may as well list them,


1981 Escort 1.1 popular
1980 Escort 1.3 popular (after crashing the one above)
1984 Orion 1.6L
1987 Fiesta XR2
1992 Escort XR3I cabriolet
1997 Subaru Impreza turbo 2000
2000 TVR Tuscan Red Rose
2003 Subaru Impreza Spec C
2003 Noble M12 GTO-3
2009 Focus RS MK2
Radical Clubsport track toy.
2005 Discovery 3 to tow the above.

 

Spec c to a noble how did you find that, always had a soft spot for the noble

 

And a tuscan, mk 2 rs two others on my list you lucky man

 

Truth be told i wish i kept the Spec C. altho the Noble was a brilliant car the only reason that went as the wife didnt like being below lorry wheels on the motorway. Oh an maybe taking it out on a run in the snow didnt help matters.

The Tuscan was amazing also, loved the sound that thing made, wish now that i got a sagaris inplace of the Noble, the prices were only 4/5k different at the time, since then the TVR prices have rocketed. would still like a sagaris tho. The Rs was a sensible replacement for the Noble, until i modded it a touch to 400 horses. then never really used it and got fed up with insurance/tax costs for it to sit in the garage. Thats when the Radical came along. havent looked back since either.

 

Can I ask roughly what were the running costs of both the noble and the tuscan. Servicing, parts etc

Did you end up with any shocking bills, just nice to be prepared lol and see if it's worth the gamble. I have a hatch 330s at the minute and the warranty is up in May so not sure to keep it and mod it further or drop it on for something like those two you've had so any pointers or advise would be great. Pm if you would rather

 

1992 VW Golf GTI Mark 1
1993 Capri 2.0L Laser
1993 Fiesta XR2 Mk2
1994 Capri 2.8i Injection Special
1996 Capri 280 Brooklands
1999 Rover 216 GTI
1999 MR2 Turbo Rev3
2000 Mark2 Golf GTI 16v
2002 Ford Probe 16V
2003 MR2 Turbo
2003 Subaru Impreza Turbo 2000
2003 Subaru Impreza RB5 (400bhp)
2005 Subaru Impreza Turbo 2000 (450bhp)
2008 Subaru Impreza V3 Type R (600bhp)
2009 Mark3 Golf GTI 8v
2011 Mrk 4 Astra SRI 2.2
2011 Subaru Impreza V4 Type R V limited (unfinished project)
2012 - present JDM Widetrack STI (450bhp)

 

Here goes

1.4i GLS Astra 90BHP
2.0 8v Seat Ibiza GTI 125BHP
1.6 Saxo VTS 120BHP
2.0 GL Cavalier 100BHP
1.9 205 GTI 160BHP
2.0 Turbo Subaru 2000 245BHP
2.0 WR1 355BHP
4.2 B7 Audi RS4 420BHP
2.0 RB320 330BHP
2.0 v3 555 Sti 360BHP
2.0 Widetrack WRX STI (Blobeye) 300BHP
5.0 E60 BMW M5 500BHP
3.0 E61 530D 300BHP
2.5 WRX STI Hawkeye (Current) 345 BHP
4.2 V8 Mk1 Escort (Current) 245BHP
4.4 V8 L322 Range Rover Vogue (Current) 280BHP
1.6 205 Gti Rally car (Current) 115BHP

am only 30 lol go big or go broke!!! am broke......

 

nice list what was the rednose like always fancied one?

 

From memory, the service costs vary between £500-£700 on them both yearly Altho may have dropped since I last had one done, for noble servicing there is only one place to take them now, jet stream Motorsport based at bruntingthorpe. Matt (the owner) and Dave (ex noble factory) know them inside out and have solutions for every issue. There are things to watch out for but most problems should have been sorted by now.

The tvr on the other hand did hit me for a £4500 topend rebuild bill. Also required lots more looking after. Continually had to check the exhaust was tight or it would come loose, indicators would work when they felt the need and the dash was rather hit/miss. Great sounding tho which makes you forget all the above issues. Would it put me off another? Most certainly not. As long as they have been rebuilt in the last five years as things have progressed a lot since then.

 

Cant wait to get my list on here. Ive had 21 cars in 4 years. 22 tomorrow haha. Will do it when I'm on laptop!

 

Often read posts but don't too often get involved but couldn't help this one. Have owned these cars with some overlap since 2001. Not had so many cars as some of you because I haven't even hit 30 yet...

1999 Ford Focus 1.8 Zetec
2002 Bugeye Impreza STi
2006 Hawkeye Spec D STi (ppp)
2006 911 (997.1) Carrera S
2009 Clio RS 200 Cup
2009 Ford Fiesta 1.6TDCi
2005 Blobeye Impreza STi (DCCD ppp)
2012 Impreza Cosworth CS400 STi

I'm quite fond of Scoobies and Fords!

 

1971 Triumph Herald 13/60
1979 Capri 1.3
1978 Capri 1.6
1982 Escort XR3
1986 RS Turbo
1982 Ford Orion 1.3 (Had to sell the RS as I married and wifey was too expensive to insure)
1986 Escort 1.6
1988 Montego 1.6
1989 Escort 1.6 Si
1990 Pug 405 1.8
1993 Pug 405 GRDT
1991 Sierra 2.0
1994 BMW 318is
1997 Galaxy
1998 Fiat Coupe 20VT
2002 Focus ST170
1999 Fiat Coupe 20VT
1997 Pug 406 Coupe 3.0
2000 Fiat Coupe 20VT
2000 Classic Impreza
2003 Pug GTi 180
2003 Blobeye WRX
2001 Bugeye STi with PPP
2006 Mondeo TDCi
1999 BMW 330 M Sport Ci
2008 Boxster S 3.4

Some of the cars years may be a little out. Having trouble remembering that far back (passed my test in 1982!)

 

I nearly said welcome to the Forum until I relaised you have been a member for some years

So having not seem much in the way of post ref the CS400, how do you find the car? I shall not mention or quote comments from Top Gear, but do you not think they were/are a little expensive for what you get?

Rob

 

Heres mine;
1991 Pug 205 1.9d
1990 Audi coupe 2.3 auto
1997 Ford Ka
196? VW Beetle 1303s
1990 Renault 5 Prima
1991 Renault 5 GT Turbo
2000 Pug 206 Gti
2001 Ford Fiesta 1.3 (current and crap)

Hopefully coming soon: some sort of scooby

I also own 2 VW mk2 golfs which will turn into 1 3 door 1.8 20v turbo from Leon Cupra

 

Yeah I've been a member for ages but more a reader than contributor to the discussions. Most people tend to say what I'm thinking before I get to read the thread

You should go and take one out Rob it would be better if there were more opinions on this great car . Some of the 18 month old cars are available below 30k with average mileage at the moment. To my knowledge there is one delivery mileage car remaining but until they become a bit more sensible on the price it is not going anywhere. I paid less than the £50k rrp and have a decent finance package, not to mention exceptional dealer service (in Cheshire) and relations from Subaru.

The Cosworth is, in my opinion a really fantastic car. I really, really loved my Blobeye PPP but this is a better car (as much as I'm missing blue and gold). We're all entitled to opinions, I guess the difference between me and Clarkson is that I base my opinion on cars I pay money for, not ones I am given with a complimentary buffet and various other extras. I also don't have my opinions scripted by someone clearly aiming at a teenage audience. I do wonder why anyone takes Top Gear's opinions seriously as the show has become almost a parody of itself and needs a reboot

If you want to know how fast the Cosworth is if I fill the boot with cheese and race it against a shopping trolley filled with monkeys then look away

I lament the majority of the motoring press' critical assessment of the Cosworth because they were missing the point totally and suffering from some serious hypocrisy while they were at it. I can name some pretty uninspiring special editions and quick cars from many a manufacturer (that are plain lazy and amount to little more than a trim upgrade) that have seen glowing reviews

The Cosworth is well-sorted and well engineered. It has many bits added onto it that would be the first step for anyone wanting to seriously tune an Impreza. For all the convenience and a warranty it's one hell of a car. Mine dyno'd at close to 430bhp just after I'd finished running it in...

Point to point I have not driven anything quicker, Type 25 and FQ400 included. I do not count the R35 as anyone who has actually driven one in real life and not on the XBox will know that it is actually quite unwieldy and even slightly scary on a damp B road. It is my opinion and I'm sure many will disagree but that car leaves me cold and is something of a celebration for the Playstation generation that such a fast car can be so uninvolving.

The ride is sure footed and compliant, reminiscent of the Bugeye STi with a hint of BMW yet it feels nimble in the way a classic does. The grip and traction is excellent and I can assure people here that this is a very very quick car from a standing start though I cannot say that I have dumped the clutch on my own car and probably won't. To be fair one doesn't really need to as acceleration in first, second and third is very impressive.

In gear performance is pretty epic. The turbo spools fairly similarly to a boggo STi but with a massive hiss before it delivers peak torque. If you boot it in top gear at 40mph you're going nowhere but if you use the gears as they are designed you'll take off like a rocket. This car has a proper gearbox and not a PDK so it requires work, not like a computer game. For the record this car is much, much faster than the 997 Carrera S I ran until last year.

It's not wholly perfect. The fuel consumption is low to mid 20s and I agree with some that the interior isn't like a top end Audi. But it is a serious performance car and the interior in the Cosworth is actually nice. I would recommend anyone getting a Subaru to spec leather seats because the base cloth is pretty horrid on the new cars. The steering is light and at speeds below 30-40mph is quite anodyne, almost like the car makes a mockery of "normal" speeds. However through a series of flowing bends it does wake up and for an AWD car provides ample feedback.

I would be lying if I said the base spec Cosworth is my ideal car because it isn't but it's most of the way there. Had I bought a boggo car or even a JDM I'd have most likely gone the way the Cosworth has with parts. I do like the exclusivity as it is very low numbers! People may drool over previous editions and some of the Japanese models but let's be truthful here, we all buy Scoobies because they are enthusiasts' cars and we like to tune them. Only when we have finished a long process can we say that we have got our ideal car. I have some parts coming from the S206 and R205 over the coming months and I'll be filling out the rear wheel spaces with some APs to match the front. I'm not the biggest fan of the tyres and will probably swap over to Toyo T1 Sports when they are suitably worn. I've considered front mounting the intercooler and remapping but to be honest I've got enough performance on tap for the time being.

I'll put some pics up when I've finished fitting my first batch of bits and start a Cosworth owner's thread in the meantime. I really should get a bit more active on here!

Richard

 

Oh... one more thing.

The price of £50k.

Just as overpriced as every other car on the market. Go and look at the new prices of many cars in the ranges of BMW, Audi, Mercedes and Porsche. Absolute joke! The prices that people pay for their cars can only be justified in retrospect. I'm happy with what I paid for mine, in fact I think it was a bargain.

If I paid the new asking price of a current 911 Carrera S and had the problems that I had with my last one I'd be one hugely pissed off person. Dodgy cast pistons, leaking main seals, shoddy valves, juddery clutch, warping brakes, rust. If people on here think that a few percent of hatch STis having ring land problems (that is easily corrected with a small tuning build and remap) is a massive thing try typing in "rear main seal porsche" onto Google. There is nothing you can do about it, if you have a 997 or 996 Porsche the engine *will* go bang. Porsche don't give a toss. All high performance cars have a horrendous problem of some sort, at least with an Impreza it's not a five figure bill to repair if you dare hang onto your car beyond its warranty!

Unfortunately if you buy any car these days someone somewhere in the line is taking you for a mug.

 

That was a nice read Richard, I am gald you have opened up to share with us all your experience(s).

As for test driving one, I am afraid not. I am the kind of guy that test drives cars that a) I can afford, and b) know I can drive and park anywhere due to a lack of garage space ;(

I have had my fair share of Subaru's, and although Im a late bloomer into Motorbikes, to which people said I am unlikely to return back to Subaru from, I feel that I will be going down the track car route next time round. I have had some (in my opinion) seriously nice Blobeye's, of which one running shy over 400bhp with suspension and brakes to match, that unfortunatly I had to let go. However as said previously I think 400bhp for me now needs to be put to use, on track.

Anyway time to leave work and head home

Rob

 

Well summed up,what colour do you have?

 

I've got a nice discreet silver one. With the exception of my Blobeye I've had silver cars and they blend in nicely with the traffic.

I remember you putting up pics of yours (and your missus!) when you picked it up. The exterior has been tweaked slightly from the standard STi and I think it is a much more impressive looking car, especially in the flesh.

You must have done a fair few miles in yours how is she running? I had a good old gander at one of the press cars recently she had done nearly 28,000 miles and hasn't skipped a beat (now in the isle of Man... bet the owner will have some serious fun on those roads lol). I know for a fact that one had been thrashed abroad and in competition.

 

Heres mine, First car in 2005 when i was 17.

2005 - 1989 Mercedes E260
2005 - 1998 Peugeot 406 1.8
2006 - 1999 Fiat Punto 1.2
2006 - 1996 Nissan Micra 1.0
2006 - 1996 Rover 800 vitesse
2007 - 2004 MG ZR 1.4
2008 - 1999 Alfa 156
2009 - 2000 Mercedes E300TD
2009 - 2002 Peugeot 406 HDi
2009 - 1998 BMW 328i vert
2009 - 1989 BMW 325i
2010 - 1999 Impreza 2000 uk
2010 - 1998 Impreza sti
2010 - 1993 MR2 Turbo x2
2011 - 2006 MG ZR
2011 - 1999 BMW 318is x2
2011 - 1999 VW Passat v6 4motion
2011 - 1997 BMW M3 Evo
2012 - 1992 Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32)
2012 - 1995 Toyota Hilux
2012 - 1999 Honda Civic EK4
2012 - 2000 Impreza Sport wagon

This is all i can remember........ theres been alot of others! :s i get bored easily

 

Never done this, brings back some memories.

1992 Mini Cooper
2000 Ford Ka
2001 Ford Ka
2000 1.6 Ford Focus Zetec
2000 1.8 Ford Focus Zetec
2001 Audi A3 1.8T Quattro
2002 VW Golf GT TDI 150
2003 Audi TT 1.8T 225
2005 Impreza WRX 300 PPP (a keeper, bought it 5 yrs old with only 16k miles)
2011 Ford Kuga 163 Titanium

 

1993 suzuki swift 1.3gsi
1995 vauxhall corsa 1.2
1995 rover 416i
1998 peugot 306 1.6
1995 vauxhall vectra 2.0
1998 vauxhall vectra 2.5v6
1993 bmw 325i
1998 renault scenic 1.6
1998 vauxhall vectra 1.8sxi
1998 jeep cherokee 2.5
2002 mgzs 1.8
1995 nissan skyline 2.0
1999 ford focus 1.8
2001 vauxhall zafira 1.8
1995 mitsubishi shogun 3.0v6
2003 renault laguna 1.8
2000 subaru impreza classic turbo

 

Mini 1000 - 1972
Mk1 escort 1100 - 1974
Mk1'golf Gti - 1983
Mk1 golf -1983
Mk1 golf gli soft top 1982
Mk1 golf g60 - 1984
Mg maestro - 1985
Vauxall senator 3.0 - 1985
Ford sierra 1.6 - 1985
Vauxall omega 2.5 td 1996
Peugeot 306 sedan 1996
Peugeot 306 hdi - 2000
Saab 9000 - 1998
Audi 90 - 1985
Fit UNO 1.0 - 1990
Ford Orion 1.6 Ghia - 1985
BMW 120d soft top - 2008 present !
Subaru impresario hawkeye - 2006
Subaru rb5 - 1999 present
Mk3 golf tdi - 1996 present

Think that's it !!

 

Allegro estate to learn in lol 1987
Vauxhall nova 1.2 1987
Mk2 escort 1.6 rs look a like 1988
Mk1 astra 1.3 s 1989
Mk1 astra 1.6 1991
Mk2 astra 1.3 1992
Rover 414 sli brilliant car for 10 yrs 1992
Calibra 2.0 2002
Mk2 fiesta xr2i 2004
Mk2 astra Gte 8v 2005
Mk2 astra Gte 16v 2006
Mk2 astra Gte 8v 2007
Mk2 astra Gte turbo conversion 2008
Mitsubishi fto 2009
Peugeot 205 gti 1.9 2010
Subaru impreza (uk turbo 2000)2010 to present

 

Passed in 2000 and had the following cars - some of the ****ter ones were used as winter cars.

1990 Citroen AX GT
1994 Ford Escort 1.6L
1995 Vauxhaull Corsa Sport
1992 Ford Fiesta RS Turbo (v. Rare in Moondust Silver)
1997 Honda Civic VTi
1990 Ford Escort RS Turbo (1.9, T34 etc - 250bhp)
1989 Ford Escort RS Turbo
1988 Ford Escort RS Turbo
1989 BMW 325i Sport
1996 VW Golf GTi 8v
1999 Honda Accord Type R
1998 Subaru Impreza STi Type R
2002 Skoda Octavia VRS
2000 Mitsubishi Evo 6
2004 Honda Civic Type R
2001 Audi S3
2005 Subaru Impreza STi UK in Crystal Grey which is my current car and so far, it's been the best I've had)

JK

 

From current down to first:-

13) 1999 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Version V - 384bhp (see My Garage)

12) 1993 Subaru Impreza WRX - Apexi PFC/exhaust/filters/pump & Zen remap, 282bhp

11) 1995 Mitsubishi FTO GPX MIVEC (Manual) - 197bhp

10) 1992 Renault Clio 16V Mk.1 Ph.1 - 137bhp

09) 1986 Ford Fiesta XR2 Mk.2 - 96bhp

08) 1994 Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9 CAT Ph.2 -122bhp

07) 1984 Ford Escort XR3i Mk.3 - 105bhp

06) 1992 Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evolution G-KAT (8V 177bhp Swiss model)

05) 1986 Ford Fiesta XR2 Mk.2 - 96bhp

04) 1987 Renault 5 GT turbo Mk.2 Ph.2 - BBR carb jet & bleed valve, est.140-150bhp

03) 1980 Triumph Spitfire 1500 Mk.V - 71bhp

02) 1977 Ford Fiesta 1.1 Mk.1 - 49bhp

01) 1981 Fiat 131 Supermirafiori 1600 TC - 96bhp

 

Time for an update:

1986 Audi Coupe 2.2 (S2 style)
1985 Ford Escort Turbo Series 1
1985 Ford Escort Turbo Series 1 again
1983 Renault Alipne GTA V6
1997 Peugeot 306D
1997 Mitusbishi FTO GPX
2001 Subaru WRX Cypriot model
1998 Mitusbsihi FRO GPvR
2001 Subaru WRX Estate UK
2001 Subaru WRX UK300
1999 Fiesta 1.2 LX
2003 Renault RX4
2003 Mitsubishi Warrior LPG
2001 Subaru STI UK
2001 Subaru STI JDM
2005 Subaru STI UK
2004 Subaru STI UK
2004 Subaru STI UK
2001 Mini Cooper
2000 Subaru STI (sleeper)
2013 Nissan QashQui (take delivery this week)

 

1985 1050cc "Breadvan" Polo
1989 2.0 Sierra Sapphire GLS
1992 2.0 Sierra Hatch GLS
1993 E36 325i SE Saloon
1996 E36 328i Sport (Great fun)
1996 E39 540i Saloon (4.4)
1999 E46 328Ci
2003 Impreza WRX PPP Wagon

 

Mine as far as i remember be a few ive missed
Mk2 escort 1600
Mk4 escort xr3i
Sierra xr4i 2 door model had a few of these
Sierra 3 door cosworth
Mercedes 190 cosworth
Mg montego turbo poor mans cosworth
Mg metro turbo
Renault 5 gt turbo nearly new broke down on way home
Porsche 924 turbo
Porsche 944
Porsche 928
Porsche 911 carrera 2 used as declans car on emmerdale
Subaru impreza wrx 93
Subaru impreza wrx 98
Range rover
Vauxhall omega mv6 underated cars
Toyota mk1 mr2
Toyota mk2 mr2 n/a
Toyota mr 2 turbo
Jaguar x300 sport
Saphire cosworth 2wd
Escort cosworth couldnt leave it parked anywere
Ford focus mk2 st
Ford galaxy 2.8v6 still own
Subaru impreza uk turbo 99 my still own
Volvo s40 sport inherited when my dad passed away drinks petrol like a v12

 

Passed my test in 2001


1998 Pug 106 GTi (First car)
2000 Subaru Impreza UK Turbo 2000
2002 Audi TT 225bhp
2004 Subaru Impreza WRX
2001 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VII GSR
2003 Focus RS
2001 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI RSX
2000 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI GSR
1998 VW Golf GTi MK3
1989 VW Golf GTi MK2
2000 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Version 6
1997 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Type R Version 3
1998 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Version 4
2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Hawkeye

And maybe one day I can add 2012 Nissan GTR(wishful thinking)