- 11,805
- Marin County
HFS's car thread | Nearly-5000-miles update
- Thread starter homeforsummer
- 833 comments
- 105,755 views
- 11,805
- Marin County
Reading the latest available copy of Evo at my local Barnes & Noble, I noticed a baby-blue GT86 in a comparison test with the MX-5 RF and 124 Abarth. Yours? 
- 27,205
- United Kingdom
The very same. The 124 was another car we were running at the time, but I didn't go on the test itself. Agree with the winner though!Reading the latest available copy of Evo at my local Barnes & Noble, I noticed a baby-blue GT86 in a comparison test with the MX-5 RF and 124 Abarth. Yours?
- 27,205
- United Kingdom
Kicked in the listicles
Broke one of my self-imposed rules the other day and went for a drive in the cold, damp weather when there was probably still salt on the roads. I'm trying to be careful with this car to avoid turning its underside to dust which means only going out when the roads are bone dry or at the very least, not when there's likely to be salt.
However, I a) wanted to go for a drive dammit and b) needed to check it would start, because a day or two later I took it to a nearby specialist to check what work may need doing to it in the near to middle future. It spent an hour on the ramp and when it came down I got a full A4 sheet full of things that need attention ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Was a little more than I was expecting, and it puts me in a slightly tough position. The good news is nothing needs doing absolutely imminently, but the bad news is that doing things properly - couple of suspension jobs, some rust repairs to hidden areas etc - could add up pretty quickly. If I gave them carte blanche to do what's on the list, I reckon I could be looking at a four-figure bill beginning with a two.
And I kinda don't want to do that, because I sold the Mazda deliberately to try and put some money back in the bank and immediately frittering it away on this would put me back to square one. So I think I may just have the absolutely-essentials done - couple of suspension jobs and a few other small bits and pieces to tighten the car up - and give remedial rust repair a miss for now. The car is mainly a dry-weather car and it's garaged, so I figure it's not going to dissolve before my eyes and it won't be actually bad even a year or two down the line.
Worst, worst-case scenario, I spend a bit of money having various bits repaired or improved, I do a damn good road trip in it, and see how I feel in a year or so. I like to think I could keep this car for a good length of time, but ultimately my current situation means I can only own and garage one car, so if I find myself in a position where I want a change, that would mean only one option...
Still, that ain't happening for a good while. Let's see how painful it is in March when I have the work done first! Hooray for old cars!
- 11,805
- Marin County
Feel your pain. My mechanic charges about $1k every time I drive within 1000' of his shop.
How do your press cars fit into this? Do you always have access to one? Does it need to be garaged? Do you have to swap cars with other writers every so often? Basically can you rely on a steady stream of loaners such that it doesn't matter if you neglect some maintenance items on the Pug?
- 27,205
- United Kingdom
I've got the GT86 around permanently until April or May and it lives outdoors, so the 106 can stay in my garage. I'd say nothing on the car needs to be done imminently and I can probably leave some of it for years if I'm honest, but there's some stuff I'd just like to get sorted regardless, particularly as I'd like to do a big trip in the car at some point.
- 27,205
- United Kingdom
General update
Well the work I mentioned last time has been deferred for now because the specialist is busy, and honestly I'm fairly relieved as it gives me more time to think how much I actually want to spend. In the meantime the car has been sitting in the garage for the last few weeks gathering dust because the weather has been iffy, but today and for the next few weeks it looks dry-ish, so took the opportunity to get the car cleaned, check the tyres etc.
Does scrub up well as you can see in the pic, though the camera does hide how flat the paint looks and the little flecks of rust visible on the steelies. And lord knows how many spiders that seem to be living in and around the thing. Had a good drive today anyway - nowhere far or special, but the beauty of this thing is that it makes even fairly unremarkable roads fun.
Shows how important gearing and weight is for speed too, above and beyond power. Circa-100hp isn't much, but it really gets a move on when you want it to. And because it's so tiny it feels pretty quick too. Good sense of the scenery and the road flashing by...
- 11,805
- Marin County
Makes me miss my Mazda2. I'm sure the Peugeot is a lot more special to drive, but I know the feeling you are describing. I remember I was initially smitten by the power and sheer ability of my brother's Focus ST when he first got it. But after driving it numerous times compared to my 2, I actually came to prefer driving the 2. It just felt so right. (My main issue with the FoST is that I always feel so encumbered driving it, like playing tennis in a 3 piece suit.)
Lightweight + great controls + eager engine + great ergonomics + great visibility = total win.
- 27,205
- United Kingdom
That pretty much defines the 106. And to be honest a lot of the best 1990s cars. Don't get me wrong, there have been some amazing cars since the 90s, but whenever I drive something from that era I do wonder if there was some kind of automotive sweet spot in that decade.
One thing that struck me driving today was how much more intuitive driving it is compared to a lot of newer cars. Visibility I think is a big part of it. Ergonomics maybe not so much in this particular car (if you've ever driven a classic Mini, I'd say the 106 is closer to that than it is to a modern small car). One thing that does play a part for me is being able to tell what speed you're at rather than glancing at the speedo every 15 seconds to confirm, just from the engine noise/vibration and wind noise.
A lot of modern stuff is so quiet at a cruise that you could be in any one of three or four different gears at any given time, and it's very easy to accidentally break speed limits because the car gives you no indication of how fast you're travelling beyond the gauges. I'm not saying I'd want every car to be noisy and vibratory, but I do think it puts you more in tune with what the car is doing.
- 11,805
- Marin County
Not to go on and on about it (like I'm about to
) but that exactly is my issue with modern performance cars. They are too vault-like. Going back to the FoST, it's a pretty quiet car (by my standards) and it feels so insulated. It's also dark feeling. And the dashboard feels like a mountain. The only sound you hear, really, is the piped-in induction noise, which sounds pretty artificial, but also wrong for a turbo engine. Combine that with the super-quick but logitech-like steering, too-light accelerator, and a shifter that feels direct, but direct in a way that makes you realize that it's shifting a transmission that is a good 3ft away just makes the whole thing feel distant, like I'm driving through a medium of NVH-engineering. I will say the brake and clutch feel are fantastic in that car though.The 86 is the only new car I can think of that retains that 90s character of honest-yet-capable. Too bad nobody is buying them, because I can't find any 2017s+ secondhand.
- 27,205
- United Kingdom
Yeah, the 86 is absolutely like that, and maybe the MX-5 ND too. Though I do remember driving my NA after "my" ND and thinking "okay well this is what an MX-5 should feel like"... the ND is great but an NA just feels so much more involving. And if I'm being honest... even the 86 feels pretty remote compared to the 106.The 86 is the only new car I can think of that retains that 90s character of honest-yet-capable. Too bad nobody is buying them, because I can't find any 2017s+ secondhand.
Caterhams and Lotuses still feel like older cars, but then they kinda are older cars. Porsche gets pretty close, but even those feel slightly synthetic compared to ones of a generation or two ago - a 997 has a more intimate cabin and a more organic feel to its steering.
- 19,013
- Jersey V.1.0
- axletramp
I can vouch for the Porsche example. Even in 911 circles, people are sceptical about the bloat of the 991 and it’s best not to mention the new 992. They undoubtedly have more grip and power (and a whole heap of weight) than a 996 or 997, but it’s all slightly numbed and clinical. If you can afford to go to the GT3 or GT2 then things get a bit more direct, but a 997 Carrera or Carrera S have more feel to the driving experience and a more airy cockpit than their modern counterparts. It’s also why Porsche fans hark back to the air-cooled days as the whole experience is more alive and visceral... and expensive. At least I’m looking forward to some potential rising 997 prices in the future as a result of this effect. *crosses fingers*
I recently sat in a new MX-5 and I felt like I’d disappeared into a black leathery cushion in comparison to the previous models. It might be safer and the way modern ergonomics are going, but I don’t like it. Give me the simplicity and directness of a Mk1 or 2 any day.
And btw, I secretly love your Rallye.
- 27,205
- United Kingdom
Colour and bodystyle play a part with the latest MX-5. RF is more claustrophobic than the regular roadster, and it feels a bit less oppressive in white or red than in grey as there are some body-colour parts inside. Oh, and of course models with tan seats are a bit more cheerful. But you do sit a bit lower compared to the older cars, and the screen pillars are thicker, so it's still not quite as airy.
It's amazing how much interior design can play a part too. The new Alpine is a good example of this - the cockpit's a similar size to a Cayman, and there's probably less visibility to the rear, but it feels airier as there's less dashboard, less centre console, and large body-colour panels on the doors, which again in white or blue really brighten the cabin. Pulls off that neat trick, a bit like a 996 or 997, of feeling both spacious and intimate at the same time.
- 19,013
- Jersey V.1.0
- axletramp
There’s also the feeling that you’re being inundated with technology in so many new cars now. That’s why I’m happy with the 997 compared to the 991 and 992. It’s more about you, some dials and your connection to the road. I don’t need twenty screens, adaptive suspension and a wall of shiny LEDs, I just want a more ‘human’ interaction. It’s true in so many other brands too.
Don’t get me wrong, technology is great. But when it’s increasingly added, it makes everything more, well... artificial. And don’t get me started on fake exhaust pops!
Don’t get me wrong, technology is great. But when it’s increasingly added, it makes everything more, well... artificial. And don’t get me started on fake exhaust pops!
- 27,205
- United Kingdom
I've actually had to conclude I don't mind this sort of thing, though it's better in some cars than in others. What turned me around to them was driving equivalents from the early 2000s and realising how completely bland everything sounded back then. Golf GTIs and the like - great cars, but built in that uncomfortable period where they were refined enough that you couldn't hear the engine, and factory-fit Akrapovic exhausts and interior sound generators hadn't yet been devised.
Of course there's a whole other can of worms there about manufacturers having to engineer-in things they'd previously taken out, but I do quite like living in an era where something like a Hyundai i30N sounds like a Group N rally car in its silly mode yet you can sneak away from home at 4am without waking the neighbours in its normal mode. I'll not lie in that I've been thinking of an induction kit of some sort for the Peugeot just to enhance the sound a little!
All that said, I get most of my joy from cars from more back-to-basics things like steering, throttle response, a nice mechanical gearshift. And those are the things that are increasingly difficult to come by.
- 11,805
- Marin County
This discussion got me wondering what car most perfectly occupies the intersection of "capability-performance" and "feel-connection". Probably a 997 GT3 RS 4.0. I wonder what 'mortal' car gets closest? Probably a 987 Cayman R. I wonder what 'affordable' car gets closest? Toyota 86?
- 2,235
- Norway
But that was said when the 993 and the 996 were introduced as well. Especially the water-cooled latter. And today they are regarded as simple cars.
In the 90s you would say 70s cars were really great for driving as power steering, ABS etc really would suck the fun out. Plus EFI wasn't great in the beginning. Now you will say electric power steering and drive by wire throttles will suck the fun out.
I do believe the 90s were a good era for cars as a mix of reliability, safety but still simple to wrench on and cheerful to drive. But then again people will probably say the same about current cars in 20-30 years as well.
- 19,013
- Jersey V.1.0
- axletramp
- 12,874
- Cambridge
- Moglet85
- Moglet
I always find it gives enough of a change in sound to put a bit of a smile on your face when you floor it. It sounds better than having some crazy aftermarket exhaust fitted, too.
- 11,805
- Marin County
Agreed, but the 997 is considered the last 'analogue' 911. I'm certainly hanging on to mine in the vain hope that might actually mean something to it's value in the future.
BTW, just discovered your thread. You keep yourself busy, don't you!? Good stuff. 👍
The 986 Boxsters are definitely going to see the most future-appreciation. 👍
right guys? right?!
- 27,205
- United Kingdom
Went for a drive around the local area. Weather turns for the worse from Wednesday so thought I'd make use of the sun while it lasts. I've driven a few older performance cars recently but as a driver's car this thing is right up there with the best.
- 5,905
- West Yorkshire
- Katiegan
- KatieB53
Was going to do the same today in the Scirocco, but unfortunately all the good driving roads around me are closed due to moor fires.
Spotted a nice blue Rallye yesterday at a meet though, which made me think of you. Nice plate, too.
- 27,205
- United Kingdom
You wanna head up to the Dales. Bit longer of a trek from where you are, but I was up there today - some magnificent roads, fairly quiet, and great scenery. If you're interested I'll send you a list! (Tbh if you want to know any good driving roads in general just ask, I can point you to the ones we tend to use for photography.)Was going to do the same today in the Scirocco, but unfortunately all the good driving roads around me are closed due to moor fires.
Wonder what those wheels are from, given they aren't the standard steelies? They look an inch larger.
- 5,905
- West Yorkshire
- Katiegan
- KatieB53
That would be great! There's only so many times I can take photos around Saddleworth moors before it gets boring. Especially since they're all a bit... charred now. Although, could make for some nice atmospheric/post apocolyptic shots I suppose!
- 27,205
- United Kingdom
Looking at the pic again they might even be 16" as they do look quite large on that car, but you may be right on the source.
Thanks! We've used that road before for photography but I'd never been too far down it, and turns out there's a handy sort-of carpark just under the tree.
And yeah, induction noise is best noise! Certainly on four-cylinder cars. Mine apparently sounds quite good from outside the car, but I daresay it's a little too quiet inside...
- 27,205
- United Kingdom
Quick snap for no real reason. Weather has been great recently so I've been out for a drive the last couple of days. Pleased to be getting more use from the car this year - just so much more convenient now it's parked in my garage rather than at work.
Not gonna lie though, this is exactly the time of year when I start wanting an MX-5 again... or any small sports car really. MX-5, MR2. Saw a Smart Roadster the other day while out on a shoot and I've always wanted one of those too.
- 27,205
- United Kingdom
Actualités
That's "news" in French, obvs. Not that there's much. The Pug's still keepin' on keepin' on. Manage to get out and about in it maybe once every couple of weeks, which is less than I'd like but enough to keep it healthy.
Most recent event of note was the first UK Radwood event, which as you might have read elsewhere was maybe a little under-promoted so the turnout was relatively low, but there was enough there for it to feel like the beginnings of something bigger in future. I got a shot of the car against the banner before I left...
And while I'm trying to keep this a fair-weather car, inevitably it ended up absolutely bucketing down towards the end of the show and on the drive home.
I have to say I'm seriously getting the itch for something else. Not necessarily as a replacement (though I've spent time around a few cars recently that have me wondering how much I could stretch to), more as an addition. The 106 is in that slightly frustrating place like all cars I buy inevitably end up, where it's nice enough that I don't really want to play around with it any more than basic cleaning or maintenance.
Much as the Mazda got frustrating because I was fiddling with it more than I was driving (and I did enjoy doing little jobs on it, I just didn't enjoy that it stopped me driving it), I want a kind of happy medium - something I don't care about too much so can tweak or modify or ruin, but get some practice with such things in doing so.
I follow a few people on Twitter who basically buy very cheap cars and just generally make them either better or personalise them to their tastes, and a few Youtube channels which do similar, so that's a temptation. The idea would be to keep things cheap enough that any failure (and therefore lost money) wouldn't really matter. And I could take such a car on a road trip without worrying too much, or a trackday without being concerned for its long-term health.
In other news, I was playing around with a free internet logo-generator thing recently and came up with the idea of posting all the cars I'd "owned" so far (with quotation marks to encompass ones I've run with work) in the order I'd owned them, as coloured squares. The last three are currently empty, but if you can work out all the others (some are quite easy) you get a virtual cookie.
- 27,205
- United Kingdom
Side view boi
I've noticed I take a lot of shots of the side of this car. I think it's partly because they're easy - you can just line it up against some scenery and not have to really worry about perspective or whether the car's on a wonky surface or whatever.
Anyway, the disappointing part is that the photo above was taken about three weeks ago, and I've not driven the car since then. 2019 is moving really fast, and particularly now the weather's getting bad it's quite easy for a month to flash by without me having taken the car out anywhere. I'm still trying to avoid driving it in the rain, just so the areas I know are rusty don't deteriorate any quicker. The downside to this is that I live in the UK, and as soon as autumn hits it's basically six months of fairly regular rain until we're mid-way through spring, so the car doesn't see a lot of use.
Imminent plans are to get it properly detailed over the next few months. I've spoken to someone about it and it's doable, but tricky - this finish basically has no clearcoat (by design) and when buffing white paint smooth again it apparently gets everywhere. There are a few areas, too, which I expect will need repainting entirely, but part of the idea behind getting it detailed is seeing what can be done that way, and which bits will need more attention.
Hopefully early next year I can then get some of the minor jobs done that need doing, and then it's road trip time and deciding upon the car's future with me. Soon after I bought it I thought it might be something of a keeper, but two things have been playing on my mind about that which cast some doubt.
One is that I'm interested in lots of other cars and simply don't have the time, money or space to deal with more than one at a time, so something has to give if I want another. The other is that I strongly believe cars should be driven - and as you can see from this thread, I'm not driving the 106 all that often, because it's rarely the "right" time. And if I'm not driving a car, why should I hang onto it?
Let's just say it's complicated. Humans are complicated. The truth is I'm not enjoying driving much at the moment. Maybe I would if I drove the 106 more, maybe I wouldn't. Work has been stressful lately and it means that when the weekend comes, I rarely feel like going for a drive. That's exacerbated when the weather is bad, because I want to keep the Peugeot in good condition. So longer and longer spells go without me driving it. When I do, it's rarely far, because it's not the kind of car I feel like taking on longer trips. So I have a car I don't drive much, and don't drive far when I do. It's a car I drive when I actively want to have some fun driving. Which is great, but that comes back to how fun driving is for me at the moment anyway.
Like I said, complicated.
- 11,805
- Marin County
I know this feeling exactly. When I had a chance to drive a remarkably different car (vs my Boxster) for a few days recently (Genesis G80) it was such a nice experience. I just wanted to take in more and more horizon because it felt so effortless and stately. "Fun" in a different way.
I went from this:
To this:
And it was really nice.
Maybe you need a Luxo-barge cleanse?
