reaally? is that it....

[brammy777]

Have you ever had a ride/drive in a car, and it turned out to be extremely disappointing?It doesnt have to be shite, it can be anything.I had a ride in a XJ220 on work experiance, and it was terrible, the dash was poor quality, laid out like someone had sneezed, and it was uncomfy.That poor car was also being stored at the dealership, the owner merely came to visit it.What a terrible way to own a car.What experiances do you lot have?

[shite_meister]

Jaguar mk2-fucking horrible, shit gear change and steering like a ship. I had to drive one very breifly through work and I dreaded it.Can't get my head around the fuss with Mercedes W107s, not impressed at all and I've driven a couple.Rolls Royce Silver Shadow felt too soft for me although I do think they are incredible value for money.

[ashmicro]

I got a spin in a Countach some years ago when I was younger, fitter and didn't have a fucked shoulder. The sheer amount of physical effort required to drive it over about 30 miles was ridiculous. My back ached, the pain in my left thigh was incredible and I was sweating like a paratrooper in a spelling test.No thanks. The owner soon got tired of it too, and got a 911 Turbo instead (which he crashed)

[Station]

Opinion is split right down the middle, but Honda Civic Type R. I have 'admiration' for them, as I went off big torquey power for a while, and found these to be akin to winding up an elastic band on a matchstick and letting it go. My mate gave me a demonstration and floored it off the traffic lights and it felt like going down the stairs on your arse. I bet they're fun for a bit, but it felt raspy and I'm no expert, nor do I care about 'powerbands' and 'torque', but I immediately felt the power was in completely wrong place. They're like most 16v engines, but stupid power delivery.I'm not a 'hater' btw. I feel they've got a bad reputation with silly boys with knowledge and experience only gained from internet forums.

[MrRegieRitmo]

^ they're expensive to buy & insure too! I'm always suspicious of young guys who end up with brand new £15k plus, group 16 plus cars (and rather jealous) at the drop of a hat. Must be spoilt little rich kids...

[Minimad5]

^ they're expensive to buy & insure too! I'm always suspicious of young guys who end up with brand new £15k plus, group 16 plus cars (and rather jealous) at the drop of a hat. Must be spoilt little rich kids...

Feel the same way !But while they rag around in there plastic hot boxesWe chutter and splutter in our characteristic cars

[Mr Lobster]

Saab 9-3 mentioned t'other week. Massive let down.

[whitevanman]

Jag, series 1 XJ6 4.2 series 3 engine...........big car, no room, uncomfortable, not fast, steering? whats that........ I'll never own a Jag of any sort ever again.

[scooters]

disagree with you on that -Mk2's, 420s and, XJ S1 + S2 all handle a bit old (they are 30 year old + desgins now and won't handle like a Mondeo.butS3 XJ6s and XJ40s - XJ40s in particular are very capable and wonderful handling powerful machines. PROVIDED the suspension has been regularly greased and the bushes are in good nick.I drove the 38 miles of the A702 from the M74 to Edinburgh in 32 minutes in my XJ40 last month with traffic on the road - it is a typical Scottish borders road of challenging corners and limited overtaking opportunities. I have only ever posted a time like that on that road in a Citroen CX Gti and a Westfield so it shows the remarkable poise of such a big car.I can't speak for the Ford Jags but I will say that a well maintianed big cat from the S3 or XJ40 range handles very well indeed especially in 3.6 4.0 format. The 3.2is underpowered and the V12 6.0l is a bit front end heavy and eats suspension bushes

[MrRegieRitmo]

How did the XJ6 & XJ40 differ then?

[Guest]

 

I allways thought these looked good till I tried a mates one. As boring as a Mondeo and a bit posh Taxi like imho he diddnt like it either and got a bmw soon after

[dollywobbler]

MINI. Journos would have you believing that they're brilliant. No. They're not. The diesel one sounds like a Ford Transit, torque steers like an early MG Montego Turbo and has a ride that frankly makes the original Mini seem comfortable. The current one has stupid indicators and does lots of stupid annoying things that slimy salesmen would convince you are 'convenience features.' Rubbish.I was gutted the first time I drove an older Mini too. Great handling is no joy when your fillings are falling out and you're bouncing around so much that you can't actually see the road.

[fiatdaft]

4.5 tvr cerbera,looked nice,sounded nice.interior smelt like a glue filled canoe,dash was all over the place and it didn't feel that quick.

[whitevanman]

disagree with you on that -Mk2's, 420s and, XJ S1 + S2 all handle a bit old (they are 30 year old + desgins now and won't handle like a Mondeo.butS3 XJ6s and XJ40s - XJ40s in particular are very capable and wonderful handling powerful machines. PROVIDED the suspension has been regularly greased and the bushes are in good nick.I drove the 38 miles of the A702 from the M74 to Edinburgh in 32 minutes in my XJ40 last month with traffic on the road - it is a typical Scottish borders road of challenging corners and limited overtaking opportunities. I have only ever posted a time like that on that road in a Citroen CX Gti and a Westfield so it shows the remarkable poise of such a big car.I can't speak for the Ford Jags but I will say that a well maintianed big cat from the S3 or XJ40 range handles very well indeed especially in 3.6 4.0 format. The 3.2is underpowered and the V12 6.0l is a bit front end heavy and eats suspension bushes

Never tried the newer S3 onwards ones as the S1 put me off.....maybe its my size but I have never been in a Jag that I could feel comfy in, the series one has a steering box so almost certainly thats what the issue with the steering, I assume it was well serviced as it had over £9k worth of restoration done on it months before I got it, by a specialist in the Corby area and that was back in the late 90's

[brammy777]

oh im learning to drive in a new mini, the handlings is so light, but thats not a good thing. Also, yes the indicators are stupid, sometimes they self cancel, but others they dont, and you have to push it down/up again to cancel, which is really confusing. Theres no center point to cancel them.The doors are stupidly sized as well.Also if you reverse quickly and stop, the glove box opens.Im not very keen on learning in a 1.6 diesel Mini.I personally think learner cars should have gearsticks which show the H pattern, like on old ferraris, itd be so much easier if you could actually see where the gears are.

[Pete-M]

Funnily enough, I've been in an XJ220 and rated it. Too wide for road use but still rapid. Anything that does 0-60 in 3.5 secondsand 217 mph is quick.Jag XJ40s. I've always wanted to like them, but just can't. I've thought about buying loads of different ones but I've never been in one I liked enough to spend money on. The X300 I like lots. Weird eh?Lexus LS - awful. Like a giant Corolla with cardboard leather seats. Probably the most disappointing executive car I've ever been in. Hate them with a passion. Great engine, wrapped in a huge slice of wobbly tat.Current shape VW Passats. How dull does a car have to be for the badge snobs to notice? Truly boring car in every way. The Audi TT is the same.My venom has to be saved for the biggest disappointment of a car I've ever known. The Alfa 33. What a heap of shit. No redeeming features other than the 16v lump that would be better in a 'Sud.

[scooters]

How did the XJ6 & XJ40 differ then?

the XJ40 has longer legs with it's 4 speed autobox. The late S2 XJ6 and most of the S3 had a GM 3 speed autobox after 1977 ( a huge improvement of nte Borg Warner lump). The 3 speed autobox of the XJ6 makes it harderwork on the motorway and makes it feel a bit more olf fashioned. Weight plays a part here as well - the XJ40 is a lighter car and is 20 years newer in design and handling characteristics.having owned both I will say that whilst the XJ40 is a more refined/modern driving experience the S3 is a much nicer car.I have been using XJ40s as my daily drivers - I clock up around 2-3k a week usually highspeed motorway driving. I've just bought a Lexus LS400 (funnily enough) which is going to be my daily driver for the next 6 months so interested to see the reviews here. Doesn't suprise me but ultimatley it is being bought as a motorway munching tool rather than a toy. I'm keeping the S3 as a toy - in conclusion, at around £600-800 you can get a solid bodied, dry XJ40 with sound suspension, breaks and a leather interior which will provide you with many hours of plurocrat pension stealing fantasy. Try and get a daimler rather than the jag simply because they have a slightly nicer interior and the level of production finish was nicer. Advoid 2.9l and the V12 uless you really know what you are doing - there are many electrical issues with both but the V12 ones are usually very expensive to sort even if you can find the now discontued parts. And, this of course is where the earlier XJ6 S1-3 has an advantage, they are simpler, honest cars.

[scooters]

disagree with you on that -Mk2's, 420s and, XJ S1 + S2 all handle a bit old (they are 30 year old + desgins now and won't handle like a Mondeo.butS3 XJ6s and XJ40s - XJ40s in particular are very capable and wonderful handling powerful machines. PROVIDED the suspension has been regularly greased and the bushes are in good nick.I drove the 38 miles of the A702 from the M74 to Edinburgh in 32 minutes in my XJ40 last month with traffic on the road - it is a typical Scottish borders road of challenging corners and limited overtaking opportunities. I have only ever posted a time like that on that road in a Citroen CX Gti and a Westfield so it shows the remarkable poise of such a big car.I can't speak for the Ford Jags but I will say that a well maintianed big cat from the S3 or XJ40 range handles very well indeed especially in 3.6 4.0 format. The 3.2is underpowered and the V12 6.0l is a bit front end heavy and eats suspension bushes

Never tried the newer S3 onwards ones as the S1 put me off.....maybe its my size but I have never been in a Jag that I could feel comfy in, the series one has a steering box so almost certainly thats what the issue with the steering, I assume it was well serviced as it had over £9k worth of restoration done on it months before I got it, by a specialist in the Corby area and that was back in the late 90's

I'd agree with you on the S1 and dare I say it the S2. They are old cars and fall into the class of classic handling - you need to compare them with period vehicles. I gree on the internal size of the S1-3 a bit pokey. The 40 is a bigger car with heaps of leg room I'm a 6 foot fat knacker and I fit fine.

[hammy]

I actually grew to like the nuMini when I drove one we had at work. It was only a 1.6 petrol but I found it very stable and good to drive, although the engine was a bit wheezey in what is quite a big car. I disliked the terrible boot and flimsy quality of the interior though, and I still think they are one of the most pretensious cars you can buy particularly in look at me Cooper editions.As for most disapointed drive - in terms of cars I'm not sure I've ever really found anything like that, I mean I once drove a Volvo 340 1.4 which was worse than I thought, but it wasn't as if it was a dream car of mine anyway. But when I passed my bus test, I really wanted to drive Bristol VR's which we still had in the depot I worked at for a time. Imagine my horror to find that the cab was really awkward if you were tall & fat, throttle at an odd angle and overly light air power steering which didnt give any great feedback or confidence. Didnt enjoy it at all

[Pete-M]

I finally got to drive the Tatra 805 last month. That was probably let down of the year for me, so it went to the mechanic who's worked on it for me. Shame that, I was looking forwards to bringing it to the UK in convoy with the Escort.Engine is great, but it's also in the cab and a lot noisier than expected. Imagine sitting on top of an aircooled 2.5 V8 in a truck with zero soundproofing. Nice for a few minutes, but it wears very quickly on the road combined with the whining of the gearbox, transfer box and diffs on huge off-road tyres. Mega short gearing doesn't help, neither does a throttle pedal that is about a foot nearer than is comfortable, a recalcitrant non-synchro gearbox with the lever somewhere near your right elbow, steering that is woolly, vague and heavy all at once - something only previously experienced on Vectras - and brakes that do the job but only once you've managed to get your foot onto the pedal and shoved it like you're trying to push it through the bulkhead.No. Even though I've lusted after the thing for years and thrown quite a bit at it it's not for me. It makes a Landy 90 feel like a Bentley.I suppose I'll have to find a Landy 110 V8 with LPG instead.

[peter9000uk]

Porsche GT3, goes well enough but how anyone can possibly drive one everyday is beyond meHonda S2000, must be getting old but is so awkward to get in and out of and you have to rev the nuts off it to do anythingAudi TT, goes round corners well enough but awful visibilty and terrible gearchange.Lotus Elise, How the hell does anyone get in and out with any dignityMGB GT , what a pile of crap.Most italian cars ,I can never get a comfortable driving position. The pedals are too close together and offset and you are either too far from the steering wheel or have your knees under your chin

[Milford Cubicle]

I haven't driven anything exciting or over-rated enough to be let down by it.I'm quite easy as cars go, as long as they aren't falling all over the road or wretchedly uncomfortable they're ok by me.

[Pete-M]

Even though I've lusted after the thing for years and thrown quite a bit at it it's not for me.

My sentiments when I had my 928, It had a lot going for it, looked and sounded great, but I just never felt right in it and everyone thought I'd started dealing drugs. (well it was black with ugly people windows)

I still have to scratch the 928 itch. I've had two 911s and loved them both but I do like the idea of using a 928 to do runs to / from Czech when I move there. The Volvo is probably a quicker, quieter and comfier way to do that job though.Only thing that puts me off 928s is the interior. It reminds me too much of a Supra or similar Jap coupé type thing, and I really don't do Jap cars much at all (Late spec RX7s, early MX5s, early Celicas, Imprezas and Legacy Turbos I like, the rest don't raise any interest whatsoever.)

[Mr_Bo11ox]

I drove a Maserati 425 (biturbo 4-door) once and found that it sucked major league wombat dong, what a crummy old truck it was to drive. RUBBISH

[ChinaTom]

the V12 ones are usually very expensive to sort even if you can find the now discontinued parts.

How very very correct you are there.

[Gompo]

Caterham 7 for me, too refined and didnt feel massively quick..

[Cavcraft]

Ford Focus: really wanted to like it but it was fucking horrible and I couldn't wait to get shut.Mk2 Golf: like a fool I actually believed people who told me they were great cars and almost a motoring icon. Bollocks, I had two or three (the latter because they were desperately cheap and I was desperate for wheels) and they were all unreliable, horrible shite. Dull as dishwater/incredibly boring and not entirely reliable to put it mildly. If I ever own another it'll be to weigh in most likely.1980-ish Audi 80: another one sold to me on the 'can't go wrong' factor. And another heap of absolute shit I was glad to see the back of.

[Owain-328i]

Escort Cosworth impressed me. That planted you firmly in the seat, and the grip was incredible.

[hennabm]

As a lad I always had a hankering for a Porsche 911. When in my mid twenties I could afford one, I took one round Knockhill and was highly disappointed. I still like the shape of them but wouldn't own one.

[shite_meister]

Another for Mk2 Golf, I'd lusted after a big-bumper 16v for twenty years and finally bought a one-owner from new 60k miler last year, sure it wasn't mint and it had a few minor issues that you'd get with any old car but discounting all of that I felt underwelmed by the performance and the 16v mechanical fuel injection will lose out to an 8v digifant if I ever buy another.When I said Mk2 Jag I meant Mk2 not Series2-I love the series 1/2/3 and XJ40s but just not the Mk2, only been a passenger in an old S-type so can't comment first hand about how they drive although I would imagine a damned sight nicer than a Mk2 as they have IRS.Lexus LS400, I want, sure they're boring but when I'm doing 3,000 miles in less than two weeks I want comfort, reliability, comfort, power, comfort, and an armrest, I don't care if it looks like a mini-cab or if a car looks like a giant baboon's arse with a cock hanging out I want something that will get me a long way away and back in comfort and as much as I love Jags I just wouldn't feel confident that it'd behave.