New boy - first post

BenH · Post by **BenH** » Mon May 22, 2006 8:13 pm

Hello all,

I grew up with the BX - my parents and grandparents had a succession of four between 1983 and 1993. One of my first memories is of peeing on the passenger wheel of my parents' grey 1983 16TRS.

I even have a photo of my brothers, parents and I on the tiny old ferry boat to Skye in 1989 with a later BX 14TE "Flight" in the background on the fireplace in my front room. Later the family moved on to a Xantia and then a string of big Volvos.

I've had a few cars myself: starting with a Clio 16V, through a Clio Williams (No.123 of the 400 - what a car), a Fiat Coupe 20V Turbo, a Clio 172 Ph2 and - finally - a genuine 300+bhp Fiat Coupe 20V Turbo. Needless to say, niggly faults and being familiar with my tool kit are nothing new to me!

I left my passion for high-octane cars on a high just after Christmas, when I got a new job in the town centre of Bristol and had to sell my Fiat Coupe. It broke my heart, but I walk to work and there's no parking space here: I use my other half's newish Clio 1.2 when I need to now. It's not all bad because I have money in the bank from selling the Fiat and no running costs at all... but I miss something.

Looking a few months ahead, we'll be buying a house with at least decent on-road parking and a garage as a target. I want something to tinker with as a hobby car and am in a position to spend quite a lot of money on a car, but don't see the need so long as I commute by bicycle. I would, however, like a hobby car.

I can't really explain the thought process of arriving at the BX as a possibility... I've previously only really thought of more conventionally exotic or sporty options, but the BX is a real draw (maybe it's the family thing). Anyway, perhaps you guys could help me?

I'm after some advice on what's the optimum model to get and where to find a nice car. I don't mind a little light work and searching for a few bits and bobs, but my aim is to own an absolute minter that I can enjoy distinctive motoring in. I thought a BX GTi would be a good port of call, but actually I think condition is more important. I guess I prefer the look of the later (body coloured?) cars.

Also important to me is an estimate of the work required to keep a BX in tip-top condition. I would definitely prefer to buy one from an enthusiast and in good nick - I'll be in no hurry - but all cars need some maintenance. I think there's a good specialist on Hampton Road in Bristol.

Is this all too tall an order, or will I find such a car? Cheers.

ken newbold · Post by **ken newbold** » Mon May 22, 2006 8:27 pm

Hi Ben and welcome to BXClub.

Not too much to ask at all really. There are plenty of good examples around, petrol ones can be had for pennies these days, unless you fancy Ian Fearns 4x4.

Diesels tend to be easier on the maintenance and turbo diesels the most sought after, especially the estates.

But if you're prepared to spend a few shillings you should be able to pick a decent one. Ebay, Autotrader and even on this site from time to time.

Regards Ken

cavmad · Post by **cavmad** » Mon May 22, 2006 8:31 pm

Welcome along Ben! I`d suggest for a nice TZD turbo diesel, decent ones do come up from time to time and the economy and performance are superb so you can get a decent one for your money and still be able to enjoy it.
Failing that one of the sought after 16V`s might be ideal: cracking performance (still keep up with modern cars) and all the fun of BX owning too!

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Mon May 22, 2006 8:48 pm

I agree with your 'condition is more important' idea. But get a GTi anyway

Welcome aboard!

sleepy0905 · Post by **sleepy0905** » Mon May 22, 2006 9:26 pm

Welcome aboard Ben, If you are after a nice normal diesel mine could be coming up for sale in the next month or so.

BenH · Post by **BenH** » Mon May 22, 2006 9:36 pm

Hmm...

I could run it on veg oil (?). Cool!

Way2go · Post by **Way2go** » Mon May 22, 2006 11:16 pm

Philip chidlow wrote:I agree with your 'condition is more important' idea. But get a GTi anyway

Welcome aboard!

Welcome too!

Phil is right, for responsiveness and fun you can't beat a GTi.

Terry Brooks · Post by **Terry Brooks** » Mon May 22, 2006 11:53 pm

Hi,and welcome .....I'd suggest a TZD .....but then again,thats what I drive,so I'm biased.
Terry

ed4ferrets · Post by **ed4ferrets** » Tue May 23, 2006 12:13 am

Hi Ben,

Welcome, it seems Bristol membership is taking off!!

One of my first memories is of peeing on the passenger wheel of my parents' grey 1983 16TRS. Rolling Eyes

Proof of BX versatility, providing relief and satisfaction from an early age, hope you find one to fulfil your current needs too

Barnsley BXer · Post by **Barnsley BXer** » Tue May 23, 2006 6:36 am

Hi Ben,welcome to the club.If you're after a BX but something a bit different,I would go for Ian's 4x4.A splendid car and not many left now

M · Post by M » Tue May 23, 2006 7:48 am

Morning and welcome Ben - a fellow NHS worker too!

I second, Ians GTi is a super car with a LOT of history for very little £

pitman · Post by **pitman** » Tue May 23, 2006 11:13 am

BenH wrote:Hmm...

I could run it on veg oil (?). Cool!

This is what I'm trying out now.

After finding out that our BX got a Bosch injection pump, I started adding veg oil (raps seed oil from Tesco for 50 p/litre in 3 l plastic bottles for £ 1.49).

Today in the morning, it was a little bit cold in the Pennines, so around 7 degrees Celsius.

When I started the BX as always, taking the foot immediately off the accelerotor pedal, the engine went off.
The second time, I hold the pedal for about 10 secs and then the engine ran fine in idle mode as always. There was no smoke or the like.

The concentration in the tank is now 30%, but yesterday, I added first at home 13 litres veg oil and went then to the petrol station about a mile ago, so the concentration in the fuel pipe might have been somewhat between 30% and 50%.

DavidRutherford · Post by **DavidRutherford** » Tue May 23, 2006 11:22 am

I shall add my standard warning to this thread.

Veg oil, as bought from tescos has not had fuel duty paid on it. Customs and Excise are getting rather hot on this, and there are more and more roadside stop & check points being used to dip diesel tanks, checking for either red diesel, or Veg oil.

If you are caught, you will almost certainly loose your car, and will definitely face a hefty fine. C&E have more power than the police, and aren't afraid to use it.

To do this legally: Register, and pay the fuel duty.

pitman · Post by **pitman** » Tue May 23, 2006 11:39 am

DavidRutherford wrote:To do this legally: Register, and pay the fuel duty.

Where do you do this?

I know a guy, who has even a second tank and a heater and the like in his car.

He never told anything about registering.

M · Post by M » Tue May 23, 2006 11:54 am

DavidRutherford wrote:To do this legally: Register, and pay the fuel duty.

Or search for a supplier of BioDiesel in your area and use them - making sure you obtain and KEEP your receipt in case you are stopped then you can prove the duty has been paid on the veg oil in your tank.