Post your personal car history

[Man of Steel]

I thought it would be fun to see what everybody's personal car history is.

Put up some details like years you owned it, model year and pictures of course!

My personal car history is far from impressive, but that is not important in this thread. Luckily the odds changed finally in 2012 with a brilliant purchase :-)

1: 1991 Toyota Starlet 1.3 XLi
Owned 1999-2000

2: 1994 Opel Astra 1.6i
Owned 2000-2001

3: 1999 Ford Fiesta 1.3i
Owned 2001-2010

4: 2008 Renault Twingo 1.2 Authentique
2008-present

5: 1999 Ford Ka 1.3i
2010-2012

EDIT:

6: 2008 Alfa Romeo 147 2.0 Twin Spark Business Pro
2012-present

[johnnynumfiv]

Daily Drivers:
1. 1998 Nissan Sentra
2006-2007
2. 2000 GMC Sierra 4x4 ext cab
2007-2009
3. 2006 VW GLI
2009-Present
Classics:
1972 Chevrolet Chevelle, 350 auto
1970+1974 MG Midget
1959 Chevrolet El Camino
1972 Plymouth Duster
1966 Ford Galaxie 7 Litre

Not to bad for 22 me thinks. :D

[whiteballz]

Car 1 - 1991 Nissan Silvia - First car!
18 months of incredible shenanigans and horrible, horrible reliability.
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=348059&stc=1&d=1297426517

Car 2 - 1990 Toyota Celica SX - Car 1 not reliable enough! Enter Car 2!
2 years of faithful service without major hiccup.
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=348060&stc=1&d=1297426517

Car 3 - 1985 BMW 323i - Car 2 begining to die, Shuffled it along before major damage to my wallet occured.
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=348061&stc=1&d=1297426517

Car 3 8 days after purchase.
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=348065&stc=1&d=1297426517

[Revo]

Looks like you need to break out of your routine, MoS!

Here is my rather short history

1: 1997 Fiat Coupe 2,0
Owned 2005-2008

2: 2006 Fiat Grande Punto 1,4
Owned 2008-present

3: 1984 Saab 900 Turbo 16 Aero (that is SPG for you colonials)
Owned 2009-present

[drakkie]

Let's give it a go too:

Late 2006 - early 2008:
1996 Suzuki Alto 1.0 :o
It started to get problems, so I sold it and got:
2000 Ford Fiesta 1.3

Unfortunately in December of 2009 it was declared totalled after two hefty crashes. The first was because of 'enthousiastic driving' and the second was a collision on the motorway. Accident happened in front, I braked just in time, but got a nudge from behind. Damnit.

At the same time I owned this fun-machine for 8 or 9 months:
A 1983 Suzuki Alto Mk.1 0.8L Automatic.

After the first crash I decided to save up for a fast ride. Sold the classic and after crash #2 the Fiesta too. With this money I bought my next red-monster:

A Ford Puma 1.7l 16V VCT :D

And now I am slowly starting to save up for my next ride; a Lotus Elise Mk.1

[Man of Steel]

Looks like you need to break out of your routine, MoS!

Within a year, if everything goes according to plan, I will aquire a more sporty ride.

Problem is I can never stick to one car I like. So today it may be this for sure and within a month it could be a completely different car.

I was obsessed by Alfa GT for a few months, but I read things I didn't like about the 2.0 JTS petrol engine. 3.2 V6 is not really suitable as a daily driver. Still utterly beautiful car though.

May end up with a styly 'hot hatch', don't know. Whatever it will be, it will definitely have more then 75 hp (which would set me a new personal record)! :)

[whiteballz]

From what I can deduce from this so far, Australia and America are the best places to buy cars.

[Man of Steel]

What the hell happened with the BMW - Were you OK?

[Revo]

I was obsessed by Alfa GT for a few months, but I read things I didn't like about the 2.0 JTS petrol engine
What it was that you didn't like about 2,0 JTS?

[thebrochureman]

I can’t drive yet but this is my car history, if you can call it that.

1971 mini clubman
2010 - Present

348070

I may need to buy another car because this car will be hard to insure. I have got my eye on an Alfa 147 I know you’re thinking they aren’t reliable and they are expensive, but for some reason I really like the Alfa 147 and their not that expensive, you can buy a good example for £1,500

[whiteballz]

What the hell happened with the BMW - Were you OK?

Sore ribs and bruising were the only true issues.

I got T-Boned by a girl speeding.

[acfsambo]

1. 1989 Toyota Camry Station Wagon (had for a month b4 I wrote it off)
2. 1996 Subaru Liberty GX Station Wagon (had for 1 year and a half b4 someone turning in front of me on the highway)
3. 2004 Ford Falcon Ba XT Station Wagon. (Had for a year and a half)

As you can see i like station wagons.

[Man of Steel]

What it was that you didn't like about 2,0 JTS?

I read a lot about the 2.0 JTS engine on Alfa Romeo forums and site from Dutch tuner (Squadra Tuning, an independent tuner specialized in Alfa Romeo). Learned that JTS (Jet Thrust Stoichiometric) is a form of direct fuel injection. I 'borrowed' some text to explain the issue with this engine in more detail to all the tech-guys here.

The injector is no longer mounted but before the inlet valve into the cylinder. A disadvantage is, when an injection before the inlet valve is mounted gives a flushing effect of the fuel intake valve. They therefore remain pretty clean. When this cleansing effect disappears, there will be an accumulation of debris which caused the passage of the inlet channel will eventually decrease.

It is no exception that the engine will "sludge" and will lose its performance.

Plus: The 2.0 engine should produce 165 hp, which is not extremely fast for 1.295 kg but will certainly do the job. Squadra Tuning tested 10 vehicles however and they were all measured at 142 to 146 hp, 20 hp less (!) then which is promised. Also the torque was measured 25 Nm less. I am not willing to say that you would immediately feel the difference in daily traffic (I also have low standards), but this was really a let-down for me as I feel that 165 hp is really the minimum for such a car. This, combined with the possible contamination issues, make me in doubt to opt for that version.

This is a known issue with the JTS engines, which are also used since 2000 on Alfa 156, Spider and GTV models. It also means the engine consumes more oil (the exact use is mentioned in the manual), but to be honest I don't care for that.

On the other hand, the problems seem to be less with models after 2004, as some modifications have been done. There are also owners which have the car for years without any issues. But... If you had the money, would you take the risk?

Off course, the 3.2 V6 is a different type of engine and doesn't have these issues (and a healthy 240 hp - measured). It also has a wonderfull V6 exhaust note (check Youtube). To me it is the ultimate combination of power and beauty, and the purchase should be affordable. However using it as a daily driver... Don't know. Fuel consumption is 1:6 (if you're lucky) and gas prizes are approx. Eur 1,65/liter today. Me and my misses still like going on Holidays once in a while...

[Man of Steel]

1. 1989 Toyota Camry Station Wagon (had for a month b4 I wrote it off)
2. 1996 Subaru Liberty GX Station Wagon (had for 1 year and a half b4 someone turning in front of me on the highway)
3. 2004 Ford Falcon Ba XT Station Wagon. (Had for a year and a half)

As you can see i like station wagons.

Pic's please.

[Man of Steel]

From what I can deduce from this so far, Australia and America are the best places to buy cars.

Correct. You don't pay ridiculous prices for purchase, gas, insurance and road tax.

If you would ask my car-heart, of course I would drive a big V8 instead of an econobox.

[Revo]

But... If you had the money, would you take the risk?
Yes I would. The fact is that every brand and model has its fair share of problems.

I assume that you are looking second hand car here, so the REAL risk lies the previous owner. There are plenty of cars for sale which have full service history and bone dry oil dipstick.

[Cobrafan427]

1990 Ford Crown Victoria LTD
2006 - Present


I don't have any pics of my car but this is basically it except it has dark red pinstriping under the windows and the vinyl on the roof is dark red too

[DesmoRob]

Hmm, I changed vehicles too much....

2006 - 2007 - '01 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0: spun it, rolled it, smashed it
2007 - 2009 - '02 Acura RSX 5 speed : sold privately
2008 - 2009 - '04 Ducati 749 : sold privately
2009 - 2009 - '92 Honda Civic CX w/ H22 swap : flogged it, off-roaded it, sold it privately for more than what I bought it
2009 - 2009 - '01 Mercedes-Benz C240 "elegance" : traded it
2009 - Today - '00 Audi TT Quattro Coupe

[NSXType-R]

0. When my dad was in Hong Kong, he used to drive a Mazda RX-3 and a Mini Clubman. The Clubman was a family car, they often fit 6 or more people in that car.
1. VW Golf- a car from before I was born, it broke down on a bridge. And that was that.
2. 1982 Honda Accord Hatchback- a grey hatchback that was stolen from us. I "drove" on my dad's lap when I was about 3 in that car.
3. 1979 Honda Civic 4 door wagon- A blue wagon meant to be for my mother, but she never drove it and it sat in the driveway until it was far too rusted to be fixed up again.
4. 1983 Accord- we still have and drive that car.
5. 1987 Acura Integra hatchback- some guy water logged the engine, my dad fixed it up as a beater car. Had over 200,000 miles and way too much rust on it when we threw it out. I did however, learn how to shift with my left hand while my dad operated the clutch in this car. Still one of my favorite cars of the fleet.
6. 1995 Acura TL- still have it, my dad bought it as a project car. Someone stole the car, stripped it for parts and left the hunk at my dad's shop.
7. 1993 Civic Si hatchback- the car that was meant to be for me to learn how to drive stick shift. We had the car for a year, it was stolen on Friday, August 13, 2004. The guy didn't even steal it, he freaking towed it. Still fuming about it.
8. 1995 (?) Ford Escort Wagon- was my uncle's car, we got it when he got rid of it for a minivan. My dad pushed it so hard it threw a rod and that was that.
9. 2003 Subaru Forester- replaced the Ford with this car. Excellent interior space, lovely wagon.

Right now we only have the TL, the Forester and the Accord.

Some context- my dad is primarily a Honda mechanic. Hence my large bias for Honda cars.

[cmcpokey]

alright, i'm in. i will leave out stuff prior to my license, with exception to say that i came home from the hospital in a Datsun B210 (not the honeybee though), the first car i have a memory of is a Renault Fuego. and the first car i drove was a 1989? 300ZX. My parents had odd taste, what can i say.

my cars:
1987 E30 325, wrecked badly twice, totalled when i was hit in my door by a bronco who was speeding around a blind corner.
1993 Isuzu Pickup, white, grill missing, an unkillable beast which my mom still has, and i drove it in January
1993 honda accord, given to me by my mom after she got a new car so that i didnt have to drive my 17 mpg truck back and forth to college any more. drove it until it basically died. had to jump start it to drive it to the dealer to trade on...
2004 Mini Cooper S, first car that was all mine. loved it. did my first autox in it, and miss it every day, but i traded it in on...
2006 Infiniti G35 Coupe, still have it and need to sell it.

misc other cars:
1981 Mazda RX-7, which i still own. my grandmother bought it new about the time i was born.
2008 Mazda CX-7, my wife's car which I drive more than she, and probably more than my G35.

there are tons of cars i grew up in, and have driven over the years, but the above are what i consider to be my cars.

[pimento]

2001-2002 - Rover SD1 series 2 3500 (EFi). Fantastic car, when it was working. Sold it when it left me stranded again.
2002-2010(kinda) - BMW 323i - Brilliant, after it ceased being my daily in 2003 it became the perennial spare car for anyone who needed it. Died last year when it blew the head gasket, went to the great scrapyard in the sky. :(
2003-2007 - 1965 Mini Van. (1098cc engine, original gearbox). Sold after I'd driven it to bits and didn't have the resources to rebuild it. No first gear, rust, perennial overheating issues.. the usual for an old Mini.
2007-2009 - Volvo 850R (http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30741). Gave it to my Dad cos I never drove it, he still has it.
2009-present - Postie Bike (http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39540). so cheap to run there's no point in getting rid of it.. it's too useful.
2010-2010 - Suzuki GS500 (http://www.nastybun.com/2010/06/19/new-wheels-are-new/). Written off (his fault).
2011-present - Triumph Bonneville 790 (http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42894).

[csl177]

Interesting lists from you guys, reflecting current preferences and market. You want performance reasonably priced the same way my age group did 30+ years ago. Just having been on the planet awhile longer makes it impossible to list everything, and some of my cars were strictly beaters so I've left them out. Many purchases were often $200 to $1000... in the early 1970's what are classics now were just cheap cars. Though I had Ferrari/Bugatti/Mercedes 300SL tastes, they cost $4-6,000 which was a big sum then. Dirt cheap in retrospect, check an inflation calculator for a shock. Excluding cars bought to fix & flip or owned just a few months, this is kinda complete and roughly in chronological order from age 16. Cars marked bold on this list I currently own, four of the Porkers purchased in the past 5 years.

1965 Ford Mustang K GT (SCCA Holman & Moody)
1967 Austin Healey BJ8 3000 MkIII
1960 Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite (SCCA H Prod)
1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Promiscua Wagon (4 on the tree!)
1953 Packard Caribbean
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider Veloce
1961 Austin Healy 100-6 (Sebring works car)
1956 Jaguar XK-140MC Coupe
1966 Mercury Cyclone
1967 Oldsmobile Toronado
1955 Triumph TR2
1964 Jaguar XKE Coupe 3.8
1969 Mercury Marauder
1966 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S
1962 VW Bus (15 window Standard)
1966 Toyota FJ40
1980 VW Rabbit
1966 Ford Mustang Coupe (D code)
1976 VW Scirroco 1600GTi (Euro - Track/Street)
1969 BMW 2800CS (Track/Street)
1984 Dodge Omni GLH
1967 BMW 2000CS Alpina (Track/Street)
1966 BMW 2000CS
1975 BMW 530i (E12 - Track/Street)
1967 Mercedes 280SE Coupe
1994 Mercedes 500SEC
1972 BMW 3.0CSL (Track/Street)
1964 VW Microbus Deluxe
1996 Range Rover
1973 Volvo 1800ES
1968 Mercedes 280SL*
1962 Porsche 356S Notchback
1998 Audi S8
1999 Ford E350 Club Wagon
2002 Audi Allroad
1962 BMW 700 Cabriolet
1963 BMW 700 Sport
2004 Audi L8
1968 Porsche 911T Targa Sportomatic*
1972 BMW 3.0CSA (Euro)*
1967 Porsche 911S
1968 Porsche 911S Targa Sportomatic
1970 Porsche 914/6 (GT Project)
1968 Porsche 911R (Vintage Racecar)
1970 Porsche 914/6 GT (Historic Racecar, ex-Gregg/Haywood)

EDIT: I should note that three (*) are my wife's.

[Man of Steel]

Thanks all, but with such interesting lists, what this thread need is pictures!

[clutch-monkey]

1991 VN holden commodore
1991 DA9 honda Integra LS
1978 mini clubman (now a shell)
1971 mini clubman (sold)
1975 mini clubman (for sale)
1993 mini cooper (briefly.. passed on to sister when she got her license)
2003 nissan patrol
2005 honda jazz (DIE)
1978 911 SC
1964 mk1 triumph spitfire (R.I.P.)
??? GT6 to come?

[Man of Steel]

Yes I would. The fact is that every brand and model has its fair share of problems.

I assume that you are looking second hand car here, so the REAL risk lies the previous owner. There are plenty of cars for sale which have full service history and bone dry oil dipstick.

I understand your point. It will most probably be a second hand car and of course, proper documented servicing history and reasonable mileage (max. 100.000 km) are major factors. I am well aware of that.

I also agree that every make and model has its own flaws and problems. If I would buy an Italian automobile, most of these I would consider as 'character'. :)

Higher oil consumption is something what can be read about most of Alfa 147/GT models. Don't see that as an issue, as long as the driving experience is there and the car remains properly serviced.

That being said, the JTS engine seems to suffer from more then just a 'character' flaw. Engine is not performing as it should be due to the 'revolutionary' fuel injection system (environmental regulations, you know). And when I read the below I get a bit nervous.

As explained JTS does not know the effect of the cleaning action of the intake valves like a normal injection gasoline engine knows that. Normally the injector is mounted before the inlet valve so that the injected fuel goes directly to the inlet valve and keeps it beautifully clean. Below show pictures of a JTS engine, which is a different story.

The photos show pretty slibbed inlet channels and equally as many severely contaminated valve steal. One can well imagine that the maximum amount of sucking air in the intake is drastically reduced. This engine produced only about 130 hp. Unfortunately, the capacity after cleaning is still unknown.

Source : http://www.squadra-tuning.com

Again, the problems seem to be less after 2004 models, as modifications were done (but they did not change the JTS principle). There are also numerous owners without issues.

But still not sure if I would risk it though, as I am planning to buy a car for numerous years of driving pleasure (not buying a different car every 2 years or so). Of course, you can never be sure with any make or model, but the above does not sound comforting to me to start with. A big shame as I still think it is a beautiful car.

I also have different preference for different cars from time to time. But I have enough time, no rush. So time will tell what I will buy eventually. :)

[Revo]

Well, AFAIK carbon deposit build up on intake valve is the weak point of any petrol DI engine.

Audi/BMW/Porsche owners are especially upset since they, unlike Alfa owners, tend to assume that cars should work.:p

[Ferrer]

Fully owned:

1994 Audi 80 2.8E
2010 - present.

Pics are somewhere on UCP.

[csl177]

Fully owned:

1994 Audi 80 2.8E
2010 - present.

Pics are somewhere on UCP.

:confused: Previous non-Audi conveyances were borrowed or leased?

[IBrake4Rainbows]

Pretty Sure I wrote this down somewhere else in the forum, but whatever Trevor.

1994 Jeep Cherokee Sport
- The Almighty Heep. Dad's Car.
1986 BMW 318i Sedan (E30)
- Claudia. My aging German Supermodel. Currently being Tuned out in QLD by some P Plater.
1994 Volvo 850 GLE
- Ingrid. Comfortable Highway beast. Monster to repair.
2002 Volkswagen Golf GTi
- Rommel. Acquired 2 weeks ago. Currently runs like clockwork, could use a wash.

[Kitdy]

:confused: Previous non-Audi conveyances were borrowed or leased?

Split with mom and/or uncle and aunt I think.

[Ferrer]

Split with mom and/or uncle and aunt I think.
Mother.

A 2005 Mini Cooper S and 2007 BMW 118d. I shared the costs and used whenever I wanted them, but they weren't really mine.

[Fleet 500]

I have not owned too many cars in 31 years of driving because I like usually like to keep cars a long time. Here is "the list" in the order bought and mileage when bought:

1966 Dodge Dart GT V-8, 109,000 miles
1979-2002 (Photo #1)

1971 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham, 58,000 miles
1995-2002 (Photo #2)

1976 Cadillac Fleetwood Seventy-Five Limousine, 59,474 miles
1999-present (Photo #3)

1970 Cadillac Sedan de Ville, 89,000 miles
2004-2006 (Photo #4)

1969 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham, 89,000 miles
2004-present (Photo #5)

1995 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series, 109,000 miles
2006-present (Photo upcoming)

1966 Plymouth Fury VIP (383-4 bbl), 89,000 miles
2009-present (Photo upcoming)

[Fleet 500]

1995 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series, 109,000 miles
2006-present (Photo upcoming)

1966 Plymouth Fury VIP (383-4 bbl), 89,000 miles
2009-present (Photo upcoming)
Here are photos of my two most recently-bought cars...

[Man of Steel]

Cool, thanks for your contribution! You can put my 2 current cars into the trunk of your Plymouth :)

[Fleet 500]

Cool, thanks for your contribution! You can put my 2 current cars into the trunk of your Plymouth :)
Yeah, it does have a quite large trunk. A 10- or 12-speed bicycle can fit without having to take off any of the tires.

Here are some photos to illustrate...

[csl177]

Always great to see long-term ownership, Fleet. I love the Dart, not seen often anymore... are any of your collection working cars?
I mean, do you rent out the limo's?

[Fleet 500]

Always great to see long-term ownership, Fleet. I love the Dart, not seen often anymore...

Yes, it would be fun to buy another '66 Dart for nostalgic reasons. That is one reason I bought the '66 Plymouth (one of my brothers owned one for 22 years).

are any of your collection working cars?

No, all are for private use.

I mean, do you rent out the limo's?

No, I want to keep the miles down on it. It is at about 98,500 now. Also, the insurance rates on it would go way up if it was rented out. I haven't even driven the limo since Feb. 6.

[DigitalLuke64DD]

1995 Fiat Cinquecento SX in Midnight Blue
Originally my sister's car, it had been lowered and had 17" alloys on it, which meant the tyres kept rubbing against the wheel arches, as well as a stupid Bose stereo system in the boot. It had 205,000 miles when I got and had about 249,000 miles a year later when the gearbox suddenly caved in and died. Owned March 2003 to December 2003.

1993 Mitsubishi GTO Twin Turbo
My first real tuning project, I got it dirt cheap because it had been involved in a head-on collision and needed a new front end. So my first job was to replace the wrecked bodywork... with a horribly vulgar bodykit. On top of that was an enormous wing, lowering kit and a taillight swap with the taillights from a '97 GTO. If I remember rightly, the only engine modifications were an exhaust, a new air filter, a remapped ECU and a strut brace. Looking back, I realise how extremely riced out it was, and I hope I never speak of it again. Owned December 2003 to May 2004.

1997 BMW M3 Evolution Convertible in Metallic Emerald Green
After the GTO, I decided to stay away from modifying my own cars, and simply help modify friend's cars instead. So I chose a rather sensible M3 Evo Convertible in green with 101,000 miles on the clock. And it lasted me a good 3-and-a-bit years. Not much else to say about it really. Sold it for more than what I paid for it. Owned from May 2004 to January 2008.

1995 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec in Yellow
This became my big project, and something I still own and work to this day. Making sure I didn't make the same mistake as my GTO, I worked on the performance, and the performance only, until June 2009 when I fitted a JDM C-West bodykit. It currently has about 505 HP and is a real weapon out on both the track and the drag strip. Does the 1/4 mile in 11.1 seconds. Owned from January 2008 to now.

2009 MG TF LE500 in Vibrant Orange
After nearly a year of using my Skyline as a daily driver, I wanted it to be more of a race machine than my personal cruiser. That's when I started looking for a sensible daily commuter car, yet I still wanted it to be sporty and interesting. I came across a PT Cruiser Convertible (yes, really) and very nearly bought it, until the dealer moved me towards one of the brand new MG TF LE500's, which had just arrived. I test drove it, and fell in love. Bought it the same day. And the novelty still hasn't worn off. Owned April 2009 to now.

[csl177]

1995 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec in Yellow
This became my big project, and something I still own and work to this day. Making sure I didn't make the same mistake as my GTO, I worked on the performance, and the performance only, until June 2009 when I fitted a JDM C-West bodykit. It currently has about 505 HP and is a real weapon out on both the track and the drag strip. Does the 1/4 mile in 11.1 seconds. Owned from January 2008 to now.

Sweet... post pix to the Users Rides thread please. Don't forget the EggNogg. :)
(your UCP handle written on a piece of paper slipped over the shifter as ID)

[kiwitt]

I was a late starter, regarding driving. Getting my licence at 25/26.

1978 Galant GSL
(bought 1988 - 10 years old)
(sold 1994 - 6 years ownership)

I started looking for our first car. I really liked the look of the 1980's Toyota Corolla T-18 Coupe. Couldn't really find a decent one. A colleague of mine showed me a bright orange 1978 Galant GSL. Wasn't sure about the colour, but it was nice to drive. Rear-wheel drive and automatic. We then bought this car for $7,000 in 1988.

It was so clean, and sharp for an old car, no scratches on the paintwork, but the tyres were mismatched. I changed the original 165s for 185/70 tyres. These were wider then the originals and made the car feel much better. I even detailed the Dunlop lettering in white paint as the "goodrich" tyres to give it a more racy look. We had this car still, when we got married in 1990 and then transferred to Wellington for a promotion. Still loved the car and drove it up and down to Auckland to see family 3-4 times a year, stopping in Taupo for a break. (The Motels there had in-room mineral spas, great to relax the the tired bones). Did this for at least 4 years. In that time I had replaced the shocks (Made minimal difference in the handling).

It was not really that fast. Up hill it could only manage 80kph (50mph) foot flat to the floor getting out of Wellington. However it could cruise quite nicely at 100kph, but would really be working hard at 120kph.

We still had this car, when we returned to Auckland. I got a job that required 120km per day commute, so I knew it would not last, oil use etc. Sold it to a collegue at my new job, who didn't need to drive so far and it was their first car for $3,000 in 1994.

I decided I wanted a Turbo Fuel injected 4WD car. Looked at a Subaru Leone Sedan with the above. Boy could it move. However, in pre-inspection it had oil leaks. They attempted to repair this, but a second check it was still there. Decided, too much trouble and looked around a bit more

Postscript: I saw my old Orange Galant broken down along the road I used to commute. : (

De-registered: 1997 - 230,000km

1987 Galant Sigma 2-litre Super Saloon
(Bought 1994 - 7 years old)
(Sold 1996 - 2.5 years ownership)

I started looking around for a replacement. Saw a Subaru Leone with 4WD and Turbo. However, it was leaking oil badly. Twice to the AA for checks and twice it leaked. So passed on that one.

Saw this car at my local dealership. This car looked like a "Blue shark" and was very sharp looking. Bought it for $10,000. It already had 140,000km on the clock, but is was newer and well serviced it should last the long commute, I thought.

It did handle well and could really cruise at 1800-2000 rpm gave 100 to 110kph, which made it really economical. (my next car required 2800-3000rpm for the same speed)

I improved the breathing of this carburated motor, by removing the plastic air intact extension that was connected to the left front fender and pointing the air tube forwards. This made the cold air go straight in to the air filter box. May have increased the hp by 10%. It really went fast.

It was however not so good in the corners. I fixed this in 2 ways. The original 185/70 with 195/60 and Gas Shocks (Monroe GTs). This allowed me to go round some sweeping corners at 160kph. (However, at that speed, I still got overtaken by a Holden V8 1-tonne ute and a collegues 1990 VR-4)

I had a real bit of luck on this one. The transmission died, so got it replaced and paid for it on VISA and never got the bill

I noticed rust forming around on the rear windscreen and looking at a $2,000 repair job for that and other bits. On a $3,000 car, I didn't think It was worthwhile.

Got another job in 1996 less commuting. Time to sell the "Blue Shark".

De-registered: 2001 - 318,000km

Traded it in for $3,000 on a ....

1990 Galant 2.0 DOHC GTi-16v
(Bought 1996 - 6 years old)
(Sold 2003 - 7 years ownership)

I was going past our local dealer for 4 weeks and this car was standing out bright and silver at the front of the lot. There were newer 7G galants, but this 6G model really stood out. I eventually decided I had to have it. It was fully optioned, with Climate Air-conditioning, power mirrors, power locking, etc. etc. (it even had a lighted vanity mirror for the passenger and 4 interior spot lights)

Bought this for $13,000. Wow what a fast car. However, it was not as solid as the old blue shark; It felt taller, higher and less sure footed in the corners. I fixed this with 195/60 to 205/55 tyres and new Gas-shocks (Bilstein). What a transformation. I really loved it after that. It could really handle well. I continued to maintain this well, with a new computer under warranty.

Showing off to a friend, I hit 160kph over the "Newmarket Viaduct" and went off the off-ramp at 140kph and let the 4 wheel discs slow it down. What stopping power.

I went to see "Star Wars: Episode 1" with work collegues and returned to where I parked the car. It was gone, stolen. DAMN !!!!! Called the cops, and reported it stolen. I had to drive a insurance "loner", 2000 Hyundai Accent in the interim (What a dog, a 10 year newer car and it felt like junk.) They eventually found my car, it had been (ab)used in a robbery. They had ruined the gearbox. This was repaired under insurance.

I got another 3 years out of it, before I got the VR-4.

Postscript 1: (2004) I sold this car to my Father-in-law, who has recently cruised at 145kph and was getting strange looks from other car drivers. He's over 70. Well done. I'm glad it went to a good home.

Postscript 2: (2007) This car was involved in accident and was deemed a write-off. A sad day indeed. My father in-law passed away, so making it a really tough year.

De-registered: 2007 - 172,000 km

1996 Galant VR-4 Type S
(Bought 2003 - 7 Years old)
(Nearly 8 years ownership so far)

I saw this model ages ago and thought, what a technical marvel. 4WD, Twin-Turbo, Ralliart-tuned, AYC from the EVO series, etc. etc. At $65,000, I thought this was well out of my reach, At least I can dream.

Had an opportunity to test drive a 8G VR-4 in April. It was Black, 17" Gold alloys, sunroof, etc. etc. It felt really fast, but at the sametime safe. I had it overnight. It was on special for $22,000. With warranty and alarms it was going to cost $25,000. However, for one thing or another things happened and we didn't go through with it.

As other Galant VR-4s were also selling for $25,000 and thinking I can't buy one at that price, started looking at other cars. Considered a "Nissan 200SX", "Ford Probe" and then settled on a FTO. I decided to research this car and found out that MiVec version is the one to have. My local dealer said he had found one for $15,000 and I was really considering it . My wife said to me. "if you get this car are you going to really happy or are you going to say in 2-3 years that I want will want a more executive-looking car."

I decided to look again on the web when I spotted the VR-4 on the web for $16,995. What a bargain, no more looking at a FTO. Get the Dealers website up saw it there for $18,995. Hmmm $2,000 off, suppose I better see it in the flesh. Wow, at the lot the sticker price was $15,995 another $1,000 cheaper. Is there something wrong with it I ask. No says the dealer, he's got new stock arriving soon so needed some space, so put a few cars on special. What a bargain I thought, better get serious on negotiation. CASH buyer and all that. Ended up getting it for $14,995 + cost of warranty and car alarm.

What a brilliant car. Was concerned about fuel economy, but my brother said, think of the power and you will understand the fuel usage. He was right and I never thought of that aspect again.

I drove it once at 140kph passing a BMW 3 series,Lexus IS200 and a new Falcon around a sweeping uphill curve. And it did not stop accelerating. It felt locked on to the road. Not like my original 1978 Galant GSL (reaching only 80kph uphill - Flatout). The Galant has come a long way and the 8G VR-4 is the epitome of the Marque and Model.

Found the "Club VR4" website and thought wow this is a great site, with lots of similar thinking people, not the usual boy racer crowd, more mature . Started posting questions and reading others, learnt lots and keeping learning lots.

Decided I needed a Full "D" service as I was not sure about the history after reading other posts about service. This cost me $2,000, but it was well worth it for the peace of mind it gave.

I plan to keep this car for 10 years or more. I finally got my I (Twin)Turbo - Fuel Injected - 4WD Car, I originally desired. I now have my Dream Car.

Postscript 1: (2007) Damn I smashed it with $7,500 worth of damage. Thankfully I had insurance. Did flirt with the idea of replacing it with a Lancer VR-X. The new Lancer looks good, but it is not a VR-4

Postscript 2: (2008) Upgraded the JVC stereo and the Alloys to 18". (will probably use the old 17" for trackdays later )

Postscript 3: (2009) Maintenance costs are starting to rise, and next year will be bad

[kiwitt]

I am not sure how many people think the same way I do about the VR-4, but I am getting bored reading car magazines describing the benefits of this performance car or that. I have just finished reading NZ Autocar May and June 2007 editions. In May, it had a comparison of 1999 BMW 328i Coupe vs 2007 BMW 335i Coupe, and in June, it had a review of the A5/S5. After reading these two articles, I was left with the impression of how good the VR-4 is.

The BMW article, finished with a comment of how simpler the older car was to the newer one and therefore somewhat better and therefore preferred, even though it was not as fast or refined. The comment can apply equally to the VR-4. The A5/S5 article was talking about the various technical features, the ability to move more torque to the rear, which the VR-4 has a passive form of, a future Porsche designed transmission in a later model, which the VR-4 has, and of course 4WD. I can't help but be left with the impression that the VR-4 is such a good car even today.

The VR-4 Type-S model, which is the top of the range model (excluding the Super VR-4 special) has so many items that are still being talked about as advanced features or options on new cars. These include;

Active-Stability-Control (ASC), which is now known is electronic stability control and comes into play only when needed
Active-Yaw-Control (AYC) (members-only), which allows the car to take corners a lot faster than normal cars

This is in addition to four-wheel-drive (4WD), traction-control (TC), anti-lock-braking system (ABS) and a 5-speed Tiptronic transmission (members only), that really works. In addition, my personal car has the Ralliart Suspension Option, 17" alloys and Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres, transforms the car's handling to a new level.

While the VR-4 may not have the power of some of the newer performance cars, some members have seen fit to remedy this situation, to truly make the VR-4 as relevant today as it was when it was first released. After owning the car for nearly four years and almost losing it recently in an accident (since restored - see mine in members cars), I am even more convinced it is the car I want to own for as long as I can. And yes, I will still keep reading about performance cars in Auto Magazines, convinced in the knowledge that the VR-4 is still a great "Sports Saloon" even if it is over 10 years old.

Here are some comments from some reviews (available in the full members section) of this great car.

"Putting the power down cleanly is a four-wheel drive system that splits the torque 50:50 between the front and rear axles in normal driving, and then varying the ratio according to whichever end of the car needs it most.

Behind the wheel however, the drive feels a little rear-biased, which better suits sporty driving anyway. There's more traction than even the engine can defeat, and if you manage to get wheelspin in the Galant, it probably means you're on top of an oily patch." - Galant Warrior

"If the Evolution were a small nimble race-bred sprint horse, the Galant VR-4 ... would be a tall muscular stallion, ..." - High Performance Imports

"In terms of performance, the VR4 rivals strongly with its direct competitors such as Legacy RSK and Skyline 25GT, if not the more expensive Audi S4 and BMW M3. " - AutoZine

"Yes, as Star Trek's Spock would most probably have said, when describing the Mitsubishi Galant VR4: "It's an estate car, Jim, but not as we know it." - Top Gear

"Now we've driven a Galant that eclipses all others, the stupendous permanent four-wheel drive, twin turbocharged V6-powered VR4. It has the same handsome, wedgy, BMW-influenced lines, but adds a purposeful deep chin spoiler, subtle side skirts and a chunky rear wing." - Autopoint

"It’s the innocuous sounding Galant VR4. Which in reality is about as innocuous as a hand grenade. On any road you care to choose, it would take an Audi S4 apart more swiftly than Mr. Creosote eating a lobster. And a BMW M3. A tussle with an Impreza Turbo would be interesting, but it’s by no means certain that the Subaru would win. Did I mention that the Galant is an automatic?" - AutoCar

"On the road, though, it’s the Galant that really shines. The weighty feel to the steering and armfuls of feedback from both helm and chassis encourage you to press on as soon as the traffic frees up. Any thoughts of the auto-box hampering progress are dismissed the first time you ask it to kick down. On only a couple of occasions did it need time to think before selecting the appropriate gear. Otherwise it delivers smooth, effortless and unobtrusive changes whenever your right foot demands." - EVO Magazine

[ScionDriver]

Since I am 23, my car history is brief, in fact, only 1 deep. Hopefully I'll land a permanent job soon and be able to save up and buy something else and get an actual history going. This is the only picture I was able to dig up since I'm at work. It's my old friend Ryan posing next to it, circa 2005.

2005 Scion xB
2004-Present

Got it new and been driving it ever since. Only 65k and some change miles on it.

[MoW]

This is my car history. One of the cars is my dream car but I guess it's easy to spot it.
http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g360/jacob_brown1/Screenshot2011-03-26at210641.jpg
I need to add one more car to my page and that is the Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0.

[FastDriver]

Car 3 - 1985 BMW 323i - Car 2 begining to die, Shuffled it along before major damage to my wallet occured.
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=348061&stc=1&d=1297426517

Car 3 8 days after purchase.
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=348065&stc=1&d=1297426517[/QUOTE]

how did you mannage that?

[clutch-monkey]

T boned by a girl talking on her phone whilst driving..

[FastDriver]

T boned by a girl talking on her phone whilst driving..

thats a shame, was a nice car!

1.)1986 Toyota Tercel wagon (blue/gray)
2.)1988 Subaru Justy 4wd (white)
3.)1994 Chevy S-10 SE (black)
4.)1991 Mercury Cougar (burgandy)
5.)1992 Chevy Beretta (maroon)
6.)1993 BMW 525i (black)

[FastDriver]

7.)1999 Chevy S-10 ZR2 (red)
8.)1991 Ford F-250 (red)
9.)1985 Cadillac Seville Touring (black)

This is the order that I purchased each car or truck. Some vehicles I owned at the same time. For example I owned the BMW, Cadillac and S10 ZR2 all at the same time. However I got rid of all my vehicles when I deployed :)

[jcp123]

2000 Ford Focus ZTS - 2001 - 2002
1968 Mustang hardtop - 2002 - 2005
1992 Ford Bronco Eddie Bauer - 2005 - 2006 (totalled...long story)
1999 Dodge Ram Van 1500 Conversion van - 2006 - 2007
2004 Ford SVT Focus - 2007 - 2008
1967 Mustang Convertible - in the family since 2000, driven since 2008 but currently garaged due to suspension problems.
2000 Toyota Echo - 2011 - present, but has been in wife's family since new
2011 Kia Rio - 2011 - present, looking to trade it. Wife drives this one.

[Man of Steel]

Thread sucks without pictures and that is a hint :)