Post a pic of your car here!

[Outcast]

 

I do like the Mulsanne, it's bodyshape is similar to other Bentleys but still different, looks great IMHO. The interior of it is just beautiful.

BRZ/GT 86 were told to be quite fun but looked cheap and felt cheap. Materials weren't really something to brag. Also the sound.  Otherwise, for a driver, it's excellent. I'm guessing cornering this thing would be a blast.

Subaruwrxfan made a nice video of his BRZ...

The main thing I like about the Mulsanne is the view from the front. The interior is pretty much the same as the Flying Spur. Interior is nothing special tbh but the exterior just looks killer! The BRZ/GT86 isn't meant to be luxurious anyway, just a small light cheap car to throw around corners. Looks super fun, I will probably go check out the Toyota dealership soon to find out when/if they're getting any GT86s. I have heard that its only gonna be the BRZ in China though.

 

@Piperka: looks sort of like a Acura TSX with those rims that KIA put on their new K5/Optima. also sort of looks like your car melted in the sun

Edited June 30, 2012 by Outcast

[Garfield 2]

Well if I earned as much as €90,000 (54k after tax deductions), I'd probably have two cars: An Audi A8 D3 as a daily runner (especially the 4.2 TDI) and a BMW M3 E90 / BMW M5 E60 as a fun car.

Yeah, I doubt you'd be able to buy and run an E60 M5 or E90 M3 alone on a salary of ~£45k and still have enough to live on. E46 not a problem, but E90 or E60? Say you get a 3-year loan for £30k (about the going rate for a decent 58/09 with low mileage and a decent spec) to buy outright, with a reasonable APR you'll pay about £11,000 a year. Two sets of tyres in a year, that's near-as-makes-no-difference £2,000, fuel for 20k miles about £5k, servicing and consumables at least £500 a year, insurance about £2k, tax £400+, plus a general (sensible) reserve fund of about £2,000 for calamities (or £900 a year for a comprehensive extended warranty). At the lowest figures there, that's nearly £22k a year just on financing and running a car. I don't know about you, but if I was driving an M3 or M5 I'd want somewhere to park it safely, plus a house to live in, so lets say £800 a month on rent bare minimum (if you live with other people in a house with secure parking, more if you live on your own), plus £250 a month on bills and council tax. That's another £12,500. I've already written off more 3/4 of my annual pay and I haven't even eaten yet!

2007 M5 is €27k here. 2006 Audi A8 D3 4.2 TDI is €15k.

 

These cars are cheap as chips.

 

Insurance? Well, at 27 years old the M5's insurance is €1.2k per annum while the A8 is €740.

Tax is the part that really hurts, because it's €1.7k for both of them.

 

The A8 gets about 9.7l/100km on average, considering I'd do 100km per day, that's €14.05 in fuel per day (€3373 a year)

The M5 does a lot worse 17.7l/100km on a good day, so if I do about 250km per week, that's €3290 a year.

 

So insurance + tax + fuel is €12003 per year. I still have about 3.5k left per month. That's not bad even if I get a loan for 36 months (€850 per month for the M5 or €470 for the A8. f*ck it, I'd even be able to afford both, buy myself a new TV set every 6 months and go on a holiday twice a year).

 

So it's not so bad.

 

My neighbourhood is one of the safest in this area, my neighbours have Mercs and new Audis and there was no reported incidents (except for a failed break-in) in the past 24 months.

[sivispacem]

 

2007 M5 is €27k here

A set of tyres for one is more than £1,000- in fact, closer £1,500 if you go for properly decent ones. OEM brake pads are £120 a corner, disks £400. The equivalent of an Inspection 1 service (plugs, oil, brake fluid and an OBD test plus visual inspection) is about £800 from a decent indy, or a grand from a main dealer. Gearboxes are sealed units, and a fault in one will often be irreparable- £10,000 for a new one unless you buy a used one from a write-off. Rear springs are 12,000 mile consumables, at £250 a corner. OEM rear shocks are about a grand each- you could go aftermarket, but you'd probably lose about the value of the shocks off the car anyway by doing so. Any fault with electronics, be it iDrives, seats, gearbox, engine, memory seats or just about anything else, will see a huge bill (upwards of £1000) because everything is integrated. And whilst the A8 wouldn't be as susceptible to eating things like tyres, brakes or rear springs, it's still a large barge- a large barge with an aluminium body that's notoriously hard to repair.

 

I admire your gusto, but it isn't feasible to run either an M3 or an M5 on that kind of money unless you've already splashed out for a very comprehensive warranty. The M5 may be cheap now, but remember- E39s are more than capable of throwing up occasional bills that are worth more than the car itself (VANOS replacement, anyone?) and the E60 was a £60,000 cars new. Just because they've lost half their value doesn't mean running them has got any less expensive.

[Garfield 2]

2007 M5 is €27k here

A set of tyres for one is more than £1,000- in fact, closer £1,500 if you go for properly decent ones. OEM brake pads are £120 a corner, disks £400. The equivalent of an Inspection 1 service (plugs, oil, brake fluid and an OBD test plus visual inspection) is about £800 from a decent indy, or a grand from a main dealer. Gearboxes are sealed units, and a fault in one will often be irreparable- £10,000 for a new one unless you buy a used one from a write-off. Rear springs are 12,000 mile consumables, at £250 a corner. OEM rear shocks are about a grand each- you could go aftermarket, but you'd probably lose about the value of the shocks off the car anyway by doing so. Any fault with electronics, be it iDrives, seats, gearbox, engine, memory seats or just about anything else, will see a huge bill (upwards of £1000) because everything is integrated. And whilst the A8 wouldn't be as susceptible to eating things like tyres, brakes or rear springs, it's still a large barge- a large barge with an aluminium body that's notoriously hard to repair.

 

I admire your gusto, but it isn't feasible to run either an M3 or an M5 on that kind of money unless you've already splashed out for a very comprehensive warranty. The M5 may be cheap now, but remember- E39s are more than capable of throwing up occasional bills that are worth more than the car itself (VANOS replacement, anyone?) and the E60 was a £60,000 cars new. Just because they've lost half their value doesn't mean running them has got any less expensive.

Well, it is quite understandable that cars do wear and that some things will need replacement, but why be so pesimistic that all of it will have to be done? My friend's M5 E39 didn't cause as many problems, he earned less than €33k and yet was able to afford it in terms of petrol, tax, insurance and parts... I still think €54k is enough to be able to maintain those two.

[chris]

10K Gearboxes sound scary, my neighbor had an '05 530i, she used to have it in sport mode all the time cause she's the craziest lady driver i personally know and eventually the gearbox messed up, i think she said it was 6k total from a BMW specialist not a main dealer.

 

My (somewhat) acheivable dream car is an E39 M5 which would cost top money to run, saying that i'm used to terrible fuel consumption thanks to that Escort i had, 20mpg was the max i ever got out of it.

[Garfield 2]

10K Gearboxes sound scary, my neighbor had an '05 530i, she used to have it in sport mode all the time cause she's the craziest lady driver i personally know and eventually the gearbox messed up, i think she said it was 6k total from a BMW specialist not a main dealer.

 

My (somewhat) acheivable dream car is an E39 M5 which would cost top money to run, saying that i'm used to terrible fuel consumption thanks to that Escort i had, 20mpg was the max i ever got out of it.

Well, he got 16.5l/100km average on mixed driving (30% motorway, 70% city) which is 17.1 MPG (UK) 14.2 MPG (US). 20 MPG sounds terrible.

[sivispacem]

Well, it is quite understandable that cars do wear and that some things will need replacement, but why be so pesimistic that all of it will have to be done? My friend's M5 E39 didn't cause as many problems, he earned less than €33k and yet was able to afford it in terms of petrol, tax, insurance and parts... I still think €54k is enough to be able to maintain those two.

I'm not saying that its impossible, but I wouldn't want to do it on that kind of budget, not least because of the potential for £10k+ bills, mostly from the M5 but also arguably from the A8. The E39 is a different case in point for several reasons- one, it shares more parts with its lower model siblings than the E60 does; two, there's less on it that can go wrong; three, it's of that age now where it's reached (or is reaching) the bottom of its depreciation cycle so using aftermarket or non-OEM parts on it won't affect the value; and four because there are many, many more of them on the road, so familiarity with the engine and drive-train (which of course in the E39 is based on the even more common M62 block) is more common amongst independent garages- compare with the M5/6, with their bespoke V8, unique gearbox, and with only a comparative handful of models on the road. Then there's depreciation- these cars are both still dropping in price rapidly. You buy now, in three years they'll have lost another 30% of their value. So you've spend half your annual income over three years on two cars that are now worth considerably less than you bought them for.

 

People do it. I know someone who ran a CL600 for three years on the inequivalent of less than a quarter of its original retail price. But I personally don't see any reason for doing so- I mean, what does the M5 deliver that the A8 doesn't that couldn't be achieved in a far more cost-effective, efficient and bork-proof package? Something like an A8 and a Caterham would make much more sense, or an A8 and a Ferrari 355, 996 GT3 or NSX (at least they would all appreciate in value). For me, with that kind of income and a clean slate, I'd take a manual V8 Allroad in mud green for daily hacking and wafting (as good off road as a Range Rover, far more comfy than an A8), buy a good trailer and run a Radical, race bike or lairy Sports Libre type closed-cockpit jobbie for the track, and that would still leave enough for a Z3M or Z4M Coupé for weekend blasts. At least you don't need to spend money taxing Radicals!

[Garfield 2]

Well, it is quite understandable that cars do wear and that some things will need replacement, but why be so pesimistic that all of it will have to be done? My friend's M5 E39 didn't cause as many problems, he earned less than €33k and yet was able to afford it in terms of petrol, tax, insurance and parts... I still think €54k is enough to be able to maintain those two.

I'm not saying that its impossible, but I wouldn't want to do it on that kind of budget, not least because of the potential for £10k+ bills, mostly from the M5 but also arguably from the A8. The E39 is a different case in point for several reasons- one, it shares more parts with its lower model siblings than the E60 does; two, there's less on it that can go wrong; three, it's of that age now where it's reached (or is reaching) the bottom of its depreciation cycle so using aftermarket or non-OEM parts on it won't affect the value; and four because there are many, many more of them on the road, so familiarity with the engine and drive-train (which of course in the E39 is based on the even more common M62 block) is more common amongst independent garages- compare with the M5/6, with their bespoke V8, unique gearbox, and with only a comparative handful of models on the road. Then there's depreciation- these cars are both still dropping in price rapidly. You buy now, in three years they'll have lost another 30% of their value. So you've spend half your annual income over three years on two cars that are now worth considerably less than you bought them for.

 

People do it. I know someone who ran a CL600 for three years on the inequivalent of less than a quarter of its original retail price. But I personally don't see any reason for doing so- I mean, what does the M5 deliver that the A8 doesn't that couldn't be achieved in a far more cost-effective, efficient and bork-proof package? Something like an A8 and a Caterham would make much more sense, or an A8 and a Ferrari 355, 996 GT3 or NSX (at least they would all appreciate in value). For me, with that kind of income and a clean slate, I'd take a manual V8 Allroad in mud green for daily hacking and wafting (as good off road as a Range Rover, far more comfy than an A8), buy a good trailer and run a Radical, race bike or lairy Sports Libre type closed-cockpit jobbie for the track, and that would still leave enough for a Z3M or Z4M Coupé for weekend blasts. At least you don't need to spend money taxing Radicals!

Anything that's over 3 litres is €1683 to tax. The most reasonable choice (tax-wise) for a weekend car would be a z4drive20i. (Or I would go classic and buy something like an R107 450SL - €52 Tax, NCT (MOT) exempt) But let's stop dreaming now, I'm not going to possibly earn that money in the next 7-9 years.

[sivispacem]

 

Anything that's over 3 litres is €1683 to tax.

Including cars that aren't road-legal, or road-driven? Or is it just road cars?

You could always get a Z4 3.0 Coupé and drop in one of Active Autowerke's superchargers...

[Garfield 2]

Anything that's over 3 litres is €1683 to tax.

Including cars that aren't road-legal, or road-driven? Or is it just road cars?

You could always get a Z4 3.0 Coupé and drop in one of Active Autowerke's superchargers...

Just road cars.

[Lurch]

An M5/M3 as a weekend toy does seem a bit odd to me. I've always thought of them as more jack of all trades types of cars (like any 4 door BMW). Though I guess fuel and insurance prices would be a bit much for daily use in Europe. A Caterham or Lotus would make for a great weekend car, but they're a bit on the cramped side if you're tall like me, though I've heard width is more of a problem with Caterhams. Any weekend sports car that could be had somewhat affordably and isn't too small to fit in over there?

[Garfield 2]

Well, there's the Mazda MX-5, BMW Z4, Alfa Romeo Brera Spider, Audi TT, Honda S2000.

[Lurch]

I was being serious. A couple of those answerd definitely don't check. Never been in any alfa spider made in the past 25 years, but the MX5 and S2000 flat out fail in any roomy department and Z3/Z4's arent much better. A TT coupe should be ok though.

[Garfield 2]

 

I was being serious. A couple of those answerd definitely don't check. Never been in any alfa spider made in the past 25 years, but the MX5 and S2000 flat out fail in any roomy department and Z3/Z4's arent much better. A TT coupe should be ok though.

Well the MX-5 is quite small, but the S2000 and Z4 weren't that bad. Alfa is bigger than the Z4 as well. I'm not sure how tall are you though, I'm 5' 8" and I felt fine in the S2000.

[Lurch]

5'8" is f*cking tiny. For some reason, I thought you were 6'3"+ like the rest of the VC regulars. 5'8" lets you fit into about anything ever made.

 

I'm 6'5" and do not fit in the majority of cars you listed. It's a curse when it comes to sports cars.

[Sup3rman]

I'm 6'4"(193cm), so i have a hard time to sit pretty much in every average car. Thats why i feel home in bigger cars that are also comfortable, like bigger Audis(A6 and A8 maybe) and stuff like that. For my first car i suppose i can't get a sporty little thing sadly. But i think i am going to get a relatives car that should have enough room for me, an old 97', newer generation Mazda 626...hatchback and green. Not the looker ofc, but it's something. Done only something around 80 000km so it's in a great condition at least. Well taken care of as my relatives have told me. I just hope it has room

[Garfield 2]

5'8" is f*cking tiny. For some reason, I thought you were 6'3"+ like the rest of the VC regulars. 5'8" lets you fit into about anything ever made.

 

I'm 6'5" and do not fit in the majority of cars you listed. It's a curse when it comes to sports cars.

I'm f*cking tiny and you're f*cking huge! Most of my friends ain't over 5'7"

[leik oh em jeez!]

5'10" here and I fit in pretty much everything. That said, most of the vehicles I've been in were trucks/SUVs or Cadillacs. My mom's Grand Cherokee is probably the most cramped front seat I've been in, even more so than my friend's XJ.

[Outcast]

5'8" is f*cking tiny. For some reason, I thought you were 6'3"+ like the rest of the VC regulars. 5'8" lets you fit into about anything ever made.

 

I'm 6'5" and do not fit in the majority of cars you listed. It's a curse when it comes to sports cars.

I'm f*cking tiny and you're f*cking huge! Most of my friends ain't over 5'7"

dafuq, i'm 5'11" and I'm asian!

[Lurch]

5'10" here and I fit in pretty much everything. That said, most of the vehicles I've been in were trucks/SUVs or Cadillacs. My mom's Grand Cherokee is probably the most cramped front seat I've been in, even more so than my friend's XJ.

What gen grand? I thought my friends ZJ is actually pretty roomy.

[t0grul]

 

dafuq, i'm 5'11" and I'm asian!

Same here, but i'm 17 and you are 23

[Outcast]

dafuq, i'm 5'11" and I'm asian!

Same here, but i'm 17 and you are 23

Guys stop growing about 17-20, I doubt you're gonna get much taller than you are now.

 

So what's your point?

[chris]

5'8" is f*cking tiny. For some reason, I thought you were 6'3"+ like the rest of the VC regulars. 5'8" lets you fit into about anything ever made.

 

I'm 6'5" and do not fit in the majority of cars you listed. It's a curse when it comes to sports cars.

I'm 6'1 and i think i've stopped growing now, it's a good height though not too tall or too small. My bro is 6 foot and he's only 15, he's also good at kickboxing so i'm starting to worry he will be beating me up soon. Which regulars here are actually above 6'3? Except ronnyboy who pops in and obviously lurch.

[leik oh em jeez!]

5'10" here and I fit in pretty much everything. That said, most of the vehicles I've been in were trucks/SUVs or Cadillacs. My mom's Grand Cherokee is probably the most cramped front seat I've been in, even more so than my friend's XJ.

What gen grand? I thought my friends ZJ is actually pretty roomy.

03 Overland Edition I believe.

[Lurch]

5'8" is f*cking tiny. For some reason, I thought you were 6'3"+ like the rest of the VC regulars. 5'8" lets you fit into about anything ever made.

 

I'm 6'5" and do not fit in the majority of cars you listed. It's a curse when it comes to sports cars.

I'm 6'1 and i think i've stopped growing now, it's a good height though not too tall or too small. My bro is 6 foot and he's only 15, he's also good at kickboxing so i'm starting to worry he will be beating me up soon. Which regulars here are actually above 6'3? Except ronnyboy who pops in and obviously lurch.

Kevin and I think Sivi. And while not as active anymore, TLC, Pav, Desmo, Stretch, STM, etc.

[sivispacem]

I'm 6'3", so not above but bang on. But all my length is in my legs, which is sh*t for fitting in things.

[epoxi]

I am 6' (183cm).

 

The average height in the UK and US is around 5'10" with about a 2.8" standard deviation, and these countries are among the tallest.

 

So my question is: why is Vehicle Talk so tall?

 

(Admin, please change topic name to "Post a pic of your height here!")

Edited July 1, 2012 by epoxi

[Lurch]

Lol, to get things back on track, here's a few crops I stole of my local dragon hooning back on Sunday.

 

[*MURDOC*]

Holy body-roll, Batman!

 

(2nd pic especially)

 

 

 

Still, looks like fun, and the newer wheels look tight.

[Outcast]

you have a sick-ass car Lurch!