Why An Xr6t?

[John_]

I like this thread. I’ve got a small collection of cars (currently looking for a low k Aus delivered R32 GT-R for the right price too add).

Some of the more recent cars I’ve owned and sold in the last few years are 05’ STi, 06’ STi, 944 Turbo (7 years ago), 04’ Monaro, 05’ HSV GTO, Supra TT, Golf GTI.

Unlike most on the forum, I test drove many new XR6T’s and F6’s pre FG and was unimpressed with the performance. I was disappointed and couldn’t understand all the hype. I honestly believed the HSV’s at the time (VZ) were faster and felt faster. Maybe I test drove duds, I don’t know. The FG F6 changed my mind completely though.

Back on topic. It comes down to how you will be using the car. Speaking from experience if it’s going to be a daily driver I would stay away from things like STi’s, EVO’s, GT-R’s and anything really that will attract stupid attention. I guess this comes down to an age thing as well. Personally the car I drive every day I want it to be fast and smooth, comfortable on short and long trips and not draw too much attention from 18 year olds wanting to race you at every set of traffic lights.

Sports cars are great, on a track, on b grade roads for short stints, and well to pose. But in every day traffic not such a good decision.

I was a 944 Turbo owner for years, great car, but parts are expensive and they do break. They're just too old now for every day use. GT-R’s are about the same. Anyone clamming an R34 is supple enough for daily use is kidding themselves and hasn’t driven one. I met a guy a week ago who just took delivery of his Aus R35 GT-R and told me it’s definitely NOT a daily driver (and this is the brand new R35). He’s already tracked it a few times and this is why he purchased the car. He drives 3 series every day and leaves the R35 for track and hill climb duties when he wants his motorsport fix.

My advice, if you need a four door and need to carry larger adults go the XR6T. If you want better fuel economy and can make do with a smaller size car go the Mazda 3 MPS, Golf GTI or Renault Megane RS. If you prefer something even smaller but loads of fun with amazing fuel economy go Clio RS (wait for the udated 200HP version) or Peugeot GTI. Now these are pretty much all under $45K, new, will provide more than enough thrills, and you could live with on a day to day basis. A Clio is also an awesome track car, fairly light by today’s standards, lighter car means less wear and tear on consumables. Yeh sure it won't set the fastest lap times but will provide just as much fun (if not more) as more over powering cars on the track. Also the thrill (and I've seen this many times) if you are good driver setting faster lap times than an average poser in a 911 or EVO. I always enjoy seeing guys who buy the latest and greatest cars that win events yet can't drive and think why can't I get the same times out of my car. The unfortunate truth is most drivers abilities aren't good enough to push an XR4 to it's limits let alone an EVO. That's why you see so many 911 and EVO owners do 1 track day never to be seen again from embarrassment I guess.

Most of the time when I’m back in the office I see this EVO 7 parked nearly always in the same spot. It’s fully alarmed with flashing blue lights on the dash, steering lock and a dirty big yellow wheel clamp. I can only imagine the owners concern every time he leaves his car, this is extreme. But it totally reminded me of how I felt when I was an STI owner and driving it daily. Constant fear of being followed (and it happened many times), being car jacked, every little sperm on the road wanting to race you, so much unwanted attention and the bad image these cars just generally have. They go well, handle like they are on rails but also have the ride compliance on our poor rods that will have you at the chiropractor every second week. Nup been there done that. One day I would like to add a 22B to my garage, but not as a daily driver that’s for sure. Only time you enjoy cars like that are on a track, the rest of 99% of the time you just wish you were driving something else. I love many of the performance cars mentioned and will always be a collector. But I appreciate that not all cars were designed or meant to be driven every day on our roads.

[Mish]

That´s a fantastic write up there John, thanks for that.

We have slightly re-evaluated the whole daily driver thing. My girlfriend will be buying a motorbike as well so we´ll both be using our own bikes for the majority of the daily commute. There will be the odd time we take it to work but shouldn´t be too often. I think at this stage I am ready to sacrifice comfort for a bit more speed and the uncompromising nature of something like and Evo or an STi. It´s like you said,

Personally the car I drive every day I want it to be fast and smooth, comfortable on short and long trips and not draw too much attention from 18 year olds wanting to race you at every set of traffic lights.

I'm quite willing to race 18 year old's from the lights! haha! I'm quite happy to admit that I'm slow if the other cars you mentioned are quicker then me around a track...all I'll do is get lessons.

The other cars you mentioned (except the FG F6 and the Supra TT) don´t really do it for me. The MPS3 is a maybe, but I´m not keen on having a FWD car any more. Had them for far too long and from my point of view it´s time to upgrade to AWD or RWD.

I have a couple of mates who have Evo VIII´s (MR´s too) and use them as daily cars and they have absolutely no issues with them.

I think all cars have an image thing. On many other forums all people who drive Fords are fat bogun's with mullet's. Just like on many other boards the consenus is that people who drive Evo's and STi are Jap racers wannabe's with a driver door wish list and backwards baseball cap wearing cocky kids who don't know how to drive.

For me, the Evo is that car that I have been dreaming about for a long time...Since the Evo 2 or 3 back in the mid 90's. So that is a big thing. The towing that I can get around...

With regards to being carjacked in the STi, I thought that the Brandt alarm system was designed to prevent exactly that. Something like if the doors is opened while car running and seatbelt done up the car stops...anyway, that's what insurance is for!

Like I said, the main thing for me is, I'm quite happy putting up with the stiff unforgiving ride if it goes, handles and stops better! I mean, the main reason I was looking at the Ford in the first place was coz of the lack of towing ability on the Evo, but I have since worked a way around it.

As you can see, I'm leaning towards the Evo quite a bit, but like I said, I haven't test driven any of them, so that could change my mind totally! Again! haha!