28 replies to this topic

[Dobboy]

Evening chaps. My friend has just bought a VX, and its made me look at them a bit closer. Ive always liked their looks and been scanning the forum and YouTube learning a bit about them, and im getting a bit tooooo interested in them. Earlier this year I bought a non-runner Mk3 MR2 and after a brief run in it I sold it as it done nothing for me and I didnt like the general feel of RWD. Just now I have a mint 2.0 16V 205GTI with LSD, lightened Fly etc, and its build for speed, but doesnt see the light of day due to crap weather. My main toy is c.230bhp R53 JCW Mini, which is also built for fun and quite capable. Both cars sit around the 190/195bhp/ton mark, LSDs, performance brakes/tyres etc etc I think if I shifted both of these I could get a decent VX and mod it a bit, and im no stranger to a spanner. Vague question but do you think id more smiles per mile in a VX than my current cars? TIA

[jonnyboy]

You are a perfect candidate for conversion. You think you have sone interesting cars. I'd keep the 205 but you won't even remember the mini after a week in a vx220.

[The Batman]

is the mini your everyday car? or more to the point, will the vx be your everyday car?

[Rosssco]

I'd be tempted to say if you really didnt like the MR2, the VX220 may not do much for you either, as it handles similarly. Obviously it light, more precise and has an exotic edge the MR2 doesn't but they have a similar MR layout feel to them. Some people just don't get on with that in one way or another, but I think its mainly that its a very different driving approach is needed to go quickly. They are generally much less forgiving for mistakes, but I guess you'll be aware of that coming from a 205!

[Dobboy]

Thanks for the replys. Ive been toiling with the idea of selling the 205 for a while, its hardly done 50 Miles this year, and not much more last year. I use the mini everyday, only a few miles to work and back, I have a Q3 for family duties. I maybe never gave the MR2 much of a chance to be fair. Some of the VX videos/crashes look a little hairy. One thing I like about the mini is feeling secure in it, the 205 I feel a bit exposed, probably due to the 800kg and thin A pillars and the rest being a tin can, it maybe adds to the thrill! How do the VXs feel? Do the doors have any sort of ALU cage/bracing? Ill hopefully get a shot of my pals before I decide.

[smiley]

You are sitting low in the tub, and the door has a beam. That´s it.

 

It´s an amazing concept and many people walked away from some terrible accidents.

This is as bad as it get´s. Driver was in hospital for a few days.

Edited by smiley, 23 October 2017 - 09:11 PM.

[The Batman]

the europe one was pretty bad when the chassis was split in half

 

i think he walked away from that aswell tho didnt he?

[Dobboy]

Thanks Smiley. The tub actually looks quite good. Did the the crashed car fall out a plane? � Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[smiley]

No, just missed a corner.

 

Joe is talking about this one. That driver recovery took a bit longer.

[Johnboyhgt]

My own small bump if you follow the link - nettle rash was my only injury.

 

http://redirect.vigl...W9fynji3AjY2PU7

[Mattyboi]

A VX is safe and does feel safe as your sat right down low in it, I feel fine in mine but abit nervous in a Caterham on the road as there is nothing between you and the traffic. A few examples of crashes and rolls on here and everyone got away ok, they just look bad because the bodywork is totally destroyed as its fiberglass.

 

VX a swap for the 205? I'd say its worth it if you dont get much use out of the 205. The VX is fun when going slow and fast, offers a chance to learn a MR cars handling and is cost effective to track and modify. Plus the roof comes off for a mooch to the pub on a nice day.

 

Depending on budget you can get a car to suit your taste and needs. I started with a standard NA, was plenty fast enough while I got used to the car. Did six or so track days, then upgraded all the suspension and did another summer of track days. I've just got the car back from being supercharged and now its a total weapon.

 

I wouldnt swap my VX for anything. I wouldnt use it as a daily though.

[james_ly]

I had a mk3 MR2 before the VX. If you didn't like the RWD feel then you won't like the VX, it's very similar. In fact, the MR2 is more stable due to longer wheelbase, and more forgiving with more steering lock.

[Rosssco]

This is all very motivational for a prospective new owner! I'd rather have a big crash in a VX220 than most other small sportscars, let alone anything pre-90's.

[james4563]

My friend has a MK2 MR2 turbo with 320bhp and it's very similar to the vx turbo. I have borrowed my friends MR2 driven it quite a few times, it has a very similar feel to the vx, however the vx overall seems more solid/planted in the corners. As mentioned it has more steering lock, power steering too so not as much feedback from the wheel. I feel the MR2 felt a bit more stable at speed, either because it weighs approximately 300kgs more than the vx, or because something is up with my vx. Can't be sure which. If you hated the MR2 then maybe you wouldn't like the vx. I would however advise waiting until the summer before buying though, as being new to the vx might put you off completely through the winter months. I can't comment on standard n/a vx or turbo as mine is stage4 turbo, it's pretty useless in the wet/damp to get any power down and you could easily feel that you've wasted your money if your driving it for the first few months in the wet. However come the dry sunny days it'll shine and you'll have a big grin on your face the entire time 😀

Edited by james4563, 24 October 2017 - 10:04 AM.

[Dobboy]

My own small bump if you follow the link - nettle rash was my only injury.

 

http://redirect.vigl...W9fynji3AjY2PU7

 

 

My goodness...... consider yourself fortunate!

[Dobboy]

Yeah, from what i've seen you need to be careful on the wet etc in the VX, and to be fair i'm always a little cautious (lost my bottle) in the wet after seeing the back end of my 205 through the drivers side window not long after i had finished renovating it. I don't mind the wet on a track day though.

 

If i decide to get one i'd be trying to pick one up this side of Xmas (depending on how my other cars sold) and maybe/hopefully get a little more for my money whilst the bad weather is here and tweak it ready for the summer (if we ever get one again in Scotland).

 

Please keep the responses coming chaps.

 

 

[Rosssco]

I'm either perpetually keeping (i.e. spending excessive money) or selling (never use this thing) my 2.4 SC, so let me know if you want a look.

[Johnboyhgt]

They are very raw with few gadgets other than fag lighter and heater of sorts. You will only know by having a go in one. Sent from my SM-G903F using Tapatalk

[Johnboyhgt]

Despite a horrific crash which would put any sane person off, I mourned the passing of the vx more than any other car I have ever had - so I bought another and promptly converted to supercharged. One life - live it. Sell if you don't like it values are only going up. Sent from my SM-G903F using Tapatalk

[Mattyboi]

Yeah, from what i've seen you need to be careful on the wet etc in the VX,

 

Its no worse than most other RWD cars, my E30 325 was much worse. The internet will make you think its much worse than it is. I'd advise doing a car limits handling day if you're new to VX's, its really good fun and will build your confidence in the cars handling.