Dan in NZ
12-22-2005, 12:33 AM
1996 Toyota Landcruiser, 4.2L turbo diesel 5-speed. On loan for a month or so.
Took me a few k's to get used to driving with a clutch, and with the indicator on the right (wrong) side. I like the sound of the monster turbo diesel engine almost as much as the bimmer. Torque is quite remarkable, but it's all over at 4000rpm, then you have to change gear, and it's only going about 15km/h anyway. On a flat road, 1st gear is completely redundant.
Steering. Oh dear. Will take some time to get used to. It goes something like this... Yank the wheel in the desired direction. Wait a moment, then hang on and hope you make it around the bend.
It's nice to have climate control that actually works, and the $80 for a tank of diesel will last forever. Reactions from the public are different too, instead of stopping and staring, they turn and run in the opposite direction.
In the end, the bimmer was a great car to own, I enjoyed every minute behind the wheel in the last three years. Now I just have to start saving for the next one...
Took me a few k's to get used to driving with a clutch, and with the indicator on the right (wrong) side. I like the sound of the monster turbo diesel engine almost as much as the bimmer. Torque is quite remarkable, but it's all over at 4000rpm, then you have to change gear, and it's only going about 15km/h anyway. On a flat road, 1st gear is completely redundant.
Steering. Oh dear. Will take some time to get used to. It goes something like this... Yank the wheel in the desired direction. Wait a moment, then hang on and hope you make it around the bend.
It's nice to have climate control that actually works, and the $80 for a tank of diesel will last forever. Reactions from the public are different too, instead of stopping and staring, they turn and run in the opposite direction.
In the end, the bimmer was a great car to own, I enjoyed every minute behind the wheel in the last three years. Now I just have to start saving for the next one...