LCR daily driver

[Phil K]

Hi all

I'm due to start a new job in Jan and have been given a generous car allowance! I had been planning on getting a new Passat Sport but realise this will be right at the end of my budget and won't leave me any money for insurance... so having spent a day or 2 looking around I've narrowed it down to 2 potentials!

First is the new Clio Sport - Brand new and drives really nice but only 3 door and maybe too small...

Second option is a 55 plate LCR with 6K on the clock - fantastic as I'm sure you all know and is mopre practicle for saturday morning kids footy etc.

I'll be doing about 30K at the most per year but need it to be good for distance driving, economical (yeah nice try) and reliable with out being to costly to maintain... can an LCR do all of the above? Fingers crossed the answer is yes yes yes as I am taking the other half to see one in the morning and am planning to leave a deposit!

Thanks in advance for your replies 8)

 

[m0rk]

do you have a fuel card or a seriously generous fuel allowance?

if not, forget it - the LCR won't be kind on your wallet for a 30k mileage

I'd go look for an FR+ PD150 - looks pretty much the same, but does over double the mpg

 

[Phil K]

Ah yes the beloved fuel card - forgot to mention that bit

I will have one and only have to pay 30% of the monthly bill

 

[m0rk]

no brainer then!

Just make sure you leave yourself enough to buy 6 tyres, 2 sets of front pads & a set of discs in 20k & you'll be laughing

Fuel card makes it. cruise control as a retrofit will make the miles bearable too

 

[neil_f225]

go for it! I've done 56k miles in just under 2 years in mine and no probs touch wood. Done quite a few track days as well and its stood up to it fine.

 

[Phil K]

sweet - you're the voices my conscience needed to hear!

I think the one I'm looking at already has cruise too... going to keep quiet about the power/economy when the mrs sees it tomorrow

 

[darrenh]

tyres and brakes would be my consideration.

You can't skimp on either - 18" wheels will be pricey tyres, and brembo's!

A good friend of mine has an LCR for a company car, but it's fully funded - i don't think he'd have it if wasn't. As Mark said - i'd be thinking diesel at 30k a year!

 

[Phil K]

I know what you're saying... tyres for my Corrado aren't cheep but you learn to live with it I guess lol

 

[D3DNA]

The LCR should be solid throughout with only the 'main problems' being an issue, mostly covered by warranty. Tyres and brake pads/discs will be required plus other maintainance parts/servicing.

 

[sportbilly]

As mork said tyres and brakes every 10k if you enjoy the car, apart from that you will be fine.

I average 30k a year in mine its been great overall (and great fun more importantly).

 

[neilmac]

I know what you're saying... tyres for my Corrado aren't cheep but you learn to live with it I guess lol

Ive recently bought a 55 plate lcr in Sept...I do 20k a year. Heres what I can tell you (having done about 7k in it so far) - from my experience. It will eat tyres....budget about £100 - £110 for a new Pzero. Economy. In motorway traffic if you keep it a nudge under 70 you can get about 36mpg out of it. Cruise it at 80 and you are looking around 34mpg...a heavy right foot and prob 32mpg. Cruise control would be nice and I might investigate retro fitting this...but its not a hard car to drive. Take if off motorway and onto lanes...thats where the fun is but its not a comfortable ride on an average B road...the suspension plus tyres etc make it a hard ride.

given the economics of your fuel card...I wouldnt even worry about it...buy it. Tis a great car for the money and very practical - Ive just bought mine as I needed a 5 door for the impending arrival.

Good luck.

 

[Phil K]

Cheers Neil! I'm going to the dealership this morning armed with my credit card to leave a deposit provided they can do me a good deal...

 

[Chris 16v]

I have the exact situation as you, 25-30k a yr, car allowance and i get my work fuel paid for. I bought a Leon Cupra 180 and its fantastic. Now the tyres are at the right pressure i can easily get 34mpg on a long run and its very comfortable, great for long distances and keeps me smiling when i do stick my foot down!!

I wouldnt hesitate for a second!

 

[m0rk]

Just a quick one - and it might be too late..... try not to get a Silver one (platinum is ok)

more than a couple are ex fleet track cars.

 

[the_prophet]

Just a quick one - and it might be too late..... try not to get a Silver one (platinum is ok)

more than a couple are ex fleet track cars.

what do you mean by ex-fleet "track cars" m8? silver was one of the colours i'm looking at. I'm guessing this would only be for a ceratin age of car - i.e a few 55 reg's or something??

 

[Phil K]

There are a few silver ones about on the trader at the minute - really want grey or black though...

 

[neilmac]

Cheers Neil! I'm going to the dealership this morning armed with my credit card to leave a deposit provided they can do me a good deal...

Well give them a hard deal as its prob one of the best times of year to buy plus the new cupra r is out now.

 

[225]

Should be able to haggle more now as there are loads on the market and the new Cupra is round the corner. Once the pzeros go definately get Goodyear GDS3s, much more grip and last longer. My brakes lasted well over 16K miles and I wasn't shy with the loud pedal, especially after REVO! PS getting a remap does actually help with economy as well as you can just use the greatly increased torque and not change down.

 

[Phil K]

Well I've gone and done it and here it is

They're going to sort out all the niggles, service it and give me 6 months tax - tried for the tank of fuel but it was a flat no... never mind I love it and couldn't be happier

 

[Hairy]

Start saving you’re spare £'s now!!! I 've had a platinum LCR for the past 2 1/2 years and I still have a permanent silly grin on my face every time I drive it, apparently it's going to cost thousands of pounds in botox to remove my grin and make me look semi normal again!