[Tone]

Usually change cars about every three years. Have had excellent MCS since late summer. When JCW kit finally arrives will be talking about two years use. £3/4k (25% increase on 'basic' car's price for two years extra torque/power? Nah - very relunctantly have to say it's becoming a "Hey, where's the nearest drain?" scenario. "Nuts" is how one of you guys called it. Others (including HardTimes and his acknowledged psychiatrist) will, I know, disagree.

Don't say get the Hartge - quad exhausts, warranty costs, add another grand. Like Sainsbury's and Tesco, if there were a serious imbalance in the cost of their wares, one would go down the pan! IMO, Hartge is strictly for the Birds (geddit?).

For the fearless, forget about 28% mpg loss, increased insurance, and "Not a good seller, Sir, youngsters can't get insurance." Enjoy the two second improvement in the 30 - 70mph dash. Just do it - but firstly look at the seconds on your watch and count. D'oh!

[HardTimes]

Some sensible points made there mate.. I suppose it all depends on how long you keep your cars...

I'm trying to keep hold of this one until I pay it off but I'm already looking at Cooper S's.

I don't know if it's worth jumping to an S myself or just wait for someone to bring out a Turbo for my car...

amdtechnick perhaps?

I honestly don't think it's worth changing this much until you're some sort of millionaire as the amount of money I've lost on each car over the last 18 months is ridiculous (apart from a couple that made me money)

The only way I would switch now is if someone gives me what I paid for my Cooper, although I don't see that happening however strong the mini market is...

Is there a Millionaire out there who wants to buy it?

Chris

[Tone]

HardTimes, Hi,

Yeah, it's a bit difficult. A coupla guys down here did the same, and now wish they'd waited. Least you've got something to look forward to. Had the basic Cooper demo out; great car. It's just in our nature to wanna go faster, whatever we've got"

Enjoy!

[HardTimes]

Hi Tone,

Yeah I spoke to AMD on email and they are working on a Cooper turbo, however they're looking at the S first.

Apparently the turbo is being tested now.

The only problem I can forsee is cost and whether the engine is strong enough (or will they fit engine components etc.)

Chris

[GordonD]

If you have to do a cost/benefit analysis then i don't believe that you are ever going to be happy with spending money customizing a car. Only racers get a pay back - and only then if they start to win.

Most of us customize for the fun of doing that and having something more exactly geared to our self image than the factory base. I never understood the argument for getting (or not) certain options as "that will make the resale value higher"

I buy a car for me not the next guy who owns it so i want it to reflect my taste. e.g. i hate leather and always battle salesmen who give me the resale stuff.

On the engine upgrade for my MCS I have come to the conclusion that it is already as fast and i can justify on the road so i will spend money on handling, including wheels and tires, exhaust and then cosmetics

[Bonnie Scotland]

Quote:

GordonD Said
If you have to do a cost/benefit analysis then i don't believe that you are ever going to be happy with spending money customizing a car. Only racers get a pay back - and only then if they start to win.

Most of us customize for the fun of doing that and having something more exactly geared to our self image than the factory base. I never understood the argument for getting (or not) certain options as "that will make the resale value higher"

I buy a car for me not the next guy who owns it so i want it to reflect my taste. e.g. i hate leather and always battle salesmen who give me the resale stuff.

Now thats exactly what i've been trying to type but just couldn't get the words out.

Nice one Gordon, happy modding!

alan fae bonnie scotland

[HardTimes]

Yes its a fair point and I never buy a car with "whats the resale value going to be" attitude during modding etc. otherwise I wouldn't have had a 350+ BHP Skyline!

The problem is that you do have to way certain things up.. if I go out and buy an AMD turbo which turns out to be pretty poor and my cylinder head cracks or I kill the car then it's £15,000 gone down the drain and while that may be fine for some rich people it aint for me so things have to be right.

People have certain standards and mine are pretty high when it comes to my cars..

I know what your saying and I agree I just thought I'd point this out because no matter how much you spend, you always think "am I doing the right thing" no matter how rich you are!

Chris

[GordonD]

Hardtimes

i totally buy into that comment - if you are going to change something make sure that you are actually going to make things better.

i took a great handling Miata and spend $$$$$$ to turn it into a mediocre handling one and then $$$ to get it back to factory spec. I also worked with a friend of mine to take his wife's early Mustang from a handy little mall hopper into a full fledged race car. She never quite forgave us (I think it was the addition of open headers - after we had stripped out all of the sound deadening) but when we were ready to sell we did find a young guy who was delighted to get his hands on it. Ofcourse he wrapped it around a tree shortly thereafter but fortunately has a full roll cage and 5 point belts