16 replies to this topic

[baconjazz]

Hi all.

I’m starting to learn all there is to know about the vx220 with a view to a purchase in the next few months .
I currently own a BMW Z4 e86 coupe which is a great car , but it’s time for a change .

My first question is a fairly simple one ;

I have a budget of £10,000 . Will this enable me to buy a decent vx220 ?
Not too worried about mileage .

Thanks in advance.

Ian.

[smiley]

Welcome,

 

Since you are coming from a creature comfort car: are you planning to run it all your?

 

[baconjazz]

Welcome,

Since you are coming from a creature comfort car: are you planning to run it all your?

It will be used as a second vehicle as I have a daily work/runabout .

I did once own a Mx5 mk1 and loved it so I have no qualms about losing any creature comforts.

Edited by baconjazz, 23 September 2020 - 05:00 PM.

[turboluca]

10 should get you a nice na vx . Another 2k an you can get a vxt .

Edited by turboluca, 24 September 2020 - 08:48 AM.

[baconjazz]

10 should get you a nice na vx . Another 2k an you can get a vxt .

Thanks , that’s good to know. Are there any issues with higher mileage examples or is it all about service history and maintenance with these cars ?

[Cavturbo]

10 should get you a nice na vx . Another 2k an you can get a vxt .

Thanks , that’s good to know. Are there any issues with higher mileage examples or is it all about service history and maintenance with these cars ?

Values are mileage sensitive but you are best to buy based on history and condition. The mechanicals are well proven strong and generally reliable, more and more electrical issues due to age these days. Good luck and enjoy the search.

[ayresyy]

 

Welcome,

Since you are coming from a creature comfort car: are you planning to run it all your?

It will be used as a second vehicle as I have a daily work/runabout .

I did once own a Mx5 mk1 and loved it so I have no qualms about losing any creature comforts.

 

 

  I would just point out that a MK1 MX5 and a VX220 are not really on the same level when it comes to creature comforts (or lack thereof). Probably a good idea to drive one for a while before you decide if its right for you.

[iceman]

Welcome to the fold Ian.

 

You will get a 'looked after' na example for that price and coming with your history, i doubt that anything you find in the vx cab will be too alarming. Obviously there are the lack of comforts which you are aware of, plus there are the blobs of glue and unsightly gapped panneling in the cabin, which is (as most of the rider based supercars of old were) nothing to be too proud about (gulp, lol) but the 'feel' of the deliverance of power to tarmac and instant usablility of that power regardless (to a degree of course) of the g-forces the chasis is already under, is what differentuates the vx from more mainstrean and traditional road based two seater sports cars. As a second car (plaything ) you should, in my very humble opinion, have miles of smiles ahead of you.

 

Good luck in your search. 

 

 

[Cavturbo]

Good post Iceman.

[iceman]

Thank you very much 

[paul_mck]

you could have my supercharged VX for 10k. hpi clear but bit miley at 95k

[SParky77]

That's about the price point I bought myself into the VX220 world.  Last December I got an '02 NA with just under 38k on the clock as a "toy".  There wasn't a book full of dealer stamps but given how simple the cars are, mechanically, was plenty of invoices showing evidence of owner servicing and care in the later years and some sensible mods.  Same as any car, you want to know it has been looked after right.

 

It's certainly an exclusive club.  I've not seen another on the road in all the time I've had mine and the number of people that come up to ask about it "oh I've not seen one of these in years" or "what is it?".

 

I'm no expert but I suppose so long as the chassis and crash structures aren't showing signs of damage that's key.  Engine is Vauxhall and steering/suspension shared with Lotus so parts and upgrades are plentiful.  Bodywork I guess is a tricky fix if any knocks and some spares (e.g. lights) are hard to find/pricey given the rarity of the cars.  Though if you look in group buys there are threads for people getting some limited runs of some items.

 

Probably good to find a local specialist if not going to be doing stuff on it yourself.  I've found a performance Vauxhall garage for servicing and the like, that has  experience of these, and a Lotus garage for body work matters (thankfully am yet to use the latter).  Yet to take it for the first MOT under my custodianship, that's another thing I want to check on.  Whilst garages have to conduct the same tests and conform to the same standards (supposedly) I'm wary of going places that aren't used to VX220s/Elises and damage it when lifting or when climbing in and out. 

 

That's something else you'll need to learn, the proper technique to get in and out of one of these.  With the roof on I am yet to find a dignified and graceful manner of ingress and egress.  Thankfully I'm a shortarse so I don't quite have to perform human origami.

 

Given how few there are when you find one you may well find the owner is on here too, along with history of the car on the Build Numbers thread.

 

In short, do it and get one.  They're a hoot to drive.  Not as totally hardcore as a Caterham but you really do feel like you're driving the car, and not just a passenger as computers do it all for you. For smiles per mile they're brilliant.

[iceman]

...i equate the 'vx' difference (and why it's worth owning one) to being the equivalent to me running up the road in a pair of wellies and an athlete half my age running up the same road in techy trainers...

 

..just two blokes running up the road on legs and feet but having very different experiences.

[myles]

If you think you'll supercharge an NA in the future then I'd look for a slightly higher mileage SC version, maybe a little crustier round the gills. You can deal with the aesthetics cheaper than getting an SC fitted, and you can deal with all that in your own time.

[baconjazz]

Thanks for all the great advice and tips everyone !.......I spoke to Jon Seal on the phone yesterday and I’m popping up to his place next week to have a closer look at the vx.( haven’t even sat in one yet !) I’m in Rotherham and he’s in Wakefield so just up the road which is great .
He’s got a nice silver NA at around my budget and he’s also picking up a re-spayed Mandarin Orange one next week that he says is quite tidy too.

Cheers.

Edited by baconjazz, 27 September 2020 - 11:22 AM.

[iceman]

Good luck with that Ian.

 

Obviously i am far too mature and sensible to get into a colour choice argument (again lol) but if the interior is a standard black and exposed alum, then that nicely compliments and carries out to, the silver exterior (all very bachelor pad'ish but i like)

[myles]

Thanks for all the great advice and tips everyone !.......I spoke to Jon Seal on the phone yesterday and I’m popping up to his place next week to have a closer look at the vx.( haven’t even sat in one yet !) I’m in Rotherham and he’s in Wakefield so just up the road which is great .
He’s got a nice silver NA at around my budget and he’s also picking up a re-spayed Mandarin Orange one next week that he says is quite tidy too.

Cheers.

If you are on Facebook the orange one is on there. Looks nice.