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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

1986.0. "CLIO Test Drive...NOT!" by KERNEL::LEYLANDS (Sharon Leyland) Wed Jan 13 1993 11:47

    I am trying to get a test drive of a Renault CLIO RT 1.4 but currently
    having no success.  Herds in Basingstoke did not want to know unless 
    they could be guaranteed the business (fair enough I suppose) so I went
    to DTM in Reading who checked that car fleet would still deal with them
    and said that I could have a test drive but they had sold the
    demonstrator so I would have to wait indefinitely.
    
    Does anyone out there (Basingstoke area) have an RT 1.4 that would be
    willing to let me have a quick drive of? or have any other ideas on how
    to get a test drive.
    
    Thanks
    Sharon
T.RTitleUserPersonal
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1986.1Try Wheelers in NewburyCYCLIC::TURNERWed Jan 13 1993 12:094
If you can get to Newbury I found Wheelers to be very helpful when I was test
driving cars last year.

	Barrie.
1986.2Try BaldocksKERNEL::SHELLEYRHypodeemic nerdleWed Jan 13 1993 12:5114
    Sharon,
    
    Contact Fleet dept at Baldocks in Bracknell - 0344 54444.
    
    They supply Renaults to Digital (via Hertz/PHH) and were very helpfull
    when I tried to get a drive in a Clio 16v. They contacted Renault UK
    and delivered one to me here at Basingstoke.
    
    I take it that this is a lease car we're talking about. A 1.4 RT seems
    very low spec and would come in well under the car allowance. Why not
    look at something a bit more up market as the 16v is only a little bit
    more.
    
    Roy
1986.3Oh to have a 16vKERNEL::LEYLANDSSharon LeylandWed Jan 13 1993 16:199
    Roy
    
    I would go for the 16v but I need under a 1400 cc for tax reasons as I
    do not do enough mileage and am therefore underpaying.
    
    Thanks for the advice, I will try Baldocks.
    
    Regards
    Sharon
1986.4solution for that wee problemSIOG::KANEThe clot, thickens...Wed Jan 13 1993 16:283
    Buy a drill
    
    Mike
1986.5are you set on a clio?CURRNT::PAYNE_AJust between you and me, ...Wed Jan 13 1993 16:288
    Why not try the Peugeot 106 XSi if you're looking for a tax-saver. I
    was going for one until I thought 'Sod it' and went for the Clio (the
    16v price had dropped somewhat at that time).
    
    Also bare/bear in mind that the car tax laws are due to change sometime
    soon.
    
    Andy
1986.6What it is?????KERNEL::LEYLANDSSharon LeylandWed Jan 13 1993 16:348
    What engine is a Peugeot 106 XSi and is it supposed to be a lot better
    than a CLIO?  I'm not dead set but that is the only one that has
    interested me so far.
    
    Sharon
    
    p.s. I called Baldock's and I can have a test drive on Friday, thanks
    for that Roy.
1986.7BAHTAT::HILTONBeer...now there's a temporary solutionWed Jan 13 1993 16:364
    The tax law changes COULD be anytime in the future, it's a gamble
    buying a car based in changes that may happen in months or years.
    
    Greg
1986.8CURRNT::PAYNE_AJust between you and me, ...Wed Jan 13 1993 17:146
    The 106XSi has a 1.4 engine (the same as is in the Citroen AX GTi)
    , 100 BHp I believe. Seems to be rated the best super-mini type thingy
    in most mags whereas the Clio 16v tends to be compared in the hot-hatch 
    categories. Why not give one a look.
    
    Andy
1986.9 TRUCKS::BEATON_SI Just Look InnocentThu Jan 14 1993 08:4418
    Performance-wise the Peugeot 106 XSi - or is it XTi - (1.4 litres) is as 
    good as the 205 GTi (1.6 litres); it's also just as roomy inside as the 
    205. The 106 is also one of the better built generations of Peugeots.
    
    I drive a 205 GT (1.4 litres without the fuel injection) and whenever I
    bring a passenger along whose only previous experience of a 1.4 engine
    is in, say, an Escort, they're always amazed at the acceleration... and
    that's under normal driving conditions... I pay to fix my car so I
    drive it accordingly. I've had similar comments from people who are
    used to driving bigger engined cars too.
    
    I'd certainly advise trying out both cars... The Rover Metro and 
    Citroen AX GT are worth a try too !
    
    Reargards,
    
    Stephen
                 
1986.10UPROAR::EVANSGGwyn Evans @ IME - Open DECtrade -> DTN 769-8108Thu Jan 14 1993 12:282
    Is the VW Polo G40 still available, as wasn't that a 1.3 litre with
   better performance than the previous cars mentioned?
1986.11CURRNT::PAYNE_AJust between you and me, ...Thu Jan 14 1993 14:007
    The reports I read about the G40 basically said 'nice engine, pity
    about the rest'. I seem to remember that the road holding/comfort was a
    bit less than expected. Could be worth a try though. They seemed to be
    very popular in Portugal when I was on my hols last year, so someones
    buying them!
    
    Andy
1986.12Goes but doesnt stop !WELCLU::DREWNot another marzipan mercenary !Thu Jan 14 1993 19:059
    
    
    	Bear in mind that the Polo is to be replaced by a newer version
    soon.........the G40 has only fair performance in real terms but
    	is surprisingly quick for a 1300.  The one I drove had well dodgy
    brakes though....from what I hear that is a common problem.
    
    
    	Graham.
1986.13BAHTAT::FORCE6::hiltonParty on DudesFri Jan 15 1993 13:513
Have you looked at the new micra?

Nissan are advertising 58.8 mpg I think!
1986.14Hooked...KERNEL::LEYLANDSSharon LeylandFri Jan 15 1993 16:3712
    Well I had the test drive today and I'm hooked.  This car is perfect
    for me.
    
    I have put in a quote for all possible optional extras (I think there
    are are only about 6 - ABS, power steering, alarm...) to see how much I
    can get for my allowance.
    
    Any hints on how long Car Fleet take to turn round a quote these days??
    
    Regards
    Sharon
    
1986.15Don't hold your breath.BAHTAT::DODDMon Jan 18 1993 17:275
    I sent mine off on 14/12/92 - nothing yet. I rang to see how things
    were progressing and was told that there was a backlog of 140 waiting
    for processing.
    
    Andrew