For a car that sold in modest numbers when new, the Lotus Esprit notched up an impressive spread of model variants that included many with a turbocharger. For the purposes of this buyers' guide, we're going to stick with the post-1987 Peter Stevens' revised X180 models as they offer a more modern driving experience and cabin. The earlier cars are just as much fun to use, but they are also more fragile so should be considered solely as classics. We'll also leave the V8-powered models for another day as they deserve a dedicated guide. That leaves us with the models powered by the 2,174cc inline four-cylinder Type 910 engine. It used a Garrett T3 turbo running at 0.65 bar to give 218hp, which was 5hp up on the pre-facelift model. A modest gain, but performance improved to offer 0-60mph in 5.3 seconds and a 152mph top speed, which was sufficient to keep the Brit in the hunt with other junior supercars of the period. The next big step in Esprit Turbo evolution came with the addition of an … [Read more...] about Lotus Esprit Turbo: PH Used Buying Guide
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2018 Chevrolet Equinox Buying Guide
Though it's not quite at the top of the sales pyramid for its segment, the Chevrolet Equinox has benefited from American consumers' wholehearted embrace of crossovers, with sales of nearly 2 million units since its launch in 2009. It's now the second best-selling model for Chevy after the Silverado pickup. Chevrolet introduced an all-new third-generation version of its flagship crossover for 2018, giving it a sleeker, more sculpted exterior look that's more in line with other Chevrolet car models and shaving 400 pounds off the vehicle's total weight, a 10 percent reduction. Coupled with its efficient trio of newly turbocharged engines, that adds up to impressive gains in fuel economy (more on that later). There's also new technology including a Safety Alert seat, surround-view cameras, low-speed automatic braking and forward collision warning. It comes with a standard 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that loses 12 horsepower from the outgoing engine but tacks on 31 more pound-feet of … [Read more...] about 2018 Chevrolet Equinox Buying Guide
Reviews & Buying Guide The Best Jeep Wrangler Seat Covers in 2018
Jeeps are meant for hard uses such as mountain rides, rock climbing, trails and fording of rivers unlike most of the vehicles that are always used for lighter duties. With them, you do not have to worry about the time or the weather. Such tasks are what make the seats of your jeep so vulnerable. It is for these reasons that the best jeep wrangler seat covers have been designed. They are used to protect your seats against dirt, debris, odor, water and at times ultraviolet rays from the sun. With these products, you will have added onto the beauty of your interior and end up saving a lot of money which could have been used for repairs. Why You Need Jeep Wrangler Seat Covers? The use of the seat covers applies to both brand new and old Jeeps. The covers will protect your seats from future tear and wear. This will surely maintain your vehicle’s look. Nothing is enjoyable as riding on a nice looking car. Secondly, most of these covers are washable or easily cleaned; whichever … [Read more...] about Reviews & Buying Guide The Best Jeep Wrangler Seat Covers in 2018
Subaru Forester (SG): PH Used Buying Guide
If you want a car that can tackle muddy trails, bound through snow-covered lanes and carry the dog with ease, you've plenty of options. When you start looking for a car with those capabilities that's also characterful, gratifying to drive and reliable, however, your shortlist will become exponentially shorter. There is one potential candidate that can fulfil many those requirements though - the Subaru Forester. The first-generation Forester, dubbed the SF, was launched in 1997. It proved a dependable, comfortable and pleasant car to drive; in turbocharged form, known as S-Turbo for UK models, it was also surprisingly quick. SF-gen Foresters are few and far between these days, and their drab looks cause many to steer clear. The sharper second-generation SG version of the Forester, however, is a much more appealing option. It arrived on UK shores in 2002, featuring a new platform and a whole host of upgrades, and was offered up until 2008. There was also a mild facelift in 2006, which … [Read more...] about Subaru Forester (SG): PH Used Buying Guide
Used car buying guide: Mazda MX-5 Mk3
Mid-winter: what better time to buy a Mazda MX-5? Convertibles have come a long way since the days of draughty MG Midgets but car buyers’ instincts haven’t.It’ll be spring before they think about shopping for one. A great time to strike, then, while they aren’t looking and prices are soft.Not a Mk1 or Mk2, mind: too rusty and silly money. The Mk3’s the one you want. Not that certain sections of the motoring press thought so when it was launched in 2005 in roadster and, the following year, folding hard-top forms. Some thought it had gone a little soft but Autocar declared it roomier, quieter, safer and better equipped, while finding it as entertaining to drive as ever.You’ve a choice of 1.8 and 2.0-litre engines, the 2.0 with variable valve timing and a limited-slip diff. The 1.8 has a five-speed gearbox, the 2.0 a five-speed in standard trim and a six- speed in Sport. The 2.0 and 2.0 Sport have 17in alloy wheels and the 1.8 has 16s. In addition, the … [Read more...] about Used car buying guide: Mazda MX-5 Mk3
Used car buying guide: Audi RS6
They call it the ‘50p seal’ because that’s what it costs in your hand.Unfortunately, fitted to an RS6, it costs considerably more – from around £2200 after you’ve taken parts and labour into account. It goes in the oil pump. When it fails, it allows oil to leak onto the driver’s side of the engine’s undertray. When checking over a used RS6, look for oil pooling there and weeping at the back of the engine. See Audi RS6 for sale on PistonHeads We might as well get that out of the way first. That and the car’s coolant pipes, which, where they run around the wheel arch, are exposed to the elements. In time, they rot and leak fluid. Some garages reckon it’s an engine-out job to fix but others are smarter and can do the work in situ for a fraction of the price. Either way, check these as well before you buy.And while you’re at it, give the dynamic ride control (DRC) system the once-over. Its hydraulic dampers can leak … [Read more...] about Used car buying guide: Audi RS6
Used car buying guide: Ford Mustang
Now that right-hand-drive Ford Mustangs are on the market, is there any sense in buying the imported previous model?You can pick up a used, low-mileage, current-generation Mustang 2.3 Ecoboost from £26,000, or a 5.0 V8 GT manual from £29,000, with the benefit of driving on the correct side of the car. That said, the last-gen model is potentially much cheaper, infinitely tweakable and, well, just so darned charismatic. See Ford Mustang for sale on PistonHeads Prices begin way lower than £25,000. How about £9000 for a 2008-reg 4.0 V8 Fastback? It’s done 225,000 miles but has a new clutch, control arms and brakes. The work reads like a buyer’s guide of things to look for when buying an S197 (the codename for this fifth-generation Mustang of 2005-2014).Another thing to look for is proof that all taxes and duties have been paid. The seller of the above car bought it from a US serviceman. They’re allowed to import and register cars … [Read more...] about Used car buying guide: Ford Mustang
Used car buying guide: Hummer H2/H3
You could have a 113,000-mile 2006-reg Range Rover 4.2 V8 Vogue SE for £10,000.But how about a 40,000-mile 2003-reg Hummer H2 6.0 V8 auto for the same money? Once the chariot of choice for Premier League footballers but today more likely to be the school-prom limo, the Hummer H2 is the Buzz Lightyear of SUVs: from guardian of the universe to Mrs Nesbitt. See Hummer for sale on PistonHeads That’s a shame because there’s a vehicle of real substance here. Too big and thirsty? There’s the smaller H3 powered by a 3.5, later a 3.7, petrol engine. It’s more than competent off road too, being able to wade through two feet of water, climb a 407mm step, crawl up a 60deg incline and traverse a 40deg slope. A 46,000-mile 2006-reg H3 3.5 converted to LPG could be yours for £13,495.Of course, say ‘Hummer’ and it’s the military-based original, known as the Humvee, which in 1992 morphed into the Hummer H1, that everyone thinks of. It was … [Read more...] about Used car buying guide: Hummer H2/H3
Used car buying guide: Chrysler Crossfire
Which would you chose? A 2004-reg Mercedes SLK 320 with 73,000 miles for £2995 or, for the same money, a same age, same mileage Chrysler Crossfire? See Chrysler Crossfire for sale on PistonHeads They’re closely related and share a rear-drive platform and 3.2-litre V6. What’s more, there are rare AMG-fettled versions of each, called, respectively, the SLK32 and SRT-6.However, the first-gen SLK was bowing out as the Chrysler, built by manufacturing company Karmann, came on stream in 2003, so even a late-plate Crossfire is actually a pretty old design. Still, it’s available in coupé and convertible forms, although while the SLK is classy, the Crossfire coupé looks awkward and the convertible is prettier.While rust is an issue with both cars, the Karmann-built Crossfire is actually likely to be in better condition. Meanwhile, our £2995 example not with standing, £5250 is where tidy 04-plate SLK320s with reasonable mileages really are … [Read more...] about Used car buying guide: Chrysler Crossfire
Used car buying guide: Citroen 2CV
A good Citroën 2CV – one that’s rust-free but needs the odd dent removing here and a lick of a paint there – costs from around £5500, with fully restored examples (new chassis and bodyshell, respray and retrim) starting at around £9000. See Citroen 2CV for sale on PistonHeads So one 2CV that is for sale for £93,495 must be pretty special. Indeed, it’s a rare 2CV Sahara 4x4 from 1963. The front wheels are driven by one 12hp engine, and the rears by another. Although each engine has a gearbox, there is, fortunately, only one gearstick, one clutch pedal and one accelerator. Only 694 Saharas were built, a figure dwarfed by the almost four million 2CVs that were made during the model’s 42-year lifespan (1948 to 1990) and the additional five million examples of variants, such as the Dyane, that were also made.Generally speaking, the 2CVs you’re likely to find at more sensible prices are Specials, Dollys and Charlestones from the … [Read more...] about Used car buying guide: Citroen 2CV