Bad Dog MINI replacement

[The Dogfather]

Well a decision has been made and the MC will be making way for a more powerful car. As the replacement is only to be used as a second car practicality is not an issue although I would expect to use the car for about 10000 miles each year so reliability is important. These can be summer miles though.

Insurance can be anything up to group 19 or at a real push 20. I'd prefer a non turbo car as it'll be converted to run on gas..Although Vauxhall Turbos are OK as they've been done..

So here's the list of possibles extra marks for being a covertible. Comments and suggestions for cars I've missed please.

Car must be £14k max and less than 40k miles but age isn't a issue.

Alfa Romeo GTV/Spyder V6 - Reliable?
Audi TT - Hairdresser Car?
Audi S3
Mercedes SLK - One for Jackie!
Civic Type R - Too Chav?
MX-5 - Too dull?
Cooper S
Caterham Seven - Too silly?
MR2 - Boring to look at?
Honda S2000
VX220
Astra Turbo Coupe/Cabrio
Zafria GSI Turbo
Smart Brabus

I've already had a go in a Clio V6 which was brutal, this might still be a possibility though ;)

[Julz]

My comments, useless as they may be!!;)

Alfa Romeo GTV/Spyder V6 - unreliable
Audi TT - limited edition ones are the only non-girlie ones!
Audi S3 - Acceptable (especially in yellow!!)
Mercedes SLK - One for Jackie (would have to be, girls car, please not in silver!)
Civic Type R - Too dull to look at!
MX-5 - Too girlie
Cooper S - I know a very nice one for sale!!;)
Caterham Seven - Totally useless, where would the dog sit?
MR2 - Hairdresser!
Honda S2000 - I like!
VX220 - nice in orange!!
Astra Turbo Coupe/Cabrio - yawn
Zafria GSI Turbo - Bit too much room in the back for just Elliott

[The Dogfather]

Dog transport is covered by the Omega but if I can get him in the new car then it's a bonus :D

[The Dogfather]

Julz - I did consider Baby B but too expensive, Fife Mitsu did have a Caterham in until yesterday must have been sold :(

[euan]

My comments:

Alfa Romeo GTV/Spyder V6 - Agree with Julz, unreliable, and may not age well!
Audi TT - Nice car to own, but does it have an image problem? I know round my way they are usually driven by muppets. And girls.
Audi S3 - Nice, but thirsty.
Mercedes SLK - Very girly, although I love the new shape (in black - oh yes!)
Civic Type R - New model just coming out, bit plain inside.
MX-5 - Girly, but I have a secret desire for one.
Cooper S - Do you want another MINI? If so, go for a works.
Caterham Seven - Huge fun, can break, not at all practical (in saying that, my brother insured his for less than 200 quid)
MR2 - yes, it's girly, but in black, with big wheels....This is what I'd be tempted by if it weren't for....
Honda S2000 - THIS! Huge fun, very reliable, the noise is great....
VX220 - great fun, more practical than a Caterham, so long as you don't live near speed bumps or will use it for motorways.
Astra Turbo Coupe/Cabrio - Nice, but a tad dull in the above company
Zafria GSI Turbo - As above.

[The Dogfather]

Have I missed any other cars though?

[GAJ]

S2000! :p

[sleepyrascal]

quote:Originally posted by bad dog mini
Well a decision has been made and the MC will be making way for a more powerful car. As the replacement is only to be used as a second car practicality is not an issue although I would expect to use the car for about 10000 miles each year so reliability is important. These can be summer miles though.

Insurance can be anything up to group 19 or at a real push 20. I'd prefer a non turbo car as it'll be converted to run on gas..Although Vauxhall Turbos are OK as they've been done..

So here's the list of possibles extra marks for being a covertible. Comments and suggestions for cars I've missed please.

Car must be £14k max and less than 40k miles but age isn't a issue.

Alfa Romeo GTV/Spyder V6 - Reliable?
Audi TT - Hairdresser Car?
Audi S3
Mercedes SLK - One for Jackie!
Civic Type R - Too Chav?
MX-5 - Too dull?
Cooper S
Caterham Seven - Too silly?
MR2 - Boring to look at?
Honda S2000
VX220
Astra Turbo Coupe/Cabrio
Zafria GSI Turbo

I've already had a go in a Clio V6 which was brutal, this might still be a possibility though ;)




Alfa Romeo GTV/Spyder V6 - Reliable?
Audi TT - Hairdresser Car? Not unless its the 3.2 monster
Audi S3 YES PLEASE! although isnt there a new one coming soon?
Mercedes SLK - One for Jackie! As long as it isn't purple. NICE CAR but only with the 3.2
Civic Type R - Too Chav? CHAV?!? That is one awsome car. SUPER reliable, super fast and holds its value like a MINI.
MX-5 - Too dull? Eh.. have you sen the new one!!! AWSOME!
Cooper S mmmmm not unless you want to mod it. The cooper is a better car when both cars are standard
Caterham Seven - Too silly? My friend has one(well, he has a westfield), GREAT FUN but hard to live with! A TRUE SECOND CAR, A TOY!
MR2 - Boring to look at?
Honda S2000 Nice, not sure you would get a high spec one with less than 40k for less than £14000 though. might be wrong.
VX220 NICE, rare, but tiny!! Thats not a problem for you though is it!
Astra Turbo Coupe/Cabrio - Astra cabrio :dead:. you cannot justify turning down the list above for ASTRA
Zafria GSI turbo - Great for racing and whooping cooper s's! Also great for dogs. Although I think it would become pretty dull, and like the astra, it will age quickly!

I WOULDNT BOTHER WITH A CABRIO! YOUR NOT GOOD LOOKING ENOUGH, YOUR TITS ARE TO SMALL AND YOUR LONG BLONDE HAIR IS SHORT AND DARK, THEREFORE YOU WOULD LOOK LIKE THIS VERY OFTEN:

http://www.mini2.com/gallery/personal/20007/44553.jpg

SORRY, BUT IT'S TRUE!!!

[Gismo]

Golf GTi :)

[The Dogfather]

:D

[Julz]

quote:Originally posted by bad dog mini

Julz - I did consider Baby B but too expensive, Fife Mitsu did have a Caterham in until yesterday must have been sold :(


Her price is away to get dropped to something ridiculously low! As we're now selling both cars I'm not really bothered about price and no longer fussy about the prospective new owners, I just want my Evo!!!:p:D (Fife Mitsi also have a very nice 911 advertised!!;))

[sleepyrascal]

lotus elise .. exige (or are they expensive?)

new golf GTI(i want!)

OR....

this. (http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/WWW/cars_search.asp?modelexact=1&lid=search_used_cars_full&make=TVR&model=ANY&variant=&keywords=&min_pr=75&max_pr=15000&mileage=&agerange=&postcode=ab15+6dl&miles=200&max_records=50&source=0&photo=1&sort=5&ukcarsearch_full=SEARCH)

[sleepyrascal]

boxter

[sh@z]

Yeah go and test drive the new Golf GTi, saw on in black with the 18" alloys.... mmmmm

Civic type r's may be plain to look at, but damn they are great fun to drive.

[euan]

Ok, these have turbos but:
Scooby
Seat Leon

I've also seen a couple of early RX8's about 15-16K if the budget would stretch, although they could be imports.

[The Dogfather]

quote:Originally posted by Bonnie Scotland

Golf GTi :)


New one would be too pricey!

Although what about an R32?

[sleepyrascal]

LOOK HOW FEW MILES THIS THING HAS DONE FOR ITS AGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I wouldnt buy this, just think its interesting

1978 FERRARI 308 2.9 GT4
2 Doors,
Coupe,
Petrol,
33,000 miles,
Metallic Silver.
Air-Conditioning,
Alloy Wheels,
Electric Windows,
Front Fog Lights,
Full Service History.
extensive history fully documented.
£15,000

[The Dogfather]

Budget is fixed £14k max

[Scottie]

I kinda like the nissan 350z don't know about second hand price though.

My concern would be with alot of the cars your looking at second hand they may have had the pants knocked out of them by the prevoius owner how much warranty would you get.

How about a nice new Smart Roadster I like them :)

[euan]

New GTi - great car to drive, good noise, practical blah blah blah.

I had the option and chose the coupe over it. Partly, this was due to insurance (they refused to cover it unless it was garaged) but partly it was the looks. Inside is a bit boring, between that and an A3, I'd take an A3.

[euan]

How practical do you want it?

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/49644.htm

[The Dogfather]

SC - that's why I'm looking at a low mileage motor, plus I'll going to get a mechanic to give any car a good going over.

[Scottie]

quote:Originally posted by bad dog mini

SC - that's why I'm looking at a low mileage motor, plus I'll going to get a mechanic to give any car a good going over.


Well get the smart roadster :cool:

[Julz]

quote:Originally posted by ScottieCoop
How about a nice new Smart Roadster I like them :)


Was just about to say that, but has to be the Brabus one!! 350Z, mmmm, especially in that lovely blue!!:p:D

[euan]

Smart Roadster is a future classic in my book

[The Dogfather]

What a Smart Roadster over a S2000 and a S3? :eek:

Seriously? Plus there not very fast are they and thats the only reason the MINI is going.

[Scottie]

quote:Originally posted by bad dog mini

What a Smart Roadster over a S2000 and a S3? :eek:

Seriously? Plus there not very fast are they and thats the only reason the MINI is going.


Obviously you've not driven one. Mega fun.

[Julz]

quote:Originally posted by bad dog mini

What a Smart Roadster over a S2000 and a S3? :eek:

Seriously? Plus there not very fast are they and thats the only reason the MINI is going.


The Brabus is a bit nippier, 100bhp and highly tunable!! I'd have one in a second, just not very practical for us!!:(

[Scottie]

What about a nice TVR you get some nice ones. Classic.:)

[MartinSullivan]

The Brabus Smart Roadster is fast - but just a tad out of your budget ;)

Fiat Coupe could be a good one, my mates 300 BHP one is a scream. Get a 20V LE one

http://www.fiatcoupe.net/pics/galleries/zz_relpics_range_03/bigfoto02.jpg

[The Dogfather]

Love the Fiat Coupe but reliable?

I'm not really interested in the Smart as I reckon a Brabus would be too pricey....

[Julz]

quote:Originally posted by MartinSullivan

The Brabus Smart Roadster is fast - but just a tad out of your budget ;)


You can pick up a good second hand one for about 12/13k, trust me, I've been looking!!;):D

[MartinSullivan]

quote:Originally posted by Julz
You can pick up a good second hand one for about 12/13k, trust me, I've been looking!!;):D


Cool they have come down since I was looking at them then :D Nice one.

[euan]

Fiat Coupe - lovely car but I'd question reliability.

Same as this, what about an Alfa 147 GTA? 3.2, V6, very different.

Or a Focus RS may be in budget?

[euan]

quote:Originally posted by Julz


quote:Originally posted by MartinSullivan

The Brabus Smart Roadster is fast - but just a tad out of your budget ;)


You can pick up a good second hand one for about 12/13k, trust me, I've been looking!!;):D


Julz, that's harsh, you'll have me selling my car for one! Love them!

[MartinSullivan]

quote:Originally posted by euan

Fiat Coupe - lovely car but I'd question reliability.


There are issues with the Coupe, but as long as the belts and timing gear have been changed at the recommended intervals you shouldnt have too many problems.

[The Dogfather]

Spot on Julz, just seen a few on the web for 12500

[Scottie]

what about a new shape second hand Hyundia Coupe

[The Dogfather]

I'm going to have a look at a Brabus Smart tonight :eek:

SC - Too practical! [YAWN]

How come nobody is pushing the Cooper S?

[euan]

I guess nobody is pushing the S as we all know what it can do, and talking about other cars for a change is a quite good ;)

An S would be great, but as I said earlier, in the company you were looking at I'd be tempted by a works car.

[Crombers]

<Sitting on the fence>

Paul , It has to be an 'S'. The minute you buy anything else you'll regret it big time & miss the whole NMS meet scene.

To say the Cooper is slow is a tad wide of the mark. :disapprove: Sure in the company of the 'S' & the Works it'll blow you away in a straight line , but you'll soon be up their backside on the twisties ;)which in my book sells the Coopers strengths especially on Sport+ suspension & non run flats (which you have plus your 'S' back box).

Trade up to an 'S' for the speed you desire & just watch out for us Coopers on the bends ;):p

[The Dogfather]

S2000 is a real possibility found this:-

V Reg HONDA S2000 2.0 GT VTEC 6Spd
2 Doors, Manual 6 speed, Soft-Top, Petrol, 30,000 miles, Metallic Silver. Power Steering, Remote Central Locking, Electric Windows, Electric Mirrors, Alloy Wheels, Electric Sof Top, Full Black Leather Interior, Digital Climate Control, Radio With CD Player, Factory Fitted Sports Seats, Air Bags, Import P/X Finance Warranty Avalible In Door Showroom Viewing £11,995 ono.

OK its down in Englandshire but worth the trip?

[euan]

One thing to be aware of - the GT version of the S2000 came with a hard top roof - I don't see it listed.

Cooper S - I hear what Crombers is saying and I do miss my MINI sometimes, but sometimes you need a change :)

I always felt my Cooper was a great car but just lacked a wee bit fo punch for overtaking, which I got with the S. Cornering was similar (perhaps a tad more immediate with the Cooper as it lacked the weight of the supercharger, but not by much).

[minidriver#1]

it has to be the S2000

[Gismo]

My Cooper's getting the remap treatment tomorrow, i'll let you know if it's any good, might save you changing :p

[Sheilz]

I've a Civic R and it is awesome. Not so sparkly as mini but good for blending with the crowd that is them that can keep up with it!:D:D:D:D Still got specy though:D:D:D:D

[sh@z]

Oh yes, S2000s are superb... sound immense too :D

[The Dogfather]

Update: -

Saw a Brabus Roadster Coupe today, v.nice has jumped up the list. Also had a look at the TT, S2000 and SLK. Both the SLK and TT look great but the S2000 was a bit dull looking however I haven't driven them yet.

The VX220 surprised me by having a resonable size boot as well as being a lot quieter than the elise. So that is now the leading candidate. Also the MX5 has been dropped.

[Julz]

You would also have the bonus of the VX220 being quite uncommon! I've only ever seen a few on the road and I think that's something to do with a vauxhall garage being in the village:D (tiny wee village and two car showrooms!! Go figure!!8))

[Nenah]

quote:Originally posted by sleepyrascal
I WOULDNT BOTHER WITH A CABRIO! YOUR NOT GOOD LOOKING ENOUGH, YOUR TITS ARE TO SMALL AND YOUR LONG BLONDE HAIR IS SHORT AND DARK, THEREFORE YOU WOULD LOOK LIKE THIS VERY OFTEN:


SORRY, BUT IT'S TRUE!!!


BRAVO - WELCOME HOME, SLEEPY! YOU'VE BEEN WELL MISSED ON NMS - ROLF!!!!!! :D:D:D:D

[Nenah]

quote:Originally posted by sleepyrascal

LOOK HOW FEW MILES THIS THING HAS DONE FOR ITS AGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I wouldnt buy this, just think its interesting

1978 FERRARI 308 2.9 GT4
2 Doors,
Coupe,
Petrol,
33,000 miles,
Metallic Silver.
Air-Conditioning,
Alloy Wheels,
Electric Windows,
Front Fog Lights,
Full Service History.
extensive history fully documented.
£15,000



I wouldnt look cool with a booster seat, tho...!;)

[sleepyrascal]

quote:Originally posted by Nenah

I WOULDNT BOTHER WITH A CABRIO! YOUR NOT GOOD LOOKING ENOUGH, YOUR TITS ARE TO SMALL AND YOUR LONG BLONDE HAIR IS SHORT AND DARK, THEREFORE YOU WOULD LOOK LIKE THIS VERY OFTEN:


SORRY, BUT IT'S TRUE!!!

BRAVO - WELCOME HOME, SLEEPY! YOU'VE BEEN WELL MISSED ON NMS - ROLF!!!!!! :D:D:D:D


Havn't seen you around these parts for a while! I'm still planning to drop in past to see you and Barrie. Just been busy working. I'll appear one day soon:D

[The Dogfather]

The final list:-

3.0 V6 Clio
Brabus Smart Roadster
Mercedes SLK
Vauxhall VX220
MINI Cooper S
Alfa Romeo V6 GTV/Spyder
330/328 Ci

All of the above will be converted to LPG (so I can afford to drive them regularly) apart from the smart which will do 50+ MPG anyway :eek:

[MartinSullivan]

Invest a tenner for Cash For Kids and have a chance of winning this (http://www.unionsupplies.com/Union-Supplies-Super-Car-Prizedraw.htm), only got till 3:30 tomorrow though ;)

[euan]

quote:Originally posted by MartinSullivan

Invest a tenner for Cash For Kids and have a chance of winning this (http://www.unionsupplies.com/Union-Supplies-Super-Car-Prizedraw.htm), only got till 3:30 tomorrow though ;)



Now, where would you put the lpg tank :)

[Scottie]

quote:Originally posted by bad dog mini

The final list:-

3.0 V6 Clio
Brabus Smart Roadster
Mercedes SLK
Vauxhall VX220
MINI Cooper S
Alfa Romeo V6 GTV/Spyder
330/328 Ci

All of the above will be converted to LPG (so I can afford to drive them regularly) apart from the smart which will do 50+ MPG anyway :eek:


h'mm where would you fit the lpg tank in the VX220.

got to be 330/328ci

[The Dogfather]

There actually quite a large boot behind the engine, only issue would be fixing the tank to the chassis. Any bolts/straps would need to be aluminium otherwise the chassis would rot.

[MartinSullivan]

How about one of these. (http://www.shand-online.co.uk/index_files/Ian%20B%20Mini%20Type%20R.wmv), all the Type R power but in a better looking package ;)

[MartinSullivan]

quote:Originally posted by Sheilz

I've a Civic R and it is awesome. Not so sparkly as mini but good for blending with the crowd that is them that can keep up with it!:D:D:D:D Still got specy though:D:D:D:D


Sheilz, Dont know if you know but there is a Type-R Scotland Forum (http://www.type-r-scotland.co.uk) too ;)

[euan]

From that list I'd go for either the 330ci or the VX220.

Since I got my couple I've really fallen for it, just very comfortable and great handling, and it does shift :) The only thing is coming from my S, which did get stared at all the time, to the BMW, which doesn't ever draw attention, even with the sport bodykit and M sport alloys.

I'd be seriously tempted by a VX220 if I didn't need it to be practical. I did look at one but decided I'd need a "proper" car as well, and I can't afford that. It gives you pretty much all you said you wanted, albeit it'll not be practical at all once the LPG tank is in it. But if your not worried about that, that's what I'd go for.

I'd still go and drive an S2000 though.

[Gismo]

BDM, have you thought about what kind of drive your looking for, by that i mean, front or rear wheel drive :question:
Do you wanna drift round corners etc etc
Two totally different kinds of experience, can't remember if you considered a Scooby, but an AWD may be of some benefit

[Heather]

quote:Originally posted by Bonnie Scotland

My Cooper's getting the remap treatment tomorrow, i'll let you know if it's any good, might save you changing :p

Didn't think it would last. What follows is a post from June of this year!;)

quote:Originally posted by Big Col


quote:Originally posted by Bonnie Scotland

and NO MODS :p


Everyone remember where they where when they read this. It'll be cast up many many times in the coming months. :D

Bets are now being taken as to the next one:p

[Cooper_si]

theres a new Supercharged/turbo`d golf due out soon. Its a 1.4 and will push near on 170 bhp !

Im not kidding

[The Dogfather]

Alan - The insurance, interior and image put me off the scooby.

Criteria for the new car is 20+ mpg(roughly double it to get the amount of LPG miles per pound), decent performance, excellent handling and a wow factor.

[The Dogfather]

What's a 325ti Sport Compact like?

[euan]

I drove a TD version of it a couple of years ago. It was nice, had power oversteer in the dry (!) which I hadn't done on purpose (came out of a roundabout and the turbo kicked in). Not sold on the styling at the front, the double lip thing over the lights. Inside, comfortable, nice to drive.

As a second car though, it's not in the same league as some of the other things you've been looking at.

[euan]

I was looking about earlier (as you do) and was really surprised at how affordable VX220 were these days for a 3/4 year old car. Wouldn't get near the same money for an Elise of that age.

[The Dogfather]

I'd rather have a VX220 over an Elise as well :D

[Duncan Stewart]

Get an early, out of warranty, Cooper S and tune it up - you canny beat a Mini for all round fun :D

[Crombers]

quote:Originally posted by Duncan Stewart

Get an early, out of warranty, Cooper S and tune it up - you canny beat a Mini for all round fun :D


Could not agree more sir.

Go on Paul , you know it makes REAL sense

[The Dogfather]

If I can pursuade Jackie it'll more than likely be a VX220, if not either Smart Roadster, MCS, TT or a slim chance of a V6 Alfa.

Trouble is I'm getting a bit fed up of all the rattles in my Cooper so not sure I want another MINI.........

[The Dogfather]

Right, this evening I test drove a Civic Type R and Cooper S both pretty good.

I preferred the MINI as the Civic seemed a bit low rent.

[Scottie]

quote:Originally posted by bad dog mini

Right, this evening I test drove a Civic Type R and Cooper S both pretty good.

I preferred the MINI as the Civic seemed a bit low rent.


i recon you should just bite the bullet and get a S because if you don't you will regret it. Cause you know what after a couple of weeks with the vx220 or whatever you will be wishing it was a mini.:)

[The Dogfather]

I'll try a few more before we change, I did really like the Brabus Roadster but can't see it being very quick, might try to get a test drive when we're down in Newcastle.

[weefozzy Jr]

ac cobra replica.......9k
m3 or alpina bmw........1k to 14k
daihatsu charade, turbo. u could buy 14 of these lol. fun in a tin can.
E type jag.
lancia delta intergrale.................magic. i want one by the time i die.
nissan skyline i know its a turbo but they are fun.

i could go on but theres a few, have a look at lancia's there amazing.

[euan]

I will add that when I got my S from my Cooper the interior was rattle free...

[Julz]

quote:Originally posted by weefozzy Jr
lancia delta intergrale.................magic. i want one by the time i die.


Didn't know you had such good taste!!;):D

[Wul]

quote:Originally posted by Heather


quote:Originally posted by Bonnie Scotland

My Cooper's getting the remap treatment tomorrow, i'll let you know if it's any good, might save you changing :p

Didn't think it would last. What follows is a post from June of this year!;)

quote:Originally posted by Big Col


quote:Originally posted by Bonnie Scotland

and NO MODS :p


Everyone remember where they where when they read this. It'll be cast up many many times in the coming months. :D

Bets are now being taken as to the next one:p



Hey Alan - I notice you still haven't replied to this post by Heather yet......we're waiting!!!!!:D:p:evil:;)

[Gismo]

quote:Originally posted by WulHey Alan - I notice you still haven't replied to this post by Heather yet......we're waiting!!!!!:D:p:evil:;)
Must resist further temptation, argh what the heck, ok, this is not a mod as such, it's purely to cure the stumble :evil::p:)

[MartinSullivan]

I can vouch for Bonnie only wanting to clear up what appears to be a particularly bad stumble on his Cooper, the fact that his car will now go faster doesnt seem to have entered the equation (yet ;)).