Car (or bike) Chat!

[Macca]

I'm not surprised... As Martin says, they're a very well-run company (so it's no surprise that their staff are well-trained), who produce very good (and extremely reliable) cars.

However, not detracting from the Toyota you're considering buying (which I do like, for YOUR specific purposes), despite the former positives, the cars themselves are a bit 'meh' (extremely practical and functional, but don't exactly get your pulse racing), and are rather conservatively styled, certainly in comparison with their German, Italian or British counterparts.

I prefer something with a bit more 'soul'....

For that reason, the only Japanese cars I'd consider owning are from Honda and Nissan (with the likes of their crazy GT-R). And I like Hondas because of their racing pedigree, which trickles down to their road cars. They're superbly engineered, and arguably as reliable as Toyotas.

So yes, if going Japanese, I'd chose Honda over Toyota. Have you visited any Honda dealers, Grant?

Marco.

What about the MR2, the Celica, the Supra? All of them had/ have striking looks and good performance. Although the looks get worse as the marks progressed IMO.

[walpurgis]

I have a liking for Suzuki and Hyundai. I was very impressed with the quality of the Hyundai Coupe I owned and I'm on my sixth Suzuki.

[Marco]

What about the MR2, the Celica, the Supra? All of them had/ have striking looks and good performance. Although the looks get worse as the marks progressed IMO.

Exactly... Unless you're after a vintage example, then your point is moot. Most current Toyotas are nothing special in the looks department (which indeed also applies to many of today's cars), although I like some of the Lexus range, which are essentially upmarket Toyotas

Another company Grant should look at is Volvo. Some of the stuff they're producing now is really rather good.

Marco.

[Marco]

I have a liking for Suzuki and Hyundai. I was very impressed with the quality of the Hyundai Coupe I owned and I'm on my sixth Suzuki.

I liked your old Hyundai Coupe, Geoff, which I thought was rather Celica-like, but I can't say I'm overly enamoured with anything I've seen from Hyundai recently. It's just a personal thing with me. There's a certain aspect to the styling of most Japanese cars that doesn't really float my boat.

Marco.

[struth]

Exactly... Unless you're after a vintage example, then your point is moot. Most current Toyotas are nothing special in the looks department (which indeed also applies to many of today's cars), although I like some of the Lexus range, which are essentially upmarket Toyotas

Another company Grant should look at is Volvo. Some of the stuff they're producing now is really rather good.

Marco.

only 1 volvo on the scheme and its fairly small. nice motor tho. I used to have a big volvo; great motor, even if the styling was not all it could be. Big leather armchair seats too and a telephone in it

[struth]

I liked your old Hyundai Coupe, Geoff, which I thought was rather Celica-like, but I can't say I'm overly enamoured with anything I've seen from Hyundai recently. It's just a personal thing with me. There's a certain aspect to the styling of most Japanese cars that doesn't really float my boat.

Marco.

I was told recently that Hyundai and Kia are same company. certainly their cars are similar. The little Kia Venga is a nice little motor. quite a flexible thing too. on my list as i sat in it;only kia i could get in and out of oddly

[Marco]

Have you visited any Honda dealerships, mate? If not, I'd recommend you do so.

Sorry, Kias do nothing for me (the Venga looks rather like a Honda Jazz). Another 'glorified shopping trolley', lol

Marco.

[Marco]

only 1 volvo on the scheme and its fairly small. nice motor tho. I used to have a big volvo; great motor, even if the styling was not all it could be. Big leather armchair seats too and a telephone in it

Ah yes, I'm forgetting about this scheme thing... So you're restricted to choosing certain makes? Yeah, I know what you mean about Volvos, although I do prefer their modern stuff. It's one of the few companies whose cars have got better looking as the years have progressed, and also lost their rather staid image.

In that respect, I was always more of a Saab fan - now they *were* superb cars! Just a shame they're no more....

This is the Volvo I'd have: https://www.volvocars.com/uk/cars/ne...iants/polestar

Marco.

[struth]

Have you visited any Honda dealerships, mate? If not, I'd recommend you do so.

Sorry, Kias do nothing for me (the Venga looks rather like a Honda Jazz).

Marco.

Not yet. Not found one on my travels and I can't travel that far at moment. One out Falkirk way which may get a visit. Style is secondary to usability but hoping to combine both. Nothing is going to be perfect alas so it's a matter of deciding on what's most important. The BMW 2 series is out. Their x1 is a possible.
The Mazda is a lovely motor

[Marco]

The Beemer would always be my choice, as it's a driver's car, and I much prefer the looks. Even if the sales folk were assholes... After all, you'll hopefully be spending much more time with the car itself than the salesmen from the dealership

Try and get a look at some Hondas. For me, they're a cut above most Toyotas, in terms of styling and 'driveability'. I've got no idea though, in terms of ease of getting in and out them.

Marco.