SteelSkin.net – The Ramblings of Chris Nutt

I went out and had a look at cars at the weekend.

Mazda RX8

I’ve always liked RX8s ever since I saw one in X Men 1. I think I still have photo’s of them from various angles in my wallpaper folder. This example is generally very nice, but as with all Mazdas I have seen the alloys are corroded. Lovely colour though and if it wasn’t for the drinking of fuel I’d get one in a heart beat. I just love the design of these, but I am not sure I could live with one.

Hyundai Coupe 2.0

This is a generally nice example, I have a thing for blue cars and this understated dark blue looks nice. Has some scratches around the door lock and some mold on the window sills. However it doesn’t have the rust around the petrol cap I have seen on other examples. Really quite nice.

BMW 316ti ES

I know BMW owners don’t have the best rep, certainly not 3 series owners. However my Dad’s mate Sandy has 3 and looks after them himself. He’s a really nice chap. Even this base model seems quite nicely appointed. Same size as the HC, shouldn’t be to bad for fuel being a 1.6.

Mazda MX5

I like Mazdas if I was to get a soft top like the MX5 I would buy an after market hard top so it can be driven in winter and that the soft top doesn’t get ripped by snow.

Ford Focus ST170

Looks 95% like a normal Focus, not ned-ed up at all. Nice on the interior, not amazing, really just a high spec Focus, rather than something super special. I was really tempted, but I realised how big the Focus felt.

Aftermath

A lot of nice cars. I still have an urge for something small and nimble, but it’s very hard to have a luxury-ish car and small at the same time. I prefer the seating height and position in the 323F to being up to high. The Focus felt a little odd because of this. If you are wondering where all the warm hatches are here is a round up. Lupo/Arosa Sport there aren’t any around, YarisT Sport don’t like the Yaris dash layout at all, Sport Ka I just don’t know. Also there is not Aygo T Sport and the Twingo GT is out of my price range.

I need a replacement car, the 323F just doesn’t cut it anymore. Here are my current options:

Mini One/Cooper 1.6, yes you read correctly.
Pros: Wheel in every corner, 4 seats, has some style, quite nippy
Cons: more a German tribute act than genuine article, mumsy

Hyundai Coupe 2.0
Pros: looks nice, similar driving position to my 323F and Puma, RWD
Cons: Wee bit nedish, RWD in snow, not that economical, long

Smart ForFour CDI 96hp
Pros: Economical, Wheels tight to back bumper, nicely designed interior (not bland), not afraid of colour.
Cons: Kinda ugly light cluster, rare as hens teeth

Others? please comment. Must have: personality, cost no more than £3500.

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Update 1

Bryan asks why the 323F isn’t cutting it no more:

• Central locking doesn’t work in that good time and I have one key only
• Gear box is a bit temperamental/clutch
• Can’t get out of my street in winter (lighter cars can)
• Scratched to hell windscreen is hard to see out of during low angle sunlight
• Not that easy to park

Must haves for the new car:

• Some character inside and out
• As good performance or better than the 1.5l 323F
• 4 wheels
• No bigger than the 323F
• Some luxury/mod cons
• Nice to drive
• Not a high seating position (no 4x4s)
• Similar fuel economy than 323F (in theory)
• No more than £3500

Other cars I have looked at:

• Yaris, didn’t like the dials/position
• SportKa, I’ve had two Fords from that line and I’d like something new, but it is a backup

Update 2

Thanks to information from long time owner Amanda, I now know the Mini has no spare wheel at all. So you have to buy run flat tyres.

This fires it down the list.

Much loved friend gone, but not forgotten. You could not find a nicer dog who was a mirror to us all.

This is my new desk setup. They are Ikea real wood kitchen work tops (lagan) with cheap Vika legs. The Base unit stand is an old shelf that was left in the flat when I moved in years ago.

Longer term I will setup something better to hide the cables than the card board box I got the work tops in. The current solution does stop me snagging cables with my feet.