Had 23 or 24 cars, basically a list of automotive hideousness from the 70s and 80s.
Worst three have to be the Dolomite 1850, the Citroen XM and the brown Morris ital estate, which went for saucepans when the diff went after three weeks of ownership.
Best was the 1998 Saab 9000 CSE anniversary edition in Amethyst (basically metallic purple). Never have I had a car so comfortable, the seats in that were a thing of beauty. Current 2005 X-type diesel is a very close second - does everything well, but after 190,000 miles, emissions will do for it next year. Only passed this year because I pulled the sticker off.
I was wrong about the X type - it died because the arse was about to fall out of it. Lovely drive though and reliably 55 mpg or so on long runs. Peugeot 508sw now, has needed a few things doing but with 65 mpg it pays for those
Had 23 or 24 cars, basically a list of automotive hideousness from the 70s and 80s.
Worst three have to be the Dolomite 1850, the Citroen XM and the brown Morris ital estate, which went for saucepans when the diff went after three weeks of ownership.
Best was the 1998 Saab 9000 CSE anniversary edition in Amethyst (basically metallic purple). Never have I had a car so comfortable, the seats in that were a thing of beauty. Current 2005 X-type diesel is a very close second - does everything well, but after 190,000 miles, emissions will do for it next year. Only passed this year because I pulled the sticker off.
I was wrong about the X type - it died because the arse was about to fall out of it. Lovely drive though and reliably 55 mpg or so on long runs. Peugeot 508sw now, has needed a few things doing but with 65 mpg it pays for those
I'm in a similar position. I have an old diesel golf which runs absolutely fine. Gearbox and engine happy as larry. Unfortunately all the emissions nonsense around the engine are forcing it into limp mode and replacing the EGR valve will cost more than the value of the car.
Had 23 or 24 cars, basically a list of automotive hideousness from the 70s and 80s.
Worst three have to be the Dolomite 1850, the Citroen XM and the brown Morris ital estate, which went for saucepans when the diff went after three weeks of ownership.
Best was the 1998 Saab 9000 CSE anniversary edition in Amethyst (basically metallic purple). Never have I had a car so comfortable, the seats in that were a thing of beauty. Current 2005 X-type diesel is a very close second - does everything well, but after 190,000 miles, emissions will do for it next year. Only passed this year because I pulled the sticker off.
I was wrong about the X type - it died because the arse was about to fall out of it. Lovely drive though and reliably 55 mpg or so on long runs. Peugeot 508sw now, has needed a few things doing but with 65 mpg it pays for those
I'm in a similar position. I have an old diesel golf which runs absolutely fine. Gearbox and engine happy as larry. Unfortunately all the emissions nonsense around the engine are forcing it into limp mode and replacing the EGR valve will cost more than the value of the car.
hence my interest in the Crossfire!
My Peugeot (diesel) has a low emissions limit of 0.51. I submitted it for MOT on Monday and the reading was 1.7. The garage said new air filter, redex in the tank and an Italian tune up might get it through. So I took it out and thrashed it for an hour before taking it back: emissions down to 0.2. Sadly the eml light came on in the meantime so it's still in the garage waiting for them to clear it
My favourite was my Astra Coupe which unfortunately died at 120000 miles with an emission problem, which I am looking to replace if possible:- the worst was a Moskvich Estate which I was forced to drive as a punishment car:- a terrible, terrible, terrible piece of beige crap!
Current favourite is my BMW 135 convertible- lovely driving car!
1970 Lotus Elan SE S4 One of the best road holding cars I have owned but the most unreliable, but boy was it fun to drive.
Lotus Europa Sold the car after 10 years ownership and doubled my money.
Lotus Esprit S2 Turbo (the later shape) Fantastic car owned this for longer than I can remember. Only sold it because of house move at the time.
Worst car Vauxhall Antara had it from new because needed 4 wheel drive. After 1 year nothing but trouble with the electrics and it was a sluggish dog of a vehicle. Sold it shortly after the 1 year was out.
Currently have a Porsche Boxster 718 GTS The most practical sports car I have owned.
Wife has a Audi TTS brilliant little car, with Quatro handling, been very impressed with it.
Have owned Triumph, Ford and many of the general run of the mill cars over the years.
Managed 180k in an Astra GTE 16v which was pretty decent, threw a cam belt and trashed the head, 300 quid later and many more miles travelled. The one that smarts the most was a brand new Jag XE in 2015 which was just ridiculous in its failings, almost stranded me in the south of France with an adblu issue, couldn't run the thing without the Jag assist and extended warrenty just had to go and went straight back to Alfa who after 20 odd years had only let me down once and that was down to bloody kwick fit and a replacement battery ffs !!!
I have never turned the ignition on in my life, I realise I am in the minority but am curious as to how many on here are in the same position. For work a car has never been necessary, football and cricket have been my hobbies which involves a drink so a car is not needed.
Worse was my first company car, a Vauxhall Ital 1.3 from memory in shitty brown, 0 to 60 sometime over a minute assuming it didn’t break down.
The Ital was a British Leyland car badged ‘Morris’ - basically a re-badged Marina - totally awful car
From memory it was around 50 years ago, you are correct it was British Leyland and they seemed to be always on strike, seem to remember you could see the road in the passenger footwell, right old rust bucket. Made a mistake of trying to carry an approximate 200lb valve in the boot, front wheels lifted off the ground.
Most fun was our MGB GT V8, we had it for 20 years. Of modern cars my BMW X3M D is great to drive, never think it is a diesel except for the mpg. To be driven in my father's AC Aceca was class and while visiting the AC factory had a chance to be driven round the factory in a AC Cobra just back from Le Mans . Worst was a Renault where I put the starting handle through the radiator!!!
Currently got the 2 door Freelander 1 as my daily drive, which I use for mainly pottering around in the countryside. Paid £1200 for it, passed it's first MOT with flying colours, not had a single problem with it. Had the commercial version years ago and the same with that. They get a lot of bad press, but i couldn't recommend them highly enough.
Had some expensive cars and pickups over the years but the Freelander 1 is still my favourite.
Worst - Jeep Wrangler / Jeep Grand Cherokee / Renault Kangoo (van)
Datsun 100A Opel Ascona 2 litre SR Fiat X19 Peugeot 205 GTI 1.6 Ford Escort 1.6 (just got married / children born) Rover 200 Audi A4 Avant Audi TT Mini Cooper convertible Audi A6 Avant Mini Cooper Works Orange Ford Focus ST (the ASBO) BMW 3 series convertible (M Sport) Silver Ford Focus ST Ford Mustang 5 litre V8 (right hand drive)
Currently in the stable
Land Rover Defender 110 Puma - 2007 reg, thus a proper Defender, not the new imposter
Ford Focus ST - 2019 reg (has Mustang engine, but not the V8)
Worst car - BMW easily wins that - fucking shite car - went back to dealer over 10 times for numerous faults
Best - well it’s equal - Defender, Mustang and A4 Avant - the A4 got t-boned by a gypsy in his transit in Dartford, I was gutted - Mustang was awesome and I should have kept it - Defender is just gorgeous, stinks of my dogs, slow, always has problems, but what a machine
Worst Car was my first a black Vauxhall Victor, cost me £5, which proved to be way too much, burnt a gallon of oil between Sidcup and Margate, had to keep the windows closed due to the fumes being drawn in through the air vents, you could see the road trough the floor, needless to say failed it's MOT, even though I worked at the Garage in question... Best has to be a petrol three door red RAV4, old style, it was just so beautiful to drive and reliable, had to trade it in when money was tight for a Grand Vitara...regretted it ever since...🙄
My first car was a seven year old Light Brown coloured Morris 1100. Well I say brown coloured but it was already three colours including a beige and a tan - I think we could say that rust proofing was not a developed art at that time. Me and a few mates booked a canal holiday starting near Birmingham. All three cars my 1100, my mates 1300 and a Saab 95 estate broke down just as we got to Birmingham and we had to face the daunting prospect of repairing the cars after the boat trip so that we could get home.
Once started (closed points was my cars problem) we raced them home down the M1. The two stroke 48bhp Saab was fastest as flat out it could do 78 at least 5 mph more than the others could manage.
SAAb 95 Estate Actually my car colour was once Bedouin, soak it in everyone
Most fun was our MGB GT V8, we had it for 20 years. Of modern cars my BMW X3M D is great to drive, never think it is a diesel except for the mpg. To be driven in my father's AC Aceca was class and while visiting the AC factory had a chance to be driven round the factory in a AC Cobra just back from Le Mans . Worst was a Renault where I put the starting handle through the radiator!!!
Worst- Range Rover Sport 4.4 petrol supercharged. Only averaged 16mpg and had countless issues.
Best- Jaguar X type, which was 8 years old when I bought it and was reliable and good on fuel.
Notable mentioned for the audi S1 I had, very fun and very fast car, but I looked like a complete knob driving it with its loud exhaust and everyone wanted a race.
Funny because my X-type (2005) was lousy on fuel consumption. 2litre petrol engine was lucky to get 28mpg
Hard to say which of mine were best or worse. Hate to say that the Honda FRV served me well for 6 years & 120k miles. Worse drive was probably the Astra Merit 1.2 (around 1991-92). Best looking were the Cavalier Sportshatch or Renault Laguna.
Just realised I posted on here originally as I was going to say are we talking about best looking or best performance/ durability.
Since 2020 I've been driving a Mercedes C Class. 2.2 litre diesel. Not had a problem & one of the most reliable cars I've driven.
Some bloke is selling one very near me for a very affordable price with reasonably low miles, and just wondered if they were any good.
People seem to hate them, but all i can see is a RWD 6-cylinder two-seater car with a retractable spoiler. Can't be that bad!
Not owned one but they've become much cooler with age. I think they are an old Merc SLK underneath.
Yes, first generation SLK/CLK underneath. One of the first cars produced after Mercedes and Chrysler joined to become Daimler-Chrysler, one of the biggest mistakes in MB history. Thank you Jürgen Schremp!
Not a long list for me, 5 cars, and luckily I've loved all of them! Current one is great apart from fuel consumption being a bit unimpressive. Passat R-line Estate 2.0 petrol 4 motion with 270bhp. Coming from a Golf R I still wanted something quick but more space. Its the first auto gearbox I've owned and I just waft around in it just chilled out, I could have just gone with a slower version with better mpg.
As a worst car I've driven, but not owned, a split screen VW camper van. Quite a few things to dislike about it, slow and so awkward for a tall driver as my knees were operating the indicatiors but puts such a big smile on your face, I loved it too!
Datsun 100A Opel Ascona 2 litre SR Fiat X19 Peugeot 205 GTI 1.6 Ford Escort 1.6 (just got married / children born) Rover 200 Audi A4 Avant Audi TT Mini Cooper convertible Audi A6 Avant Mini Cooper Works Orange Ford Focus ST (the ASBO) BMW 3 series convertible (M Sport) Silver Ford Focus ST Ford Mustang 5 litre V8 (right hand drive)
Currently in the stable
Land Rover Defender 110 Puma - 2007 reg, thus a proper Defender, not the new imposter
Ford Focus ST - 2019 reg (has Mustang engine, but not the V8)
Worst car - BMW easily wins that - fucking shite car - went back to dealer over 10 times for numerous faults
Best - well it’s equal - Defender, Mustang and A4 Avant - the A4 got t-boned by a gypsy in his transit in Dartford, I was gutted - Mustang was awesome and I should have kept it - Defender is just gorgeous, stinks of my dogs, slow, always has problems, but what a machine
Tell me about the Mustang? I'll be having one as my next car. What's it like to live with as a daily and how bad is the fuel consumption?
Owned 26 cars since 1960. Best ford Granada ghia coupe or the 2 fiat pandas I have had since 2003. Worst? Been lucky - bought most makes and all lasted well. Perhaps a cheap mini was all rust and stayed until it’s MOT ran out but only £35 lost.
Datsun 100A Opel Ascona 2 litre SR Fiat X19 Peugeot 205 GTI 1.6 Ford Escort 1.6 (just got married / children born) Rover 200 Audi A4 Avant Audi TT Mini Cooper convertible Audi A6 Avant Mini Cooper Works Orange Ford Focus ST (the ASBO) BMW 3 series convertible (M Sport) Silver Ford Focus ST Ford Mustang 5 litre V8 (right hand drive)
Currently in the stable
Land Rover Defender 110 Puma - 2007 reg, thus a proper Defender, not the new imposter
Ford Focus ST - 2019 reg (has Mustang engine, but not the V8)
Worst car - BMW easily wins that - fucking shite car - went back to dealer over 10 times for numerous faults
Best - well it’s equal - Defender, Mustang and A4 Avant - the A4 got t-boned by a gypsy in his transit in Dartford, I was gutted - Mustang was awesome and I should have kept it - Defender is just gorgeous, stinks of my dogs, slow, always has problems, but what a machine
Tell me about the Mustang? I'll be having one as my next car. What's it like to live with as a daily and how bad is the fuel consumption?
An awesome car - best to get the 5.0 V8 - mine had an aftermarket exhaust by Roush and the noise was insane - they go like stink, well built, very comfortable - never ever turn off the traction control (I did, and I lost the back end at only 30 miles an hour) - fuel economy, hmmm, best I managed was average of 23mpg, but I did wang it about
Provided you are not put off by sub 25mpg I thoroughly recommend getting one
Datsun 100A Opel Ascona 2 litre SR Fiat X19 Peugeot 205 GTI 1.6 Ford Escort 1.6 (just got married / children born) Rover 200 Audi A4 Avant Audi TT Mini Cooper convertible Audi A6 Avant Mini Cooper Works Orange Ford Focus ST (the ASBO) BMW 3 series convertible (M Sport) Silver Ford Focus ST Ford Mustang 5 litre V8 (right hand drive)
Currently in the stable
Land Rover Defender 110 Puma - 2007 reg, thus a proper Defender, not the new imposter
Ford Focus ST - 2019 reg (has Mustang engine, but not the V8)
Worst car - BMW easily wins that - fucking shite car - went back to dealer over 10 times for numerous faults
Best - well it’s equal - Defender, Mustang and A4 Avant - the A4 got t-boned by a gypsy in his transit in Dartford, I was gutted - Mustang was awesome and I should have kept it - Defender is just gorgeous, stinks of my dogs, slow, always has problems, but what a machine
Tell me about the Mustang? I'll be having one as my next car. What's it like to live with as a daily and how bad is the fuel consumption?
An awesome car - best to get the 5.0 V8 - mine had an aftermarket exhaust by Roush and the noise was insane - they go like stink, well built, very comfortable - never ever turn off the traction control (I did, and I lost the back end at only 30 miles an hour) - fuel economy, hmmm, best I managed was average of 23mpg, but I did wang it about
Provided you are not put off by sub 25mpg I thoroughly recommend getting one
Datsun 100A Opel Ascona 2 litre SR Fiat X19 Peugeot 205 GTI 1.6 Ford Escort 1.6 (just got married / children born) Rover 200 Audi A4 Avant Audi TT Mini Cooper convertible Audi A6 Avant Mini Cooper Works Orange Ford Focus ST (the ASBO) BMW 3 series convertible (M Sport) Silver Ford Focus ST Ford Mustang 5 litre V8 (right hand drive)
Currently in the stable
Land Rover Defender 110 Puma - 2007 reg, thus a proper Defender, not the new imposter
Ford Focus ST - 2019 reg (has Mustang engine, but not the V8)
Worst car - BMW easily wins that - fucking shite car - went back to dealer over 10 times for numerous faults
Best - well it’s equal - Defender, Mustang and A4 Avant - the A4 got t-boned by a gypsy in his transit in Dartford, I was gutted - Mustang was awesome and I should have kept it - Defender is just gorgeous, stinks of my dogs, slow, always has problems, but what a machine
Tell me about the Mustang? I'll be having one as my next car. What's it like to live with as a daily and how bad is the fuel consumption?
An awesome car - best to get the 5.0 V8 - mine had an aftermarket exhaust by Roush and the noise was insane - they go like stink, well built, very comfortable - never ever turn off the traction control (I did, and I lost the back end at only 30 miles an hour) - fuel economy, hmmm, best I managed was average of 23mpg, but I did wang it about
Provided you are not put off by sub 25mpg I thoroughly recommend getting one
This was my one, and I regret selling it
yeah I had a 2005 Mustang GT a couple of years ago and that was dangerous in the rain!
Comments
Peugeot 508sw now, has needed a few things doing but with 65 mpg it pays for those
hence my interest in the Crossfire!
Sadly the eml light came on in the meantime so it's still in the garage waiting for them to clear it
The emissions stuff just isn't reliable enough.
the worst was a Moskvich Estate which I was forced to drive as a punishment car:-
Current favourite is my BMW 135 convertible- lovely driving car!
Lotus Europa Sold the car after 10 years ownership and doubled my money.
Lotus Esprit S2 Turbo (the later shape) Fantastic car owned this for longer than I can remember. Only sold it because of house move at the time.
Worst car Vauxhall Antara had it from new because needed 4 wheel drive. After 1 year nothing but trouble with the electrics and it was a sluggish dog of a vehicle. Sold it shortly after the 1 year was out.
Currently have a Porsche Boxster 718 GTS The most practical sports car I have owned.
Wife has a Audi TTS brilliant little car, with Quatro handling, been very impressed with it.
Have owned Triumph, Ford and many of the general run of the mill cars over the years.
For work a car has never been necessary, football and cricket have been my hobbies which involves a drink so a car is not needed.
Of modern cars my BMW X3M D is great to drive, never think it is a diesel except for the mpg.
To be driven in my father's AC Aceca was class and while visiting the AC factory had a chance to be driven round the factory in a AC Cobra just back from Le Mans .
Worst was a Renault where I put the starting handle through the radiator!!!
Had some expensive cars and pickups over the years but the Freelander 1 is still my favourite.
Worst - Jeep Wrangler / Jeep Grand Cherokee / Renault Kangoo (van)
Datsun 100A
Opel Ascona 2 litre SR
Fiat X19
Peugeot 205 GTI 1.6
Ford Escort 1.6 (just got married / children born)
Rover 200
Audi A4 Avant
Audi TT
Mini Cooper convertible
Audi A6 Avant
Mini Cooper Works
Orange Ford Focus ST (the ASBO)
BMW 3 series convertible (M Sport)
Silver Ford Focus ST
Ford Mustang 5 litre V8 (right hand drive)
Currently in the stable
Land Rover Defender 110 Puma - 2007 reg, thus a proper Defender, not the new imposter
Ford Focus ST - 2019 reg (has Mustang engine, but not the V8)
Worst car - BMW easily wins that - fucking shite car - went back to dealer over 10 times for numerous faults
Best - well it’s equal - Defender, Mustang and A4 Avant - the A4 got t-boned by a gypsy in his transit in Dartford, I was gutted - Mustang was awesome and I should have kept it - Defender is just gorgeous, stinks of my dogs, slow, always has problems, but what a machine
Best has to be a petrol three door red RAV4, old style, it was just so beautiful to drive and reliable, had to trade it in when money was tight for a Grand Vitara...regretted it ever since...🙄
Once started (closed points was my cars problem) we raced them home down the M1. The two stroke 48bhp Saab was fastest as flat out it could do 78 at least 5 mph more than the others could manage.
SAAb 95 Estate
Actually my car colour was once Bedouin, soak it in everyone
Since 2020 I've been driving a Mercedes C Class. 2.2 litre diesel. Not had a problem & one of the most reliable cars I've driven.
Worst, either Ford Falcon (mucus) or Mitsubishi Van - one with funny gear stick, we called it 'Bitsaremissi'.
As a worst car I've driven, but not owned, a split screen VW camper van. Quite a few things to dislike about it, slow and so awkward for a tall driver as my knees were operating the indicatiors but puts such a big smile on your face, I loved it too!
Best: BMW 128ti
Worst: 2007 Vauxhall Corsa 1.4sxi
the Corsa was a brilliant little car tbf and in 14 years I had it, it didn’t go wrong once.
the BMW is quite the upgrade though!
Provided you are not put off by sub 25mpg I thoroughly recommend getting one
This was my one, and I regret selling it