What Does Everyone Else Drive When There Not In Their 205

[Simes 248 2 Cars]

I like that! We dropped into the local dealership recently and looked at a 330 touring. Quite impressed really.

Bit torn, as a 5 would be a better size, but the 3 is a really nice shape.

 

Enjoy!

 

We've got an E91 - fancy a 5 series but I don't think our kids need that much space.

Quite fancy a 330D / 335D jut need to talk Mrs Simes around to it.

[Clarky3rdNut 13]

I like that! We dropped into the local dealership recently and looked at a 330 touring. Quite impressed really.

Bit torn, as a 5 would be a better size, but the 3 is a really nice shape.

 

Enjoy!

 

 

We've got an E91 - fancy a 5 series but I don't think our kids need that much space.

Quite fancy a 330D / 335D jut need to talk Mrs Simes around to it.

I was originally looking for something cavernous and began by looking at 5 series.

The 330 won me over though. I convinced myself that it's the perfect all-rounder for the family. With sport and sport+ for when it's just me. ..Crikey it shifts!

There's always the roof box for the rare occasions we would need the extra room.

[Simes 248 2 Cars]

Yep, we've got a roof box for ours!

[woodymi16 24 2 Cars]

T5 2.5 tdi

 

 

[welshpug 1,622]

oofff dont envy your mechanic

[Sandy 189]

I've had a Mk3 MR2 (2002) as my work hack for the last couple of years and it's been excellent. Superb handling, especially the hair trigger turn in, that's dampened my enthusiasm for French front drivers; a great driving position, keen engine and constant 40+MPG. I've worn it out now though and timing chain rattle isn't worth tackling.

 

I see a lot of E46 330s above, I've had three and love them. I had to get behind a six again and I still think the E46 was the apex of BMW development vs modernisation, the trouble is, they all seem to be rotten wheel arches or stupid money and will probably rot soon anyway. In the end I decided to scratch an itch I've had for a while, yes it is a bit of a boneshaker, but a seat swap has already made a huge difference to that and frankly I can forgive its faults, because I just love the way it looks and feels when I drop into it...

[Anthony 1,000]

I've had a Mk3 MR2 (2002) as my work hack for the last couple of years and it's been excellent. Superb handling, especially the hair trigger turn in, that's dampened my enthusiasm for French front drivers; a great driving position, keen engine and constant 40+MPG.

I had one new back in the day and wholeheartedly agree, really under-rated cars. I can only assume that it was the lack of practicality that stopped them selling in the same numbers as MG's and MX5's of the same period, because the MG in particular wasn't even in the same league otherwise.

 

Was really tempted to buy another earlier this year, but didn't happen and I've still a fleet full of aged French tin.

[Sandy 189]

Haha, I've got a lot of archived magazines from that era and the road tests were mostly full of praise, but sometimes cited the Elise as ultimately superior, perhaps that took the edge off its market appeal and prevented it scooping awards. As much as I romantically like the Elise, the prospect of a Hethel built car with a K-series, doesn't really make me want to spend money and the Elise eventually got the Toyota's engine. I've driven numerous MX-5s and I won't argue that they're great cars, but unless you're fixated on roundabout drifting, the Mk3 MR2 has far superior handling IMO and I was never able to take the MGF seriously; especially after I saw one up on a ramp and found out what's beneath!

 

My parents are currently using my MR2 as a spare car and have cleared their garage to make room for it, so I will keep it, for later.

Edited November 21, 2016 by Sandy

[Rjuhar 52]

Me has this:

 

 

1.2 6-speed auto - well - could be worse I guess.

[welshpug 1,622]

thp ?

[GLPoomobile 958]

I've never cared for the Mk3 MR2 because it looks so dainty and is a very feminine car (IMO). But I'd never heard how good it is to drive so that certainly puts more perspective on it.

[Rjuhar 52]

Yup, 130 horses on 3 cylinders... Like a coffee mill...

[wicked 103 3 Cars]

207 1.6hdi xs pack on eibach/billies and 308sw 1.6hdi for the missus.

 

[Sandy 189]

I've never cared for the Mk3 MR2 because it looks so dainty and is a very feminine car (IMO). But I'd never heard how good it is to drive so that certainly puts more perspective on it.

 

True, its looks kind of meld with its character for me. The truth is in the driving, BUT it's essential the geometry is right, otherwise it just feels squirmy and uncertain, in a bad way. Also, Yoko AD08Rs took mine to another level, without any spring/damper changes.

[Nbettley 4]

Mines an Civic ep3 premier. Gone all over the country in this and never once missed a beat. Cannot recommend them high enough.

Edited November 22, 2016 by Nbettley

[205Rallee 59]

Technically I didn't drive this but I did get driven in it yesterday by Elfyn Evans, so I beat Seb Ogier to a run in a 2017 Fiesta WRC, Still wouldn't swap it for my 205's...mainly because I haven't enough friends who could keep it running, that and the cost!!!!!!!!! But what a rocket ship, unbelievable.

Edited November 23, 2016 by 205Rallee

[Iansurf 3 1 Cars]

vw caddy , lotus Elise s1 111s, BMW 130i

[Jon_Bmw 13]

I have a half share in a z3m coupe which I tend not to drive too much now the values have gone through the roof! It's an s54 with sub 80k miles so it needs to stay below 90k really.

 

With that in mind and me getting bored slightly of my mk3 mondeo tdci estate I needed another BMW 'daily.' I have basically just committed financial suicide and bought an e66 760 Li for sub 5 grand! Insurance is sorted in about a week so we will see how long it is before it throws a major tantrum. Some man logic made me go for the V12 as I had heard the v8 in these was a bit of a nasty s*it to work on (stem seals, stretched chains etc etc)...wish me luck!! I will keep the Mondeo for when the first inevitable breakdown occurs...

[nomis 12]

That BMW 7-series purchase is one of inspirational bravery... may it to run forever, have nothing go wrong, and waft you about it everlasting comfort as a well-deserved reward.

[Alan_M 66 1 Cars]

I have a half share in a z3m coupe which I tend not to drive too much now the values have gone through the roof! It's an s54 with sub 80k miles so it needs to stay below 90k really.

 

With that in mind and me getting bored slightly of my mk3 mondeo tdci estate I needed another BMW 'daily.' I have basically just committed financial suicide and bought an e66 760 Li for sub 5 grand! Insurance is sorted in about a week so we will see how long it is before it throws a major tantrum. Some man logic made me go for the V12 as I had heard the v8 in these was a bit of a nasty s*it to work on (stem seals, stretched chains etc etc)...wish me luck!! I will keep the Mondeo for when the first inevitable breakdown occurs...

 

Don't those V8s have a coolant pipe that runs through both banks which requires engine removal to replace it when the pipe inevitably goes pop?

 

Love the man logic though, and those 'Ls' are a dream to be a passenger in.

[Jon_Bmw 13]

Alan,

 

It wouldn't surprise me to be honest. The previous incarnation(m62) in the e39 was always pretty good. The issues it had were DIY'able with no specialist tools. I put 25k miles on an M62 from 100-125k and it was fine. The N62 seems to be a bit of a dog of a v8.

 

I think I need to hire a butler-come-driver to chauffeur me around, so I can enjoy the reclinable rear seats.

 

The sheer amount of electronics and gizmos is laughable, although I am acutely aware the bork potential is massive. You only live once right!

 

Jon

[Sandy 189]

Absolutely, it's all about owning the cars you admired but couldn’t afford 10-15 years ago!

[Arahan 4]

3 series BMW E90 (though up for sale after I've serviced it

The missuses company car, also a 3 series BMW but newer

And lastly my favourite which has actually replaced my 205 (shock horror!) is my F4RT converted Clio Cup 200

[TOYBOY 1]

Mk2 370Z Nismo

Daily hack is an 02 Peugeot Partner van.