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the shizzle => shootin' the shit => Topic started by: El Mocho on April 29, 2015, 08:55:18 pm

Title: Car advice
Post by: El Mocho on April 29, 2015, 08:55:18 pm
Just got back from the US where I had to sell our lovely gas-guzzling 4x4... Need to buy a cheap-ish estate pretty quickly so we can get back on the road up to Scotland.
Looking at between £3k - £4.5k. Got a list of possibles on autotrader:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/new-cars/compare/advert/201503262074327/sort/default/price-to/6000/postcode/s321dr/radius/30/page/1/maximum-age/up_to_8_years_old/channel/cars/maximum-mileage/up_to_100000_miles/make/saab/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/body-type/estate/price-from/2000/usedcars

Anyone got any advice? Essentially, at the moment we're considering Avensis, Accord, Mazda 6, Octavia or Saab 9-3. Not heard great things about the passat 05 onwards when googling, and heard Audis break down every time you go to Font.
Thanks
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on April 29, 2015, 09:10:05 pm
Octavia...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on April 29, 2015, 09:10:32 pm
Or golf estate (same car harder to find but strangely cheaper than hatch)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: mrjonathanr on April 29, 2015, 09:28:02 pm
We had a Mazda 6. It got stolen when fairly new, was <£500 from write-off value so the insurers had it repaired. Whether that explains why it was rubbish and unreliable, we'll never know.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Obi-Wan is lost... on April 29, 2015, 09:37:45 pm
Still slightly regretting getting rid of my Accord Tourer. Can't recommend them highly enough, nice to drive, pretty economical if you didn't hammer it. I had the 2.2CTDi fully loaded one with leather seats, sat nav etc. Huge boot, super reliable, really well built.

I got mine at around 70k and got rid of it around 140k, it didn't miss a beat. TBH it would have been fine until 200k so probably should have kept it going.

Personally I'd avoid Saabs (expensive Vauxhalls), anything french (electrics  :o), VAG are nice although i still find the Skodas dull, and my Dad has a Passat similar age to my Accord and thought the Honda was better built. Can't get excited about Toyotas although think they are as reliable as the Hondas.

Honda all the way. If you do make the right decision end up with one (I'll be well jealous) but I can offer you a set of winter tyres/wheels and roof bars (for the one without the rails) at mates rates. Win Win.  :2thumbsup:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/honda/accord/used-honda-accord-2-2-ctdi-executive-5dr-rochdale-fpa-201504162670430?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/honda/accord/used-honda-accord-2-2-ctdi-executive-5dr-doncaster-fpa-201502050726879?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/honda/accord/used-honda-accord-2-2-ctdi-sport-5dr-newton-le-willows-fpa-201504232865129?
Further but low mileage...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/honda/accord/used-honda-accord-2-2-ctdi-sport-5dr-peterborough-fpa-201504172699950?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: andy_e on April 30, 2015, 08:57:41 am
I've got a Fabia estate, it's great as you can get 60-70mpg form the 1.9 tdi most of the time and you can fit a load of stuff in. I'd definitely think about the Octavia estate if I were you as the Fabia is probably a little too small if you've got pets and small humans with you.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: SA Chris on April 30, 2015, 09:00:08 am
Ford Focus. Fucking dull, but cheap.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: moose on April 30, 2015, 09:47:59 am
I've got a Fabia estate, it's great as you can get 60-70mpg form the 1.9 tdi most of the time and you can fit a load of stuff in. I'd definitely think about the Octavia estate if I were you as the Fabia is probably a little too small if you've got pets and small humans with you.

I've got an Octavia Estate - dull but bombproof.  Done 65,000 miles in just under 4 years - with lots of lugging burned out fridge-freezers and washing machines around.  No repairs except burst tyres, averaging around 65 mpg (2L diesel, driven like a vicar).  I have to replace it soon (4 year lease-hire) - was given a bewildering selection to choose from but just went for the same again but with more add-ons (and, after a few too many incidents of being stranded waiting for recovery vehicles, a proper spare tyre).
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on April 30, 2015, 09:50:07 am
Octavia. If you get the 1.9tdi engine (130 preferably rather than the 105) they're bombproof IMO.

My next car will most likely be an Octy.

Sent from my XT1032 using Forum Fiend v1.3.3.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: El Mocho on April 30, 2015, 10:26:18 am
Thanks all. Had an Octavia 8 years ago and it was good hence it being on the list this time around. Was kinda keen to get something a bit more exciting but reliability is really top of the list especially as we are coming back from 9 months of traveling so the bank balance is pretty poor...

Will prob scrap the Mazda and Saabs from the list and go look at some.

Obi: I do like the Accord for some strange reason I liked the look of them (don't know why they are pretty odd looking) plus I will probably be sleeping in it a fair bit and it is huge. We would be buying roof rack/rails and winter wheels for what ever we get so that could be a bonus...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Johnny Brown on April 30, 2015, 11:09:28 am
Yeah get a Honda. Or an Almera.

What are you doing in Scotland?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: El Mocho on April 30, 2015, 11:18:33 am
Yeah get a Honda. Or an Almera.

What are you doing in Scotland?

Just a little tour of the Hebrides for a few weeks. Was gonna give you a ring for recommendations/see if you want to come up for a bit but only got home last night
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: chris j on April 30, 2015, 11:23:41 am
Another Octavia owner here. Dull as you can get but practical. Duller than a Ford Focus. Boot entry on the estate surprisingly narrow (on my old Focus the mtb went in with both wheels attached, front wheel has to come off for the bike to fit in the Octavia). 2.0 common rail diesels (applies to any VAG vehicle) and 2.0 turbo petrols prone to going bang in an expensive manner. Older 1.9 diesels are bombproof. For sleeping in it the boot floor isn't completely flat.

I would be tempted by an Accord (our neighbour has one) or go with a Ford as they aren't the most reliable (anecdotally my Mk1 Focus was faultless for 10 years) but I recall from a survey many years ago they were the cheapest brand for repairs.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Obi-Wan is lost... on April 30, 2015, 11:27:24 am
Obi: I do like the Accord for some strange reason I liked the look of them (don't know why they are pretty odd looking)
I know what you mean, it's all in the angle, I think they are quite pretty (for an estate) from the front. Especially considering how square the back is. That's the biggest mistake almost all modern estates make, they angled in the back to improve the looks and lose loads of boot space.  :chair: The boot on the 2008 onwards Accord is tiny compared to the earlier one.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: andy_e on April 30, 2015, 11:33:32 am
Beauty is in the eye of the keyholder.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Johnny Brown on April 30, 2015, 11:52:19 am
What are you doing in Scotland?

Just a little tour of the Hebrides for a few weeks.

Mother F, what a life you lead. I'll lend you the bible (Haswell-Smith) if you like.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on April 30, 2015, 12:45:07 pm
Thanks all. Had an Octavia 8 years ago and it was good hence it being on the list this time around. Was kinda keen to get something a bit more exciting

A remap would do the trick there.

The 4x4s come very well spec'd as standard. I don't know much more than this (other than I should've bought one rather than the 320d I now have).

Although I've had issues with my 3-series (understatement) your budget is a fair amount higher and, for a car of its type (estate), I've never been in anything that handles as well. That said, looking at the E46 you'll end up with a fairly 'old' vehicle and have to deal with all of the standard rubber fittings failing etc.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Johnny Brown on April 30, 2015, 01:08:57 pm
A remap isn't going to sort the cruise-ship handling, unless you buy a sporty one to start with. Worst hire car I ever had was an Octavia, handled like a trawler and had a 10 litre fuel tank.

Given it's the second most expensive thing you ever buy I reckon it's worth buying something that makes you smile when you get in. God knows I need cheering up in the mornings...

Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: slackline on April 30, 2015, 01:17:51 pm
God knows I need cheering up in the mornings...

I would too if I'd just had a bowl of dried shredded wheat  :sick: try some fruit for breakfast instead. :clown:
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Johnny Brown on April 30, 2015, 01:22:52 pm
Ha! Actually I quite like it. Fruit I'd hate.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: benno on April 30, 2015, 01:26:50 pm
It'd also be worth looking at Kias. I've got a C'eed estate that, bar the starter motor failing once (was replaced FOC under the gargantuan 7 year warranty at 6.5 years old), has been totally faultless. It's about the same size as a Focus and just as dull, but parts are cheap, and they're dependable. You can probably get one with a year or two's warranty still to run in your budget.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: shark on April 30, 2015, 01:34:35 pm
My next car will most likely be an Octy.

 :(
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: cowboyhat on April 30, 2015, 02:33:56 pm

Given it's the second most expensive thing you ever buy I reckon it's worth buying something that makes you smile when you get in. God knows I need cheering up in the mornings...

Exactly, get one of these and feel like a boss.

http://bit.ly/1bGaXR9
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: cowboyhat on April 30, 2015, 02:58:42 pm
Still slightly regretting getting rid of my Accord Tourer.


What did you replace it with?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Obi-Wan is lost... on April 30, 2015, 06:12:10 pm
Still slightly regretting getting rid of my Accord Tourer.

What did you replace it with?
A very sensible, five year old, low mileage Volvo V70, which is fine except it lacks the power and toys of the Honda.
The 'eco' engine one = woefully underpowered  :(. I'm sure it would be super economical if I drove everywhere on my own in an empty car at 55mph, but once laden with kids, bikes, roof bars/box etc etc its only slightly better than my 2.2 Accord was. And it's got a bloody awful electronic handbrake.  :slap:
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Jim on April 30, 2015, 07:27:31 pm
God knows I need cheering up in the mornings...
Is that what the 2 tone seats are for?

Get a convertible and sleep in a tent, always have a big smile driving about in it on a sunny day
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: nik at work on April 30, 2015, 07:31:34 pm
Get a pro kart, drive it in the rain and just sleep under whichever hedge you crash into (not the most practical/legal suggestion but certainly the most fun...)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: lagerstarfish on April 30, 2015, 07:32:35 pm
convertible, Scotland, midges?

best wear some goggles
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Jaspersharpe on April 30, 2015, 07:58:29 pm
And it's got a bloody awful electronic handbrake.  :slap:

Awful as in it doesn't work well or you just don't like electronic handbrakes? I love having one and even Mrs S has conceded that it makes driving way easier despite being dead against it when we first got the car.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Jim on April 30, 2015, 08:21:23 pm
I've got an electronic handbrake as well, can take it or leave it, doesn't really bother me either way
Title: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on April 30, 2015, 09:12:22 pm
They're shit for handbrake turns though...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Obi-Wan is lost... on April 30, 2015, 09:23:52 pm
Does yours come on automatically if you roll back? Mine doesn't. I've just about got used to it now, but i would still prefer a manual. Its in a stupid place down to the right of the steering wheel where you would expect a bonnet release to be. I have to lean forward from my driving position to reach it. Its a stupid designed rocker button that Mrs Obi has managed to push 'on' the top of which actually turns it off! Initally as i wasn't used to having to rev a diesel to get any power out of it i constantly stalled it on every pull away. I still struggle on steep junctions, its lucky that Sheffield doesnt have many :slap: Stop start traffic on a hill is a pain in the arse. Other than that its great!
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Jaspersharpe on April 30, 2015, 10:22:27 pm
Sound weird. I have a switch where the handbrake would usually be but I've only had to use it a couple of times and that was before I got the hang of not using it.

Stopping on a hill you just put your foot on the brake, green light comes on, foot off brake. When you want to move as soon as the clutch engages the brake releases. When you park it the green light comes on and if you take your seatbelt off or switch off the ignition the light turns red and you feel the car "sit down" knowing the proper handbrake has come on.

You basically never have to do anything, it's great.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Obi-Wan is lost... on April 30, 2015, 10:55:28 pm
Mines an early gen one, it never automatically comes on.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Jaspersharpe on April 30, 2015, 11:03:26 pm
Ah. That does sound shit then.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: lagerstarfish on May 01, 2015, 07:26:49 am
the electronic handbrake (parking brake really) on our c4 grand picasso (1.6 diesel, electronic gear box) is odd - a pull switch in the middle of the dash that feels like it will snap - I rarely use the switch as the brake releases when the go pedal is pressed after starting the car and turns on when you turn off the ignition

on hills the car holds automatically for 2 seconds after taking your foot off the brake allowing time to use the go-faster pedal to hold and move off - WHY JUST 2 SECONDS FFS?

feels like it's not a car ideally suited to lots of steep junctions, like where we live, but OK

luckily the electronic gear box doesn't allow us to stall (also getting used to the diesel revs thing)

a very unexciting car

easy to use speed limiter is useful

cheapish and does what we need - averaging 40mpg with lots of short steep journeys

makes motorway driving comfortable and relaxing
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: galpinos on May 01, 2015, 07:29:22 am

I'm going through a lot of hire cars at the moment and the electronic handbrake really vary from brand to brand, the Merc A Class one drives me nuts (same as Obi, stupid button location and doesn't come on/off automatically).
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Jaspersharpe on May 01, 2015, 07:57:29 am
It was a Merc that the Mrs had driven previously and was why she was very anti the idea. The one on the new Golf is completely different.

Our last Golf had a manual handbrake but did the auto hold thing that lagers describes. I found that quite useful but I can imagine in a heavy vehicle with less power it could be annoying.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: SA Chris on May 01, 2015, 09:03:02 am

the Merc A Class one drives me nuts (same as Obi, stupid button location and doesn't come on/off automatically).

We got a small A class as a hire car in the Alps a while back, I was not at all happy using that electronic handbrake on steep hills and snow.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on May 01, 2015, 09:37:40 am
My next car will most likely be an Octy.

 :(

I'd love a 325,330,335d or something but new location is less than ideal for this (and site visits to reservoirs on unmade tracks - fine when your car is very low value).

It'll likely be a vRS. #

That said, the commute took a whopping 12 minutes today and traffic was heavy (2 lollipop ladies), so something more ridiculous might be possible.

JB - you previoulsy owned French cars, did they make you smile?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Johnny Brown on May 01, 2015, 10:17:33 am
Well I used to be happier because I wasn't working full time, and when I was I'd cycle. Now I have to sit in traffic very morning with all the other morons. I'd happily go back to a fucked 306 in exchange for freedom - handling was genuinely excellent on the top models.

I once watched a car burn its clutch out, catch fire and then explode in a fireball due to having an electronic handbrake. Very steep single track road in Scotland, car full of family and gear, quite a lot of traffic. Without a handbrake the clutch was going mental, then once it went the car couldn't be moved to put the fire out. Some kind of people carrier, might well have been a Picasso.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on May 01, 2015, 10:43:14 am
My golf (and MrsTT's polo) have one of those auto brake hold things - put your foot on the brake and if your'e on an incline it will keep the brakes on for 2 secs. This is really useful - its plenty of time to get the clutch/revs sorted out.... and saves having to put the handbrake on for hill starts etc.. (its the same one as in J's old car).

Anyway - think PaulB should get a Prius next....
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Will Hunt on May 01, 2015, 12:32:57 pm
I once watched a car burn its clutch out, catch fire and then explode in a fireball due to having an electronic handbrake. Very steep single track road in Scotland, car full of family and gear, quite a lot of traffic.

Gosh it's amazing what passes as family entertainment in Scotland isn't it?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dave on May 01, 2015, 01:18:26 pm
Seems to me the electronic handbrake is just something that didn't need inventing, regardless of the marginal gain in convenience. Manual handbrakes are fine, consistent from car to car, doesn't require learning or getting used to, and isn't something that will eventually fail you an MOT when the car gets old and be uneconomical to repair, and you end up scrapping an otherwise mechanically fine car.

Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Monolith on May 01, 2015, 01:23:45 pm
I don't know if it should be one for an additional thread but I wondered if anybody might have any beta before heading to a mechanic.

My 1999 Daihatsu Charade is currently experiencing an issue whereby after about 5-10 mins of driving, the rev counter goes to and fro between 1000-2000rpm when in neutral.  After making me sound like a boy racer when at a standstill, it eventually stops after a further 5-10 mins.

It's a cheap but so far hugely reliable car and I'm not too sure how much money I could outlay on getting this fixed if it's likely to be a major issue. Any help gratefully received!
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: LB1782 on May 01, 2015, 01:28:58 pm
I don't know if it should be one for an additional thread ...

There is a whole thread (http://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php?topic=21930) of car woes. Afraid I can't help with counting revs bit.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on May 01, 2015, 01:31:12 pm
I don't know if it should be one for an additional thread but I wondered if anybody might have any beta before heading to a mechanic.

My 1999 Daihatsu Charade is currently experiencing an issue whereby after about 5-10 mins of driving, the rev counter goes to and fro between 1000-2000rpm when in neutral.  After making me sound like a boy racer when at a standstill, it eventually stops after a further 5-10 mins.

It's a cheap but so far hugely reliable car and I'm not too sure how much money I could outlay on getting this fixed if it's likely to be a major issue. Any help gratefully received!

Hmm.. sounds like either something in the ECU has gone awry, or the injection system is trying to compensate for somethign when the car is still warming up.. wonder if its a fuel/dirty injection issue.. (pure guess)..

Have a look online for the make and model - and if its nothing obvious then probably best lived with for now...?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: cowboyhat on May 01, 2015, 01:52:16 pm
Still slightly regretting getting rid of my Accord Tourer.

What did you replace it with?
A very sensible, five year old, low mileage Volvo V70, which is fine except it lacks the power and toys of the Honda.
The 'eco' engine one = woefully underpowered  :(. I'm sure it would be super economical if I drove everywhere on my own in an empty car at 55mph, but once laden with kids, bikes, roof bars/box etc etc its only slightly better than my 2.2 Accord was. And it's got a bloody awful electronic handbrake.  :slap:

Back on topic, I believe Lund of this parish has had two of those v70 in a row so he must rate them. Maybe its a different engine?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on May 01, 2015, 02:06:55 pm
I thought they were all pretty disapointing when it came down to facts and figure (not that fuel efficient and not that fast either). I'm also not a fan of the 'floating' console.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: 205Chris on May 01, 2015, 02:32:56 pm
JB - you previoulsy owned French cars, did they make you smile?

I can't speak for JB but 6 out of the 7 cars I've ever owned were French.

I know French cars are often the subject of derision but their legacy of producing incredible hot hatches to put a smile on your face is without equal. Luckily when Peugeot lost the plot Renault were there to pick up the baton. It's hard to beat a late night drive back from Cheedale in small car with a ridiculous number of horse power.

Back on topic, my brother had no end of woe with his Octavia, including requiring an engine change under warranty as it kept going into limp home mode and the garage couldn't diagnose it.

I worked for Toyota for 3 years (in the plant that makes the Avensis) and although I've never owned one I'll say this for them - they might be dull but the quality standards and level of manufacture is incredible. I've seen them scrap cars off for defects that a customer would never notice because they didn't meet their own internal quality standards.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: lagerstarfish on May 01, 2015, 02:48:12 pm
I don't know if it should be one for an additional thread but I wondered if anybody might have any beta before heading to a mechanic.

My 1999 Daihatsu Charade is currently experiencing an issue whereby after about 5-10 mins of driving, the rev counter goes to and fro between 1000-2000rpm when in neutral.  After making me sound like a boy racer when at a standstill, it eventually stops after a further 5-10 mins.

It's a cheap but so far hugely reliable car and I'm not too sure how much money I could outlay on getting this fixed if it's likely to be a major issue. Any help gratefully received!

lots of stuff it could be - dirty things, sensor problems etc

50 mile drive at high revs to try to clean it out (italian tuneup) might be a place to start
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Johnny Brown on May 01, 2015, 03:00:21 pm
Ten minutes on the motorway at >3000 revs is always recommended for VAG diesels.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: SA Chris on May 01, 2015, 03:02:44 pm
http://www.lambdapower.co.uk/diagnosis/diagnostic_index.asp#q5

knackered lambda sensor?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on May 01, 2015, 03:28:35 pm

Ten minutes on the motorway at >3000 revs is always recommended for VAG diesels.

This is often to clear the dpf. But for the op, they've a 99 Charade - which id guess is a petrol...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on May 01, 2015, 03:43:16 pm
That's what I was wondering, engine size and fuel Monolith?

Lumpy/revvin at tickover makes me think injection issue.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Jim on May 01, 2015, 07:49:59 pm
I've owned 3 french cars, all of which were shit. Currently got a 59 plate renault scenic with approx 50k miles on it that is slowly falling to pieces. The inside is great tho, loads of room for the kids stuff, more storage things than you can shack a stick at, plenty of leg room but the 1.5 dCi engine is woefully underpowered, put any weight in it at all at the mpg's plummit, proper false economy.
The electronic handbrake only comes on automatically when you stop the engine (as far as I am aware)
Luckily the wife has a 200bhp A4 cab to compensate for the 'dad' mobile. I sometimes forget to put the handbrake on but luckily I always leave a car in gear when I park up so it doesn't really matter!
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Obi-Wan is lost... on May 01, 2015, 08:20:43 pm
Back to what El Mocho should get, that's interesting to hear about the Toyotas. Think Nissans are similar. I did consider a Qashqai but wasn't so keen on the high roof line. The thing that always impressed me about the Honda engine was when I was considering it, I spoke to the local main dealer. It had around 70k on it and I knew some timing belts need doing around then which is a pricey service. The dealer told me its got a chain not a belt and it doesn't need touching until 120k and even then its just an inspection. Sold.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Jim on May 01, 2015, 09:23:10 pm
I had a lexus is200 (posh toyota) and the timing belt interval was every 100k
Title: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on May 01, 2015, 09:33:32 pm
My Golf is 120k or every 4 years...

What was the is200 like Jim? (In general)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Jim on May 01, 2015, 09:45:57 pm
awesome, I loved it. Great to drive, smooth straight 6 engine, could of done with a bit more power tho. It used to be a real head turner, lost count of the amount of people telling me how nice it looked in petrol stations or come back after been parked up somewhere with people looking at it, even had people in France taking photo's of the car. did a few mods to it (induction kit, strut brace, uprated anti-roll bars, HKS exhaust, lowered springs etc..).
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on May 01, 2015, 10:41:25 pm
A bit different, but I was looking up the Is200 hybrids - and they seem to be a bit of a dark horse (far nicer Prius in effect).. 11 plate 30k miles for c.£11...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: andy_e on May 05, 2015, 10:25:30 am
(http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view1/4595649/alan-partridge-dan-o.gif)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Monolith on May 05, 2015, 01:14:50 pm
That's what I was wondering, engine size and fuel Monolith?

Lumpy/revvin at tickover makes me think injection issue.

It's a 1.3 litre Paul running on unleaded. Would be brilliant if it was an easy fix. I'm honestly so impressed with this car.

When I acquired it, the cat and exhaust were pretty knackered and needed replacing. I managed to find a manufacturer of both in the outback of North Wales where it cost something like £70 for both the cat and the exhaust. Initially I was getting quotes of around £120+ for just one of those parts.

Really should be in the other thread through sorry. If a mod wishes to move this, no problems at all.

Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: SA Chris on May 05, 2015, 01:38:09 pm
Knackered cat converter is another symptom of lambda sensor not working. I know it's causation / correlation but......
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on May 05, 2015, 03:00:18 pm
Tried putting a thingy of injector cleaner through with a 1/2 tank of fuel?
Have you run out of petrol in it recently (or gone down to the spluttering dregs..)?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Monolith on May 05, 2015, 03:08:22 pm
I haven't yet Tom but that sounds like a good idea. I've not been down to the dregs ever I don't think.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on May 05, 2015, 03:12:46 pm
I haven't yet Tom but that sounds like a good idea. I've not been down to the dregs ever I don't think.

OK - I asked the dregs question as sometimes shit in the bottom of the tank can get dragged through etc when you run out. Might be worth (its a $5-10 punt) the injector cleaner and give it a bit of a razz.. it might clean out the injector and/or any sensors.. I've seen it work for emissions pre MOT..!
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: butters on May 05, 2015, 08:39:43 pm
I suspect that Charade may well have an owners website that could provide a better idea of what is wrong or at least a better idea than a forum for a bunch of people who like climbing rocks*.

Also have you actually had a diagnostic check done on it by your local tame mechanic? If not getting one done would be my advice - same reason as above.

* Nibile excepted.  ;)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: chris20 on May 25, 2015, 08:40:57 pm
Thought I'd continue this thread rather than start a new one.

We're after a new car, with a budget of about 2-3K.  Looking at fabia, golf, polo, fiesta or focus.  With this budget it looks like it will be between 2004 and 2006.  Any suggestions what to look out for or which engines are best?

Cheers
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Monolith on June 03, 2015, 11:34:25 am
By way of an update; I added a 'shot' of Redex engine cleaner to the Charade and another one on the next filling. Solved the problem instantly. That stuff is a miracle! Thanks for the advice all.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on June 03, 2015, 11:41:00 am
By way of an update; I added a 'shot' of Redex engine cleaner to the Charade and another one on the next filling. Solved the problem instantly. That stuff is a miracle! Thanks for the advice all.

Excellent - might have just been a shitty batch of petrol etc...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: SA Chris on June 03, 2015, 12:45:10 pm
Might be worth changing fuel filter now. Easy to do yourself, and only a few quid.

Turns out our car problems weren't the lambda sensor, but loose connector in plug in side of coil. Fortune new as ford only sell wiring loom as a whole, £20 from breakersyard.com. Problem sorted.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Monolith on June 05, 2015, 04:28:22 pm
Yeah, spoke to soon. Problem is back again now. I'll look into the fuel filter fix as the fact it operating fine for two days after adding Redex suggests it is something within the fuel system (no?). Thanks for the help so far folks.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 11, 2015, 03:32:43 pm
Resurrecting this. Going to have to change the old V70 soon, 255k is about retirement age....

I'm considering large hatchbacks / small estates, possibly saloons. No kids, no pets, and I don't have enough friends to be doing regular large trips with a carful - I had two trips with 2-3 mates and pads this winter and that's a rarity. Thus the large estate is a bit of a waste.

Things I'm after: automatic (just accept it, okay), reliable & efficient over long mileage, common enough to be easily repaired/maintained, and decent poke for overtaking (i.e. I generally cruise rather than hoon but need a bit of leeway just in case). Budget 5-6k-ISH can go a bit higher if needed.

I had considered: Skoda Fabia 1.4 Vrs Estate, autos are available and stats were good on Autotrader, but the venerable PaulB has warned me off saying real world efficiency would be balls, I'd need more torque and the cabin wouldn't be as nice as his suggestion which was:

Audi A3 2.0 Tdi Sportback 5dr, again autos are available, stats also good, and Paul is right the cabin looks a lot nicer than the Fabia. I was passenger in a 2002 1.9 Tdi 3dr last week and it seemed pretty nice (albeit with a tiny boot) , and the 2006-ish models I'm looking at seem nicer yet.

I'd previously looked at Ford Focus 2.0 Tdci 163 version, again good stats, a bit slower but quite a bit more economical, also the boot is really good for a hatchback, but the cabin looks like someone vomited up a sci-fi film set, autos seem rare, and prices are still high.

Also possibly fitting the bill is the Skoda Octavia 1.8 TSI Elegance DSG, not as sporty as the Vrs but sounds promising with a very neat cabin, although I don't see so many of them cropping up at a decent price.
Title: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 11, 2015, 03:55:47 pm
Is there anything wrong with the V70... ? Might give you another 250k: seen these milages?

https://www.volvoclub.org.uk/hmc/index.php

There's a v70 there with 650k!!
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: chris j on July 11, 2015, 04:48:11 pm
I've got the Octavia 1.8TSi (manual, estate, L&K). Does 40 on a motorway run (70ish), 33-35 the rest of the time no matter how I drive. Went well enough for overtaking if you wind it up to 4000rpm+, though I found it a bit disappointing in that respect and it lasted about 3 months before a remap that lifted it to match the VRs and it now pulls well from 3000rpm. Which promptly upset all the standard insurance companies as it was over a 25% increase in power...

Drinks a bit of oil so needs keeping an eye on.

Estate is spacious enough, floor not flat if you fold the seats down, not as practical for load lugging as my old Focus as the boot is narrow & tall where the Focus was wider.

To sum it up, it's ok in most respects, not bad in any really, just a bit meh overall and I'd probably look for something different when I replace it.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 11, 2015, 04:54:29 pm
Is there anything wrong with the V70... ? Might give you another 250k: seen these milages?
Engine is constantly seeping oil.
Needed 2 replacement steering racks in last 3 years and last one took several months to source.
Propshaft (XC AWD) is taken off as it's gone twice.
Back shocks are leaking and need replaced.
Front suspension arm needs replaced.
Timing belt is probably due soon.
Air con might be leaking.
Bonnet latch is sticking and currently has to be kept ajar to get into it.
Recently replaced brake pads and discs are both squeaking and juddering.
Brake protector is corroded and rattling.
Radiator cracked on a trip to Cornwall which was a pain in the arse.
Neither key lock works so if remote goes it's gonna suck.

I could go on....
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: webbo on July 11, 2015, 08:28:02 pm
That sounds like the v70 I traded in 7 years ago ;D
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 11, 2015, 08:42:10 pm
You bastard!  :P
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 12, 2015, 05:32:54 pm
Had a 1 series suggested by a friend. PaulB - thoughts on that?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 12, 2015, 05:38:27 pm
Shit in snow.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Bubba on July 12, 2015, 06:50:30 pm
If you get a RWD Bimmer and want to drive it through winter I think you have to accept that you'll need to cough up for a set of winter tyres.  More outlay but using each set for 6 months means they will both last a lot longer so swings and roundabouts over a couple of years.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 12, 2015, 07:00:00 pm
Yeah that was the caveat. Dunno what it's been like South of the wall but there's been a lot of fuck all snow up here in the last few years. I kept meaning to get the propshaft put back on for 4WD but once the 2 weekends of snow have passed there hasn't seemed much need.
The 1 series has more choice available with a lower mileage at the 5-6k mark, and slightly better stats, compared to the A3  :devangel: plus it's now 2nd place nob-mobile after it too...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 12, 2015, 07:03:29 pm
Make sure you get one with the optional indicators installed...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: bigtuboflard on July 12, 2015, 09:49:44 pm

If you get a RWD Bimmer and want to drive it through winter I think you have to accept that you'll need to cough up for a set of winter tyres.  More outlay but using each set for 6 months means they will both last a lot longer so swings and roundabouts over a couple of years.
definitely go for winters on a RWD bimmer, had a Z4 for my daily commute from Hathersage to Sheffield and I kept it for about two months the first winter I had it and swapped for a 4WD as quick as I could. With winters on its as good as anything I've driven on snow. Nearly unstoppable.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: cowboyhat on July 13, 2015, 02:05:05 pm
My brother in law who lives in Kopavogur has a 10yr old 4 litre V8 7 series and its fine in the snow = winter tyres. The difference they make is incredible, I'm surprised they aren't more of a thing in the UK considering the weather.

I have a 1 series, its fantastic, as does Omar15. We live in London though and the weather here is considerably better than Sheffield never mind etc.

Anyway, winter tyres.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 13, 2015, 02:20:49 pm
OK, did some asking - for the 1 series they fixed alot of things with a facelift in 2011 - including improving interior room, boot space etc.. its apparently quite a big change and advice was to go for one post 2011 (I suspect thats out of your 6k budget).

However, going past a garage to the Logport wall today, I noticed a 60 place Mk6 Golf estate for £5900 which seemed like a good price. I think I;ve said it here before, but despite Golfs generally having a premium price over Octavia's for some reason for the rarer golf estates they are sometimes cheaper than the Skoda (sorry Golf Estate is pretty much the same as an Octavia estate).

I just PX'd my 11 plate Mk6 Golf TDi for c£6k (90k miles) so they are within your range too.. was a decent enough car...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 13, 2015, 03:19:36 pm
There's something that doesn't do it for me about Golfs, and I don't know what....(edit: also diesel autos seem a bit slow || edit2: okay there seems to be a DPF (?) model with 170bph / 8.2 0-60, that's more promising)

I'm waiting for Mr B to give the definitive argument against owning a 1 series....
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: slackline on July 13, 2015, 03:24:50 pm
I'm waiting for Mr B to give the definitive argument against owning a 1 series....

They're easy targets for disgruntled OAPs to key.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 13, 2015, 03:26:15 pm
There's something that doesn't do it for me about Golfs, and I don't know what....(edit: also diesel autos seem a bit slow)

I'm waiting for Mr B to give the definitive argument against owning a 1 series....

God, forgot you wanted an auto. In that case I'd steer clear of the VAG/Skoda ones - those 7 or 8 speed flappy paddle auto's can incurr some extra servicing costs from what I heard...

Thought about a Prius? Sherioushly... within your price range and an auto of course...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: andyd on July 13, 2015, 03:39:16 pm
Buy a 1 series if you want to drive around thinking you're a rally car driver. If you want some comfort and reasonably priced extras then I'd avoid them. Winter tyres help but take up space to store all year. Not all places have the machine to for run flat tyres so your local guy may not be able to help meaning a trip to kwikfit,or worse,a bimmer dealership.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on July 13, 2015, 04:17:19 pm
Had a 1 series suggested by a friend. PaulB - thoughts on that?

only that you haven't really decided what size car you actually want? Mrs. Paul B's Dad has one and it's a lovely thing. It cost a relative fortune though and people I know who've bought earlier iterations have all kind of problems. Parts, labour and Winter driving are the common things said against BMWs. I drove mine (on 18s) through the worst of the weather up here looking at houses and apart from some sideways action it actually performed pretty well.

TomTom is right, the VAG paddle boxes have a terrible reputation.

Why don't you state your criteria here in plain English and then we can have a stab:

Size (multiple pads in car with four people?)
Average Mileage (will inform fuel)
Budget
Mileage beyond which you won't entertain it
Gearbox
Fuel Type

etc.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 13, 2015, 04:20:24 pm
Large hatchback (or possibly small estate/saloon)
20k
5-6k-ish
100k
Auto
Diesel
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: lagerstarfish on July 13, 2015, 04:21:44 pm
Golf
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on July 13, 2015, 04:22:14 pm
No minimum performance stats? You were looking at a vRS?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 13, 2015, 04:22:57 pm
Stick those into the auto trader app (substitute mpg for annual milage etc..) and see what cars it comes up with. Might be something left field in there...

I take it the car will also have to be suitable for using at drive through restaurants? ;)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 13, 2015, 04:23:52 pm

Golf

Ruled out on the Auto option.. (See above).

Thought about a Saab? 9-3? Good cars..
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on July 13, 2015, 04:27:02 pm
Leon Fr (big enough?)?

VAG so may well have the gearbox TomTom is on about. Sometimes they are a generation behind so you might get lucky.

A3 Sportback
don't know anything about the offerings from Mazda (3?) etc.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 13, 2015, 04:31:14 pm
A3's have the same flappy auto gearbox... Nice to drive - big bill waiting for you somewhere.. 
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 13, 2015, 04:31:41 pm
No minimum performance stats? You were looking at a vRS?

You didn't specify it in your list :P

150-ish+bhp
8-ish 0-60
40+mpg

I've been warned off Seat for some reason I now forget.
Golf DOES have a suitable option, see above.
Don't really like the idea of SAAB now they've shut down.
A3 Sportback is currently top choice.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: slackline on July 13, 2015, 04:33:27 pm
No minimum performance stats? You were looking at a vRS?

You didn't specify it in your list :P

Yes he did...


etc.

https://www.google.com/search?q=define+etc
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 13, 2015, 04:35:41 pm
Plenty of independent Saab dealers about - and they continue to make the spares.

A3 will have the 7 speed auto gearbox I mentioned.. MrsTT's folks have one.. 59 plate..

Do you HAVE to have an Auto? It rules out most of the VAG (skoda/seat/Audi/vw) range...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 13, 2015, 04:41:44 pm
Well done slackbot you have outdone yourself there  :bow: :chair:

TT what is the problem with the gearbox? I've googled but apart from "some people have had problems" and "transmission fluid needs changed" I can't draw a clear conclusion.

It doesn't have to be an auto, but it is definitely a personal preference, because I've found it a damn sight nicer in normal UK driving conditions (motorway / gridlock / motorway+gridlock).
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 13, 2015, 04:45:02 pm
Just what I've read on Mk6 golf forums - some problems with them and high servicing costs... Quite a bit more complex than your old fashioned style auto..
Title: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 13, 2015, 04:53:03 pm
It's called a DSG gearbox. Google vw DSG problems and make up your own mind. Several recalls - big change in he design in 2008 - I'm sure there are plenty of happy satisfied users - but a lot of problems too. Think the same box is called the i tronic on Audis.

Your age car would be well outside of manufacturers warrantee too - so you'd have to be 100% that all the updates/changes had been done. I dunno - might be ok if you did less miles and were after a newer model but I'd avoid myself.. Clever double clutch technology also = lots to go wrong!
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: chris j on July 13, 2015, 05:20:37 pm
Think it's called the S-tronic for Audi (older R-tronic was non DSG). From my reading up the dry clutch DSG fitted to smaller engines (1.6 diesel and below) is the unreliable one, the wet clutch 6 and 7 speeds fitted to larger/more powerful engines are more reliable. Big bills if they break out of warranty. I tried one (in an Octavia) on a test drive once, didn't like it at slow speed around town as it was slow to pick up from rest and liked to bunny hop, but on the open road it was much better. VW, Audi, Seat, Skoda, all much the same mechanicals underneath so take your pick based on your preference in plastic softness.

After a look on Autotrader and specifying auto does take out 80% of the market. If you take out BMW and Audi then the best option I could see is a smaller version of what you've got... http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201504162656771?sort=pricedesc&channel=cars&transmission=automatic&search-target=usedcars&zero-to-60=fast&price-to=6000&fuel-consumption=medium&maximum-mileage=up_to_100000_miles&radius=1500&page=2&price-from=0&onesearchad=used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew&minimum-seats=2&logcode=p
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 13, 2015, 05:25:27 pm
Hmmm that's not too shabby actually, although as per mid-2k10 Volvos the central console seems a fiddly nightmare and I'd probably crash trying to turn the demister on...

The auto I've had in the V70 has been great, well apart from dying as soon as I moved to Glasgow on about 120k, the replacement salvaged auto was great since then, no lag and smooth changes.

If VAG autos are the problem then that might narrow it down to 1 series.... :-\
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: sxrxg on July 13, 2015, 05:34:49 pm
Volvo C30 2.4 D5 R Design Sport might be another option? 2.4 automatic, < 8 secs 0-60, 40+mpg, 180ish bhp. Seems to fit all the requirements.
Title: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 13, 2015, 05:46:55 pm
Hmmm that's not too shabby actually, although as per mid-2k10 Volvos the central console seems a fiddly nightmare and I'd probably crash trying to turn the demister on...

The auto I've had in the V70 has been great, well apart from dying as soon as I moved to Glasgow on about 120k, the replacement salvaged auto was great since then, no lag and smooth changes.

If VAG autos are the problem then that might narrow it down to 1 series.... :-\

I've a V40 with a similar 'floating' centre console and it's fine. Took 5 min to get used to it.

Besides its a Volvo, so if you do crash fiddling with the de mister you'll be fine.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: andyd on July 13, 2015, 05:59:04 pm
Buy a 1 series if you want to drive around thinking you're a rally car driver. If you want some comfort and reasonably priced extras then I'd avoid them. Winter tyres help but take up space to store all year. Not all places have the machine to for run flat tyres so your local guy may not be able to help meaning a trip to kwikfit,or worse,a bimmer dealership.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 13, 2015, 06:13:59 pm
Sorry I did read that and take it on board before.

I think I am probably more confused than ever now  :punk:

Edit: C30 nice suggestion but 3dr would seriously get on my tits.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Johnny Brown on July 13, 2015, 06:50:15 pm
After destroying 3 BMW clutches in a row ( grudgingly replaced under warranty) my Dad switched to Audi automatics and now evangelises about them at every opportunity. Something to do with torque converters apparently. If you don't have a boat or plane to tow about this may not be relevant.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on July 13, 2015, 07:10:27 pm
Volvo C30 2.4 D5 R Design Sport might be another option? 2.4 automatic, < 8 secs 0-60, 40+mpg, 180ish bhp. Seems to fit all the requirements.

I've looked at these, the actual boot opening itself doesn't look very pad friendly? Also the performance vs, economy stats looked worse than other manufacturers (i.e. you lose a lot more MPG for gaining a bit of 0-60).
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: webbo on July 13, 2015, 07:27:22 pm
 We have a v50 and an s40 one an 05 plate the other an 08 both from new. We could have a bought another v50 the amount it has cost us in repairs to them both.
Despite this the missus has gone for a v40 as her new company car and I reckon it will be difficult to get a pad of reasonable size in the boot/ hatch back space.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 13, 2015, 08:38:16 pm
C30 looks as if you'd have better luck getting a pad through the door window....
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: sxrxg on July 13, 2015, 10:22:28 pm
If you are prepared to entertain a petrol rather than diesel then a seat Leon fr or vw golf gt/gti with the tsi engines could be a good option? Don't quite hit the 40mpg with official figures of around 35mpg, the fuel is a couple of pence cheaper per litre though...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Bubba on July 13, 2015, 10:29:08 pm
Not all places have the machine to for run flat tyres so your local guy may not be able to help meaning a trip to kwikfit,or worse,a bimmer dealership.
First thing to do with a Bimmer is ditch the runflats.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Jim on July 14, 2015, 10:48:46 am
If you don't have a boat or plane to tow about this may not be relevant.
Think that probably voids the warranty
(http://cdn.csuk-solutions.net/uploads/76/5626691-audi-q7-42-tdi-quattro-s-line-tiptronic-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 14, 2015, 01:24:48 pm
Okay so depending on various perspectives...

I should either get an Audi or not get an Audi.
Or either get a BMW or not get a BMW.
Or get a V50 or not get a V50.

 :unsure:
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: chris j on July 14, 2015, 01:39:58 pm
If you're doing motorway miles, get the one with the comfiest seats.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 14, 2015, 02:04:33 pm
If you're doing motorway miles, get the one with the comfiest seats.

Volvo.

I've (2 weeks ago) recently moved from a Mk6 Golf to a Volvo V40 - and ALL my lower back pain has gone. I do about 500 miles a week. Comfiest car I've ever owned.

I am now one of those smug c*nts in a Volvo. Anyway, enough of this chatter, I'm off to count my airbags...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: webbo on July 14, 2015, 03:11:36 pm
Just wait till your back goes and because its so low they have to cut the roof off and use a crane to get you out. But remember I did warn you.

Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 14, 2015, 09:59:34 pm
webbo, what issues have you had with the V50?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: SA Chris on July 15, 2015, 08:09:44 am
Just wait till your back goes and because its so low they have to cut the roof off and use a crane to get you out. But remember I did warn you.

sunroof sounds like a win.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: webbo on July 15, 2015, 08:15:42 am
 We had the 2 litre turbo diesel, great car to drive and as Tom says comfy. But it seemed every time it went in for a service there was a repair needed. Such as springs, steering, the air con went as was going to cost hundreds to fix, clutch and recently the rear discs needed replacing. It's just gone to auction via the dealer as the missus has just been given a v40 as a company car, her boss is a mate of the guy who is the Volvo dealer. Which is why we went for Volvos, we got reasonable deals on the cars and servicing.
It had 160,000 miles.
We also have a s40 r design, which has a it's engine more or less replaced. This was going to cost thousands however this was much reduced as I suspect the problem was a design issue and that's why they don't make these models anymore.
I just remembered with the v50 there were issues with rear strings/axel which again I suspect is a design issue.
This might be a bit rambling but cars for me are something I throw my bike/pads in occasionally remembering to put some fuel in and just get me from A to B. I tend to just turn the music up if I hear a strange noise.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Johnny Brown on July 15, 2015, 09:50:27 am
If you don't have a boat or plane to tow about this may not be relevant.
Think that probably voids the warranty
(http://cdn.csuk-solutions.net/uploads/76/5626691-audi-q7-42-tdi-quattro-s-line-tiptronic-1.jpg)

Note that they are using an Audi not a beemer though.

Okay so depending on various perspectives...

I should either get an Audi or not get an Audi.
Or either get a BMW or not get a BMW.
Or get a V50 or not get a V50.

 :unsure:

I'm well happy with my Audi but I'm not sure they are great value compared to other brands.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 15, 2015, 10:29:22 am
I tend to just turn the music up if I hear a strange noise.
I do too, but then 90% of the time the music IS the strange noise and then I get really confused  ;D

Thanks for that info. I've had a LOT of work done on the V70 but it is a 1998 model and I've taken it from 75k to 225k and on some reasonable rough drives, I think a lot of the work is age and wear and tear. 
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: webbo on July 15, 2015, 12:53:47 pm
I had a V70 2.4 petrol automatic that I had been given. Drove it up the 4 wheel drive track to Spyeland, it was showing 4 to 5 miles to the gallon.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 17, 2015, 09:01:20 pm
Test drove a V50 D5 today. Cabin very comfy and familiar, ergonomics okay and steering wheel controls great. Was surprised by the turbo lag - a distinct lag from standstill then a distinct kick a second later. Much smoother at higher speeds. Is that normal for TDIs? Cabin storage space was quite poor, another issue to consider...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on July 17, 2015, 09:22:11 pm
Depends. VAG cars are often like this IMO and BMW are not, feeling more like a naturally aspirated larger engine. If they have two turbos (one small and one larger) then they feel even more like a naturally aspirated motor.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 17, 2015, 10:38:44 pm
What tdi was it? D2, 3, 4 or 5?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 17, 2015, 10:52:54 pm
D5.... Paul has been helpful in explaining torque and turbos to me better. Gonna try for some more test drives this weekend.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 18, 2015, 12:06:32 am
Ok then :p I know when I'm not wanted...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 18, 2015, 09:49:01 am
LOL no your advice has been very helpful too, I just have Paul to harass on FB.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 19, 2015, 06:56:04 pm
BMW 120d - only the 163 bhp version so not quite as nippy as the 177 I'd ideally go for. Nice ride, a bit more power from standstill than the V50 so a bit smoother to start, but still a big turbo kick if pushed, needed a light foot around 10-15mph. Cabin fine, more ergonomic than V50, but felt a little bit small. Surprisingly smooth while pootling and quiet on mway (could only test to 65 tho). Radio sound seemed a bit weak.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 20, 2015, 04:42:04 pm
A3 - surprisingly smooth off the mark, better than 1-series and V50. Good drive overall. A bit noisier m-way than others, may well be the s-line lower/stiffer suspension. Good stereo and best cabin. Big issue is lack of cruise control?! Quite odd for a decent spec car. Need to see if one could be retro-fitted....
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Jim on July 20, 2015, 09:05:00 pm
literally everything in german cars is to spec. ie you pay extra for everything. the original owner of the car was either too tight to pay for it or didn't really need it or like it. You can get it proper OEM retro fitted fairly easily, I think the going price these days is around £350 for it.
This is why you never see audi's with sunroofs as they used to be a £750 extra, probably a lot more than that these day
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 20, 2015, 09:25:40 pm
Yeah just looked into it, seems like a fairly standard thing to retrofit.

I don't need a sunroof, ever. They make me feel agrophobic driving.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 20, 2015, 09:30:54 pm
literally everything in german cars is to spec. ie you pay extra for everything. the original owner of the car was either too tight to pay for it or didn't really need it or like it. You can get it proper OEM retro fitted fairly easily, I think the going price these days is around £350 for it.
This is why you never see audi's with sunroofs as they used to be a £750 extra, probably a lot more than that these day

VW don't seem to play this game, but Audi are shockers for it. Its one good reason for me never buying a new car, the additional bits and bobs depreciate far more rapidly in value than the car itself (if that makes any sense) - anyway - for the A3 cruise, I understand you need to get a new LH stalk (where the controls are) and someone to tinker with the software to activate it (amusingly for some called VAG-com IIRC). Jims probably about right £300-350 for someone to do it properly, possibly a bit less if you get the right bit on ebay.

Though bear in mind its now about even-stevens between the wanker driver status of a 1 series and an A3 ;)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 20, 2015, 09:43:51 pm
I know which one you're going to go for... ;)

(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/20/04692afdf8e9f961861fa741b5c7e856.jpg)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 20, 2015, 09:51:31 pm
Nobend.

I'm working on the basis that Audi wanker value now definitively exceeds Beemer wanker value  :whistle:

http://hazzydayz.com/audi-a3-8p-cruise-control--2004---2013-1639-p.asp seems promising at £230ish.

General question, is it better to go for a slightly older car with lower mileage (e.g. 2006 @ 70k) or a slightly newer car with higher mileage (e.g. 2007 @ 90k)?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 20, 2015, 10:09:09 pm
Swings and roundabouts Fiendo.. If it's the higher mileage one make sure it's had a cam belt change.. Or at least ask.. I take it it's a 5 door sport back version... Tbh there are loads of A3's about - so maybe wait and look for one with? Maybe get a better age/milage one?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Johnny Brown on July 20, 2015, 10:15:16 pm
I had cruise retrofitted on my 07 A3 last year for <£300. You need to make sure you get a car with at least a multi-function steering wheel though, otherwise it's a bigger job.

I would go for the older car with less miles. Once over 120K the value plummets.

Not convinced about the general wanker value of A3s given they are now almost as common as golfs. You need to earn wanker points with the s-line and quattro badges. Always something of the hairdresser about the 1-series isn't there?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 20, 2015, 10:18:12 pm
The local A3 I am quite tempted by is S-Line. And bright red  :whistle:

(Neither of which I actually want)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 20, 2015, 10:27:52 pm
More of a hairdresser then :D or estate agent...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 20, 2015, 10:29:30 pm
I was thinking along the lines of "gigantic inflamed choad".
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Johnny Brown on July 20, 2015, 10:32:20 pm
Quote
The local A3 I am quite tempted by is S-Line. And bright red

Link? Mine is snooker ball blue and has all the wanker badges.  ;D
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 20, 2015, 10:37:33 pm
I suspect that's not the Audi paint code/name :D
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 20, 2015, 10:45:09 pm
(http://pictures2.autotrader.co.uk/imgser-uk/servlet/media?id=b252fb8cb69491765cd48f58875c8390&width=350&height=262)
Subtle eh. (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201410047936642?sort=default&page=2&postcode=g412dw&model=a3&search-target=usedcars&transmission=automatic&radius=1500&zero-to-60=fast&onesearchad=used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew&fuel-type=diesel&quantity-of-doors=5&channel=cars&make=audi&saved-search-id=2c929a024e86758a014e8ccead9b002f&maximum-mileage=up_to_100000_miles&logcode=p)

I'm liking the A3 enough but now I'm having an existential crisis that I should also look at the 140 bhp version (slow  :'( ) for more choice...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Johnny Brown on July 20, 2015, 11:09:05 pm
That looks like a decent deal to me, very similar to mine. A few nice extras in there like the boot liner and arm rest, and the all-important MF steering wheel. No harm in bright colours, most of them seem to be grey, it'll look great parked next to mine at Stanage. You won't regret the 170 bhp.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: galpinos on July 21, 2015, 10:19:17 am
I don't know if it's a consideration but my mother in law had an automatic A3 of that vintage and as a passenger in the back it felt tiny and was quite uncomfortable, it was nicer to sit in the back of my mum's auto fiesta and my mother in law's new golf.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: cowboyhat on July 22, 2015, 03:43:09 pm
Always something of the hairdresser about the 1-series isn't there?

OOF!

Little chuckle to yourself writing that I bet. Just leaving it out there.


BTW Fiend I think the red car looks good. But then apparently my opinion is of dubious value...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 22, 2015, 04:42:43 pm
I've put the deposit down for the red one, subject to the dealer MOT and anything their vehicle check throws up. Hopefully the right decision even if PB tuts at me on FB (I know he's being helpful too!). I sacked off trying a lower bhp model as the only one within 150 miles wasn't available yet. Also the threat draconian zero-tolerance speeding laws in Scotland means that I might as well get some pleasure out of the acceleration as I won't be able to get it hurtling at an outrageous 65mph on an A-road...

I went for this decision based on the various things I liked about the A3 above, plus all the searching for other A3s tended to result in stuff outside my price range or requiring a 600+mile round trip to test and maybe collect it. It's been getting to a stage where I had to make some sort of decision or my brain would explode from refreshing Autotrader. I am aware the S Tronic gearbox could be a problem (this one has had the gearbox oil changed on time at 40k), I also know I will be dropping £400 or so on a timing belt within the year, sobeit.

I also checked on Parkers on Mrs Rob Smith's advice and the recommended price came in at £7600 with the spec on it, the dealer originally had it on for £8k (i.e. quite normally over the list price) but reduced to £7k as they couldn't shift it. H reckoned that could well be partly due to the chodely colour...I can live with that.

Thanks for everyone's advice.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Johnny Brown on July 22, 2015, 05:15:57 pm
Have you had a test drive? Probably worth being warned that that engine is fairly unrefined - fairly loud and chuggy unlike some modern diesels. Also get through a fair bit of oil, you need to keep a litre in the boot and top up once or twice a year. On the plus side they're pretty reliable, powerful and economical.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: lagerstarfish on July 22, 2015, 06:49:22 pm
Glass valued it at "Dealer retail price from £7,050.00 to £9,060.00"

 :2thumbsup:
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on July 22, 2015, 07:30:28 pm
I've put the deposit down for the red one, subject to the dealer MOT and anything their vehicle check throws up. Hopefully the right decision even if PB tuts at me on FB (I know he's being helpful too!). I sacked off trying a lower bhp model as the only one within 150 miles wasn't available yet. Also the threat draconian zero-tolerance speeding laws in Scotland means that I might as well get some pleasure out of the acceleration as I won't be able to get it hurtling at an outrageous 65mph on an A-road...

I went for this decision based on the various things I liked about the A3 above, plus all the searching for other A3s tended to result in stuff outside my price range or requiring a 600+mile round trip to test and maybe collect it. It's been getting to a stage where I had to make some sort of decision or my brain would explode from refreshing Autotrader. I am aware the S Tronic gearbox could be a problem (this one has had the gearbox oil changed on time at 40k), I also know I will be dropping £400 or so on a timing belt within the year, sobeit.

I also checked on Parkers on Mrs Rob Smith's advice and the recommended price came in at £7600 with the spec on it, the dealer originally had it on for £8k (i.e. quite normally over the list price) but reduced to £7k as they couldn't shift it. H reckoned that could well be partly due to the chodely colour...I can live with that.

Thanks for everyone's advice.

The 56 plate? If it hasn't had the timing belt done I'd imagine its past the age at which that overrides mileage. If so, just get it done.

Personally, I think you're buying at a troublesome mileage with the big service and the age at which you might start to see turbo issues arising from non-regular oil servicing / short journeys (I'd add other issues if it was a manual).

Test drive?
Cold start? Coming up to temp?
Engine cover off?

Regardless it's always a lottery. At least in red the choad that crashes into you can't say he didn't see you. I'm going for Alien Green as a method of self preservation on the A59.

I'm bemused at why you need a litre of oil in your boot to top up once or twice a year. Do you carry a few litres of coolant too? Is snooker ball blue the same as "not quite RS blue"?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 22, 2015, 07:34:16 pm
Oh yeah JB, definitely had a test drive and paid pretty close attention, I was surprised it felt smoother off the mark and less of a turbo kick than the 120, despite the graphs PB was showing me (but still not as smooth as 2.5 T petrol V70). It was a bit noisier at mway speeds than V50 / 1 series but that might the s-line suspension (I've asked them to look at raising it back up the 15mm, the implication from Audi's own specs is that it's an easy? job, i.e. audi don't charge for it in a new car) and I think 18" rims with full compliment of koi carp skeletons rattling around in them (note to self: change water, steal new fish from local pond). Yes in general it was rougher / noisier than the V70 but I expected that with a diesel. The turbo lag / kick I didn't expect so much but as I say the A3 seemed fine compared to the others.

Top up oil once or twice a year? Once or twice a month in the V70 at the mo (various small seeps n leaks).

Edit: Paul B, noted about the timing belt, ta.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Johnny Brown on July 22, 2015, 09:25:32 pm
Yeah rarely notice the turbo kick in mine unless the pedal is literally floored, but if you want to keep the performance up you have to keep the revs up. At 2000 it just chugs along like any diesel. I've never looked at any graphs.

I'm no expert but I'd assume the free suspension 'raise' would mean they just put different springs in when they build it.

Quote
I'm bemused at why you need a litre of oil in your boot to top up once or twice a year.

Because sod's law is the most powerful of all natural laws, but I'm sure you (of all people) know that. Last time it came on we had just got onto the motorway and needed to get to Dover to catch our ferry to font. If truth be told I haven't got any in the car now, but thanks for the reminder. Never needed to in my 306s.

Quote
Do you carry a few litres of coolant too?


No, I've never had to top the coolant up.

Quote
Is snooker ball blue the same as "not quite RS blue"?

No, it's the same colour.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 22, 2015, 10:08:54 pm
Wait a minute, so I won't need to be lugging around 4 litres of oil, a litre of coolant, and various bottles of gearbox oil, brake fluid and power steering fluid? Crikey I might make a net gain in storage space??
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 22, 2015, 10:16:44 pm
You can afford to pack a full range of camo beanies now!
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 23, 2015, 09:47:51 am
Well I'm going to need pure red based camo to match obviously.

Edit: just googled, it seems "bright red camo" is a bit of an oxymoron.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: kelvin on July 23, 2015, 09:55:46 am
Not on Mars it wouldn't be or attending a ManUtd/Liverpool match. Red Camo works, you just need to pick the battle carefully.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 23, 2015, 10:12:53 am
Mars it is, then.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: kelvin on July 23, 2015, 10:18:42 am
Winter tyres might be a wise idea... and perhaps a blanket in the boot. Red tartan of course. Gotta keep the rad camo thing on spec.

(http://www.superfansuits.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/img-product-camo-red1.jpg)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on July 26, 2015, 05:25:31 pm
Got the car on Saturday, drove from Glasgow to New Galloway and back. Mixture of motorway, fast A road, wiggly A road and a few villages. Wasn't racing but wasn't pootling along either and was testing the acceleration in a few places.

Drives well, handles well. Overtaking was great except unusually most fuckers on the road were doing 60 so I didn't get to test it that much. Brakes are nice, soft with a light press, firm with a heavy press. The performance feels quite a bit like the V70 in sport mode, i.e. cruisy when you're cruising but pretty powerful when you put your foot down - except it didn't feel as laboured as hauling the V70's lardy arse along. Paddle-shift gears were ridiculously easy.

The ride is quite firm, then again that road is quite lumpy anyway. Going up a dirt track at the end was fine at slow speeds. It was noisy as fuck travelling at speed over rough tarmac, but also pretty smooth on the decent tarmac. I might keep an eye for 17" rims if the noise gets too much. The stereo is decent and powerful enough, except the bass is a bit too punchy in the mid-bass range compared to the deep bass range which makes it a bit tiring. I'll probably get a £110 underseat sub. Ergonomics and console layout is still nice, except the arm-rest gets in the way of bottle holder.

Got 46mpg average. The volvo would have been 30mpg on petrol....


Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Bubba on July 26, 2015, 06:45:40 pm
http://www.dmsautomotive.com/performance-upgrades-data.php?make=audi

 :devil-smiley:
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on August 09, 2015, 11:07:29 am
Well having driven the choadmobile for a thousand miles or so now....here any many #firstworldproblem niggles that annoy me about it:

The s-line ride on anything other than snooker-table smooth tarmac feels like someone is trying jackhammer asphalt up my arse.

The climate control is a dick, has a mind of it's own and keeps changing the fan all the time - WHY?? Do you not think, you obstreporous machine, that I might actually want the settings to stay where I fucking put them?? (yes this is with Auto off)

The automatic locking of all doors all the bloody time get on my tits - WHY?? Do you not think that I might actually want to access the rest of the fucking car when I stop and get out?? Apparently to stop carjacking etc, well there were some shifty sheep in Drws Y Coed the other day. I don't think I remembered to unlock it first time once.

The stereo seems to have two volume settings around the 10 mark that's my usual listening spot - inaudibly quiet or eye-ball-burstingly loud. Also the sound, while decent, is over-balanced to thumpy mid-bass. And despite 7 different functional controls on the steering wheel, none of them is just on/off.

The arm-rest, while comfy, gets completely in the way of the drinks holder below it.


BUT...


You won't regret the 170 bhp.

JB is right about that. It's great fun to drive. The Volvo was great (I'm not a boy racer so whatever), and better at cruising, but this is just enjoyable overall. Nippy, holds the road well, overtakes with confidence. On smooth motorways it wanted to do 85-90 of it's own volition and felt comfy at that (I set CC to 80 tho). So far so good.

Also, I got cruise control fitted via these guys: http://www.audiretrofit.com/www.audiretrofit.coms/info.php?p=10 , £230 with genuine Audi parts, a 30 minute job, and I snuck in a couple of little solos at Cow's Mouth Quarry afterwards (not Daytona Wall alas, that was scary just to look at). The seperate CC is nicely functional.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Johnny Brown on August 09, 2015, 11:23:01 am
Leave the climate control on auto, and just adjust the temp. Hold the auto button for 2 secs to set driver side control for both sides. On a hot day with the windows down just press the '-' until the fan calms down. Windows up, back on auto.

Agree it could do with finer setting on the volume, but its not a biggie. I think you'll get used to the ride soon enough, it means you can go round corners faster.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Jim on August 09, 2015, 05:25:07 pm
The auto locking can be turned off via VCDS which you should of got the people who did the cruise to do while they were at it. Not sure how much someone will charge you to do this. The comfort is directly linked to the handling. More comfort = shit handling and visa versa.it'll always be a pay off. Choosing the s line you have already gone for better handling so don't wine about it
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Jim on August 09, 2015, 05:28:10 pm
Like Johnny says with the climate control. Hold in the drivers side auto button to sync both sides and leave it on auto and just adjust the temperature the car will do the rest.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on August 09, 2015, 09:38:39 pm
I didn't so much choose the s-line as choose the only 170 s-tronic model that was actually within a trillion miles of Glasgow....

Yeah good tip about the CC linking.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: JamieG on August 27, 2015, 02:32:46 pm
Tapping into the collective UKB hivemind.

I'm wanting to sell my VW polo 03 reg 1.4, 114000 miles.

Negatives: Some has keyed both doors on the driver's side. MOT has just expired (it should pass no problems, it was recently serviced and given the once over). The oil sensor is faulty so you need to manually check the oil regularly. Suspension rattles a bit at front.

Positives: Relatively good runner. Has a new exhaust system. Timing belt was replaced recently. Full/almost full service history. Good tyres. Interior is average condition.

I'm reluctant to go the ebay/autotrader route since I tried that before and loads of absolute knobs called me up, harassed me and one even threatened to come around the house and deck me!

However the alternative is webuyanycar and the like which seem to give very low values ~£200 and apparently they can be a pain at the inspection, taking off money for every little thing. I suspect the car is worth closer to £500, but do not how best to get that kind of price for it.

Any advice?

Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tommytwotone on August 27, 2015, 03:36:16 pm
Don't go to webuyancarfornothing as you'll get nothing for it.


If it'll pass MOT easy, get it MOT-ed.


If the scratches are minor, buy some T-Cut and expend some elbow grease. You'll be surprised what you can polish out.


If you can't be bothered sorting the other stuff yourself (there will be a step-by-step online somewhere no doubt but it will come down to your appetite / competence / tools whether you want to try and fix it), stick it on eBay and just be clear as to what's wrong with it. I've sold 2 cars on it and got fair if not great prices for them.



Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on August 27, 2015, 03:38:55 pm
Tbh I never think scrathes put people off on a £500 motor.. You know it's not going to be mint at that price. MOT is a must if you want to get anything above scrap+ for it...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: SA Chris on August 27, 2015, 03:50:48 pm
MOT it, put it on ebay, as is, buyer collects, cash only, nae timewasters.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Johnny Brown on August 27, 2015, 03:52:57 pm
Get it MOT'd. The VAG specialist did our Polo last week for £30, and its older than yours. It will add lot more than £30 to the value.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: JamieG on August 27, 2015, 04:10:59 pm
Thanks guys. Good advice all round.

I'll book it in for an MOT then and stick it on ebay. Hopefully i won't get loads of knobs hassling me again. I'll have a go with T-cut too and see if i can minimize the scratches. Yeah, i'm not trying to pretend the car is in mint condition but it certainly worth more than £200.

Cheers Jamie
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: SA Chris on August 27, 2015, 04:18:41 pm
It's amazing what a bit of T cut , a going over vinyl with a damp cloth, an attack with a Dyson and a £60 set of halfords wheelcovers can do. If you are prepared to put a price on it and haggle, gumtree is an alternative.

Avoid webuyanycar they will offer you a shitty price, and then push it southwards during the inspection, even if you think you've covered everything.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on August 28, 2015, 10:01:46 am
Thanks guys. Good advice all round.

I'll book it in for an MOT then and stick it on ebay. Hopefully i won't get loads of knobs hassling me again. I'll have a go with T-cut too and see if i can minimize the scratches. Yeah, i'm not trying to pretend the car is in mint condition but it certainly worth more than £200.

Cheers Jamie

A few car detailing products (as mentioned) will make the car look a lot better (tyre black, bumper black etc.). T-cut does work wonders, especially if combined with a coloured polish. This can be a bit misleading to someone purchasing the car. If it's going on Ebay take LOTS of decent photos.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Mike Tyson on August 28, 2015, 10:29:58 am
Webuyanycar offered me £50 for my car, but said there was a £50 fee to process it all, so basically they'd take it away for nowt.

Amazing business plan.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: SA Chris on August 28, 2015, 11:17:36 am
Surely the word "buy" in webuyanycar is therefore a lie!
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Mike Tyson on August 28, 2015, 11:23:48 am
They're a bunch of tossers. People must be desperate if they use them. Why else would you sell your car for about a third of its market value? I might start a business called webuyanythingforathirdofitsvaluefromdesperatepeople.com and see how I get on. Twunts.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: SA Chris on August 28, 2015, 11:40:01 am
There's a local (well Fife) car scrapper that will (or used to about 4 years ago) buy your car off you for a mimimum of £100, and will even tow it away.

Never heard from anyone having a good experience with wbac.com
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: nic mullin on August 28, 2015, 12:50:05 pm
Surely the word "buy" in webuyanycar is therefore a lie!

They turned a friend of mine down when he tried to get them to take his (worthless, undriveable) old motor off him, so I think the "we buy any car" in webuyanycar is a lie...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on August 28, 2015, 02:57:45 pm
Surely the word "buy" in webuyanycar is therefore a lie!

They turned a friend of mine down when he tried to get them to take his (worthless, undriveable) old motor off him, so I think the "we buy any car" in webuyanycar is a lie...

They won't take a car without an MOT.

IIRC Falling Down had a perfectly decent experience of selling his car via them...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Jaspersharpe on August 28, 2015, 03:19:17 pm
He did but his car was a beast.  :)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: cheque on September 01, 2015, 08:34:45 pm
Webuyanycar seems like a good option if you have a car that runs but is basically worthless and you want to offload it before it's MOT runs out without having to pay to scrap it.

Correct me if I'm wrong on this as it's what I plan to do in a month's time.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Mike Tyson on September 01, 2015, 08:57:49 pm
I've never paid to have a car scrapped in my life! I'd be gobsmacked if wbac gave you more than the scrap value.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on September 01, 2015, 09:11:04 pm
Go back 15 (I think) years ago when the price of scrap metal was on the floor and you'd have to pay £50 or so to get it taken away and scrapped...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: cheque on September 01, 2015, 10:37:57 pm
I thought that was still the case to be honest. I've only ever had one car so I'm pretty much clueless about how best to get rid of it. It cost me nothing so I'm not really bothered how little I get for it.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on September 15, 2015, 08:59:42 pm
Especially for Fiend http://newsthump.com/2014/10/06/vatican-declares-official-miracle-after-audi-driver-indicates-before-lane-change/
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on September 15, 2015, 09:40:44 pm
LOL, nicely done.

I've started indicating even more since I got the A3, it does that funny thing where it blinks 3 times when you vaguely wave your hand near the indicator stick, so I do that all the time habitually, even on my own at night with the nearest car on a completely different motorway.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Baron on October 02, 2015, 09:18:28 am
Has anyone used Start Rescue for breakdown cover?
http://www.startrescue.co.uk/annual-breakdown-cover (http://www.startrescue.co.uk/annual-breakdown-cover)

Seem very cheap...

And what about Kwik Fit for insurance? Quoting me £328 for a 58 plate Octavia estate.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on October 02, 2015, 11:24:30 am
No but I used Alps through my broker and they were dreadful. I'd be wary of insurance-type breakdown for this reason.

Finally broke with Brentacre this week when a mainstream insurer could beat their quote by ~25%.

Also, the car went in for the 187k mile service ('heavily corroded breaklines') and we were given an 03 1.9TDI 130 Passat with... 385k miles!
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: fatneck on October 07, 2015, 01:25:12 pm
Disclaimer; I am not interested nor do I know anything about cars beyond whether they work, filling them with fuel, driving and regular maintenance although I can change a tyre...

Our current heap is dying and having recently spent time in/around both Andy E and Crouchy's cars I have my heart set on a Skoda Octavia. I understand there are a few members of the parish who either own or have owned one of these cars and would appreciate general advice. The car will primarily be used for day to day work and kid related travel plus regular weekends away fishing/climbing/camping etc I reckon we do around 15,000+ miles per year so economy and reliability are important and whilst we would like a car in decent nick, cosmetics are not high on the list. Our budget is circa 3-5K but we would obvs prefer to be around the 3K mark.

Thanks...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tommytwotone on October 07, 2015, 01:50:42 pm
Sounds like you're sorted then - only questions you need to ask yourself are a) do you want an estate and b) do you want the VRS?


I can vouch for the fact (as I've been looking too) that Skoda Octavia diesels are ten a penny, but finding a low-miler will be a challenge. I'd do your research, work out what model / trim level you're looking for and then work back from there. I did a search bound by price but the options were too overwhelming.


They will do (as Paul intimates) spaceship miles - mate of mine was a service manager who had a taxi driver customer who was replacing the back seat cushions. He thought it was a strange thing to replace, checked the car and found out it was on 445k miles and still going strong!



Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on October 07, 2015, 02:29:35 pm
Had a quick look at Autotrader and you get a much better car for 4K than 3k. Quite a few Octavia estates around - also (same car different badge/looks) golf estates of the same age are about the same/a little cheaper. 4K will buy you a 2008 estate with c.80k miles.

Petrol or diesel?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: fatneck on October 07, 2015, 03:55:37 pm
Deffo want an estate and VRS?

I think it's the model and spec that confuses me but will look into this in more detail, thanks TTT.

Hadn't considered a Golf...

Petrol or Diesel? Pretty much of a muchness these days?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on October 07, 2015, 04:19:32 pm
Deffo want an estate and VRS?

I think it's the model and spec that confuses me but will look into this in more detail, thanks TTT.

Hadn't considered a Golf...

Petrol or Diesel? Pretty much of a muchness these days?

Diesel wear their miles better - and make more sense economy wise if you do longer journeys (they work best when warmed up) and in general use less fuel. But diesels are (a bit) more expensive to service and can sling you a larger bill if they go wrong (but that tends to happen less often than petrol).

Check which car tax band either is in too - most of the diesels will be in the £130-150 band - petrols £200-250.

Golf estate is the same as an octavia estate. Jetta is a booted golf - same as an octavia. In fact Jettas are V.Good cars but not very popular in the UK - so tend to be cheaper than Golfs (despite being the same but with a boot).
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: SA Chris on October 07, 2015, 04:45:45 pm
We were diesel estate shopping recently, and compared Golf Estate to Octoavia Estate, and comparing price for price the Golf seemed very poorly specced inside by comparison.

(We went for another Focus Estate in the end, I think once you are used to heated windscreen it's hard to do without :))
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tommytwotone on October 08, 2015, 11:20:29 am
If you're looking at those models, also consider the Seat Exeo as well - as all VAG cars are build on a standard chassis it's the Seat equivalent.


I've looked at a few but as they're a relatively newish car I don't think you'd find much for the money you're talking.


In terms of models etc on the Octavia, the VRS is the hot one - c.200 BHP and out of a turbo diesel so with the benefits you'd expect. The other option is the bog standard 1.9 turbo diesel, which I gather from my mate in the industry is still a very, very good engine, just won't be as quick / posh as the VRS.



Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: benno on October 08, 2015, 01:43:54 pm
The Exeo is just the Audi A4 that preceded it (not sure on years) with some different looks. Golf/Octavia/Leon etc. are also very closely related to each other but the Exeo/A4 are slightly different, I believe...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tommytwotone on October 16, 2015, 09:00:20 am
Pistonheads recently had one of their excellent buyers' guide things on the Octavia VRS:


http://www.pistonheads.com/features/ph-features/skoda-octavia-vrs-market-watch/33067 (http://www.pistonheads.com/features/ph-features/skoda-octavia-vrs-market-watch/33067)

Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: cofe on October 23, 2015, 10:43:03 am
Looking for another car, not dissimilar to Fatneck, for longer journeys etc. Looking at no older than 10 years, ideally less, up to 70k miles (depending on whether petrol or diesel), estate. Thinking Octavia, Focus, Astra, in descending order of desirability. There's a 1.8TDCi Focus, and 1.9TDi Octavia and Astra. All three rate well on Parkers. Don't want to spend loads, max about £5k. Not bothered about it being too fancy etc, reliability and getting a good few years out of it more important. Reckon it'll do 10k miles a year (we have another car). Any thoughts?

Also, anyone have experience of AutoAid for breakdown cover? Pay for recovery, then they pay you back. It's the top rated option on MoneySavingExpert (http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/car-insurance/breakdown-cover#BBtwo).
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on October 23, 2015, 10:53:39 am
Left field idea. Saab 9-3 estate.. A few around on Autotrader (1.9tdi) for 3-5k around 2007 with 70k miles
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: cofe on October 23, 2015, 10:57:15 am
Expensive to maintain?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Mike Tyson on October 23, 2015, 11:02:49 am
Don't rule out Toyota. Avensis is a great car. In fact all the Far East cars are pretty decent, Honda Accord, Mazda 6 etc. German or Japanese for me any day of the week.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on October 23, 2015, 11:02:54 am

Expensive to maintain?

Don't think so - plenty of Indy specialists about and all the parts are available. Super comfy... Think most of the mechanicals are ford...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: T_B on October 23, 2015, 11:06:43 am
I've had a 2 litre Octavia TDI for the past 2 yrs. Test drove a 1.9 and it had absolutely zero torque and generally felt underpowered. You won't find a 2L one with less than 70K on the clock for £5K though...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Johnny Brown on October 23, 2015, 11:18:43 am
Looks like you could get an 06 Octavia VRS for around that.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201510187943536?onesearchad=used&price-to=6000&page=1&radius=1500&sort=default&price-from=4000&keywords=vrs&postcode=s117es&model=octavia&make=skoda&search-target=usedcars&body-type=estate&logcode=p
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dave on October 23, 2015, 11:21:53 am
The 1.9TDI on our passat got plenty of poke, presume the skodas are same engine? But I don't routinely carry the same number of pads and ladders around as T_B.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: T_B on October 23, 2015, 11:26:19 am
Yes, in my experience you can get 2 child seats, 6 pads and 2 lamps in the Octavia estate. And still have space for a knotted rope with which to thrash yourself.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: cofe on October 23, 2015, 11:34:00 am
Does it have cup holders?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on October 23, 2015, 11:35:11 am
Does it have cup holders?

50. Each.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: cofe on October 23, 2015, 11:38:38 am
Cool. Don't want to get a shiny dick with two chairs in it.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on October 23, 2015, 11:40:56 am
Cool. Don't want to get a shiny dick with two chairs in it.

No Red A3 for you then... ;)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dave on October 23, 2015, 11:48:58 am
Cool. Don't want to get a shiny dick with two chairs in it.

At least get one that'll do 0-60 this time.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: peewee on October 23, 2015, 12:16:29 pm
Don't rule out Toyota. Avensis is a great car. In fact all the Far East cars are pretty decent, Honda Accord, Mazda 6 etc. German or Japanese for me any day of the week.

+1 for the Avensis, very reliable, economic and if you get the right models lots of toys, cruise control etc, look for the t3-x, TR or t4 models. avoid the 2.2 engines as they had issues with the head gasket.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Johnny Brown on October 23, 2015, 12:59:56 pm
BB guns has just got one (see higher in the thread). Better option than a ford or vauxhall if you can't stretch to VAG I reckon.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fultonius on October 23, 2015, 04:13:39 pm
The 1.9TDI on our passat got plenty of poke, presume the skodas are same engine? But I don't routinely carry the same number of pads and ladders around as T_B.

Tye 1.9 engines tune well, factor in £250 extra and you could get 140bhp out it.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: andy_e on November 04, 2015, 03:23:31 pm
Anyone got any knowledge on Volvos in terms of running costs/maintenance? Is there a Volvo equivalent to the 1.9TDI VAG engine? I've just bought a jumper with elbow patches so I need a car to match.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on November 04, 2015, 04:29:28 pm
I've a V40 (new shape) and it's great. More recent (last 8 years or so I think) cars share many parts with Ford - as Volvo were bought out by them - until they were sold to some Chinese venture capitalists a few years back. Loads of Indy dealers/garages to get them serviced - and they are very very comfy...

Whatcha looking at?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: andy_e on November 04, 2015, 06:34:36 pm
Thought you were a Golfer? Looking at estates, V70 is the dream but V40 seems good too...

Edit, just looked at the V40 post-2012 model and it's fuck-ugly and tiny... V50?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: galpinos on November 04, 2015, 06:46:04 pm
Edit, just looked at the V40 post-2012 model and it's fuck-ugly and tiny...

By that you mean TomTom's car is fuck-ugly and tiny......
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Murph on November 04, 2015, 07:21:24 pm
I have a V50 T5, 2008 or so. I can fit a red snap pad snugly in the boot but a moon saturn goes over the top of the back seats.

Don't know how this compares to a V40 but hopefully this info is useful to someone out there.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on November 04, 2015, 07:37:43 pm

Edit, just looked at the V40 post-2012 model and it's fuck-ugly and tiny...

By that you mean TomTom's car is fuck-ugly and tiny......

:) it's golf sized. But unlike the VW doesn't have seats that knacker my back... Plenty of mat room with the back seats down.. But there's more room in the V50. I can't get a bigger car (I'd like one) as it's hard to fit a large motor in MrsTT's road...

Ugly? It's a car not a painting..

Yours Smugly and leather glovedly,

TT
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on November 04, 2015, 07:45:54 pm
Thought you were a Golfer? Looking at estates, V70
Luxurious, higher spec ones are surprisingly nice to drive. Does gallons to the mile and very expensive for repairs etc.
Quote
V50?
Luxurious, surprisingly spacious, boot footprint inside is similar to V70. Cabin storage space is awful and ergonomics not much better. Same expenses might apply.

If you like high running costs they're a good choice. If you like really fiddly displays and natty buttons the new models are even more suitable.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on November 04, 2015, 07:48:41 pm
Yeah - don't bother. They're all shit. Get a skoda like everyone else ;)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: webbo on November 04, 2015, 07:59:29 pm
We had the 2 litre turbo diesel, great car to drive and as Tom says comfy. But it seemed every time it went in for a service there was a repair needed. Such as springs, steering, the air con went as was going to cost hundreds to fix, clutch and recently the rear discs needed replacing. It's just gone to auction via the dealer as the missus has just been given a v40 as a company car, her boss is a mate of the guy who is the Volvo dealer. Which is why we went for Volvos, we got reasonable deals on the cars and servicing.
It had 160,000 miles.
We also have a s40 r design, which has a it's engine more or less replaced. This was going to cost thousands however this was much reduced as I suspect the problem was a design issue and that's why they don't make these models anymore.
I just remembered with the v50 there were issues with rear strings/axel which again I suspect is a design issue.
This might be a bit rambling but cars for me are something I throw my bike/pads in occasionally remembering to put some fuel in and just get me from A to B. I tend to just turn the music up if I hear a strange noise.
This was my reply to Matt about my V50.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dave on November 04, 2015, 08:03:36 pm

it's hard to fit a large motor in MrsTT's road...

(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/c5/3e/19/c53e19770a12e34e4df8826552f243ec.jpg)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on November 04, 2015, 08:10:01 pm
Is your big end still knocking Dave?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: andy_e on November 04, 2015, 08:13:56 pm
Get a skoda like everyone else ;)

Got one. Might have to get a bigger one though...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: shark on November 05, 2015, 12:17:14 pm
Get a skoda like everyone else ;)

Got one. Might have to get a bigger one though...

Anyone got a Yeti or views on one?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on November 05, 2015, 12:38:13 pm
Mate's got one, only 2WD though, he likes it. Seems pretty neat inside.

Edit: from the horse's mouth:


It's a belter. My average mpg for the last 8k (mostly cutting about and only a few longer trips) is about 49.6. Average 55 plus on motorways. It's comfortable. I've had it 'off road' think logging/Forrest fire roads, and it's done fine disputed being 2wd version.
.
It's basically a big golf/Audi/other German motor
.
Not the best for fitting stuff in but I've had 2 huge snap pads. One normal pad and 4 people including me.
.
> cool man
.
> any downsides?
.
Can't really thing of any. It's fast but not that fast is the only thing. But it's not a petrol rocket.


Edit #2: His previous car was a tiny french thing with probably a 0.8L engine, so "fast" might be quite relative, i.e. "slow".
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: SA Chris on November 05, 2015, 12:41:05 pm
Fucking ridiculous name for a car though. Surpassed only by their Roomster.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: galpinos on November 05, 2015, 12:48:42 pm
Anyone got a Yeti or views on one?

Having sat in one I was quite surprised to find it felt narrower than a golf. Have checked the "official dimensions" this is indeed the case. It does have more headroom though.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: mini on November 05, 2015, 01:06:55 pm
Just don't buy white, unless you want to look like the Pope on tour.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: shark on November 05, 2015, 02:09:16 pm
Thanks for the comments. Its for my wife mainly and we don't like white on any car. Personally I think a Golf would be a better choice but she thinks that's boring. Nearly new Yeti looks a good choice on paper as an economical, budget 4x4 that'll get me around the Peak in winter.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on November 05, 2015, 02:28:50 pm

Thanks for the comments. Its for my wife mainly and we don't like white on any car. Personally I think a Golf would be a better choice but she thinks that's boring. Nearly new Yeti looks a good choice on paper as an economical, budget 4x4 that'll get me around the Peak in winter.
wait a month or two more and there'll be some huge discounts on these (new and second hand) due to the emissions shizz.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: lagerstarfish on November 05, 2015, 03:24:41 pm
Thanks for the comments. Its for my wife mainly and we don't like white on any car. Personally I think a Golf would be a better choice but she thinks that's boring. Nearly new Yeti looks a good choice on paper as an economical, budget 4x4 that'll get me around the Peak in winter.

fuck that

get a Lada Cossack/Niva - won't be as economical, but Mrs Shark would look great in a Russian army uniform taking short cuts across grass verges and traffic islands

get a snow plough for the front and you won't mind having LHD and no stereo
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on November 05, 2015, 03:49:14 pm
Get an Evoque Shark. Its you all over ;)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: fatneck on November 16, 2015, 01:56:58 pm
Thanks for all the help earlier in the thread! Looked at a few Octavia's in the Greater Merseyside region but didn't find a match. Either it was out of our price range or the dealer was a cock and the missus didn't trust him. Eventually stumbled upon a Vauxhall Atra ecoflex estate (09 plate, 72k on the clock) in a shady garage at the end of our road. After some wrangling over the price and him sorting a few bits and pieces out (new brakes, service and MOT. Also had a mechanic mate check it out before we settled) we paid £3.5K and I am now the proud owner of said vehicle. Drives really well, fits in loads of pads/kids/stuff, does 50+mpg and only £30 a year tax! Sorted...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on November 16, 2015, 02:05:12 pm
Thanks for the comments. Its for my wife mainly and we don't like white on any car. Personally I think a Golf would be a better choice but she thinks that's boring. Nearly new Yeti looks a good choice on paper as an economical, budget 4x4 that'll get me around the Peak in winter.

Good choice I reckon. Are you looking at a TDI? If so what does the recent VAG-scandal mean for taxes, emissions etc (and even performance).?

Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Johnny Brown on November 16, 2015, 05:54:24 pm
I think it means me and Fiend will get free upgrades basically.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dave on November 16, 2015, 06:42:18 pm
Doesn't go back as far as 07 plates does it?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on November 16, 2015, 07:47:25 pm

I think it means me and Fiend will get free upgrades basically.

Free upgrades that'll probably make it slower....
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: cofe on November 23, 2015, 07:46:09 pm
What's the advice on age vs miles? Looking at rigs with up to 70k on clock and up to ten years old, but better to get one with 10k fewer miles on it or one that's (e.g.) two years newer? Think we're looking at 1.9 or 2.0 TDI VAG diesels (Octavia, Passat, Altea XL) or maybe Ford (1.8 TDCi).
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on November 23, 2015, 08:00:42 pm
It's a tricky balance. Some components (eg suspension and steering) wear with age as well as use (if that makes sense) - eg rubber bushes, brake hoses etc..

If it's say a 5-6 year 70k vs 7-8 year 60k I'd be tempted to go for the younger model. Though service history/record is probably more important than either I'd suggest. If it has any pages ripped out of its service book walk away (old trick to hide clocking). If most of the service is from a dealer/franchise you can phone them up and ask for any details too.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: cofe on November 23, 2015, 08:18:02 pm
Hmm tricky. Trying to look at cars from trade sellers, and ideally bigger ones, so a bit of service and warranty is included.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: SA Chris on November 24, 2015, 10:01:43 am
It's a tricky one. If it's as tt says, one year vs 10k I'd say there's nothing in it. However if 2 or more I'd take the mileage. An extra couple of cold winters can do a lot of damage to old components.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on November 24, 2015, 10:41:23 am
If it's a choice between a 1.9 TDI and early 2.0 TDI VAG engine then I'd be going for the 1.9 without hesitation.

You're around the VAG big service mileage (given some people will do it too early and others will have just forgotten) which is a fair amount of money. Make use of the VOSA MOT records, as you can see the advisories, past fails etc. of cars at a glance and you can see if there's anything that really should've been done. Take particular note of any signs of turbo issues, clunking and test the clutch.

I'd imagine given you need some info from the V5 (I think) that the owner will want to be present and will be unwilling to do this over the internet etc.

I may have said this earlier in the thread but I drove a Passat 1.9tdi (04 I think) courtesy car recently with 385k miles on the clock. The interior was wrecked, the engine was not (it'd had new clutch / flywheel etc.)!
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: cofe on November 24, 2015, 11:12:22 am
Cheers P-Ben. Any idea what the big service mileage is? (I'll try and research later anyway.) The VOSA MOT thing is a good call too.

With two small kids, even if the interior is mint when I buy it, it won't be after about a week!
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: SA Chris on November 24, 2015, 11:15:46 am
Got that right. We had a half eaten Joystick lolly melted into the carpet in our new car by the end of week 2. That shit doesn't shift, I think NASA should use it to stick tiles onto the spaceshuttle.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dave on November 24, 2015, 11:22:40 am
I think our passat flashes up about servicing every 40K miles.

Interiorwise if you can drop on a full leather then at least the seats seem pretty indestructible.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on November 24, 2015, 12:50:44 pm
On the TDi's Major service isnt much more than a minor (a couple of extra filters - air and cabin pollen I think).. but the Cambelt can add some ££. According to my garage there was no mileage at which the cambelt should be changed - but a time gap - 4 years. If you're getting a 5-8 YO car, just make sure that the Cambelt has been done and its been serviced at least every 15k miles.

Make sure you get to see it start cold. Proper cold, not run around from the back an hour ago. Look out in the rearview mirror for any smoke under heavy acceleration (ie floor it at 2k in 3rd and look for any clouds). I think if its pre 2007 (check - its fairly easy to google as I think a new EU regulation on emissions came in) then you don't have to worry so much about the DPF (Diesel particulate filter) - and many pre 07's , may not have them - after that maybe think about checking/asking about that...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: butters on November 24, 2015, 01:04:28 pm
2007 sounds about right - that was when they introduced the DPF for the 2.5 Transporter (but not for the 1.9 strangely enough). Agree with Paul B - the 1.9 is the one to aim for as it is a solid lump - my van is approaching 189k and not doing too badly unlike the exterior which is looking a bit battered now if I am honest. One thing to check for is that the waterpump was done at the same time as the cam belt - the cam belt has to be removed to swap out the water pump - and while is pretty much a stock move to do the two at the same time some people like to scrimp on the extra £100 or so because it "saves" them money.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: cofe on November 24, 2015, 01:06:57 pm
All good knowledge boys, thanks.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on November 24, 2015, 03:56:41 pm
When I said major service I was referring to the cambelt etc.   :-[

There's definitely an OEM mileage limit as well as a time limit for VAG engines (whichever occurs first). A bit of googling suggests this is 40k miles or 4 years (whichever is sooner). Based on this, the cars you'll be looking at will have had one and potentially be approaching a second!

I always miss things I shouldn't when buying cars. CV joints, wheel bearings etc. Always something that I've been bitten with before!
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on November 24, 2015, 04:17:27 pm
When I said major service I was referring to the cambelt etc.   :-[

There's definitely an OEM mileage limit as well as a time limit for VAG engines (whichever occurs first). A bit of googling suggests this is 40k miles or 4 years (whichever is sooner). Based on this, the cars you'll be looking at will have had one and potentially be approaching a second!

I always miss things I shouldn't when buying cars. CV joints, wheel bearings etc. Always something that I've been bitten with before!

Reading the VAG discussion boards - its interesting that the timing belt in the 1.6 tdi engine I had, apparently had an unlimited lifespan from its manufacturer - but VAG not wanting their engines to go pop put a time limit on this.. which varies from country to country - so in the UK its 4 years - in Germany was 5 or 6 and Spain 3. Apparently this relates to the different types of driving expected in the different countries! (????).//
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Jim on November 24, 2015, 09:27:36 pm
It's generally the bearing that will fail particular on the tensioner pulley before the belt fails
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: cofe on December 08, 2015, 02:07:14 pm
Anyone have experience of the 1.6TDCi 110bhp Ford Focus engine from around 2008–2011?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: SA Chris on December 08, 2015, 02:14:25 pm
We've just got the 2014 estate, not sure how different the engine is. Great to drive if that means anything, but only 10,000 miles on clock,a nd only had about 2 moths, so can't comment on reliability / longevity yet.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: cofe on December 08, 2015, 02:18:09 pm
Didn't you have a Focus before that Chris, or different engine?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: SA Chris on December 08, 2015, 02:34:15 pm
Yeah, 2008, 1.6 petrol. Engine fine, but had something wobbly in EMS, warning light kept coming on.

Heated windscreen on these things is the shit!
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: cofe on December 08, 2015, 02:35:24 pm
How was the 1.6 power/reliability-wise, otherwise?

Yeah, had a very old Focus about 5 years back, just for a year. Front heated windscreen is amazeballs.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: galpinos on December 08, 2015, 03:45:38 pm
Anyone have experience of the 1.6TDCi 110bhp Ford Focus engine from around 2008–2011?

Yes, I've had one for a couple of years. Good economy, no issues so far, really like the car.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: cofe on December 08, 2015, 04:39:34 pm
Anyone have experience of the 1.6TDCi 110bhp Ford Focus engine from around 2008–2011?

Yes, I've had one for a couple of years. Good economy, no issues so far, really like the car.

Nice one, cheers.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: SA Chris on December 08, 2015, 11:54:22 pm
How was the 1.6 power/reliability-wise, otherwise?

Power OK actually but not amazing, reliability no issues other than already mentioned EMS hassles.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: galpinos on December 09, 2015, 09:55:24 am
Anyone have experience of the 1.6TDCi 110bhp Ford Focus engine from around 2008–2011?

Yes, I've had one for a couple of years. Good economy, no issues so far, really like the car.

Nice one, cheers.

In a bit more detail. The engine isn't "pokey" but as I'm older and a dad now, performance isn't something I care about. It's got enough oomph to overtake when needed, will happily cruise at 80 on the motorway and is very economical, it currently costs me 9p a mile in fuel. Servicing has been ok, nothing has gone wrong so far and the service costs aren’t extortionate 9local garage, not main dealer).

The car is itself is ace. We got an 11 plate Mk2 facelift which was the last of that model before they went to the Mk3 for the 61 plate. It has all the bells and whistles (sat nav, Bluetooth etc) but they do feel dated as they were probably 5 yo technologies by the time they were installed so probably near 10yo now. The seats are comfy but the main thing is the space. The boot and rear seats were bigger/roomier than any other equivalent age hatch we could afford. We’d not long had our daughter so were in the “travel cot, buggy and bags of baby crap” stage wherever we went and boot space was high up the list (I was googling boot volumes!). The main advantage is the boot is very square so pads, prams etc fit in easily. The back seats have more leg room than a golf/A3 which was important for Grandma transportation.

Cofe, if you want any more info, drop me a PM
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: T_B on December 09, 2015, 11:27:37 am
I had a 110bhp 1.6tdci focus estate 2005. Bought it with 80K on the clock. It was cheap to buy and v economical to run. Just enough power. But it sort of died at 130K and the mechanic I use said the engines were sh*t. I doubt I'd buy another Ford tbh.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dontfollowme on December 09, 2015, 11:53:16 am
I've heard a few people have had issues with that engine which is also found in a few other cars. One the turbo goes they are very expensive to repair.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Ally Smith on December 09, 2015, 11:58:58 am
Anyone have experience of the 1.6TDCi 110bhp Ford Focus engine from around 2008–2011?

DV6 engine was a joint development between Ford and Peugeot/Citroen. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_DLD_engine#DLD-416

It's a good engine with very good balance = very smooth running for a 4 pot diesel. The same engine can also be found in the 1.6 diesel Mini, Mazda and Volvo.

My job requires geeky knowledge in this area; the DV6 is the second most popular engine on the road in the Europe (after a VAG 2.0 lump - implicated in the emissions scandal). Hence, there should be no real surprises that there are the occasional reliability hiccups due to the shear number of them kicking about.

Pre-2012 is a good vintage to buy as the engine will be Euro5 emissions compliant. What this means to the average consumer is that there won't be any complex exhaust after-treatment beyond a diesel particulate filter (DPF).

DPFs are an established technology and shouldn't be a problem so long as you do a reasonable mileage and don't just potter to the shops and back (why would you be buying a diesel if this was the case?)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: cofe on December 09, 2015, 12:12:19 pm
Cheers all. I've heard some reports of problems, but have also read in a few places that this is down to not servicing when required. Which sounds like asking for trouble. Parkers rate it and the car, and I've liked the Fords I've driven. It's for family/long distance use, and the wife's daily 18 mile round trip to work.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: kelvin on December 09, 2015, 12:13:01 pm
Lots of van drivers have to potter about, most vans are diesel powered. It's a conspiracy of some sort.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: T_B on December 09, 2015, 01:52:26 pm
Cheers all. I've heard some reports of problems, but have also read in a few places that this is down to not servicing when required. Which sounds like asking for trouble. Parkers rate it and the car, and I've liked the Fords I've driven. It's for family/long distance use, and the wife's daily 18 mile round trip to work.

I bought one on the strength of Jeremy Clarkson's words "a nanny's car for a nanny state"
Title: Car advice
Post by: cofe on December 10, 2015, 06:34:06 pm
Found a Focus on eBay that's spot on: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2009-FORD-FOCUS-AMBULANCE-RESPONSE-CAR-STYLE-TD-115-WHITE-/161908986563?hash=item25b28712c3:g:uFAAAOSw7FRWYt68
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: lagerstarfish on December 10, 2015, 09:12:55 pm
proper Ethics Police crag wagon
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on December 11, 2015, 08:34:29 am

proper Ethics Police crag wagon

They go undercover in Citroen Xsara Picasso's.. The siren plays 'no heels'....
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dave on December 11, 2015, 08:50:38 am
What's the sound system like on that? You would hope for "routine blood/organ work" the boot would be rinsed with ICE.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on December 11, 2015, 08:52:55 pm

proper Ethics Police crag wagon

They go undercover in Citroen Xsara Picasso's.. The siren plays 'no heels'....
Yup just keep believing we're in Citroens sonny....
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on December 11, 2015, 09:32:54 pm


proper Ethics Police crag wagon

They go undercover in Citroen Xsara Picasso's.. The siren plays 'no heels'....
Yup just keep believing we're in Citroens sonny....

Well at least they start in the morning... :p
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on December 12, 2015, 03:03:55 pm
CUNT!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: cofe on December 20, 2015, 09:22:01 pm
Anyone got/had a pre-2010 C-Max?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on December 20, 2015, 09:23:51 pm
I'd be wary of a car name that sounds like a sanitary product.. ;)

What colour is it?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: galpinos on December 21, 2015, 11:22:01 am
Anyone got/had a pre-2010 C-Max?

I think Erm, Sam has a C-Max, I'll ask him.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: erm, sam on December 21, 2015, 11:33:51 am
mine is a 2008 I think. boot leaks a bit but apart from that its good (i think this is fixable but I have never been arsed/got round to it). petrol.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on January 26, 2016, 04:02:38 pm
UKB - The 320 D (M Sport Touring), now has 12 months MOT but that came at a price and one that means I'm now looking to get rid (trade in), firstly to get my money back and secondly so that I have something to drive around in until I find the right car / to get to work etc. until then.

I do love how it drives and although we didn't get along originally (£££) things have settled down to the usual pothole expenditure.

Given I now have a rather large dog (she fills the three series boot when stood up) an estate car is a must. I don't want to spend a fortune either. I think I'm still leaning towards Tdi engines simply due to the ease of driving and the fact they go forever without me needing to remember to put fuel in them.

So far my list is:
Seat Exeo (pref. 170)
BMW 320d (spitting image of what I have already)
Merc C Class (do I need to buy a flat cap with this?)
Skoda Octavia vRS (a bit showy inside?)
Saab 9-3 Ttid (A Vectra in pretty clothes, but v. pretty clothes they are, excellend value for money and 180Bhp?), is Aero a spec level? As they've gone bust is this a TERRIBLE idea?

Discounted:
Anything French
Anything Italian
Audi A4 Avant - seem over-priced compared to alternatives? I'll struggle to find one with working indicators.
Golf Estate - too expensive for something vaguely interesting
Ford Focus - do they do anything interesting that isn't the ST?
Passat - Starship sized
Mondeo - Larger Starship sized

Ideally it'd be no more than 5 years old and be just over the first major service (~60-70k miles).

Opinions / Omissions / Linked perfect cars - all welcome. Ta.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on January 26, 2016, 04:10:29 pm
whats your budget?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on January 26, 2016, 04:17:56 pm
Tricky one really. 8k as a start?

If that pushes me too high mileage or low spec I can reevaluate.

I'd also like to avoid stupid wheels and tyres if at all possible.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: sxrxg on January 26, 2016, 05:14:40 pm
There are a couple of Japanese options that seem to potentially be what you are looking for...

Mazda 6

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201601190218401?page=1&onesearchad=used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew&price-to=9000&radius=1501&sort=default&make=mazda&maximum-mileage=up_to_90000_miles&minimum-badge-engine-size=1.8&search-target=usedcars&maximum-age=up_to_5_years_old&postcode=S80%201GN&body-type=estate&logcode=p

Honda Accord

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201601210283406?onesearchad=used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew&radius=1501&body-type=estate&maximum-age=up_to_5_years_old&make=honda&maximum-mileage=up_to_80000_miles&search-target=usedcars&page=1&sort=default&postcode=S80%201GN&logcode=p
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Mike Tyson on January 26, 2016, 08:14:57 pm
Amen to the Far East motors.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201601230334348?page=1&fuel-type=diesel&sort=atcustom&search-target=usedcars&maximum-mileage=up_to_70000_miles&model=avensis&radius=1500&price-to=9000&price-from=7000&onesearchad=used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew&make=toyota&body-type=estate&postcode=CA12%204SP&logcode=p
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on January 26, 2016, 08:48:36 pm
I reckon Octavia VRS for all the obvious reasons.

I still like the Audi ergonomics a lot though.

A friend has a Saab non-estate version, very swish inside and spacious too. I did ask him about the whole "gone bust" issue, he said he had no problem getting services / parts etc. He is very conservative in his tastes though.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Bubba on January 26, 2016, 09:50:31 pm
Especially given that the narrow group of German manufacturers, that everyone seems infatuated with, have been outed as lying shits.
VW/Audi aside isn't it only the X3 that's been outed from BMW (yet)?

Unfortunately the Japanese haven't escaped - Mazda are one of the worst offenders, with Honda & Mitsubishi also under the spotlight.

I suspect that eventually it'll be shown that everyone has been at it.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: chris j on January 26, 2016, 10:04:05 pm
Funny, I was just pondering Paul's apparent blind spot about Japanese cars and weighing up whether to comment. Ignoring Japanese cars seems to be a common feature of this thread. Why? Especially given that the narrow group of German manufacturers, that everyone seems infatuated with, have been outed as lying shits.


Soft touch interior plastics, good marketing and UK brand snobbery wins over actual under-the-skin engineering, boring product and old granny reputation in the UK...

I have an Octavia, which is a fine nondescript cut-price lengthened Golf/A3 that would do the job. It excels at nothing though and given my other car's a Lotus I can't describe the Skoda as in any way an exhilarating drive even with VRs suspension and a remap... Given the choice again I would lean towards wither the BMW or Mazda though the Saab is an inspiring left of field option!
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: chris j on January 26, 2016, 10:06:29 pm
Especially given that the narrow group of German manufacturers, that everyone seems infatuated with, have been outed as lying shits.
VW/Audi aside isn't it only the X3 that's been outed from BMW (yet)?

Unfortunately the Japanese haven't escaped - Mazda are one of the worst offenders, with Honda & Mitsubishi also under the spotlight.

I suspect that eventually it'll be shown that everyone has been at it.

I hadn't heard this about the Japanese - where did you see that? Yes, no-one's real world economy stacks up to the unrealistic tests, but isn't it still only VW group who've been actively cheating?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on January 26, 2016, 10:28:49 pm
They're not cheating the EU tests though - just made something that does the tests really well!

Diesels in private cars are imho (forgive the pun) a burning platform.. Electric/plugin hybrids are very close to being worthwhile to most drivers. Driverless is also now inevitable given the incredible amounts of money being thrown at it by all the car manufacturers - as well as Google and probably Apple too. That will happen.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on January 27, 2016, 08:43:11 am

Soft touch interior plastics, good marketing and UK brand snobbery wins over actual under-the-skin engineering, boring product and old granny reputation in the UK...

In this case it's simply consideration of the stats where the Honda's don't seem to overly excel? I could be wrong here. Before dog I was looking at Honda Civic Type S / R so I don't have an engrained bias towards German brands. My last VAG car was bombproof and simple to do basic tasks, which I like. Also, parts are comparably dirty cheap.

Fiend - The garage who fixed the 3-series said that engine parts/electrical are fine (a lot of Vectra) for the Saab but they had to source a front bumper from Belgium which took 6 weeks!

I got roughly 4 hours of hassle free driving before the "all driver aids failed" warning light combo appeared on the dash (oil pressure sensor / much wetness being the likely culprits), for anyone asking why I'd now get rid of it!
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fultonius on January 27, 2016, 09:32:44 am
They're not cheating the EU tests though - just made something that does the tests really well!

Diesels in private cars are imho (forgive the pun) a burning platform.. Electric/plugin hybrids are very close to being worthwhile to most drivers. Driverless is also now inevitable given the incredible amounts of money being thrown at it by all the car manufacturers - as well as Google and probably Apple too. That will happen.

This ^^

I do wonder if, in 30 years or so, we will look back and think "why the fuck did we cling non to that old internal combustion technology for so long."

The thing I love most about cars like the Tesla is - full bore acceleration barely uses any more juice than gently getting up to speed. Braaap braaaa (oh, wait a minute - wwwhhhhzzzzzzzzzzzz).   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIkV4CiH9Nc

No gearbox, no clutch, no engine oil changes, preheated with windows defrosted on a cold morning.  I'll be having one....at some point...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on January 27, 2016, 09:42:32 am

I do wonder if, in 30 years or so, we will look back and think "why the fuck did we cling non to that old internal combustion technology for so long."


Because of the vested interests of the car manufacturers and the oil companies... though I believe the transport and burning of the fuel where needed (ICE) is the most efficient way (though not cleanest) of powering cars.. Hydrogen would work well though.. as one of my colleagues said to me yesterday - he was surprised that none of the gulf states had sunk ££££Bn into developing a commercial solar > hydrogen facility... anyway blah blah.

My money is on Paul getting an Octavia Estate :)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on January 27, 2016, 10:27:01 am
Fultonious trying to hasten the current descent of the oil industry with that clap trap ;)

Paul - Volvos - tried a V50, actually got almost the same amount of space in the boot as the old V70, pretty nippy, the dog would love it, BUT you would hate it any time you tried to do anything with the controls inside the car or store anything in the driver's cabin bigger than a roll of fingertape. It's fiddly as fuck.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on January 27, 2016, 10:40:08 am
Fultonious trying to hasten the current descent of the oil industry with that clap trap ;)

Paul - Volvos - tried a V50, actually got almost the same amount of space in the boot as the old V70, pretty nippy, the dog would love it, BUT you would hate it any time you tried to do anything with the controls inside the car or store anything in the driver's cabin bigger than a roll of fingertape. It's fiddly as fuck.

(I have no problem with the controls....and it will be the comfiest car you have owned..)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: SA Chris on January 27, 2016, 11:19:36 am
Fultonius trying to hasten the current descent of the oil industry with that clap trap ;)

Maybe oil will just get used for all the other zillion things it's handy for, not just wasted as fuel.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: chris j on January 27, 2016, 11:59:29 am

In this case it's simply consideration of the stats where the Honda's don't seem to overly excel? I could be wrong here.

I must admit my Octavia was bought primarily because it excelled on the stats and I discarded the Japanese contingent for the same reason. The boot capacity is bigger than my old Focus according to the stats but in reality it is less useful and you can get less stuff in it unless you stack it to the roof as it's narrower but taller. The stats for the 1.8 turbo petrol were outstanding, fast and economical, but if you use the fast pedal you might as well have got a big N/A 6 cylinder as the economy will be about the same..

I've come to the conclusion at the moment that in reality everything with a similar engine and weight is more or less on the same level for performance and economy and you might as well buy on whether it has enough enough space, the seat is comfy, the stereo is easily useable (one thing VW have right for me compared to many others which are utterly incomprehensible) and it's got enough go for easy overtaking. I wouldn't worry about reliability except for specific well known examples (BMW 2 litre diesel, Mini 1.6 turbo, Porsche 996/997 bore-scoring...) as again everything except Land Rovers are so much more reliable than they used to be so we're talking fine margins and as you said greater reliability can often be offset by more expensive parts and waiting times as with the Japanese brands.

Incidentally, V60, tiny in the back, your dog won't thank you! V50 and V70 are the proper estates though a V70 probably belongs with Mondeos and Mazda 6's
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on January 27, 2016, 12:48:11 pm

In this case it's simply consideration of the stats where the Honda's don't seem to overly excel? I could be wrong here.

I must admit my Octavia was bought primarily because it excelled on the stats and I discarded the Japanese contingent for the same reason. The boot capacity is bigger than my old Focus according to the stats but in reality it is less useful and you can get less stuff in it unless you stack it to the roof as it's narrower but taller.

That's not much of a concern, the dog isn't short (perhaps 26" TTS). Looking online the vRS seems to offer v. good value for money (comparable to the Exeo), coming in cheaper than the other cars listed. My one concern is that the 3-series is an absolute joy to drive and I wonder if everything FWD will feel like a wobbly boat in comparison?

Also, I'm happy to spend less than what I've stated if people think a slightly older vehicle would be a better bet.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: chris j on January 27, 2016, 01:12:06 pm
My one concern is that the 3-series is an absolute joy to drive and I wonder if everything FWD will feel like a wobbly boat in comparison?


In that case stick with the BMW, a hefty diesel anchor stuck over/in front of the driven front wheels in the VW/Audi/Skoda way and the steering wheel squirming everytime you accelerate in the damp isn't a route to driving nirvana!

There seems to be plenty of 3 series out there to fit the bill, there also seems to be one or two 5 series tickling the edge of your budget if the dog might like more space, though I appreciate this is again nearing Starship length...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: blacky on January 27, 2016, 01:17:51 pm
I have an Octavia Vrs diesel and I think it's ace. It's plenty fast enough and you can re-map to 200ish bhp. It handles a million times better than my old fabia vrs diesel - doesn't torque steer or unsteer overly. I don't think it's particularly showy inside, but it is a really nice and comfortable place to be. Does 50+mpg on a run and has a massive boot. Beware there are 2 engines though. PD (sounds like a tractor) and CR (smooth) which swapped over early in 2008. I looked at 320ds and found I couldn't get a decent one, i.e. M-sport lowish mileage, leather for the money. 
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on January 27, 2016, 01:23:20 pm
I have an Octavia Vrs diesel and I think it's ace. It's plenty fast enough and you can re-map to 200ish bhp. It handles a million times better than my old fabia vrs diesel - doesn't torque steer or unsteer overly. I don't think it's particularly showy inside, but it is a really nice and comfortable place to be. Does 50+mpg on a run and has a massive boot. Beware there are 2 engines though. PD (sounds like a tractor) and CR (smooth) which swapped over early in 2008. I looked at 320ds and found I couldn't get a decent one, i.e. M-sport lowish mileage, leather for the money.

Did you like the Fabia vRS as we both loved ours (even if it was a bit wobbly). 320ds - That's why my current one was bought at 140k miles (£3.5k)!
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Ally Smith on January 27, 2016, 02:07:07 pm
I've a VRS Octavia Diesel too - you're welcome to a nose around it if you want? I don't think it a showy interior. However, i would disagree with the understeer/torquesteer comments - you've obviously not pushed it hard on a damp roundabout!

Like the other chap said, the 1968cc VAG 170PS PD/Pumpe Duse/Unit Injector engine is one to avoid - have a  :google: of the injector problems.

A standard 140PS Octavia Estate could fit the bill, with some good examples out there for your £8k budget. You'll have to pay more, or accept a higher mileage for a VRS.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201601190215411?sort=default&model=octavia&page=1&radius=1501&price-to=8000&transmission=manual&fuel-type=diesel&minimum-badge-engine-size=2.0&body-type=estate&search-target=usedcars&postcode=WA16%208AF&make=skoda&maximum-mileage=up_to_80000_miles&onesearchad=used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew&logcode=p
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: SA Chris on January 27, 2016, 04:07:59 pm
Never seen a Tesla here. How long do they take to recharge anyway?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fultonius on January 27, 2016, 04:32:52 pm
Yeah 40 mins or so on their supercharger stations.  https://www.teslamotors.com/en_GB/findus#/bounds/55.867696330292,-4.2686922697085,55.864998369709,-4.2713902302915,d?search=supercharger&name=g2%203lx

As you say Harbich, just now it's the well-off who are buying them, but the target price of £30-35k for UK versions of the Model 3 brings it much more in line with normal users. It's also spurring other manufacturers to get on the bandwagon (BMW, Chevrolet etc.)

I don't think range is so much of an issue any more - most of us stop within 3 hours anyway and the uk average trip length is a whopping 7.1 miles. A wee bit of extra planning and plenty of "supercharger capacity" will help, but I do see regular motorway drivers shying away for a while - 40 mins charge time is only when the stations are free (obviously) so if there's a bit of a queue you could be fucked!

Range is more affected by use of the brakes than the fun pedal (although, clearly, the former will come hand-in-hand with the latter). I guess what I'm trying to say is that full-load is not vastly less efficient than part-load, but "spirited driving" will reduce range do to braking losses.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: chris j on January 27, 2016, 04:43:34 pm
Lots in Norway, but then EVs have a large tax advantage over there which I believe makes buying a Tesla not much more expensive than buying a Golf. I've seen 3 or 4 around my part of Devon, along with a couple of BMW i8's and i3's and there's a Nissan Leaf just down the road from us.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: chris j on January 27, 2016, 04:49:09 pm

You see quite alot of the Mitsubishi PHEV 4x4 tanks around - which due to being able to do about 30 miles (downhill on a warm day, with a light right foot) on an electric charge (they are essentially a hybrid with a bigger battery) benefit from the UK £5k cash back deal.. (despite reverting to 30mpg once their juice is gone).

I forgot about those, the UK's biggest selling hybrid last year, as Mitsubishi UK decided to price it more or less the same as the diesel version. You see quite a few round our way, I think they are popular among frugal-minded pensioners as well as consultants if my parents are in anyway representative of their demographic...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: galpinos on January 28, 2016, 10:55:29 am

Not Leafs, but on the same line quite a few businesses in Manchester are running Nissan e-Nv200 electric vans, including British Gas. My issue is, as someone who, like may in Manchester, lives in a terrace with on stree parking, how do I charge my car? Unless I had a dedicated parking spot with under pavement cabling from my house to a my won charging point, how would it work?

I've seen a couple around Manchester - which (to my total surprise) now has a Tesla garage/showroom on the A6 at Heaton Chapel (not the most salubrious area)..

There's a fair few on the M56 of a morning, Cheshire types on their way to work in Manc. There's a few i3s around which would appeal to me if it wasn't for the charging issue above (and the fact they're out of my budget....). There's also an i8 that parks in Chorlton but guessing by where it is parked, it's powned by a local drug baron/knocking shop owner and just the less flashy option than the three identical Bentlys that are normally there.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Johnny Brown on January 28, 2016, 11:12:27 am
Quote
here in BC most electricity is from hydro, so genuinely zero emission

Genuinely zero? No concrete dams? Even if that makes for vanishingly low levels of emissions, dams of course have other environmental impacts. I'm not an anti, but nothing is perfect.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: galpinos on January 28, 2016, 11:22:18 am
Quote
here in BC most electricity is from hydro, so genuinely zero emission

Genuinely zero? No concrete dams? Even if that makes for vanishingly low levels of emissions, dams of course have other environmental impacts. I'm not an anti, but nothing is perfect.

Have you seen the Patagonia film Damnation? Raises some interesting points on this...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: blacky on January 28, 2016, 01:09:48 pm
I have an Octavia Vrs diesel and I think it's ace. It's plenty fast enough and you can re-map to 200ish bhp. It handles a million times better than my old fabia vrs diesel - doesn't torque steer or unsteer overly. I don't think it's particularly showy inside, but it is a really nice and comfortable place to be. Does 50+mpg on a run and has a massive boot. Beware there are 2 engines though. PD (sounds like a tractor) and CR (smooth) which swapped over early in 2008. I looked at 320ds and found I couldn't get a decent one, i.e. M-sport lowish mileage, leather for the money.

Did you like the Fabia vRS as we both loved ours (even if it was a bit wobbly). 320ds - That's why my current one was bought at 140k miles (£3.5k)!

The fabia did me well and was stupidly economical, but the white seats did my head in and it wasn't very refined. It was quite fast, but I didn't find it particularly fun to drive due to the understeer and all or nothing power delivery. The Octavia is much better in my opinion, as it should be being based on the mk5 golf. I should have said the understeer / torque steer issues are particularly worse than on other quick front drive cars I've owned. In fact I would say the Octavia is the best car I have owned for wet conditions (18inch wheels + Goodyear efficient grip tyres). Still, if you gun it on a wet roundabout you're gonna straight line into the bushes ;)

Btw I paid 7250 for mine with 63k
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fultonius on January 28, 2016, 07:21:28 pm
Run of river is, on the whole, better - flooding of vegetated areas causes a one-time release of methane and has many other environmental impacts. Life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions for any form of hydro are still way lower than conventional power.

If you take coal as a baseline, the life-cycle GHG emissions of all types of hydro lumped together are ~ 3% of that.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: cofe on February 17, 2016, 06:31:55 pm
Anyone got/had Green Flag breakdown cover as an alternative to AA/RAC? Much better prices when annual Euro cover factored in...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: a dense loner on February 17, 2016, 06:57:11 pm
Yes I've had it. Has anyone got/had bad nosebleeds when they were younger?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: cofe on February 17, 2016, 06:58:41 pm
Hi Lee
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: lagerstarfish on February 17, 2016, 06:59:07 pm
Yes I've had it. Has anyone got/had bad nosebleeds when they were younger?

have you tried shopping at Waitrose?

the staff are much more helpful than at B&Q
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: a dense loner on February 17, 2016, 07:25:28 pm
Not surprising really. We were actually talking today in John Lewis that the staff were much more pleasant than anywhere else and it was almost a joy to part with our money.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: lagerstarfish on February 17, 2016, 07:53:22 pm
what compression problems did they recommend for someone who drives a modern diesel?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on February 17, 2016, 09:12:47 pm

what compression problems did they recommend for someone who drives a modern diesel?

I don't know, but Pistons with small heads can take more compression;)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: a dense loner on February 17, 2016, 09:22:27 pm
Cycling to the joker early morning, 100% success rate. And scotch eggs
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on March 03, 2016, 03:15:01 pm
My money is on Paul getting an Octavia Estate :)

Actually, we're now considering a 2nd, 'warm' hatch rather than ditching the 3-series. This is a combination of work, dog and generally living in a more rural area. Suzuki Swift Sport (Mk1) is favoured.

Twingo 133 - discounted as insurance is nuts compared to others
500 Abarth - silly money and really tiny boot due to shape
Panda 100hp - Nat hates them with a passion
C2 Loeb - horror stories of long waiting times for standard parts
Suzuki Swift Sport - seem favoured by saner people and are thus cheap to ensure. Evo seem to love them?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on March 03, 2016, 04:59:59 pm
My money is on Paul getting an Octavia Estate :)

Actually, we're now considering a 2nd, 'warm' hatch rather than ditching the 3-series. This is a combination of work, dog and generally living in a more rural area. Suzuki Swift Sport (Mk1) is favoured.

Twingo 133 - discounted as insurance is nuts compared to others
500 Abarth - silly money and really tiny boot due to shape
Panda 100hp - Nat hates them with a passion
C2 Loeb - horror stories of long waiting times for standard parts
Suzuki Swift Sport - seem favoured by saner people and are thus cheap to ensure. Evo seem to love them?

Wild card to throw into the mix - you can pick up bargain basement Seat Toledo V5's... which are (allegedly) alot of fun for the £££
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fiend on March 03, 2016, 08:54:14 pm
A3 2.0 tdi 170bhp  :ras:
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Mike Tyson on March 03, 2016, 10:37:32 pm
My money is on Paul getting an Octavia Estate :)

Actually, we're now considering a 2nd, 'warm' hatch rather than ditching the 3-series. This is a combination of work, dog and generally living in a more rural area. Suzuki Swift Sport (Mk1) is favoured.

Twingo 133 - discounted as insurance is nuts compared to others
500 Abarth - silly money and really tiny boot due to shape
Panda 100hp - Nat hates them with a passion
C2 Loeb - horror stories of long waiting times for standard parts
Suzuki Swift Sport - seem favoured by saner people and are thus cheap to ensure. Evo seem to love them?

Wild card to throw into the mix - you can pick up bargain basement Seat Toledo V5's... which are (allegedly) alot of fun for the £££

This is possibly the best statement I've ever heard on UKB, well said that man!

I owned one for 4 years, massively specced interior and creature comforts. V5 engine is super grunty, and makes a beautiful sound reminiscent of the old Audi rally cars.

I miss it so much, I check Autotrader every day for them. And I'm very close to buying a Mk4 Golf V5 in fact.

I'd advise getting the 170bhp model over the 150bhp one as well.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on March 04, 2016, 05:18:15 am
:) Think I was reminded by being behind a Romanian V5 Passat at the lights the other day...

On a similar note I had a 2 day job delivering cars once - and one was one of the first VR6 Corrado's... Suspect they have 'classic' status nowadays...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Mike Tyson on March 04, 2016, 05:54:57 am
I was doing a job in Ripon earlier in the year, and parked up at the house was a pristine Corrado Vr6 Storm! It was immaculate, and he had owned it from new.

I've managed to talk myself out of getting a Mk4 Golf 4motion...... just.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Mike Tyson on March 04, 2016, 06:16:56 am
If you decide against the Tolly, this is the next best option:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35705864
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dontfollowme on March 04, 2016, 07:56:46 am
Seat Leon Cupra? Old shape - should be cheaper than the R to insure.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: lagerstarfish on March 04, 2016, 08:07:06 am
If you decide against the Tolly, this is the next best option:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35705864

plenty of room in there for a pair of boots and a beer towel
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on March 04, 2016, 09:50:17 am

I was doing a job in Ripon earlier in the year, and parked up at the house was a pristine Corrado Vr6 Storm! It was immaculate, and he had owned it from new.

I've managed to talk myself out of getting a Mk4 Golf 4motion...... just.

I think FallingDown of this parish bought a mk5 4motion tdi that looked like a rare but decent option..

Super smooth that low angle compact V6 in the corrado.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: sxrxg on March 04, 2016, 12:18:17 pm
Have you considered a Mazda 2 Sport? Lots about second hand, drive is meant to be decent. Evo magazine had one in a group test with a panda 100hp, 500 arbarth, fiesta montone, and colt ralliart and it seemed to hold its own.

Sent from my ZTE A2016 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on March 04, 2016, 02:56:33 pm
Seat Leon Cupra? Old shape - should be cheaper than the R to insure.

These are too big (inc. the Toledo) for a 2nd car on our street. The swift is on the big side of things here.

Quote
Mazda 2 sport

Hold its own or win? Suzuki seems to be favoured by Evo for a long-term car rather than the immediate fun of the Twingo (which is meant to feel a bit harsh on real roads). Nat hates the 100hp or I'd get one as they're just really cheap and although I despise them initially, after a week in a hire car 1.2 I love them.

My house to Malham - 25 minutes!
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on April 23, 2016, 06:56:51 pm
Well, the 3-series shook (and I mean shook) its way back from France (and over the 198k mile mark) but is clearly not too healthy. We've found a good looking '08 vRS estate (CR TDI) with 80k miles on the clock.

What are people's opinions on buying at that mileage? Is it in the middle of 'turbo/clutch/DMF' failure territory? It hasn't had the big VAG service either but that will form part of negotiations.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on April 23, 2016, 07:44:00 pm
Cam belt would be ringing in my ears at that mileage... I'd suggest that could be part of the negotiations... Otherwise they last really well - RobL (rarely posts - but I could link you via FB if you like) has had one into the mid 100k's I think - no major probs, other than wheel bearings (rear) iirc
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Steve R on April 23, 2016, 07:55:12 pm
the big VAG service
I know it's pathetic but I always find this acronym pretty funny
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on April 23, 2016, 07:58:57 pm

the big VAG service
I know it's pathetic but I always find this acronym pretty funny

Got friends who have worked in VAG garages and they all take the piss out of the name too :)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on November 16, 2016, 04:59:41 pm
If anyone cares I finally plumped for a Mini Cooper D (2012, 44k miles, London 12 Edtn) and came very close buying a 2013 Suzuki Swift sport. The MKII SS was much better than the MK1 which I drove but it just lacked refinement and at higher speeds the cab noise would've been wearing (m/way). Fuel economy stats (and Fuelly) suggested 30mpg for the SS and nearer 45mpg in the real world for the Mini.

Both have completely useless boots but the Mini has lots of toys (Nav, Dab, Bluetooth etc.), will have a higher residual value if we've got it wrong (it's now for Nat to commute to a new job and we don't fully understand her required mileage) and given it's a diesel it has less chance of being misfueled (having now had diesels for >10 years).

An added bonus was the tax: £0

One thing missing from the car is the Mini Mobility Pack (it hasn't got run flats); can anyone recommend a tyre repair kit (is 'slime' and a compressor adequate?).
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: James Malloch on November 16, 2016, 05:37:59 pm
I'm in the market for a new car (budget circa £4k), something that will hopefully last 3/4 years which is our planned time to go on a big trip (post my gf's PhD).

Just wondering if anyone has any idea if it's worth going for something from a main dealer or not?

The best car I've owned (though it still required work) was from a main dealer and it's still going strong with it's new owner now I have sold it.

I definitely paid a premium for it, but I'm unsure if in general they have better second hand vehicles, or if they just shine them up well.

Any thoughts?

Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Coops_13 on November 16, 2016, 05:53:57 pm
I definitely paid a premium for it, but I'm unsure if in general they have better second hand vehicles, or if they just shine them up well.

Any thoughts?
i bought mine from a dealer, spent 40% of its value on work in six months :no: had it checked out by a mechanic as well ☹️️
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fultonius on November 18, 2016, 12:49:03 pm
If you have 4k to put on it, maybe get one for £3k and put the £1k in the bank for inevitable breakdowns?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on November 18, 2016, 01:06:09 pm
Dealers vary IMO. Your best bet is to drive a number of cars in the same model to see if you can identify differences and look everywhere (under, in, behind, remove any engine cover etc.) for obvious signs of issues. Googling a buyers guide for the car in question is also useful. I'd also look at the MOT history checker on the Gov website and then try and link it with service history (especially items on the last MOT). Try and buy with your head too as my least reliable car (an 04 320d M Sport Touring with ALL the toys) was bought despite having nagging doubts about it at the time (but I liked it).

I recently took a Mini Cooper S for a test-drive (from a large main dealer in Skipton). I returned it with white smoke billowing from the front (due to I think a sticking calliper). It didn't give me confidence that they'd done a thorough service of the trade-in before putting it up for sale; there seems to be a mentality of "see what the customer picks up" and "fix anything tragically wrong" but that's about it.

Likewise with third party dealers I've found that some do very little and others seem to pride themselves on the quality of their stock. If every other car on the forecourt looks like a gem then I'd wager then one you're looking at probably isn't a lemon.

I'm not sure what size of car you're looking at but I'd expect main dealers would have very little in the 4k price range (?). Older cars, or high(er) mileage cars get passed on to smaller 3rd party dealerships or even auctions instead. For another example I spoke to our local Honda dealership about being interested in Civic Type R/S and a few weeks later I got a call telling me they had one in stock. When I went to view it, it was on the ramps and I never made it back there. I rang up about a month later to find they'd moved it on (about 5 miles away) and it'd dropped ~1.5K in price!
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dave on July 03, 2017, 01:03:31 pm
Word up peeps, our '04 Passat 1.9 TDi is on 130k and starting to get an annoying amount of niggly things that need looking at (leccy windows, central locking, brake pad sensor, stereo, rh drivers side suspension clanking and the mystery phantom clutch thing I had this winter). Due to MOT start of Sept so thinking of maybe ditching it for something newer and ideally with better eco credentials, despite the fact I've loved having it, only cost us £2.5k and it has full leather interior and very comfy on longer drives.

Anyone had any direct experience of the affordable end of hybrids and/or plug-in hybrids?  We don't do massive amount of mileage (probably average or slightly below), my commute is about 5 minutes drive, but we do do decent drives length for family hols (scotland, alps, font etc) and climbing trips to wales/lakes/northumberland, so needs to be comfy. I'm hoping that pattern of use might fit a plug-in quite well, i.e. could do most of our normal day-to-day driving around town and local crags on zero petrol.

Really want to be a decent size which seems to cut down the options a lot. A Prius type of size might just be big enough, but maybe not. The Mitsubishi outlander PHEv looks good on paper. Ideally I'd have a second hand 2016 Passat GTE but I don't have £30K to burn.

Other option is just to plump for a few year old Passat again, and wait for the range on affordable EVs to catch up. BUT almost all the decent sized VWs out there second hand all seem to be diesel, and I do feel that really I maybe should be moving away from diesel now.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 03, 2017, 01:17:37 pm
Outlander is designed to foil the mpg test cycle. Just about every 'real day' use review shows them to have shocking MPG once the juice runs out.

I'd say for you're requisites (I've been looking for myself btw) its either a Prius, Prius+ or an Auris Estate.

Prius+ is basically a higher roof and longer prius - worse MPG - more room. Auris estate has the same drive train ~ I think ~ but in an estate size. You see quite a few Ubers with these so they must be alright.. though all the reviews say they're very uninspiring..

There are a couple of Lexi... CT200 and CT300 (I think) - the 200 has the same running gear as a prius, but its a lexus. Might be a wee bit small but worth a look? 300 has a larger engine (2.5?) and is more of a saloon - doesnt get as good reviews.

Have a look at the lease hire deals though - you can get a Hyundai iQuonic (I've probably spelt that wrong) for < £200 a month... (about 1.5G deposit then £200 a month for 2 years then give it back)...

There are alot of new hybrid/plug in hybrids coming along right now (Kia Niro - the Hyundai unpronounceable - Mini Countryman - BMW 2 series active tourer - that new Toyota space ship thing etc...) and I'm waiting a year or two until these trickle into the 2nd hand market and half their new price etc.. 
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dave on July 03, 2017, 01:27:34 pm
Outlander is designed to foil the mpg test cycle. Just about every 'real day' use review shows them to have shocking MPG once the juice runs out. 

Shocking as is worse than any normal 2.0L petrol SUV? There seems to be a lot of them around though, so they must be doing something right.

That Ioniq (as in the bond) looks OK, might be big enough.

Had a look at the leasing deals, seems a good option if you're hell bent on having a brand new car (we're not) and willing to pay the premium. It remains an option though, not sure the Mrs is that keen on it. Horror stories of huge fees for minor scrapes and wear & tear when you hand them back put me off. Or exceeding the mileage.

I think there is a decent sized Vauxhall plug-in but doesn't review too hot. Ideally be nice to stick with a jap or boche motor.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tommytwotone on July 03, 2017, 02:41:49 pm
Outlander is designed to foil the mpg test cycle. Just about every 'real day' use review shows them to have shocking MPG once the juice runs out. 

Shocking as is worse than any normal 2.0L petrol SUV? There seems to be a lot of them around though, so they must be doing something right.

That Ioniq (as in the bond) looks OK, might be big enough.

Had a look at the leasing deals, seems a good option if you're hell bent on having a brand new car (we're not) and willing to pay the premium. It remains an option though, not sure the Mrs is that keen on it. Horror stories of huge fees for minor scrapes and wear & tear when you hand them back put me off. Or exceeding the mileage.

I think there is a decent sized Vauxhall plug-in but doesn't review too hot. Ideally be nice to stick with a jap or boche motor.


I'd thought exactly the same thing about cars - our use pattern would be ideal for a full electric (I think we do max 1 100 mile plus journey a year) but a) they're unfeasibly pricey and b) with no off-road parking plugging in becomes problematic.


You're right on lease hire deals - sister-in-law has two cars (albeit heavily discounted through work) but the numbers just don't stack up for me compared to (say) a 3-year old motor of exactly the same shape / model / condition and that's before you factor in the add-ons when you hand it back. She smashed a wing mirror on her Xsara Picasso minibus thing and had to fork out £700 to get it fixed privately.


If I was hell bent on something modern I'd just scout an 18-month to 3 yr old approved second hand model, stick a private plate on it and no-one's any the wiser.


Given clampdown on diesels is imminent but not in immediate future I'd be tempted to go down the standard Passat / Octavia / Exeo TDI route, sweat it and wait for the hybrid tech to become more affordable / well known.



Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 03, 2017, 03:01:10 pm
If (Dave & 3T) you're doing mainly short journeys - then get a petrol. Diesels like to be given a good long hot run every 1000 miles or so to burn all the shit out of the DPF.. if you do lots of <20 mile journeys they wont last as long..

Lots of interesting stuff about they hybrids - people at first thought the prius would be over-engineered - not last as well, have reliability issues etc.. but things like regen braking - and the electric motor saving the petrol engine hard work at start ups and when pulling away means they are more reliable (in many ways) than their regular petrol equivalents. Lots of them about as taxis.. I was reading on a forum about a focus plug in hybrid (in the states - not available here) where the guy had done 30k miles in it - and only 1000 of them had been with the petrol engine running.. very low servicing costs as a result...

Hybrids are just a stop gap to full electric - plug in hybrids even more so. Then again, in 10 years time there will be loads of driverless cars about - so the game will have changed again...

Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dave on July 03, 2017, 03:09:12 pm
I read somewhere where in 2011 they tested the battery capacity of a ten year old 2001, comparing to charge held by a Prius of the same model that they had tested in 2001 when new. Basically the battery still held charge really well ten years later, which is good to know.

As I say our driving pattern these days is mainly local knocking around, with semi regular longer motorway burns. Which is probably why the engine in our passat seems to be going well - 130k but I'm sure there are ones out there of a similar age with 400k on the clock.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: a13c on July 03, 2017, 07:41:34 pm
My mum has a lexus ct200, inside is a nice place to be but the controls/driver interface are toss. The sat nav requires a nob to be turned to cycle through the alphabet, It'll beep if there's a problem but it won't tell you want the problem is, the boot is tiny and on a good run it'll get 53 mpg.... Personally I don't like it and wouldn't recommend one.

Sent from my XT1032 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dave on July 04, 2017, 09:13:36 am
My mum has a lexus ct200, inside is a nice place to be but the controls/driver interface are toss. The sat nav requires a nob to be turned to cycle through the alphabet, It'll beep if there's a problem but it won't tell you want the problem is, the boot is tiny and on a good run it'll get 53 mpg.... Personally I don't like it and wouldn't recommend one.

Sent from my XT1032 using Tapatalk



Good knowledge cheers.

That Kia Niro actually looks alright. It seems their 7-year warranty is transferable when bought second hand too.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 04, 2017, 09:18:16 am
Good knowledge cheers.

That Kia Niro actually looks alright. It seems their 7-year warranty is transferable when bought second hand too.

Yeah - I had a good nose at one in the flesh the other day. Looks pleasantly conventional.... not sure the boot is big enough for my needs though.. 

The Niro hybrid has been out for 8-9 months, so there are a few around 2nd hand - there is also a plug in hybrid version coming out about now (better mpg, slightly faster but less boot space (battery space..).

BTW, manufacturers warranty is always transferable under EU regs...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on July 04, 2017, 09:29:03 am
ditching it for something newer and ideally with better eco credentials, despite the fact I've loved having it, only cost us £2.5k and it has full leather interior and very comfy on longer drives.

Nothing you buy that's newer (unless it's a bike) will have better 'eco credentials' than your existing Passat (the scrappage scheme was a load of rubbish); this shouldn't be a motivating factor. I can completely understand niggles/potential reliability becoming an issue that warrants a change.

And with respect to your 130k, the courtesy car I'm given (Passat, 04 I think?) has ~440k on the clock (they bought it from one of their customers when it was well above 200k), it's a bit of a shed inside but the engine is still great.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Johnny Brown on July 04, 2017, 10:07:31 am
All I know about Priuses/ Priui is that they look to be about the worst car possible with ice/ snow on the road. Something about the weight of the batteries plus engine and electric torque. Helped a guy get his up the road past the Whiteley woods guide camp, a tortuous process, while every other car on the road just drove past.

If you want to go eco get a little electric run around and keep the Passat for long journeys. You got a trustworthy VAGarage?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dave on July 04, 2017, 10:23:58 am
If you want to go eco get a little electric run around and keep the Passat for long journeys.

It has been suggested, don't worry.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 04, 2017, 10:39:06 am
ditching it for something newer and ideally with better eco credentials, despite the fact I've loved having it, only cost us £2.5k and it has full leather interior and very comfy on longer drives.

Nothing you buy that's newer (unless it's a bike) will have better 'eco credentials' than your existing Passat (the scrappage scheme was a load of rubbish); this shouldn't be a motivating factor. I can completely understand niggles/potential reliability becoming an issue that warrants a change.

And with respect to your 130k, the courtesy car I'm given (Passat, 04 I think?) has ~440k on the clock (they bought it from one of their customers when it was well above 200k), it's a bit of a shed inside but the engine is still great.

All depends how you assess eco credentials. In terms of overall carbon emission probably not. But...

Theres nothing like wheeling a 6 month baby in a pram along the pavement next to a line of stationary traffic all idling away pumping out fumes to sharpen your focus on air quality. For that (air quality)- scrapping old cars and replacing them with zero emissions/hybrid/non diesels is very much the action needed. Spoken by an increasingly uncomfortable diesel owner.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: andy_e on July 04, 2017, 11:17:28 am
The seats in that Volvo are uncomfortable?!

I was an avid diesel-head (and still am for long journeys) but I'm now considering whether I still need a diesel since moving back to Leeds. It probably doesn't make a huge difference on driving out to the 'cliff and it improves air quality around me. The only thing that I will lose out on is the occasional trip to Font or up to Scotland, where it will end up costing a fair bit more to fill up. Not sure at all what to do about the next ride!
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on July 04, 2017, 11:19:32 am
Theres nothing like wheeling a 6 month baby in a pram along the pavement next to a line of stationary traffic all idling away pumping out fumes to sharpen your focus on air quality. For that (air quality)- scrapping old cars and replacing them with zero emissions/hybrid/non diesels is very much the action needed. Spoken by an increasingly uncomfortable diesel owner.

Come on, moving the emissions elsewhere in the world doesn't change their existence. The embodied energy / embodied carbon in the newer vehicle (shipping?) will far surpass the environmental harm of your old diesel (sleep easy  :shag: ).
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dave on July 04, 2017, 11:23:36 am
Part of me thinks now the smartest move would be fix up all the stuff on the passat, get a new cheap bluetooth stereo, actually clean it, then use for longer drives only. Then wait a couple of years till the Passat GTE plugins are affordable used. Meanwhile swap our '03 Micra for a few-years-old Leaf as a runaround. Will take some persuading to sell this to the Mrs.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tommytwotone on July 04, 2017, 11:36:02 am
Part of me thinks now the smartest move would be fix up all the stuff on the passat, get a new cheap bluetooth stereo, actually clean it, then use for longer drives only. Then wait a couple of years till the Passat GTE plugins are affordable used. Meanwhile swap our '03 Micra for a few-years-old Leaf as a runaround. Will take some persuading to sell this to the Mrs.


Almost precisely what I was considering when we had a house with off street parking. If you're looking at a full electric that Renault Zoe looks OK, but don't know if the depreciation has really kicked in enough on them yet.
 
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dave on July 04, 2017, 11:43:51 am
Zoe looks OK but the question is does the mechanical simplicity of the EV system negate my ingrained predisposition to naturally rule out any French or Italian? I had a Fiat once, and it was very much Fix it Again Tomorrow.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 04, 2017, 11:57:50 am
Different purchase models... with the zoe the car is cheap (£13k?) but you have to lease the battery. With the leaf you own the lot..
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Johnny Brown on July 04, 2017, 12:08:09 pm
Bransbubble has just bought a Zoe.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Oldmanmatt on July 04, 2017, 12:15:12 pm
Part of me thinks now the smartest move would be fix up all the stuff on the passat, get a new cheap bluetooth stereo, actually clean it, then use for longer drives only. Then wait a couple of years till the Passat GTE plugins are affordable used. Meanwhile swap our '03 Micra for a few-years-old Leaf as a runaround. Will take some persuading to sell this to the Mrs.


Almost precisely what I was considering when we had a house with off street parking. If you're looking at a full electric that Renault Zoe looks OK, but don't know if the depreciation has really kicked in enough on them yet.

Not electric, but we've just done this, or similar anyway.
As a family of six, cars are complicated. We thought the solution was an 8seater van; it wasn't.

We just got rid of all our new vehicles and replaced them with a small (Citroen C3) runaround for work/commute @£140/pcm and a 7 seater (Peugeot 308) with a tow hitch and an Ebay trailer (£100) @£140/pcm. They're 2014 and 2012 manufacture, respectively.
That brought our monthly down from £450(van) and £250 (estate car) and reduced tax and insurance bills dramatically.
Just can't understand now why I was so obsessed with having a flash car or even the van.
We went to Wales camping this last weekend, with both cars and still spent less on fuel than the same trip with the van.
£20 of fuel in the C3, lasts two weeks of commuting and the odd day trip within 20 miles or so. The van drank £30/week just commuting. The 308 did the 5hr there and back to Wales, plus running around there and a commute on Monday on £30's worth, too.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tommytwotone on July 04, 2017, 12:28:33 pm
Zoe looks OK but the question is does the mechanical simplicity of the EV system negate my ingrained predisposition to naturally rule out any French or Italian?


TBH one of the weakest points of every French motor I've come across has been just that - electrics!


Might be best to punt for the Leaf then...checking eBay, looks like you pick up sensible aged ones for c£5k. Given that we need to replace one of our hatchbacks soon that is food for thought.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Johnny Brown on July 04, 2017, 03:20:21 pm
Quote
get a new cheap bluetooth stereo

Have you got a line in? I just bought one of these dongles:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bluetooth-Receiver-Portable-Microphone-Streaming/dp/B00Y29NXEA/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1499177991&sr=8-3&keywords=bluetooth+receiver
Works perfectly, just needs a USB charge for forty minutes every 7 hrs or so.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dave on July 04, 2017, 03:38:52 pm
Nah not got a line-in. 6CD changer though! Have got a faglighter bluetooth-radio transmitter thing but the audio quality isn't great. Could just replace my knackered tape-on-a-string.....
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Johnny Brown on July 04, 2017, 04:16:18 pm
Bummer, the FM ones are bullshit. No way to wire a line in at the back? I got some dude off an Audi forum to do mine, he also fitted cruise control.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tommytwotone on July 04, 2017, 04:36:35 pm
Yeah - you can spoof the stereo into thinking it's the CD changer if I remember rightly. My best mate did it on his Audi.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 06, 2017, 10:15:12 am
So it's insurance renewal time for me - and it's up from £515 to £550 (pre haggling..).

But a conparethecomparethemarketconaprisons check has turned up a comparative policy with the 'drivers club' for £330 - which involves a self fitted black box (presumably to the car - not me :) ).

Any experience of such shizzle from here? Tt
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 06, 2017, 03:17:59 pm
So tried the cheap quote - after paying had to call another number then they wanted another £120! Plus a £30 admin fee. Then when I tried to cancel they wanted to charge £30... presently battling with Axa customer services... anyone got watchdogs number.. thieving c&£ts.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dave on July 06, 2017, 03:44:38 pm
Yeah - you can spoof the stereo into thinking it's the CD changer if I remember rightly. My best mate did it on his Audi.

Then what will I use to play my CDs?

Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tommytwotone on July 06, 2017, 03:56:17 pm
No lie, as my aerial connection is knackered (and in accessible thanks to Skoda's "robust" dashboard design) I'm currently having to use my phone, playing the FM radio app, fed back through the stereo via the line in if I want to listen to R4 in the mornings.



Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: galpinos on July 06, 2017, 05:04:39 pm
Come on, moving the emissions elsewhere in the world doesn't change their existence. The embodied energy / embodied carbon in the newer vehicle (shipping?) will far surpass the environmental harm of your old diesel (sleep easy  :shag: ).

Paul, this sounds like an excuse of a petrol(diesel) head reluctant to embrace electric cars. The embodied energy and CO2 of a Tesla Model S is equivalent to 60,000km is a "standard" IC car. There are many advantages of "moving the emissions" and it does "change their existence".

1. Pollution and particulate issues in cities - As per tomtom, living just inside the M60 the air quality is shite and likely cause an increase in respiratory issues. Electric cars are part of the solution in improving air quality.
2. Energy generation in power stations and distributed via the grid is more efficient than IC engines - fewer emissions
3. It allows the use of renewable/green energy to power your car. Replace your roof tiles with some Tesla tiles, stick a power bank in your basement, buy your energy from bulb or whoever and you're hunky dory.

So, maybe don't sleep easy and consider making changes for the good of us all?

(As a confession, I have two diesel vehicles but am feeling increasingly guilty and off road parking for an electric vehicle is a big consideration in new house choice)
Title: Car advice
Post by: dave on July 06, 2017, 07:36:16 pm
Well I test drove an Outlander PHEV tonight. Seemed quite nice. First time i've even driven an automatic though, which was weird. Kinda feels like cheating.

Not the widest car out there (officially 10cm narrower than my Passat) but a large Pod mat, and I would guess a Moon Warrior, will fit between the wheel arches in the boot.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 06, 2017, 07:41:53 pm
Well I test drove an Outlander PHEV tonight. Seemed quite nice. First time i've even driven an automatic though, which was weird. Kinda feels like cheating.

Not the widest car out there (officially 10cm narrower than my Passat) but a large Pod mat, and I would guess a Moon Warrior, will fit between the wheel arches in the boot.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/mitsubishi/mitsubishi-outlander-phev-long-term-test/
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dave on July 06, 2017, 08:04:10 pm
Don't worry, I've already read pretty much everything out there. First car we've test drove simply because of the limited plug-ins that's the most common, so easy to find one local to check out.  Bear in mind mine and the wife's commute to work is under 2 miles.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: El Mocho on July 07, 2017, 08:06:10 am
I don't know much about any of the Hybrids but my wife has had the Zoe for a few months now. We are 100% happy with it.

We got one under a year old, with 1,000 miles (a demonstrator at a Renault garage, Stockport) for 8K, Renault fund the installation of a 'fast' charger at your house (charges car in a few hours rather than about 12 if doing it off a normal socket)

I've driven my mums auto a bunch and this is a nicer drive than that - the torque (or whatever you call it) is instantaneous and at a constant level, pulling out at junctions, even on steep hills, is really easy. Driving around the Peak/Shef the car is obv really quiet (legally the car has to make a humming noise between 8 and 18 mph so you don't kill cyclists/pedestrians). Spec wise it's the nicest car we've had (it's also by far the newest/lowest mileage we've had so that's prob why it's so nice!)

Driving it to/from work is perfect, never have to go to petrol station. We charge it on my mums drive (lives on same road, we don't have off road parking) and due to her having solar panels and the weird way they pay for her elec (they assume you use 50% of the energy the solar panel produce - the meter for the solar is before it feeds into the switch board) so it ends up being really cheap if we charge the car whilst the sun is shining (weather it is completely free or not I guess depends on how much the solar is producing verses how much the car is taking - we pay her the full amount (there is an app with the charge unit) so she could be making money on the deal)

It's pretty crap on the motorway - over 60mph and the range goes down really quickly. The range is pretty low anyhow (in use max range is just under 90 miles but you get pretty excited when the remaining range drops below 20 when on a big journey) and charge points in the sticks can be a bit temperamental (I went to 3 up on the North York moors before I found one which was working/not behind a locked gate, range getting lower and lower)

You lease the Zoe battery (why the car was 'only' 8K, leasing is based on the annual miles you do we pay £60/month I think) for an extra £10 you can lease the new battery which has double the range.

Boot doesn't really fit a pad, does just fit 2 dogs.

Obv you need off street parking.

Don't pay road tax, servicing meant to be very cheap, free recovery (mechanical or if you run out of charge) included with battery lease, you get to drive around like a smug bastard whilst failing to tell people about the big diesel estate you also own and the flights around the world you take. I love it.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dave on July 07, 2017, 08:11:27 am
Good insight BB, cheers.


Boot doesn't really fit a pad, does just fit 2 dogs.


Anyone know which the best breeds of dog are to land on heavily from 12ft?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: jfdm on July 07, 2017, 09:14:11 am
Maybe wait till 2020 for one of these bad boys.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cfRqNAhAe6c (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cfRqNAhAe6c)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: cowboyhat on July 07, 2017, 02:50:33 pm

Driving it to/from work is perfect, never have to go to petrol station.

Well that must be a relief.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4082/35389114410_36535085d2_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/VVdsM1)Journey to work (https://flic.kr/p/VVdsM1) by charwllms (https://www.flickr.com/photos/85333725@N00/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 07, 2017, 05:07:01 pm
Don't worry, I've already read pretty much everything out there. First car we've test drove simply because of the limited plug-ins that's the most common, so easy to find one local to check out.  Bear in mind mine and the wife's commute to work is under 2 miles.

Sorry if this is a daft Q - but if it's under two miles why not walk/cycle?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dave on July 07, 2017, 05:08:56 pm
Don't you start.....
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 07, 2017, 07:12:38 pm
Long driveway?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: andy_e on July 07, 2017, 09:16:36 pm
Two miles through the ghetto to be fair, Dave's got his daps to protect.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dave on July 09, 2017, 08:28:17 pm
Maybe wait till 2020 for one of these bad boys.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cfRqNAhAe6c (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cfRqNAhAe6c)

That would be a great drink-driving pubcrawl car.

Testdrove a 2016 Auris Touring hybrid yesterday ("Touring" = estate backend). Seems like a decent car, easy to drive, petrol engine gets a bit noisy going up hills like it lacked grunt, but I guess I'm currently spoilt with the 1.9 TDi in the Passat. No doubt a good motorway cruiser, probably less good for knocking about in the Peak.

Crucially in the boot the gap between the wheel arches was a bit tight, a shade under 1m, could probably have squeezed my old Pod in but I reckon a brand new Moon Warrior would have been too big.

Having a 4-day testdrive of a Leaf this week after checking a demo one out today. Boot is surprisingly big actually, might even take a Pod/Moon mat, we'll see. Seems they depreciate heavily in the first year or so (by normal standards) so probably some good deals out there to be had on second hand ones.

Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fultonius on July 09, 2017, 10:39:17 pm
Anyone dropped a grand on a Telsa pre-order?  You can cancel and get a refund at any point. I'm tempted in a "well, I don't know what position I'll be in in mid 2018 but maybe a new Tesla would fit the bill" way of thinking...

I have now got a regular 62 mile drive to work when I'm on site. I have looked into getting a Renault Zoe as, with 52p per mile "business mileage" I would actually make money driving to work. The major issue is, even though I work at a wind turbine, the owner isn't willing to put in a charge point. I live in a flat so there's nowhere to charge overnight, so, for now it looks like I might be stuck.  :(
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 10, 2017, 07:58:57 am
RE Ev's - its worth looking at the actual costs of the 'fuel' - in this case electricity.

I read quite an interesting breakdown of one of those Outlander PHEV's - and it reconed that on a medium/pricey electricity tarrif it worked out at 60mpg (when converted via petrol costs)..

Also - the ecotricity points (in petrol stations) are not cheap... they have to make their installation costs (c.50k per point I heard) back somehow... Though some places like IKEA give you ££ off your bill if you charge there...

If your work has the infrastructure then great... for me, my 'commute' is 110 miles to Hull and back once and occasionally twice a week. There are 3 public charging points in Hull. 250000 people. Maybe when range is reliably 250 miles (I too looked at a Tesla pre-order) a full EV would be a runner for me.

Additional anecdote - in a car forum I contribute to, one of the posters there - at his work they installed free charge points. He ditched his diesel, bought an i3 and now has a 100% FOC commute...

I don't think we're at a tipping point, but its getting close.....
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dave on July 10, 2017, 08:23:41 am
RE Ev's - its worth looking at the actual costs of the 'fuel' - in this case electricity.

I read quite an interesting breakdown of one of those Outlander PHEV's - and it reconed that on a medium/pricey electricity tarrif it worked out at 60mpg (when converted via petrol costs)..

60mpg isn't bad for a 2-tonne petrol SUV!

I did a bit of maths based on our annual mileage and driving patterns of the current Passat. Basically I reckoned the 50% of our annual mile which is on long journeys would increase in cost by 20%, but the 50% which is local or within the mainly-EV range of an Outlander would decrease in cost by two thirds at least (Outlander EV range costing ~6.5p per mile, equivalent Passat cost 18-25p per mile). So overall a net winner if fuel costs alone are considered. That was based on our fixed tariff home supply at 12.5p per kwh, if we went to a smart meter and charged at night we could maybe half that EV cost per mile again.

Also - the ecotricity points (in petrol stations) are not cheap

That is true. Looked like 17p per kwh plus a £3 hookup fee. So to fully charge an Outlander PHEV battery (10kwh - the battery is 12kwh but always keeps 2kwh) you're talking £4.70. When test driving the Outlander the dealer said if running in "charge" mode it would take either 3 or 4 litres of fuel to fully charge the battery, which at current fuel prices is either cheaper or exactly the same as the Ecotricity charger, only without the 30min wait. So basically from a cost point of view there's nothing to be gained by rapid charging it at those prices. I suspect they have priced them like that specifically to deter plugin hybrid users clogging up the stations to prioritise full EV user (which is fair enough).
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 10, 2017, 08:36:30 am
Some good numbers there Dave..

It'll be interesting to see how the market shakes up... will you (for example) find more shops/supermarkets/coffee shops/McDonalds etc.. offering free charges - they make their ££ from the customer spending 30-40 min charging and having a soy-latte and quinoa salad ££kerching ?

When will the first FAKE charge point be set up! Scam your card details etc... :)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dave on July 10, 2017, 08:47:20 am
I doubt I personally would as we never currently physically set foot in any supermarkets or god forbid mcdonalds at present anyway. Metropolitan liberal elite mate, it's all about online shopping and local artisanal barista joints while Pippa is at cello lessons.

What is clear is that you could get a two or three year old Leaf for local-ish driving AND say a 5-6 year old TDi estate for long holidays drives for the same money or less than any of the current limited range of affordable family-size plugin hybrids. Obvs then you've got to insure two cars, but worth a look if you're a family which was running one big main car plus a clapped out runaround banger for 'er indoors anyway.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: petejh on July 10, 2017, 09:58:18 am
Good insight BB, cheers.


Boot doesn't really fit a pad, does just fit 2 dogs.


Anyone know which the best breeds of dog are to land on heavily from 12ft?


Moon Pluto.


(http://68.media.tumblr.com/80861b68ac36820f4bccf53b0e937b97/tumblr_inline_n7o6szHAMY1s4207v.gif)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: chris j on July 10, 2017, 10:47:15 am

What is clear is that you could get a two or three year old Leaf for local-ish driving AND say a 5-6 year old TDi estate for long holidays drives for the same money or less than any of the current limited range of affordable family-size plugin hybrids.

Can a Leaf take 2 rear facing child seats & a good size buggy? If it can or there's another relatively affordable (2nd hand) full EV that can (that's not the size of a Tesla Model S) I'll be all over it...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dave on July 10, 2017, 11:01:45 am
From what we saw of it, I would say yes or at least possibly. Will depend on what kind of size/shape/volume the buggy folds to, but I was surprised by how decent the boot was. Certainly way bigger boot than our old Micra.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 10, 2017, 12:54:35 pm
MOST importantly - can you report how well each EV/Plugin etc.. does a handbrake turn in the Plantation car park?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dave on July 10, 2017, 12:58:52 pm
Can you even do a handbrake turn with a pushbutton electric handbrake? Maybe Slackline can help us root the BIOS and hack the firmware 1110100101011000111010101010.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 10, 2017, 01:00:08 pm
Can you even do a handbrake turn with a pushbutton electric handbrake? Maybe Slackline can help us root the BIOS and hack the firmware 1110100101011000111010101010.

Come on Ice -just give it a try :)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dave on July 10, 2017, 07:37:17 pm
Leaf update: boot will just take my large-pod-with-a-moon-launchpad-inside, but not laid flat. Bags etc would fit behind. Will try and test with a moon warrior this week.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170710/1d94789144f3488e400753f8a2c6b188.jpg)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 10, 2017, 08:10:13 pm
That's pretty big for a hatchback boot...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dave on July 10, 2017, 10:18:02 pm
Will also take a smaller mat like an old small pod flat in the bottom.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170710/d771ab906556a62bb8caf61de4dba721.jpg)

Also fitted Scouse's purple warrior just fine. And his bouldering mat.

What is clear that the main impediment to getting stuff in isn't the size of the boot but the narrow opening, as if often the case on smaller cars.

Gone out to Stanage and back tonight. Drives easily, and corners pretty flat too. Decent stereo, coped with the heavy bass on Still D.R.E. just fine, and didn't even flinch at Bitch Niggaz. Going to put it through its Wu Tang paces tomorrow.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fultonius on July 10, 2017, 11:01:46 pm
RE Ev's - its worth looking at the actual costs of the 'fuel' - in this case electricity.

I read quite an interesting breakdown of one of those Outlander PHEV's - and it reconed that on a medium/pricey electricity tarrif it worked out at 60mpg (when converted via petrol costs)..

Also - the ecotricity points (in petrol stations) are not cheap... they have to make their installation costs (c.50k per point I heard) back somehow... Though some places like IKEA give you ££ off your bill if you charge there...

If your work has the infrastructure then great... for me, my 'commute' is 110 miles to Hull and back once and occasionally twice a week. There are 3 public charging points in Hull. 250000 people. Maybe when range is reliably 250 miles (I too looked at a Tesla pre-order) a full EV would be a runner for me.

Additional anecdote - in a car forum I contribute to, one of the posters there - at his work they installed free charge points. He ditched his diesel, bought an i3 and now has a 100% FOC commute...

I don't think we're at a tipping point, but its getting close.....

I crunched some numbers on the Zoe and the annual cost per mile of the battery lease was surprisingly close to the fuel cost of a 50+mpg vehicle.

Assume 1000 miles per month, comparing only monthly running costs:

Zoe = £30 in electricity (home charge) plus £110 battery lease = £140/month (zero tonnes CO2 if you charge of your own wind turbine/solar panels etc.)
Generic Cheap diesel small turbo petrol (Polo 1.2 TSI 45MPG) = £147/month petrol  (3 Tonnes C02)

You *can* buy the battery outright for an extra £6k.

I'm still keen! Just the charging issue for me to solve...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tommytwotone on July 16, 2017, 11:23:01 pm
The Park and Ride in Leeds I use has a bunch of charging points, if we did take the plunge we'd be paying zero to charge up.

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: andy_e on July 17, 2017, 09:19:40 am
(zero tonnes CO2 if you charge of your own wind turbine/solar panels etc.)

Another option would be to use an energy supplier who provide a renewables-only tariff...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 17, 2017, 10:26:56 am
The Park and Ride in Leeds I use has a bunch of charging points, if we did take the plunge we'd be paying zero to charge up.

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

Bet they're not free... (be pleasantly surprised if so!).
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dave on July 17, 2017, 11:04:53 am
We've taken decision that we're probably gonna get a few-yea-old Leaf later this summer when the new regs come out and people start to trade in, hopefully plenty of chance for a deal. Apparently Nissan dealers are offering 0% finance on used and £1k of the deposit, and free home charger installed.

Also, and it's no use to me, but if you've got a Leaf then you can rock up at any Nissan dealership and charge for fuck-all. Might be handy if anyone works near one. Might even extend to other makes/other dealerships, as mutually they benefit each other if life is made easier for all EV owners.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tommytwotone on July 17, 2017, 03:41:28 pm
The Park and Ride in Leeds I use has a bunch of charging points, if we did take the plunge we'd be paying zero to charge up.

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

Bet they're not free... (be pleasantly surprised if so!).
Looks like they are...

http://www.wymetro.com/parkandride



Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: andy_e on July 18, 2017, 08:48:40 am
Back to the gas guzzlers... Does anyone have a Skoda Rapid estate? Are they a Fabia replacement?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: sdm on July 18, 2017, 12:11:28 pm
(zero tonnes CO2 if you charge of your own wind turbine/solar panels etc.)

Another option would be to use an energy supplier who provide a renewables-only tariff...

As long as you're drawing electricity from the grid, these tariffs are nothing but marketing BS used to make people feel better about themselves.

Until the whole grid is all renewables, every user drawing from the grid is using their share of wind, solar, gas, coal and nuclear.

Depending on the provider, these tariffs may lead to a slight increase in the renewables contribution to the grid but there can be no such thing as a fossil fuel free tariff as long as you are drawing electricity from the grid.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 18, 2017, 03:03:09 pm
Though - its interesting to note that for July (so far) Coal stations have only been running at 10% of load - and at 20% for the year to date... (OK - Oil and Gas will be more than that but....)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Duma on July 18, 2017, 03:32:21 pm
Oil won't, it'll be pretty much zero. Gas is the biggest chunk of our grid though
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Duma on July 18, 2017, 03:34:47 pm
Yesterday was the third highest ever for PV generation in the UK too. (8.3GW peak)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Jim on July 20, 2017, 09:57:53 am
 Going back to fossil fuelled powered cars, we're looking to upgrade to a 7 seat (5+2) mpv type car. Referring back to earlier discussion 're diesel vs petrol engines, I was of the thinking that the general consensus was that petrol isn't quite as bad as diesel despite the better mpgs of diesel the lower NO2 output of petrol outweighs this. Also with rumours of cities banning diesel engines in cars and diesel car scrappage schemes i find it odd that all the cars i look at are predominately diesel powered?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Duma on July 20, 2017, 12:54:25 pm
My understanding is NOx is bad for people, CO2 is bad for the planet.

Petrol are better re NOx, diesel better re CO2.

[speculation] If you do lots of miles out of town diesel probably better and cheaper, if less miles and more in town balance probably tips to petrol to minimize air pollution for the kids [/speculation]
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: andy_e on July 20, 2017, 12:58:06 pm
That was also the conclusion of my relatively uninformed speculation too.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: jfdm on July 20, 2017, 02:05:46 pm
Also with rumours of cities banning diesel engines in cars and diesel car scrappage schemes i find it odd that all the cars i look at are predominately diesel powered?
Was in and out of car giant (massive car supermarket) in London last week. The vast majority of cars were diesel, I'd say 1/3 to1/4 of cars were petrol. Make of it what you will, but my feeling has been over the last 10-15 yrs diesels were promoted as being efficient in terms of running costs. Over the last last couple of years diesels have gotten some deservedly bad press, due to immisions and testing. People have cottoned on to this and simply dumping diesel for petrol.
On the cars fucking cars thread last week I mentioned that city driving in a diesel can break flywheel plus clutch, when I phoned garage last week it would cost between £700-1500 to fix, this was BMW 118d, 5yrs old 50,000 miles.  :( Apparently common problem with diesels driven in cities. So from now on I am going to stay clear of diesels.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dave on July 20, 2017, 02:14:10 pm
The impression I got from looking at family cars the last few weeks, and what people in the trade have been saving is that there's been a lot of folks dumping diesels. Literally almost all the bigish VWs on the VWcars used website are diesel.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 20, 2017, 02:52:49 pm
It's all about the warming up (of the engine - not the planet)

Modern diesels perform best when they are really really warmed up... if you diesel owners have watched the mpg over a really long journey - after 50-60 miles you get significantly better mpg than the first 50-60. Also the particulate filtering systems on the exhausts work at their best when hot/fully warmed up. All emissions tests are carried out on hot engines...

Petrol engines give much better emissions - when cold and iirc importantly also warm up faster. Also I think the cat convertor/emissions control is less temp dependant than diesel.

So - if most of your journeys are <20 miles buy a petrol. If >20 get a diesel.

The large number of 2nd had diesels may represent some dumping - but it also represents the huge number sold.. when I bought my Volvo 2 years ago (before all the shit hit the fan) there were 10:1 diesel to petrol...

It's also staggering the efficiency that modern petrol engines can operate at. The F1 cars are getting 50+% efficiency from their engine/hybrid/energy reclamation systems - 5 years ago it was 25-30.... there's some interesting soapbox science on whether a f1 car is more thermally efficient than a tesla...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 20, 2017, 02:55:43 pm
I'm rambling... my view for what it's worth is that hybrid(with without plugin) is right for the next 3-5 years then full electrics will he come feasibly mainstream (range - charging network etc..).
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: andy_e on July 20, 2017, 04:12:36 pm
Just had a quick look out of interest at the price of the Mitsu Outlander. Other than being twice my budget, it would appear they're all automatic? Is this the case with all hybrids?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: dave on July 20, 2017, 04:30:37 pm
I think virtually all hybrids are automatics yeah.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Jim on July 21, 2017, 09:50:52 am
Interesting with the perceived shift away from diesel that new cars are predominately still diesel powered?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 21, 2017, 10:38:39 am
Interesting with the perceived shift away from diesel that new cars are predominately still diesel powered?

Manufacturers will (I presume) still be geared up for 50/50 Diesel/Petrol sales of a year ago... I know they have pretty tight supply lines now (just in time stock control blah blah) but probably have bulk orders for the engines (which are made by fewer manufacturers). I'm guessing though....

The 3 cylinder petrol lumps are pretty decent nowadays - used to be awful but now seem fine (from the 2-3 I've driven..)..
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fultonius on July 21, 2017, 07:56:42 pm
I need some suggestions!

The Renault Zoe/Future Tesla plans are on hold due to lack of suitable charging points.

I have around £9k to spend and want:

Estate (to fit the bike in)
45+MPG
0.-60 <7 seconds  8)
Comfy motorway cruiser (arm rest, bluetooth, good seats, cruise control)
Good fun to drive

I'm not too fussed about residuals as I'll be getting 52p/mile to drive, and probably driving it into the ground. I could go cheap & efficient (i.e £3k, 50mpg+) but I will be spending 10hrs a week in it, so I want to enjoy those 10 hours!

Just test drove this:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201707107247146?atmobcid=soc3

Which is very nice but priced a bit high I think.  Very much NOT a renault zoe  :-[
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fultonius on July 21, 2017, 08:30:41 pm
P.S. Work currently involves driving up and down about half a mile of pot-holed gravel "site access" road. Clearly 18" wheels and low-profile tyres are not ideal...but....but....M sport!
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Mike Tyson on July 21, 2017, 08:38:55 pm

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201707127325665?atmobcid=soc3

 :2thumbsup:
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Mike Tyson on July 21, 2017, 08:42:37 pm

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201707087186802?atmobcid=soc3

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201706166508989?atmobcid=soc3
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Mike Tyson on July 21, 2017, 08:43:02 pm
I love car shopping!
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fultonius on July 21, 2017, 08:59:53 pm
Good stuff, keep 'em coming! (preferably <100 miles from Glasgow, but I can travel a bit further if it's really good)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Mike Tyson on July 21, 2017, 09:10:00 pm

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201706306941652?atmobcid=soc3

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201703062971006?atmobcid=soc3
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 21, 2017, 09:51:21 pm
None of those links work for my btw...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fultonius on July 21, 2017, 10:24:17 pm
Weirdly Autotrader links don't seem to work on mobiles, I noticed the same; works fine on the PC though.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Mike Tyson on July 21, 2017, 10:48:35 pm
Sadly your choices seem limited to BMW, Audi, Merc, Skoda so basically zee Germans. They do know how to do the type of car you're looking for very well though. Not much from the Far East either.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fultonius on July 21, 2017, 10:52:34 pm
I still have reservations about huge wheels, low suspension and daily gravel road driving...

Wondering about something like an A4 Avant Allroad, 2.0tdi chip tuned to 220 bhp... 

Edited to say: shame the MPG is more like 35 than 45...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Mike Tyson on July 21, 2017, 11:02:43 pm
The tax is silly on some too. Just looked at an A6 that fits the bill, but it's £520 per year! Crazy.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Mike Tyson on July 21, 2017, 11:27:40 pm
This fits the bill I think, and isn't too far (I think!)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201705215685061?atmobcid=soc3
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Duma on July 22, 2017, 09:47:39 am
I've got a A3 estate s-line quattro and def wouldn't want to take it up and down a potholed lane, it goes round corners nicely but isn't that comfy compared to my old passat tbh.

Sent from my E5823 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on July 22, 2017, 01:02:56 pm
My Octavia vRS isn't doing too badly making two site visits a week up site access tracks to reservoirs (potholed an patched with 150mm stone). The tyres on it seem far more sensible than I had on the 3-series (M-sport touring) but then again I took that to the same sites.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 22, 2017, 01:54:35 pm
XC70 D5 awd. Bit of a tank but fast comfy and toughened.

TBH - from your list it's going to be German, diesel or a Volvo.

Or... Saab 93 Estate. There's a couple of v6 awd rocket ships out there.. bad fuel economy, but fit an lpg kit??
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 22, 2017, 02:02:54 pm
Quite a few 12-14 reg Fabia VRS estates about... petrol - decent sized boot, Dsg box, 0-60 in 7.0
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fultonius on July 22, 2017, 03:56:50 pm
My Octavia vRS isn't doing too badly making two site visits a week up site access tracks to reservoirs (potholed an patched with 150mm stone). The tyres on it seem far more sensible than I had on the 3-series (M-sport touring) but then again I took that to the same sites.

Are you generally preferring the VRS?  What BMW did you have gain, you had loads of problems didn't you?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on July 22, 2017, 04:29:18 pm
I had loads of problems but to be fair to the car, many of them were self inflicted by buying a (relatively high spec) car at 140k miles ('04 320d touring with a stupidly long list of optional extras). For instance, I should've noticed that it was running cool when I bought it. I had to fit a new DMF/clutch (fairly unsurprising given the mileage), replace the thermostat (should've spotted this really) and replace the wiring loom (I'll let myself off on that one). Beyond that I had an awful lot of tyre issues that may or may not have been related to the alloys being quite old/knackered (combined with Sheffield roads). I traded it in for the Octavia at 198,950 miles (and looking on the DVLA website it's still going).

I really like my Octavia (11 plate, ~100k miles). The boot is massive (I can easily fit loads of climbing gear and our quite large dog in the boot leaving plenty of space. Likewise, with the seats flat I can fit my bike in without issues. It'll come to the south of France in Dec with bike, dog and climbing gear and I can't see space being an issue. Undoubtedly the ride is less harsh and the massive lump of torque makes it a pretty 'lazy' drive. However, it's simply not as good to drive or as involved as the 3-series. I drove the 3 around Lancashire when house hunting in snow/ice and never found it impossibly bad but driving back from Kendal on one particularly wet day was terrifying (we passed an almost identical 3-series touring that had spun off into the central reservation). On long drives the 3-series was a nicer place to be with far less road noise and just a better level of finish all-round. I'd have bought another one but the boot profile slopes inwards both towards the back of the car and also from the roof which I thought compromised the space a bit too much (for the dog). I was probably wrong with this but the Octavia was far better value.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fultonius on July 22, 2017, 05:02:25 pm
I had loads of problems but to be fair to the car, many of them were self inflicted by buying a (relatively high spec) car at 140k miles ('04 320d touring with a stupidly long list of optional extras). For instance, I should've noticed that it was running cool when I bought it. I had to fit a new DMF/clutch (fairly unsurprising given the mileage), replace the thermostat (should've spotted this really) and replace the wiring loom (I'll let myself off on that one). Beyond that I had an awful lot of tyre issues that may or may not have been related to the alloys being quite old/knackered (combined with Sheffield roads). I traded it in for the Octavia at 198,950 miles (and looking on the DVLA website it's still going).

I really like my Octavia (11 plate, ~100k miles). The boot is massive (I can easily fit loads of climbing gear and our quite large dog in the boot leaving plenty of space. Likewise, with the seats flat I can fit my bike in without issues. It'll come to the south of France in Dec with bike, dog and climbing gear and I can't see space being an issue. Undoubtedly the ride is less harsh and the massive lump of torque makes it a pretty 'lazy' drive. However, it's simply not as good to drive or as involved as the 3-series. I drove the 3 around Lancashire when house hunting in snow/ice and never found it impossibly bad but driving back from Kendal on one particularly wet day was terrifying (we passed an almost identical 3-series touring that had spun off into the central reservation). On long drives the 3-series was a nicer place to be with far less road noise and just a better level of finish all-round. I'd have bought another one but the boot profile slopes inwards both towards the back of the car and also from the roof which I thought compromised the space a bit too much (for the dog). I was probably wrong with this but the Octavia was far better value.

What MPG do you get out the VRS. Cheap one here: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201705014987058?postcode=g115hh&model=OCTAVIA&body-type=Estate&radius=100&make=SKODA&advertising-location=at_cars&sort=sponsored&aggregatedTrim=vRS&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&page=1  Audi A4 Allroad would be good for the rough tracks, but only really gets around 39MPG which, with the added cost price will be a lot more expensive over 3 yrs (my ballpark time period).
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 22, 2017, 05:23:51 pm
There's a toughened up Octavia isn't there? Scout or something. And a 4x4...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Fultonius on July 22, 2017, 05:53:21 pm
Yeah, just been looking at those. Seem to be a few around the £4-£6k mark. Bit dull but I'll make a lot more out of my 52p/mile (by my calcs, I'll make £4.5k owning it over 3 years, doing around 9k miles per year) Cha ching!

Much better MPG than the similar audis. Bit slow, but could probably get it tuned to around 188 BHP which is still a long way off the BMWs 245 bhp but I do think I'll wreck a low-profile 18" wheeled sports suspension car...

There's no real compromise. Basically I want a diesel powered WRC rally estate car, with cruise control.  8)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on July 22, 2017, 06:01:44 pm
MPG varies depending on how much Nat drives it and whether we're driving to and from the Depot (motorway) vs. Kilnsey (country roads, maximising evening potential). I'd struggle to drop it below 45mpg. When you start considering tyres, servicing, tax and depreciation 45p a mile won't return a profit!
Remember the 11 plate is only 175 (approx) bhp. I'm not sure it'd handle much more. My folks have the 190 bhp Golf all track which is nice but doesn't feel noticeably faster.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: andy_e on July 27, 2017, 08:37:34 am
After some advice with what to do with my old shed now I've just bought a new one. It's dented, scraped, 13 years old, 160,000 miles, knackered suspension, knackered brakes, passenger window doesn't open, and as of yesterday, the spare tyre is on. It's worth about £800 in good condition apparently, which it's not.

On a completely unrelated note, does anyone want to buy a vintage/retro Skoda Fabia estate as a restoration project?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 27, 2017, 08:47:09 am
As you're a mate sling me 20 fa's and I'll take it off your hands...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: andy_e on July 27, 2017, 09:14:26 am
Yeah, that's why I don't want to go down the WeBuyAnyOldCrudForFarTooLittle.com route...
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tommytwotone on July 27, 2017, 09:20:19 am
Yeah, that's why I don't want to go down the WeBuyAnyOldCrudForFarTooLittle.com route...


My old Micra was in that state when I got my Fabia - I went to webuyanyshed.com and it literally wasn't worth getting up early for once they'd taken off money for the damage. I think I ended up with about 50 quid for it.


I think metal values are such that scrapper might be your best option?


I am in the same boat with my missus' awful Clio, and to a lesser extent my Fabia. Always sad to see something that should be worth a bit of money go but with the goiverment's prohibitive laws re: SORN / Tax etc you can't have stuff hanging about any more.

Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: andy_e on July 27, 2017, 09:24:29 am
Just had to shell out £20 to keep it insured after I changed my policy over. Plus we have nowhere in Leeds to SORN it... I'd like to spend as little as possible and try and recoup as much as possible! Ideally I'd just stick it on a driveway until I can get some good dollar for it.

Anyone know any scrappers in Leeds?!
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tommytwotone on July 27, 2017, 10:23:15 am
There's Motorhog down our way, but that's on the edge of Hudds.


Don't know - if it's mechanically sound but not exactly a looker, what about listing it on ebay for a one day, £50 start auction?


Just be honest about the state of it, stick plenty of photos on etc. you never know. I heard that the fast food places are always on the lookout for delivery vehicles!

Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 27, 2017, 10:45:12 am
TBH - the broken spring is probably the main ££ for a prospective buyer to deal with - brakes are a cost but not a pain to fix.

As 3T suggested pop it on EBay with the faults clearly described (honest motor etc..) and see what happens??
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: andy_e on July 27, 2017, 03:33:34 pm
Motorhog quoted £100  :(
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tomtom on July 27, 2017, 04:08:35 pm
Cars just fuck fucking money away. There's no escaping it. Unless you're good at getting them from an auction - using them for 6 months then flipping em on then they just eat money.

If you buy a new car it loses 20% (the vat) the moment you drive it away. Most lose 30-40% in the first year and it's downhill there. There's probably a sweet spot round about 2-4 years old where the depreciation is offset by the chance of a fucking fuck fuckoff fucking large bill coming your way being reduced - but you'll still be losing a G a year before you factor in any running costs.

Cheaper than kids though... ;)
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tommytwotone on July 27, 2017, 04:34:51 pm
Yeah, and at the extremes of end of life / high mileage / lots of battle scars don't expect anything back.


For the hassle / avoided cost of fixing it up andy - £100's a bitter pill to swallow but are you really going to sort the mechanicals / bodywork / new tyre yourself to get - what - £500 back on it, if you're lucky? That's not factoring the areseache and time of listing it on ebay, dealing with randoms wanting to view it, make silly offers etc.


Suck it up I'd say - as tom says, at least you didn't shell out thousands for it 10 years ago (I hope). Mine was £2k back in 2012, I've done 40k in it and it's a shed but very reliable (touches wood). If it goes pop tomorrow it doesn't owe me anything.





Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: andy_e on July 27, 2017, 08:12:39 pm
Yeah, I guess so. £3k, 4.5 years and 80k miles later, I reckon I've got my money's worth!
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: highrepute on July 27, 2017, 11:14:08 pm


Yeah, I guess so. £3k, 4.5 years and 80k miles later, I reckon I've got my money's worth!

This is about as good as it gets
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Duma on July 28, 2017, 07:55:27 am
My Passat cost me £2k, had it for 6.5yrs and ~140k. Brakes and suspension were the only things that ever cost me on that car.  :2thumbsup:
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: tommytwotone on July 28, 2017, 09:45:45 am
As a committed shedman, I always consider (the bare minimum of) maintenance is a necessary evil - though I did get the cambelt done on the Skoda, mainly as it's a good runner and we're going to keep it.


I always think if you can pick up something OK for c.£2k, run it for a couple of years, that's only £80 per month, and the main benefit is you're not chained to a loan repayment / bubble / PCP plan. When we did our remortgage the guy on the phone was amazed that we had 2 cars but zero finance on either of them!

Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: andy_e on July 28, 2017, 10:03:56 am
I'm hoping the new non-shed will last well into the shed zone. Fingers crossed!
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Mike Tyson on July 28, 2017, 01:12:38 pm
I've come to the conclusionnearly all cars/vehicles are money pits. I bought my Golf for £1100, and I've spent approximately the same keeping it in the road (new engine, clutch, flywheel, bearing, entire new back brakes, two new driveshafts, lower ball joint, Ignition barrel) and that's what I can remember.

We all need to just ride horses, or donkeys or something similar.
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: petejh on July 28, 2017, 01:53:04 pm
I don't see many broke horse-owners..
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: creedence on July 28, 2017, 02:54:46 pm
I'm a fan of getting whatever heap I can get on ebay, with as long an MOT as possible, for £500.  It can be a bit of a gamble, but then all used cars are really.

Previous car was a Ford Mondeo Mk3, with 11 month MOT for £500.  It bit the dust about two days before it was booked in for the next MOT.  So lasted 11 months, and got £50 collected as scrap too.

Current car is a Vauxhall Vectra, which had 8 months MOT for £430.  Got through the MOT on it's due date for £500, which isn't bad really as that did include 4 new tyres.  7 months later, it's on 155000 miles and still going strong.  So can't complain really.

I should add that I do a lot of miles, 25k a year or thereabouts.  It's a very stress free way to motoring to be honest.  Something huge goes wrong, just scrap it.  Someone prangs it.  Who cares?!
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: Paul B on July 28, 2017, 08:30:15 pm
Many/any breakdowns?
Title: Re: Car advice
Post by: powderpuff on July 30, 2017, 02:06:45 pm
Really interesting to hear different people's philosophy on buying/ running cars. I will need to buy a couple in the next few years.

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