I shouldn't have got a VX220 Turbo for 48 hour test drive last weekend...


-andy-

 

Think of the rear seats and luggage space!

And the naff badge... and the 8 the pres wrote off in the first day of launch in spain...

Light + RWD + turbo = backwards!

 

Didn't have that problem over the weekend. Felt very, very sure (you have to remember that I'm used to a TVR - not exactly the most forgiving car.. lol).

Admittedly it's probably the most impractical car I've ever driven. A mate and I went and got a few take-away Maccy D's for a few of us on Sunday... about 6 meals. Had to put the bags in the boot, as there wasn't room in the car with two of us in it, and my mate carrying the drinks!

I'm really thinking about it more as a replacement for the Tuscan, rather than cancelling the RX-8 and getting it. I've not driven anything as much fun... ever! If you can drive one, just do it - at least for the experience. I never thought I would like a Vauxhall, let alone consider buying one!

Just took the edge off the RX-8 a bit though. All the waiting finally caught up with me and suddenly I was wondering if I really wanted to buy it. Wondered if I was doing the right thing all for a while, but then I remembered there were more reasons to buy it other than the performance and drive... the 4 seats, the high standard spec and relative low cost, the design and styling....



Aside from that though, it's given me a good slap round the face regarding badge "snobbery". I can safely say that having driven the VX practically all weekend (550 miles!) :D that I would definately consider it very highly if I had to replace the TVR. I was actually shocked how many heads it turned (it's a Vauxhall!!), and the driving experience...!!!! I think an RX-8 and one of these on the driveway would be a very nice combo indeed.


-andy-

 

From a Tuscan to a VX?

Wow , I couldnt imagine that move. Your tuscan been reliable or one of those 4 engines a year models?

As a 2nd car I'd be tempted with an Elise, 4-5 yo car with a few grand spent on it for mods ( say up to 190ish bhp with new suspension) or prehaps a caterfield if no practicalities were needed.

Running a VX and the trevor might be fun tho

 

Its realy a lotus tho anyhow...

 

Would consider the VX220 or Lightning for fun but not as a replacement for my RX8.

May buy one secondhand once values fall.

Cheers
Oilman

 

Rob, you might remeber that a few months ago I posted a thread where my work collegues compared the Mazda badge (snobbery?) with Hyundai. This coming from Audi TT owners. One of the guys has sold his TT (family reasons) but has a fast motorbike. With the imminent 8 arrival (?) he challenged me to a race! How sad will they get (envys a horrible thing). Anyway I accepted.

The rules : 3 up and luggage.:D

That'll pi** on their parade.

AnilS.

 

Oilman,

it was reported in Auto Express a couple of weeks back that the Lightning is almost certain to be axed around xmas time as there is hardly any way that the car will meet the pedestrian safety rules....

shame as its a top looking car - saw it at the motorexpo in June...

 

The move from the Tuscan (yes.. it's on it's "third" engine) to the VX would be half a financial decision. That, and the VX is honestly more fun to drive and hopefully more reliable (I was without the TVR from the beginning of July to the end of August this year - missed ALL the good weather). It doesn't have the looks or sound of the TVR, but then I have the RX-8 for that .... maybe :p


By the way, on the VX Turbo, mild mods have pushed the power up from 200 to 260bhp. Shy of a standard Tuscan's power-to-weight of just 30bhp/tonne...


-andy-

 

Q's,

How did you arrange the test drive?

Did you have to insure it yourself etc?

 

I managed a bit of a blag to be honest.

They're offering 48-hour testdrives for anyone with £170 spare. I originally went for this, but then just before the weekend I'd booked I had to cancel. I lost their number when it came to re-booking and the only reference I could find at the time for 48-hour test drives was through their Business Fleet division.

After a bit of confusion and then playing dumb on my part, I blagged a test drive on the basis that I am "looking at getting a company car" even though I am a contractor for the company I apparently work for.

Insurance was all paid for (u have to arrange it yourself on the paying testdrive).

You may or may not get lucky with the same approach, since a mate of mine was trying desperately to do the same thing yesterday and wasn't having much luck.


Worse case - you pay £170 for the weekend, which still isn't bad. But if you have a company car scheme, you may be able to get it through their Business Fleet department. Details are on the Vauxhall website.


Worth it - if just for a chance to blat around in someone else's car for a weekend :D



-andy-