Downgrade Complete (Shed content)

[Mr Burns]

The 197 is now gone... I'd had it two and a half years and it's been the best car I've ever had, but with the finance paid and running costs crippling me I decided to let it go. I have higher priorities these days, and after several trackdays of 'SteBurns style' driving I was certain something was going to break.

I wanted to replace it with something that was still fun to drive but with lower running costs, and something that was cheap enough to put me some money in the bank. I fancied getting a DC2 but couldn't commit to an imported car, especially as a good one was worth almost as much as my 197.

I continued with the idea of going Jap, but on a tighter budget... So eventually I picked up this...

My verdict? ...Awesome fun!

Okay so it's neither pretty or blisteringly quick but it more than makes up for that with sheer driving enjoyment, plus it genuinely is cheap to own too!

 

[realnumber 1]

Like the pics and car looks mint but I think I would've gone for a 172 though.

 

[Mr Burns]

Like the pics and car looks mint but I think I would've gone for a 172 though.

Main thing stopping me doing that was I fancied something different, I'd already owned a 172 and a 182 so I decided to break the mould.

 

[E11OOT]

it seems to be a popular choice amongst fellow CS'ers hope you enjoy the car.

 

[joebristolgym]

If only these cars were better looking - everyone who drives them seems to rate them for being great fun. Even Evo reckoned that, and frequently had theirs off the floor - apparently the suspension was 'too short trave;' for Welsh roads. Yeah right - they were just caning it!

THink a Saxo Vts would still be my idea of a fun cheap shed as faster then the Suzuki and also a hilarious drive. Everynow and then I think about getting something cheaper to run.

 

[Kneel]

I can almost guarantee the Suzuki would make you smile much more than a Saxo ever will, awesome wee cars and apparently the secrets out they still aren't getting any cheaper to buy! The running costs for the smiles they produce are fantastic.

 

[Curtis!]

Love these but literally know nothing.

 

[Poopensharten]

Driver involvment with these is supposedly sublime.

Personally id have bought a 106 GTi or VTS but i do see the appeal

 

[Ian_182]

Glad your liking it,but i cant get used to the look.

 

[MarkCup]

They grow on you!

As said, they're a proper driver's car, great feedback, and a well controlled body for such a high stance.

Cost wise....I only recently got mine below 40mpg over a whole tank but that did involve doing a day at the recent Airfield sprint.

 

[Mr Burns]

Yeah economy is excellent, the tank barely holds £40 but that will last me well over a week where I'd be filling the 197 up after about 4 days lol

 

[keo]

fancy photos as always mate have fun init

 

[Scrooge]

Looks smart, not sure about the dash in these they are worse than the ph1s.

 

[fmp_]

what was the fear over an Imported Honda?

As parts are available from Main Dealers. Or was it more about History, Insurance etc?

Otherwise, the Ignis looks good, everyone who has one says they are alot of fun!

 

[Addz]

Heard alot of good things about these to be fair!

 

[chriscummins7]

them pictures are amazing! Not so keen on the car however

 

[jenic]

them pictures are amazing! Not so keen on the car however

I agree, find out how he does it and we should give it a try

 

[Mr Burns]

Easy... Park near some bright artificial lighting, use a tripod and remote shutter to avoid camera movement. Set the shutter speed to 30 seconds then whilst the shutter is open shine a flashlight onto the bodywork of the car.

 

[sofaboy]

I love these ste, are you planning any mods for it?

 

[Mr Burns]

I love these ste, are you planning any mods for it?

I promised myself that I wouldn't, but I'm constantly pricing things up! I think coilovers are on the way

 

[sofaboy]

Legend, are you taking it out on track at trax?

 

[Mr Burns]

Legend, are you taking it out on track at trax?

Probably not, only reason I went on track last year is because someone gave me tracktime.

 

[sofaboy]

Fair enough. I do love these things, just cant get over the image, the modified one you posted is awesome.

 

[Hazza]

Good choice, biased tho i am!

 

[alex-avfc]

Nice choice I think mate, something a bit different and from what I gather will be enough to satisfy your enthusiastic driving!

Will have to come and have a browse at it soon

 

[Mr Burns]

Nice choice I think mate, something a bit different and from what I gather will be enough to satisfy your enthusiastic driving!

Will have to come and have a browse at it soon

Yes mate, I'll take you a spin

 

[Djw Dave]

Looks nice mate, loved your 197. Look forward to see how the new 'shed' turns out.

 

[Kneel]

I promised myself that I wouldn't, but I'm constantly pricing things up! I think coilovers are on the way

If you dont want to spend a lot on mods, then a set of Whiteline ARBs front and rear and a strut brace makes a massive difference and should see you perfectly happy..

 

[Brian]

Sad to hear the 197 has gone, but at least you'll be saving some £££ and like you say, you'll not be getting any nasty surpises.

 

[AlexS]

Great cars, very similar in style to my Panda 100hp (looks crap but excellent to drive!).

 

[Brett]

I've test driven one and they do just make you smile when you drive them. They're not quick but not so slow you are annoyed driving it, handing is epic on them they're so chuckable.

 

[Tony Hunter]

Mr Burns,you will be sadly missed on track days.

 

[trailerparktrev]

Good choice, they're great fun to drive. So much so, that I nearly bought one towards the end of last year.

 

[Mr Burns]

what was the fear over an Imported Honda?

As parts are available from Main Dealers. Or was it more about History, Insurance etc?

Otherwise, the Ignis looks good, everyone who has one says they are alot of fun!

Yeah this basically, and the fact they're quite expensive for what they are.

 

[Mr Burns]

Mr Burns,you will be sadly missed on track days.

I might have something in the pipeline!

 

[Tony Hunter]

I might have something in the pipeline!

Good

 

[Christopher]

Gutting.

As good as I'm sure they are to drive, I couldn't own one because of the look of the thing. The interior too.

That said, for the money, they're a bargain.

 

[Mr Burns]

Gutting.

As good as I'm sure they are to drive, I couldn't own one because of the look of the thing. The interior too.

That said, for the money, they're a bargain.

I felt the same at first, but now I'm starting to like the 'old school' feel it has to it. It's certainly better built than the 197 and costs bugger-all to run, I'll admit it won't win any beauty contests but I'm going to see what I can do about that!

I'm in two minds at the moment as to where to go with it. My initial plan was to keep it like it is, but like many people I'm just itching to start modding it. I'm not sure whether to splash out and treat it to coilovers and fancy JDM rims or bang some mudflaps on and go for the rally look.

 

[g.cameron]

Rally look, seen mainly all the ignis sports jdm styled.
Hardly seen any rally look ones.
Think it will look good if you go all out on it

 

[Mr Burns]

Quick update...

Since buying the ugly little car that most people don't recognise I've been out and spent a few quid on it.

- H&R springs
- OMP strut brace
- Greenstuff pads
- Clear repeaters
- Philips high power bulbs
- Kenwood iPod headunit
- Tailored mats
- My priviate reg