Mine is a fairly short history
Passed my test on Dec 10th 2005
2002 52 Clio 1.2 Dynamique
My dad bought me this for my 17th. At the time it was 16v and was quite a pokey little thing and had a 5 star safety! Think it was 3 years old 20k and about £2500. Loved it although I used to rag it so hard that it would overheat and would go into limp mode.
2007 57 Mini Cooper
First car I got myself. It got me hooked on the minis. Looked awesome with its viper stripes and contrasting blue leather really loved the pokey little 1.6 too.
2006 320SI
Bought this in 2009 had 30k on. Always wanted an M3 but at 21 I was struggling with insurance so I bought this instead as it was the closest thing. The 320SI was limited-run homologation special of the world touring car. 2600 were made worldwide, and only 500 will be coming to the UK. It was a complete pain in the ass, the engine revved higher and sat at 4500rpm at 70mph had 0 power having about 170hp but averaged between 22-26mpg even on the motorway. Really had to push it up to red line to get any power out of it. Was a lovely looking car in carbon black and the motorsport wheels.
BMW 320SI, Kirkston Pass, Cumbria by
Tom Scott, on Flickr
Ran these two together for about 2 1/2 years.
2011 Mini Cooper S
Bought this brand new traded in the other mini. Absolutely loved it and the twin scroll turbo was such a fun car to drive, had the black pack on it which I thought was cool to start with but quickly disliked it. The wheels being black were a pain to keep clean and they dissolved into the car although a nice shape. Made a bit of a mistake not getting the anthracite headlining, it was cream as standard and the rest of the car had black accents.
2011 BMW Z4M
Got really fed up of the 320SI by now the mini was quicker and twice as frugal. I really wanted an M3 but the insurance was about £2000 and always like the M coupe so did a quick quote and it turned out about £850 the same as my 320. Basically trading to the M it had twice the power was a proper M car same insurance and MPG amazing upgrade. They had one at my local dealers and that was that done. Amazing value for money £17,500 with a 2 year warranty and 46k.
Dealer pics
This image probably sums up my feelings of the M. Absolutely loved it and have many great memories. Also got me into meets and the forum.
BMW Z4M Coupe, Ulswater Boat house, Cumbria by
Tom Scott, on Flickr
Only pic I have of the mini and M in the same frame.
2014 Mini Cooper S
Swapped the previous car for the newer one. As a car its great quick, comfy, bigger and the gear is amazing speced everything on this apart from the panoramic roof. But the car is poor, within 12k it had 2 engines 2 gearboxes and its a constant worry. Thing is I bought this and then decided to go traveling after about 1500 miles so my mum kindly took it off me and is now hers. It was well run in and as per guidelines treated very well and my mum just drives round town in it really no stupid red lining etc. Apparently there was a problem with them from 2014-early 2015. It was one of the first off the production line so I suppose its the risk you take. Anyway this will be traded in in march but not sure what mum will get next.
Went traveling in Nov 2014 South American and North America for 6 months then Africa and South East Asia for 5 months so sold the Z in September of 2014. Got home and moved from Cumbria to Manchester.
13 1.5DCI clio
Bit of a change but now driving the GFs clio which she bought new. Although it has no power it is well equipped and its really weird never put diesel in it. Does av 80-100mpg and have done about 12000 miles since returning home in June!
2005 Porsche Boxster S
Bought this about 6 weeks ago but after 1000 miles dreaded piston slap started and it made a hell of a noise so it went back to the dealer and got my money back... Shame as it was a lovely car.
So technically been without a car for 2 1/2 years now and its the worst feeling in the world being a petrol head! Don't wish it on anyone
That's me 11 years of motoring. Currently searching for the next steed.