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C63 estate, with its 500bhp etc, only change would be the 45mpg.
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I gave this a bit of thought too;
For longevity an old tech diesel - preferably one that can run on biodiesel or even SVO
Cam chain rather than belt
no dual mass flywheel - obtain driveline smoothness the old fashioned way, with a good reliable autobox and torque convertor
hydraulic tappets
Tough rust rsistant body
lots of load space
self levelling rear suspension to allow heavy loads to be carried without disturbing the vehicle or the headlamp settings.
Flexibility to allow load space to be used for seating if required
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First of all, make the vehicle tall enough without the swept back too sharply windscreen, to enable access without limboing under the screen pillar, lets have some proper windows back not the current horizontal arrow slits, with some decent visibility, and sitting comfortably in the vehicle with a full view through screen without having to dodge around the rearview mirror that nearly pokes your eye out.
Agree NC, old school diesel with proper auto option with lock up top gear, otherwise manual boxes to be made in Japan, absolutely, agree kick the DMF back where it belongs.
Variable vane turbo with max torque from 1500rpm at the most.
Engine and gearbox covers to have easily removed cut outs to enable both oils to be changed simply, oil and fuel filters to be the paper element type, and easily found and changed.
Dont mind cam belt so long as its changeable within 1 hour (toyo can do that on the 3.0 diesel so its not impossible), in a way i prefer cam belts as it shouldn't require engine dismantling, and its something you can keep an eye on.
RWD if poss, with greasable propshaft, if FWD then cv joints to be easily changeable, with easily changed boots.
Bottom ball joints, track rod ends, and other susp pivot points to be fitted with grease nipples, also door hinges.
Good old fashioned taper bearings for all wheel bearings, with removeble dust cover for occasional grease and adjustment.
Easily changed shock absorbers.
Copper alloy brake pipes, and other hydraulic/fuel pipes of rust proof steel.
Stainless exhaust.
All external nuts and bolts to be galvanized, together with the body of course.
Heated washer jets set into the bonnet.
Heater , 3 controls connected by cable for direction etc, and a 3 or 4 speed fan switch, air con on/off switch.
Headlights and wipers that i can control.
A radio/cd that can be operated without a degree in electronics, with 4 or more quality speakers, if it has to have sat nav, it must be voice activated.
Power steering via engine driven mechanical pump.
Indicators at the front to be separate from the headlight cluster.
Headlamps to have glass lenses.
Rear lights to have bulbs not leds.
Tyres, sensible sizes eg 205/55 x 16, no bone jarring ride and fair replacement price.
Will have to give this some thought as i've missed loads.
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Why do the typos only seem to appear in the posted version????? ;-) Doh
You could have corrected them with your edit key (provided no one had replied to your post in the meantime, or still within the 5 minute period before lockout)
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The ideal car would be a Landrover Defender 90 pickup. These have most of the requirements you mentioned.
Horrible to drive though.
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I wish someone would do a "Fiat 500" on the original Range Rover. Modern small petrol V8, ABS, electronic stability control, original soft coil self leveling suspension. For me the 2-door external proportions are (almost) perfect - maybe slightly less rear overhang; inside, the driving postion is perfect, keep the 2-door with MINI Clubman-style suicide rear doors for rear passengers. Made in China for £15,000. What do you think? :-)
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Thanks DD ! I had seen references to the edit button before but could never find it. Now that I know it cunningly disappears after a while, all is revealed!
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Thanks DD ! I had seen references to the edit button before but could never find it. Now that I know it cunningly disappears after a while all is revealed!
Yeah, but where is it????
MD
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Hi Martin - I know, I was also puzzled until today but didn't like to say ! It appears for a while at the bottom of your post on the same line as "reply".
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I'd take Gunther's engine and clever things like auto lights and ipod kit, in Polo's body.
Sorted.
Edited by PoloGirl on 09/02/2008 at 20:25
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Yeah but where is it????
Martin, next option along from the "Report message as offensive" button. ie:-
Reply to this message | Report message as offensive | Edit
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I'd like to see how a Toyota Prius performs with its 1500 cc petrol engine replaced by a VW 1.4 TDI 3-cylinder diesel, if neccessary with generator modified to work well with lower revving motor. 85 mpg?
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Various motorbike magazines had a reader survey to decide what Everyman would like, post WW2. The outcome was the Velocette noddy bike. Boxer side-valve, 192cc, with leg shields and shaft drive, IIRC. No-one wanted it except the police. Even they must have had their doubts:)
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