HFS's Cars

[homeforsummer]

Thanks to some jiggery - and indeed pokery - known as Variable Resonance Intake System, the V6 has almost all of its torque across most of the rev range. It's only about 115lbft (give or take), but it's available from 2.5krpm up to 6.5krpm.

You can set off in 3rd easily and in 4th by accident. I rarely even use 1st... And it's quite a party piece that you can roll up to 10mph in whatever gear you choose, then slot it into 5th, and it'll still pull. So torque isn't a worry, really

Nice. That sounds dead useful then. While the car is on my mind then, something else I've been meaning to ask. What are they like for corrosion, or lack thereof? I've decided that I hate the stuff (I started hunting for it on the Fiesta, and it's everywhere, albeit only in tiny little bubbles... but tiny bubbles become big ones become holes) so ideally the next thing I buy will be as free from it as possible.

The ones I've seen (online, admittedly) seem to be all in fairly good condition, so do they resist rust well? I know yours is going to be fairly pampered so you probably have no worries, but there's no guarantee any owner preceding me has been quite as thorough with it...

Do you want a mondeo ST for a grand?

Not particularly. I'm not into repmobiles, however good they are. And a grand's worth of Mondeo will have seen a hard life.

 

[forza2.0]

My mate bought a 60,000 mile mondeo ST from the auction. Only done 60,000 miles and drives brilliantly. Paid like £800 for it iirc.

Perhaps you should go see what your local auction house has, they should have some hothatches.

 

[homeforsummer]

Not really interested in hot hatches either. They don't have nearly enough character for me (and as for the older, more characterful ones, most are pretty ragged now). The only hot hatches down on my list are the Mk1 Golf GTI and I suppose the Civic VTi, and they have significant redeeming features for me, i.e. modern classic status and brilliant engine respectively. Mainly though I'm looking at coupes, sports cars or the occasional sporty saloon.

 

[niky]

RE: those small V6s... haven't driven the 1.6, but I've driven the 1.8 and 2.0 mitsubishis... they make decent enough torque for their displacements, but the 200 hp 2.0 V6 is a little weedy in terms of torque. Only benefit those engines have over their 4-cylinder VTEC counterparts is the smoothness and the sound.

 

[Famine]

Nice. That sounds dead useful then. While the car is on my mind then, something else I've been meaning to ask. What are they like for corrosion, or lack thereof? I've decided that I hate the stuff (I started hunting for it on the Fiesta, and it's everywhere, albeit only in tiny little bubbles... but tiny bubbles become big ones become holes) so ideally the next thing I buy will be as free from it as possible.

The ones I've seen (online, admittedly) seem to be all in fairly good condition, so do they resist rust well? I know yours is going to be fairly pampered so you probably have no worries, but there's no guarantee any owner preceding me has been quite as thorough with it...

Mine's one of the last batch of V6s to be shipped to Mazda UK, so as new as you get. But she's got a bit of tinworm even so. There's characteristic spots, like the Fiesta (rear arches on the Mk3, and the valance seams ), which pretty much comes down to anywhere stones might chip it and water might collect - leading edges of bonnet and moonroof. Generally, it'd have to be badly abused to rust anywhere else. The sticky-out bits (mudflaps, front bumper, rear bumper) are all plastic, so might be scratched but won't rust and are quite easy to repair.

Get a good look underneath, mind. The exhaust manifold for the front three cylinders can catch the road salt and grot up a bit - they can be quite expensive to replace.

Not particularly. I'm not into repmobiles, however good they are. And a grand's worth of Mondeo will have seen a hard life.

My other car is an 07-plate ST220

niky's right about the smoothness - my dad owned the '3 before I bought it from him and he reckoned that the 1.8 V6 was as smooth an engine as any he'd driven, including his later Jaguars.

Plus 1.8/6 = 300cc per cylinder. Same as F1 (3.0/10, now 2.4/8)

Unless you get a pup - if it ticks or puffs at idle or any door creaks it's a pup - you absolutely will not regret getting an MX-3. I don't know anyone who has had one and not thought fondly of it. Though at cambelt service time it might raise an eyebrow, you'll forgive it on the drive home

 

[homeforsummer]

Thanks for the continuing info on the MX3 👍 Very much appreciated. And your Mondeo is indeed a nice car, but somehow I think £1500 isn't quite enough for one

...you absolutely will not regret getting an MX-3. I don't know anyone who has had one and not thought fondly of it.

That's definitely the impression I've been getting looking around the net. It definitely has many of the things I'm looking for in a car - looks good, interesting engine, reasonable economy and good performance, reliable, and as a bonus it's small enough to fit in my garage.

It's certainly on my shortlist anyway. Although I have a habit of changing my mind, the current favourites are the MX3, MX5, E30 318/320, and Bora/Toledo V5. Nice mix of coupes, sports cars, saloons, 5 and 6 cylinder engines and front and rear-drive in that little lot.

 

[slidesquad#1]

I'll support the MX-3 fondness, I had a V6 for my first car. I had a lot of fun in that car, and in terms of steering feel, it's the second best car I've driven. Take one for a spin.

 

[homeforsummer]

The MX-3 is probably top of my wishlist at the moment, they definitely seem to have a lot going for them.

Incidentally, I've compiled a "logical list" of my top choices - a spreadsheet sorted by fuel efficiency (sad, but a necessary evil), followed by acceleration 0-60, followed by the insurance quotes. It came out like this:

Glad to see the MX-3 makes it into the list!

 

[Famine]

126?! She's just getting into her stride at 126!

So I found on a long stretch of private road somewhere. Honest.

 

[homeforsummer]

I'm sure...

The figures were from that ever reliable source, the internet. The fuel consumption figure I used for it was the one you gave me though Does the 0-60 sound accurate enough? Not that it's the most relevant measure of performance (for me, probably 20-80mph from 2nd/3rd through to top gear is - the sort of performance needed for roundabout > slip road > motorway).

 

[Famine]

Parker's?

Top speed and 0-60mph are pretty much irrelevances, true. The 0-60mph speed could say anything, frankly - I'd say (from experience) that it's pace-for-pace with the V6 Probe. I've never cared enough to time it properly, but something beginning with an 8 is probably ballpark enough.

3rd gear will pull you from rest to just a hair under 90, so the 30-70 speed is "acceptable"

 

[homeforsummer]

BUMP!

You'll see the original post is looking a little different. I've been editing it slowly behind the scenes, but have finally decided to bump the thread as I'm getting much closer now to the time I want to swap my car. Much as I love it, replacing parts that appear to be more and more expensive and significant every time it needs something doing is getting expensive. The Fiesta is a great car, but it really isn't designed to last.

Hence around it's 6th anniversary with me in March/April, it will make way for one of the cars in the first post, or one of these choices below, some of which that have already been discussed in the thread (take a bow, MX-3) and others that just generally appeal to me.

The new additions to post #1 are below:

Honda Civic EK 1.4/1.5/VTi

I realise I'm not being particularly specific with which Honda I'd choose here. In an ideal world, I'd have a VTi, but I suspect a three door version will still be over my budget even by Spring, as they're in demand. A four door is more likely, though not as practical. However, I haven't ruled out the smaller engines. They're very economical (the 1.5 is capable of 45mpg with it's lean burn tech, and puts out 50bhp more than I'm used to) and they're very smooth and revvy engines. Maybe not the last word in performance, but should be better than the Fiesta in virtually every way. The single cam 1.6 VTEC isn't there because it's not much quicker than the 1.5, yet sits in the higher pre-2001 tax band which means £65 more a year straight away. With the VTi I'm prepared to accept the increase for the extra performance.

Honda CRX (Del Sol)

A car that I got into via Gran Turismo. I'd be happy with any engine - the single cam 1.6 is still way quicker than my Fiesta. I'd love a VTi, but as with the Civic purchase price and maybe insurance might be an issue. The other option is a Japanese import 1.5 (VXi) which has the 128bhp D15Z7 engine, which is more power than the 1.6 in the ESi, and happens to quality for the lower UK road tax band... I like the looks, it should be reliable and it should be fairly economical. The struggle is finding one which isn't an auto. Virtually all imports are, and many UK cars seem to be.

Honda HR-V

This, I suspect, is where most of you will think I've lost my marbles. The rest of you will know I never had any marbles in the first place. I'd want the VTEC version for the extra performance with no economy penalty, and I'd want the 4x4 because if I got the 2wd then I may as well buy a Civic. Anyway, I like the look of them, they're practical, from what I've read very reliable, and compact enough to fit in the garage. And it's just interesting, which is a major part of what I'm looking for in my 2nd car.

Mazda 323f V6 or Xedos 6 V6

These two are getting rolled in together, as they're neck and neck for different reasons. The Xedos is prettier in my eyes, rarer, and more luxurious, the 323f usefully smaller but more practical (hatchback, should fit my bike) and still looks great. Both are cheap to buy and pretty reasonable to insure.

Mazda MX-3 V6

Doesn't need a lot of introduction really. There's already been a fair bit of discussion on the thread about it as a few around here have owned them, notably Famine who's also provided me with a huge amount of incredibly helpful accounts of ownership experience. It's a very, very likely contender for my eventual purchase.

Skoda Fabia Combi 1.9 TDi

Not the most auspicious of choices. Why is it here then? Small, very economical (65mpg in reach with not too much difficulty), very practical, reliable, great engine, and I like the looks. Especially if I choose at a later date to get some nice alloys, which all VAG products respond well to. Only issue is price, as their usefulness is reflected by slowish depreciation. That said, low low insurance.

VW Golf Mk3 GTi

Out drops the Mk1, in comes the Mk3. At the end of the day the Mk3 will likely last longer and need less constant attention, as well as being more practical, comfortable etc. Most ones I've seen have been in very good nick. Looked after, should go on for absolutely ages. Decent economy too.

👍

Discussion, as always is welcome. This is a forum, after all. Also remember that you may not like what I've put out there, but I have my reasons for doing so. Feedback would be great though, and if you have ownership experiences to share with me for any of the above that would be very, very helpful indeed. Famine has been fantastic with his feedback on the Mazdas so info on the others is very welcome.

 

[buickgnx88]

Honda HR-V

Dude! That thing is awesome! Way better than the CR-V we got here in the States!

 

[homeforsummer]

They're not the quickest things in the world - they only have 1.6 litre engines, the VTEC one is 120bhp or thereabouts, but I do really like them. That picture is deceptive, they're fairly wide so they don't look too gawky. And we got the CR-V too, which is also tempting in a way as they're available so cheaply here (£1300 for early ones with average mileage), probably the ultimate practical car I could get. The HR-V is just a bit more "fun".

 

[Jondot]

Honda HR-V

This, I suspect, is where most of you will think I've lost my marbles. The rest of you will know I never had any marbles in the first place. I'd want the VTEC version for the extra performance with no economy penalty, and I'd want the 4x4 because if I got the 2wd then I may as well buy a Civic. Anyway, I like the look of them, they're practical, from what I've read very reliable, and compact enough to fit in the garage. And it's just interesting, which is a major part of what I'm looking for in my 2nd car.

You brilliant man. I love these things! I mean I laughed heartily when they came out, but I've warmed to them very nicely.

I wouldn't get a 3 door though, as they tend to look like bizzare miniature hearses from certain angles.

See what I mean?

 

[homeforsummer]

Unfortunately 3drs are the only ones in my price range of £buggerall. I don't mind the look of the 3dr though, considering our discussion in the Kia Soul thread about 3dr SUVs.

Like you I wasn't keen when they were released, but I was only about 14 then so what did I know?

 

[niky]

1.6 on a CR-V sized vehicle? Pass... but that was at first-hand money... if they're cheap secondhand, they might be worth a look.

 

[Rotary Junkie]

1.6 on a CR-V sized vehicle? Pass... but that was at first-hand money... if they're cheap secondhand, they might be worth a look.

No, I'm rather sure the HR-V is much smaller...

 

[YSSMAN]

RE: MKIII Golfs/GTIs

Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but you guys only received the German-built models in the UK, right? In general, since we're keeping the Mexican-built ones out of the picture, my best guess is that it is going to be screwed together a bit better than what we had here in the States. That being said, I have no idea exactly how it would compare to an EK Civic and the like... Only that it would have been nice to have the "good ones" here.

You guys got the 2.0L 16V engine in the GTI, right? My guess is that it is (overall) a pretty good powerplant, but it being unavailable in the US, again I'm not sure. Our GTIs came only with the 2.0L 8V and had the optional VR6. Neither were outrageously powerful, but a good chassis tune made a compelling reason for purchase.

 

[homeforsummer]

1.6 on a CR-V sized vehicle? Pass... but that was at first-hand money... if they're cheap secondhand, they might be worth a look.

I'll get to the size/engine thing in a moment, but yes they are cheap - a fair few available under my £1500 maximum budget.

No, I'm rather sure the HR-V is much smaller...

Spot on.

Kerbweight: CR-V (Mk1) 1418kg, HR-V (3dr) 1202kg
Length: CR-V 4530mm, HR-V 4010mm
Height: CR-V 1675mm, HR-V 1670mm
Width: CR-V 1750mm, HR-V 1695mm

I thought the weight for the HR-V was a misprint at first as I couldn't believe a 4x4 was that light, but in all the figures I found it only varied by about 5kg. I expect the 5dr is heavier, but I'm looking at the 3dr.

I'd add that I'm not a big bloke (about 5'9" and ten stone) so the fact that the HR-V is smaller inside than the CR-V isn't too important. I'm sure I'd fit nicely

RE: MKIII Golfs/GTIs

Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but you guys only received the German-built models in the UK, right? In general, since we're keeping the Mexican-built ones out of the picture, my best guess is that it is going to be screwed together a bit better than what we had here in the States. That being said, I have no idea exactly how it would compare to an EK Civic and the like... Only that it would have been nice to have the "good ones" here.

We did get the German built model, you're correct. They seem to be built pretty well - hell, last time I was in a Golf it was a friend's Mk2, mid eighties and still rattled less than my Ford. I can't recall the last time I saw a rusty Mk3. I'm sure they exist, but they must be pretty rare. The interiors seem to stand up too. Compared to the EK Civic, I'm not sure as I've not yet sat in an EK, but again I've not so far seen a manky one of those either. I assume both are pretty well built.

You guys got the 2.0L 16V engine in the GTI, right? My guess is that it is (overall) a pretty good powerplant, but it being unavailable in the US, again I'm not sure. Our GTIs came only with the 2.0L 8V and had the optional VR6. Neither were outrageously powerful, but a good chassis tune made a compelling reason for purchase.

We got both the 115bhp 2.0 8v, and the 150bhp 2.0 16v. Both fall within my price range, in both 3dr and 5dr forms. I'd actually be tempted by the 8v even though performance isn't as good, because in my experience 16v cars make more torque than 8v ones, but it's usually 1500 further up the rev range too so you end up working the engine much harder and the important fuel economy suffers.

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

-> I'd pick the HR-V. Practical, balanced and fun. 👍

-> The HR-V would be a very good pick based on your preference (and as what I've known you on the Wish List thread). I checked the HR-V (5-dr.) out back in Manila in 1998 as a very limited edition vehicle and its a decent little sucker. Interior space is quite similar to the 2nd-gen RAV4 without the blocky styling, but my love belongs to the 2nd-gen CR-V back then. And I like the way its styled compare most CUV's here in Americaland. And the 3-dr. VTEC w/ AWD (got to have a M/T) is the best combo.

-> And I may consider it fun to drive too!

 

[Prosthetic]

The HR-V looks like a Volvo from behind... GET IT!

 

[YSSMAN]

RE: Powering the MKIII

I had the 2.0L 8V in my Jetta, and its not much to really shake a stick at. There is plenty of torque, for the most part, but its no wind-up (read "fun") toy that you'd find in a Toyota or Honda. Nevertheless, it was pretty reliable minus the electronics problems. I don't know (again) if the European ones were different than what we had here, but nevertheless, I had the common distributor/plug wire problems that often caused startup issues on wet days.

That, and it never really liked the cold. And by cold I mean really, really cold. But, she'd happily go 5000 miles between oil changes, it was easy to work on, and the fuel economy was pretty good. I can't complain much for the three years I had that car.

 

[homeforsummer]

-> I'd pick the HR-V. Practical, balanced and fun. 👍

-> The HR-V would be a very good pick based on your preference (and as what I've known you on the Wish List thread). I checked the HR-V (5-dr.) out back in Manila in 1998 as a very limited edition vehicle and its a decent little sucker. Interior space is quite similar to the 2nd-gen RAV4 without the blocky styling, but my love belongs to the 2nd-gen CR-V back then. And I like the way its styled compare most CUV's here in Americaland. And the 3-dr. VTEC w/ AWD (got to have a M/T) is the best combo.

-> And I may consider it fun to drive too!

Thanks for the info, and the vids! I'd seen the snow drifting one before, looks great fun So have you driven an HR-V then? I've been meaning to find one in a Honda dealership to get a bit of a taster of it, but even the latest ones are just about at the age where dealerships don't keep them on the forecourt any longer - it seems very bad practice here to have anything older than about 4 years old on the forecourt.

I personally prefer the styling of them to the CR-V. I have ridden in a CR-V (2nd gen), my parents test drove one a while back. I quite liked it, from what I experienced.

My opinions on small SUVs (or CUVs, as you put it) have softened since the one myself and a couple of friends hired in the States a couple of years back. It was a Mitsubishi Outlander, and we loved it. You don't realise how useful cars like that are until you drive one. I'm still not a fan of large SUVs, at least not in the UK.

Must say, I'm surprised by the support for the HR-V. I was expecting people to question my sanity...

RE: Powering the MKIII

I had the 2.0L 8V in my Jetta, and its not much to really shake a stick at. There is plenty of torque, for the most part, but its no wind-up (read "fun") toy that you'd find in a Toyota or Honda. Nevertheless, it was pretty reliable minus the electronics problems. I don't know (again) if the European ones were different than what we had here, but nevertheless, I had the common distributor/plug wire problems that often caused startup issues on wet days.

That, and it never really liked the cold. And by cold I mean really, really cold. But, she'd happily go 5000 miles between oil changes, it was easy to work on, and the fuel economy was pretty good. I can't complain much for the three years I had that car.

Where I live we haven't had any really, really cold recently. Lowest it's been here is about -4 degrees C. Fuel economy wise I'd be taking a hit over the Fiesta, but basically so would anything else on my list apart from maybe the Paseo or the diesels.

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

-> ...

Thanks for the info, and the vids! I'd seen the snow drifting one before, looks great fun So have you driven an HR-V then? I've been meaning to find one in a Honda dealership to get a bit of a taster of it, but even the latest ones are just about at the age where dealerships don't keep them on the forecourt any longer - it seems very bad practice here to have anything older than about 4 years old on the forecourt.

I personally prefer the styling of them to the CR-V. I have ridden in a CR-V (2nd gen), my parents test drove one a while back. I quite liked it, from what I experienced.

My opinions on small SUVs (or CUVs, as you put it) have softened since the one myself and a couple of friends hired in the States a couple of years back. It was a Mitsubishi Outlander, and we loved it. You don't realise how useful cars like that are until you drive one. I'm still not a fan of large SUVs, at least not in the UK.

Must say, I'm surprised by the support for the HR-V. I was expecting people to question my sanity...

^ I've only driven the USDM 2nd-gen CR-V EX [M/T], and I love its dynamics for a CUV, better than the newest RAV4 with V6. I haven't driven the HR-V or the Element. I'll expect a more nimble handling similar to the best performance CUV I've test driven, the 2nd-gen Subaru Forester 2.5XT. And it may not have the same punch of the K24-powered CR-V, think of it like a 1.5L Civic with a VTEC. But these are only estimations, I still have to drive these CUVs.

-> Maybe if ever land in UK-land to get UK tailights for my USDM S2K; I might as well test drive the HR-V over there.

-> It depends on what CUVs you pick, some may be capable, some may not. I heard and saw some YouTube vids that the Element is quite capable while the Compass (same purpose as the Element) wasn't. I too am not a fan of larger CUVs as of date; if I would like a bigger CUV/SUV, I'd pick nothing else, the Land Cruiser, bar none.

-> Hey, I was shock that you are considering the HR-V, of all Euro/US car loving people here in GTP!

 

[homeforsummer]

-> ...

^ I've only driven the USDM 2nd-gen CR-V EX [M/T], and I love its dynamics for a CUV, better than the newest RAV4 with V6. I haven't driven the HR-V or the Element. I'll expect a more nimble handling similar to the best performance CUV I've test driven, the 2nd-gen Subaru Forester 2.5XT. And it may not have the same punch of the K24-powered CR-V, think of it like a 1.5L Civic with a VTEC. But these are only estimations, I still have to drive these CUVs.

I've mentioned in the thread a few times I think that performance isn't my ultimate priority - in reality, I have so many considerations that focusing just on performance wouldn't be wise, if anything, my priorities are reliability and decent fuel economy, and from those starting points I can then tailor performance, handling, utility etc. So if the HR-V isn't as quick as some of my other choices (which it isn't), it makes up for it in other areas (i.e. I like the way it looks, it seems pretty practical, it's still a revvy Honda at heart etc).

-> It depends on what CUVs you pick, some may be capable, some may not. I heard and saw some YouTube vids that the Element is quite capable while the Compass (same purpose as the Element) wasn't. I too am not a fan of larger CUVs as of date; if I would like a bigger CUV/SUV, I'd pick nothing else, the Land Cruiser, bar none.

I'm aware that some small off-roaders still aren't up to much. The Outlander seemed pretty good, but my overriding memories of that car are how useful it was, how comfy it was to do long distances in, and my mate power-sliding out of gravel hairpins on a little road leading to the Grand Canyon

-> Hey, I was shock that you are considering the HR-V, of all Euro/US car loving people here in GTP!

Shocked that I personally had a 4x4 on the list, or that someone from Europe in general had it on the list? I'm a big fan of cars that are out of the ordinary, or underdogs, or obscure things that few other people like, which is why my choice is so diverse.

Of all my choices, I can generalise - the numerous Hondas to me offer decent economy, fun, reliability, great engines. The VAG cars offer German quality, image, practicality. All the V6 Mazdas are just really interesting. The E30 BMW and Saab 900 in the original post say classic quality, taste, old-school fun. Whatever I pick eventually depends on which of the qualities above appeal to me the most.

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

-> Oh, the HR-V is one of those notable underdogs that I like.

 

[niky]

Strange. I actually hated the 2nd gen CR-V. But that's probably down to the suspension tuning of our local spec. Sharp chassis, but understeer, understeer, understeer, and what? you want something else? Epic understeer.

The 1st and 3rd gen are, IMHO, infinitely better.

The Outie is a good one... good balance, very underrated.

I wish we had the CX7 locally. Drove the CX9 and it was a damn hoot for such a big car. Nice, rorty V6, good balance, quite neutral (the 20 inch rims may have helped), but utterly pointless... it's a big SUV that seats only six in comfort, gets Ford Explorer levels of gas consumption, and is so wide it can't fit in your average garage.

Hmmm... underdogs? Volvo 850?

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

-> ...

Strange. I actually hated the 2nd gen CR-V. But that's probably down to the suspension tuning of our local spec. Sharp chassis, but understeer, understeer, understeer, and what? you want something else? Epic understeer.

^ Was the one you test drove the 2.0L 2WD that seats 10?

Hmmm... underdogs? Volvo 850?

^ Um, I don't consider the 850 as an underdog. Just ask our co-GTPres. THe Cobalt SS Turbo is.

 

[niky]

A variety. Yes, I've driven the 10-seater. I'd rather drive a tractor. The rear springs on that seem made of cast iron.

But even the 5-seater isn't that much better. But it might be down to poor tires. The chassis itself is exceptional... well-behaved, moves as a piece... but the 2nd generation RAV4 was a more nimble thing to drive.

We have a 3rd generation CR-V. 2.4 AWD (simply because the 2.0 had seats that were inhumanly uncomfortable) and it drives sublimely. They've sorted the suspension properly this time around, and though it's a bit choppy over bumps, it's not so bad for such a heavy vehicle on such big wheels.