Ok, I’m about to spend about 8K ish on a NC, but I’m not sure which of the two models I’d like. Have either below any benfit over one or the other?
So I have a 2011 2.0 Coupe Kendo on my radar and a black 2010 Sport Tech Coupe, both similar money and from what I can see spec wise very similar. Any thoughts on either? I have a black VW Sharan, it’s rarely cleaned but to my eye it’s hard to keep clean, so it could just come down to colour.
The Sport Tech has a better service record, low ownership and has no past MOT advisorys. The Kendo isn’t far behind.
I thought maybe that the lighter leather in the Kendo may lift the cabin and be more easy on the eye.
I’m comimg from a lovely Mk1 (which I’m keeping) so to me it will be a major comfort and spec upgrade. I wasn’t sure at first about the NC but I like it’s size and the fact it’s better on the longer stretches of road. I find the interior a liitle lacking in areas, but a blast out in my MK1 will make it alright again.
My advice is to go for the colour you want, you can upgrade the spec later if it bothers you. I like Black cars but they are a pig to keep clean and the NC has lots of details like black grills and fog surrounds that you don’t see when it’s black.
I hear what your saying about black cars, they look great when clean but any other time…… I like the black leather in my Sport Tech but maybe a lighter leather might be more interesting assuming kids don’t use it regularly.
I think I’d choose the one in the best condition underneath. They might look the same up top but maybe one has lived outdoors or next to the sea etc…… maybe one has been properly undersealed. Sorry if that all sounds a bit obvious as I see you have already have a MK1 so I’m maybe teaching granny to suck eggs.
The Sport Tech will have Bilsteins and DSC and 6 speed, the Kendo is 5 speed on standard suspension, not sure if it has DSC both will have LSD.
To me and I’m currently on the search to upgrade, a contrast to an all black interior is on the shopping list, trying to avoid black seats, must be 2ltr and I really don’t want a Bose sound system.
The Sport Tech has two options I don’t favour but I’m going to view one tomorrow as it fits the bill colour wise, red. As mentioned above stuff can be changed like seats but I’d rather not spend to that extent.
I suppose it’s personal choice re colours, black is out for me as a body colour.
The other car I may view is more desirable and a great colour combo, cream leather, red body colour. A bit rich on price and one year older than the Sport Tech and more miles on the clock. It’s a choice to be made upon viewing and I’m very picky, non descript tyres and a few marks on the dark alloys may just put me off straight away when I see it, the Sport Tech is a plain Jane in comparison but looks a well looked after model with full SH.
Ah yes, then there’s the level of rust on the undersides.
I viewed a 22k miles Venture last week, almost new underneath (the salesman thought I was potty looking under it) we owners know better, it was 7 years old so expect some rusty stuff.
It’s s put off if you see loads of rust, more work more spend to get it how you want.
Bose, I do a good deal of reading the forum(s) Bose can be troublesome, speakers popping, head units packing in. Don’t get me wrong they aren’t a complete no no, some owners have probably never had such problems. I like to upgrade the sound system anyway, speakers too that complicates things with Bose speakers, amps etc.
Some Sport Techs have Navigation (Sanyo) with again reading up they are bit of a failure, the Alpine replacement is better. Of course the Sanyo Nav unit can be changed, in fact I would if it came with the car.
My missus hates grey of any shade, black or silver. To her the Kendo is grey.
You may be asking, what the wotsits has it got to do with her what colour you choose. Well if you’ve been married as long as I have you listen and listen good, they are the boss after all aren’t they.
She was sold on the Titanium Flash one I viewed last week though, I thought she wouldn’t like it, that was one that got away.
No not at all, I agree. My wife is selling her much loved Honda Jazz to make way for the MX, so she has to like it. At first I was looking for a 3.0 Z4, but I know she’d hate it.
Definitely go for a Sport Tech, picked up mine last June and it ticks all the boxes. Without a doubt get the alignment done by a specialist as it transforms the handling. Had mine done by Wheels in Motion at Chesham.
Mines a 3.5 with all the improvements shown in the above link. I haven’t driven a 3 so can’t offer a comparison. Prices are a bit strong now and I can’t see them dropping for a few months. Keep an eye on Autotrader and move like a scalded cat when one pops up that looks good…be prepared to travel…I drove from London to Devon to get mine. I always think that having a chat with the seller by email or phone normally gives you a reasonable idea of what you are dealing with.
The alternative is to get a base 2ltr and spend the spare cash on your own mods to suit. I did that, and got a bit carried away but I don’t regret it as the car is now very much what I wanted and to my tastes and spec
