V8 Armchair

I'd personally always go with a cheap run around. With a hire car your definitely throwing money away. There are plenty of cheap reliable cars out there with MOT/TAX, do your research on the model(s) before you have a look and if you buy smart and are willing to travel a bit you should get your money back.

So you've got 4k and want a Teg? Get yourself a decent DC2 ITR. Motoring hacks have said the DC5 "lost a little of the old cars magic" etc. It's regarded as one of if not the best FWD cars of all time, and one of the worlds best drivers cars. Performance is actually better than the DC5 in the 0-60 dash, and it gets from 0-100 about a second quicker than an Escort RS Cosworth. Then there's the handling, awesome. It's also got the original aggressive vtec crossover which is missing on the later Hondas. End of rant.

@OP That's some fine photography! Here's my other car, an e34 shaped hole in the ground I throw money into occasionally It's not the fastest or the best looking but it has a certain character that i love. And a V8........

Good choice mate, you took my advice eventually hahaha Think the car was up for sale in Edinburgh a few years back, then again in June last year by a private trader in NE England. Both times especially the last I was very close to going for a serious look. Unfortunately it sold whilst I was still in the Netherlands. She's a proper group A homologation special that one (wrc version), should have intake water spray and anti-lag devices fitted from the factory plus a small bonnet spoiler (to stop bonnet lift around 125mph iirc, definately needed lol). It's also got rare factory option oz chrono wheels that emulate the rally cars tarmac spec wheels (before toyota changed to the six spoke Speedlines). Nice to see the dealer hasn't upped the price either, was 3k last time too. Can't say in not a little bit jelous, I'm frequently looking to get another one she looks like a minter. Enjoy!

Have you considered the Celica GT-Four ST205? I had one a few years back, it was a good drivers car. Reliability was excellent, the weak points are the figure of 8's (suspension bushings) and the synchro mesh, apart from that there isn't much to worry about. Parts are cheap and It's comparatively cheap to own. They're deceptively fast, and the gearing is long compared with evo's/sti's so It's also quite refined for a homologation car, also very comfortable on long journeys. The handling is nice and neutral, no clever diffs to interfere just good old 50:50 AWD. Just make sure your awake when it does finally let go lol

Doesn't ring a bell mate, maybe this vid will scratch your itch though?

Definitely a sad day for affordable performance motoring, the Impreza is probably the only car in the world that is instantly recognisable by It's engine note alone, and what a "note". They should IMO, bring back the homologation rules we saw in the Grp A and early WRC days, i.e. cars that closely resemble the road going versions bodywork wise and still use the same block/drivetrain (admittedly beefed up a fair amount). Manufacturers would have no problem selling them because a lot of us would want a road car with motorsport pedigree, and fans would love it because they could see the motorsport version of their/friends/family car being rung out in style by some of the best drivers in the world. FWIW, my personal choice, if I had to own 1 Impreza, would be the JDM version 2 STI v-limited.

It's been a good interesting mix of cars so far guys, and (obviously) a lot of love for the F40, Lotus Carlton and Sapphire Cosworth. @Iann- "Pity the F40C/F50c arent road legal (assuming thats a criteria of this )" I would say as long as It's a vehicle and can be driven then anything goes, with exception to the daily driver of course! Quite surprised not to have seen a single Porsche yet......

Hahaha, I hear you mate, a drive just doesn't cut it especially if you like a bit of Automotive DIY. Just having a well lit, warm garage would make me a happy man ATM.

With pics.....

Yes! Pics please, I'd put up my selection but this rig internet is slooooooowww to say the least lol

Your fantasy garage......a cost no object list of what you'd own. 3 cars only and must include a daily driver, a supercar and a legend/childhood dream. Just a bit of fun, we're all allowed to dream and it would be nice too see the different tastes on display! Ok, my list..... The "Daily Driver" - Audi RS6 Avant V10 bi-turbo. Lambo derived V10, immensely practical and with those mean flared arches. The "Supercar" - Noble M600. V8 bellow, no driver aids, raw and made in Britain. The "Legend/Childhood dream" - Group A Subaru Impreza ver II (McRae/Sainz). Epic noise (unsilenced EJ20 + straight - cut box') and great looking in tarmac spec.

Official Briskoda Fabia II vRS Register Date of registration: 22nd November 2012 Colour: Black/Black roof/Red interior/Silver wheels. Options fitted: 3 years servicing, Multifunction steering wheel, Front Armrest, Sunglasses compartment.

'normal people don't want old tyres back' Think my blood pressure raised a little when I read this, especially as you say almost new rubber. I'm not a violent person but that comment would've tested me. You should name and shame these cretins.

http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/mitsubishi/evo-vii--ix/2004-04-mitsubishi-lancer-2-0-4dr-evolution-8-evo-viii-15-services--cambelt/887563 http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/subaru/impreza-sti/2007-56-subaru-impreza-2-5-wrx-sti-spec-d/895393 Owning these kind of cars at least once should be on every petrol heads bucket list IMO

Just do the Evo/Sti thing, even if It's only for 6 months. There are still plenty around so you've time to take your pick of good examples. For the money nothing comes close, the performance is genuinely disgusting.

Hello folks! Just popping in to introduce myself. Me and the missus received our long awaited Fabia vRS on Friday, we're very happy with it already and I love the fact It's German engineered, well built and tremendous value for money. Also a big fan of the styling, it has a kind of "subtle menace" to it. Looking forward to learning from the forum "guru's" on best practice for maintenance etc. Regards, Allen P.S. will post some pics once the weather improves!