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Conference terri::cars_uk

Title:	Cars in the UK
Notice:	Please read new conference charter 1.70
Moderator:	COMICS::SHELLEYELD

Created:	Sun Mar 06 1994
Last Modified:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	2584
Total number of notes:	63384

956.0. "Word eating time" by STRIKR::LINDLEY (Strewth mate.....) Mon Feb 12 1990 13:43

    I've been choosing my replacement for the 205, with the criteria being:
    
    Less than �1500 on "the scheme" - preferably much less...
    More space for luggage than the 205
    Performance in the same league
    Good handling
    
    I tried a 16v Golf - a lovely car to drive, but very old fashioned
    inside, expensive on the scheme, a bit noisy.
    
    309GTI - great handling, affordable, but too similar to the 205.
    
    Lancia Delta HF turbo - good fun, but very noisy, expensive on the
    scheme.
    
    Citroen BX - 16v too expensive, 8v not fast enough.
    
    Cavalier GSI - too expensive, not enough boot space.
    
    I thought I'd better give the Astra 16v a second chance despite my
    earlier bad impressions... so here we go everyone, its WORD EATING
    TIME!!!
    
    They've cured the engine reliability problem, handling was much better
    on Uniroyals, I can get analogue instrumentation, the optional ABS put
    paid to the poor braking.
    
    It still rolls too much for my taste and I still think it looks pretty
    awful, but then a cars looks arent too high on my priority list.  The
    car is still a bit tail happy, but definately better with different
    tyres.  Its also very good value on the scheme.
    
    The Astra doesnt impress me as much as the 205, but then neither did
    anything else I tried, and I NEED the extra space.  It looks like I'm
    going to have to compromise.
    
    Fell free to pour liberal doses of criticism upon my head for my about
    face, or alternatively suggest other vehicles I could try.  I dont have
    to order for another couple of weeks.
    
    
    John

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
956.1	Errata	STRIKR::LINDLEY	Strewth mate.....	`Mon Feb 12 1990 13:45`	5
	Where I said "handling better on Uniroyals" I of course meant GRIP much better on Uniroyals. John
956.2	I can't be bothered to be objective today...	SHAPES::KERRELLD	Dave Kerrell @UCG 781 x4101	`Mon Feb 12 1990 14:30`	3
	The 205 is a toy compared to the GTE. Dave.
956.3	Nor can I!	CURRNT::SAXBY	Digital? Yeah I worked there ONCE!	`Mon Feb 12 1990 14:42`	4
	But the toy would win hands down everywhere except on an autobahn! Mark
956.4	Analogue dash	SHIPS::BRADSHAW_A		`Mon Feb 12 1990 16:03`	11
	Don't expect to get a GTE with Analogue dash in a hurry. Salesmen tell me that these are factory order with no such equiped cars hanging around looking for buyers. BTW. Does anyone know why the 16V comes with 65 profile tyres as opposed to 60 or less ? Alan.
956.5		SHAPES::KERRELLD	Dave Kerrell @UCG 781 x4101	`Tue Feb 13 1990 08:15`	7
	re .3: > But the toy would win hands down everywhere except on an autobahn! Interesting priorities you put on car comparisons. Dave.
956.6	Why?	CURRNT::SAXBY	Digital? Yeah I worked there ONCE!	`Tue Feb 13 1990 09:33`	10
	What's interesting about it? I like a nimble, agile car.I rarely do long distances on Motorways (prefering A roads as a rule). Whether or not the Astra is nimble for its size there's no way the Astra could beat a 1.9 Pug across country. Of course the Renault 5 Turbo is better than both of them :^) Mark
956.7	a vote for the astra 16v	KERNEL::HODGKINS	there's no rain above the clouds	`Fri Feb 23 1990 13:06`	31
	Chaps, This is a totally opinionated note in favour of the astra 16v... Ok so it's not a standard one - notable extras are - analogue instruments - Irmscher suspension kit Comments If u order the above car you must be prepared to wait - it is the instruments that take the time, it is as was mentioned earlier a factory option. I asked for the quote in April-89 got the quote back in Aug-89, ordered immediately and took delivery just 4 weeks ago... To drive, it is to say the least a _hard_ car! The seats do make up for the lack of suspension quite a bit, but dont get the suspension kit if u want comfort. The handling is very good - the road holding not that brilliant, I put this down to the tyres 185/65 on a car like this is not reccommended - I intend to put yokohama A008 195/60 cuz it's about the same roling radius - about 1.1% less, so accelaration might be a bit better - though it is good enuf as it is! If u wanna test drive - mail me. Colin.
956.8	re. 7	VOGON::ATWAL	Dreams, they complicate my life	`Fri Feb 23 1990 13:13`	12
	>>The handling is very good - the road holding not that brilliant, eh? how can handling be good if roadholding isn't ??? (or am I just confused) btw. I've a friend thats rolled 2 (yes TWO) 16v GTE's, he must like them for some reason since he's on his third one now ...art
956.9		SHAPES::KERRELLD	Dave Kerrell @UCG 781 x4101	`Fri Feb 23 1990 13:33`	8
	re.8: >btw. I've a friend thats rolled 2 (yes TWO) 16v GTE's, he must like them for >some reason since he's on his third one now At which racing circuit? Dave.
956.10		SUBURB::PARKER		`Fri Feb 23 1990 14:38`	15
	I had a Maxi once. It had terrific roadholding - I never once lost grip. The handling was atrocious - on gentle bends you were holding the wheel for dear life; it handled like a pile of books sliding off a bookshelf, but I knew it would hang on. I later drove a Cortina 1.6L. It handled like a dream (well, comparatively) - I could drive confidently and relaxed under all conditions, including losing it sideways on a roundabout at 15mph. Handling is how it feels to drive; roadholding is whether it sticks or slides. I think. Steve
956.11	he he he...	VOGON::ATWAL	Dreams, they complicate my life	`Tue Feb 27 1990 08:02`	17
	...re.8: ...>btw. I've a friend thats rolled 2 (yes TWO) 16v GTE's, he must like them for ...>some reason since he's on his third one now ...At which racing circuit? ...Dave. if you count the roads around Woodley (Reading) a racing circuit then... ...art ;-)