At the time, my plan was to get a Z4, Boxster S or possibly S2000.
I bought an old Focus which I fitted with winter tyres. Using this car meant that I wasn't using the Clio which made it easier to sell. I got quite attached to the Focus and it became my daily.
Anyhow, fast forward to August, I had come to the conclusion that a Z4 probably wouldn't be a good track car, and that all three of my initial choices are heavy, which of course means more fuel and more wear on the brakes, tyres, suspension, etc.
I quickly came to the conclusion that a Caterham would be too expensive and probably a bit too hard core for me, however an Elise or VX220 might just fit the bill. I had driven both a standard Elise back in 1997, and a VXT in around 2004/5. I was concerned that I would still find this type of car a chore to use, but felt the phenominal performance of the VXT would help to make the compromise worthwhile.
My justification was also partly driven by the fact that I see VX220 prices approaching a minimum level; S1 Elises seem to be increasing in value, with good examples worth around £8k as a minimum, I think a good example of a VX220 will continue to be worth at least £6k. The Turbo will always be worth more than the NA, and despite the suggested negatives, it remains pretty much the quickest factory option based upon the Elise.
So, having used careful man maths to justify it, I started to look at cars.
I saw a couple of silver cars, both had leather and central locking, but one seemed expensive for the condition the other was a bit strong on miles, and both had more owners than I wanted. A couple of days later a friend came across a black 2005, 1 owner, 37k miles; the front clam as a few minor marks and would benefit from paint, the wheels are blistering a bit, and it is due for a service. None of the negatives are a major problem, all seem typical of these cars (both the silver cars also needed refurbs). A deal was done and I collected it yesterday.
It is a lot noisier than I am used to.
You hear the suspension working, and there are various other rattles on harsh surfaces - I understand this is pretty typical.
Steering and changing gear is a whole lot more physical than driving a 1.6 Focus!
The performance is ASTONISHING!
So far I have done little more than drive it home on the motorway (roof off, windows down, bloody marvelous!), and potter about in it today. While I have had a couple of chances to give it some beans, I haven't had much opportunity to deal with corners yet.
I had left the car in town for most of yesterday, before taking the train to bring it home; it was late when I got home but I still managed to be up until about 1.30 messing about with it, cleaning windows, etc. I was just sooo excited. I woke at 5.30 this morning, unable to contain my excitement!
All I have done so far is to remove the broken front plate, order a new 3/4 front plate, clean the windows and the interior.
A bit of investigating shows that the car has a VXR exhaust and I think Gaz suspension, it is certainly loud, and seems low compared to pics of other 220's.
Anyhow, a few pics;
This is what I found under the passenger seat, along with £1.40 in change;
Today I also discovered that you can't fit a £100 Maplin TV bracket in the boot, that using the handbrake is difficult with a booster seat in the passenger side, and that you can fit a small trolley full of groceries in the boot.
I reckon I have probably had the roof off and on at least three times today, possibly more. Ventilation with the roof on isn't great, but is noisy. First time I turned the vents on my newly Aerospace 303'd dash got covered in crap!
Current wish list;
Service
Wiper blade
Owners manual (I currently just have the service book and wallet)
Rear discs & pads
Refurbish wheels
Repaint front clam
New number plates
Thanks for reading, I will try to keep this upto date. Hoping to avoid any bad news when it goes in for its service!
Makes it a healthy car 
