Social => Introduce Yourselves! => Topic started by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 06:25:10 pm
Title: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 06:25:10 pm
Hi guys.
My names Lewis, I'm 19 and from the east midlands (Newark-ish). I currently own a 56 plate corsa c sxi+ (chavy I know but it's been a great first car) I've spent a little bit on it (ie. Spax RSX coilovers, Speedline 2118's with parada spec 2's and other bits and bobs which I know make it even more chavy but hey) I'm looking to hopefully px my corsa in and get a low mileage A500 on finance as I think they're awesome little cars. Not yet driven one but from reviews I've heard and my short time browsing this forum they seem to put a smile on people's faces which is exactly what I look for in a car :). Was looking at the A500ss but insurance, although not being that expensive, didn't really leave a lot of my wages left at the end of the month and it seems the standard A500 is still a very fun little car, much more so than my 1.4 corsa I'm sure. Also set my sights on the sabelt seats after popping into platts in stoke for something to do, wow they're nice seats! But are they as comfortable after a couple of hours in them? Anyway after my rather long introduction I hope to update you all on my new purchase of an A500 somewhere in the not too distant future.
Regards, Lewis
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: jazzdevil on January 23, 2012, 06:28:37 pm
Bonjour!
If it weren't for another member's login name, the 'C' word would get you banned on here! :whistle:
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: GTMartin on January 23, 2012, 06:30:28 pm
Hi Lewis and welcome. The Sabelts have had complaints about the price, comfort does not seem to be an issue. ;D
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 06:34:15 pm
If it weren't for another member's login name, the 'C' word would get you banned on here! :whistle:
Yeah yeah ;D I'm aware of their bad rep thanks to them being cheap to buy and insure, but that's the reason I had one at 17. Standard they are rather bland but with decent coilies and rubber they're cheap fun in the corners, we just won't mention about the straights :whistle:
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 06:36:56 pm
Hi Lewis and welcome. The Sabelts have had complaints about the price, comfort does not seem to be an issue. ;D
Hi Martin (hope that is your name) Yeah they do seem rather steep, but they are nice. Sat in some in the APE in platts and loved them! You reckon a dealer would put them in a second hand A500 for a fair enough price?
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: Yordan on January 23, 2012, 06:37:38 pm
Hi and welcome :wave:
Insurance should not be that much more for the ss than standard then again every case is different.
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: SJH on January 23, 2012, 06:40:09 pm
Hi Lewis and welcome. The Sabelts have had complaints about the price, comfort does not seem to be an issue. ;D
Hi Martin (hope that is your name) Yeah they do seem rather steep, but they are nice. Sat in some in the APE in platts and loved them! You reckon a dealer would put them in a second hand A500 for a fair enough price?
Sure they would oblige if you are thrusting cash at them!
They are great and super comfortable - far more lateral support in them for those twisty roads.... :whistle:
Hope you find a suitable car soon oh, and hello (and glad you have seen the light.... ;))
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: Trooper on January 23, 2012, 06:42:31 pm
Hello and welcome :wave: I'm also from the Midlands keep an eye on the meets section As we will be meeting up again for breakfast soon and your very Welcome (even in the corsa ) ;D
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 06:43:18 pm
Insurance should not be that much more for the ss than standard then again every case is different.
Hi :) it's around £300 more which to be honest isn't that bad. Just wondering whether they're worth the extra they sell for as I've read that around £1200/1300 of the kit is the wheels and tyres? Although the 160bhp does appeal to me a fair bit more than the 135bhp standard abarth.
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: Trooper on January 23, 2012, 06:46:14 pm
TMC ;D is all you need ;) your welcome to take a ride in mine anytime :thumb:
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 06:46:39 pm
Hello and welcome :wave: I'm also from the Midlands keep an eye on the meets section As we will be meeting up again for breakfast soon and your very Welcome (even in the corsa ) ;D
You sure? I can park it down the road and walk the rest :p But thanks I will keep an eye out and hopefully make it to one when I'm free.
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: Andrew on January 23, 2012, 06:51:35 pm
Welcome :wave:
Sabelts are a must! Anyone who says they aren't hasn't got them ;D
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 06:51:39 pm
TMC ;D is all you need ;) your welcome to take a ride in mine anytime :thumb:
Yeah read a little bit about them. So what subject do they come under when looking at insurance? Where abouts you from?
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: SJH on January 23, 2012, 06:51:55 pm
There are other ways of increasing the power (TMC) - but that will increase your insurance anyway.
In terms of the SS kit. My view is it is worth it when you add up the bits. Yes, different wheels - personal taste but I like them. Better tyres in actual fact. More to the point, extra power, far far better brakes and stiffer spings which do "improve" the suspension although you need either koni FSD's or some other after market solution to really sort that out.
Second hand, the SS kit does not add an enormous amount I would have thought. May be £1,000? - which is good value for that I think.
Depends how old your car is as to whether you need to think about warranties and things like that. Probably not a great concern. :)
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: Yordan on January 23, 2012, 06:53:03 pm
Insurance should not be that much more for the ss than standard then again every case is different.
Hi :) it's around £300 more which to be honest isn't that bad. Just wondering whether they're worth the extra they sell for as I've read that around £1200/1300 of the kit is the wheels and tyres? Although the 160bhp does appeal to me a fair bit more than the 135bhp standard abarth.
This a bit than I expected. This is more than I got charged to ensure the TMC. Have look around here for the TMC or go to www.google.co.uk
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 06:54:20 pm
Sabelts are a must! Anyone who says they aren't hasn't got them ;D
Hi Andrew, thanks :) Yeah they do look lovely, they finished off the APE I had a quick sit in while the salesman was giving me the pointless hard sell, I was mearly dreaming :)
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 07:03:19 pm
There are other ways of increasing the power (TMC) - but that will increase your insurance anyway.
In terms of the SS kit. My view is it is worth it when you add up the bits. Yes, different wheels - personal taste but I like them. Better tyres in actual fact. More to the point, extra power, far far better brakes and stiffer spings which do "improve" the suspension although you need either koni FSD's or some other after market solution to really sort that out.
Second hand, the SS kit does not add an enormous amount I would have thought. May be £1,000? - which is good value for that I think.
Depends how old your car is as to whether you need to think about warranties and things like that. Probably not a great concern. :)
The ss wheels are nice but I'm sure I'd get bored of them after a while. Yeah you make a good point. I'd like a newish car with decent warranty just for piece of mind. Although I've been lucky enough not to have any real problems with the corsa over the 2 and a half years I've owned it. I've got a budget of about £12k on finance, anything more makes it abit tight on spare money
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 07:07:20 pm
Insurance should not be that much more for the ss than standard then again every case is different.
Hi :) it's around £300 more which to be honest isn't that bad. Just wondering whether they're worth the extra they sell for as I've read that around £1200/1300 of the kit is the wheels and tyres? Although the 160bhp does appeal to me a fair bit more than the 135bhp standard abarth.
This a bit than I expected. This is more than I got charged to ensure the TMC. Have look around here for the TMC or go to www.google.co.uk
Thanks for the link. That was a compare the market job though so I'm sure ringing the insurers direct I could get a slightly better deal, but at 19 I know it's not going to be cheap. I'm sure I'd prefer the ss (only negative I've read about it over the standard A500 is ride comfort, and having a low corsa on stiff coilies I don't think it will bother me) also read that the ss doesn't feel like its has as much torque than the standard but I'm fairly sure that's a load of tosh...
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: Yordan on January 23, 2012, 07:11:27 pm
You should have a look in service tread the oil of the ss needs to be changed every 6k.
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 07:15:03 pm
You should have a look in service tread the oil of the ss needs to be changed every 6k.
Are they really THAT much better than the standard though? I guess all I can do is have a test drive in both and have a much more detailed look at the cost side of things
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: thefamoushoops on January 23, 2012, 07:15:46 pm
Welcome.
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 07:20:51 pm
You should have a look in service tread the oil of the ss needs to be changed every 6k.
Are they really THAT much better than the standard though? I guess all I can do is have a test drive in both and have a much more detailed look at the cost side of things
Well at risk of upsetting some people, yes. Very clearly.
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 07:27:14 pm
Are they really THAT much better than the standard though? I guess all I can do is have a test drive in both and have a much more detailed look at the cost side of things
It is better, depending on how picky you are ;) The stock A500 has a lack in good suspension, brakes that could do with some better refinement and of course a lack of power :P
The normal A500 is a perfect car for the normal commute, if that is what you want. If you want it to be closer to perfect, you either buy a SS, or you buy the normal A500 and plan your own modifications (which again might become more expensive, also in insurance)
Welcome here by the way... :thumb:
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 07:30:31 pm
Are they really THAT much better than the standard though? I guess all I can do is have a test drive in both and have a much more detailed look at the cost side of things
Well at risk of upsetting some people, yes. Very clearly.
Hmmm... Perhaps I will have to reconsider the ss. I guess a test drive will be the only way to solve the confusion. Although I think I know what will happen, I will end up buying the ss whether I can afford it or not haha
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 07:37:33 pm
Are they really THAT much better than the standard though? I guess all I can do is have a test drive in both and have a much more detailed look at the cost side of things
It is better, depending on how picky you are ;) The stock A500 has a lack in good suspension, brakes that could do with some better refinement and of course a lack of power :P
The normal A500 is a perfect car for the normal commute, if that is what you want. If you want it to be closer to perfect, you either buy a SS, or you buy the normal A500 and plan your own modifications (which again might become more expensive, also in insurance)
Welcome here by the way... :thumb:
I am quite picky if I'm honest. And the one of the main things I'm looking for in a new car is decent power (mainly torque so it has a nice pull) If I did get a standard A500 I'm sure after abit I'd like more from it but modifying it will bump my insurance up quite a fair bit more than having an ss in the first place.
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: lloyd on January 23, 2012, 07:38:43 pm
you have arrived at the foregone conclusion ;D
welcome, shame you just missed a Notts get together ;)
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: will-w on January 23, 2012, 07:40:12 pm
Have you got your heart set on a 500?
Have you thought about a Punto (be it Grande or Evo)?
Welcome btw :wave:
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: corsa on January 23, 2012, 07:46:58 pm
I am quite picky if I'm honest. And the one of the main things I'm looking for in a new car is decent power (mainly torque so it has a nice pull) If I did get a standard A500 I'm sure after abit I'd like more from it but modifying it will bump my insurance up quite a fair bit more than having an ss in the first place.
The normal A500 will have a good oomph compared to your Corsa. In all fairness, I'd say that the A500 is better than most cars of that category. It's biggest standard rival is the SS (including Koni) in that sense, just because it again improves the ride, the brakes and has a little more power in higher revs. Under normal driving conditions the difference is not too big though.
Some others, including myself, ended up buying a normal A500 and changing it after the own taste (powerwise, brakes, suspension).
If I were your age, and insurance would be such an issue, I would considering to buy a normal A500, start to enjoy it (which you surely will!) and then getting the SS kit after a year (which you can within the first year).
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 07:48:50 pm
welcome, shame you just missed a Notts get together ;)
I'm afraid I think I have... This could get expensive haha. Ahh never mind, how often do you have them and where abouts are they usually?
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: lloyd on January 23, 2012, 07:51:17 pm
every january :whistle:
seriously, keep an eye on the meets and events thread, there is always something going on , not necessarily on your doorstep but they're worth travelling for:thumb:
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 07:53:01 pm
Have you thought about a Punto (be it Grande or Evo)?
Welcome btw :wave:
Pretty much yeah. I did have a look at a brand new APE which had the sabelts and loved the car but insurance is just too much at the moment at 19, it's about £500 more than the A500ss and £800 more than a standard A500!
Thanks :wave:
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: Exoticaholic on January 23, 2012, 07:53:29 pm
Hello and welcome :wave: I'm also from the Midlands keep an eye on the meets section As we will be meeting up again for breakfast soon and your very Welcome (even in the corsa ) ;D
You sure? I can park it down the road and walk the rest :p But thanks I will keep an eye out and hopefully make it to one when I'm free.
Someone came in a Fiesta to a meet late last year.....
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: corsa on January 23, 2012, 07:54:35 pm
not necessarily on your doorstep but they're worth travelling for:thumb:
Very true :thumb: :thumb: Might cost you a couple of tanks of fuel though :P 8)
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: web_monkey on January 23, 2012, 07:56:05 pm
Welcome :wave:
As someone firmly in the ss camp all I'll say is nip down to your local dealer, test drive both on various roads and drive them how you will drive normally. The standard car is great value but if it's performance you're after once you go ss you won't want to go back.
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 08:01:37 pm
I am quite picky if I'm honest. And the one of the main things I'm looking for in a new car is decent power (mainly torque so it has a nice pull) If I did get a standard A500 I'm sure after abit I'd like more from it but modifying it will bump my insurance up quite a fair bit more than having an ss in the first place.
The normal A500 will have a good oomph compared to your Corsa. In all fairness, I'd say that the A500 is better than most cars of that category. It's biggest standard rival is the SS (including Koni) in that sense, just because it again improves the ride, the brakes and has a little more power in higher revs. Under normal driving conditions the difference is not too big though.
Some others, including myself, ended up buying a normal A500 and changing it after the own taste (powerwise, brakes, suspension).
If I were your age, and insurance would be such an issue, I would considering to buy a normal A500, start to enjoy it (which you surely will!) and then getting the SS kit after a year (which you can within the first year).
Well the quotes I got on compare the market were
A500 - £1400 A500ss - £1700
Which to a lot of you more... experienced...members of the forum will think is ridiculous but considering my corsa is £1000 I think it's okay. Only thing is with a budget of £12k and it having to be from a dealer so I can get it on finance, I don't think I will get the choice to add the ss kit on later as the car for that money will no doubt be older than 12 months. So I either bite the bullet and get an ss and be skint or get a standard and wait a couple of years before I mod it.
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 08:05:38 pm
seriously, keep an eye on the meets and events thread, there is always something going on , not necessarily on your doorstep but they're worth travelling for:thumb:
Most car meets aren't on my doorstep unfortunately, but there's not much other than bumpy roads around here... :)
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 08:07:31 pm
I am quite picky if I'm honest. And the one of the main things I'm looking for in a new car is decent power (mainly torque so it has a nice pull) If I did get a standard A500 I'm sure after abit I'd like more from it but modifying it will bump my insurance up quite a fair bit more than having an ss in the first place.
The normal A500 will have a good oomph compared to your Corsa. In all fairness, I'd say that the A500 is better than most cars of that category. It's biggest standard rival is the SS (including Koni) in that sense, just because it again improves the ride, the brakes and has a little more power in higher revs. Under normal driving conditions the difference is not too big though.
Some others, including myself, ended up buying a normal A500 and changing it after the own taste (powerwise, brakes, suspension).
If I were your age, and insurance would be such an issue, I would considering to buy a normal A500, start to enjoy it (which you surely will!) and then getting the SS kit after a year (which you can within the first year).
Yeah you make a fair point, I guess the answer I'm getting from people is take a test drive in both and then see if it's worth being skint for... :) is the power hike massively different?
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: Yordan on January 23, 2012, 08:07:51 pm
To be honest get what you CAN afford you are just 19 you will have many cars even if you cannot stretch to SS you will enjoy it the NP is fast it really is.
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: corsa on January 23, 2012, 08:09:18 pm
Which to a lot of you more... experienced...members of the forum will think is ridiculous but considering my corsa is £1000 I think it's okay. Only thing is with a budget of £12k and it having to be from a dealer so I can get it on finance, I don't think I will get the choice to add the ss kit on later as the car for that money will no doubt be older than 12 months. So I either bite the bullet and get an ss and be skint or get a standard and wait a couple of years before I mod it.
Name it: older members :P ;) I am not too much older (or I wish so...) so no worries ;) :P
If cash is an issue, do the maths. Most people would be happy to have a normal Abarth at 19, and then convert it to a SS at 21 or so ;) By then your insurance should have gone down too :)
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: lloyd on January 23, 2012, 08:09:38 pm
before planning too many mods it might be worth adding a few to your insurance quote, the SS might suddenly look cheaper to insure :thumb:
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 08:11:25 pm
As someone firmly in the ss camp all I'll say is nip down to your local dealer, test drive both on various roads and drive them how you will drive normally. The standard car is great value but if it's performance you're after once you go ss you won't want to go back.
I think the ss is more like what I'm looking for, it's just whether I can afford it. I'd love to
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 08:20:41 pm
To be honest get what you CAN afford you are just 19 you will have many cars even if you cannot stretch to SS you will enjoy it the NP is fast it really is.
Only thing is I will be keeping it a minimum of 3 years maybe 4 because of having it on finance. Do people who went for the standard abarth regret not getting the ss?
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: corsa on January 23, 2012, 08:23:24 pm
To be honest get what you CAN afford you are just 19 you will have many cars even if you cannot stretch to SS you will enjoy it the NP is fast it really is.
Only thing is I will be keeping it a minimum of 3 years maybe 4 because of having it on finance. Do people who went for the standard abarth regret not getting the ss?
You cannot really compare that. Most of the people on here are neither 19, nor have the Abarth as an only car ;)
But the standard A500 is already a good car, especially compared to the Corsa (still hate my similar name :P ). It will be much better in any sense. And of course you could always make changes later on step by step, if you would want that.
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 08:24:22 pm
Which to a lot of you more... experienced...members of the forum will think is ridiculous but considering my corsa is £1000 I think it's okay. Only thing is with a budget of £12k and it having to be from a dealer so I can get it on finance, I don't think I will get the choice to add the ss kit on later as the car for that money will no doubt be older than 12 months. So I either bite the bullet and get an ss and be skint or get a standard and wait a couple of years before I mod it.
Name it: older members :P ;) I am not too much older (or I wish so...) so no worries ;) :P
If cash is an issue, do the maths. Most people would be happy to have a normal Abarth at 19, and then convert it to a SS at 21 or so ;) By then your insurance should have gone down too :)
Haha I wouldn't be so rude :p Cash isn't that much of an issue with a standard A500 on finance and insurance. But yeah I guess a standard abarth still isn't bad going at 19, just don't want to regret not getting the ss
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: Andrew on January 23, 2012, 08:27:59 pm
The SS kit can be fitted upto one year or 12000 miles from first registration, so you don't have to get it straight away :thumb:
Title: : Another new guy
Post by: Trooper on January 23, 2012, 08:29:54 pm
I don't regret getting a a standard 500 as I used the extra to buy the factory Options that I wanted and added the extra power and lower ride later on.
You have modded your current car so don't be put off Buying a standard One to make your own ;D
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 08:31:27 pm
To be honest get what you CAN afford you are just 19 you will have many cars even if you cannot stretch to SS you will enjoy it the NP is fast it really is.
Only thing is I will be keeping it a minimum of 3 years maybe 4 because of having it on finance. Do people who went for the standard abarth regret not getting the ss?
You cannot really compare that. Most of the people on here are neither 19, nor have the Abarth as an only car ;)
But the standard A500 is already a good car, especially compared to the Corsa (still hate my similar name :P ). It will be much better in any sense. And of course you could always make changes later on step by step, if you would want that.
Yeah this will be my daily. So will be spending plenty of time in it. And yeah I guess the standard abarth will be a big step up from the corsa so doubt I'd get bored of the power that quickly. I think it's time I sort a test drive out and put everything you guys have said into consideration to make my decision. Either way I want an A500 soon!
Title: Re: : Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 08:34:14 pm
I don't regret getting a a standard 500 as I used the extra to buy the factory Options that I wanted and added the extra power and lower ride later on.
You have modded your current car so don't be put off Buying a standard One to make your own ;D
How far into owning it did you want the extra power though?
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 08:35:56 pm
The SS kit can be fitted upto one year or 12000 miles from first registration, so you don't have to get it straight away :thumb:
Is a £12k dealership budget asking abit too much for a low mileage one though?
For one under a year old then yes asking too much, sorry.
No not necessarily under a year old, or do they have to be both under a year old and under 12k. Or whichever comes first?
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: colin on January 23, 2012, 08:59:54 pm
For the SS, yes... both under 12 months and 12,000 miles so whichever one comes first will rule it out.
My car is absolutely bog standard, and I've no regrets - but then, like several on here, it is not my only car (there's a certain V10-engined German car in which I do almost all my weekly miles) and I've no regrets at leaving it standard (although the ride is far harder than any Audi with an S badge!). It really is down to personal taste......... there are plenty of other mods you can make at some later stage if you want to - and when you have met several of us and talked to people about what they have changed and why (and in some cases changed back!), you will feel better informed about what you want to do to your car to personalise it.
Welcome here anyway.
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: lloyd on January 23, 2012, 09:31:25 pm
autotrader has 1 sub £12k SS, not much choice there :thumbd:
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 10:24:19 pm
For the SS, yes... both under 12 months and 12,000 miles so whichever one comes first will rule it out.
My car is absolutely bog standard, and I've no regrets - but then, like several on here, it is not my only car (there's a certain V10-engined German car in which I do almost all my weekly miles) and I've no regrets at leaving it standard (although the ride is far harder than any Audi with an S badge!). It really is down to personal taste......... there are plenty of other mods you can make at some later stage if you want to - and when you have met several of us and talked to people about what they have changed and why (and in some cases changed back!), you will feel better informed about what you want to do to your car to personalise it.
Welcome here anyway.
Thanks for clearing that up :) Yeah I think a test drive will tell me where I want to go with it all. Also joining this forum was so I could do abit of research before making a 3/4 year commitment and it has helped a lot. V10 German... Rs6 avant? R8?
And thank you :)
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 10:25:27 pm
Only thing is I will be keeping it a minimum of 3 years maybe 4 because of having it on finance. Do people who went for the standard abarth regret not getting the ss?
I'm more than happy with my NP 500.
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 10:36:29 pm
Only thing is I will be keeping it a minimum of 3 years maybe 4 because of having it on finance. Do people who went for the standard abarth regret not getting the ss?
I'm more than happy with my NP 500.
You get it on finance?
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: thefamoushoops on January 23, 2012, 10:46:57 pm
Only thing is I will be keeping it a minimum of 3 years maybe 4 because of having it on finance. Do people who went for the standard abarth regret not getting the ss?
I'm more than happy with my NP 500.
You get it on finance?
Sure did, just on normal HP.
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 10:49:04 pm
Only thing is I will be keeping it a minimum of 3 years maybe 4 because of having it on finance. Do people who went for the standard abarth regret not getting the ss?
I'm more than happy with my NP 500.
You get it on finance?
Sure did, just on normal HP.
Ahh cool. And what car did you have before if you don't mind me asking?
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: thefamoushoops on January 23, 2012, 10:51:17 pm
Do people who went for the standard abarth regret not getting the ss?
I kind of do, but only because my car is now over a year old so I couldn't SS it even if I wanted to....One of those wanting what you can't have moments. But, when I could have had it done, I just wanted to go my own way with it 8)
Hope that helps, clear as mud! :thumb:
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 23, 2012, 10:59:31 pm
Do people who went for the standard abarth regret not getting the ss?
I kind of do, but only because my car is now over a year old so I couldn't SS it even if I wanted to....One of those wanting what you can't have moments. But, when I could have had it done, I just wanted to go my own way with it 8)
Hope that helps, clear as mud! :thumb:
Clear as mud indeed :p I've been worrying if I'd feel the same but at 19 I think a standard abarth would be enough for a while (I hope) and then if it's not enough I can look at going down the modding route
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: Kertallica on January 24, 2012, 02:08:57 pm
Welcome :wave: My A500 is my only car, and I haven't regretted not getting the SS kit on mine. From what I had (MG ZR - so similar to your Corsa) to the Abarth at 21, I found was a good move, as the power difference wasn't stupidly different, but enough to give me an adrenaline rush :P (I did get the TMC box over a year ago though *shh*)
Now that I've had it nearly three years, and my insurance finally went down to what I would call "normal", I'm now thinking of possible mod's as have a little more spare money :thumb:
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 24, 2012, 06:28:21 pm
Welcome :wave: My A500 is my only car, and I haven't regretted not getting the SS kit on mine. From what I had (MG ZR - so similar to your Corsa) to the Abarth at 21, I found was a good move, as the power difference wasn't stupidly different, but enough to give me an adrenaline rush :P (I did get the TMC box over a year ago though *shh*)
Now that I've had it nearly three years, and my insurance finally went down to what I would call "normal", I'm now thinking of possible mod's as have a little more spare money :thumb:
:wave:
Ah looks as though I'm in a similar situation to you three years ago. How is the A500 to use everyday? Yeah I guess the sensible thing to do would be to get a standard A500 as the insurance is reasonable and then as that goes down, add the bits and bobs as I wish. Just out of interest did you get the car on finance?
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: gavos999 on January 24, 2012, 06:35:43 pm
Im a bit late..... but Welcome :wave:
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 24, 2012, 07:24:46 pm
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: Exoticaholic on January 24, 2012, 07:44:14 pm
You still looking then? By the way I got near Newark today as I was seeing a friend in West Bridgeford. I have never seen any Abarths on the road and has not for the last few months apart from the meets.
I bet you are still counting the pennies and pounds towards your dream.
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 24, 2012, 08:07:19 pm
You still looking then? By the way I got near Newark today as I was seeing a friend in West Bridgeford. I have never seen any Abarths on the road and has not for the last few months apart from the meets.
I bet you are still counting the pennies and pounds towards your dream.
Very much still looking! I will have one, hopefully sooner rather than later. I have only ever seen 2 abarths on the road myself (both within 5miles of Platts in Stoke), and seeing as though I occasionally travel up and down the country for my job that's quite surprising really.
And yes, haha, I spend most nights adding wages/out goings/finances/insurance (sad I know)
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: Exoticaholic on January 24, 2012, 08:17:03 pm
You still looking then? By the way I got near Newark today as I was seeing a friend in West Bridgeford. I have never seen any Abarths on the road and has not for the last few months apart from the meets.
I bet you are still counting the pennies and pounds towards your dream.
Very much still looking! I will have one, hopefully sooner rather than later. I have only ever seen 2 abarths on the road myself (both within 5miles of Platts in Stoke), and seeing as though I occasionally travel up and down the country for my job that's quite surprising really.
And yes, haha, I spend most nights adding wages/out goings/finances/insurance (sad I know)
I don't think that is sad, that is a sign of good financial management. I do it every morning to ensure nothing is amiss. There have been cases when people were so busy/so rich/financially naive that they did not notice funds missing in their accounts.
You have Research Abarth, Platts and Bauer Millet within travelling distance so you're spoilt for choice!
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 24, 2012, 09:19:09 pm
You still looking then? By the way I got near Newark today as I was seeing a friend in West Bridgeford. I have never seen any Abarths on the road and has not for the last few months apart from the meets.
I bet you are still counting the pennies and pounds towards your dream.
Very much still looking! I will have one, hopefully sooner rather than later. I have only ever seen 2 abarths on the road myself (both within 5miles of Platts in Stoke), and seeing as though I occasionally travel up and down the country for my job that's quite surprising really.
And yes, haha, I spend most nights adding wages/out goings/finances/insurance (sad I know)
I don't think that is sad, that is a sign of good financial management. I do it every morning to ensure nothing is amiss. There have been cases when people were so busy/so rich/financially naive that they did not notice funds missing in their accounts.
You have Research Abarth, Platts and Bauer Millet within travelling distance so you're spoilt for choice!
Yeah no point diving into this without working everything out first. I can imagine, I know a few people like that.
I've been looking at Platts as they are the closest, well Rockingham cars are really but they don't seem to have much to choose from. Just need to get a test drive booked and go from there.
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: Kertallica on January 24, 2012, 11:08:28 pm
Welcome :wave: My A500 is my only car, and I haven't regretted not getting the SS kit on mine. From what I had (MG ZR - so similar to your Corsa) to the Abarth at 21, I found was a good move, as the power difference wasn't stupidly different, but enough to give me an adrenaline rush :P (I did get the TMC box over a year ago though *shh*)
Now that I've had it nearly three years, and my insurance finally went down to what I would call "normal", I'm now thinking of possible mod's as have a little more spare money :thumb:
:wave:
Ah looks as though I'm in a similar situation to you three years ago. How is the A500 to use everyday? Yeah I guess the sensible thing to do would be to get a standard A500 as the insurance is reasonable and then as that goes down, add the bits and bobs as I wish. Just out of interest did you get the car on finance?
The Abarth I would say is a good car for everyday use, unless you do big shops, as sometimes that can get a tad tricky lol I would say standard now, then you can add as and when you like :D
I did get it on finance, the HP I believe, as didn't like the idea of not owning it at the end of the term. It worked out to about £250pm, so not bad. If you choose that route, make sure you get all the t&c's, as I didn't at first, and then found out that there's an admin fee that has to be paid within two weeks of your last payment. So just bear that in mind :)
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: Yordan on January 24, 2012, 11:12:50 pm
And get a Gap insurance. :thumb:
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: Kertallica on January 24, 2012, 11:19:08 pm
The Abarth I would say is a good car for everyday use, unless you do big shops, as sometimes that can get a tad tricky lol I would say standard now, then you can add as and when you like :D
I did get it on finance, the HP I believe, as didn't like the idea of not owning it at the end of the term. It worked out to about £250pm, so not bad. If you choose that route, make sure you get all the t&c's, as I didn't at first, and then found out that there's an admin fee that has to be paid within two weeks of your last payment. So just bear that in mind :)
And was that a brand new A500? I think I'd be either looking at HP or PCP. But yeah everything will be read through prior to agreeing anything
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 24, 2012, 11:49:03 pm
And was that a brand new A500? I think I'd be either looking at HP or PCP. But yeah everything will be read through prior to agreeing anything
Indeed it was for a brand new one, and I had a PX against the total price as well.
You get a fair deal for your px?
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 25, 2012, 05:34:06 pm
Had my appraisal today at work and looks like I'll be getting some sort of a pay rise very soon. Ahhh yeaaaah :) Just what I needed when looking at getting the Abarth
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: web_monkey on January 25, 2012, 08:17:29 pm
Had my appraisal today at work and looks like I'll be getting some sort of a pay rise very soon. Ahhh yeaaaah :) Just what I needed when looking at getting the Abarth
:thumb: you know what you need to do next
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 25, 2012, 10:37:51 pm
Had my appraisal today at work and looks like I'll be getting some sort of a pay rise very soon. Ahhh yeaaaah :) Just what I needed when looking at getting the Abarth
:thumb: you know what you need to do next
Ask for an even bigger one? (Raise that is :P) No, it can only help towards getting the car I want so I'm happy :)
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: Kertallica on January 27, 2012, 01:47:13 pm
And was that a brand new A500? I think I'd be either looking at HP or PCP. But yeah everything will be read through prior to agreeing anything
Indeed it was for a brand new one, and I had a PX against the total price as well.
You get a fair deal for your px?
I think I got near what it was worth; in 2009 I got £2500 for an '05 plate MG ZR. They tried to lower the price because of some small scratches on the side (which I had mostly fixed), but I said they confirmed the amount they would give, so they had to keep to their word :thumb:
Bet you're looking more forward to your new purchase ;D
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 27, 2012, 09:46:32 pm
Ahh that's not too bad then really. I've been offered £2500 for my 56 plate. Little under priced but no too bad.
Ahh like you wouldn't believe. I'm becoming a right saddo, it's all I keep thinking about. Just wanting to know the best place to buy from as I don't mind travelling to buy?
And is there still the 0% interest on finance deals or has that been long gone?
But yeah just can't wait to seal the deal.
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: Kertallica on January 29, 2012, 01:12:16 pm
I found dealers were going to be slightly less than what you could get privately, but not sure about these days.
Get used to it, we have them and we still think about them all the time :thumb: I wouldn't know about the 0% finance, best bet probably would be to call all the dealers that you're willing to travel to and see what deals (if any) they have.
You should get it as soon as though, or you'll start getting the shakes ;)
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: FWD_Boy on January 29, 2012, 03:38:07 pm
Hi, welcome onboard :thumb:
Only real thing I regreat about not going SS was the Wheels and the Stance as I opted to stay on 16"s as they where less popular and it does sit abit arse high on the smaller wheels.
On a dyno day we found that the NP non SS cars made bit more than 135bhp and actually wasnt that far off the 160bhp, also on a day out driving with two other cars with varying bhp's I think you'd need around 20bhp+ extra than another car on long straights to really see a difference
I think unless you was coming from something else turbocharged with around the same kinda output then I think your be well happy with the standard car. Like all cars there always room for improvement its just a case of money ;)
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 29, 2012, 05:42:51 pm
I found dealers were going to be slightly less than what you could get privately, but not sure about these days.
Get used to it, we have them and we still think about them all the time :thumb: I wouldn't know about the 0% finance, best bet probably would be to call all the dealers that you're willing to travel to and see what deals (if any) they have.
You should get it as soon as though, or you'll start getting the shakes ;)
Yeah dealers are always going to give you a little less but it's a definite sale there and then so it's worth it in my eyes. And now-a-days most people offer far less than you advertise anyway so I'm sure it's not too different selling to a dealer.
Gave the corsa a good clean and check over, just squinting and pretending it was an abarth haha.
I think I'd better hurry up, I can feel the shakes starting already.
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 29, 2012, 05:48:21 pm
Only real thing I regreat about not going SS was the Wheels and the Stance as I opted to stay on 16"s as they where less popular and it does sit abit arse high on the smaller wheels.
On a dyno day we found that the NP non SS cars made bit more than 135bhp and actually wasnt that far off the 160bhp, also on a day out driving with two other cars with varying bhp's I think you'd need around 20bhp+ extra than another car on long straights to really see a difference
I think unless you was coming from something else turbocharged with around the same kinda output then I think your be well happy with the standard car. Like all cars there always room for improvement its just a case of money ;)
:wave: thanks
Yeah I do like the ss wheels but there are nicer ones out there to buy that would be half the price. I quite like the petals anyway. Yeah they do sit rather high, coming from a lowered corsa anyway. Really? Were they all consistently higher than 135? To be honest, bhp figures really don't bother me, it's how they drive that I'm more interested in and I think you're absolutely right, maybe if I was going from an evo to the abarth then the standard would feel slow but from my corsa I'm sure it'll feel more than quick enough. Although I'm sure it won't stay standard for very long
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: Exoticaholic on January 29, 2012, 06:02:54 pm
Well, over 90 posts to your original post!!
My A500c is 140hp but it was last out of 14 cars at a rolling road day hence the badge of honour and I don't think I am in a hurry to forfeit it. I wanted the SS spokes but they are £1170 plus shipping from TMC Motorsport. Two sets of alloys are quite enough!
I will soon no longer have the A500c though :(
Title: Re: Another new guy
Post by: 123lhumphrey on January 29, 2012, 06:48:17 pm
My A500c is 140hp but it was last out of 14 cars at a rolling road day hence the badge of honour and I don't think I am in a hurry to forfeit it. I wanted the SS spokes but they are £1170 plus shipping from TMC Motorsport. Two sets of alloys are quite enough!
I will soon no longer have the A500c though :(
I know, not bad eh? 8)
That's a good figure for such a small car! Yeah the ss wheels are nice but they're not £1100 nice in my eyes.