R9UKE's French Car Blog...

[addo]

TBH you don't understand the 605's "pedigree" fully unless you've spent bulk time in an older Frenchie (e.g. Dee/R16/504). Then it all makes sense - the rear legroom, the seating space, the manner it drives. As the number of people with these memories is dwindling fast, market appeal for feel-alike successors will inevitably fade...

[robert_e_smart]

I'd still like to compare one to a Xm to see what its really like.

[CitroJim]

I'd still like to compare one to a Xm to see what its really like.

You could compare and contrast the trail of bits that fall off each one as they're driven along

The XM is for sure to come out on top simply on account of the suspension. The 605 looks good though if you like the Pininfarina styling and I do...

[R9UKE]

Robert, the vague steering in the S80 would be a plus point for me! Just like the 940 and 960. All it does is to mildly influence which direction the car goes and remind you how much a brute your Swede is

Ooooh a Fiat Coupé. I know very little about these, never really experienced them, but they are SUCH good looking cars. I'd love a yellow one, I think it makes it look it's best. I will have to keep my eye out for these

Chris, yes, I have been thinking about a Laguna. If a 2.0 Auto Initiale were to come up I could be very tempted indeed. Also kind of rekindling my Peugeot 407 love. But the petrol engine choice is rubbish.

[robert_e_smart]

406 Coupe Luke, cheap and a 2.0 would be fine.

[KP]

406 Coupe, Heavier and almost as thirsty. more of a GT, where as the coop's are more racy and suited to zipping about, specially in the 20vt form and chipping is cheap n cheerful for some extra grunt

[addo]

The XM is for sure to come out on top simply on account of the suspension.

Yes, a softer ride.

[Citroenmad]

As I was flying down the motorway earlier I was following just the car you need Luke, it was a Laguna Coupe! Sell all your fleet, raid the piggy bank and the sofa and buy a nice LagunaIII Coupe I need one of those at some point, for me its like the modern day 406 Coupe, its stunning.

The 407 Coupe is an ok looking car, the rear is too square for my liking but the rest I really do like. Its huge, with huge overhangs and nice comfy seats, another like! Why don't Citroen have a go at Coupes?

I like 407 saloon but your right, the only choice is the 2.0HDi and you don't like diesels ... well you might like this diesel, its a good one! Remember the range my C5 showed at three quatres full? You could have some of that MPG in a 407

You know, a Peugeot 406 Coupe might suit you? Easy to find with lots of kit and come with a insurance friendly 2.0 petrol.

Odd that you like ponderous steering Luke, though I see your mentality behind that in a Volvo S80. Its never going to be a drivers car so you might as well have everything remote and just waft. You should drive an early RR Silver Shadow, its so indirect you turn the wheel, seconds go by and then the car turns a corner, its an experience. Has waftability too, though I suspect the 6.2l V8 might not suit your insurance.

[R9UKE]

Ooooh now you're talking! Laguna Coupé! Unbelievably good looking and they are available with a 3.5 V6

One day.... the C6 seems to be the ultimate dream of most of you, the Laguna Coupé is mine!

The 406 Coupé doesn't do it for me I'm afraid - it would have to have a V6 if I were to buy one.

Real shame about the auto box in this. What a dream, big XM hiding at the back of the driveway with a V6 under the bonnet



http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/citroen-xm-/1 ... 500wt_1202" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[addo]

Just cosy up to Jim for a rebuilt 'box or fit a manual from a French breaker...

[Citroenmad]

Ive just been scouring ebay looking at XMs and other things, I noticed that V6, a nice car, hopefully it will be repaired. A V6 XM is not for me though.

Im surprised at how well Laguna Coupes are holding their values, a bit annoying really
They do seem to look a bit better in the metal though, pictures dont do them justice it would seem ... http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Im not sure about the C6 now Luke, its a car I like very much and always enjoy seeing them on the road but I think they will pass me by ... it'll not be my next car. Though if my interest in Citroens is to continue I might have to get one, as I cant see anything else in the brand new range taking my interest. Saying that, I do like C5III saloons.

I think only the range topping GT Laguna Coupe has the 4 wheel steering set up?

[addo]

What - like a mid eighties Honda Accord? More retro-box coolism there.

[KP]

'can be driven' porbably means its in failsafe mode so maybe locked in 3rd gear which could mean at least movement onto a trailer or to another place for working on....

I like those C5 III's but only in estate form and top of the range with the RIGHT suspension system!
Thinking about it now i haven't owned a conventionally sprung car for many years and my last was a Coupe, i must be getting old and appreciate comfort or enjoy wasting money

Have you thought about older Renaults luke like maybe a 21Quadra or a 25Turbo.... they will show you old school renault turbos but the R19 16v Chamade and the 5GTT will show you how Renaiult really could make great handling and cheap cars on a big scale...

[addo]

He could pick up a fairly rustfree R10 for £1400 or so, here. Now THAT'S an older Renault! (Mind you, not a handling wonder...)

I never cease to be amazed at how much modern automotive history is already lost in the UK.

[robert_e_smart]

The 605 is cheaper than the XM, and a lot more drivable!

I think the 407 Coupe looks smart. A V6 HDI coupe would be nice.