Sold the XR8

Willie · Post by **Willie** » Mon Sep 07, 2009 3:44 pm

The XR8 has gone to a new home. It was a great car - especially when we lived in Darwin, where its 220kw could be exploited before the speed restrictions came in. Even driving it around Canberra was OK. But in Sydney traffic, with that heavy clutch, it was just too much car. I used to get a sore foot in heavy traffic!

A Ford enthusiast from the sunshine coast came down and bought it. Always good to know a car you have cherished and looked after goes to a good home.

I have replaced it with a BMW 325i M sport, but went for an automatic this time. First auto I've owned in a very long time. Its nice to drive, but I still like driving the XT Forester more. The wife likes the BM, so a swap might be on the cards yet!

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 5:54 pm

Willie wrote:The wife likes the BM, so a swap might be on the cards yet!

Nice - looks like things are in your favour then!

Let us know when you get the keys to the subi for you to drive daily!

Cheers

Bennie

brumbyrunner · Post by **brumbyrunner** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 10:04 pm

okay, okay, so the question begs to be asked.....
Why does an obvious fan of the 6 star badge, who confesses to prefering the wifes car over the one he just bought for himself, buy a BMW over, say, a GT Lib or a WRX?

Willie · Post by **Willie** » Mon Sep 14, 2009 3:39 pm

brumbyrunner wrote:okay, okay, so the question begs to be asked.....
Why does an obvious fan of the 6 star badge, who confesses to prefering the wifes car over the one he just bought for himself, buy a BMW over, say, a GT Lib or a WRX?

Good question, and I did look at a couple of Lib GTs and WRX's. Also looked at some MkV GTI Golfs, but they are still out of my price range. I couldn't bring myself to buy an auto GT or WRX, but I would have been happy with a manual. There wasn't that many good GTs on the market in Sydney when I was looking, either. And buying a WRX from a 20-something year-old in Lakemba or Punchbowl didn't appeal!

I have a condition called a "Mortens Neuroma" on my left foot, which is aggrevated by hard surfaces, poorly cushioned or tight footwear, or pushing on a (heavy) clutch. Driving the XR8 proved painful around Sydney - the Subaru is nowhere near as bad, but can become uncomfortable. Even though I have had this condition for a few years, it only affected driving in Sydney! Darwin and Canberra were no problem.

I have liked the E46 3 series since they were released, and had the opportunity to get this one at a good price. Being an auto and having the M package clinched the deal for me.

So don't feel sorry for me. I'll just have to live with my decision on the BM.......

Cheers,