Not entirely necessary vehicles...

[ilwrath]

Well... I'm not exactly sure if I want someone to talk me into or out of a completely unnecessary vehicle purchase. See, I have a real soft spot in my heart for Jaguars. I've never owned one, but have always said I would, one day. And ever since I first saw it and sat in it, I've thought the XK8 was one of the most beautiful cars inked and built in my lifetime. (mid 70's to current) And 20 some years later, despite having a bit of that late 90's showing through... I honestly still think so.

The real problem is that they're dirt cheap, now. Decent examples are only a few thousand dollars.

The logical side of my brain reminds me in no uncertain terms that there aren't many things more expensive to own than a cheap-to-buy luxury car. And those XK8s are a disaster of a bespoke 4.0l v8 engine that was rather fragile, coupled to a J-gate transmission that is universally regarded as having been designed by Satan, himself. All married and controlled through the best of early 90's engine management hardware and British electronics (shudder). There is no doubt it will need a healthy parts budget. And patience.

But. It's an XK8. I could literally walk up, plunk a couple thousand dollars cash down on the table, and drive off in an XK8. (Provided the above British electronics actually agreed to let it start and shift, of course.)

Again, my logical brain reminds me I haven't had enough time for the SVT Mustang and boat projects I want to do. And I don't actually have enough room for another car. And an XK8 will likely want more time than both of those combined. All very valid points.

But. XK8. I could have an XK8 without leaving myself completely financially ruined. At least if I'm willing to do work myself (which I am) and have a backup car to actually drive (which I do).

The illogical side just keeps repeating XK8. And it makes a damn tempting argument. I think I need help!

So... What's your vehicle weakness? ATV, RV, boat, project car, weekend car, out-of-the-ordinary daily driver? And how do you cope?

 

[Robert]

Well... I'm not exactly sure if I want someone to talk me into or out of a completely unnecessary vehicle purchase. See, I have a real soft spot in my heart for Jaguars. I've never owned one, but have always said I would, one day.

 

[redrumloa]

I don't have any real experience with Jaguars first hand. I've always heard that era of them were rolling repair bills. Back in the mid 90s my boss at the time had a late 80s model which he was always complaining about breaking down.

Me? In recent decades my weakness has been American muscle cars. I tend to lean towards Mopar, though I've owned a Chevy too.

Most recently is Mopar, and kind of funny how I got it. Back in 2012 I had a VW Golf TDI I was tiring of. It developed another turbo issue and I didn't want to bother repairing. It was an 05 model I bought new in late 04, the only brand new car I've ever bought. Anyhow that was the most efficient pure internal combustion car on the market, and I went shopping for a similar vehicle. I went looking for efficient sub-compacts, nothing else on mind. Showed up at a dealer and tried test driving a couple, only to find they were literally too small for me to fit in comfortably. While walking the lot my son pointed out a nice yellow 2010 Challenger on display by the road. I joke to him and my wife that I'd go look at it. As we walked over I was brushing it off with "I doubt it is an 8 cylinder with a 6 speed standard". I figured it would be a 6 cyl with automatic transmission. Bzzt! 8 cyl and standard transmission RT model. Convincing the wife took all of about 5 minutes with her not really putting up a fight. It's been a beefy car payment, but I still have it and it has treated me well. Only mechanical issue has been the water pump failing twice. Luckily that car is easy and cheap to replace them at home.

 

[ilwrath]

My uncle has a similar vintage Golf GTI he bought new. (Non Diesel Turbo) Blew up the turbo on it, and the exhaust manifold, and leaks oil like a pig. So, it's a fair point that even "sensible" cars can be money pits, too. Whereas my SVT Mustang (2001) hasn't broken down once. Everything I've put into it has been preference or standard maintenance before broken. (Shocks, struts, brakes, etc.) I do need to get the rear diff looked at, though. It's binding in slow, tight turns like parking lots, and under power it's locking way early. On the plus side, if I want to slide it around a turn, it's easy to do, and nicely controllable. The problem is if you want to take a turn sensibly or have something resembling normal tire wear.

As for Jags in particular, the 90's ones like the XK8 were Ford owned, and were a lot more reliable when new. Of course, any 90's car nowadays has it's own brand of hell, as those early control computers are now more than 2 decades old, and have solder joints and all sorts of the badness we're familiar with from old computers. Only these will shut down your car instead of just randomly throwing a yellow screen. And the 90's XK8s have a relatively rare engine, and Mercedes-sourced transmission to jack up parts prices.

The 80's Jags were before Ford bought them, and yeah, I think they even still used a lot of Lucas electrical parts. They were bankrupt, and, by all accounts, there was no quality at all. But 80's and earlier cars are simpler to fix, so it's a bit of a tradeoff, there.

 

[Speelgoedmannetje]

Well... I'm not exactly sure if I want someone to talk me into or out of a completely unnecessary vehicle purchase. See, I have a real soft spot in my heart for Jaguars. I've never owned one, but have always said I would, one day. And ever since I first saw it and sat in it, I've thought the XK8 was one of the most beautiful cars inked and built in my lifetime. (mid 70's to current) And 20 some years later, despite having a bit of that late 90's showing through... I honestly still think so.

The real problem is that they're dirt cheap, now. Decent examples are only a few thousand dollars.

The logical side of my brain reminds me in no uncertain terms that there aren't many things more expensive to own than a cheap-to-buy luxury car. And those XK8s are a disaster of a bespoke 4.0l v8 engine that was rather fragile, coupled to a J-gate transmission that is universally regarded as having been designed by Satan, himself. All married and controlled through the best of early 90's engine management hardware and British electronics (shudder). There is no doubt it will need a healthy parts budget. And patience.

But. It's an XK8. I could literally walk up, plunk a couple thousand dollars cash down on the table, and drive off in an XK8. (Provided the above British electronics actually agreed to let it start and shift, of course.)

Again, my logical brain reminds me I haven't had enough time for the SVT Mustang and boat projects I want to do. And I don't actually have enough room for another car. And an XK8 will likely want more time than both of those combined. All very valid points.

But. XK8. I could have an XK8 without leaving myself completely financially ruined. At least if I'm willing to do work myself (which I am) and have a backup car to actually drive (which I do).

The illogical side just keeps repeating XK8. And it makes a damn tempting argument. I think I need help!

So... What's your vehicle weakness? ATV, RV, boat, project car, weekend car, out-of-the-ordinary daily driver? And how do you cope?

My current car! A bordeaux red Renault Kangoo

Lots and lots of space, so I can carry around a lot, I've been on a road trip with a couple of friends which was really easy and nice. For me having a car is a real luxury, I've always managed to get by only having a bike.
I always thougth a Lamborghini Countach was my dream car, but considering my length (I'm 2 meters tall) and the very limited utility factor, realistically it's rather a nightmare car than a dream car. I prefer to see other people driving that.

 

[ilwrath]

Unfortunately no Renaults make their way to North America, anymore. (No new Alpine for us. Pout.) It is always a novelty to see a Renault here. And your little Kangoo is entirely too cute to be so practical. I love the giant chunky door handles and the rounded square windows. You never see that stuff around here. Everything has to be so ultra sharp and aggressive right now.

And yes, the Countach was on every 80's poster. Solid fantasy car choice. They're insanely expensive, though. Nice examples of those go for well more than the price of my house. So, see, I'm perfectly content to let other people own those. But imagine the temptation if you could have one for a price that is a small stretch, but not financially ruinous... That's my dilemma with the XK8.

 

[Speelgoedmannetje]

Unfortunately no Renaults make their way to North America, anymore. (No new Alpine for us. Pout.) It is always a novelty to see a Renault here.

No Citroen Berlingo or Peugeot Partner either?

And your little Kangoo is entirely too cute to be so practical. I love the giant chunky door handles and the rounded square windows. You never see that stuff around here. Everything has to be so ultra sharp and aggressive right now.

Well, my neighbour called me "Postman Pat" when I proudly showed my new ride. Ah well, there goes my already non-existant ego
A bit like this:

And yes, the Countach was on every 80's poster. Solid fantasy car choice.

It's either that or a white Ferrari Testarossa
We can be 80s around here, can't we

They're insanely expensive, though. Nice examples of those go for well more than the price of my house. So, see, I'm perfectly content to let other people own those. But imagine the temptation if you could have one for a price that is a small stretch, but not financially ruinous... That's my dilemma with the XK8.

You have to be really honest with yourself. You also travel the world for that kind of money. Going to see deserts or gletchers, pyramids or castles, just a lot deeply enrich your life. I got my car not only for practical reasons but to enrich my life, and that's exactly what it's doing. I now can drive pretty easy through Europe, and I plan my next stop will be Vienna.

 

[Robert]

I plan my next stop will be Vienna.

I'm in Vienna (via Munich) for a very brief visit next month.

 

[ilwrath]

No Citroen Berlingo or Peugeot Partner either?

Nope. Actually also no Citroen at all. And only extremely limited Peugeot models ever make it. PSA has no US dealer network, so it's difficult for them to import and sell. In addition, some states have laws that say you have to have a dealership presence in the state to sell cars in that state. Tesla has run into this problem with their "mail order" model. Officially, you can't order a Tesla in Michigan. You have to go to Ohio to get it.

Well, my neighbour called me "Postman Pat" when I proudly showed my new ride. Ah well, there goes my already non-existant ego

Well, that is the charm of it, right? It's all tall, friendly, and approachable. The simplicity reminds me of some Japanese designs.

It's either that or a white Ferrari Testarossa
We can be 80s around here, can't we

Yup. The Testarossa is another one for me that is reserved for owning only in Forza games. Mine needs to be red, though.

You have to be really honest with yourself. You also travel the world for that kind of money. Going to see deserts or gletchers, pyramids or castles, just a lot deeply enrich your life. I got my car not only for practical reasons but to enrich my life, and that's exactly what it's doing. I now can drive pretty easy through Europe, and I plan my next stop will be Vienna.

Oh, the road trip. Now you're talking. I do really miss the days where I could have a long weekend, get a few people together, throw a dart at a map, and head off there. It gets harder with trying to coordinate my job that includes 24 hour availability, my wife's work schedule, kid's school schedule, etc. Although it's a good point, that I'm not sure I'd trust a '90's Jag enough to set off on a road trip with my family in it. And if you can't do that... What's really the point? I mean, I've definitely set off in worse jalopies when I was in my late teens, early 20's... A Jag would have been absolutely epic! But things were different back then. Sketchy roadside repairs were legendary with friends. Wire coat hangers, duct tape, extra hose clamps, fuses bypassed by wire, the rolling start, and occasional tow rope? Great laughs when you'd finally roll in late and crack open some beers. But that would all be way too much drama for a wife and kid impatiently waiting and tight schedules. :/

 

[JoBBo]

Unfortunately no Renaults make their way to North America, anymore.

http://canada.autonews.com/article/20160712/CANADA/160719962/renault-returns-to-canada

 

[ilwrath]

http://canada.autonews.com/article/20160712/CANADA/160719962/renault-returns-to-canada

Oops. I stand corrected. At least for Quebec. Maybe.

Interesting announcement.

For the time being, Renault’s soft launch will be limited to the Twizy and the Kangoo cargo van. The Twizy will be sold in two variants – one with a 40 km/h top speed and another topping out at 80 km/h. It will be limited to city streets as technically, the Twizy is classified as a “quadricycle” and not as a car.

As for the Kangoo, a “compliance waiver” with the Canadian government and signed by Renault means we’ll see about 1,000 vans available over a two-year period. This is aimed at giving Renault enough time to evaluate the viability of selling its vehicles in Canada – and, by extension, the U.S.

Still, I can't find any information that any cars were ever actually sold. There is a Renault rental service in Quebec. The Twizy's appear to be lease only. But I guess it's true that a few vehicles did make North American shores. I guess I should have said no Renault cars, as the Twizy is classified as a quadracycle. And I can't find any other mention of the Kangoo in North America. There are at least a couple used Clios that got privately imported to Canada, though, as well. Still, a rare sight.​

 

[Speelgoedmannetje]

Yup. The Testarossa is another one for me that is reserved for owning only in Forza games. Mine needs to be red, though.

White suits better with the porntache I'll have when I get such a car

Oh, the road trip. Now you're talking. I do really miss the days where I could have a long weekend, get a few people together, throw a dart at a map, and head off there. It gets harder with trying to coordinate my job that includes 24 hour availability, my wife's work schedule, kid's school schedule, etc. Although it's a good point, that I'm not sure I'd trust a '90's Jag enough to set off on a road trip with my family in it. And if you can't do that... What's really the point? I mean, I've definitely set off in worse jalopies when I was in my late teens, early 20's... A Jag would have been absolutely epic! But things were different back then. Sketchy roadside repairs were legendary with friends. Wire coat hangers, duct tape, extra hose clamps, fuses bypassed by wire, the rolling start, and occasional tow rope? Great laughs when you'd finally roll in late and crack open some beers. But that would all be way too much drama for a wife and kid impatiently waiting and tight schedules. :/

A Jag+roadtrip would indeed be absolutely epic. Also, sometimes I think people think too difficult in taking their kids with them. Just plan well ahead with friends and your family, and take the into consideration what the kids want. It's important

 

[metalman]

 

[redrumloa]

As I mentioned I love American muscle cars, but it is not my #1 love. I love antique air cooled Volkswagen vehicles, pretty much all of them. Give me a mid 60s VW Beetle that looks mostly original, but is a sleeper with a Type IV (aka Porsche 914) engine? Oh.. baby...

 

[cecilia]

2019 JAGUAR I-PACE EV400 - not cheap but looks nice

https://autoweek.com/article/car-re...-ev-first-drive-recalibrate-your-expectations

https://www.jaguarglencove.com/new/Jaguar/2019-Jaguar-I-PACE-d9e57f6a0a0e0ae97d17d33fd88ed8a8.htm

 

[FluffyMcDeath]

I could pick up a used Super 7 for about $40,000. Sigh.

 

[ilwrath]

Man, that mobility scooter is TERRIFYING, metalman! LOL! It looks like it started wobbling at high speed in a couple of those shots. Eeesh. I'd be crazy enough to do that to a go-kart, but not a mobility scooter!

As I mentioned I love American muscle cars, but it is not my #1 love. I love antique air cooled Volkswagen vehicles, pretty much all of them. Give me a mid 60s VW Beetle that looks mostly original, but is a sleeper with a Type IV (aka Porsche 914) engine? Oh.. baby...

This one is a pretty major crime of omission for me. I have never driven, or even had a ride in for that matter, an original bug/beetle. That is definitely something I need to rectify. The air-cooled is interesting. And I get the sleeper aspect (I've owned a few sleepers), but I think I'd rather have the Porsche engine still in the Porsche, though. But, never know, might change my mind after driving one.

2019 JAGUAR I-PACE EV400 - not cheap but looks nice

It's so funny how everyone's taste is different. And how much car models change over time. There aren't any current Jaguars I like all that much. I'd choose an F-Type, if I had to pick a current Jag... But I don't think it would make a comparison list of mine, even if I were shopping for that type of car. There is nothing in their current lineup that appeals to me the way the XK8/XKR did. Of course, going back older than me, a 60's E-Type... Well, yah, of course. But again, those are getting into way serious coin. Especially in North America. I'm happy to admire someone else's.

I could pick up a used Super 7 for about $40,000. Sigh.

Heh. Yup. Prices seem to be all over the board for Super 7's and derivatives. Anything from the original Lotus up through the much newer Caterham based on it. A quick search showed some nice looking ones for a little over $20k and going on up to >$80k in fairly scattershot fashion. Looks like provenance dictates price much more than anything else for those.

 

[Robert]

This seems like a reasonable thread for this news:

Tesla announces $1,900 electric quad bike for kids​

ATV borrows the angular design of the Cybertruck.​

The "for kids" is a little misleading as it can handle 150lbs and I sneak under that. OTOH, the specs seem rather underwhelming:

Tesla says you can expect up to 15 miles (24 km) of range and a top speed of 10 mph (16 km/h).
Don't try connecting the vehicle to a Supercharger, though—the removable 36 V battery pack can only be slow-charged, which takes about five hours when plugged into a wall socket.