GTAm

Hi Komi my usual philosophy is something on these lines, 1. Stick with a colour from the original colour card for that model if the original colour is something you dislike or you already have another car in a similar color. 2. Go with a color from other models of the same brand. A Ford blue for a Ford and Mazda yellow for a Mazda. However I would not go with a 2013 color for a 1980 model car. I think that it should be a colour from that era. 3. I would never put a color from a different manufacturer on a car unless your are turning it into your custom designed hot rod and are changing the original design. A Subaru WRX looks great in that bright metallic blue and an old British car is cool is old English white. It's crazy to try and switch the two, I'm sure you'll agree, although often you tend to see similar things happening There are some exceptions I'm sure. A Fiat 500 would look great in a Ferrari yellow.....etc. If I was doing a Capri I would go with a 70's colour from its original colour card. I mean the Capri was affectionately called the "Essex Ferrari" in England. The name "Capri" itself is so exciting. It's a car although technically not advanced for the time, that defined that era. So I believe that that era should be captured when resurrecting a Capri. Personally I would go with a bright 70's straight colour. Orange, Blue, Green whatever I would sleep over it for weeks before making a decision. But would never put a modern colour on a classic car. That would just kill its character IMHO.

Aiyo!! My heart just broke. Why those dreary German colours??? The 70's were full of funky bright colours. I know it's a personal choice and I'll shrug my shoulders if you love grey, but please think about the character of car (and the era) you are building and think about what colours match that character. I even regret painting my Alfetta GTV grey. There are too many grey cars on our road mate. The Mercedes pageant was like a funeral house last year. Grey, black silver and white. Hardly any exciting colours. Like I said it's fine if you love the car in that colour but please, please, please think about it.

The 2.2 Petrol auto is said to be quite heavy on fuel according to a friend who currently uses one. He gets only 5.5-6km/l in Colombo. Manuals should be better. If diesel is an option that's the one to go for IMO.

Great stuff mate. The speed at which you are getting all the stuff is amazing. This looks like it is going to be the hottest Capri on the road! Not sure if you have mentioned it earlier but have you zeroed in on a colour?

<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote'data-author="jaguar" data-cid="255987" data-time="1390921889"><p> Guys how much do your'll think a 1950's Fiat 500 be worth?</p></blockquote> If you really like it and it's not in pieces pay and take it. Seriously undervalued here.

I don't know why they wish to change the last race points. Probably a drop in TV viewing thanks to the finger cruising to his 4th title. But doubling the points for the last race isn't the answer imo.

I kind of like the vacuum cleaner nose :-) Reminds me of the 60s Gran Prix Cars. What I don't like of the FIAT ;-) is that hump that behind the nose cone! Makes it look like a Dolphin! Hopefully It has good pace...

"A little knowledge can be dangerous" rings true here. Many are being duped and misled. But hey they need to wise up. There always will be unscrupulous wheeler dealers out there. At the same time, if that's what floats their boats then I guess we'll have to just mind our business. Some people are emotionally attached to certain Cars and they mean a lot to them however crap it will seem to us. And the UK is full of it. Morris Marina and Austin Allegro owners clubs for example! :-D

<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote'data-author="john cooper" data-cid="255846" data-time="1390806362"><p> Guys<br /> <br /> Any LADA NIVA's in SL?????? <br /> <br /> Cheers<br /> JC</p></blockquote> Not sure JC but I very vaguely recall a white one. Maybe Russian embassy? But the memory is very vague.

<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote'data-author="Supra_Natural" data-cid="255832" data-time="1390802204"><p> Reviving this thread again... GTam, did this article run? was it part of "the classic itch" set?</p></blockquote> Hey yes Supra it was the "Classic Itch" which was published in four parts as it was bloody long and hard to end.

Love the shape of the car. But lots of horror stories from the first owners. Like many such cars the second time around many owners would have learned its idiosyncrasies, and how to deal with inherent faults etc. Won't be a straightforward experience I believe but should become collectible like the XM and many before it.

Woke up this morning to this horrible news - http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/12/29/former-f1-champion-michael-schumacher-injured-while-skiing/

The myth is created by excellent after sales service and customer care. Also the "feel" you get with almost any German car is of "solidity" and "well put togetherness". The damped door handles and soft touch plastics in the interior add to that "high quality" feel. Yes no doubt that the Japanese build the most reliable cars in the world. Added to this they have the best customer care in the so called developed markets. Lexus is the benchmark for customer service on both sides of the Atlantic. And every other manufacturer aspires to get close. Considering my own ownership experience, my ranking is French<German<Italian<Japanese The most reliable car I've owned is a Mazda Familia TDi. Replaced only brake pads and an AC cooler in four years of ownership. The most unreliable was a Peugeot 206 1.9D. Timing belt used to "jump" out on a very regular basis and the agents could never figure it out and at only 15k miles the engine went bust!

This is engine reliability/failure/repair cost only. Which basically the heart of the car. If it's overall reliability the rankings could change. Also there are lots of surveys like the JD Power which are "Customer Satisfaction" ratings. That's only part reliability a large % comes from things like how the dealer treats you for example. Skoda used to score very high in the UK as the dealerships in the pre-VW era were set up as small scale family businesses that tend to forge warmer relationships with customers. German brands have excellent customer service standards and are known to have replaced faulty engines gearboxes at the factory's cost sometimes even after the expiration of warranty. This kind of thing obviously could mask the actual reliability of a vehicle.

Do you mind a manual? I ask because one of my work colleagues came across a very low mileage Maz 3 at around 500k lower than the market because it was manual and they are not easy to sell. The manual drives a lot better imo and you will gain on fuel economy will be better than the auto. If fuel economy is your numero uno priority then I guess the Demio might be better. They are both nice to drive.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/9815860/German-cars-lose-out-in-reliability-survey.html

Spec for spec a bog standard 510 would be superior to a bog standard Escort I think. The thing is the Escort has a much better motorsport record both locally and internationally. So it all depends on the buyers' preference and perception. With all the so called true classics at astronomical prices I am not at all surprised that buyers will flock to buy these cars. When demand outstrips supply, prices will fly.

Scary. So all E90 320d that came in droves are subject to these faults? Or is it a few cars here and there?

I am surprised that these lenses are not re-manufactured considering how popular the Capri is world wide.

It depends on which reviews you read VCBI. If you go by traditional reviews where testers give equal marks for a predetermined set of criteria no Alfa will ever win a fully favourable review. It all depends on what is more of a priority. Most testers have a set template where for example interior space or the feel of plastics carry an equal amount of points as performance and handling. In case of an Alfa Romeo the priorities are driving appeal and that too does not involve only handling. Build quality on the Giulietta is very good IMO although the 159 felt heavier (and it was) and therefore gave a perception of solidity. The handling of the Giulietta is streets ahead of the 159 IMO (and the 159 wasn't too bad either even if not as sweet as the 156). The two cars have different personalities. As for sound track - go for the petrol engines. As for looks the 159 is a stunning car while Giulietta is simply good looking. Here's 2 reviews on the Giulietta - http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/first-drives/alfa-romeo-giulietta-20-jtdm-tct http://www.topgear.com/au/cars/reviews/alfa-romeo/giulietta/2013/giulietta/

Occasionally yes because occasionally you do get a car under 2 years that comes up for sale. But it is not worth it IMO. There was one a few months ago and it would cost over 12m without a permit.

Hi VCBI the 159 is no longer available. Production ended in 2011. And so it is impossible to find an un-reg car or even a 1 year old car that would "fit" in to a permit. The replacement is due at the end of 2015.

Google is everyone's friend - there's are lots of discussions on BMW engines. Just google.

Thanks guys. So "officially" the Super diesel meets the standards required for a modern common rail engine, although I am aware that the reality might be different?

Hi all, does anyone know how diesel fuel is rated globally? I know we have the regular and the super. But how do these compare with international standards? Is there an octane number like petrol?