Biker looking to buy a V6.

[Anonymous]

Alright guys, I'm new here. It looks like a great resource. I've read a few threads, including the FAQ and picked up the answers to a lot of my questions.

I've been riding bikes for 5 years, and only got a car last October. A Mk3 Golf Driver no less. Chest wig not included.

I've been a fan of the V6's looks since the first day I saw one. My friend took me out in his Acid Yellow MkII Renault Press Car not long ago and that got me hooked. Now in the fortunate position of being able to consider one.

I can't pretend I know much about cars. I do know that the V6 is pretty 'limited' shall we say not just in the amount produced, but also when compared to a standard car, ie seats, storage space etc, but that doesnt bother me. Infact, as a biker these things add to the appeal.

I ride my bike most of the year and want a car that when I use it, it puts a smile on my face. A few of my friends have said that the V6 is only good as a second car, is this a justified comment? I guess I'll be doing around 8k miles a year.

Others have said the engine and gearbox layout makes the car a 'bastard' and that it's fragile and not well suited to being thrashed. Again, are these comments a load of cock?

One friend told me what when it rained, his MkII leaked. Isolated problem or common occurence?

Am I right in saying there's no stereo as standard? What other bits of kit might I lust for..?

Will I notice the difference between the MkI and the MkII, and if I'm only going to own one Clio V6 in my life, should I go for the MkI or is the MkII worth shelling out for?

I don't really care about turning circles, MPG and ride comfort - these are all things you sacrifice when you're a career biker. I gather they're hard to drive fast and fairly unforgiving. Mind you, if I can make my 150k Golf go around corners on mismatched tyres and highly suspect suspension, I'm sure the Clio will come as a Godsend..

I look forward to your replies and getting thoroughly involved.

Cheers, Ben.

 

[Jamesv6]

Hello Ben and welcome.

A few of us use the v6 daily with no problems. I believe Andy has had most IKEA delivery home in his Vee.

Not heard of any water ingress issues.

MK 2 has a noticable power increase mainly down to gearing ratios. Obviously the xenons and cruise control touches may make a difference to some.

Both models come with a standard stereo and mutli-changer CD player under the seat. MK2 has also a single CD slot in the head unit.

You will learn the ways of the v6 but really its not half as twitchy as the driven for 3 minute press guys make it out to be. Only ever had one episode in my MK1 and that was when I left the tyres to get too low. Oil on roads and no tread is a bad mix for any car.

 

[clarkiev6]

i love mine...got 275 h/p with me nos switched on!!

 

[Anonymous]

Hello. Good post!

I had a mk1 last year as my only car and it coped with daily usage fine. The only major problem I had was with the gearbox (it leaked oil, think something broke inside!) which was fixed under warranty. Its an odd car to use daily, because it looks so extreme, but as the user, you forget that and only remember when you stop at the petrol station, or get the thumbs up in a traffic jam

The handling is not shit although I wouldn't class it as a natural track car either. I've had quite a few different types of cars and for a heavy-ish car its actually quite nimble. If you take the time to learn the cars style, it will repay you with a far more rewarding drive than most conventional cars.

The mk2 is slightly more polished than the mk1, but its nothing massive in the scheme of things.

Go on, buy one!

 

[Eastlmark]

vee's do seem to appeal to bikers, noticed several nearly coming a cropper while having a good look when passing!

 

[Tim]

You could always buy Lord Harveys V6 Mk2....Its number 355 (314)....and very rare at that....

Moving quickly on.....welcome!

Bought my Mk1 Left Hand Drive Japan Import a month ago and haven't looked back! In fact I'm considering a MK2 as my wife and me are arguing all the time about who gets to drive the damn car.....basically we need two!

Mk2s can be had for very reasonable money now! Lowest priced Mk1 at the minute is about £11K with high mileage.

£12/13K for a MK1 some with under 10K miles!

The MK2 is more refined and closer to a German interior as I describe it than the cheaper plastic and blue/grey colours of the MK1. Obviously power is up/tope speed and handling has apparently been sorted. Front end is only noticeable difference along with 18 inch alloys on the Mk2 and larger hatch spoiler to the rear. More interior goodies as well along with Xenons etc!

But heh go and drive a load of them until you decise. A search on autotrader will bring up nothing short of between 50 - 100 Mk1s and 2s!

Good luck

 

[Anonymous]

Doh. Well, thanks a lot for the replies. I've rung a few insurance companies and can't get a quoted better than £3500 on a 255 V6.

Bang goes that idea, then. I'll have to stick to bikes for my kicks for another couple of years..

 

[steveukv6]

Have a look at the insurance section - there is some recomendations of companies who people on hear are currently insured with.

Steve

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your reply Steve. Funnily enough, I can get good quotes on an S2000 and I've got to be every-bit as big a liability in V6 as one of them..

 

[Anonymous]

That is odd - insurance on an S2000 would have cost me more than my V6.

Go and buy an M Coupe - insurance is dirt cheap on those and its way quicker than a V6 or S2000.