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Peugeot 406 Coupe V6

These are now becoming affordable. They are a great cruising car with a sweet 3 litre V6 engine. Pininfarina spruced up the standard 406 family car to create the 2 door coupe. Its lines are very simple and elegant, and I really think this design will stand the test of time. To be honest I don't know much about them, but I just want one some day!

The WIKI is here

My webshop is now open

Just testing the whole thing out, but hopefully I'll build up a bank of products in CafePress. Have a look to see does anything grab your attention. As always, send me a comment if you want to suggest something I should put into the shop, or if you don't like something there. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE SHOP

Toyota Mk2 MR2 Gen 3

This is a perfect mid-life-crisis car. 2 seater mid-engined sportscar, with enough power to put you into a hedge backwards if you're not paying attention while driving. They are available in many guises; T-Top, naturally aspirated, turbocharged. The most complete package is the Gen 3 later version. This has 245bhp, larger wheels and a much improved suspension setup. Basically what you get from an MR2 is japanese reliability with near-supercar performance.

For all the available power, it is still easy to drive. Overall handling is razor-sharp, with the exception of the minute front-end wandering over small bumps. The mild personality vanishes when you give it a welly in 4th or 5th gear. You have the first indication that you are in trouble when you hear the turbine spool up somewhere behind you. The oomph arrives with a kick; your head snaps back to the headrest, and the car is screaming towards its 149 mph top speed. Driving on the highway and pulling out to pass someone, it is very easy to suddenly find yourself travelling at 90 mph, and that's without even downshifting!

More info on the WIKI

Smart Roadster

This is the 1st car in the blog that I would consider slightly outside the affordable bracket. What I mean by that is, I can't sell my current car, put in a few bob, and buy it. They go back to 2003, but even so, you'll need a bit over €10,000 for one in Ireland. It also doesn't help that Smart, more or less, moved out of Ireland. So there's no where to get a Smart serviced or fixed by a genuine garage. Still wouldn't dissuade me though.

I've driven a few of these over the years, and they never fail to bring a smile to your face. Even though they share a lot of parts with the Smart ForTwo, they are a completely different animal. The chassis is great, and rust is not a major problem as the body panels are plastic. The 698cc, three cylinder, turbocharged engine is only rated @ 80bhp. This is plenty for the light kerb weight and super handling.

I found the Roadster is best enjoyed with the paddle shift option. As you're sitting low to the ground, it feels like you're travelling quite fast, but the suspension is still pretty comfortable. The roof comes in a few different options; a canvas top, a hard glass top, and a lightweight plastic top version. All allow the open-top experience, but the canvas would be my choice as it can be put back without getting out of the car in a matter of seconds. It's also available in 2 body styles; Roadster and Coupe. The coupe has a glass back and some extra storage, and the Roadster is a notchback. I think the notchback looks better, but it would be a hard call if I was to buy one.

They are normally spec'd well, but some nice options include air con, heated seats, and of course; the Brabus version. The Brabus one is in another league in standard form. Stiffened suspension, 101bhp, leather seats, better gear change, body kit, sports exhaust, etc. The Smart enthusiasts will tell you it's cheaper to buy an 80bhp version and modify it, and you'll also have a faster one, but there is no denying that the Brabus looks fantastic and you have a full Smart guarantee.

Here's a word of WARNING. Many, many, many, Roadsters leak badly. If you're thinking of buying one, this is your biggest concern. Just because it does not leak when you buy it, does not mean it will not eventually. But leaks are always issues with cabrios.

0-60 times will not blow you away, but it's the feeling of speed. I'd argue a Suzuki Cappuccino is a more fun car, but most of them are riddled with rust and this is the closest modern equivalent.

More info on the WIKI

Honda Prelude 5th Gen

Ok, I may be biased here again. I have just sold my CRX and bought a 5th Gen Prelude. I wanted a change, so bought what I like to call, a "Plush-mobile". It's a seriously comfortable car. It's even automatic! I never would have even considered an auto before, but it suits this car really well. You can practically fall asleep while driving as the suspension is very nice, and coupled with an auto box and cruise control, welcome to snoozeland!

Ok, down to the hard facts. This was the last generation of Preludes, and they were made from 1997 to 2001. Honda do not have an executive coupe in their range anymore; the Accord is not available in 2 door. There's a 2.2 vtec engine, but it comes in many guises. There's a black-top 185bhp (the most common), a red-top 200bhp (in SiR's I believe), and the 220bhp Type S version.

I would have plumped for the Type S, only it goes against why I wanted a larger car. The Type S is lightened (even has sound deadening removed), is only available in manual, and has a rip-snorting engine. I wanted comfort and quietness, so went for the standard 185bhp auto. Mine does have some more advantages though - a feature of many Preludes over the years; 4 wheel steering. Functioning below 15mph, it allows you to make very tight turns, which comes in very handy in tight carparks or when parallel parking.

The auto box has a tiptronic feature utilising the 4 gears, which is pretty good. I was surprised by the vtec kick at 5500rpm, I thought it would have been calmed down compared to my old CRX, but nope. All hell breaks loose at the top end of the revs, and even with a stock exhaust, it roars.

What I like about this car most is the value for money. I sold my CRX and a few Honda bits I had, and bought the Prelude. You get a lot of car for the money, and the styling has dated very well as it has a clean look. I specifically went after a Motegi kit one. This has a Honda fitted body kit and 17" alloys as standard. The ride is still very smooth on the 17's. The only thing holding me back is the petrol comsumption and road tax - I'm undecided if I'll keep it for a while.

More info on the WIKI

Suzuki Cappuccino

Ok, we are seeing quite a trend here. Loads of very compact and light cars. Next up is probably the smallest so far; the Suzuki Cappuccino. At the moment I am actually in the process of selling my Honda CRX, and buying a Cappuccino to replace it. Time for a change I say. No point on owning one car for many years - I've got plenty to get through in my lifetime.

Back on topic. Suzuki's miniture sportscars arrived in October, 1991. It was a roadster with the engine placed in front, and driving the rear wheels. The wheelbase was 206 cm, the rear suspension independent, the engine initially the 3-cylinder 657 cc DOHC 4-valve turbo, replaced in May, 1995 by a light alloy 3-cylinder 658 cc DOHC 4-valve turbo.

In usual Japanese style, it was specced up to the hilt. Discs all round, air conditioning, electric windows, and a unique roof, which comes apart in 3 stages; Full hard top, T-Top, Targa and Full Convertible. All of the roof components can be stored in the boot, which left enough storage room for about a loaf of bread after that.

Rear wheel drive and weighing around 700kg and having 63bhp makes for some seriously fun driving. In comparison to the Smart cars I've owned, the turbo torque comes in in quite a lump. It can really catch you out in the bend if you are driving in the wet. In the dry, the Suzuki can outperform cars with engines 3 times its size!

More info can be found at the SCORE website and on WIKI

Mazda RX7 Third Gen (FD)

The RX7 came only as a twin turbo rotary engine. This Wankel engine was rated at 255bhp peak output and was redlined at 8000 RPM. The RX7 has a reputation for excellence in handling, acceleration, and driver communication. This design lasted for 11 years and still looks stunning today.

More info on the WIKI

Classic Mini Cooper Sport

The Cooper Sport is one of the last special editions of the Mini before it stopped production in 2000. My brother had one of these and loved it. They tend to be very overpriced for what you get, but the ride in a mini is like no other car. The Sport had the multi point injection 1275cc engine. The stance is low and with the extra arches and 13" wheels, it is also wide. Fold yourself into a mini and grab the chunky steering wheel tight and hang on to the amazing grip.

The minis dominated the rally circuit for many years, beating off much higher powered cars [and larger], by using the lightness and handling to its advantage. They must surely be the most customisable car in the world; no two ever seem to be alike. The engine is mounted transversely, and the gearbox is underneath it. A great drive (but don't try the long-hauls), beautiful styling, clever packaging, an active owners scene, and official classic status ensure that the mini will not be forgotten, and for good reason. I have wanted one for years, have gone to many mini events, but have yet to get one. Some day...

More info on WIKI

Ford Ka Sport

This tiny car houses a 1.6 litre SOHC engine pushing out around 95bhp. Not ground breaking, but a nippy little package with styling that has aged very well. What it lacks in punch (0-60mph takes 9.4 seconds), it makes up for in grippy handling. Later models came with 16" wheels which suit it well. Great adverts aswell :)

More info on WIKI

Nissan Silvia S15 Turbo

Getting a bit more upmarket and modern. Stretching the wallet, but Silvia range has a serious proven history, and now looks at it's finest. 2 litre turbo to the rear wheels. It has earned a reputation as an excellent drift car if you're into that sort of thing. 250bhp out of the box. Good looks, great power and Japanese reliability - a complete package. A serious contender in a few year when prices come down a little more.

Tech specs on the WIKI

Fiat Cinquecento Sporting

Yes. I know what you're thinking. A Fiat? Not with a 10 foot barge pole I hear you say... Well I think where this one slots in is in the sheer value for money. It is a chuckable, light car with a tiny engine that actually tried to compete with the Rover Mini when it was first launched (brave). The Sporting model was the largest engine in the range - a whopping 1.1 litre! Even the power was embarrasing - 54bhp. Bread van looks only add to it's simplicity.

The point of cars like this (and many others on the list), is that weight is EVERYTHING. It doesn't have to cost a fortune or have a huge engine to have a laugh. I've been mulling over one of these for a while and I'm not sure they are going to depreciate any further than they have, as they are at rock bottom. A decent condition one in Ireland will set you back €1500. Bear in mind you loose a lot more than that per year in depreciation on your average modern car.

Be warned though. You're buying a Fiat. And they aint reliable. Nope. Especially ones that were cheap from new and made from the left over scrap that they had around the Fiat workshop. I only occassionally stray away from Japanese cars, but for this kind of money I'm tempted to just go buy one!

More details and specs on WIKI

BMW M3 E30

The original M3. Pure. Light. Precision.
195 - 238bhp depending on the specific model. 2.3 litre, 4 cylinder, twin cam, 16v. rear wheel drive. The periods world's fastest four seater convertible. Mean styling, huge wide arches - it meant business. The embodiment of BMWs 'Ultimate Driving Machine".

Tech info on WIKI

Toyota Celica Mk1

The Japanese Baby Mustang Celica Mk1 was made from 1970-1977, so is an official classic in my book (over 30 years old). Powered by engines from 1.6 to 2.2litre. Love the badass styling. Don't know much about them, other than that I want one. More info on the WIKI

Smart ForTwo

The Smart ForTwo was also known as the City Coupe and City Cabrio in its earlier years. Again, this second post is a car I have owned myself. In fact, I owned both a Mk4 coupe and a Mk5 cabrio. So why on earth did I buy another one after I made the mistake of buying one as my first car? Because they are so much fun! Yes, they look tiny from the outside, but if you get the opportunity, you should sit in one and take it for a test drive. They'll surprise you with their interior space and nippyness on the road.

The Mk1-6 were rear wheel powered by a Mercedes Benz 600cc three cylinder petrol engine - turbocharged. With a few tweaks, these could be turned into little demons. The Mk7 upped the engine size to 700cc, so gave it more bhp and torque. Weighing in @ about 70okg, they are a joy to fling about, so as long as you upgrade to alloy wheels with fatter tyres (175 front and 195 rear).

The spec is pretty high for such a small car. There are 3 levels of spec: Pure, Pulse and Passion. Features include aircon, power steering, electric mirrors, electric roof on cabrio, glass roof on coupe, auto/tiptronic/paddle shift gearbox, CD player, fog lights, crazy coloured interiors, bucket seats. It was even available in Brabus spec, a German tuning house (or haus, hehe). This had an uprated engine and suspension, body kit, leather interior, and double exhaust.

After the economic failures of the Roadster and ForFour, Smart have returned to their only money generator - the ForTwo. A new ForTwo has just been released with a 1000cc Mitsubishi 3 cylinder petrol engine in turbo and non-torbo form. The power output is obviously increased over the older models, but it isn't quite as compact as before. It's longer and wider, and by all accounts, is much more stable on the road. I'm undecided as I have not driven one, but I'm not mad about the styling.

For more info on Smart, have a look at the Smart WIKI and Fortwo WIKI

Honda CRX Mk2 SiR

This blog is not only for cars I'd like to own in the future, but also any cars I have owned in the past and thought were great. I am currently driving the SiR and loving it!




The SiR is a Japanese Import and has a B16A 1.6 litre Vtec engine, which comes in with 160bhp as standard. Also standard is power steering, air conditioning, half-leather seats with lumbar support, leather steering wheel, and electric mirrors.


There are many factory options and mine has a few; glassroof, personal box [like an ashtray, but lined with velvet instead!], rear speaker boxes. Some others mine does not have include folding power mirrors, antilock brakes, limited slip differential, foglights, and of course all the usual mugen range.

It's great fun to drive, but actually very comfortable aswell. The seats have very good support, the handling is numble and the engine is a masterpiece. 160bhp in a car that weighs just over 1000kgs - plenty for a car of it's size. The official figures say that it gets to 60mph in 7 seconds. For more tech specs have a look at this Irish website: CR-X.org

For more info on all of the Honda CRX generations, have a look at the WIKI