Motoring_NN1 :_: A_ZZ1 lead-free_JJ lover_NN1 's_GE guide_NN1 to_II used_JJ cars_NN2 :_: Drivers_NN2 with_IW a_AT1 tight_JJ budget_NN1 and_CC an_AT1 environmental_JJ conscience_NN1 can_VM buy_VVI second-hand_JJ without_IW losing_VVG principles_NN2 ,_, says_VVZ James_NP1 Ruppert_NP1 By_II JAMES_NP1 RUPPERT_NP1 FROM_II this_DD1 month_NNT1 ,_, all_DB new_JJ cars_NN2 submitted_VVN for_IF British_JJ type_NN1 approval_NN1 ,_, the_AT test_NN1 which_DDQ allows_VVZ them_PPHO2 to_TO be_VBI legally_RR sold_VVN in_II the_AT UK_NP1 ,_, must_VM be_VBI able_JK to_TO run_VVI on_II lead-free_JJ petrol_NN1 ._. 
As_II a_AT1 result_NN1 of_IO this_DD1 rule_NN1 ,_, and_CC many_DA2 carefully_RR orchestrated_VVN publicity_NN1 campaigns_NN2 ,_, the_AT motor_NN1 industry_NN1 's_GE image_NN1 has_VHZ now_RT changed_VVN from_II polluter_NN1 to_II pal_NN1 of_IO the_AT earth_NN1 ._. 
If_CS you_PPY can_VM afford_VVI an_AT1 environmentally_RR friendly_JJ G-registered_JJ runabout_NN1 ,_, then_RT the_AT flora_NN ,_, fauna_NN and_CC children_NN2 of_IO the_AT British_JJ Isles_NN2 will_VM have_VHI a_AT1 lot_NN1 to_TO thank_VVI you_PPY for_IF ._. 
But_CCB if_CS you_PPY have_VH0 a_AT1 tight_JJ budget_NN1 and_CC a_AT1 conscience_NN1 ,_, running_VVG older_JJR cars_NN2 on_II lead-free_JJ fuel_NN1 becomes_VVZ a_AT1 much_RR more_RGR complicated_JJ issue_NN1 ._. 
Without_IW the_AT presence_NN1 of_IO a_AT1 lead_NN1 compound_NN1 ,_, an_AT1 engine_NN1 's_GE valve_NN1 seats_NN2 go_VV0 unprotected_JJ ._. 
This_DD1 leads_VVZ to_II premature_JJ wear_NN1 and_CC plumes_NN2 of_IO blue_JJ smoke_NN1 spewing_VVG from_II the_AT exhaust_NN1 ._. 
The_AT only_JJ effective_JJ remedy_NN1 is_VBZ to_TO install_VVI hardened_JJ valve_NN1 seats_NN2 or_CC a_AT1 replacement_NN1 cylinder_NN1 head_NN1 ,_, both_RR expensive_JJ options_NN2 ._. 
Less_RGR costly_JJ ,_, but_CCB not_XX entirely_RR satisfactory_JJ ,_, is_VBZ the_AT practice_NN1 of_IO making_VVG every_AT1 fourth_MD tankful_NN1 leaded_JJ petrol_NN1 ,_, which_DDQ protects_VVZ the_AT valve_NN1 seats_NN2 but_CCB rather_RR defeats_NN2 the_AT object_NN1 ._. 
Alternatively_RR there_EX are_VBR several_DA2 chemical_JJ additives_NN2 on_II the_AT market_NN1 which_DDQ aim_VV0 to_TO provide_VVI a_AT1 substitute_NN1 for_IF lead_NN1 ,_, although_CS the_AT case_NN1 for_IF these_DD2 products_NN2 has_VHZ yet_RR to_TO be_VBI proved_VVN ._. 
However_RR ,_, many_DA2 cars_NN2 built_VVN within_II the_AT last_MD few_DA2 years_NNT2 have_VH0 hardened_VVN valve_NN1 seats_NN2 ,_, or_CC alloy_NN1 cylinder_NN1 heads_VVZ that_CST need_VV0 little_RR (_( simply_RR a_AT1 retune_NN1 )_) or_CC no_AT modification_NN1 to_TO use_VVI unleaded_JJ petrol_NN1 ._. 
Finding_VVG out_RP which_DDQ cars_NN2 can_VM and_CC which_DDQ can_VM not_XX is_VBZ not_XX difficult_JJ ._. 
Esso_NP1 filling_NN1 stations_NN2 have_VH0 a_AT1 free_JJ booklet_NN1 listing_VVG most_DAT models_NN2 produced_VVN since_II 1980_MC ,_, as_CSA does_VDZ the_AT charity_NN1 Clear_VV0 (_( 01-387_MCMC 4970_MC )_) ,_, with_IW more_DAR detail_NN1 available_JJ in_II the_AT Unleaded_JJ Petrol_NN1 Guide_NN1 (_( Autodale_NP1 ,_, 2.99_MC )_) ._. 
Looking_VVG at_II those_DD2 lists_NN2 provides_VVZ interesting_JJ reading_NN1 and_CC bears_VVZ out_RP the_AT used-car_JJ trade_NN1 's_GE view_NN1 that_CST having_VHG a_AT1 lead-only_JJ car_NN1 could_VM prove_VVI to_TO be_VBI a_AT1 liability_NN1 ._. 
It_PPH1 is_VBZ not_XX as_CS21 if_CS22 four-star_JJ leaded_JJ fuel_NN1 is_VBZ going_VVGK to_TO be_VBI phased_VVN out_RP tomorrow_RT ,_, but_CCB more_RRR and_CC more_DAR buyers_NN2 are_VBR asking_VVG :_: '_" Does_VDZ it_PPH1 take_VVI unleaded_JJ ?_? 
'_" What_DDQ is_VBZ certain_JJ is_VBZ that_CST the_AT pre-1989_JJ Austin/MG_NP1 range_NN1 ,_, all_DB Skodas_NP2 ,_, Yugos_NP1 and_CC quite_RG a_AT1 few_DA2 Lancias_NP2 do_VD0 not_XX ,_, which_DDQ does_VDZ not_XX help_VVI already_RR depressed_JJ resale_NN1 prices_NN2 ._. 
A_ZZ1 1985_MC Lancia_NP1 Y10_FO (_( lead_VV0 only_RR )_) sells_VVZ for_IF around_RG 2,000_MC whereas_CS the_AT similar_JJ Fiat_NP1 Uno_NP1 55_MC from_II the_AT same_DA year_NNT1 ,_, converted_VVD to_TO run_VVI on_II unleaded_JJ ,_, is_VBZ worth_II around_RG 500_MC more_DAR ._. 
A_AT1 lead-only_JJ second-hand_JJ car_NN1 is_VBZ now_RT worth_II about_RG 10_MC per_NNU21 cent_NNU22 less_DAR than_CSN an_AT1 unleaded_JJ equivalent_JJ ._. 
In_II years_NNT2 to_TO come_VVI the_AT percentage_NN1 difference_NN1 is_VBZ likely_JJ to_TO be_VBI much_RR larger_JJR ._. 
Even_RR21 so_RR22 ,_, exotica_NN1 such_II21 as_II22 lead-only_JJ Porsche_NP1 911s_MC2 and_CC Ferraris_NP2 are_VBR unlikely_JJ to_TO be_VBI part_NN1 of_IO this_DD1 trend_NN1 ,_, so_CS no_AT bargains_NN2 there_RL I_PPIS1 'm_VBM afraid_JJ ._. 
More_RGR impressive_JJ are_VBR the_AT Japanese_JJ manufacturers_NN2 whose_DDQGE cars_NN2 dating_VVG from_II the_AT early_JJ Eighties_MC2 can_VM run_VVI on_II unleaded_JJ without_IW adjustment_NN1 ._. 
Find_VV0 a_AT1 1980_MC Toyota_NP1 Corolla_NP1 or_CC 1982_MC Nissan_NP1 Sunny_JJ that_CST has_VHZ not_XX succumbed_VVN to_TO rust_VVI ,_, and_CC you_PPY can_VM buy_VVI with_IW confidence_NN1 ._. 
On_II the_AT home_NN1 front_NN1 ,_, most_DAT Fords_NN2 and_CC Vauxhalls_NP2 from_II at_RR21 least_RR22 the_AT mid-Eighties_MC2 can_VM use_VVI unleaded_JJ ._. 
If_CS the_AT '_GE greenness_NN1 '_GE of_IO going_VVG unleaded_JJ still_RR seems_VVZ a_AT1 bit_NN1 of_IO a_AT1 grey_JJ area_NN1 ,_, it_PPH1 is_VBZ possible_JJ to_TO switch_VVI to_II diesel_NN1 without_IW a_AT1 shadow_NN1 of_IO environmental_JJ doubt_NN1 ._. 
Diesel_NN1 always_RR has_VHZ been_VBN lead-free_JJ and_CC the_AT only_JJ adjustments_NN2 you_PPY need_VV0 to_TO make_VVI are_VBR mental_JJ ones_NN2 ,_, because_CS diesel-powered_JJ cars_NN2 are_VBR no_RR21 longer_RR22 slow_JJ ,_, smelly_JJ or_CC noisy_JJ ._. 
They_PPHS2 also_RR return_VV0 more_DAR miles_NNU2 to_II the_AT gallon_NNU1 than_CSN their_APPGE petrol_NN1 equivalents_NN2 ,_, although_CS service_NN1 intervals_NN2 are_VBR shorter_JJR ._. 
But_CCB after_CS the_AT publicity_NN1 on_II unleaded_JJ fuel_NN1 there_EX has_VHZ been_VBN increased_VVN interest_NN1 in_II used_JJ diesel_NN1 power_NN1 ._. 
But_CCB remember_VV0 that_CST these_DD2 cars_NN2 accrue_VV0 ,_, and_CC can_VM withstand_VVI ,_, significantly_RR higher_JJR mileages_NN2 than_CSN petrol_NN1 cars_NN2 ,_, 50-90,000_MCMC being_VBG the_AT norm_NN1 ._. 
The_AT tradition_NN1 for_IF diesel_NN1 cars_NN2 is_VBZ far_RG better_RRR established_VVN on_II the_AT Continent_NN1 and_CC that_DD1 is_VBZ where_RRQ the_AT best_JJT buys_NN2 come_VV0 from_II ._. 
Perhaps_RR the_AT most_RGT successful_JJ maker_NN1 is_VBZ Peugeot_NP1 ,_, with_IW a_AT1 complete_JJ range_NN1 of_IO cars_NN2 from_II the_AT small_JJ 205_MC around_RG 3,000_MC for_IF a_AT1 90,000-mile_FO 1985_MC car_NN1 to_II the_AT legendary_JJ 504_MC estate_NN1 ,_, about_RG 2,000_MC for_IF a_AT1 1982_MC example_NN1 ._. 
The_AT Germans_NN2 are_VBR also_RR fairly_RR accomplished_JJ manufacturers_NN2 ,_, although_CS a_AT1 five-door_NN1 1980_MC Golf_NN1 with_IW a_AT1 six-figure_JJ mileage_NN1 will_VM still_RR cost_VVI 1,500_MC ._. 
Prestige_NN1 comes_VVZ in_II the_AT shape_NN1 of_IO a_AT1 Mercedes_NP with_IW the_AT 240D_NNU or_CC '_GE Stuttgart_NP1 Taxi_NN1 '_GE ,_, commanding_JJ 7,000_MC but_CCB returning_VVG unfailing_JJ reliability_NN1 ._. 
Even_CS21 if_CS22 lead_NN1 levels_NN2 in_II the_AT atmosphere_NN1 do_VD0 not_XX bother_VVI you_PPY ,_, I_PPIS1 am_VBM sure_JJ you_PPY will_VM find_VVI the_AT fact_NN1 that_CST unleaded_JJ petrol_NN1 is_VBZ 15p_NNU cheaper_JJR ,_, and_CC that_DD1 diesel_NN1 fuel_NN1 boosts_VVZ mpg_NNU by_II at_RR21 least_RR22 a_AT1 third_MD ,_, most_RGT interesting_JJ ._. 
Motoring_NN1 :_: Miles_NP1 of_IO smiles_NN2 as_II the_AT diesel_NN1 comes_VVZ of_IO age_NN1 :_: Brett_NP1 Fraser_NP1 on_II the_AT Citroen_NP1 AX_NP1 ,_, which_DDQ offers_VVZ fuel_NN1 economy_NN1 without_IW much_DA1 sacrifice_NN1 in_II performance_NN1 to_II drivers_NN2 willing_JJ to_TO turn_VVI away_II21 from_II22 the_AT petrol_NN1 engine_NN1 By_II BRETT_NP1 FRASER_NP1 BACK_NN1 IN_II the_AT bad_JJ old_JJ days_NNT2 ,_, drivers_NN2 of_IO diesel_NN1 cars_NN2 were_VBDR the_AT social_JJ outcasts_NN2 of_IO the_AT motoring_NN1 world_NN1 ._. 
At_II filling_VVG stations_NN2 they_PPHS2 were_VBDR banished_VVN to_II the_AT far-flung_JJ corners_NN2 of_IO the_AT forecourt_NN1 ,_, away_II21 from_II22 the_AT well-lit_JJ protection_NN1 of_IO covered_JJ petrol_NN1 pumps_NN2 ,_, to_TO battle_VVI 32-tonners_NN2 for_IF a_AT1 turn_NN1 at_II the_AT diesel_NN1 pump_NN1 ._. 
That_DD1 was_VBDZ not_XX the_AT end_NN1 of_IO their_APPGE woe_NN1 ._. 
Until_II recently_RR ,_, diesel_NN1 cars_NN2 were_VBDR slow_JJ and_CC very_RG noisy_JJ ,_, the_AT theory_NN1 being_NN1 that_CST this_DD1 was_VBDZ the_AT price_NN1 you_PPY had_VHD to_TO pay_VVI for_IF economy_NN1 ._. 
There_EX was_VBDZ a_AT1 social_JJ stigma_NN1 attached_VVN to_II diesel_NN1 car_NN1 ownership_NN1 ,_, too_RR ._. 
People_NN thought_VVD perhaps_RR you_PPY needed_VVD to_TO save_VVI money_NN1 after_II all_DB ,_, that_DD1 was_VBDZ the_AT only_JJ reason_NN1 for_IF buying_VVG a_AT1 diesel_NN1 car_NN1 ,_, was_VBDZ n't_XX it_PPH1 ?_? 
What_DDQ few_DA2 realised_VVD was_VBDZ that_CST diesels_NN2 were_VBDR more_RGR costly_JJ than_CSN their_APPGE petrol-engine_JJ counterparts_NN2 ,_, and_CC that_CST the_AT break-even_NN1 point_NN1 (_( when_CS the_AT fuel_NN1 savings_NN2 outweighed_VVD the_AT price_NN1 difference_NN1 )_) did_VDD n't_XX occur_VVI until_CS very_RG large_JJ mileages_NN2 had_VHD been_VBN covered_VVN ._. 
Those_DD2 who_PNQS sold_VVD their_APPGE diesels_NN2 after_II 50,000_MC miles_NNU2 or_CC so_RR might_VM just_RR as_RR21 well_RR22 have_VHI bought_VVN a_AT1 petrol_NN1 vehicle_NN1 ._. 
At_RR21 least_RR22 that_DD1 was_VBDZ the_AT case_NN1 in_II Britain_NP1 ,_, where_RRQ the_AT gap_NN1 between_II petrol_NN1 and_CC diesel_NN1 fuel_NN1 prices_NN2 has_VHZ always_RR been_VBN small_JJ ._. 
On_II the_AT Continent_NN1 ,_, governments_NN2 have_VH0 actively_RR encouraged_VVN the_AT use_NN1 of_IO diesel-powered_JJ vehicles_NN2 as_II a_AT1 way_NN1 of_IO stretching_VVG resources_NN2 ._. 
Not_XX only_RR is_VBZ diesel_NN1 much_RR less_RGR expensive_JJ at_II the_AT pumps_NN2 ,_, especially_RR in_II France_NP1 and_CC Italy_NP1 ,_, but_CCB purchase_VV0 tax_NN1 on_II diesel-powered_JJ cars_NN2 is_VBZ reduced_VVN ._. 
Travel_VV0 the_AT roads_NN2 of_IO Italy_NP1 ,_, and_CC petrol-engine_JJ cars_NN2 appear_VV0 to_TO be_VBI in_II the_AT minority_NN1 ._. 
Even_RR the_AT Italians_NN2 '_GE up-market_JJ makers_NN2 ,_, Alfa_NP1 and_CC Lancia_NP1 ,_, have_VH0 diesel_NN1 models_NN2 ._. 
In_II Germany_NP1 ,_, diesel_NN1 sales_NN are_VBR in_II sharp_JJ decline_NN1 after_II the_AT Greens_NN2 pointed_VVD an_AT1 ill-informed_JJ finger_NN1 at_II the_AT visibly_RR dirty_JJ exhausts_NN2 of_IO diesels_NN2 and_CC cried_VVD '_GE polluter_NN1 '_GE ._. 
In_II fact_NN1 ,_, diesels_NN2 are_VBR cleaner_JJR in_II many_DA2 ways_NN2 than_CSN petrol_NN1 engines_NN2 in_II their_APPGE emissions_NN2 ._. 
German_JJ manufacturers_NN2 such_II21 as_II22 Mercedes-Benz_NP1 and_CC Volkswagen_NP1 are_VBR so_RG convinced_JJ of_IO the_AT diesel_NN1 engine_NN1 's_GE future_JJ importance_NN1 ,_, they_PPHS2 are_VBR developing_JJ '_GE clean-burn_NN1 '_GE units_NN2 and_CC fitting_JJ catalytic_JJ converters_NN2 to_II the_AT exhaust_NN1 systems_NN2 ._. 
Currently_RR the_AT French_JJ PSA_NP1 Group_NN1 ,_, which_DDQ comprises_VVZ Citroen_NP1 and_CC Peugeot_NP1 ,_, produces_VVZ the_AT best_JJT diesel_NN1 cars_NN2 ._. 
'_GE Best_JJT '_" means_VVZ a_AT1 combination_NN1 of_IO economy_NN1 ,_, speed_NN1 ,_, low_JJ noise_NN1 ,_, general_JJ refinement_NN1 and_CC pleasure_NN1 to_TO drive_VVI ._. 
Judged_VVN by_II these_DD2 criteria_NN2 ,_, the_AT little_JJ Citroen_NP1 AX_NP1 diesel_NN1 is_VBZ the_AT best_JJT of_IO a_AT1 good_JJ bunch_NN1 ._. 
The_AT AX_NP1 is_VBZ the_AT smallest_JJT of_IO the_AT Citroen_NP1 range_NN1 and_CC is_VBZ available_JJ in_II three-and_CC five-door_JJ versions_NN2 ._. 
Computers_NN2 were_VBDR used_VVN extensively_RR during_II the_AT car_NN1 's_GE development_NN1 ,_, in_II a_AT1 successful_JJ attempt_NN1 to_TO make_VVI the_AT AX_NP1 220lb_NNU lighter_JJR than_CSN the_AT class_NN1 average_NN1 ._. 
The_AT significance_NN1 is_VBZ the_AT boost_NN1 it_PPH1 gives_VVZ to_II the_AT AX_NP1 's_GE performance_NN1 ,_, particularly_RR in_II the_AT context_NN1 of_IO the_AT diesel_NN1 ._. 
Here_RL is_VBZ a_AT1 diesel-engine_JJ car_NN1 which_DDQ will_VM out-gun_NN1 many_DA2 of_IO its_APPGE petrol-engine_JJ rivals_NN2 ._. 
It_PPH1 comes_VVZ close_RR to_II shaming_VVG some_DD of_IO its_APPGE own_DA stable-mates_NN2 ,_, too_RR ,_, and_CC they_PPHS2 are_VBR among_II the_AT swiftest_JJT in_II their_APPGE class_NN1 ._. 
Top_JJ speed_NN1 for_IF this_DD1 diesel_NN1 is_VBZ 96mph_NNU ,_, and_CC it_PPH1 spurts_VVZ to_II 60mph_NNU in_II just_RR 13.2_MC seconds_NNT2 ._. 
Most_DAT un-diesel-like_JJ ._. 
On_II the_AT road_NN1 ,_, the_AT biggest_JJT difference_NN1 you_PPY notice_VV0 with_IW the_AT diesel_NN1 is_VBZ the_AT need_NN1 to_TO change_VVI up_RP a_AT1 gear_NN1 slightly_RR earlier_RRR than_CSN in_II a_AT1 petrol_NN1 car_NN1 ._. 
This_DD1 is_VBZ not_XX a_AT1 hardship_NN1 ,_, as_CSA the_AT AX_NP1 is_VBZ blessed_VVN with_IW one_MC1 of_IO the_AT lightest_JJT and_CC quickest_JJT gear_NN1 changes_VVZ around_RP ._. 
The_AT diesel_NN1 never_RR feels_VVZ slovenly_JJ and_CC can_VM be_VBI hurried_VVN along_II snaking_VVG back_RP roads_NN2 with_IW the_AT sort_NN1 of_IO haste_NN1 which_DDQ soon_RR makes_VVZ you_PPY forget_VVI that_DD1 derv_NN1 ,_, not_XX four-star_JJ (_( or_CC unleaded_JJ )_) ,_, goes_VVZ into_II its_APPGE fuel_NN1 tank_NN1 ._. 
Another_DD1 way_NN1 the_AT AX_NP1 deceives_VVZ is_VBZ by_II the_AT noise_NN1 it_PPH1 makes_VVZ ,_, or_CC rather_RR the_AT lack_NN1 of_IO it_PPH1 ._. 
Once_RR ,_, all_DB diesels_NN2 sounded_VVN like_II taxis_NN2 all_DB the_AT time_NNT1 ._. 
The_AT baby_NN1 Citroen_NP1 tends_VVZ to_TO give_VVI the_AT game_NN1 away_RL only_RR when_CS started_VVN from_II cold_NN1 ._. 
At_II 70mph_NNU it_PPH1 is_VBZ hard_JJ to_TO tell_VVI what_DDQ fuels_NN2 the_AT car_NN1 ,_, and_CC only_RR at_II idle_JJ ,_, windows_NN2 down_RP ,_, does_VDZ the_AT noise_NN1 start_VVI to_TO irritate_VVI ._. 
Even_RR then_RT ,_, it_PPH1 is_VBZ not_XX so_RG bad_JJ as_CSA to_TO give_VVI you_PPY taxi_VV0 syndrome_NN1 ._. 
Other_JJ noises_NN2 do_VD0 infiltrate_VVI the_AT cabin_NN1 the_AT wind_NN1 ,_, the_AT odd_JJ bump_NN1 and_CC thump_VV0 from_II the_AT suspension_NN1 ,_, and_CC the_AT constant_JJ rattle_NN1 and_CC clunk_VV0 from_II the_AT cabin_NN1 fittings_NN2 ._. 
Citroen_NP1 makes_VVZ some_DD fine_JJ cars_NN2 ,_, but_CCB it_PPH1 tends_VVZ not_XX to_TO make_VVI them_PPHO2 very_RG well_RR ._. 
The_AT plastic_NN1 the_AT French_JJ company_NN1 uses_VVZ for_IF its_APPGE interior_JJ trimmings_NN2 is_VBZ not_XX of_IO high_JJ quality_NN1 and_CC looks_VVZ brittle_JJ and_CC cheap_JJ ,_, and_CC in_II most_DAT places_NN2 it_PPH1 sounds_VVZ not_XX to_TO be_VBI screwed_VVN as_CSA tightly_RR down_RP as_II the_AT designers_NN2 originally_RR intended_VVN ._. 
Look_VV0 into_II a_AT1 cavernous_JJ gap_NN1 down_II the_AT right_JJ side_NN1 of_IO the_AT dashboard_NN1 and_CC there_EX are_VBR wires_NN2 on_II display_NN1 beyond_II them_PPHO2 ,_, daylight_NN1 ._. 
For_IF a_AT1 light_JJ car_NN1 ,_, the_AT AX_NP1 rides_VVZ surprisingly_RR well_RR ,_, soaking_VVG up_II most_DAT road_NN1 surface_NN1 horrors_NN2 with_IW dignified_JJ composure_NN1 ._. 
Rough_JJ roads_NN2 ,_, however_RR ,_, of_IO the_AT sort_NN1 council_NN1 repair_NN1 crews_NN2 seem_VV0 so_RG keen_JJ to_TO create_VVI ,_, ruffle_VV0 it_PPH1 slightly_RR and_CC cause_VVI it_PPH1 to_TO slap_VVI its_APPGE tyres_NN2 on_II the_AT road_NN1 in_II protest_NN1 ._. 
Anyone_PN1 who_PNQS thinks_VVZ owning_VVG a_AT1 diesel_NN1 spells_VVZ the_AT end_NN1 of_IO driving_JJ fun_NN1 ,_, should_VM park_VVI their_APPGE backside_NN1 in_II the_AT AX_NP1 's_GE comfortable_JJ ,_, supportive_JJ driver_NN1 's_GE seat_NN1 and_CC go_VV0 for_IF a_AT1 quick_JJ ride_NN1 ._. 
It_PPH1 carries_VVZ a_RR21 bit_RR22 more_DAR weight_NN1 in_II its_APPGE nose_NN1 (_( diesel_NN1 engines_NN2 are_VBR heavier_JJR than_CSN petrol_NN1 )_) but_CCB the_AT derv-sipping_JJ AX_NP1 is_VBZ just_RR as_RG agile_JJ as_CSA its_APPGE petroleum_NN1 cousins_NN2 ._. 
Light_NN1 ,_, accurate_JJ steering_NN1 allows_VVZ you_PPY to_TO place_VVI the_AT car_NN1 precisely_RR in_II a_AT1 bend_NN1 ,_, and_CC although_CS there_EX is_VBZ a_AT1 fair_JJ amount_NN1 of_IO body_NN1 roll_NN1 ,_, once_CS you_PPY 've_VH0 chosen_VVN your_APPGE cornering_JJ line_NN1 not_XX even_RR bumps_VVZ half-way_RR through_II will_VM deflect_VVI the_AT faithful_JJ AX_NP1 from_II its_APPGE path_NN1 ._. 
If_CS you_PPY go_VV0 into_II a_AT1 corner_NN1 too_RG fast_RR the_AT tyres_NN2 will_VM lose_VVI their_APPGE adhesion_NN1 ,_, but_CCB in_II the_AT AX_NP1 it_PPH1 is_VBZ safe_JJ to_TO take_VVI your_APPGE foot_NN1 off_II the_AT throttle_NN1 and_CC let_VV0 the_AT car_NN1 snap_VVI itself_PPX1 back_RP into_II line_NN1 ._. 
Try_VV0 that_CST on_II several_DA2 cars_NN2 in_II the_AT Escort-class_JJ ,_, and_CC you_PPY will_VM sometimes_RT watch_VVI the_AT back_NN1 of_IO the_AT car_NN1 overtake_VV0 the_AT front_NN1 ._. 
The_AT worst_JJT that_CST happens_VVZ when_RRQ you_PPY overcook_VV0 things_NN2 in_II the_AT AX_NP1 is_VBZ that_CST the_AT nose_NN1 runs_VVZ gently_RR wide_JJ ._. 
And_CC what_DDQ is_VBZ the_AT fuel_NN1 economy_NN1 like_II ?_? 
Well_RR ,_, for_IF a_AT1 start_NN1 ,_, ignore_VV0 the_AT preposterous_JJ and_CC irrelevant_JJ figures_NN2 achieved_VVN on_II the_AT recent_JJ RAC-supervised_NN1 '_GE economy_NN1 run_NN1 '_GE ._. 
Unless_CS you_PPY drive_VV0 everywhere_RL at_II less_DAR than_CSN 40mph_NNU and_CC never_RR sit_VV0 in_II traffic_NN1 jams_NN2 ,_, the_AT record-breaking_NN1 112mpg_FO is_VBZ as_RG achievable_JJ as_CSA drying_VVG flowers_NN2 underwater_RL ._. 
Nevertheless_RR ,_, watching_VVG the_AT AX_NP1 's_GE fuel_NN1 gauge_NN1 fall_NN1 to_TO empty_VVI is_VBZ a_AT1 long_JJ and_CC tedious_JJ vigil_NN1 ._. 
In_II ordinary_JJ conditions_NN2 a_AT1 mix_NN1 of_IO blatting_VVG down_II the_AT motorway_NN1 ,_, pootling_VVG down_RP country_NN1 roads_NN2 ,_, and_CC getting_VVG stuck_JJ in_II London_NP1 's_GE slow-motion_JJ hours_NNT2 (_( when_CS the_AT rest_NN1 of_IO the_AT country_NN1 apparently_RR rushes_VVZ )_) ,_, fuel_NN1 consumption_NN1 in_II the_AT mid-sixties_MC2 is_VBZ almost_RR guaranteed_VVN ._. 
With_IW care_NN1 ,_, and_CC clear_JJ roads_NN2 ,_, that_DD1 figure_NN1 should_VM greatly_RR improve_VVI ._. 
Even_CS21 when_CS22 driven_VVN with_IW the_AT utmost_JJ contempt_NN1 for_IF economy_NN1 ,_, it_PPH1 is_VBZ difficult_JJ to_TO drop_VVI below_II 50mpg_FO ._. 
What_DDQ is_VBZ nice_JJ about_II the_AT AX_NP1 diesel_NN1 is_VBZ that_CST you_PPY can_VM smile_VVI smugly_RR about_II the_AT miles_NNU2 you_PPY are_VBR effortlessly_RR squeezing_VVG from_II every_AT1 gallon_NNU1 ,_, in_II the_AT knowledge_NN1 you_PPY have_VH0 sacrificed_VVN little_RR along_II the_AT way_NN1 ._. 
No_RR21 longer_RR22 does_VDZ the_AT diesel_NN1 driver_NN1 need_NN1 to_TO feel_VVI disadvantaged_JJ ._. 
Second_NNT1 to_II the_AT sporting_JJ GT_NP1 model_NN1 ,_, the_AT diesel_NN1 ,_, in_II either_DD1 of_IO its_APPGE two_MC trim_JJ levels_NN2 ,_, is_VBZ the_AT most_RGT desirable_JJ of_IO the_AT AX_NP1 range_NN1 ._. 
For_IF that_DD1 to_TO be_VBI true_JJ ,_, the_AT diesel_NN1 must_VM have_VHI come_VVN of_IO age_NN1 ._. 
Motoring_NN1 :_: The_AT soaring_JJ triumph_NN1 of_IO the_AT exotic_JJ Stag_NN1 :_: Blow_VV0 all_DB your_APPGE savings_NN2 on_II a_AT1 rare_JJ classic_JJ convertible_NN1 which_DDQ has_VHZ just_RR started_VVN to_TO show_VVI a_AT1 major_JJ rise_NN1 in_II value_NN1 ,_, says_VVZ Roger_NP1 Bell_NP1 By_II ROGER_NP1 BELL_NP1 PSST_NP1 !_! 
Shares_NN2 a_RR21 bit_RR22 shaky_JJ ?_? 
Bored_JJ by_II your_APPGE savings_NN2 passbook_NN1 ?_? 
Then_RT now_RT is_VBZ the_AT time_NNT1 to_TO invest_VVI in_II a_AT1 Triumph_NN1 Stag_NN1 but_CCB keep_VV0 it_PPH1 to_II yourself_PPX1 ._. 
There_EX are_VBR not_XX that_CST many_DA2 good_JJ ones_NN2 about_RP ._. 
Convertible_JJ prices_NN2 always_RR tend_VV0 to_TO dip_VVI in_II the_AT autumn_NNT1 ,_, particularly_RR after_II a_AT1 balmy_JJ summer_NNT1 ,_, but_CCB the_AT advice_NN1 to_TO buy_VVI has_VHZ little_DA1 to_TO do_VDI with_IW cyclic_JJ depression_NN1 ._. 
Stags_NN2 are_VBR appreciating_VVG ._. 
In_II the_AT crazy_JJ world_NN1 of_IO classic_JJ cars_NN2 ,_, where_CS old_JJ Ferraris_NP2 and_CC Aston_NP1 Martins_NP2 fetch_VV0 silly_JJ money_NN1 ,_, and_CC Jaguar_NN1 E-types_NN2 have_VH0 gone_VVN through_II the_AT roof_NN1 ,_, the_AT rise_NN1 and_CC rise_NN1 of_IO these_DD2 exotics_NN2 over_II the_AT past_NN1 two_MC or_CC three_MC years_NNT2 has_VHZ lifted_VVN values_NN2 down_II the_AT line_NN1 ._. 
If_CS Austin_NP1 Rover_NP1 's_GE Leyland_NP1 forebears_NN2 had_VHD made_VVN a_AT1 better_JJR job_NN1 of_IO the_AT Stag_NN1 in_II the_AT first_MD place_NN1 ,_, values_NN2 would_VM probably_RR have_VHI risen_VVN before_RT ._. 
As_CSA it_PPH1 is_VBZ ,_, the_AT car_NN1 's_GE great_JJ attraction_NN1 as_II a_AT1 luxury_JJ convertible_NN1 has_VHZ always_RR been_VBN overshadowed_VVN by_II its_APPGE reputation_NN1 for_IF poor_JJ reliability_NN1 ._. 
Not_XX for_IF nothing_PN1 was_VBDZ it_PPH1 dubbed_VVN the_AT '_GE Triumph_NN1 Snag_NN1 '_GE ._. 
Today_RT 's_GE Stagisti_NN1 ,_, guided_VVN by_II the_AT mechanical_JJ tragedies_NN2 that_CST befell_VVD their_APPGE hapless_JJ predecessors_NN2 ,_, know_VV0 that_CST preventive_JJ maintenance_NN1 is_VBZ the_AT key_NN1 to_II dependability_NN1 ._. 
Achieve_VV0 that_DD1 and_CC it_PPH1 is_VBZ achievable_JJ ,_, though_CS my_APPGE own_DA car_NN1 ,_, currently_RR without_IW an_AT1 engine_NN1 ,_, is_VBZ not_XX yet_RR there_RL and_CC the_AT Stag_NP1 's_GE attractions_NN2 are_VBR nothing_PN1 short_JJ of_IO seductive_JJ ._. 
Much_DA1 was_VBDZ expected_VVN of_IO this_DD1 Anglo-Italian_JJ four-place_JJ convertible_NN1 ,_, high_JJ on_II creature_NN1 comforts_VVZ as_II31 well_II32 as_II33 style_NN1 ,_, when_CS it_PPH1 was_VBDZ introduced_VVN almost_RR 20_MC years_NNT2 ago_RA ._. 
Triumph_NN1 aimed_VVD to_TO build_VVI 12,000_MC Stags_NN2 a_AT1 year_NNT1 ._. 
In_II the_AT event_NN1 ,_, it_PPH1 produced_VVD fewer_DAR than_CSN 26,000_MC in_II its_APPGE seven_MC years_NNT2 of_IO manufacturing_NN1 life_NN1 ,_, between_II 1970_MC and_CC 1977_MC ._. 
Depressed_JJ production_NN1 ,_, costly_JJ for_IF Leyland_NP1 at_II the_AT time_NNT1 ,_, is_VBZ good_JJ news_NN1 for_IF investors_NN2 now_RT because_CS it_PPH1 has_VHZ endowed_VVN the_AT Stag_NN1 with_IW scarcity_NN1 appeal_NN1 ._. 
It_PPH1 goes_VVZ without_IW saying_VVG that_DD1 rare_JJ cars_NN2 are_VBR more_RGR coveted_JJ than_CSN common_JJ ones_NN2 and_CC rare_JJ convertibles_NN2 are_VBR of_IO blue-chip_JJ status_NN1 ._. 
Scarcity_NN1 value_NN1 apart_RL ,_, the_AT Stag_NN1 is_VBZ made_VVN of_IO the_AT right_JJ stuff_NN1 by_II classic_JJ yardsticks_NN2 ._. 
It_PPH1 has_VHZ style_NN1 (_( Michelotti_NP1 's_GE )_) ,_, a_AT1 luxurious_JJ ,_, timber-encrusted_JJ cabin_NN1 (_( with_IW hard_JJ and_CC soft_JJ headgear_NN1 )_) ,_, six_MC speeds_VVZ to_TO play_VVI with_IW (_( four_MC ,_, plus_II two_MC overdrive_NN1 on_II the_AT manual_NN1 ,_, though_CS many_DA2 Stags_NP2 had_VHD three-speed_JJ automatic_JJ transmission_NN1 )_) and_CC a_AT1 burbling_NN1 V8_FO engine_NN1 that_CST can_VM be_VBI found_VVN in_II no_AT other_JJ car_NN1 ._. 
In_II its_APPGE day_NNT1 ,_, fully_RR independent_JJ suspension_NN1 (_( like_II that_DD1 of_IO the_AT Triumph_NN1 2000_MC saloon_NN1 )_) and_CC lavish_JJ equipment_NN1 that_CST included_VVD power-assisted_JJ steering_NN1 were_VBDR also_RR assets_NN2 ._. 
Ironically_RR ,_, the_AT Stag_NP1 's_GE reputation_NN1 as_II an_AT1 expensive_JJ liability_NN1 is_VBZ rooted_VVN in_II the_AT three-litre_NNU1 ,_, 145-horsepower_JJ engine_NN1 effectively_RR two_MC four-cylinder_JJ Dolomite/Saab_FU 99_MC units_NN2 siamesed_VVN to_II a_AT1 common_JJ crankshaft_NN1 that_CST is_VBZ germane_JJ to_II the_AT car_NN1 's_GE appeal_NN1 ._. 
Overheating_NN1 and_CC loose_JJ valvegear_NN1 chains_NN2 ,_, both_DB2 of_IO which_DDQ can_VM abruptly_RR extinguish_VVI all_DB mechanical_JJ life_NN1 ,_, are_VBR its_APPGE (_( avoidable_JJ )_) weaknesses_NN2 ._. 
With_IW the_AT wisdom_NN1 of_IO hindsight_NN1 ,_, it_PPH1 is_VBZ easy_JJ to_TO see_VVI now_CS21 that_CS22 the_AT Stag_NP1 's_GE troublesome_JJ V8_FO ,_, designed_VVN and_CC inadequately_RR developed_VVN in-house_JJ by_II Triumph_NN1 before_CS it_PPH1 merged_VVD with_IW Leyland_NP1 ,_, should_VM have_VHI been_VBN ditched_VVN and_CC replaced_VVN by_II Rover_NP1 's_GE proven_JJ ex-Buick_JJ 3.5-litre_JJ V8_FO (_( still_RR used_VVN by_II Land-Rover_NP1 ,_, Morgan_NP1 ,_, TVR_NP1 and_CC others_NN2 )_) that_DD1 was_VBDZ already_RR on_II the_AT shelf_NN1 ._. 
In_II the_AT interests_NN2 of_IO dependability_NN1 ,_, many_DA2 Stags_NN2 have_VH0 subsequently_RR been_VBN converted_VVN to_II Rover_NP1 V8_FO power_NN1 ,_, gaining_VVG in_II reliability_NN1 (_( and_CC quite_RG possibly_RR in_II performance_NN1 )_) what_DDQ they_PPHS2 lose_VV0 in_II originality_NN1 and_CC nose_NN1 heaviness_NN1 ._. 
A_AT1 Rover-engine_JJ Stag_NN1 may_VM well_RR be_VBI a_AT1 better_JJR car_NN1 than_CSN one_PN1 with_IW Triumph_NN1 power_NN1 ,_, but_CCB as_II a_AT1 hybrid_NN1 it_PPH1 will_VM never_RR be_VBI so_RG valuable_JJ ._. 
Ford_NP1 V6_FO conversions_NN2 are_VBR intrinsically_RR even_RR less_RGR desirable_JJ though_CS worth_II considering_VVG as_II a_AT1 cheap_JJ and_CC reliable_JJ engine_NN1 ._. 
Many_DA2 Stags_NN2 have_VH0 undergone_VVN reversion_NN1 transplants_NN2 in_II the_AT quest_NN1 for_IF originality_NN1 ._. 
To_TO buy_VVI a_AT1 Stag_NN1 just_RR for_IF its_APPGE investment_NN1 potential_NN1 is_VBZ to_TO deny_VVI yourself_PPX1 the_AT sort_NN1 of_IO al_JJ21 fresco_JJ22 luxury_NN1 that_CST most_DAT people_NN can_VM only_RR dream_VVI about_II in_II a_AT1 new_JJ car_NN1 ._. 
Jaguar_NN1 's_GE classy_JJ convertibles_NN2 start_VV0 at_II 41,200_MC ,_, albeit_CS with_IW V12_FO power_NN1 ._. 
What_DDQ is_VBZ more_RRR ,_, the_AT current_JJ XJS_NP1 ragtop_NN1 is_VBZ structurally_RR inferior_JJ to_II the_AT cabriolet_NN1 (_( with_IW Stag-like_JJ superstructure_NN1 )_) that_CST preceded_VVD it_PPH1 ._. 
Other_JJ classy_JJ convertibles_NN2 come_VV0 from_II Mercedes-Benz_NP1 ,_, Porsche_NP1 and_CC Aston_NP1 Martin_NP1 ,_, whose_DDQGE Volante_NN1 ,_, listed_VVN at_II 120,000_MC ,_, is_VBZ said_VVN to_TO be_VBI changing_JJ hands_NN2 at_II over_RG 200,000_MC ._. 
Even_RR the_AT best_JJT Stags_NN2 and_CC the_AT best_JJT are_VBR very_RG good_JJ indeed_RR -_- are_VBR cheap_JJ by_II comparison_NN1 ._. 
Here_RL is_VBZ stylish_JJ ,_, tousled-hair_JJ motoring_NN1 without_IW the_AT discomfort_NN1 ._. 
Here_RL is_VBZ a_AT1 car_NN1 to_TO be_VBI savoured_VVN at_II your_APPGE leisure_NN1 ,_, on_II high_JJ days_NNT2 and_CC holidays_NN2 ,_, but_CCB above_II all_DB on_II sunny_JJ days_NNT2 ._. 
I_PPIS1 enjoy_VV0 my_APPGE Stag_NN1 most_RRT when_CS it_PPH1 is_VBZ loafing_VVG along_RP in_II overdrive_NN1 (_( the_AT DIY_NN1 box_NN1 has_VHZ longer_JJR legs_NN2 than_CSN the_AT automatic_JJ )_) ,_, exhaust_VV0 burbling_VVG as_RG only_RR a_AT1 twin-pipe_NN1 V8_FO can_VM burble_VVI ._. 
When_CS there_EX is_VBZ nothing_PN1 above_II your_APPGE head_NN1 but_CCB the_AT bracing_JJ T-bar_NN1 fitted_VVN as_RG much_DA1 to_TO provide_VVI body_NN1 rigidity_NN1 as_CSA to_TO anticipate_VVI US_NP1 safety_NN1 regulations_NN2 that_CST did_VDD not_XX materialise_VVI so_RG much_RR the_AT better_JJR ._. 
From_II February_NPM1 1973_MC ,_, all_DB Stags_NN2 were_VBDR sold_VVN with_IW both_DB2 hood_NN1 (_( which_DDQ stows_VVZ neatly_RR in_II a_AT1 lidded_JJ well_NN1 behind_II the_AT back_NN1 seats_NN2 )_) and_CC hardtop_NN1 (_( which_DDQ required_VVD two_MC pairs_NN2 of_IO strong_JJ arms_NN2 to_TO manipulate_VVI )_) ._. 
So_RR heavy_JJ and_CC cumbersome_JJ is_VBZ the_AT hardtop_NN1 ,_, which_DDQ fails_VVZ to_TO turn_VVI the_AT Stag_NN1 into_II a_AT1 refined_JJ fixed-head_NN1 coupe_NN1 because_II21 of_II22 atrocious_JJ wind_NN1 whoosh_UH ,_, that_CST many_DA2 have_VH0 succumbed_VVN to_TO rust_VVI while_CS lying_VVG neglected_JJ in_II the_AT garden_NN1 ,_, incubating_VVG snails_NN2 ._. 
The_AT Stag_NN1 is_VBZ not_XX a_AT1 sports_NN2 car_NN1 ,_, nor_CC is_VBZ it_PPH1 especially_RR fast_RR :_: any_DD modern_JJ GTi_JJ hatchback_NN1 will_VM comfortably_RR outpace_VVI it_PPH1 in_II a_AT1 sprint_NN1 from_II rest_NN1 to_II 60mph_NNU ._. 
What_DDQ the_AT Stag_NN1 has_VHZ which_DDQ most_DAT modern_JJ cars_NN2 do_VD0 not_XX is_VBZ the_AT endearing_JJ ability_NN1 to_TO amble_VVI quickly_RR ,_, to_TO lope_VVI effortlessly_RR ,_, reeling_VVG in_II the_AT miles_NNU2 without_IW really_RR trying_VVG ._. 
That_DD1 ,_, to_II me_PPIO1 ,_, is_VBZ its_APPGE strongest_JJT suit_NN1 ._. 
Despite_II the_AT intoxicating_JJ exhaust_NN1 noise_NN1 ,_, the_AT Stag_NN1 is_VBZ not_XX dynamically_RR exciting_JJ ._. 
Far_RR from_II it_PPH1 ._. 
The_AT engine_NN1 's_GE lovely_JJ ,_, lugging_VVG delivery_NN1 (_( it_PPH1 is_VBZ not_XX all_DB bad_JJ ,_, you_PPY see_VV0 )_) serves_VVZ as_II an_AT1 antidote_NN1 to_II frenetic_JJ driving_NN1 ._. 
Whereas_CS most_DAT modern_JJ performance_NN1 cars_NN2 encourage_VV0 aggression_NN1 through_II their_APPGE virulence_NN1 ,_, the_AT Stag_NN1 suppresses_VVZ it_PPH1 while_CS getting_VVG there_RL just_RR as_RG quickly_RR ._. 
Anyone_PN1 who_PNQS is_VBZ not_XX relaxed_JJ and_CC glowing_VVG with_IW a_AT1 sense_NN1 of_IO well-being_NN1 at_II the_AT wheel_NN1 of_IO a_AT1 good_JJ Stag_NN1 should_VM keep_VVI their_APPGE money_NN1 in_II the_AT building_NN1 society_NN1 ._. 
Age_NN1 and_CC mileage_NN1 have_VH0 little_DA1 to_TO do_VDI with_IW values_NN2 any_DD more_DAR ._. 
Condition_NN1 is_VBZ what_DDQ counts_VVZ ._. 
A_ZZ1 concours_VVZ Mk_NP1 1_MC1 will_VM fetch_VVI much_DA1 more_DAR than_CSN a_AT1 ropy_JJ Mk_NP1 2_MC ,_, perhaps_RR six_MC years_NNT2 (_( and_CC maybe_RR 100,000_MC miles_NNU2 )_) its_APPGE junior_JJ ._. 
Triumph_NN1 did_VDD develop_VVI the_AT Stag_NN1 a_RR21 little_RR22 ,_, but_CCB not_XX enough_RR to_TO make_VVI the_AT last_MD of_IO the_AT series_NN significantly_RR better_RRR than_CSN the_AT first_MD ._. 
Most_DAT of_IO the_AT changes_NN2 were_VBDR cosmetic_JJ ,_, anyway_RR ._. 
Prices_NN2 today_RT range_VV0 from_II under_RG 1,000_MC (_( bangers_NN2 for_IF breaking_VVG or_CC total_JJ restoration_NN1 )_) to_II over_RG 15,000_MC ._. 
Unblemished_JJ freaks_NN2 ,_, still_RR in_II showroom_NN1 condition_NN1 (_( or_CC else_RR expensively_RR restored_VVN to_II it_PPH1 )_) have_VH0 been_VBN known_VVN to_TO sell_VVI for_IF even_RR more_RRR ._. 
Expect_VV0 to_TO pay_VVI 4,000_MC for_IF a_AT1 serviceable_JJ car_NN1 ,_, 6,000_MC for_IF one_MC1 of_IO quality_NN1 (_( rust-free_JJ body_NN1 ,_, sound_NN1 engine_NN1 )_) ,_, 10,000_MC or_CC more_RRR for_IF outstanding_JJ examples_NN2 ._. 
Spares_NN2 ,_, by_II the_AT way_NN1 ,_, are_VBR plentiful_JJ and_CC relatively_RR cheap_JJ (_( Rimmers_NP1 and_CC SOC_NP1 Ltd_JJ are_VBR major_JJ suppliers_NN2 )_) and_CC membership_NN1 of_IO the_AT active_JJ Stag_NN1 Owner_NN1 's_GE Club_NN1 is_VBZ strongly_RR recommended_VVN ._. 
