Miserable decision to be made..........

[nigel bickle]

You sound a carbon copy of me, around 3 years back. I was a totally crippled morphine addict, totally unable to drive a manual. The pain was immense, and all consuming, and the side effects varied and troublesome.

 

Just scratching my head needed concentration and 2 hands!

 

I went Jap auto, short term. I bought a Nissan Pintara from Wuz, and an 80's SSS Bluebird auto., a weird pillar less thing.

 

With their super light steering, comfy seats, electric everything, and low pedal pressure I was just able to remain mobile, although it came really close a few times. I was so impressed I still have both, as a kind of insurance as each repair operation looms.

 

So, they may not be stylish, or anyone's first thought, but they are cheap, depreciation free, reliable and most importantly - user friendly.

 

I feel your pain, you have my sympathy. It will get better, eventually

[purplebargeken]

Cheers guys, what a bunch of old crocks we are eh?

 

I've had Volvo's before, the last one being a 940 estate (wentworth turbo jobbie), bloody ace, built like a tank but not as comfy as I would have hoped. Shocker I know. Hmm, am I getting confused between the Volvo or the Jags, meh! Comfiest car ever was a Daf. A decent one is out of my budget though. 

 

Saab 9000, done that, and a 900 (lovely car) hmmmm.

 

4 x 4 appeals lots, don't give a feck about mpg, never really have tbh haha. In my budget range, they would be pretty tired I guess.

 

The Amazon was a 50th birthday pressie, so I may try and keep hold and use on high days and holidays, or when my back and legs work. We'll see.

 

Now on to the Triumph, I had this car 7 years ago in standard trim and it was then sold on to folk in the Triumph community. Along the line and about 2 owners later it had a TR7 engine fitted, with overdrive and an uprated rear axle (from an 1850 I think). It had an alloy rad fabricated, alloy coolant tank, electronic ignition and an electric fan with switch control in the cabin.

 

I had swapped the standard Toledo seats as they were rubbish and put the much improved 1500 FWD seats it, much more adjustment, etc when I first got it and they are still in there. 

 

The car had brake work done and runs discs up front with braided hoses. New clutch is in there and has a twin carb set up obviously.

 

I have fitted MGF steelies with brand new tyres, much nicer looking and better choice of tyres. The original steelies are there too and also have very good tyres fitted. The rears just need to be fitted.

 

I have partially stripped the paint of the drivers door and the rear passenger door. The front end has been stripped and a couple of dings filled. The front end is in primer at present and some smears of filler are needed to finish. This is not due to rust, just dings. There is actually bugger all rust on the Triumph, at worst the A pillars had a few little holes but that is hugely common, one side has been cleaned out, rust killed and filled, the passenger side awaits. I have only ever seen a non rusty A pillar on about 2 or 3 cars in my lifetime. The rest is literally surface stuff. I was thinking of having the car vinyl wrapped at some point which would have been interesting. There is a NOS Triumph 1300 FWD bootlid fitted but the Toledo one is present. 

 

There is a dent in the N/S sill. It was like this when I originally bought the car and I was going to leave it tbh. I have a new rear panel for the car as at some point in its life it had acquired a dent to one side of the panel. This is easy to do, just take out the petrol tank (4 bolts and a pipe), unbolt the bumper, cut out the panel and refit. Easy access and a simple panel. 

 

I have a couple of spare doors, and some other spares that will come with the car. It is MOT'd until early May (I can get the date). I have a set of excellent headlights that will come with the car as well. 

 

Interior is good but I intended to get a new carpet for it, Coverdale do one for about 130 quid and it is excellent. The interior needs a bloody good hoover due to all of the dust, etc. 

 

I am going down to the garage today and will take some pics. The car runs and drives, fit the lights, grille and front bumper and the car could be driven. I would suggest that a trailer or dolly be utilised but that is just a uber precaution. 

 

Literally a couple of weekends and some paint would make a very tidy and fun Toledo. 

 

The  engine number has been changed on the V5, I intended to send off the V5 for the beginning of April to get the cc and historic vehicle status updated. MOT expires on the 2nd May 2015. The engine was a low mileage unit and the car mileage is not extortionate (will confirm). 

 

 

 

The Beetle is MOT'd until the 30th Sept 2015, has lest than 70K on the clock, again will confirm. Runs well but is dented and dinged, but again, I like it that way. Go figure.

 

Piccies to follow. 

[purplebargeken]

3.0 litre Yank...... hmmmm. 

[scruff]

Really sorry to hear this Ken.

 

Would love the Amazon, it's mega, be far better if you could keep hold of it though. If my RR was an auto I'd offer a straight swap! 

[RobT]

I've got a slushmatic Volvo 440 sitting here doing nowt, you're welcome to borrow it Ken as a stop-gap until you decide what you want long term. Only thing is driving position is a bit low.

[Honey Badger]

You have my sympathies, I suffer with split discs but nothing to your levels of pain, we had to sell the S2000 as I couldn't get in and out of it.

 

I've found that an autobox is the only way to go and heated seats helps as well. I'd second Mr Bickle and say something Jap, wafty and above all reliable is the way to go. Early CR-V, HR-V or Lexus RX are comfy and reliable if a little dull. I've found Honda seats to be the most comfortable I've tried so far with Lexus/Toyota a close second.

 

I do find getting in and out of the Lexus RX easier when my back is bad.

 

I'd not consider anything by Land Rover as a daily, get a car that doesn't need constant fettling as a daily and maybe keep your Amazon to work on when you want/feel well enough to have a tinker.

 

 

Great offer from Rob T as well, this forum is what it used to be etc, etc

[purplebargeken]

The i10 is my daily, that is an auto so no problem there. 

 

Here you go:

 

Don't forget, the Toledo is dust covered and looks much worse than she is. She is a potentially great car, her tatty looks hide her potential.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interior:

 

 

 

 

Engine:

 

 

[Uncle Jimmy]

Plenty of Volvo autos about

I like badermatic cars, they have their place even for the yoof.

[purplebargeken]

Beetle: I'm the 2nd owner, 2004 1.6 SR manual, no A/C, sunroof works just fine. Stereo does not display but works fine otherwise, has a CD multi-changer. It has scratches and multiple dents. It is scruffy looking, about as far from concourse as you can imagine but it drives nicely and puts a smile on my face. MOT till 30th Sept 2015. Interior is comfy and funky, scratches on the door panel, some marks in the head lining. I really, really want to keep this but obviously can't. Offers around the £400 mark please

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mileage is low or mid 60's odd thou something or other. I will confirm. Some service history.

 

Autoshite sticker is already fitted!!!!!!!!

[Fabergé Greggs]

As much as I don't want to be the reason that you get rid of it, I'd like to know more about the Amazon. Owning one is pretty high on my bucket list!

[Pillock]

There's plenty of people namedropping you on MM5's Volvo Slushbox Estate for sale thread. Just wanted to make sure you've seen

[Uncle Jimmy]

Fook, that steering wheel cover is....arousing....

[purplebargeken]

Understandable about the Amazon but I think she will be kept and pampered, driven when I can.

[Fabergé Greggs]

Understandable about the Amazon but I think she will be kept and pampered, driven when I can.

 

Good choice. Holler me if you change your mind though!

[purplebargeken]

You will have first bite of the Volvo cherry Sir!

[The Reverend Bluejeans]

Classic shape Rangie - Lovely cars in 3.9 V8 form with Vogue SE trim.

 

Classic status and qualify for classic car insurance but now prices are creeping up. You would need to sell the Amazon for one of these I feel.

 

But you could be the Godfather of Edmonton driving about in one of these.

 

 

I was going to suggest a pre '94 Strange Rover, a nice leathered up 3.5 Vague Auto, just the job.

 

I have back pain too that's actually caused by IBS. When it's bad, it's fucking horrible - my Mrs sometimes has to actually help swing my legs over into the footwell.

[michael1703]

I'll take the beetle, pm'd you

[anonymous user]

Just a suggestion for the Amazon, rather than an auto conversion, you could consider putting in a servo to assist the clutch hydraulics and/or a hand lever to operate it.

 

p.s. you have my sympathies on your fleet reduction, it's never easy whatever the reason and I know it's a bugger when you have a car that you like but can't physically drive.

[purplebargeken]

That's not a bad idea actually. Hmm.

 

Well, have had an offer on the Beetle, will confirm shortly. Cheers. Ken

[RayMK]

Mitsubishi i (660cc turbo) is easy to get in an out of because they are quite tall, will do 90mph and easily cruise at 70. They come as standard with a conventional autobox.  Smarts are also easy to get in and out of but their autoboxes are much criticised.  Slightly larger: How about a Suzuki Liana?  Autos seem to be durable, unlike those of VW, Citroen, Peugeot and Fiat, and they are cheapish.  The seats don't look wonderful - I have yet to try them. Nissan QX and Toyota Camrys are smooth operators in automatic form (I had a QX for a few years).  Yes, I'm another autoshite crock with arthritis.  Mine does not hurt but restricts movement.  Good luck with your quest.

[Lord Sterling]

Sorry to hear of ailment Ken. I can't imagine its anything resembling easy to live with

 

I was going to suggest my 827 Coupe, it's a V6 and an auto but I guess a bit too low for you. It's in the link in my signature if you wanted to look anyway.

 

Edit* Also, just seen the Beetle, shame old Ma hasn't earning yet as we'd had that off you. It's high time the K11 was retired.

[Alan_Green]

• Automatic...Easy to get in/out of....Upright driving position...Budget of £1,400?

Isn't it obvious? -  http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-CHRYSLER-PT-CRUISER-TOURING-AUTO-BLACK-/321700118028?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4ae6d23e0c 

This isn't a wind up as I am the only person on here who likes these (having spent many months cruising around a certain North African country in one).  Failing that a petrol automatic Shogun. 

[purplebargeken]

I hear you. However, there may be MG rumblings.........

 

Cheers Mo, would be interesting but too low I think from what I recall of my 820 a few years back. 

[purplebargeken]

Cheers Rob re: offer of the slushomatic 440. I'm ok transport wise as the i10 is the daily steed but I really appreciate the offer. This forum really is bloody good

 

Well, it looks like the Bug is heading to its new home tomorrow. I am gutted but I have to be realistic. Something else will be found and all will be well again. 

 

I guess if the Toledo doesn't find a home it isn't the end of the world. It might be a bit 'projecty' for folk which is understandable. Maybe an 'as and when' thing, we'll see. 

[eddyramrod]

 

• Automatic...Easy to get in/out of....Upright driving position...Budget of £1,400?
• Isn't it obvious? -  http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-CHRYSLER-PT-CRUISER-TOURING-AUTO-BLACK-/321700118028?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4ae6d23e0c 
• This isn't a wind up as I am the only person on here who likes these 

 

 

 

Brother!  See, you're not alone, I'm the other one.  If I didn't remember the last drubbing I got for speaking in defence of the PT I'd have suggested it earlier.

 

PBK, yes, you might be right about the Toledo being "projecty", which is a bit of a shame.  It's 33 years since I owned one...

[purplebargeken]

They are cool little things and the TR7 engine really suits it and sounds lovely through the sports exhaust.

 

It might suit somebody and it really is just finishing the bodywork and refitting bits. She drives lovely. 

[FakeConcern]

Sorry to hear of the probs.

 

I would agree with the various people who suggested the XM as plenty are slushbox either petrol or diesel (mine is V6 Badermatic). You can put it in high to get out, then when you want to get in again if it's sunk back to lowrider style, open the door & start it, then have the pleasure of watching it raise up!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYyU5UOAlL8

[HH-R]

I'm not sure anything Rover would be any good, I struggle to get out of my brother's Civic (400/45 shape) and I don't have any particular ailment! I'm sure the 75 was similar, though not as bad. The hardest car to get out of IMO is the first Bangle BMW 3 series. I have to have one hand on the B pillar and heave myself up using the door.

[JohnK]

To echo the above, my old man has similar ailments and struggled so badly in his Rover 600.

 

The best car he found was an Omega.. He borrowed mine once and quickly sold the Rover for favour of one. If it's a second car then an MV6 could be a good option?

[fred]

Subaru Fozzer diesel with slush box - cheap decent height my mother can get in she has arthritis etc and sitting nicely in your budget