Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Please note that it is not permitted to have referral links posted in your signature. Keep these links contained in the appropriate forum. Thank you.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2055940817/signature-rules
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Cars that just Flow

  • 30-01-2014 7:59pm
    #1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,440 ✭✭✭


    Some cars you get in to drive, it's like pushing a wheelbarrow up a hill - either the engines gutless, the gears need constant stirring, or it crashes and bangs over our crappy roads. Or there's no grip/ a bad chassis so every bend is a lottery and effort.

    Others just flow along - driving is a pleasure, there's little or no effort involved, nothing comes up to break the flow and you feel like you and the car are one, flowing along the roads.

    What's your number 1 flowing car?

    For me it's the Gen 6 Celica - the composure, sure-footedness, great gearbox, torquey engine and amazing grip just make driving a pleasure, but it is never raucous or intrusive - it just flows.


«1

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,480 ✭✭✭YbFocus


    I love my e60 but it can be a bit harsh at times.

    A friends is200 I had for a while lately blew me away, lovely car to drive and be in! Most are well under 2k now also making them tempting :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,196 ✭✭✭✭jimgoose


    Jags are great - planet-like torque and that sensation of endless acceleration, all with no stress, no hassle. S-Class Mercs, old and new, are also highly recommended.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,267 ✭✭✭visual


    YbFocus wrote: »
    I love my e60 but it can be a bit harsh at times.

    A friends is200 I had for a while lately blew me away, lovely car to drive and be in! Most are well under 2k now also making them tempting :)

    I've see comments the engine and gear box on IS200 isnt a good match. I presume this doesn't apply to the auto. Never driven either so don't know


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 556 ✭✭✭Bobo78


    In my experience VAG cars are one of the best at easy, effortless and comfortable rides especially at motorways. My own VW Passat was great at driving fast on motorway well over the speed limit and it felt just as composed and quiet and safe as when I drove it 60 kph outside of town.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,480 ✭✭✭YbFocus


    visual wrote: »
    I've see comments the engine and gear box on IS200 isnt a good match. I presume this doesn't apply to the auto. Never driven either so don't know

    This was a manual visual, I found no problem with it, really could not fault it :)

    Doesn't replace the effortless torque and acceleration of my own baby :)
    If it had that I'd probably own one!


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,544 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    Last model Starlet. Stay with me...

    Even if you've never driven before, the gearbox is precise, clutch gives great feedback and its just a very easy car to drive.

    Its a bit unrefined but this gives you a great idea of what the car is doing.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,237 ✭✭✭✭djimi


    YbFocus wrote: »
    A friends is200 I had for a while lately blew me away, lovely car to drive and be in! Most are well under 2k now also making them tempting :)

    Id prefer an Altezza myself, although finding a clean one at this stage seems a difficult task.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,480 ✭✭✭YbFocus


    djimi wrote: »
    Id prefer an Altezza myself, although finding a clean one at this stage seems a difficult task.

    Even the is's seem to have been abused too. Hard to find a good one. The lexus has a nice 6cyl noise off it too!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,544 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    visual wrote: »
    I've see comments the engine and gear box on IS200 isnt a good match. I presume this doesn't apply to the auto. Never driven either so don't know

    One thing with the manual IS200 is the clunk going into second gear. They all do it. You get used to it but it could be off putting

    The autobox is dirt though. 4 speed slushomatic that changes up and down at the wrong time.
    I remember this in particular when I sold cars and would regularly drive a neighbour customers fleet IS Automatic whenever he needed servicing/repairs.
    I had a 95 FTO Tiptronic at the time which had an INVECS-II fuzzy logic box. It was 10 years ahead of what lexus and toyota were selling new in 2005


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,825 ✭✭✭Neilw


    The 106 gti I bought when I was 21, 6am drives on a summer Sunday morning.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,986 ✭✭✭ambro25


    For effortless involvement and pure driving enjoyment, my Mk1 1.8 MX-5. Mazda designers truly nabbed the fabled 'horse & rider as one' concept/philosophy. Had it 14 years this February, and it's family by now. Still not ever had/driven a car that 'flows' as well (IMHO and acc. to my preferred driving style/rythm). Though I might give subayota's modern AE86 a try, as I keep hearing/reading good things about it on that front.

    For effortless mile-crunching, I'd have liked to keep it in the family and say our W203 220 CDI..but honestly, it would have to be my best friend's A8 L 3.0d quattro. 600 miles in 3 stretches in 9 hours and a bit, and ready to get the party on just out of the car.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,617 ✭✭✭ba_barabus


    colm_mcm wrote: »
    I remember this in particular when I sold cars and would regularly drive a neighbour customers fleet IS Automatic whenever he needed servicing/repairs.
    I had a 95 FTO Tiptronic at the time which had an INVECS-II fuzzy logic box. It was 10 years ahead of what lexus and toyota were selling new in 2005

    I went back and test drove the IS200 before I purchased lately. I really liked the car but the second time round I remembered the autobox in the 75. It was a bit slow to change and old fashioned. It struck me as being very similar to the one in the IS. I loved the engine sound however.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,544 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    ba_barabus wrote: »
    I went back and test drove the IS200 before I purchased lately. I really liked the car but the second time round I remembered the autobox in the 75. It was a bit slow to change and old fashioned. It struck me as being very similar to the one in the IS. I loved the engine sound however.

    Its a funny noise, the whine sounds like a food mixer but in a good way.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,617 ✭✭✭ba_barabus


    colm_mcm wrote: »
    Its a funny noise, the whine sounds like a food mixer but in a good way.
    Well it's being true to Toyota's white goods philosophy.

    As for this thread, my SD1 is the only car I've owned that just flowed. It looked great and felt great to drive. I always loved it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,258 ✭✭✭sogood


    jimgoose wrote: »
    Jags are great - planet-like torque and that sensation of endless acceleration, all with no stress, no hassle. S-Class Mercs, old and new, are also highly recommended.

    +1. My daily driver is a 4.0 litre XJ6. It is a total cruiser, absolutely effortless, just hums along. It has poke when needed, but I have never found it wanting. It always has more to give. I sometimes have occasion to do a round trip from Kerry to Dublin and back again. An hour down time in Dublin and I'm looking forward to the return trip.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,960 ✭✭✭trout


    CLS ...
    06_brabus_cls_v12Rocket_manu_0015.jpg


    /thread


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,440 ✭✭✭Stavros Murphy


    I know it's a bad, terrible, irresponsible, awfully neglectful thing to say, but if you're in a car that really "flows" and hustles along without you needing to even try, you hardly even need the indicators. I've no idea why that's the case but some cars seem to carve their own way around the streets. Others seem to need an amber beacon and a fog-horn to make any progress.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,585 ✭✭✭jca


    colm_mcm wrote: »
    Last model Starlet. Stay with me...

    Even if you've never driven before, the gearbox is precise, clutch gives great feedback and its just a very easy car to drive.

    Its a bit unrefined but this gives you a great idea of what the car is doing.

    If fairness all the early Toyota are like that, just easy to drive great cars. Where did they go wrong?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,544 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    jca wrote: »
    If fairness all the early Toyota are like that, just easy to drive great cars. Where did they go wrong?

    To be fair the yaris is very easy to drive too. Time moves on and people want safety, high driving position etc now.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,957 ✭✭✭Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime


    I do like the idea of being in a big comfy car to cruise down the motorway very quietly

    The closest I got to it was an s-class 5litre v8


  • Advertisement
  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,440 ✭✭✭Stavros Murphy


    I do like the idea of being in a big comfy car to cruise down the motorway very quietly

    The closest I got to it was an s-class 5litre v8

    You ain't getting much closer! Beast of a car.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,479 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    Had to make a run from Limerick to our Cherrywood office the other evening. Traffic was light with cruise control on nearly most of the way, the CC really is a comfortable cruiser especially on a decent road and just ate up the miles effortlessly. Each way took me circa 2 hours.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,800 ✭✭✭Senna


    I had an old (2000) merc E300, only it had it for 2 weeks and done 3 Donegal to Dublin round tips in it, pure pleasure to drive.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,815 ✭✭✭✭Anan1


    I had a Peugeot 406 that was a real back-road mile eater.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,196 ✭✭✭✭jimgoose


    I know it's a bad, terrible, irresponsible, awfully neglectful thing to say, but if you're in a car that really "flows" and hustles along without you needing to even try, you hardly even need the indicators. I've no idea why that's the case but some cars seem to carve their own way around the streets. Others seem to need an amber beacon and a fog-horn to make any progress.

    Yeah. Even the shaven-headed t-shirted Passat types are like penguins in front of an icebreaker. :cool:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,196 ✭✭✭✭jimgoose


    I do like the idea of being in a big comfy car to cruise down the motorway very quietly

    The closest I got to it was an s-class 5litre v8

    Cheeses! What would your idea of actually getting there be - a Bentley Flying Spur?? :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,739 ✭✭✭whippet


    my old MKV GTi with DSG .... on any road is was just effortless, gear changes .. well it was almost like it was on a single cog .. and almost instant power when ever you looked for it.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 866 ✭✭✭renofan


    I'd have to say my '97 Laguna 1.8 is a very comfy mile eater. As my wife is from England we regularly take the car over. Once went form Yeovil in Somerset to a village 15 miles north of Lincoln in Lincolnshire in one go no problem. In fact I think it's more comfy than the '00 A4 I'm currently driving but it's not too bad either.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,038 ✭✭✭ian87


    YbFocus wrote: »
    I love my e60 but it can be a bit harsh at times.
    +1 sometimes you want to get in and almost be driven along but it wants you to do the work


  • Advertisement
  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 843 ✭✭✭HandsomeDan


    Petrol 406. Sweet as a nut.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,957 ✭✭✭Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime


    jimgoose wrote: »
    Cheeses! What would your idea of actually getting there be - a Bentley Flying Spur?? :D

    I dunno. There's something about the seats in mercs that just doesn't feel right though


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,418 ✭✭✭bladespin


    Had a Merc E class for a while, easiest car top do big miles in I've ever driven.

    MasteryDarts Ireland - Master your game!



  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,354 ✭✭✭Sobanek


    A8 3.0 TDI was just "flowing" :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,947 ✭✭✭Taylor365


    Subaru Legacy BL5 Auto.

    Seriously quiet..when idling.

    So smooth i actually filled her up once at a petrol station WHILE THE ENGINE WAS STILL ON! :eek:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,002 ✭✭✭veetwin


    I've never driven one but I'd say a BMW 640 Gran Coupe would be a fairly effortless mile muncher. If there is a sexier car out there at the moment I haven't seen it!


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,574 ✭✭✭dharn


    Amazingly nearly every make of care has been mentioned here by now theycant all be great


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,947 ✭✭✭Taylor365


    dharn wrote: »
    Amazingly nearly every make of care has been mentioned here by now theycant all be great
    In this country, some people consider a jiggidy, black smoke exhaling, shoppin trolley handlin, combine harvest sounding, weapon of a car to be smooth....


    ...just look at all the donedeal ads. 'Sure it's mint lad'.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,381 ✭✭✭mb1725


    20110102092817-1bd9e2ef.jpg


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 12,985 ✭✭✭✭dgt


    Peugeot 406. Drive it all day and just munch the miles :cool:

    E39 is another nice barge to commute long distances in :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,737 ✭✭✭traco


    Best car I had that flowed was a 96 E36 328i, effortless to drive, great balance, plenty of go and yet comfy.

    Moved up to a 97 E36 M3 Evo which was faster but much harder to live with and in real everyday driving the extra power was not really usable as when it came on song you were well over legal speeds.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 66,401 ✭✭✭✭unkel


    E38 BMW 735i

    In the car at 6AM for a brutal, yet fast, non-stop 4 hour drive to the far end of the country (before there were motorways). Then putting in a long working day, overnight in hotel, long working day and drive home

    I could drive that car with my left knee and my right foot. Which left my hands free for smoking, eating, talking on the phone (not hands-free), drinking coffee and I could watch telly at the same time too. That was a good few years ago though :D

    Lotus Elan turbo for sale:

    https://www.adverts.ie/vehicles/lotus-elan-turbo/35456469

    My ads on adverts.ie:

    https://www.adverts.ie/member/5856/ads



  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,987 ✭✭✭ottostreet


    In terms of pace, I love my FTO, just feels like the 'right' amount of power. Nicest car I've had in terms of 'flow' though was an E46 330ci. Was very pleasant and smooth, and all cars should aspire to it as a minimum standard!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,440 ✭✭✭Stavros Murphy


    ottostreet wrote: »
    In terms of pace, I love my FTO, just feels like the 'right' amount of power. Nicest car I've had in terms of 'flow' though was an E46 330ci. Was very pleasant and smooth, and all cars should aspire to it as a minimum standard!

    I've never actually driven any BMW(jasus). I've had mercs, fast nissans, fast toyotas, still have a good few rapid cars out on the drive but never a beemer. No idea why as I go through cars like socks. I've a bit of a blind spot on them. Lots here praising them..might need to try a beemer..


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,480 ✭✭✭YbFocus


    Come to a meet and I'll give you a drive in mine, you may like it even if it is devil fuelled!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,440 ✭✭✭Stavros Murphy


    YbFocus wrote: »
    Come to a meet and I'll give you a drive in mine, you may like it even if it is devil fuelled!

    You can run my Skyline around the carpark in return. It's moreish. :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,480 ✭✭✭YbFocus


    You can run my Skyline around the carpark in return. It's moreish. :D

    Have there been pics of this skyline? I missed it :)

    Really want one at some stage!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,440 ✭✭✭Stavros Murphy


    YbFocus wrote: »
    Have there been pics of this skyline? I missed it :)

    Really want one at some stage!

    I posted them in the past - old account. It's nice. Lovely car that I still catch a glimpse of and go "sheesh, what jammy git drives that". I've not grown sick of looking at it, but jasus, it's an effort to drive - no "flow" at all - :) Very harsh, very low, very hard, quicker than it is able to be and takes a lot of driving. The Celica is a hairdressers car by comparison, but so much easier just to drive around in. The skyline seems to want a track as opposed to a road.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,480 ✭✭✭YbFocus


    What version Stavros? I'm a real fan of the 32's think they're the best looking :)

    Don't get me wrong, as un-petrolhead-ish as a 530d may be it can give some great thrills and return some great mpg. Just not on the same trip :)

    It's a great car for someone doing a load of miles (I do 40-50k miles annually) that doesn't want a borehole car altogether and in fairness the M57 block is pretty bulletproof.

    Great car to live with, great car to drive and be in. But it misses out on something that I've had in other cars.

    This is a good topic you've got going man :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,440 ✭✭✭Stavros Murphy


    Its an R33 with a breathed on 2.0. I initially didn't want the grief of the 2.5t and tbh the 2.0 is plenty quick enough to dint your licence. I have a 2.5 engine on a pallet but just can't be bothered at this stage - the gatsos have me bet down. And I drove to Cork for the 2.5 engine.. I have work to do on it tomorrow but like I said, it's a crashey, hard fecker just to drive around in - speed-bumps are a pain, it's on 19s and low profiles so potholes feel like landmines, the suspension is uprated(me) with adjustable coil-overs and polybushed so it's hard as feck and it has a dramatic body-kit and bonnet which usually means there's teenagers around it when I park up. The missus despises it!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,480 ✭✭✭YbFocus


    Had a pal of mine running an Rb25 in a 200sx before which was nothing short of a disaster, unreliable for him anyway! Another chap runs an rb20 to this day without any hassle whatsoever :)

    Also I done the hole slammed and kitted thing with a Focus many years ago and wouldn't go back, grand bit of comfort now and I like it :D


  • Advertisement
Advertisement