For some reason, when I was growing up, it wasn’t the Porsche 911 or the Ferrari Testarossa that I recognised as my ultimate car. Instead it was the popular, but not overly discussed, Jaguar XJ220. What struck me straight away was that this was a car that stood out from the rest and looked very indifferent to the other new and used Jaguar cars that were in circulation throughout the country. Constructed in partnership with Tom Walkinshaw Racing, the XJ220 was marketing as a Jaguar between the years 1992 and 1994. At the time of its release it was recognised as being the fastest road car, which seen it reach a maximum speed of 217mph. It was this achievement and the overall style of the car that, for me, was the main attraction. Also, reading an article in a local newspaper upon its release, it stated that should the vehicle breakdown anywhere in Europe, a private helicopter would be sent to arrange pickup! Now this was something very much out of the ordinary and could well have been another reason as to why the used Jaguar XJ220 was my ultimate automotive desire growing up. Jaguar has long been recognised as the provider of a certain type of car and so the production of the XJ220 very much went against the grain as it reached out to a very different type of audience in the sports cars market. Many years on, it would be the XF model that would become the model that rejuvenated the Jag brand, but many believe that it was the XJ220, which was responsible for setting the foundations of a new direction. Naturally this vehicle is no longer being produced and so the only option is to purchase a used Jaguar XJ220 from a private seller. Good luck in finding one though as they are a very hard to come by and will cost more than a pretty penny!
Archive for June, 2010
Jaguar’s XJ220 – Perhaps the Most Stylist Jag Produced
Monday, June 7th, 2010The Dodge Challenger – An Appealing Sports Car
Monday, June 7th, 2010Appealing in every sense, the Dodge Challenger is a sports car that looks as though it has just passed a vigorous gym regime and come out looking like it should enter into a weightlifting competition; it is an absolute beast of a machine! What looks like a cross between a Ford Mustang and a Dodge Viper, the Challenger is very much out on its own in the looks department. If course we are now talking about the 2010 model, which means those that love a bargain in the used cars market will have to wait a little while longer because finding a used Dodge Challenger for sale is not going to be an easy task. With striking looks and an engine to match, this is one Dodge car that is really making people sit up and take notice. Renowned for manufacturing muscular and robust autos, Dodge has certainly excelled this time around and the Challenger is one car that everyone is talking about. So what about the inside of the car and its interior? Well to sum it up, the interior is as equally impressive as the hardcore exterior and drivers will feel as though they have stepped inside a spaceship, not a car! However, this is by no means a complicated interior; in fact it is far from it. All features are situated pleasantly along the main dashboard, which gives a sense of space throughout. It is the combination of the American-style outer shell and the eloquent interior that quite right separates the 2010 Dodge Challenger from the competition. It is, however, aimed more at the market in the US; but I get a sneaky feeling that there will be a few people here in Europe that will want to get a piece of the action at some point.
Chrysler’s Grand Voyager – Extended Luxury
Monday, June 7th, 2010Luxury is something that many of us dream of in our ordinary lives, and so being able to transfer such dreams into the working mechanics of a car is very much a buyers’ desire. Well stop right there because there is no need to look any further as the Voyager from Chrysler delivers luxury in every aspect. Ok it is not a Bentley or Rolls-Royce, far from it, but it does provide its own levels of distinction in the luxury department. Ideal for families looking for a practical and fully equipped MPV, the Chrysler Grand Voyager is a definite candidate for a buyer whose primary concern is passengers. Many buyers have used Chrysler voyager cars to provide them with the tools to entertain other members of the vehicle; allowing the driver to concentrate on the road. With prices ranging from around £25,500 to £34,000, it is a new car purchase that could be out of reach for some families. Therefore, a used Chrysler Grand Voyager might be a more attractive option moving forward as the price suddenly becomes much more attainable. Like with the brand of Chevrolet, the Chrysler brand is one that more and more UK consumers are looking towards when considering the purchase of a new car. It seems that for these two car companies, they have managed to reach out and attract the UK and European audiences much more than what they once did. Of course, as we know, North America is probably the first point of call for such brands, but the UK is starting to take to the different designs and styles of cars from across the pond. As for Chrysler and the Grand Voyager, it looks as though it is going from strength to strength, which is a good sign for them and a good sign for us as car buyers.
Small and Compact – The Chevrolet Aveo
Monday, June 7th, 2010The Chevrolet Aveo is not all that it seems. First of all it is actually a car manufactured by GM Daewoo, which is the South Korean subsidiary of General Motors; therefore, in effect, it is a Daewoo vehicle (try and keep up if you can!). Marketed as one of five different brands, the Chevrolet Aveo also has over ten different nameplates! New and used Chevrolet Aveo versions come in both 3 door and 5 door styles and offer a simple yet effective source of driving comfort. Whilst both are ideal for inner city driving, the 5 door hatchback version is naturally more effective for use as a family car. Both units are available at a fair price with some neat and tidy features included as standard. Stereo / CD player as well as ABS, electric windows and airbags are what drivers will benefit from inside their Aveo. Speed, however, is certainly not something that is on the agenda. The cars’ top speed is set at around 106 mph and its acceleration rate is roughly 12.8 seconds (0 to 60 mph). Therefore, in summary, a new or used Chevrolet Aveo (Daewoo) is not the type of vehicle that will force much of a competition on the motorway! It will, however, supply many hours of enjoyment and entertainment within the inner city and is just ideal for running simple errands such as the weekly shop! In the UK, the Chevrolet brand is one that is increasing its popularity among UK car buyers. For so long, the name was only associated with the US, but recent reports suggest that the new and used Chevrolet marketplaces are becoming part of the thought process for UK car enthusiasts. It is because of cars such as the Aveo that this is the case thanks to their simplicity and relatively cheap running costs.