them.
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you could compromise
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/200936341100063/sort/priceasc/search-target/usedcars/make/saab/model/9-3/price-from/10000/price-to/11000/keywords/aero/postcode/pa29rd/page/2?previous=%2Fsearch%2Fresults%2Fusedcars%2Fpostcode%2Fpa29rd%2Fmake%2Fsaab%2Fmodel%2F9-3%2Fkeywords%2Faero%2Fprice-from%2F10000%2Fprice-to%2F11000%2Fsort%2Fpriceasc%2Fpage%2F2&anchor=advert200936341100063&logcode=p
nearly a vauxhall
Can think of better cars i would spend 10k on
Go on then tunnie :) as long as its not a beamer, not to keen on them.
Off the top of my head...
Jag XJR (old shape)
Mk5 Golf GTi
Monaro (5.7 version 6.0's are 15k)
Vw Pheaton
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have you considered something like a volvo C30 D5 gear"gay"tronic? they're about the same size as the new golf and the D5's quite a good engine
No, I hadn't but will certainly have a look, thanks :y
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;DWhy not really scratch the itch and get an original Mini Cooper.
Have it for a year and you'd probably make a small profit when it came to selling :y :y
Yes, you're probably right but have now got used to more comfort and goodies e.g. aircon, decent headlights, comfortable seats, decent heating/ventilation etc so afraid that will be a no no ;D :y
But you are looking for a quick thrill before getting sensible, reliving a lost childhood, even the later RSP Coopers offer loads of fun, keep for a year for some winter and then summer fun, sell on and then get boring..... :y
Got it in one :y
From reading reviews the VXR Corsas seem marginally better. Or I may even consider the Focus ST but don't really want a Ford, guess your (as in my) preference for cars is based on previous experience of the manufacturer and I had bad experiences with both Fords that I owned in my younger years :( :(
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you could compromise
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/200936341100063/sort/priceasc/search-target/usedcars/make/saab/model/9-3/price-from/10000/price-to/11000/keywords/aero/postcode/pa29rd/page/2?previous=%2Fsearch%2Fresults%2Fusedcars%2Fpostcode%2Fpa29rd%2Fmake%2Fsaab%2Fmodel%2F9-3%2Fkeywords%2Faero%2Fprice-from%2F10000%2Fprice-to%2F11000%2Fsort%2Fpriceasc%2Fpage%2F2&anchor=advert200936341100063&logcode=p
nearly a vauxhall
Can think of better cars i would spend 10k on
Go on then tunnie :) as long as its not a beamer, not to keen on them.
Off the top of my head...
Jag XJR (old shape)
Mk5 Golf GTi
Monaro (5.7 version 6.0's are 15k)
Vw Pheaton
yep..good cars.. Golf GTI is a comfy hot hatch also.. and very reliable..
May be ford not desired but I would also think of Focus ST.. 5 cylinder turbo volvo engine..and well balanced chasis..
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i think the Phaeton is the most interesting of that list, its basically a Bentley for VW money, they were 60k new, now 10-15k gets you a good example.
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i think the Phaeton is the most interesting of that list, its basically a Bentley for VW money, they were 60k new, now 10-15k gets you a good example.
Phaetons ok ..The only problem is its even bigger than miggy..So parking would be a nightmare in the city, me thinks..
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i think the Phaeton is the most interesting of that list, its basically a Bentley for VW money, they were 60k new, now 10-15k gets you a good example.
Phaetons ok ..The only problem is its even bigger than miggy..So parking would be a nightmare in the city, me thinks..
cem, size matters :y ;D
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i think the Phaeton is the most interesting of that list, its basically a Bentley for VW money, they were 60k new, now 10-15k gets you a good example.
Phaetons ok ..The only problem is its even bigger than miggy..So parking would be a nightmare in the city, me thinks..
cem, size matters :y ;D
yep.. but this one is really a monster ,
The Phaeton is 203.7 in (5.17 m) long :o , 74.9 in (1.9 m) wide and 57.1 in (1.45 m) high. It has a curb weight of 5,194 lb (2,356 kg :o :o) for the V8 and 5,399 lb (2,449 kg) for the W12.
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yup, seen them on the road, big cruisers. I would have to go TDi route, W12 would be nice but i doubt i could cope with single figure mpg :D
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cover it with some armour and install a cannon , you have a real battle tank ;D :y
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cheap tanks, dropped even further since i last looked
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/VOLKSWAGEN+PHAETON/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-240-4294948303-4294966886/advert.action?R=200928337689884&distance=61&postcode=NN136ER&channel=CARS&make=VOLKSWAGEN&model=PHAETON&min_pr=&max_pr=&max_mileage=&vehicleYearOfManufacture=2005&vehicleRegLetter=55
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cheap tanks, dropped even further since i last looked
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/VOLKSWAGEN+PHAETON/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-240-4294948303-4294966886/advert.action?R=200928337689884&distance=61&postcode=NN136ER&channel=CARS&make=VOLKSWAGEN&model=PHAETON&min_pr=&max_pr=&max_mileage=&vehicleYearOfManufacture=2005&vehicleRegLetter=55
when I see the prices of cars in UK, I start to think what the hell I'm doing here ;D ;D
ps: off to wash to cars..
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VXR Astra every time to be honest, fun fun and even more fun everytime
Quick reliable and cheap to run...........
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cheap tanks, dropped even further since i last looked
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/VOLKSWAGEN+PHAETON/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-240-4294948303-4294966886/advert.action?R=200928337689884&distance=61&postcode=NN136ER&channel=CARS&make=VOLKSWAGEN&model=PHAETON&min_pr=&max_pr=&max_mileage=&vehicleYearOfManufacture=2005&vehicleRegLetter=55
when I see the prices of cars in UK, I start to think what the hell I'm doing here ;D ;D
ps: off to wash to cars..
When your back, find a loop hole in the import laws, and lets go into business ;D :y
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cheap tanks, dropped even further since i last looked
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/VOLKSWAGEN+PHAETON/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-240-4294948303-4294966886/advert.action?R=200928337689884&distance=61&postcode=NN136ER&channel=CARS&make=VOLKSWAGEN&model=PHAETON&min_pr=&max_pr=&max_mileage=&vehicleYearOfManufacture=2005&vehicleRegLetter=55
when I see the prices of cars in UK, I start to think what the hell I'm doing here ;D ;D
ps: off to wash to cars..
When your back, find a loop hole in the import laws, and lets go into business ;D :y
for long time I was searching for that.. :y