Tuesday, August 14, 2007 - 01:12 pm, by: Will Adams(Draco)
Well my final Soarer left me yesterday evening. It was sad to see the car leave. It brought a conclusion to me owning one of these cars, as different priorities have come about (house mainly). I guess it's possibly an age thing for me and it's time that I moved on. I have to go down the 4 door route now, and although there are many cars that I would like to own, particularly the "L" brand I simply can not afford to purchase them with the current market the way it is.
So as a tribute to my former cars I will post up a picture of all the Soarers I have previously owned. Thanks SoarerCentral for the wealth of knowledge that has been provided and to all those people that were supportive when I asked a question or provided feedback. I guess this is what a community should be, where people share a common interest and try to help each other out as much as possible. Obviously there will be "fights" here and there, but that's to be expected. It's not a perfect world.
Of course I will be browsing the forums every now and then, as I still have a soft spot for one these cars and like to know what's happening in the Soarer community. Heck, I have been part of it for a number of years now (obviously here and in the former ALSC forums of old).
So the tribute:
My first and probably the best Soarer that I have had pleasure in owning,
1991 Gold V8 GT
This eventually got "done up" and ended up as a truly head turning car:
My second car attributed to my fascination and wants of my mighty 1JZ twin-turbo
1992 Bluey-Silver GT-TL
My third car which brought make back into the Soarer world, and unfortunately the very first car that I have ever written off. Although she did me proud up to, during and after that day. Fantastic and a real pity for her to end that way.
1992 Pearl White GT-TL
And last but certainly not least the Soarer I went out with. What a fantastic car and ultimately was the culmination of everything that I ever wanted in a Soarer. Big wheels, nick exhaust, twin-turbos, etc. etc. What a great car to finish my Soarer experience with.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007 - 01:17 pm, by: Will Adams(Draco)
So where to from here? Well sure I would love to own a 2000+ Lexus GS300, but unfortunately way too pricey to purchase. I would like a younger car. I would also like something that kept turbos, had 4 doors, a relatively large boot (by request of the missus) and something strong, reliable. I also wanted something that had all the luxury features I was after, plus more that I didn't know about but came with the car.
It's definatley not a car that some people would go for (given there opinions), and some on the forum may snicker, some may say why oh why, some will not agree with the choice, but then I have driven it and I think it will suit me well for the next few years to come. So what have I bought, well it's a 1998 Volvo S80 T6. Suprisingly it will save me quite a bit of money in a number of different ways (even though it is still a twin-turbo) and still give me everything that I want on a day to day basis. It wasn't my first choice however. My first choice is and always will be a Lexus GS300, but I can probably pick one of those up in years to come - well that's what I am working towards anyway. Here's a picture of one I grabbed off the net, as I don't have pictures of mine yet.
So I will leave it there. I'll still be floating about and contributing where I can and will catch you guys on the forums.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007 - 01:51 pm, by: Miles Baker(Milesb)
Nothing wrong with a Volvo. My first car was a Volvo! Only owned it for a month while I was working in the UK. Prior to that I'd only ever owned bikes.
Their turbo cars are also sleepers. Lots of upgrades available. Good choice.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007 - 03:10 pm, by: Will Adams(Draco)
Back on topic, thanks Tim. They have come along way, and although it wasn't my first option it's a good one none the less. Can't wait to pick up later this week.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007 - 03:14 pm, by: Will Adams(Draco)
Yeah lots of choices, but the Soarer spoiled me with all the electrics. But you're right, there are more turbo 4-doors on the roads these days with almost every conceivable option.
Daniel Czechowski Goo Roo Western Australia Soarer GT-T (sold ) & IS300 Sports Luxury
Tuesday, August 14, 2007 - 06:26 pm, by: David Vaughan(Davidv)
Will, the S80 T6 is a surprisingly nice car. Plenty of grunt provided you can handle it all being through the front wheels, and the luxury and sound system are as good as any. A very quiet fast cruiser for a family and economical on the highway. Very solid.
Make sure the car has all factory recalls/updates run. The earlier cars were all brought up to 2000-spec by recalls. I also recommend you save for some very high quality tyres. It really helps with handling response.
I owned one for three years, the last thing I owned before my present cars.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007 - 07:02 pm, by: Will Adams(Draco)
Actually Daniel I was expecting that. Finally!!
David I have heard some good stories about these cars and horrifying ones, particularly when things go wrong. There is still an RAC check pending and will have to see if the recall checks have been done on the car, before handing over the money. PM sent as well.
Daniel Czechowski Goo Roo Western Australia Soarer GT-T (sold ) & IS300 Sports Luxury
Wednesday, August 15, 2007 - 06:46 am, by: Matthew Sharpe(Madmatt)
Heh, probably nothing wrong with the Volvo, but I'd never buy one because of the stigma (rightly or wrongly) attached to Volvo drivers.
But yeah, I hear you Will - our first kid is on the way and the fleet will probably have to change here too. Fortunately Aristos are relatively cheap and reasonably common here.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007 - 07:55 am, by: Will Adams(Draco)
Yeah the Aristo was on teh cards Matthew, but unfortunately the boot space was too small for what we needed and intended (damn fuel tank) hence a car which has enough boot space for lots of things.
Previous
) & IS300 Sports Luxury
Just stirring you mate, nice! Post some pics up when you do get it. How fast does is it go compared to the TT?
j/k 
