Conference terri::cars_uk

    Nigel,
    
    Well, I've got an Astra SRi 5-dr (don't laugh) that I'm delighted with,
    and it only costs me �125/year on the scheme. For that money, there's
    nothing else to touch it in performance, equipment, flexibility or
    economy (0-60 in 8.5 secs; powered front windows, slide/tilt sunroof,
    electric/heated mirrors, headlamp washers, VERY comfortable sports
    seats (height-adjustable on driver's side) with decent headroom, all
    standard; 31-39 mpg, with average of 34.5 over 31,000 miles (and I
    drive mine hard)).
    
    The engine is brilliant in all respects except noise....: look at all
    the 20 mph increments between 20 and 80 mph in 4th gear -- they're all
    round about 6 secs., which is very impressive. To me, being able to
    accelerate hard from 30 mph in 4th is far more useful than being able
    to achieve the same acceleration in 2nd at 7000 revs. Also, look at the
    30-70 mph acceleration time of 8.0 secs: that's a true measure of a
    car's overtaking ability rather than its outright speed, and the only
    cars that beat that time are Renault 5 GT Turbo, Fiesta RS Turbo, and
    then things like a Sierra Sapphire Cosworth.
    
    Main plus points: engine, takes unleaded fuel without adjustment (I've
    always put unleaded in mine from new, and performance is up to the
    mark), superb performance, economy, equipment, shape, split folding
    rear seats, driving position, interior comfort, boot space, practicality.
    
    Main minus points: engine noise at higher revs, indifferent ride (good
    over normal roads, bad over motorway joins, even worse over potholes),
    lack of rear passenger room (may not bother you), shape (I love it, but
    you may not), visibility (fine if you're 5 ft 10in. tall, but not
    otherwise).
    
    That'll do...... Give us a call if you want to know more.
    
    
    Cheers,
    Stephen

Person who sits next to me just ordered one as a replacement for her Gold GTi

680 odd pounds on the scheme, injection etc electric windows etc.


I think!!

Greg

re :.2;

presumably the Gold GTi was expensive on the lease scheme, despite
having a good resale value!!

Mark.

Typo Mark.

Gold = Golf


Greg

    I can't speak from experience, but a car i'm seriouly considering
    to replace my XR3i is the new Fiesta RS Turbo (see note 1134).
    
    The plus points are - power windows, central locking, alloy wheels,
    0-60 7.5 secs, 130 bhp, 120 mph.
    
    Downside - "dull" steering, hard ride, poor mpg (25 - 30 mpg with
    a small fuel tank)
    
    The cost on the lease scheme varies from 174/year for standard car
    or around 400/year with ABS brakes and heated windscreen.
    
    A colleague here has just got one, it looks good.
    
    Roy

    I am in a similar position replacing my own GTi, but not on a lease
    though, But obviously the cost of the car will reflect in the lease
    price.
    
    Good offers around are
    	Escort RS Turbo 12450 and interest free on 50% over 1 year
    	Bog standard 5 door VW GTi 10.800 ( 3 door 10.300 )
    
    I also considered the Mazda 323 GTi fastback, which is pricey at 13.800
    but it has many extra's.

    Hi
    
    I am also like Adrian (.6) about to replace my golf GTi. I have after
    much searching of my soul and paycheck decided to go for the Mazda
    323f. Delivery will be in October sometime.
    
    Andy

    Thanks folks.
    
    I intend to have a few test drives before making a decision.  I
    wasn't planning to test any of the above, but I am now!
    
    Thanks and keep adding any other suggestions.
    Nige L.

    
    Perhaps an 8v Calibra? About 1200+ on the scheme? Well reviewed
    in one of the motoring rags.
    

    Thanks again for suggestions.  
    
    I have a confession to make.  I got another Golf.
    
    I test drove ALL of those mentioned above.  I think the quality of the
    Rover surprised me the most.  In the end I decided I still preferred
    the driveability and the solidity of the Golf GTI.  The family like it
    too, so who am I to argue for anything less sporty?  
    
    There have been a few mods since I got my previous GTI; most are minor, 
    but it now comes with fog lights, power steering and central locking as 
    standard, and has a much better radio/cassette.  I expected floormats
    in the back to be standard though.
    
    Anyway, my name is Nigel, and I work in computers, so I suppose the 
    black Golf GTI completes the yuppie image...
    
    Nige L.