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S2000 Owner - Thinking Of A Change!


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#21 BrentFordTaff

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Posted 09 September 2011 - 12:16 PM

Seb.F - Oh ok, so are the usual things you've described "Leaking roof, terrible heater, broken bonnet/boot handles etcLeaking roof, terrible heater, broken bonnet/boot handles etc" - prevenatable or easily fixed ??? & bubbling paint dont sound too great - could you tell me a bit more please.

Ps - Very jealous that you have a white one (perfect colour in my opinion) - but I guess just like before its not a factory colour is it?

turboluca - Yeah I would sort of agree, unless I went for something Japanese that had been tuned within an inch of its life - NO CHANCE !!! As very expensive to do everything else apart from buying it in the first place that is.

Yup that'll pretty much summarise the S2000 pretty well :-)

Edited by BrentFordTaff, 09 September 2011 - 12:17 PM.


#22 Tuuurtle

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Posted 09 September 2011 - 12:53 PM

Tuuurtle - Hiya mate - Just bought one great (jealous) - how was the buying experience & how's ownership so far??? (As for the GF comment - agreed 110% haha)

So what car did you go from if you dont mind me asking? Well like i've said above, i've not even sat in one let alone driven one yet - but i'm excited so far, so just need an opportunity to arise now.

Um i do like my music - the sound system isnt great in the S2000, but bareable - is it really that bad? Are the not opportunities to upgrade the stereo & speakers to get a respectable sound?

As for your comment on the forum - well so far so good & very impressed so far :-)

Cheers all, Brent


Hi Brent, ownership so far has been great, had the roof off most days which is always a bonus, and i'm slowly mastering taking it off and putting it on quickly which is good. The buying experience was less than impressive to be honest. I bought it from an independent dealer who usually dealt with 'normal' cars so he knew nothing about VX's, however I went armed with loads of info from the buyers guide here so knew exactly what to look for / check.

Before the VX i've owned a few cars, and mix of front engined front wheel drives and rear wheel drives, but my most recent car was a Mini Cooper. Great fun to throw around and lovely inside but I really wanted something more dedicated... hence the VX. Plus insurance is actually cheaper on the VX than the Mini! Posted Image

With regards to the sound system, you have to remember that the VX has little/no sound deadening, so above 30mph there's a bit of road noise which will wipe out any delicate notes in music (even with the soft top on), and above 50 it becomes hard to hear the music properly unless you know the song well and can fill it in! There are 2 standard speakers in most VX's, and they're located half behind the seats behind your head and if they are the original speakers then they are useless, as well as the standard headunit which is basic at best. £150 will sort it out though, any coaxial 6.5" speaker should fit with no modification to the car, and a £100 headunit will blow the standard one out the water... but you've still got the ambient noise issue. I'm a huge fan of music and a bit of an audiophile but I still bought a VX. There are a few posts on the forum showing people fitting extra 10cm speakers into 2 of the dashboard air vents without suffering any demisting issues so there's always that option as it'll bring the soundstage forward if you're desperately unhappy with it Posted Image

#23 2.2_na

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Posted 09 September 2011 - 12:59 PM

are the usual things you've described "Leaking roof, terrible heater, broken bonnet/boot handles etcLeaking roof, terrible heater, broken bonnet/boot handles etc" - prevenatable or easily fixed ??? & bubbling paint dont sound too great - could you tell me a bit more please.


Looking on the forum, you might / will find examples of these things happening, but they don't happen to all VX's (they are all fine on mine!) thumbsup
It all depends on how well looked after the car has been, or if these things have already been fixed by a previous owner.
There are some VX's out there that don't have any issues, so I wouldn't say it's of any great concern.
The prices of VX's vary, and those that are 'cheaper' usually reflect their condition.

#24 jonnyboy

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Posted 09 September 2011 - 01:15 PM

Drop fagan on here a line he was looking to px an s2000 against his supercharged vx220 (my old car) might be a bit hardcore after an s2000 but then any vx will be to some degree.

#25 Harry Hornet

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Posted 09 September 2011 - 01:26 PM

Suggest you test drive one...a bit like marmite..either you will like it within 100yards or you will hate it. Its so cold in winter i suggest take heater out to lessen weight cos it doesnt work, stiff handling but direct , point it and go. It leaks, sills not great, light handling over 100, no room for golf clubs or even a crate of wine in boot, so many bad points only a mad man would buy one but service very 10-15,000 miles, cheaper insurance cos of Vauxhall badge and it is still a head turner, no one knows what VX or the griffin means anyway, reliable, never let me down except when -12 conditions drained the small battery if you enjoy go-karting then this is the sensation "every" time you get (climb) in Hope this helps..... Harry H .... 105k miles in last 8 years of every day driving in a VX220

#26 techieboy

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Posted 09 September 2011 - 01:34 PM

or even a crate of wine in boot, so many bad points only a mad man would buy one but

Sod the wine. Look how much beer you can get in there.



#27 jonnyboy

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Posted 09 September 2011 - 02:07 PM

I do a big shop in mine no problem at all

#28 GiGo

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Posted 09 September 2011 - 02:12 PM

If you want to have a look and a quick go in one, just pop me a PM, I'm just off J13 on the M6, there's a few nice roads round mine so you can really feel the enjoyment of the VX. Feel free to PM me, always happy to help a potential owner.

#29 dw1

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Posted 12 September 2011 - 10:57 PM

Hi BrentFordTaff, Loooonnng post alert :D Here you go, this is a long one but hopefully will help you understand the differences. I first wrote this a while ago for the benefit of S2000 owners and posted it on the S2ki site, for me it still holds true - hope it helps... I came from 3 years of S2000 ownership in January 06 and have done 5 months in the VX220 Turbo including a couple of track days, I had also done numerous track days in the S2000 and have had a driving professional drive each so I know what the cars are capable of. It's difficult to make a direct comparison to the S2000 because the cars are built to different briefs, but I'll have a go anyway. I will cover different aspects and give my verdict/score on which fares better (all highly debateable ). I have given equal weighting to each aspect though you might want to apply your own weighting depending on whats most important to you (again highly debateable when you come to total up). So here we go¦ Owners forum: The vx220.org forum is very good and similar to s2ki as a bunch of helpful, friendly and responsive folks. To me it really is a big plus in owning a car like this and makes a big difference to ownership. You get answers to questions very quickly. Verdict: S 1, VX 1 What a difference a good forum makes to help the ownership experience and they are both as good as each other and tribute to the owners. Engine noise: The aural pleasure of a car is important enough to have a section of it's own as it's capable of turning heads, bringing a massive grin to the face and brightening up a drive just because you're approaching a tunnel or bridge. Well nothing can replace that lovely 9000rpm F1 style scream of the S, I used to run it with the airbox cover off and would grin like a child every time I went through a tunnel. I didn't think it needed any aftermarket fettering as I loved the pure sound as it was. The only thing that surpasses the S is supercar type engines. You can tinker with VXT but won't get anything close to the S noise, with a Normally Aspirated VX and some aftermarket pieces you start to get closer but IMO you still can't match the noise because it was pure banzai rpm engine note and not exhaust. Tunnels are not the same fun anymore. Verdict: S 1, VX 0. No question about it, the S wins hands down. As standard the VX is nothing special and the whoosh of a turbo spinning up doesn't even come close. The NA is a bit better but still no comparison. Engine: Well, you don't need to check the oil every week. The VXT is actually a very lazy block compared to the banzai F20C and the power delivery is totally different. There is some turbo lag at normal speeds and the power curve is a little uneven (but I am told this can be sorted through a remap). When at track speeds you simply don't notice any lag as you are 'on it' the whole time. I actually love the turbo in regular driving as it is so effortless, you just push your foot halfway down and look in the mirror with a grin as the car behind you has just shrunk! So you do avoid the frustration in the S of having to suddenly change down a couple of gears and wait for VTEC to launch you. Having never owned a turbo car before I do quite like them. You can also tune the VXT to get 80+ extra bhp. The S is pretty much untunable. Verdict: S1, VX 0. I nearly went for a controversial draw here. If supercharged then it would have been a different matter. However the S is all about that amazing engine, it's unique, special and exhilarating. Servicing: Vauxhall are just not used to the VX220 or the type of customer that buys one and what owners expect. If you worry about putting your S into a Honda dealer then you'd need to take valium with a VX dealer. There are literally a small handful of dealers worthy, although there and some independent specialists who are truly excellent. There is one that has just earnt the ability to give a Vauxhall stamp and do official warranty work (Thorney Motorsport), phew as I'm due a service soon! Verdict: S 1, VX 1 - Last minute equaliser by the VX specialists. Practicality: The VX boot is smaller but if you use squashy bags they literally go right into the recesses to the edge of the bodywork, plus with the space behind the seat it' surprising what you can fit in it. But you can still fit more, more comfortably, in the S. You cannot fit a hard carry-on luggage case in the VX boot mainly due to the restrictive opening. There's no little cubby holes, secret compartment or glove box. I use my VX as an everyday car and it's fine. Verdict: S 1, VX 0 - No suprises there then. Costs: The price bracket is very similar, with the VX initially depreciating at a quicker rate. You can get a very recent mint condition car with sub 5000 miles on it for under £20k, so the S is a little more expensive. Depreciation then slows to a similar curve to the S. Whether this is good depends on if you are buying or selling . The running costs are very similar, with services being around £120 for the VX. As for fuel economy, who cares! If you're concerned about that buy a diesel not a sports car. However the fuel tank is small and is only good for a range of about 200ish miles. Verdict: S 1, VX 1. Both cars cost buttons considering the performance when compared to other sports car marques. Speed: Acceleration is quicker with the VXT, the NA is about similar to the S but the NA runs out of puff after 80 compared to an S. The VXT keeps pulling hard to 130+. However I remember 3rd and 4th gear in the S was surprisingly quick and I don't think at that range the VXT is significantly quicker. Overall it's a quicker car than the S. On the Nurburgring I went 30 seconds quicker than in my S, I reckon 15 seconds was down to more familiarity and the other 15 to the car. Verdict: S 0, VX 1. If outright acceleration and speed's your thing, the turbo delivers. Build quality: Well it's not a Honda! The engine is very solid with no reliability worries as the car is so light it's not strained. It also doesn't appear to use any oil, a real and pleasant novelty coming from the infamously thirsty MY00 range! I think the paintwork is made of cottage cheese and the front of the car is very prone to stone chips partly due to its vertical face. It's something to do with the flexing of fibreglass and the paint sticking to it. Elsewhere it's mostly ok but it's something to look out for. I would consider a nose respray after 3 years if you drive it as an every day car. You need to remember the VX is a low volume, hand build car which means inconsistencies. The secret is to just accept that and see it as an expected quirk of ownership and accept it with a smile (much like you would with a partner). It's part of the ownership experience. The more recent cars seem to have a lot of the little bits already sorted at the factory. Also all of the problems and fixes have been identified with the VX so if you are unlucky at least there is an answer. Verdict: S 1, VX 0. Just go to the two forums and see the types of questions, s2ki is how do I make my car really shiny etc. Vx220.org is how do I make my heater knob stay on etc Comfort/Ride: The Turbo has been given a very slightly softer and more complaint ride than the VX NA which makes motorway driving just fine. Going at 90 is smooth and fine and comfortable. There is more noise as there is less sound insulation but not to the extent that it's crazy, if you turn the stereo up loud with the roof off whilst driving fast you can still hear it. The heater is not a patch on the S, and that's if you're lucky enough to get a good one or fiddle around with Heath Robinson to make it half decent. Air con is non existent and it can get hot in the cabin on a hot day. Getting in and out is a bit of a do at first but you soon get used to it and it adds to the theatre of the car. I actually enjoy it as it emphasises it's sporting intentions, it's like that because it needs to be for the handling of the car not for the person. It's also funny watching uninitiated passengers trying to get in and out, huffing and puffing . It has manual windows which I thought would be a bind but actually because the cabin is so snug you can easily reach across and wind down the passenger side in two easy spins of the handle. Central locking with remote fob is an option!!!!! Luckily mine has that option as I would get very annoyed without it (I guess I'm too soft ). The car tells you when you have hit a pot hole but that's because it's so in tune with the real road and not all the cushioning that gets in the way of driver communication. Until I got my VX I never realised all the divots in my local roads as the S just sailed over them. Verdict: S 1, VX 0. The S is a more comfy car, but the VX is not uncomfortable. Handling: Out of the box the handling is bordering on the sublime. It's also very adjustable. I find that the car is prone to a tiny bit of understeer (this was apparently dialled in by GM to avoid big lawsuits) but also I think my geo is slightly out. I will be getting a revised geometry at the next service and will ask for a road/track setting and expect this spice things up a bit to make it more kart like and even more pointy. I could go more extreme and ask for the full track setting but I'm not ready for that just yet. I had not had experience of mid engine cars and was wary about them just spinning out because of the low polar inertia, but I needn't have worried as it's a pussy cat. If you can drive an S with sensitivity and without being an idiot then you'll be absolutely fine in the VX, it's very controllable. On an airfield I was trying my hardest to upset the car and doing all manner of things to try to make it spin, things that I could not have got away with in an S. (P.S. I obviously wasn't trying hard enough because I didn't spin) but you have to do something really extreme in the dry to get this puppy twirling. In the wet the car is fine, better than the S but again you need to drive according to the conditions and not like a idiot. On a wet ,slow parade lap on the Nurburging the S posse were twitching and all spoke of the cars nervousness, the VX was absolutely fine and planted with no hint of a twitch at the same speeds. A well driven S with it's LSD did have very good handling. The VX handles direction change better. The S tends to pitch and roll more and there's absolutely no scuttle shake either. The VX has the same chassis as the Elise and I don't think a bad word has been said about that and for good reason too. The Lotus developers and test drivers know their salt. Verdict: S 0, VX 1. Tubular bonded aluminium spaceframe & Gavan Kershaw, nuff said. Steering: The VX has incredible communicative kart-like steering - in fact at first it seems almost too communicative with the tiny momo wheel wiggling around all over the place, it can be a little unsettling at first (especially at higher speeds). However, once you get used to it, it's fantastic. Chalk and cheese compared to the S which was more numb with the electric rack and power steering. I think if I went back to an S now I would really notice the lack of communication. Verdict: S 0, VX 1.It doesn't get much better than this for the VX. Brand: Controversial this one. I'd put the Honda brand above Vauxhall, but as far as road sports cars go both are not known by the general public, despite Honda's F1 involvement. The average age of the Honda buyer being over 55 has something to do with it and as for Vauxhall you have to go back as far as the 1930s to see any real sports car linkage. The fact you have to explain an S2000 to people or if you just tell them you own a Honda they think of a Jazz or a Civic. It's even more comical if you tell them you own a Vauxhall. Verdict: S 0, VX 0. you both get a nil nil draw because perception wise both companies are rubbish here, neither are worthy of a point, although I'm leaning towards Honda who bounced a few off the post. Sense of occasion and looks: It's more controversial, spectacular/radical that the S so makes people love or hate it's looks. The S's beautiful, sleek and pure lines don't cause controversy. There are also more S's about so people are less surprised to see them. The VX has a sense of occasion about it and turns heads, which is fun. I personally love the look of the VX, it's very striking, purposeful and aggressive. It's also very rare which adds the special feeling. Verdict: S 0, VX 1. It's rarity and striking looks give the VX a strong presence. Summary: The S wins 8:7! As I was writing this I wasn't keeping a tally in my head, I was just looking at each aspect on its own merits. So I find the outcome very interesting. Context is everything and to help you understand this the evolution of my last four car choices has moved gradually more focused; Sirocco, MX5, S2000, VX220 Turbo. I love ALL of them and each were fantastic cars that brought a smile to my face every single day. The S has the perfect balance of compromises, you only have to give up a little to get 90% of it all. With the VXT you need to give up a little bit more but you will get 100% in some areas. The VXT for me represents a step up in terms of a more extreme/pure driving experience compared to the S. By nature that requires a compromise in terms of comfort/practicality/reliability etc but I'm pleased to say not as much as I was bracing for. And that's the secret, mentally prepare for the worst in some areas with this car and anything else is a bonus. I think the VX is absolutely fantastic as I put a premium on handling, steering and driver feel. If the S is at your threshold of what is acceptable in terms of compromise then the VX is not for you. However for those that dare and can tolerate it's weaknesses, the flip side is the reward of a sublime driving experience akin to a go kart and all that entails. Hope you enjoyed this and that it helps explain the S and the VX through my eyes and helps anyone who is thinking of changing. All the best, safe and happy driving. Cheers, Dw1 thumbsup

#30 2.2_na

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Posted 12 September 2011 - 11:49 PM

Loooonnng post alert :D


:yeahthat: OMG Long post!!!

#31 hughcam

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Posted 13 September 2011 - 11:58 AM


Loooonnng post alert :D


:yeahthat: OMG Long post!!!


Long but great post!! thumbsup

#32 Harry Hornet

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Posted 13 September 2011 - 01:10 PM

[quote name='techieboy' timestamp='1315575259' post='1243930']
Sod the wine. Look how much beer you can get in there.



Hope you pack the ice as well, otherwise warm beer! Posted Image

Harry H :drink:

#33 jameslemanski

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Posted 13 September 2011 - 02:46 PM

Hi Brent, I had an early v-reg s2000 and now have a VX220 turbo... very very different cars! The S2000 was very reliable & cheap to run (other than the cam chain tensioner going it cost me nothing in a year), very comfortable and a good cruiser. It was fun with the leary (yet controllabe) FR setup and there's nothing like the feeling of revving the nuts off it at 9000 rpm. oh and the roof was fantastic! HOWEVER, for me, it got quite boring quite quickly. The steering was numb - it didnt give much feedback, there was no torque and you very much had to be in the right gear to go anywhere... The VXt on the other hand is a lot more fun; its an out and out toy. It's fast and much like the elise, is a real "drivers car". You feel much more like you’re totally driving it and every bump and stone on the road is fed back to you. In terms of running costs, as i say my s2000 was cheap, where so far my VXT in 5 months of ownership has cost me £1500... I suppose anyone who makes an informed decision to buy a VX is willing to take on the passion of ownership; both the fantastic highs of driving it, and the inevitable lows. It is however much much less refined than the honda. My insurance was oddly significantly cheaper on my VXT, then again i am a couple of years older with a couple of years more no claims... My advice, as most other people have mentioned, would be to drive one. If you don't instantly fall in love with it (which im 99% sure you will!) then its not for you... There are a few cars out there and a lot of tat, so take your time and you'll find a good one (check the forum cars for sale - there are lots of good owners here!). Hope this helps and good luck! James.

#34 BrentFordTaff

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Posted 13 September 2011 - 08:33 PM

All, my apologies for the delay in replying - got called away with work last minute & I've not been able to get on with my works computer! However, thank you to everyone for your responses & here we go:

Tuurtle
- Glad to hear things are going well for you. I would look to buy privately, but having the glimpse at that info you went with when you made your purchase would be appreciated ;-)

Ok, so the sound system doesnt sound too great only having rear speakers - but I am used to the road noise & front speakers only of my S2k now tho. Like you said tho, i would look to upgrade the speakers + headset & hopefully when i get a ride or dare i say to drive one i'll get more of a first hand understanding of the situation.

2.2_na - Thats reassuring to hear that there are not common faults to everycar - however i guess its going to come down to how well educated I am to spot any faults when i go shopping (although by how this thread alone is going i should be ok!). In terms of the common problems, what are they & how easy are they to fix? Plus i'm guessing that they are pretty easy to fix or not that common considering yours is fine (unless you got lucky that is?).

In terms of the price i would look to pay - i am patient & will always wait for the right one to come along, if that means saving a bit more then i will do :-)

jonnyboy - Cheers for the heads up & to be honest at this newbie stage i cant really comment on whether it'd be too hardcore for or not ?!?! I'm hoping that'll change soon tho

Harry Hornet - I totally agree - test / passenger ride needed.

Ok so the heater is pap - are we talking painfully cold in the winter, i.e you leave the same clothes on you got into the car with & frozen inside + out ??? How bad are the leaks & do you know how easy to fix? Mine would unfortunatey be kept outside as no access to a garage. Crap sills - could you tell me a bit more? As long as i can get a weekend bag & some shopping in every now & then - boot space isnt really a big deal. I dont play golf (yet) & the boot in the S2k isn't great.

Cheap servicing at respectable intervals - sounds good to me. I like the fact that its rare & i agree it does have the WTF was that appeal.

It is very reassuring to hear that you've had yours as a daily driver for 8 years tho & by the sounds of it your still enjoying it :-)

techieboy - Haha, great video ! Tis a pretty, well, intricate boot space - but then again i'm not buying it to put the dog in - thats why i need to make sure my lass keeps her practical car.

Jonnyboy - You get a big shop in there??? Thats seems pretty good going or do you use the passenger seat / footwell also???


Gigo - I would love to take you up on that opportunity - thank you !!! I'm B27 so not too far, but i'm thinking more of a weekend activity. Unfortunately i'm up to my eyeballs over the next few weekends tho with weddings, birthdays & moving - however in exchange for some beers/wine of your choice, i would very much like the chance to meet up.

I'll drop you a PM to hopefully get something sorted over the coming weeks if thats ok?

dw1 - WOW !!! What a great post !!! Thank you & great to get an indepth insight of comparisons between the two - i'll do my best to comment on each section with my newbie knowledge:

Owners Forum - Agree, enough said. Great communities so far on both.

Engine Noise - I am slightly disappointed to hear that the exhaust note & engine noise of the VX doesnt compare to the S2k. I do have to agree with you tho the lid off does sound immense, but I dont leave mine off as i cant deal with the heat soak & the vacuum sound, and if i'm honest i am a little, well, unexcited by its standard noise now. I guess i'll be able to hear the VX when i get first hand experience of one & then i'll let you know if i agree :-)

Engine - Well although I do check my oil everyweek, fortunately i dont need top i up each time - but totally know where your coming from & having that reassurance if i do forget one day then i'll be ok would be nice haha. I would definately be looking to get a turbo & am used to lag from my impreza, but its great too hear its relatively easy to get the power & you dont have to prepare like you do in the S2k. In terms of tracking, i've never done one & yes at some point in the future i'd like to, if i ever get round to it that is :-(

Servicing - I must admit i've done ok with the Honda dealers so far (FHSH), but i do my research before hand - so i'll take your advice & do the same with this car, except i'll look into the specialists more with the VX.

Practicality - Pretty much what i expected, less & more awkward. But then again people seem to use them as everyday cars & i'll have access to another car anyways so not really fussed - again decide more when first hand experience.

Costs - As you said you wrote this a while back, would you still agree with the depreciation??? & unfortunately unlike then, MPG does actually have a slight impact on car choice now, sad but true.

Speed - All sounds good to me - turbo please.

Build quality - Haha, yeah i guess i'm going to have to get used to the "hand built" car, rather than the japanese build quality i've been used to - still all adds to the experience & theatre tho. The only thing i guess that worries me is the reliablity? It would be used as primarily my only car as so i would need to rely on it & unfortunately i wont have a garage to do any work on it (not the i'm great with tools anyways) - would this be something i need to worry about? & Also i'm a bit of a detailer on the sly, with buying a second hand car would i be disappoined with how well they age?

Comfort/Ride - All sounds good again - the heater is for my lass, AC i can live without & I want / looking forward to the theatre of ownership :-)

Handling - Great :-)

Steering - Great again :-)

Brand - Yeah agreed once again.

Sense of occasion - I must admit I still love the look of my car & it definately still gets the looks - however i do like the look of the VX also & agree with your points / comparison - the rare factor is great.

Summary - I'll totally take on board what you say & it is helpful, but again i guess I need to wait to experience one before i can really comment here ;-)

However, fantastic post, all very helpful & I'll be posting my findinds etc as time goes - thank you.

Jameslemanski - I would have to agree with you, I love the car in pretty much everyway, but i am getting bored with it & hence why i think its time to change. I'm really sorry to hear you've had a bad experience with yours so far, can i ask what went wrong ???

Cheaper insurance would be a bonus too :-)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Again thank you all for the posts & please keep the responses - advice - help - etc etc coming. :-)

I should be able to access the forum everyday now until perhaps the weekend, so shouldnt take so long to reply.

Edited by BrentFordTaff, 13 September 2011 - 08:40 PM.


#35 GiGo

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Posted 14 September 2011 - 05:08 AM

Gigo - I would love to take you up on that opportunity - thank you !!! I'm B27 so not too far, but i'm thinking more of a weekend activity. Unfortunately i'm up to my eyeballs over the next few weekends tho with weddings, birthdays & moving - however in exchange for some beers/wine of your choice, i would very much like the chance to meet up.

I'll drop you a PM to hopefully get something sorted over the coming weeks if thats ok?

No problem, just give us a PM and we can sort something out. Never mind anyone looking around the car.

#36 jameslemanski

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Posted 14 September 2011 - 07:02 AM

Jameslemanski - I would have to agree with you, I love the car in pretty much everyway, but i am getting bored with it & hence why i think its time to change. I'm really sorry to hear you've had a bad experience with yours so far, can i ask what went wrong ???


As i say, there are highs and lows of ownership - though the whole experience is still definitely a high at the mo! I've had a quite a few little problems sorted - engine mounts (very common, but a cheapish fix), brake pads, brake fluid, clutch fluid, steering rack, front geo, spark plugs, service, etc... but these are mostly little things that can happen with any car so don’t let them put you off.

When i bought mine at the beginning of the summer (stupid time!) there were none around, but there seem to be quite a few more for sale now so you should have a better choice. drive a few and do a bit of research and im sure you wont regret it!

#37 Mangham54

Mangham54

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Posted 14 September 2011 - 07:15 AM

Don't be put off by comment of them not ageing well. Other than a couple of the smallest tell-tale signs I have just sold a 9yo 70k mile VX and the condition inside and outside was excellent. The only real criticism I have of the paint is that because the body panels are made of fibreglass they have a slight dimpling (but you really have to get up close and personal to spot it). Maintenance costs are variable - buy right and you'll be fine, if you aren't as anal as I am about the slightest of noises/squeaks/rattles. Unfortunately I have hyper-sensitive hearing and am given a lot of grief by Friends and Family over my ability to hear and point out noises in cars. I am now asked by two people not to say anything if I hear something in their car as they had liked them until I was a passenger.

#38 Tom220SC

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Posted 14 September 2011 - 12:27 PM

Welcome to the forum mate & good luck with your search thumbsup




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