So long and thanks guys

[StephenL]

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for making the 260 ownership such a pleasant and simple experience. I'm not at all mechanically minded and owning such a rare beast would have been a terrifying (and potentially expensive) experience if it were not for this forum and a whole bunch of clever people who know how to fix any problem and gladly offer advice/information. Thanks to everyone who has invested their time recording such a wealth of information on this site, particularly the Index section managed by VMax1000 & Nich.

Not only that, but all the social events on offer (a number of which I attended) make you feel part of a family - thanks especially to colintf for those.

And last but not least, all the great characters who make this forum what it is...

So after such a gushing farewell, why am I ending my 260 ownership? Well, after 2 years & 11,000 miles, I got an itch to change cars. However, I've enjoyed the 260 so I replaced it with something that is quite similar: 5 seater family saloon, big american V8, less than 1,000 cars in the UK... a VXR8!

A picture of the two while I was swapping number plates:
("R10" for Rio Red - it doesn't make sense anymore on a grey car, but it's the first number plate my wife has ever been able to remember, so we're keeping it )

[Malcolmr]

Nice purchase Stephen. We will expect you back in a year or so with a comparison, please. I've often thought I should get with the strength and give up these arcane MGs of mine and buy a GM Monaro! Lots of them around downunder...

[Merl]

Doesn't seem that long ago you were thinking about xpowers....

A comparison would be great! looks a lovely car! A lot beefier than the 260...

Always welcome to say hello and pop to any of the meets and let us have a gander at the new car in person

[Big Dave]

The VXR8 is on my list of cars own - looks lovely

[Herman]

At least it has an big V8 in the front and rear wheel drive.

Hope you enjoy it as much as you did the ZT.......................(and people are known to come back to the collective you know )

[Terry]

Looks a very menacing car, hope you enjoy it as much as it sounds like you did with the 260.

[StephenL]

Doesn't seem that long ago you were thinking about xpowers....

The one regret of my 260 ownership was that I never managed to get hold of any xpowers. Although funnily enough, I noticed that the 260 even on standard exhausts sounds much meatier (V8 rumble) than the VXR8 with standards. So I'm now looking to get an upgraded exhaust, the cost of which makes xpowers look like an incredible bargain:
Over £2,000 for a switchable exhaust

Anyway, I'll keep an eye on the meets and bring it along one day...

[AndyG]

It is very nice.

It makes the ZT look small.

[NOCTURNAL]

It is very nice.

It makes the ZT look small.

That was my first thoughts... as someone who considered a Monaro before the 260 but couldn't make the sums add-up, the 4 doors of the VXR8 do appeal...

and a buddy's Uprated 6L Exhaust sounded awsome.... as do those switchable Electric exhaust cut out set-ups...

Hope you enjoy your ownership

[stevenw]

How does the VXR8 compare with the 260 so far?
Does it have character and soul like the 260?