Euro Charisma, Has It Got It?

[Adagio]

They say you know you have bought the right car when you compulsively turn around to look at it just for the satisfaction of seeing it standing there giving out whatever messages its stylists achieved with its design. So how does the Accord Euro rate with you, is it the most satisfying car you have owned? Has it all the attributes you hoped for? Does it talk to you through your hands and the seat of your pants?

For me the Euro’s stance is slightly aggressive with a promise of subtle power. I enjoy looking back at it as I walk away from it. I am continually pleased with its clever thoughtful design, especially in the cabin. I am definitely smug when asked about the car and what has gone wrong - nothing, absolutely nothing. I am impressed with its ability to get on with what ever task you ask of it with never a complaint. Yet I am disappointed because it chooses not to include me in its working life. The ability of a car to transmit cheerfully and accurately what is happening underneath the driver is that special something called charisma or personality. I regret it is here and only here that the Euro comes up lacking for me. What, if anything, can be done to achieve this “charisma” without sacrificing its ride and handling. How does the Euro rate with you?

[aaronng]

?????

Although my car has a name, I do not impart a personality on it. Hehe.... And I don't think the front grill shape changes when I am in an unhappy mood. Nor do the headlights flash randomly when I am happy.

[panda[cRx]]

dude i think you're looking into it a bit far

[ZEi20T]

i think the euro looks great for a 4 door car! however i liked the look of my S15 So much better, better than a load of other cars. cept the lotus ill buy next year :P but thats my opinion!!

you can look at a car anyway you want, but you might want to clean up the 'stains' you might leave behind

[Adagio]

Perhaps I am expecting too much but if you have driven an Alfa, Lotus or Ferrari for a short time you would know what I mean by charisma.

[aaronng]

The charisma that you are looking for that exists in Alfas, Lotuses and Ferraris come from the eccentricities of the car. Unfortunately, the Euro is too easy to drive, too smooth, doesn't bite you when you do stupid things with the car, doesn't have a rough idle and doesn't even scream at high RPMs. It is too "suitable" as a family sedan to have eccentricities that make it have character, or what you call charisma.

[ZEi20T]

its also not a $200,000+ sports car :)

IMO alfas arent all that anymore. they have severely dropped their standards to get into the mainstream car market.

[aaronng]

its also not a $200,000+ sports car :)

IMO alfas arent all that anymore. they have severely dropped their standards to get into the mainstream car market.

They still have charisma though. Who wouldn't think that a car that when parked hot would melt the petrol tank and start a fire as not having character?

[Chris_F]

my sister has a 147gta and that thing definitely has charisma/character

3.2 v6, fwd, 1300kg kerb weight, a semi-manual gearbox that often has a mind of its own... whats not to love haha

[ZEi20T]

ROFL@aaron

at least both of you understand what i mean about the alfas :P

[Adagio]

Not so Alfas have had to raise their standard of build quality, it is still patchy. A car does not have to be a supercar to have charisma/personality. The humble Fiat 500 (Bambina) has it in spades. I once owned a Fiat/Abarth 695 now that had charisma 695 ccs of throbbing power;) well to say the least it was a Q car.

[destrukshn]

They still have charisma though. Who wouldn't think that a car that when parked hot would melt the petrol tank and start a fire as not having character?
no you got it wrong, they melted the undertrays, because of the exhaust manifold was too close to it.
lol.

[destrukshn]

my sister has a 147gta and that thing definitely has charisma/character

3.2 v6, fwd, 1300kg kerb weight, a semi-manual gearbox that often has a mind of its own... whats not to love haha
the 6 speed hammers.
lol.
munched down s15's and wrx's.... while it lasted and didn't break.
lol.

[Fr3aKi3]

From memory Jeremy Clarkson once said something a long the lines of a car which lacks charisma is a car which lacks any rea flaws.

Take for example the Lambo Murcielago when it was released, a fair bit of reviews said that it didn't have the character of the Countach or Diablo. The reasoning? It was to easy to drive, getting in and out was simpler, steering was easier... so to them the flaws of the car was what gave it the character/charisma. So if you think of it that way then that must mean the Euro is a pretty good car... lol

[Adagio]

Fr3aKi3 you have nailed it or rather Clarkson has, I suspect LJK Setright said something similar. So, it seems I am having trouble coping with a flawless car. The Euro is the best built car I have driven and I have driven everything from the original Jeep to a Ferrari 308.

[ZEi20T]

the 6 speed hammers.
lol.
munched down s15's and wrx's.... while it lasted and didn't break.
lol.

im not sure how you would have beaten them. must have been stock. im not saying you are a liar, far from it in fact, but both of those cars have so much that the 147 would have no chance!

[destrukshn]

from the looks, they on;y had exhausts.
lol.
i get to drive the GTA's quite often, and it torque steers like no tmorrow.
lol.
but quite fun to drive.
and quite powerful.
=)
a normal 147 would have no chance, but ever driven a GTA?

[Chris_F]

im not sure how you would have beaten them. must have been stock. im not saying you are a liar, far from it in fact, but both of those cars have so much that the 147 would have no chance!

let's see...
184kw & 1360kg kerbweight for the 147gta
147kw & 1280kg kerbweight for the s15
169kw & 1410kg kergweight for the wrx

I have no trouble believing that a light weight hatch with a 3.2v6 can polish off either one of those jap cars and i believe the 147gta (all cars stock) is quicker around a track than a wrx.

[destrukshn]

the best thing about the 3.2 v6 is the torque it has in it, it gives you more of a a rush than the wrx and s15
unless the s15 and wrx is modified.
lol.

[aaronng]

*Waits eagerly for the Passat R36*

Now that's a car that has no character but will polish off the 147GTA for breakfast and have both the S15 and WRX for tea.

[destrukshn]

wait till i finish my s14
lol, formula for 11secs, if i can get the power down to the ground.
lol.

[aaronng]

wait till i finish my s14
lol, formula for 11secs, if i can get the power down to the ground.
lol.

LOL, the Passat's the size of an A6. You wouldn't expect it to beat you at all. Haha. What's your estimated 0-100 anyway for your S14? 5 secs if you have grip?

[destrukshn]

lol, who knows, hopefully under 5.
but we'll see how it goes, i wanna run 265 rubber
some lag, full boost at just under 4000rpm.

[aaronng]

lol, who knows, hopefully under 5.
but we'll see how it goes, i wanna run 265 rubber
some lag, full boost at just under 4000rpm.

Passat stock will do 5.6 seconds. hehe. No match for your S14. But more than enough for a WRX.

[destrukshn]

5.6 stock?
quite impressive, but i want to smash everything on the road, including my car.
lol.
gay car, i don't know even why i'm spending so much on the stupid thing.
=/

[ZEi20T]

let's see...
184kw & 1360kg kerbweight for the 147gta
147kw & 1280kg kerbweight for the s15
169kw & 1410kg kergweight for the wrx

I have no trouble believing that a light weight hatch with a 3.2v6 can polish off either one of those jap cars and i believe the 147gta (all cars stock) is quicker around a track than a wrx.

power to weight is nothing. wrxs arent all that quick.

have you seen all of these cars in a race on a track? S15s keep up with R34 GTRs, why? because they corner so well. yes even in stock trim.

anyway, i dont want this to lead to an argument. but 184kw in a FWD will be harder to drive than if it was RWD

PS. for destrukshn. an exhaust and intake on an S15 will yield around 150RWKW, with FMIC and some boost, around 180RWKW. put that at the fly, and you are looking over 200. :)

[Chris_F]

power to weight is nothing. wrxs arent all that quick.

have you seen all of these cars in a race on a track? S15s keep up with R34 GTRs, why? because they corner so well. yes even in stock trim.

anyway, i dont want this to lead to an argument. but 184kw in a FWD will be harder to drive than if it was RWD

PS. for destrukshn. an exhaust and intake on an S15 will yield around 150RWKW, with FMIC and some boost, around 180RWKW. put that at the fly, and you are looking over 200. :)

Don't worry I'm just enjoying the discussion and showing destrukshns claim may not be far off the mark if you're talking about straight line performance if all cars are stock. Of course a turbo vehicle will improve signicantly after the mods you mentioned :thumbsup:

[ZEi20T]

what good is a drag race?? just shows who can shift faster :P

its the track that proves it :)

and yeah turbo cars ARE so much easier to get power from. hence why im going back to one as soon as i find the right one

[Chris_F]

what good is a drag race?? just shows who can shift faster :P

its the track that proves it :)

and yeah turbo cars ARE so much easier to get power from. hence why im going back to one as soon as i find the right one

I think a drag style race was what destrukshn's original comment was about and is why i made the reference. ;)

[ZEi20T]

still i dunno, FWD and traction is still going to be an issue. i striggle with the euro in a straight line. torque steer as well as the front almost lifting off the ground :P

[tron07]

On a twisty and wet track, AWD have the edge.....

[ZEi20T]

of course. im sure that active yaw will make crap drivers look good too :P

[kam]

They say you know you have bought the right car when you compulsively turn around to look at it just for the satisfaction of seeing it standing there giving out whatever messages its stylists achieved with its design. So how does the Accord Euro rate with you, is it the most satisfying car you have owned? Has it all the attributes you hoped for? Does it talk to you through your hands and the seat of your pants?

For me the Euro’s stance is slightly aggressive with a promise of subtle power. I enjoy looking back at it as I walk away from it. I am continually pleased with its clever thoughtful design, especially in the cabin. I am definitely smug when asked about the car and what has gone wrong - nothing, absolutely nothing. I am impressed with its ability to get on with what ever task you ask of it with never a complaint. Yet I am disappointed because it chooses not to include me in its working life. The ability of a car to transmit cheerfully and accurately what is happening underneath the driver is that special something called charisma or personality. I regret it is here and only here that the Euro comes up lacking for me. What, if anything, can be done to achieve this “charisma” without sacrificing its ride and handling. How does the Euro rate with you?

hey mr poet boy

its a $30,000 family car

not a $500,000 italian sports car

[destrukshn]

what good is a drag race?? just shows who can shift faster :P

its the track that proves it :)

and yeah turbo cars ARE so much easier to get power from. hence why im going back to one as soon as i find the right one
to some people, that's all that matters.
power to weight means alot actually.
250kw + a 1500kg body
250kw + a 1100kw body.
who has the major advantage?

lol.

[ZEi20T]

and i suppose for that 17 seconds or less, they are free?? :P

neither would have the advantage, what size and width of rubber do they have? are they FWD or RWD? so many things need to be taken into account.

assuming both of the above are the exact same car, obviously the one with less weight would have the advantage

[Type R Positive]

Euro charisma?..... Has it got it?

To me? Yes. - It's my car! (a 17 year old with a escort thinks it's "the shit!", where we just think it's "shit!")

To other people? It is just another medium sized "family" car I suppose. Better looking than an Australian car anyway. My car used to turn heads where I lived, that is because it was the only one there (and I drive like a wanker!...)


Now, a type R teg has charisma, I don't think you can really get that "rawness" from a executive style half luxury, half sporty car that is quiet, and does everything so well.

I must as well say that for a 4 door car to have charisma (not really associated with sports cars), it has to be a muscle car, and have a reputation.

Example 1, a HSV would have charisma, a commodore executive does not. Same basic car.

Example 2. WRX's and EVO's have hard core rally heratage. They are raw base spec rally cars. They handle well, are light, and have plenty of go.

I think to make the Euro have charisma (for other people), first thing is you got to make it look the part. Just lowering the vechile helps a lot. Body kits also go a long way. A nice set of 18"+ Mags help too, as long as they don't look cheap and nasty.

Making it sound the part helps too. A muffler change and CAI / SRI will do nicely.

Looks the part, sounds the part, must be the part, hey?

[Shorty]

lol.
gay car, i don't know even why i'm spending so much on the stupid thing.
=/[/QUOTE]

too much money....
not enough brains??
lol.
jokes

[destrukshn]

lol.
gay car, i don't know even why i'm spending so much on the stupid thing.
=/

too much money....
not enough brains??
lol.
jokes[/QUOTE]
not enough of both.
lol.

[aaronng]

I must as well say that for a 4 door car to have charisma (not really associated with sports cars), it has to be a muscle car, and have a reputation.

Example 1, a HSV would have charisma, a commodore executive does not. Same basic car.

Example 2. WRX's and EVO's have hard core rally heratage. They are raw base spec rally cars. They handle well, are light, and have plenty of go.
Name /= charisma
Power /= charisma

The 205 GTi has neither of the above but it has heaps of charisma as the little car that bites you back if you don't respect it.



I think to make the Euro have charisma (for other people), first thing is you got to make it look the part. Just lowering the vechile helps a lot. Body kits also go a long way. A nice set of 18"+ Mags help too, as long as they don't look cheap and nasty.

Making it sound the part helps too. A muffler change and CAI / SRI will do nicely.
Also, mods /= charisma

[EuroAccord13]

Charisma for a car is for the eye of the beholder to judge, it's a unique charm different to all of us...

Every car is charismatic in a way whether it's looks or performance..

[Adagio]

Having owned 3 Peugeot 205 GTI's I agree that model just oozed charisma by telling you what was happening underneath you. In the wet the mesage often arrived too late. Obviously charisma does not mean perfection it means the ability to communicate helpfully. What's coming through the steering wheel plays a big part.

[80057]

Charisma for a car is for the eye of the beholder to judge, it's a unique charm different to all of us...

Every car is charismatic in a way whether it's looks or performance..

Well said mate....i agree totally

[Type R Positive]

Charisma for a car is for the eye of the beholder to judge, it's a unique charm different to all of us...

Every car is charismatic in a way whether it's looks or performance..
That's what I was trying to point at!

I also think that family cars have no charisma. AKA commodores, falcons, 380's. I think other people would consider a Euro a family car.....

[Adagio]

It is more likely that a "family" car does not have exceptional charisma/personality as so many compromises need to be made. That special something that we look for comes with the car's dynamics and its ability to communicate, family cars are not precluded. For example the diminutive Peugeot 206 hatch has it but has much more when it is upgraded to the "GTI" version. It is then that the engineers can express themselves more radically but not as radically as they were allowed with the 205GTI

[80057]

i think a basic falcon or commodore or stock tarago are boring family cars, then there are cars that are in between, such as a clubsport which has the basics of a family car with also a sports feel, such and better engine, wheels brakes, suspension etc. i will admit my euro is for the family comfort, but its a move i am willing to make from a gen 3 crx becos it still has qualities to appeal to me. with the deal i get with my company i could get a xr8 for the same price as the euro, but i think the euro has more class, good size for where im at in life and looks heaps better, it has the uniqueness that i like, yeh i will lose the the thrill of a roofless cruisin and playing thru gears (my new euro will be auto) but i'm moving into a classier car, with leather and classier looks. so for me the euro has charisma!

[Chris_F]

80057 i can totally see where your comming from. In some ways the euro is like a japanese 3 series bmw, it definitely has a reputation as a quality car and i think the majority of ppl on the road classify it as a 'nice/ relatively classy car' - not only in its refined looks but also the fact that it performs and drives quite well.

[JasonGilholme]

Some cars speak to you, and some cars don't.

My car speaks to me.

[Tobster]

For me, charisma relates to "Is it fun to drive?" -- and I find the Euro is a fun involving drive; it's not just bland transport. That's why I bought one.

Personally, I don't think the Euro manual is an easy car to drive smoothly; you don't just get in a Euro and drive it like you do other manual cars -- due to the nature of its throttle and heavy engine braking. Quite a few people here have documented how difficult they can be to drive slowly in traffic.

In fast gear changes the clutch and throttle can really bite and jar the whole drivetrain.

However, IMO it is one of those cars that responds better the harder you drive it. It is also one of the smoothest (and fastest) revving cars I have ever driven; the engine feels good, and it sounds good.

When you drive it gently, it rolls a bit. When you punt it hard through the hills, the stock suspension works brilliantly.

It might be a family car in some respects, but it's not one that likes to just potter about.

To me, those are the standout characteristics of the car.

[aaronng]

Personally, I don't think the Euro manual is an easy car to drive smoothly; you don't just get in a Euro and drive it like you do other manual cars -- due to the nature of its throttle and heavy engine braking. Quite a few people here have documented how difficult they can be to drive slowly in traffic.
You need to drive it more to get used to it.



In fast gear changes the clutch and throttle can really bite and jar the whole drivetrain.
You can't beat physics too.

[Adagio]

Well said Tobster, all that you have said is as I have found it. Oh how I wish Honda would address that FBW accelerator problem. The Euro deserves better.

[Type R Positive]

Oh how I wish Honda would address that FBW accelerator problem. The Euro deserves better.
It works exactly how they planned it to. Awesome throttle response!
If it is too jerky for you, drive in a gear higher.

[kleung]

80057 In some ways the euro is like a japanese 3 series bmw,

In several countries, Honda/Acura market the Euro/TSX as a direct competitor to the 3-series. I've test-driven an E46 320i and an E46 330i. They are brilliant cars, but for the life of me, I can't see what I'm paying for other than the badge, and a few bits of fruit that you can't get in the AUDM Euro. I've also driven my car back to back with an 06 M-B C180K. I'll take the Euro every day of the week.

Every model car has its own 'personality', but I think cars need a certain amount of exclusivity to have real charisma. To me, the Euro is a bit too common to have that.

[tony1234]

Well said Tobster, all that you have said is as I have found it. Oh how I wish Honda would address that FBW accelerator problem. The Euro deserves better.
I don't find it too bad.You just have to be gentle on the throttle at low speeds.

[Tobster]

I don't have a problem with it -- I'm quite used to it and I like the way the car drives.

But you don't just get into a manual Euro and drive it like you drive a manual Corolla or a manual Magna or a manual Falcon or a manual Rav4 or a manual Mazda6, etc., etc. (in my experience).

My point is: that it is part of the car's character -- it's one of the cars' foibles that makes it different to other cars -- and IMO that's part of its charisma. It's also what makes it the type of car that isn't for everyone.

[IAMVTEC]

Charisma doesnt come from the car, it comes from the person behind the wheel.

[JasonGilholme]

I don't agree with that.

A car is an entity by itself and has its own personailty, no matter how its being driven.

[Adagio]

If that's the case you don't need a car, any car.

[aaronng]

I don't agree with that.

A car is an entity by itself and has its own personailty, no matter how its being driven.

Haunted car?!?!?!

[80057]

i must admit the second thing i do after admiring a nice car is look at the driver in hopes there a nice hottie drivin...(somethin about a hottie in a nice car...) whether its a old grey man using his kid's inheritance or 18 your old p plater with rich mummy and daddy, it doesnt change what of think the car. i might think he's a rich little bast*rd out of pure envy lol, but the car is the car.

[IAMVTEC]

I dont think thats true, many times you see a car and you say damn thats a nice car. Then you look behind the wheel and its a scrawny guy with bad skin with glasses driving it, that ruins it immediately. If you look bad and have a nice car, I fully recommend darkest tint you can get and never open your windows.

Car isnt an entity, its an object. I liken it to a suit, no matter how nice or much yout suit costs, it will still look crap on some people simply because of the person looks terrible.

[80057]

IAMVTEC,

i see your point, but i think a car and suit are alittle different as the car has a bigger presence compared to a suit. yes the person does effect the experience, as your scrawny guy ruined yours and my hottie hightened mine. but its no all about the person. if i saw jenifer hawkins without make up, in some shocking 80's hypercolor tshirt and flouro colored hair scrunchie thing drivin a hyundai excel, i be still thinking a hyundai excel is rubbish, ...

[IAMVTEC]

I see your point, a shit car is a shit car regardless of whos driving it. But a good car can be ruined by a driver that doesnt suit it.

Though I do think a nice driver can take a decent car up a class.

[JasonGilholme]

I guess i respect a car more then i respect the driver of that car.

[IAMVTEC]

I dont understand how you can respect a machine more than a person. Without people there wouldn't even be cars!

[JasonGilholme]

A suit is different to a car. you can't put hard work into modifying a suit, you can't grow up in a suit, you can't love a suit like you can a car.

I respect my car more then me lol It comes before me thats for sure. lol

[Fr3aKi3]

I dont think thats true, many times you see a car and you say damn thats a nice car. Then you look behind the wheel and its a scrawny guy with bad skin with glasses driving it, that ruins it immediately. If you look bad and have a nice car, I fully recommend darkest tint you can get and never open your windows.

Car isnt an entity, its an object. I liken it to a suit, no matter how nice or much yout suit costs, it will still look crap on some people simply because of the person looks terrible.

But then who or what actually looks bad? In you're example it's the person, the suit remains unchanged regardless of who is wearing so it's the person that looks bad no the suit.

Like the example of the car and bad driver, I see a nice car and a so called "bad" looking driver. It's still a bloody nice car!

This kinda reminds me of all the crap regarding P-platers and "hi-powered" cars. The government places all these restrictions yet there are still deaths. It's not the car thats the threat it's the person behind the wheel. I've seen people do stupid things in old Hyundai excels, they sure as hell aint powerful!

Lets take a look at the Lotus Elise or even the old school Mini, to me they're car's which ooze charisma and charm. They can just be parked there and i'd still be looking at them, personally they've just got a certain presence on the road.

You recmmend getting the darkest tints if you have a nice car but look bad? So who the hell judges who "looks bad" ? Everyone is different, everyone has their own personal preferences, tastes and definitions!!! For example lets take the "Asian girls thread", majority of people who view that problem have no issues with all the girls posted in there except you. You don't like what you see as it's not to your preferences and when you posted some pics it was not to everyone elses preferences. So in that example, what looks good to you looks bad to everyone else... and vice versa


I dont understand how you can respect a machine more than a person. Without people there wouldn't even be cars!

Coz a machine can't be a d!ckhead?

[destrukshn]

who cares what the person looks like.
the cars hot.. you don't look at the driver.

[Type R Positive]

Charisma doesnt come from the car, it comes from the person behind the wheel.
Hahaha, a Ferrari has charisma by the truck load full. The guy behind the wheel is usually the biggest tosser on the face of the earth with no charisma at all!

I don't think I agree with this comment, but I do make my Euro look AWESOME!!!! :cool:

[Type R Positive]

I see your point, a shit car is a shit car regardless of whos driving it. But a good car can be ruined by a driver that doesnt suit it.

Though I do think a nice driver can take a decent car up a class.
Yeah, I would have to agree with this though. :thumbsup:
How many times have you seen a f***wit in a nice car and it has put you off?


I wonder how many people I have put off buying a Euro?
Just keeping them "exclusive" boys! :p

[tony1234]

You look at a nice car first and then the driver. So the driver can be a loser to a certain degree before it puts you off the car,if that makes sense!:zip:

[IAMVTEC]

Coz a machine can't be a d!ckhead?

I disagree, an engine which stalls whenever you have an important job interview would be classified as a dickhead.

[EuroDude]

but that engine stalled because the dikhed behind the wheel forgot to get the car serviced 25,000km ago lol

[Fr3aKi3]

but that engine stalled because the dikhed behind the wheel forgot to get the car serviced 25,000km ago lol

lol..... replied before I got a chance to....
Car's usually don't just die and if does then who's fault is it? The car's fault? Who makes/builds the car? Machines, but then who designs the actual car and machines that produce cars? PEOPLE!!!

Blaming the car for breaking down before an important interview? I guess the interview must not have been that important because if everything was thoroughly planned (ie checking that the car is in GOOD WORKING ORDER) then nothing should've went astray.

[aaronng]

I disagree, an engine which stalls whenever you have an important job interview would be classified as a dickhead.

I'd classify it as a badly neglected engine. Old engines that are maintained well rarely stalls.

[EuroDude]

^_^ Unless its a D-Series with a Distributor thats done 150,000km+. Mine failed twice lol

[aaronng]

^^ What a badly maintained engine :). You should have replaced the dizzy with a new one when the first one gave way.

[Type R Positive]

I'd classify it as a badly neglected engine. Old engines that are maintained well rarely stalls.
Or a new Holden! :D That's their next recall!

[aaronng]

Or a new Holden! :D That's their next recall!

The new ones don't stall! They just catch fire.

[tony1234]

The new ones don't stall! They just catch fire.
Yep.good old aussie build quality.Again!

[ZEi20T]

that COULD also be classified as charismatic :P

[80057]

my first car a nissan gazelle, had 340k's on it and it died a few times on me.
the engine was rebuilt at 250-60ks and i did do all the tune and servicing and stuff, but it still died every once in a while. i think when they get that old its time for an upgrade!

[Fr3aKi3]

my first car a nissan gazelle, had 340k's on it and it died a few times on me.
the engine was rebuilt at 250-60ks and i did do all the tune and servicing and stuff, but it still died every once in a while. i think when they get that old its time for an upgrade!

My mum drives a Mazda 626, it's got just a tad over 300 000kms. Hasn't died a single time (touch wood)! Never been rebuilt either, the only drama we've had with it was when the muffler decided to give itself a new openning while we were headed to the south coast.

[80057]

i bought it when it had 240ks and i must admit i did drive it hard (my first car, i was young dum and showed off abit like most p platers) and it could of been thrashed before then.

some people are lucky and i believe the not all cars (same model) have the same quality.

my mate has a 84 celica 420ks without rebuilt it still goods well, to bad about the rust and interior damage. lol, the extra maintenance and care might not mean much in the few couple of years but you will feel the it later on.

[tony1234]

Drive 06 medium car of the year=charisma!

[Adagio]

My friend in England tells me most drivers of Euros are middle aged and some even wear hats. It seems a different type of driver buys Euros over there. My casual observation here is that most Euros seems to be bought by drivers 20 to 30 years who enjoy their motoring and choose their cars carefully. I suspect the Poms buy it for its comfort and good manners. Pity we can't check that out. Has there been a thread on who buys a Euro and what likes and dislikes they have, if not it might be worth setting up. Perhaps a moderator might know if a table can be set up for easy responses.

This is verging on a new thread.

[tony1234]

My friend in England tells me most drivers of Euros are middle aged and some even wear hats. It seems a different type of driver buys Euros over there. My casual observation here is that most Euros seems to be bought by drivers 20 to 30 years who enjoy their motoring and choose their cars carefully. I suspect the Poms buy it for its comfort and good manners. Pity we can't check that out. Has there been a thread on who buys a Euro and what likes and dislikes they have, if not it might be worth setting up. Perhaps a moderator might know if a table can be set up for easy responses.

This is verging on a new thread.
My father in law owns an 04 auto.He was 76 when he bought it!!!

[aaronng]

In Sydney, the majority of Euro owners are above 40.
In Melbourne, there is a larger number of younger Euro owners.

[Tobster]

I remember reading when the car was launched that Honda's primary target for the car was the 35-45 age bracket -- couples with no or small children. Comfortable enough for a family car. Sporty enough for those having to give up their sports car.

Suited me perfectly! (Although the sculpted rear seats make fitting the baby capsule a little interesting.)

[80057]

im 26 and its the only thing out there i really like, for my price range, that has the good for what i want/need in a car.

[primetimex]

I used to own Euro for about 2.5 years and I agree with Adagio that the Euro does lack a certain personality / charisma about it. This is even more apparent when I sold my Euro and got a 350Z instead. The 350Z is a completely different car (of course) and you can feel the workings of its engines, suspension, steering and far far more responsive than the Euro can IMHO.

The Euro is a capable car for sure and comfortable but if you want a car that feels alive and involves the driver - you really need to get something else

[80057]

im sure a 350z is awesome, im a nissan man at heart, i still dream of a gtr... one day.

honda is known for having the easiest power steering which in turn lacks the feel of the road in other cars and can seem artifical. i do like a more responsive steering wheel where u can feel the differences in road surface etc thru the wheel itself. if i had the cash and wasnt planning on having kids, the 350z would definantly be on the table. i think the 350z is a good move in the z series and hopefully its shape will be as timeless as the 300zx (which is still think looks good after so many years)

[Adagio]

Before I chose the Euro I test drove the latest Golf diesel which really moves along. It appeared very well built but lacked communication skills, ditto for the Subaru Liberty, the Peugeot 307 was, at that time, just not built well enough. I have only read about the 350Z, all reports come in with big applaudes for its ability to transmit chassis information skilfully. I suspect this would be the case with the Honda 2000S. Although charisma is not necessarily related to price you do have a better chance of getting those communication messages from a car a little up market. Also, you have to remember the 350z is a sports car so these communication skills would have been dialled into the design from day one AND it cost a lot more.

[primetimex]

Also, you have to remember the 350z is a sports car so these communication skills would have been dialled into the design from day one AND it cost a lot more.

That is of course, quite true - the 350Z is probably the more tuned of the $60k - 70k sportscars to have a lot of driver feedback - hence in a lot of the reviews you will see that for some the handling can be harsh. Personally, it took me a bit of getting used to the sheer power of the Z (a bit like a kick up your pants from the Euro) and how to handle it properly.

Once I got used to it though - I had a very wide smile and grin on my face when I hit 100 in double quick time and zipping along overtaking other cars and listening to the sweet growls of the V6!!! Definitely worth the money if you can afford it and your situation suits (no kids etc only 2 seater).

Plus the fact that it is a RWD - it corners like a devil!

I also test drove the latest Subaru 3.0R while the equipment was more upmarket than Euro and more expensive price too - I think I'd fall asleep driving it - acceleration is just not there.....

Other than that the Euro is definitely a good car but I may need to drive the Z around for abit until either I or the car gets worn out!!

[aaronng]

Because everyone wants good power steering so that moms don't strain their arms when parking, the Euro's steering is a little disconnected.

The S2000, has a steering weight like a go-kart. Not many moms will be able to turn the wheel unless they are used to heavier steering. That said, the Euro's steering is still heavier and more communicative than that of the previous Outback and previous Maxima, both of which had very light steering feel..

[primetimex]

i think the 350z is a good move in the z series and hopefully its shape will be as timeless as the 300zx (which is still think looks good after so many years)

I was instantly sold on the Z when I saw the fully modified Nismo Z - and I'm sure that Z's looks will be timeless. The 350Z has a low very aggresive profile with low profile 18" Rims and wheels - in stock form the 350Z looks ready to take on anything on the road.

That being said I do miss the smooth easy ride of the Euro and the ease of getting in and out and of course boot space and the 4 seats and cupholders!!!

[primetimex]

Because everyone wants good power steering so that moms don't strain their arms when parking, the Euro's steering is a little disconnected.

The S2000, has a steering weight like a go-kart. Not many moms will be able to turn the wheel unless they are used to heavier steering. That said, the Euro's steering is still heavier and more communicative than that of the previous Outback and previous Maxima, both of which had very light steering feel..

Agreed, aarong - the Euro's steering is quite communicative and I must say I preferred the '03 Euro with its tighter suspension setup which communicates more to the steering than the softened '06 Euro. Definitely better than Subaru's steering.

So, the Euro's steering is not your common everyday sedan steering and is quite a good compromise between a daily driver and a sporty one....

The only regret I had with the Euro was the noisy and squeaky aircon which was never fixed until I sold the car!

Honda should also expand the range of accessories for the Euro to make it more sporty - eg. have more aggressive sporty rims - nowadays everyone who has a Euro here in Perth has the Type-R rims and the stock standard flowery rims just kills me looking at it!!

[80057]

That being said I do miss the smooth easy ride of the Euro and the ease of getting in and out and of course boot space and the 4 seats and cupholders!!!

you can't have everything lol. or i would have about 10 cars for how i'm feeling on that day.

i think the 350z must of been roughly as low as my gen3 crx, and yes sometimes it can be a pain getting out of, (is this just old age talking)

i can say how much i have enjoyed a euro, i'm still waiting on mine, i have only test driven them on few times.