View Full Version : Car (or bike) Chat!
Me and Mrs.Pony went into the local Toyota dealership yesterday, she wanted a proper look at the C-HR. They had one in the showroom, a "2020" model, which won't even be available until January, She sat in it, loved the seat, driving position and was impressed with all the gadgets: "Ooh, it's got heated seats! And it's automatic! And cameras! And it's what? 180bhp? That should be plenty! How much is it? £32,000? Well we're not getting that anytime soon".
They're buggers aren't they - show you want you want, then make it unaffordable :( It hasn't put her off though, it'll just take a while. Or a lottery win.Not sure what they cost but that's likely to be top model. The model below is better value imo.
Yes you get radar, camera, every gadget you can name.
1.8l engine plus a battery train.
Great motor. I won't be happy giving mine back
I see the chr is now not on motability. Must be too popular now.. Oh well I've 2 years to find a new car lol.
Maybe an x1 or go silly and get a Berlingo van.
Me and Mrs.Pony went into the local Toyota dealership yesterday, she wanted a proper look at the C-HR. They had one in the showroom, a "2020" model, which won't even be available until January, She sat in it, loved the seat, driving position and was impressed with all the gadgets: "Ooh, it's got heated seats! And it's automatic! And cameras! And it's what? 180bhp? That should be plenty! How much is it? £32,000? Well we're not getting that anytime soon".
They're buggers aren't they - show you want you want, then make it unaffordable :( It hasn't put her off though, it'll just take a while. Or a lottery win.
Get a Mini Clubman, like Del's going to. It's the connoisseur's choice!;)
Marco.
dave2010
05-11-2019, 09:38
This article published today - https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/electric-cars-can-beat-petrol-for-value-after-less-than-two-years-md790hgth?shareToken=44c5ad6c1685fbc433e0c7a622eba 0ce - claims that some electric cars are effectively cheaper than roughly equivalent petrol models in about 2 years. On the other hand some other models never really recover from the initial price hike. One, it is suggested, would take over 11 years for that to happen, by which time it might have fallen apart.
Pigmy Pony
05-11-2019, 19:59
Get a Mini Clubman, like Del's going to. It's the connoisseur's choice!;)
Marco.
It's the choice of people who don't understand the meaning of the word 'Mini' :ner: Anita likes a good moan as much as the next person, and I certainly give her plenty to whinge about. But I always get some respite whenever she hears a Bjork song, or sees a woman with hair extensions or other false bits, or a BMW Mini. She loved her old 60s/70s Mini partly because they were mini, and the bigger the new stuff becomes, the angrier she gets!
Grant, the C-HR in question was the top spec one as it turned out. Surprised to hear the C-HR is coming off Motability, it was still being advertised at our dealership. I suppose Anita could go for that option, but we like getting the cash :)
My friend's wife got a Berlingo on Motability about 3 years ago, had it for 18 months then they took it off her. It left her with no car and she had to get a loan to buy another. She appealed and eventually the appeal was upheld, and her Motability resumed. But she decided bollocks to having a nice car that they can take back whenever they feel like it, she'll take the cash too.
If they do they do. If you didn't have the car they would just take the money so its horses.
I took a car as I needed one at time. In 2 years I will see if I'm still fit to have another.
I just looked on the toyota site and motability site and its not there.
I know when I got mine there were none on Rd around here really.
There are hundreds now so may be reason
It may go back later if they have too many
Pigmy Pony
05-11-2019, 20:27
If they do they do. If you didn't have the car they would just take the money so its horses.
I took a car as I needed one at time. In 2 years I will see if I'm still fit to have another.
I just looked on the toyota site and motability site and its not there.
I know when I got mine there were none on Rd around here really.
There are hundreds now so may be reason
It may go back later if they have too many
Thing is Grant, if you have cash option and run a car, and they take the cash away, you tighten your belt or sell your car for something cheaper. If they take your car it leaves you carless till you sort out something. I believe about 8 or 9 out of 10 appeals are upheld, but it's still worth the benefits people doing this as some folk will just give up trying. So that's a bit of money saved. That's my theory anyway.
Sure, it happens which is a shame on the country.
Nothing wro g with going after con artists but it's usually folk who are at most risk they hit.
Still I think lately they have changed their naughty ways of late.
Not even sure I'll be here in 2 years so Im just living for the day. Not a bad way tbh.
It's the choice of people who don't understand the meaning of the word 'Mini' :ner: Anita likes a good moan as much as the next person, and I certainly give her plenty to whinge about. But I always get some respite whenever she hears a Bjork song, or sees a woman with hair extensions or other false bits, or a BMW Mini. She loved her old 60s/70s Mini partly because they were mini, and the bigger the new stuff becomes, the angrier she gets!
Completely agree! But vintage Minis simply aren't practical as an everyday car on today's roads... Del would love an original Fiat 500, and that's even smaller than a Mini, but that falls into the exact same impractical category.
I'd rather have a Mini Clubman though, than most of today's soulless/generic-shaped, boring as hell SUVs!;)
Marco [likes to drive something distinctive on the road].
Was a nice, new red clubman in front of me yesterday. Had a white roof I think and a bit of chrome detailing.
Nice motor but looked a little low for likes of me, although it was just an Impression. Quite quick too.
Pigmy Pony
06-11-2019, 06:32
Oh yes, much as she loves the old type Minis, the reality is we really couldn't put up with the lack of space, and it would have to be a "hobby car", in addition to our everyday motor. But with 2 vans and the Civic on the drive and 3 motorcycles in the garage it's not feasible, financially or otherwise.
Pigmy Pony
06-11-2019, 06:44
I once sat in a Mini a few years ago when Anita wasn't looking, and found the dashboard to be a bit funky looking for my tastes. I expect they will have changed quite a bit since then. I think Mini do one that looks a bit SUV-ish, so will have a higher driving position. That one really winds her up :steam: She can't be doing with Fiat either, and would never be seen driving something with a Skoda badge.
I call her a car snob, but then she doesn't like BMW/Mercedes/Audi either. Kind of narrows our options as there's not much left she does like, apart from Nissan GTRs Lexus and some Jags. Oh and Aston Martin.
walpurgis
06-11-2019, 07:59
Oh yes, much as she loves the old type Minis, the reality is we really couldn't put up with the lack of space, and it would have to be a "hobby car", in addition to our everyday motor. But with 2 vans and the Civic on the drive and 3 motorcycles in the garage it's not feasible, financially or otherwise.
I still have relics from my Mini days years ago, there's a 1 1/2" Hitachi 'SU' carb (off a Datsun 260Z) in the garage with a pile of different springs and fixed needles, which used to work a treat on small bore Minis and other miscellaneous bits knocking about.
Beobloke
06-11-2019, 08:25
Completely agree! But vintage Minis simply aren't practical as an everyday car on today's roads... Del would love an original Fiat 500, and that's even smaller than a Mini, but that falls into the exact same impractical category.
I'd rather have a Mini Clubman though, than most of today's soulless/generic-shaped, boring as hell SUVs!;)
Marco [likes to drive something distinctive on the road].
Ha! A friend of mine recently imported, refurbished and is using a Honda N360 daily - that makes even an original Fiat 500 look huge!!
walpurgis
06-11-2019, 08:43
Can you even find N360 parts these days?
My son bought a fiat 126 once..odd as he couldn't drive and was not technical. lol. we did get it working and sold it for profit tho...Bloody lawnmower engine that was in it... Total junk
walpurgis
06-11-2019, 09:22
My son bought a fiat 126 once..odd as he couldn't drive and was not technical. lol. we did get it working and sold it for profit tho...Bloody lawnmower engine that was in it... Total junk
654cc if I recall. Developed from the 500, later built in Soviet states. Was it Zastava who made those?
I remember being left behind (slightly) by one being driven enthusiastically. I was in a 2CV at the time.
no idea, but soviet makes sense. was a rust bucket in making.. A guy came and eagerly bought it tho.. wanted to run it in Edinburgh... was surprised if he got home in it:eyebrows:
dave2010
06-11-2019, 09:34
My son bought a fiat 126 once..odd as he couldn't drive and was not technical. lol. we did get it working and sold it for profit tho...Bloody lawnmower engine that was in it... Total junkWe had a very cheap Fiat 850 for a while. Bought IIRC for £35. Got us around northern France on holiday, but the engine blew up (not quite literally) when we returned. I tried to resuscitate it, but the surgery wasn’t successful for long, so the car was then scrapped. Did the job though - a good holiday.
We had a very cheap Fiat 850 for a while. Bought IIRC for £35. Got us around northern France on holiday, but the engine blew up (not quite literally) when we returned. I tried to resuscitate it, but the surgery wasn’t successful for long, so the car was then scrapped. Did the job though - a good holiday.
Think if you get a decent one they will do a job. Cars have come a long way tho.
Beobloke
06-11-2019, 11:32
Can you even find N360 parts these days?
Up to a point; after that some engineering ingenuity is required!
Luckily he’s not short of this. After all, this is the same chap who re-wrote the B&O Beomaster 8000 control software from scratch...
I remember one of my mates turned up in a Fiat 126 with the fabric roof. He was a rather tall chap, well over 6 foot, my dad destroyed him when he asked “when are you going to get one for the other foot?” :lol:
walpurgis
07-11-2019, 09:27
A long, long time ago, I bought a low mileage Fiat 127 1050CL from an old Italian chap who'd never driven it at over 40mph. It was an old car even back then and when I first got it the top speed seemed to be 60mph, as it would not go faster and it would plod away slowly off the line, even after I gave it a full service.
However, after driving it hard for a couple of months, the acceleration radically improved and the top speed capability went from 60mph to an indicated 95. Obviously the car had never been fully run in or loosened up. By the time I sold it, it went like the clappers for a small motor.
A friend bought it and enjoyed it, eventually blowing the engine to pieces. Probably from lack of oil knowing him. :)
walpurgis
14-11-2019, 15:16
'Lazy Boy Garage' on Dave TV channel has to be the most rubbish British car show ever. Find a useless banger in Europe via internet and have it sent over without proper inspection, let a bunch of idiots tart it up without going much into what's done and flog it at their own version of an 'auction'. The whole thing looks staged and very simplistic. A waste of time.
'Lazy Boy Garage' on Dave TV channel has to be the most rubbish British car show ever. Find a useless banger in Europe via internet and have it sent over without proper inspection, let a bunch of idiots tart it up without going much into what's done and flog it at their own version of an 'auction'. The whole thing looks staged and very simplistic. A waste of time.
It's absolute tosh, isn't it! I watched the first season, not sure if there have been any more, but I don't think they made any money at all in their "auctions"! The only one who does any work is the mechanic bloke. Having said that, I still watched more than one of them, more out of morbid curiosity than enjoyment - waiting to see what their next fuck up would be!
Ignore this - just checking I can post images from Flickr OK :)
https://live.staticflickr.com/1650/23655824974_364bbe4576_c.jpg
Thundercat 600 I think? Underrated bikes, along with the Thunderace 1000. All you need for the road. Oh, hang on, you said ignore, Kim. Sorry, ignore me too! ;) :D
dave2010
18-11-2019, 17:52
We are still seriously thinking about an electric car - something like a Renault Zoe. I wondered what the transmission is.
Rumour has it that this car is one of the rubber band cars, perhaps similar to the old DAF cars.
1. Is this true? - and
2. If it is, how robust and reliable is that mode of transmission?
We have driven one - and the car seemed fine - up to 70 mph at least, but I’m not sure about cars which don’t have some form of “proper” gears or transmission. Elastic bands might not cut it for me.
Be continuously variable transmission cvt. It's not really rubber bands.
Modern cvts are quite good and efficient, unless you have a continuously invariable heavy right foot. Lol
Got one in my toyota, who do the best ones I'm told
Cvthttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191118/3df9130404de0d5dda3c9ca3bbc4030b.jpg
Electric cars don’t require variable gearing. A simple step-down is all that is needed.
Nope but hybrids do, and they are more common I think.
A full electric is for me still hampered by distance and refuelling times.
walpurgis
18-11-2019, 18:42
Nope but hybrids do, and they are more common I think.
A full electric is for me still hampered by distance and refuelling times.
There's also a sparsity of charging points and not all of them are universally compatible with every electric car and there can be queues for charges.
There's also a sparsity of charging points and not all of them are universally compatible with every electric car and there can be queues for charges.Yup, and battery replacement down line, what with tech improving so fast you could be left with a dinasor easily.
The hybrid route looks the safer bet, if you want one.
In 2 years if I'm still here I will reappraise market.
Then there could be a political change too
New Electric Mustang Mach E launched today, could be a good alternative to Tesla Model 3 but comparing US site to UK we seem to not be getting the best models and have to pay way way more... :( will have to wait and see what the pricing is of the Tesla Model Y. An electric car would be perfect for us, but I think it will still be a couple of years before prices come down and the infrastructure improves for charging them. Might just have to get a proper V8 Mustang in the meantime as one last hurrah! :eyebrows:
walpurgis
18-11-2019, 19:47
Then there could be a political change too
If 'Commie' Corbyn gets in, we'll all be on bicycles within six months. Mind you, six months after that folk will be fed up enough with him that somebody will bump him off. :)
If 'Commie' Corbyn gets in, we'll all be on bicycles within six months. Mind you, six months after that folk will be fed up enough with him that somebody will bump him off. :)
Doesn’t matter as we won’t have to go anywhere, we’ll all be happy at home with our free fibre internet connections that he’s going to give us!
More like three fibre diet.. Trick is to vote for some middle Rd party who won't be able to do anything good or bad. [emoji848][emoji23]
InThe Sticks
18-11-2019, 20:22
Mind you, six months after that folk will be fed up enough with him that somebody will bump him off. :)
Lets hope so.
InThe Sticks
18-11-2019, 20:26
Something a little different into the workshop today and just back from filming the latest Bond movie apparently..
https://i.imgur.com/H4s4hah.jpg
An amazing bit of kit. The engineering put into that is just outstanding! Far more interesting than any AMG or Maybach.
walpurgis
18-11-2019, 20:36
Astonishing.........Er, what is it?
InThe Sticks
18-11-2019, 20:41
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqhWQ21LY44
Camera on a car. I take it. Looks very high tech
vinydobby
18-11-2019, 20:58
More like three fibre diet.. Trick is to vote for some middle Rd party who won't be able to do anything good or bad. [emoji848][emoji23]
Will not much difference as the s**t we are in cannot be solved by individual governments of whatever hue. I have contacts with an alien race who would like to help. Only downside is that when they last helped all the dolphins left singing "so long and thanks for all the fish".
Until politicians start working together for the betterment of the people of this country and the world in general, and this goes for all countries,... Instead of power and money, no one will truly get anywhere except the rich and powerful...
And even they will eventually sign their own death warrants.
Has anyone else been watching "Junk and Disorderly"? Similar to Lazy Boy Garage it is highly contrived but I watch anything with Henry Cole and Sam Lovegrove and always makes me laugh and jealous in similar measures - look like they have the time of their lives making these shows.
walpurgis
18-11-2019, 22:48
Yeah. I always watch Henry Cole's stuff. He's a bit of a berk, but seems a nice bloke. He knows bugger all about bikes, even though he did do The Bike Show. Sam's the one with the brains.
Totally right Geoff, but they're so endearing you cant help but love their shows. Shed and Buried also amazes me that those places actually exist! Guys (never girls, is it?) with tonnes of toys to play with... Living their best lives - what's not to love? Right, off to eBay to buy an old BSA (bike not air rifle!) :D
walpurgis
18-11-2019, 22:58
Still got my vintage BSA air rifle.
Still got my vintage BSA air rifle.
Me too (a lowly Meteor) and used to have a 2 wheeled BSA (W20 - but in a state of disrepair). Would love another one.
walpurgis
18-11-2019, 23:23
Me too (a lowly Meteor) and used to have a 2 wheeled BSA (W20 - but in a state of disrepair). Would love another one.
Yeah, mine's a .22 Meteor too, from about 1970. Powerful old thing though, not far short of the Airsporter. Also got an underlever Relum model 322, forerunner to the Tornado, from the fifties I reckon, as is the rare German .177 Gecado model 22 I have (identical to the Diana model 22). Each in very nice original condition and perfect working order.
Yeah, mine's a .22 Meteor too, from about 1970. Powerful old thing though, not far short of the Airsporter. Also got an underlever Relum model 322, forerunner to the Tornado, from the fifties I reckon, as is the rare German .177 Gecado model 22 I have (identical to the Diana model 22). Each in very nice original condition and perfect working order.
I used to have a .177 air pistol. Can't remember the make, save it was German, looked a bit like a Luger, and was 'cocked' by pressing in the barrel. It was pretty useless. Strangely, it was given to me by a policeman (a friend of the family), who had confiscated it from someone else.
walpurgis
18-11-2019, 23:45
Probably a Diana Model 2. Yes, they were useless.
(although not as useless as a GAT)
dave2010
19-11-2019, 06:34
Cvthttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191118/3df9130404de0d5dda3c9ca3bbc4030b.jpgThanks for that.
This video shows a tear down of a Prius transmission - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eg8c2_eS-do
There is another, perhaps shorter one, which explains the principles of this type of transmission - I'll see if I can find it.
I'm amazed at how many parts there are, even in this "simple" transmission. There is a chain in the drive train - I assume it's not a rubber band!
Pigmy Pony
19-11-2019, 07:12
[QUOTE=walpurgis;1140382]Still got my vintage BSA air rifle.[/QUO
I have a BSA Gold Star (not a bike!) which is .22 underlever with a ten shot magazine.
Pigmy Pony
19-11-2019, 07:19
I used to have a .177 air pistol. Can't remember the make, save it was German, looked a bit like a Luger, and was 'cocked' by pressing in the barrel. It was pretty useless. Strangely, it was given to me by a policeman (a friend of the family), who had confiscated it from someone else.
I had one like that as a kid, my grandad gave it me. Shaped like a Luger as you say, wooden handle, and operated like a Gat pistol. Was very weedy. May have been called 'Hanel' or something. Only had it a couple of weeks, accidentally shot my brother in the face with it, left a red mark, and had it taken off me.
Have you cocked your pistol this morning?
Marco.
dave2010
19-11-2019, 08:20
Thanks for that.
This video shows a tear down of a Prius transmission - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eg8c2_eS-do
There is another, perhaps shorter one, which explains the principles of this type of transmission - I'll see if I can find it.
I'm amazed at how many parts there are, even in this "simple" transmission. There is a chain in the drive train - I assume it's not a rubber band!
This is, I think, the shorter video with a good explanation of how the Prius transmission works.
https://youtu.be/ZmHpSyTsfm0
The tear down video was good too, though.
There is another one, down as a 3D model - Blender - I’ll look that one out too.
This is quite a good description of how the transmission works - https://youtu.be/E_xCssR8qQI
More from Weber - P510 transaxle - https://youtu.be/pFug8jwbbTE
These could be good for insomniacs who want to know more!
There’s a whole series of these, discussing different variants of the basic design put into the cars over maybe a 15 year period.
I’m now guessing that the Renault Zoe has something a bit similar, so probably no rubber bands.
Pigmy Pony
20-11-2019, 06:22
Have you cocked your pistol this morning?
Marco.
Hardly worth bothering these days - when I shoot, the pellet just sort of falls out of the barrel. And there's no lead in me pellets :(
walpurgis
27-11-2019, 16:25
Bought another oldish runabout. Don't laugh! Spotted it for sale and couldn't resist.
A 2007 1.2 Suzuki Wagon R GL owned by an old couple and in really lovely condition. Drives beautifully, very good bodywork, loads of service history and only 38k miles on the clock. I love these thing, had one before, the Vauxhall Agila badged version. They're a modern equivalent to the old Renault 4 and just as comfortable and useful.
https://i.imgur.com/zScRHGB.jpg
walpurgis
27-11-2019, 16:37
The woman selling it was kind enough to drive it the seven miles to my place, saved me a lot of messing about. Now I'll have to ring the insurance company to add it to my policy and then tax it.
Pigmy Pony
27-11-2019, 19:07
I thought you already had a little Suzuki car. Or are you collecting them?
walpurgis
27-11-2019, 19:30
I thought you already had a little Suzuki car. Or are you collecting them?
Got two now, this is my seventh. Might give the latest to my daughter. She has daft ideas, was on about getting a Lexus from a friend, but has barely enough money to run this little Suzuki, which would do her just fine.
dave2010
21-12-2019, 06:49
We went for a test drive in a Tesla a week or so back. “Only” the cheapie (!!) 3 model - very nice car. Will look good for taking stuff down to the tip - but i don’t think one can get all the fly tipping stuff inside.
walpurgis
21-12-2019, 07:38
Bought another oldish runabout. Don't laugh! Spotted it for sale and couldn't resist.
A 2007 1.2 Suzuki Wagon R GL owned by an old couple and in really lovely condition. Drives beautifully, very good bodywork, loads of service history and only 38k miles on the clock. I love these thing, had one before, the Vauxhall Agila badged version. They're a modern equivalent to the old Renault 4 and just as comfortable and useful.
https://i.imgur.com/zScRHGB.jpg
Well I gave it to my daughter. She's well chuffed and realises it does actually meet her needs perfectly and is amazed at how little fuel it uses. I expect she, her partner and her kids will be buzzing about all over the place in it. With one new front tyre it sailed through the MOT, so they're all sorted for a year. No doubt I'll get roped in if any minor jobs need doing on it. Only 38k miles on the clock and it drives like new.
Very nice gesture Geoff. Dads and their daughters :)
Hibster_2000
21-12-2019, 08:19
Well I gave it to my daughter. She's well chuffed and realises it does actually meet her needs perfectly and is amazed at how little fuel it uses. I expect she, her partner and her kids will be buzzing about all over the place in it. With one new front tyre it sailed through the MOT, so they're all sorted for a year. No doubt I'll get roped in if any minor jobs need doing on it. Only 38k miles on the clock and it drives like new.
:thumbsup:
A nice generous gesture. I am sure her family will love it.
walpurgis
21-12-2019, 08:39
The o/s front tyre had inner edge wear, so it was replaced for the MOT and I told her to get the tracking done sometime. There's no record of the gearbox oil having been changed, so I'll do that when the weather bucks up and maybe bung a new mass air flow sensor and lambda sensor on, just for peace of mind.
Ninanina
21-12-2019, 16:53
Picked up my new baby 1st September, first of the 69 reg...
http://i.imgur.com/dISAqhg.jpg (https://imgur.com/dISAqhg)
A great fun little machine she is....
Pigmy Pony
21-12-2019, 17:02
Picked up my new baby 1st September, first of the 69 reg...
http://i.imgur.com/dISAqhg.jpg (https://imgur.com/dISAqhg)
A great fun little machine she is....
Very funky looking! Hope that's not permanent marker on the number plate, ANPR doesn't like permanent marker
Ninanina
21-12-2019, 17:06
Very funky looking! Hope that's not permanent marker on the number plate, ANPR doesn't like permanent marker
As usual Steve you always crack me up.... I've so missed it.... oh and everyone, of course... ;)
Pigmy Pony
21-12-2019, 17:09
You bring out the best (and worst) :eyebrows: in us - let's have some festive fun :christmas:
Ninanina
21-12-2019, 17:12
Steve it depends what you mean by "festive fun".... it might have a different meaning to me than you.... :lol:
My "festive fun" would not be right for AoS...
Pigmy Pony
21-12-2019, 18:11
Steve it depends what you mean by "festive fun".... it might have a different meaning to me than you.... :lol:
My "festive fun" would not be right for AoS...
Well I could be persuaded to hang some tinsel on it for you. But I draw the line at fairy lights - I've heard the horror stories about faulty Chinese ones :eek:
InThe Sticks
21-12-2019, 18:14
Yay, its a wee Grom! They sure do look like fun.
Ninanina
21-12-2019, 18:24
Well I could be persuaded to hang some tinsel on it for you. But I draw the line at fairy lights - I've heard the horror stories about faulty Chinese ones :eek:
Now tinsel hanging off it I'd like to see.....
Ninanina
21-12-2019, 18:27
Yay, its a wee Grom! They sure do look like fun.
A Grom it is indeed Jon...well spotted..
It weighs pretty much nothing, has chunky tyres (small but chunky!), and it's a complete blast to ride... perfect for getting back into riding..
Ninanina
21-12-2019, 19:25
As it's brand new I don't want to get it wet or dirty... I'm sure I will after a few months and a few more miles though
I've measured the mpg and it's getting 155.... crazy... might be cos I've been running it in gently though...;) it's now run in so am letting rip a bit..
Welcome back, Bev! Where've ya been hiding?:eek::D
Marco.
Ninanina
21-12-2019, 19:46
Welcome back, Bev! Where've ya been hiding?:eek::D
Marco.
Thanks Marco.....
I've just been a bit busy and have had nothing much to say as my amps been away so no toons for me....
Hope you and Del are well...
Yup, no worries... Didn't know your amps were away. Are they getting fixed - when will they be back?:)
Yeah, we're fine and dandy, thanks. Del's like an excited kid, looking forward to Chrimbo and being spoiled, lol! How's Colin been doing? PM me if you prefer:cool:
Marco.
Ninanina
21-12-2019, 20:01
Yup, no worries... Didn't know your amps were away. Are they getting fixed - when will they be back?:)
Yeah, we're fine and dandy, thanks. Del's like an excited kid, looking forward to Chrimbo and being spoiled, lol! How's Colin been doing? PM me if you prefer:cool:
Marco.
The amp was returned yesterday after some extensive work, just got it back in the system and loving it again...
Glad you are both good.. Colin is doing very well at the moment, thanks for asking... we are at Southampton hospital on Monday just to take presents for his consultant and a couple of the nurses...Brunello di Montalcino of course as he seems to love it ;)
The amp was returned yesterday after some extensive work, just got it back in the system and loving it again...
Glad you are both good.. Colin is doing very well at the moment, thanks for asking... we are at Southampton hospital on Monday just to take presents for his consultant and a couple of the nurses...Brunello di Montalcino of course as he seems to love it ;)
Del says a big "Hi", btw!:wave:
So glad to hear that Colin's doing well, as it wasn't looking so good a few months back. Good choice of the Brunello - the king of Italian wines! If you need some wine reccos, give me a shout, as I've got a few more nice ones up my sleeve that I think would blow away Colin's consultant:eek:;)
Marco.
Ninanina
21-12-2019, 21:03
Del says a big "Hi", btw!:wave:
So glad to hear that Colin's doing well, as it wasn't looking so good a few months back. Good choice of the Brunello - the king of Italian wines! If you need some wine reccos, give me a shout, as I've got a few more nice ones up my sleeve that I think would blow away Colin's consultant:eek:;)
Marco.
Say a big Hi back to Del for me...
As you say it wasn't looking too good for Colin a while back but he's on yet another trial drug which seems to be doing the trick at the moment.... his consultant is always going on about the Brunello so that's what we are giving him.... next time I'll get you to give me some more choices though
Hope you and Del have a great Christmas... ;)
Cool stuff, I've done that. She's just enjoying a few glasses of vino now herself:) Yups, whenever you need more vino choices, ping me a message.
Anyway, I hope Colin continues down the road to better health and that you guys have a lovely Christmas:christmas:
Marco.
Nice to see you Bev, we did miss you!
Ninanina
21-12-2019, 23:19
Nice to see you Bev, we did miss you!
Thanks so much Alex...that's lovely of you....I missed you all too... It's nice to be back... ;)
dave2010
23-12-2019, 09:59
This guy was lucky/unlucky. Just look at the wreck of his car.
https://apple.news/Aefc8ZF-WSFmZOqxyTFx6GA
Easy to be wise after the event. He was lucky to escape, but perhaps many people could do this without thinking or knowing.
one way to destroy a car.. I never used aerosols in car. certainly wont now thats for sure, even tho i dont smoke.
dave2010
27-12-2019, 05:50
Recently test drove a Tesla 3 - lovely car - but nightly internet connected. Seems many cars are now doing this, and some people are concerned about privacy - https://wapo.st/34uBOez
Should we be worried? “Yes” - I think so - though there are many things which can be done better with such connectivity. Cars a few years old probably won’t have this ‘“problem”.
Yup it's becoming more the way your smart phone works except you are not in as much control.
Teslsa take video clips too. So if your walking by one you could be on it.
There is talk of cars becoming tools for companies and drivers getting paid a %
Ninanina
28-12-2019, 20:10
Weather looks ok for tomorrow so hope to get out for a ride... I've discovered a nice twisty road not far from me so will be blasting down that ... stopping for a coffee on 'the hill' as you do...
InThe Sticks
04-01-2020, 21:51
Been waiting for ages for one of these to come up on the bay...
https://i.imgur.com/UOobTd1.jpg
It wasn't cheap, but at least i can attempt to ride the thing again..
https://i.imgur.com/etey6gF.jpg
I'm still amazed at the value of these things these days! My brother sold his Chopper SE for the price of a small car recently.
Made in 1968
04-01-2020, 22:37
Awesome
Ninanina
04-01-2020, 22:43
Love the "Chopper"
Made in 1968
04-01-2020, 23:04
You just need a Raleigh 'Tomahawk' & Budgie & you have some real class bikes unlike the junk that Marco's mate has :D
RobbieGong
04-01-2020, 23:06
Love the "Chopper"
You can say that again, Really takes me back to my childhood in the early '70's.
A guy down the road had the first 5 speed Raleigh Chopper I'd ever seen back then.
My Mum got me a brand new Raleigh Grifter which I loved - A big spend for her those days, bless her.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49329694063_03a352f50c_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ia6zqB)5 Speed Raleigh Chopper (https://flic.kr/p/2ia6zqB) by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/152233952@N07/]
Ninanina
04-01-2020, 23:13
You can say that again, Really takes me back to my childhood in the early '70's.
A guy down the road had the first 5 speed Raleigh Chopper I'd ever seen back then.
My Mum got me a brand new Raleigh Grifter which I loved - A big spend for her those days, bless her.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49329694063_03a352f50c_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ia6zqB)5 Speed Raleigh Chopper (https://flic.kr/p/2ia6zqB) by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/152233952@N07/]
Love the look of that Robert
Frazeur1
05-01-2020, 02:00
Those Choppers remind me somewhat of the Schwinn Apple, Cherry, lemon Crate or Grey Ghost bikes I always wanted back in the day. Cool bikes for sure. I had forgotten that Raleigh had done similar.
Ninanina
05-01-2020, 02:06
Yeah the Choppers were a bit of a cult thing here in the UK... and still are to some now
Frazeur1
05-01-2020, 02:14
The Schwinn models I spoke of fetch crazy money here, if you can even find them. Arm, leg, why yes please. Then I won’t be able to ride said bike, but by god I’ll have one!
I need to get my Trek Crossbike back on the road this spring! Will be trying to take a bit of the winter fat off!
Made in 1968
05-01-2020, 06:56
You can say that again, Really takes me back to my childhood in the early '70's.
A guy down the road had the first 5 speed Raleigh Chopper I'd ever seen back then.
My Mum got me a brand new Raleigh Grifter which I loved - A big spend for her those days, bless her.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49329694063_03a352f50c_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ia6zqB)5 Speed Raleigh Chopper (https://flic.kr/p/2ia6zqB) by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/152233952@N07/]
5 speed derailers were on the Mk.2..
Pigmy Pony
05-01-2020, 11:12
You can say that again, Really takes me back to my childhood in the early '70's.
A guy down the road had the first 5 speed Raleigh Chopper I'd ever seen back then.
My Mum got me a brand new Raleigh Grifter which I loved - A big spend for her those days, bless her.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49329694063_03a352f50c_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ia6zqB)5 Speed Raleigh Chopper (https://flic.kr/p/2ia6zqB) by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/152233952@N07/]
Another original proper chopper, with the ball-mashing gearchange :eek:
Made in 1968
05-01-2020, 11:52
Piggy its not original, the Mk.1 never had a derailer..
Pigmy Pony
05-01-2020, 12:04
Piggy its not original, the Mk.1 never had a derailer..
I really can't remember the finer details, I've slept since then, but by original I mean not made in the last few years, where I was told that gearchange was removed, presumably for health & safety reasons...
InThe Sticks
05-01-2020, 12:18
Piggy its not original, the Mk.1 never had a derailer..
That pic is a MKII not a MKI.
The MKI has straight bars going up to the seat from the rear wheel.
Made in 1968
05-01-2020, 12:21
That pic is a MKII not a MKI.
The MKI has straight bars going up to the seat from the rear wheel.
Yep thats right. cos i bought an orange Mk.1 years ago just for the Nostalgia of it. Mine also had a longer different shape chain guard
Pigmy Pony
05-01-2020, 12:23
That pic is a MKII not a MKI.
The MKI has straight bars going up to the seat from the rear wheel.
That is a detail I do remember from the ones around when I was a kid.
I never owned a chopper, but I did put ape hangers on my regular Sun racing bike. Thought it looked the dog's danglies...
I had a race bike which I toured with when young.. yup kids were allowed to do that then lol.. Chopper came out for kids here I think in 70's.. I was getting close to hanging up my bike clips by then.
Made in 1968
05-01-2020, 12:42
I was too young when the chopper first came out, they surfaced about 1970ish so id have only been a couple years old lol. the reason i bought the orange one cos i never had one. My first bike was the 'Budgie' lost that & did not have a bike for years till i got bough a BSA 'Bullet' boys racer when i got a big lad
:D
Pigmy Pony
05-01-2020, 18:19
I was too young when the chopper first came out, they surfaced about 1970ish so id have only been a couple years old lol. the reason i bought the orange one cos i never had one. My first bike was the 'Budgie' lost that & did not have a bike for years till i got bough a BSA 'Bullet' boys racer when i got a big lad
:D
I think Raleigh did a "Chipper" for the nippers :)
Made in 1968
05-01-2020, 18:24
Not sure when exactly the 'Chipper' came out but even that would have been too big for me when i had the 'Budgie'
Made in 1968
05-01-2020, 22:30
Fair few there
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RALEIGH-CHOPPER-RESTORATION-WORK-MK1-OR-MK2/193084604659?hash=item2cf4bd40f3:g:ufgAAMXQAx9ROq4 l
RobbieGong
05-01-2020, 23:13
I think Raleigh did a "Chipper" for the nippers :)
lol :) - Yes ya right Steve, I had one when I was about 6/7, first bike and you've really brought back the memories. Loved the bikes I had when I was a kid, right up until leaving school.
Made in 1968
05-01-2020, 23:15
I feel sorry for kids these days. Utter utter shit compared to what we had as kids
Pigmy Pony
06-01-2020, 06:29
Proper bikes would be wasted on today's iPad generation kids anyway - it would have to come with sat nav and an electric motor, neither of which would stop them crashing into the first parked car they encounter ;)
dave2010
06-01-2020, 10:20
Proper bikes would be wasted on today's iPad generation kids anyway - it would have to come with sat nav and an electric motor, neither of which would stop them crashing into the first parked car they encounter ;)Re crashing - just read a review (Which) of a Renault Zoe electric car. The review mentions that the "all-important" AEB won't be available until April - where AEB= Automatic Emergency Braking. All-important?
I've been driving for far too long now - but I don't make a habit of driving into brick walls, and none of the cars I've ever driven has had any such feature - so I would query the review's "all important" wording.
Seems that it isn't just push bike kids who don't look where they're going.
Without AEB being standard, it's basically impossible to get a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP (as of 2019). If the car gets three stars or less in Euro NCAP safety tests, it'll be automatically rated as a Don't Buy by us.[Which]
So what part of 4 stars would still be OK even without the AEB don't the Which reviewers get?
Re crashing - just read a review (Which) of a Renault Zoe electric car. The review mentions that the "all-important" AEB won't be available until April - where AEB= Automatic Emergency Braking. All-important?
I've been driving for far too long now - but I don't make a habit of driving into brick walls, and none of the cars I've ever driven has had any such feature - so I would query the review's "all important" wording.
Seems that it isn't just push bike kids who don't look where they're going.
So what part of 4 stars would still be OK even without the AEB don't the Which reviewers get?
My car has that, although its switchable. Handy and does work, although I doubt I would want to trust it too much. It can also decide if youve taken ill/fallen asleep and stop the car at side of rd(not tried that lol).
The motorway system is good in that it will follow traffic speeds in front.. that does work, even on non motorway rds although you have to be careful there, as its not really intended there... sharp bends can cause major accelerations lol
walpurgis
06-01-2020, 10:38
Yes, applying brakes to avoid imminent collision is a sensible response. One wonders what degree of distraction would prevent any 'normal' driver from doing this. There again, some drivers are so bad, that I wonder if they actually know that the big round thing in front of them is used for steering.
difficult if unconcious/dead :eyebrows:
dave2010
06-01-2020, 11:14
My car has that, although its switchable. Handy and does work, although I doubt I would want to trust it too much. It can also decide if youve taken ill/fallen asleep and stop the car at side of rd(not tried that lol).
The motorway system is good in that it will follow traffic speeds in front.. that does work, even on non motorway rds although you have to be careful there, as its not really intended there... sharp bends can cause major accelerations lolIt's probably a good extra safety feature to have, and indeed I knew someone who might not have died had that been fitted. However, this is presumably a newly available feature, and people (in general) have been driving for over a century now, and most people do try to avoid head on crashes. If they're already dead there's little to be gained - other than saving the car - or perhaps the other occupants. If they're unconscious possibly a bonus.
The motorway adjust speed feature seems a good idea - presumably you can set the cruise control, and it'll override the preset value if you're creeping up on vehicles in front.
One feature I've not got the hang of, and which seems to differ from car to car, is the lane drift feature. I've noticed this on several hire cars I've had recently, but really I don't see it being too much use. Maybe I've not understood it, or been using it wrong, but basically cars now seem to bleep at the driver if they cross a white line - though this seems variable, and works erratically - depending on whether there are white lines on both sides of the road. Perhaps that feature isn't supposed to be used on windy country roads, but I quite often straighten out the bends and go over white lines if I can see that there isn't anything coming the opposite direction. The extra distraction of a beeping system isn't helpful.
Oh - and relating to features which can be switched on or off - that's OK if the driver/owner knows how to do that.
I have no idea how to turn the lane drift feature on/off, but one feature which I've found a real pain on two occasions recently is sat-nav. People hand you over the car, tell you that the sat-nav will work, but don't tell you how to turn on (or off) the audio. We have found it a lot easier if the audio is set to on - otherwise a passenger has to keep looking at the screen to advise in the case of completely unknown roads. I don't mind if on/off is easy to find, but we've had two cars recently where this important bit of knowledge was not communicated to us, and where it was almost impossible to find while actually driving and in traffic. A lone driver would probably have to turn off the road, and consult a map!
lane drift with mine can be adj to sensitivity and also resteer if you want/ or off.. ie if you ignore the bleeps it will correct the steer back into lane. if indicator is used its ignored of course. i usually have it on bleep only in town. think also you have to be going above a certain speed too.. 30mph or so I think.
as for the stop feature, it helps other users as much as anything tbh
Pigmy Pony
06-01-2020, 15:46
Yes, applying brakes to avoid imminent collision is a sensible response. One wonders what degree of distraction would prevent any 'normal' driver from doing this. There again, some drivers are so bad, that I wonder if they actually know that the big round thing in front of them is used for steering.
Or even that the big oblong thing piled high with rubble is going to hurt. Mistrust of electronic driver aids is prudent and anyone who thinks otherwise is likely to come a cropper at some point :eek:
Pigmy Pony
06-01-2020, 15:55
[QUOTE=dave2010;1152755]
I quite often straighten out the bends and go over white lines if I can see that there isn't anything coming the opposite direction. The extra distraction of a beeping system isn't helpful.
Been doing that for years, especially on the bike. I'm sure it is a recognised safe driving method - it gives an early view of oncoming traffic and obstacles, and reduces cornering forces when done correctly. Well this is what I tell myself, and I have done it in full view of traffic police with no problems.
I am looking at replacing my uber-barge soon, and I am wondering about what other people think is going to happen with regards to legislation etc.
I currently have a BMW E46 320d touring. The Mrs complains that the boot is too small, so I need something bigger.
She has two requirements - a boot large enough to take everything on a family holiday, and something ecological.
My requirements are something comfortable for a 9 hour drive, which can cruise at 130 km/h. It needs to be reasonably economical as I do quite a few kilometres a year. I would prefer RWD, but could cope with going back to fwd. I reckon at least 150bhp is a sensible figure for comfortable overtaking.
The question is, do I go petrol, petrol hybrid of some description, diesel or diesel hybrid? Electric is out as the infrastructure is not in place yet.
If going petrol, I would look at an E85 conversion as here is France it is pretty cheap.
Fuel is getting expensive here. Diesel is currently €1.479 and SP95 is about €1.519 per litre. It is not going to get cheaper with Macron in power.
So, suggestions for sensible family car that ticks all of the above requirements would be appreciated.
I have a few thoughts, but would be interested in what other people think as I have missed some interesting choices.
hifilover
07-01-2020, 11:06
As you've already got a BMW and know their build quality; why don't you 'upgrade' to the next sensible BMW touring and buy this:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/02-BMW-530D-SPORT-TOURING-AUTO-SILVER-BLACK-LEATHER-81-000-FULL-SERVICE-HISTORY/283714954751?hash=item420ebaa5ff:g:tmYAAOSwJUBdzpf n
;)
Plane ticket to Manchester, train to Preston, taxi to the garage and then enjoy the drive home in a superb touring, with a decent M57 diesel engine and what looks to be a very well looked after & cherished car :)
FYI it's nowt to do with me, it's just the diesel twin of my current touring :lol:
Mileage your doing a diesel seams logical.. Or Petrol I guess at a push. Not sure A plugin hybrid will be your cuppa.. My sis in law has an X3 she loves. got lots of room in it etc.. or the bigger x5 maybe . pricy tho. as would be the Lexus rxl.. Station wagon's like the rxl but from different makers may be your best bet for room. Skoda and VW etc..
Looks good, but the I.port process is likely to get complicated dur to Brexit, and French paper work.
The 5 series Touring is on the list, but only the 520d.
Mileage your doing a diesel seams logical.. Or Petrol I guess at a push. Not sure A plugin hybrid will be your cuppa.. My sis in law has an X3 she loves. got lots of room in it etc.. or the bigger x5 maybe . pricy tho. as would be the Lexus rxl.. Station wagon's like the rxl but from different makers may be your best bet for room. Skoda and VW etc..
I am thinking a Euro 6 diesel.would be best. Ideally a plug in Hybrid so I can use electric power in the traffic jams.
Diesel for the long runs is still the best bet, I think.
Pigmy Pony
07-01-2020, 16:57
Another worth considering is the Volvo V60. Whether buying new or used, they all look to be pretty good. Super safe, well equipped, good size boot, and a decent range of engines and trim levels. Diesel D4 probably the one to go for, with 180 odd bhp and decent fuel economy. Their top spec plug-in hybrid will do 0-60 in 4 and a bit seconds, which is nice, but probably not practical for you.
dave2010
07-01-2020, 17:05
I quite often straighten out the bends and go over white lines if I can see that there isn't anything coming the opposite direction. The extra distraction of a beeping system isn't helpful.
Been doing that for years, especially on the bike. I'm sure it is a recognised safe driving method - it gives an early view of oncoming traffic and obstacles, and reduces cornering forces when done correctly. Well this is what I tell myself, and I have done it in full view of traffic police with no problems.Although not many do this too often, and perhaps it is frowned upon these days, I think it used to be in the police handbook and the Advanced Motorists test. As I recall it is (or was) legal to use the whole width of the road, so going to the "wrong" side to get a view round the bend and then cutting across the corner is legal. I'm not sure what the police think of this these days - have there been changes to the rules? One over riding consideration which might be a gotcha is "consideration for other road users", so if the police saw someone doing a manoeuvre like that they might decide to prosecute or give a warning. I tend to play ultra cautious these days, though on bendy roads the lines I prefer to take are actually safer - as long as I can see the road's clear.
I also used to do that in the USA, where many of the cars were quite often just not able to take the bends at speed - without such racing lines. A bit sad when the best handling is actually a Ford Escort!
Pigmy Pony
07-01-2020, 17:26
While staying at a motorcycle rally (MAG's "Farmyard Party") a few years ago, we went out for a run from Helmsley to York, and at some point a police car was behind us. We were on a fast-ish A road, and I did the racing line thing on a couple of the bends just for the hell of it (while keeping my speed legal). Just to see how it may be seen by said copper. No reaction, and he went his own way after a mile or so.
Maybe it would be different in a car or van, as they take up more of the road and aren't as agile.
Anybody here drive a Passat GTE?
dave2010
09-01-2020, 09:55
While staying at a motorcycle rally (MAG's "Farmyard Party") a few years ago, we went out for a run from Helmsley to York, and at some point a police car was behind us. We were on a fast-ish A road, and I did the racing line thing on a couple of the bends just for the hell of it (while keeping my speed legal). Just to see how it may be seen by said copper. No reaction, and he went his own way after a mile or so.
Maybe it would be different in a car or van, as they take up more of the road and aren't as agile.Probably thought that giving chase wouldn't work anway! Wasn't driving an old Ford Anglia as in Heartbeat, was he?
Pigmy Pony
09-01-2020, 17:51
Probably thought that giving chase wouldn't work anway! Wasn't driving an old Ford Anglia as in Heartbeat, was he?
:lol: I couldn't see what he was driving, due to all the dead flies stuck to my goggles.
Anyway, how old do you think I am? Since I hit 62 I've lost count of the number of ways people act like I'm old and decrepit. Apart from ear and nose hair, the grunting when I bend to pick stuff up, the forgetting to cancel indicators, shouting at the telly, a tendency to wear beige, and general grumpiness, I'm no different to any 21 year old :)
Still continent at 62. Well done [emoji23]
Pigmy Pony
09-01-2020, 18:16
Still continent at 62. Well done [emoji23]
Shit. Forgot about that one :o I seem to be forgetting a lot lately.
Still continent at 62. Well done [emoji23]
The adult nappy hides a multitude of sins!;) Needs a bra, too...:eyebrows:
Anyway, at nearly 87, my dad's both content and continent:)
Marco.
Since I hit 62 I've lost count of the number of ways people act like I'm old and decrepit. Apart from ear and nose hair, the grunting when I bend to pick stuff up, the forgetting to cancel indicators, shouting at the telly, a tendency to wear beige, and general grumpiness, I'm no different to any 21 year old :)
Is that what it's like when you're old? The most worrying thing there is thought of wearing beige!:eek::D
Marco.
Pigmy Pony
10-01-2020, 07:42
Is that what it's like when you're old? The most worrying thing there is thought of wearing beige!:eek::D
Marco.
No, what's really worrying is holding up your dad as an example of how it will be in old age (all credit to him), and assuming it's genetic. You are aware these things skip a generation aren't you? :D
Anyway beige is great, it goes with everything. Does show up the pee stains a bit tho
No, what's really worrying is holding up your dad as an example of how it will be in old age (all credit to him), and assuming it's genetic. You are aware these things skip a generation aren't you? :D
Anyway beige is great, it goes with everything. Does show up the pee stains a bit tho
Lol - my uncles are the same, as was my mum (plus all of her side) - all fit and in full possession of their 'faculties' well into their dotage! I'm fit and healthy at my age now, and look and feel at least 10 years younger, so it's going ok so far... Of course anything can happen in future, and won't count my chickens.
Pish stains? OWN them, bro, and show them off in some white Lycra!:eyebrows:
Marco.
Pigmy Pony
10-01-2020, 08:08
Pish stains? OWN them, bro, and show them off in some white Lycra!:eyebrows:
Marco.
Hmm. My favourite pants had a stain on the front the shape of South America. I got sick of folk sniggering and calling me gringo, so in the bin they went :(
Lol - my uncles are the same, as was my mum (plus all of her side) - all fit and in full possession of their 'faculties' well into their dotage! I'm fit and healthy at my age now, and look and feel at least 10 years younger, so it's going ok so far... Of course anything can happen in future, and won't count my chickens.
Pish stains? OWN them, bro, and show them off in some white Lycra!:eyebrows:
Marco.
dad died at 56 so going by that ive been dead for some years now..... omg, im dead:eek:
Pigmy Pony
10-01-2020, 08:29
dad died at 56 so going by that ive been dead for some years now..... omg, im dead:eek:
If so I'd like the number of your embalmer, he's done a smashing job :)
My mum had a major stroke at 58, and died at 63, one year older than I am, while my dad is still working at 81, only because he likes to work and has no hobbies. I'm expecting I'll peg it somewhere between the two.
dad died at 56 so going by that ive been dead for some years now..... omg, im dead:eek:
Lol... You've obviously got a strong constitution and are very resilient, so if you'd been more careful when you were younger and looked after yourself better/been less reckless, you'd have probably gone onto live until a ripe old age! You might still do;)
It's a true saying though, in that what you do (to your body) when you're young, pays you back when you're older... And that's one of the reasons I'm still in reasonable nick (no bad falls/injuries, when I was younger - always ate well, got plenty of exercise and didn't smoke, or drink to excess).
Marco.
Pigmy Pony
10-01-2020, 08:44
always ate well, got plenty of exercise and didn't smoke, or drink to excess).
Marco.
It's all relative, compared to my alcohol intake you're a total pisshead:D
I've no regrets about what I did to my body, nor how much stuff my body did to the laydees' bodies. We can spend our younger years doing the 'right thing' for our bodies, only to have fate shit on us from a great height (although in most cases it won't). So I don't waste any of my time worrying about it. When I'm gone I'm gone, and you're welcome to say "I told you so", but I won't hear you, due to the deadness.
If so I'd like the number of your embalmer, he's done a smashing job :)
My mum had a major stroke at 58, and died at 63, one year older than I am, while my dad is still working at 81, only because he likes to work and has no hobbies. I'm expecting I'll peg it somewhere between the two.
Good on him if that's what keeps him happy, although it's a mindset I simply can't relate to, nor my dad, who retired at 66 (through choice from his own business) and couldn't wait to enjoy, not only his hobbies more fully (gardening, air-rifle shooting, DIY, carpentry), but spending more time with my mum and going on nice holidays together, out for meals, and just generally being closer as a married couple.
Maybe it would've been different had your mum still been alive? Anyway, I wish him a long and healthy (as possible) life:)
Marco.
Pigmy Pony
10-01-2020, 08:51
If you can make a bit of money doing what you enjoy, that sounds like a good deal to me :) Also I think going out and working gives him a sense of purpose, which can only be a good thing. I don't think work itself is what knackers you up, it's the stress. And he certainly ain't stressed :)
It's all relative, compared to my alcohol intake you're a total pisshead:D
I've no regrets about what I did to my body, nor how much stuff my body did to the laydees' bodies. We can spend our younger years doing the 'right thing' for our bodies, only to have fate shit on us from a great height (although in most cases it won't). So I don't waste any of my time worrying about it. When I'm gone I'm gone, and you're welcome to say "I told you so", but I won't hear you, due to the deadness.
Lol... Don't get me wrong, I still had a BALL when I was younger, and got up to all sorts, *but* I was lucky never to suffer any ill effects from it, even after falling off motorbikes numerous times, taking drugs, not just hash either, but magic mushrooms and speed (although never to excess) - I was no 'angel', I can tell you, especially when it came to girlies:eyebrows:
But unlike most of my mates, I seemed to have the common sense to know how far to go before I was just being outright stupid, or liable to get caught and punished...
Piss head? Ha... So how much do you drink on average in a week? So far this week, I've had about 4 glasses of wine and a pint of beer, all with food, and that's unlikely to be added to until Sunday, and the beginning of a new week.
Marco.
Pigmy Pony
10-01-2020, 08:58
I had a pint of Peroni with my birthday lunch on Sunday. Before that I had a can of lager and a glass of wine with me Christmas dinner. Before that I went on a company piss-up on the 17th, where I had about 6 pints and was sick as a dog the next day. Before that I really can't remember, probably the odd one while on holiday in September. So probably about 20 units in 4 months.
If you can make a bit of money doing what you enjoy, that sounds like a good deal to me. Also I think going out and working gives him a sense of purpose, which can only be a good thing. I don't think work itself is what knackers you up, it's the stress. And he certainly ain't stressed...
Yes, but a) life isn't all about money. If you've been at all successful in your earlier working life, then by the time you reach 81 your focus shouldn't be on *earning* money. It should be on SPENDING and ENJOYING it before it's too late!:D As you can't take it with you...
And b) as far as having a "sense of purpose" goes, there are many ways of achieving that, other than through work.
It could be using the time during your retirement to be a better parent/husband//grandfather (tick as appropriate), or just simply enjoying the fruits of your labour. For me (your dad aside, as he's obviously happy), that's a big part of the problem we have in this country: for too many people, their work is their LIFE, rather than simply a means to an end.
It's where for me the French (and also Italians) get it right.. You can travel through huge parts of France, through small towns and villages (ditto Italy), and often the shops are closed and places are deserted, as the locals are either on a 2-hour lunch break or having a 'siesta'!:eyebrows:
They know when to work and when to chill and enjoy the good things in life (eating good food and spending TIME with their friends and loved ones), and so they're content working just enough to pay the bills and have reasonably comfortable but simple lives, and most importantly don't suffer from stress, as a result (glad your dad doesn't). They're laidback to the point of being horizontal - and good on them! That's more my world:)
Here in the UK? Well, I don't need to point out how different it is (and getting worse all the time), as we've been here many times before: shops open 24/7, due to the effects of mass consumerism, and one of the worst work/life balances in Europe..... A rat race populated by headless chickens? You can keep it!!
Marco.
I had a pint of Peroni with my birthday lunch on Sunday. Before that I had a can of lager and a glass of wine with me Christmas dinner. Before that I went on a company piss-up on the 17th, where I had about 6 pints and was sick as a dog the next day. Before that I really can't remember, probably the odd one while on holiday in September. So probably about 20 units in 4 months.
Probably not too dissimilar then from me, although I'd have no desire for a company "piss up" or getting drunk... That's just for PISSHEADS!:drunk::ner:
;)
Now a nice meal instead, with some wine and/or a couple of beers (max), that would be different:)
Marco.
Lol... You've obviously got a strong constitution and are very resilient, so if you'd been more careful when you were younger and looked after yourself better/been less reckless, you'd have probably gone onto live until a ripe old age! You might still do;)
It's a true saying though, in that what you do (to your body) when you're young, pays you back when you're older... And that's one of the reasons I'm still in reasonable nick (no bad falls/injuries, when I was younger - always ate well, got plenty of exercise and didn't smoke, or drink to excess).
Marco.
I very rarely drink now, but did before due to stress of looking after wife 24/7 (which is incredibly difficult over 20 years)and to an extent, habit too I guess.
I gave up fags in about 2010/11. Still have a drag on a electric on occasion but it doesnt bother me if i lose it for a while tbh..I find the menthol helps my chest so mostly why...
I try to get plenty sleep and eat as well as i can(which probably aint great tbh)
Still, im currently still alive, as i can hear a pulse..:ner:
walpurgis
10-01-2020, 09:27
I never drink before 8am. :)
I very rarely drink now, but did before due to stress of looking after wife 24/7 (which is incredibly difficult over 20 years)and to an extent, habit too I guess.
I gave up fags in about 2010/11. Stiff have a drag on a electric on occasion but it doesnt bother me if i lose it for a while tbh..I find the menthol helps my chest so mostly why...
I try to get plenty sleep and eat as well as i can(which probably aint great tbh)
Still, im currently still alive, as i can hear a pulse..:ner:
Nice one, mate. Getting plenty of sleep and eating well (and may I say your diet has improved massively recently with cooking more fresh food, and you must be feeling the benefits of that accordingly) is *absolutely crucial* to enjoying good health - especially the sleep side of things, as a lack of sleep can have all sorts of nasty knock-on effects. That's why our resident insomniacs here worry me, despite their assurances that 'all is well'...
So keep up the good habits!:)
But yes, aside from things like genes and pot luck, in our older years we are essentially the 'victims' (or otherwise) of our past activities (emotionally, as well as physically), some of which may have been avoidable (you can't control the rest), and which is why if I had kids one of the most important lessons I'd be teaching them is to enjoy their youth, but to stay focussed on looking after their health/bodies as much as possible, as it will undoubtedly pay dividends in future years, regardless of what else mother nature throws at them.
Marco.
dave2010
10-01-2020, 09:45
Probably not too dissimilar then from me, although I'd have no desire for a company "piss up" or getting drunk... That's just for PISSHEADS!:drunk::ner:
;)
Now a nice meal instead, with some wine and/or a couple of beers (max), that would be different:)
That would probably equate to at least 5 units/week, so over several months (4 was mentioned) would be around 85 units.
I don't think that's too bad - but it's easy to under estimate alcohol consumption.
I don't ever drink 6 pints in one go these days, though when we lived in Sweden we sometimes had 3 beers - which made the world "go round a bit" - as they were high alcohol content - around £7-9%. 2 beers with a meal was OK - 3 was pushing it. Not been on any sort of bender for 25 or more years.
I think it's a mistake to think that having food as well mitigates the health effects somewhat - though drinking alcohol with a meal is perhaps better than otherwise. Also having a beer or two or wine or spirits on a flight is really not good. I think flying makes the effects worse.
People who do a lot of exercise, or have physically demanding jobs, may be able to burn off the alcohol much better than those of us who are lazy slobs -. not that I'm one of those either.
I don't ever drink 6 pints in one go these days, though when we lived in Sweden we sometimes had 3 beers - which made the world "go round a bit" - as they were high alcohol content - around £7-9%. 2 beers with a meal was OK - 3 was pushing it. Not been on any sort of bender for 25 or more years.
I think it's a mistake to think that having food as well mitigates the health effects somewhat - though drinking alcohol with a meal is perhaps better than otherwise.
People who do a lot of exercise, or have physically demanding jobs, may be able to burn off the alcohol much better than those of us who are lazy slobs -. not that I'm one of those either.
In terms of the bit in bold, me neither, simply because it wouldn't be enjoyable, as it would bag me up too much and leave less room for food!:D
Ultimately, I derive much more pleasure from eating GOOD food than drinking ANY form of alcohol. I could, at a push, give up drinking alcohol for good, but I could NEVER give up eating well, as for an Italian good food is LIFE itself!
I don't think that eating, whilst drinking, mitigates the effects of alcohol, in terms of it potentially damaging your health, but it certainly helps prevent you from getting drunk as quickly. Plus, when I have alcohol I always also drink some water with it (separately), in order not to become dehydrated, so when the table is set for lunch or dinner (and alcohol is on the agenda), there will always be a water glass present, as well as a wine or beer glass.
I also don't believe that drinking alcohol *in moderation* will have any long-term ill effects on their health for most people - certainly I haven't experienced any in the 50-years, or so, I've been drinking alcohol. For me, other than the odd cold beer during the summer (purely as a thirst quencher), alcohol is simply an accompaniment to food, so when I'm finished eating, I'm finished drinking. In between meals I mostly drink water. And I only have alcohol with the maximum of three meals a week, often just one, during Sunday lunch.
I've never been one for going to pubs and downing multiple pints of beer (or whatever) on an empty stomach, and just drinking for the sake of getting pissed or enjoying the 'hit' of the alcohol, or coming home from work and dinking cans of beer, spirits, or numerous glasses of wine. I've never felt the need for that, and neither have most members of my family.
Yes, if you have a physically demanding job then you'll probably be more able to burn off the calories, associated with heavy alcohol consumption, but NOT counteract the detrimental effect it's had on your liver!;)
Marco.
Frazeur1
10-01-2020, 10:40
I probably will be kicking off soon then, I get about 3-4 hours of reasonable(?) sleep each night, been this way for over 30 years. I rarely drink at all, and no drugs. Maybe that is the problem! Hmmmm.....
Lol, Timothy, maybe! However, have you looked into the reasons WHY you can't sleep? And have you done anything about it?
Plus, do you feel tired or lethargic during the day, or have poor concentration levels? Does your lack of sleep affect your appetite? Do you catch more than your fair share of colds, or any other infections, or suffer from other aspects of poor health? Oh, and do you have bags under your eyes or lots of wrinkles?;)
Of course the amount of sleep needed various from one person to the other. However, what age are you? Unless you're over 70, I'd suggest that 3-4 hours a night is very low, especially 30 years ago when you must've been reasonably young and needed your sleep. I need nine hours per night, minimum, preferably ten, and I've always been the same. Anything less than that, and I can instantly feel the effects. On only 3-4 hours, I'd be like a zombie!!:eek:
Marco.
Pigmy Pony
10-01-2020, 16:47
Yes, but a) life isn't all about money. If you've been at all successful in your earlier working life, then by the time you reach 81 your focus shouldn't be on *earning* money. It should be on SPENDING and ENJOYING it before it's too late!:D As you can't take it with you...
And b) as far as having a "sense of purpose" goes, there are many ways of achieving that, other than through work.
It could be using the time during your retirement to be a better parent/husband//grandfather (tick as appropriate), or just simply enjoying the fruits of your labour. For me (your dad aside, as he's obviously happy), that's a big part of the problem we have in this country: for too many people, their work is their LIFE, rather than simply a means to an end.
It's where for me the French (and also Italians) get it right.. You can travel through huge parts of France, through small towns and villages (ditto Italy), and often the shops are closed and places are deserted, as the locals are either on a 2-hour lunch break or having a 'siesta'!:eyebrows:
They know when to work and when to chill and enjoy the good things in life (eating good food and spending TIME with their friends and loved ones), and so they're content working just enough to pay the bills and have reasonably comfortable but simple lives, and most importantly don't suffer from stress, as a result (glad your dad doesn't). They're laidback to the point of being horizontal - and good on them! That's more my world:)
Here in the UK? Well, I don't need to point out how different it is (and getting worse all the time), as we've been here many times before: shops open 24/7, due to the effects of mass consumerism, and one of the worst work/life balances in Europe..... A rat race populated by headless chickens? You can keep it!!
Marco.
Marco, you're such a sweetheart, so before I launch into my reply I should tell you that I'll be smiling as I write this so please don't think I've got a cob on :)
Maybe I'm not explaining myself properly, so I'll have another go: my dad loves what he does, getting paid for it is just the icing on the cake. How many hobbies do you know that do the opposite of costing you money?
The "rat race populated by headless chickens", that's the world you and I live in, whether we like it or not. I suspect you probably do like it, selectively - you like to do your shopping outside of peak times where you would have to jostle with those dirty plebs (regular folk), but if those stores went down the same road as your beloved French/Italian places you would not have that luxury any more. And that lovely pub you took your dad to for lunch? how pissed off would you be to arrive there only to find they couldn't be arsed opening till sometime later this evening :(
And would you describe your life as "comfortable but simple"? These folk you speak highly of in continental Europe are not going to afford performance cars, top-drawer audio and a/v systems, and all the Laura Ashly you can fit into a big house on a hill, by doing bugger all business for much of the day. Sorry, but the sums don't add up. Something has to give, maybe that's why so many of their houses look like they're falling down.
You do seem to be trying to teach me something, as though I've been in the land of nod for the last sixty years and have no idea what's going on around me. Perhaps I misunderstand (happens a lot), perhaps you're just bouncing these thought off me for the benefit of onlookers, and that's fine, but personally I don't feel like I need fixing. And if I do, it's probably too late.
Apart from this I agree entirely with what you're saying :D
Marco, you're such a sweetheart, so before I launch into my reply I should tell you that I'll be smiling as I write this so please don't think I've got a cob on :)
:lol::D
Maybe I'm not explaining myself properly, so I'll have another go: my dad loves what he does, getting paid for it is just the icing on the cake. How many hobbies do you know that do the opposite of costing you money?
That issue isn't in question, and as I said if your dad's happy, he's happy, and nothing else matters. However, for me (and certainly my dad), working was only ever a means to an end, and so now in his 80s I can assure you that he's much happier and gets much more enjoyment out of spending TIME with me (and Del), going out for nice meals to lovely little pubs, or coming over to ours for the same, than he ever did working.
How much time do your dad and you spend socialising together, outside of a working environment? And does he have any grandchildren? For me, *that* is what retirement and old age is all about: spending more TIME with your family - time you wouldn't have had when you were working. Plus, as both our fathers are in their 80s, every day is a bonus, and I'd want to make as many nice memories of doing FUN things together with my dad, while I had the chance, than regretting not doing so, should he suddenly (and unexpectedly) pass away....
That's just me, though, and also how my dad looks at things. I can assure you, if my mum were still alive, they'd be spending every spare penny they had going on nice holidays around the world and doing other things that they both enjoyed, with no thoughts whatsoever towards working:)
The "rat race populated by headless chickens", that's the world you and I live in, whether we like it or not. I suspect you probably do like it, selectively - you like to do your shopping outside of peak times where you would have to jostle with those dirty plebs (regular folk)...
Of course that's the world we both live in, but I choose to engage with it as little as possible, through doing some of what you've outlined. I would NEVER be one of said "headless chickens" or "rats" for all the money in the world! As I've said before, as long as I've got enough for my needs, and yes they are relatively simple, in terms of material possessions, compared with the 'aspirations' of many people today, that's fine, as I wouldn't want the stress attached with earning more to get it, or chasing that sort of materialistic lifestyle, as experience tells me that all it does is bring UNHAPPINESS..
Free TIME (being in control of my own destiny) is ultimately more important to me than any amount of money or material possessions. And Del's the same.
...but if those stores went down the same road as your beloved French/Italian places you would not have that luxury any more. And that lovely pub you took your dad to for lunch? how pissed off would you be to arrive there only to find they couldn't be arsed opening till sometime later this evening :(
You just adjust your lifestyle to suit, and observe the local customs, and I'd do that easily. I've holidayed and stayed in France and Italy for years, so know how it works, and in terms of country pubs or restaurants, I'd always check in advance if they were open before driving out there - we do that all the time!:)
And would you describe your life as "comfortable but simple"? These folk you speak highly of in continental Europe are not going to afford performance cars, top-drawer audio and a/v systems, and all the Laura Ashly you can fit into a big house on a hill, by doing bugger all business for much of the day. Sorry, but the sums don't add up. Something has to give, maybe that's why so many of their houses look like they're falling down.
Yes, it's both, as we buy quality stuff, which lasts, and unlike others aren't slaves to fashion, so unlike them we're not chopping and changing our furniture or cars every 5 mins, just to 'feel good' or create some kind of 'show off' image. Therefore, our Laura Ashley furnishings will likely accompany us to our graves, as they're built to last and we look after our stuff. That's what I mean by "simple". and yes it's also a comfortable way to live.
In terms of the French or Italian working hours, you have to remember that most folk start work at 7am (to avoid the worst of the day's heat) and work until 12 noon, then have lunch and a 'siesta', and start back at 3pm (again partly to avoid the worst of the heat), then often work on until 7pm, so that's still a 9-hour day - and plenty of time to get their business done, but in a more relaxed. less stressful way. Perfect!:)
How many folk here in the UK even get a lunch break? It's most likely a case of grab a Pot Noodle at your desk, and like it!:rolleyes: That's NO way to live...:nono:
My "performance car" is second-hand (10 years old now), and was bought for £16k. I've now owned it for four years. Hardly the behaviour of someone who is frivolous! Most of our money goes on food and drink, as living/eating well is very important to us, *but* value for money is just as important, which is why we do the majority of our shopping in Lidl, not Waitrose!
As for hi-fi, I haven't used my main system for over 2 years, and haven't really missed it, These days, I derive more pleasure from sitting outside with Del in our garden, having BBQs, etc, during the summer months, and spending TIME together as a couple, than dicking around with hi-fi, so if we moved to France or Italy, where the weather was even better and consumerism was (shall we say) 'less well catered for', if it were necessary, I'd happily do without my system, thereby 'simplifying' our life accordingly.
Quite frankly, as long as I had Del, and enough to survive on, and to avoid any form of stress, I'd happily live in a run-down shack in the middle of nowhere!:exactly:
You do seem to be trying to teach me something, as though I've been in the land of nod for the last sixty years and have no idea what's going on around me. Perhaps I misunderstand (happens a lot), perhaps you're just bouncing these thought off me for the benefit of onlookers, and that's fine, but personally I don't feel like I need fixing. And if I do, it's probably too late.
Not at all. It's simply sometimes a difference of opinion and priorities/outlook on life. I also seek to correct you about any false impressions you have of me or my way of thinking, based on anything I've written. It's so easy to read into the wrong things sometimes, but I always enjoy our chats!:cool:
Marco.
dave2010
10-01-2020, 20:03
Most of our money goes on food and drink, as living/eating well is very important to us, *but* value for money is just as important, which is why we do the majority of our shopping in Lidl, not Waitrose!
You didn’t discover the bargains in Waitrose - which happen sometimes fairly late in the day, then! Generally agree about Lidl.
As for hi-fi, I haven't used my main system for over 2 years, and haven't really missed it ...
That’s a surprise given the nature of this web site.
You didn’t discover the bargains in Waitrose - which happen sometimes fairly late in the day, then! Generally agree about Lidl.
That’s a surprise given the nature of this web site.
Hi Dave, trouble with Waitrose is that our nearest one is in Chester, 10 miles away, so we only go there now and then:)
As for the latter, why? AoS isn't just about me - far from it.... Plenty of other folks to chat about hi-fi. Besides, I've still been using my second system and listening to plenty of music!:cool:
Marco.
Frazeur1
10-01-2020, 22:40
Marco, I am 58, and have had chats with the doc about it all. Problem is, or part of it, is that to just get somewhat stable with it, they have tried a few various sleep meds which I just do not get on well with at all, they really make me a zombie, even at way reduced doses.
Some of it too is just my work, period. I have worked in maintenance type jobs for my entire career, from refineries and chemical plants, electronics manufacturing and pharmaceutical manufacturing. It has always put me in the on-call situation, 24-7, and my mind just doesn’t sit still. I have tried many things, short of quitting! One trades one issue for another.
Strangely, my body and mind in general are so used to it that I seem to mow through it, yet come weekends when things are smooth, it is hard not to just collapse. I rarely get colds or any kind of infection, my appetite is average, as I get older I find I do not eat as much, or require as much. I have to watch my intake anyway, as I am a type2 diabetic, have been for roughly six years now. I am 5’ 7” and weigh right at 158 pounds, walk a lot, and while I am not a gym type person, am in decent shape.
Sure, at times I do feel a bit ragged, but it seems like everyone else around me is similar. I haven’t used an alarm clock in probably 30 years or more, as my body just is so used to getting up at same times every day, which is typically 3am, I am at work no later than 4am, and work about 10-11 hours a day, depending on fires and crisis of the day or week. Generally have weekends off, depending on said fires.
It seems like the work force these days just keep churning away, almost like robots. I am really working to get to retirement in say another year or two at max, regardless of what every one tells me that financially it isn’t good, but hell, if you’re dead, nothing matters either! Plug away at the wheel...
Really, our health care “system” is quite pathetic, they run through patients like cattle, don’t listen, and just want to push the pills. Oh, we have a pill for that....right. Along with the other ten you want me to take. Frustrating. Sorry, not to bitch. Really things can always be worse!
dave2010
10-01-2020, 23:08
Hi Dave, trouble with Waitrose is that our nearest one is in Chester, 10 miles away, so we only go there now and then:)
As for the latter, why? AoS isn't just about me - far from it.... Plenty of other folks to chat about hi-fi. Besides, I've still been using my second system and listening to plenty of music!:cool:
Of course, you are right about Waitrose. TBH I was getting confused with Tesco, and there are no Waitrose stores up here in the frozen wastes. In the past we did pick up bargains in Waitrose, sometimes really good ones. Not worth the bother if you have to travel a long way on the off chance of a bargain. Tesco bargains we have had included so many profiteroles for not a lot that we had to resort to having them for breakfast for days in order to get through them all.
Some good posts, guys. Got to go out for a bit, but will reply later. Piggurs, when you get a chance, I'd appreciate your views on my last reply to you. Cheers!:cool:
Marco.
Hi Timothy,
Thanks for your detailed reply! Judging by what I've just read from you, and also what I've read on the 'Insomniacs Club' thread, the common denominator among the sleep-deprived seems to be shift work... I've done a few 'all nighters' when I had my own business, but I've never worked shifts (or nights), although I can imagine that it must fuck up your 'body clock':rolleyes:
You also work long hours, so between that and the lack of sleep, I'm not surprised that when it comes to the weekend, you just collapse! I hope you can retire, as you're looking to do, in the next couple of years, but you'll probably still find yourself having a similar sleep pattern, as you've not been used to anything else, but hopefully it'll come:)
I hear you on the problems of the health care system. Fortunately [touch wood] I rarely have to use it, and don't take any pills, but yes there is a tendency just to treat you like cattle and prescribe pills (the side-effects of which are often worse than the condition they were designed to treat!!], rather than *actually* get to the root of the problem, and treat it *at source*. Instead, they simply apply a 'bandage', and hope for the best!
However, at least we have an NHS... I wouldn't like it to be as it is in, say America, where you could drop down dead on the street, and unless you have private medical insurance, they'll just leave you there!
Anyway, as you say, things could still be worse (there are plenty of folks around the world who are), so all you can do is get on with it, but I wish you all the best for an early retirement and perhaps the chance to enjoy your hobbies more, either hi-fi/music-related or otherwise:cool:
Marco.
Pigmy Pony
11-01-2020, 19:09
Some good posts, guys. Got to go out for a bit, but will reply later. Piggurs, when you get a chance, I'd appreciate your views on my last reply to you. Cheers!:cool:
Marco.
Well it was wordy, I'll give you that :) How many keyboards per year do you wear out?
I broadly agree with everything you're saying, although it does tend to generalise a bit. We all have reasons for doing things the way we do, often things out of our control, and the subtext of what you're saying, which I interpret as 'do things the way I did it or you're life will be screwed up and you may die early' isn't as helpful as you might think :(
Take your point about the continental way regarding working hours, but I think most folk over here really do prefer a shorter lunch break, so they can get done sooner and go home. And I'm trying to picture you arriving at your job at 7am :eek: My new avatar: that would be you at 5am, thinking "I really can't face another day like this" :(
I too have spent a lot of time holidaying and driving round France over the years (my favourite kind of holiday), but the French way with restaurant opening does my head in, and had to resort to McDonalds :eek: on occasion. I suppose it's better in the towns and cities, but we tended to avoid them.
One more thing: get off your lazy arse and get the big stereo fired up!
Well it was wordy, I'll give you that :) How many keyboards per year do you wear out?
Lol - I'm a fast typer! That lot took me less than 10 mins.... And I like putting some 'meat on the bone', when I explain myself. Too many folks don't.
I broadly agree with everything you're saying, although it does tend to generalise a bit. We all have reasons for doing things the way we do, often things out of our control, and the subtext of what you're saying, which I interpret as 'do things the way I did it or you're life will be screwed up and you may die early' isn't as helpful as you might think :(
Fair enough, but that wasn't my intention. Firstly, anything I write in reply to you isn't just for your benefit - it's also for the benefit of anyone else who is reading. Secondly, I believe that we can ALL learn from each other in life, as I certainly have in the past from others, so if someone reads what I've written, on any subject, and it gives them food for thought, or they find it useful, then the effort in writing it will be worth it.
So, talking about retirement, do you intend to follow in your dad's footsteps and work until you're in your 80s, and if so, what does Anita think about that?;)
Take your point about the continental way regarding working hours, but I think most folk over here really do prefer a shorter lunch break, so they can get done sooner and go home. And I'm trying to picture you arriving at your job at 7am :eek: My new avatar: that would be you at 5am, thinking "I really can't face another day like this" :(
Ha - love it.....
Firstly, when I was working, and even now if I have to get up early in the morning to go somewhere, it's never been a problem. I just make sure I go to bed early enough the night before (to get my 9/10 hours required sleep) and set the alarm clock!
Secondly, the example I gave with continental working hours doesn't apply to everyone. Just as common is starting work at 8 (or 8.30)am, working until 12 noon, having lunch until 1.30pm, and then working until 6pm, which is the hours of most banks and many office jobs.
And for me, the latter is much preferable to the working hours/conditions prevalent in many jobs here in the UK. Plenty of folk work 9-hour days and more, and get hee-haw lunch break, which for me is BIG TIME WRONG and very unhealthy. It's also partly what causes stress and illnesses, as your body isn't getting the proper fuel it needs to sustain it working, and so you force yourself to keep on going when you're tired and hungry. Not good - and eventually you'll end up paying the price to your health!
In any case though, the point I'm making is that for many people abroad, eating well and having a good work/life balance, even if they're not earning as much as their counterparts in the UK, is more preferable to working longer hours and not having a proper lunch break [where a decent hot meal can be enjoyed at leisure].
And also even if it means living in a smaller house and/or not having as much money to spend on it. Having a proper amount of free time to spend with friends and family, or just some 'me time' alone, to relax and chill. is much more important than *anything* else - and that's also how I'm wired:)
I too have spent a lot of time holidaying and driving round France over the years (my favourite kind of holiday), but the French way with restaurant opening does my head in, and had to resort to McDonalds :eek: on occasion. I suppose it's better in the towns and cities, but we tended to avoid them.
I honestly don't see the big deal. If you're as familiar with the French way of life as you say you are, then you'll know that lunch times in restaurants are strictly between 12 noon and 2pm, sometimes 2.30pm, and some restauranteurs often also have the cheek to like 2 days off per week!:eek: :spank:
Disgraceful, isn't it, not to be continually at the beck and call of the general public, and actually DARE to HAVE A LIFE?;)
So... You simply ensure that you stop somewhere to eat during those times. That's what we do, and indeed often these days pre-book a table at a nice place I've Googled for in advance, and then there are defo no issues or disappointments. It's called being organised.
One more thing: get off your lazy arse and get the big stereo fired up!
Will do - it's my new year's resolution!:D
Marco.
Pigmy Pony
11-01-2020, 23:27
[QUOTE=Marco;1154010
So, talking about retirement, do you intend to follow in your dad's footsteps and work until you're in your 80s, and if so, what does Anita think about that?;)
No plans to retire, I'll keep doing what I do till Anita tells me to stop. She usually gets her own way :D
Firstly, when I was working, and even now if I have to get up early in the morning to go somewhere, it's never been a problem. I just make sure I go to bed early enough (to get my 9/10 hours required sleep) and set the alarm clock!
Another case of the sums not adding up - if you had to start at 7am, get 3 hours lunch/leisure/wank time, and finish at 7pm, (don't forget to add-in some commute time) your 9 hrs kip would leave you exactly sod all time with your family. I can only assume that the French are rather less bed-shaped than that :)
I honestly don't see the big deal. If you're as familiar with the French way of life as you say you are, then you'll know that lunch times in restaurants are strictly between 12 noon and 2pm, sometimes 2.30pm, and some restauranteurs often also have the cheek to like 2 days off per week!:eek: :spank:
I never said I was familiar with the French way of life, rather that I was trying to enjoy a British way of life while in France. And failing. Oh, the shame! :o
So... You simply ensure that you stop somewhere to eat during those times. That's what we do, and indeed often these days pre-book a table at a nice place I've Googled for in advance, and then there are defo no issues or disappointments. It's called being organised.
We are never organised when on holiday, nor do we make plans in advance. We just drive till we see something worth stopping for :D If you evber find yourself driving round the south of France follow the river Tarn up from Millau (home of the giant bridge) for about 30 miles until you reach a village called La Malene. Camping fishing and canoeing there, and it's probably my favourite place of all the places I've been (which ain't that many. There's a really nice little family run and rather rustic little restaurant there you would love. Tip
[No plans to retire, I'll keep doing what I do till Anita tells me to stop. She usually gets her own way :D
Lol - I'm laughing because I'm hoping you're joking (on both counts)! Being a workaholic, henpecked husband ain't no fun, bro......
Another case of the sums not adding up - if you had to start at 7am, get 3 hours lunch/leisure/wank time, and finish at 7pm, (don't forget to add-in some commute time) your 9 hrs kip would leave you exactly sod all time with your family. I can only assume that the French are rather less bed-shaped than that :)
Yes, but I didn't say that was the ideal scenario for me. I'd go with the other one I mentioned of starting at 8am, working until 12 noon, then having lunch until 1.30pm and finishing at 6pm, with weekends off. That's probably the norm for most abroad. You'd enjoy the bulk of your family time at the weekend, with still plenty of time for snoozage - simples!:)
And as for commuting, I'd ensure that I lived no more than 15/20 mins away (by car) from where I worked, as has always been the case throughout my working life. Long commutes are a major drag and a complete waste of time. That's the benefit of being in sales, as you can find sales jobs anywhere!;)
I never said I was familiar with the French way of life, rather that I was trying to enjoy a British way of life while in France. And failing. Oh, the shame! :o
Ha - there's your problem, then. As they say: 'When in Rome...' Next you'll be telling me that you expect them to speak English!:D;)
We are never organised when on holiday, nor do we make plans in advance. We just drive till we see something worth stopping for...
We do that sometimes, and it can be fun, but overall I prefer being organised, as I (same as Del) *hate* disappointments, especially when it comes to mealtimes, as enjoyment of such is a MAJOR part of our holiday. The very thought of being in France and having to eat in McDonalds is a nightmare I don't even wish to contemplate!!:eek::nono:
If you evber find yourself driving round the south of France follow the river Tarn up from Millau (home of the giant bridge) for about 30 miles until you reach a village called La Malene. Camping fishing and canoeing there, and it's probably my favourite place of all the places I've been (which ain't that many. There's a really nice little family run and rather rustic little restaurant there you would love. Tip
Sounds good, do you remember the name? Camping, fishing or canoeing wouldn't interest us though, as we don't do any of that. Plus, we're rarely in the south of France (where you're talking about), as it's too much of a drive. We're usually either in northern France (on a short-ish break from the UK/wine-buying trip), or south eastern France, en-route to Italy:cool:
Marco.
Pigmy Pony
12-01-2020, 08:13
:lol: Most of what I wrote here was not entirely true, and was intended to get a rise out of you (I knew all the 'Brit abroad' would do the trick), I'm really nowhere near that bad! My post was a bit messy and hurriedly thought out though, as I was racing against a dying laptop battery.
I do make some effort to speak French, although it is barely above Del Boy standard :) McDonalds was just the occasional stop gap, usually just for a brew. We did eat out at 'proper' restaurants sometimes, but eating out and drinking can be horrendously expensive, so when staying at my brother's place in Cap d'Agde we bought stuff from the local boulangerie/patisserie or the Lidl (both ten minutes walk) and do home cooking.
Other than when working there (in which case I would take a more direct route) we would go via eastern France, through Andorra and the Pyrenees (like Scottish Highlands (but rather bigger) where a lot of folk speak Catalan which I never attempted to learn, and through part of Southern Spain. Tony's place is at the southerly point of the Languedoc-Roussillon region, where you'd be in your element what with all the wine.
But the last time we visited we got the Dover ferry to Calais, did a left turn to Belgium, and headed to Luxembourg's Esche-sur-Alzette for a couple days, popping over into Germany briefly on the way. Eventually arriving at Cap d'Agde a week later, we picked up Anita's son and wife at the airport, and after a couple days of doing bugger all drove up the Gorges du Tarn, about 80 miles north for a couple of days camping :eek: But the canoeing was great, even the falling in, and watching the Griffon vultures hovering overhead looking for a restaurant that wasn't shut, was quite entertaining. In fact the whole trip was great, and much more interesting than my Marco-like wordiness would suggest :D
Of course we could have flown and got there in 3 hours, which we did once, and it was shit. That's something I know we both agree on, driving is the way to go :)
no idea what the restaurant in La Malene was called, but I'll google the area later and see if I can find it.
dave2010
12-01-2020, 09:57
Sounds good, do you remember the name? Camping, fishing or canoeing wouldn't interest us though, as we don't do any of that. Plus, we're rarely in the south of France (where you're talking about), as it's too much of a drive. We're usually either in northern France (on a short-ish break from the UK/wine-buying trip), or south eastern France, en-route to Italy:cool:
Interesting comment about being a fast typer - a post or few past. It makes a big difference. I wondered for a long while why I often get mono-syllabic replies to emails I write. Eventually figured out several possible reasons:
1. People can't be **** to reply properly. Might be true.
2. Most people can't type at speed.
Now I'm more generous and tend to assume 2.
Re south of France - go by train, and hire a car at the far end (if needed). It's a good thing to do. I suppose you could even fly and increase your carbon footprint. However, hire cars can be variable, and often nothing like as easy to drive as one's own car. Also getting hire cars gets harder as one gets older.
Some really nice places off the beaten track in south and central France.
Interesting comment about being a fast typer - a post or few past. It makes a big difference. I wondered for a long while why I often get mono-syllabic replies to emails I write. Eventually figured out several possible reasons:
1. People can't be **** to reply properly. Might be true.
2. Most people can't type at speed.
Now I'm more generous and tend to assume 2.
I think you're being a little over-generous!;)
I'd say it's largely 1, but 2 is is also responsible, simply because of tiny keyboards on smartphones, which simply don't facilitate lengthy dialogue!l:doh:
The fact that I use a laptop with a proper keyboard, when posting here, is the reason why I can type quickly and properly construct lengthy replies (with paragraphs and punctuation), and it's a discipline others should also adopt, as most folk have BOTH a laptop (or PC) and a smartphone at home, but for some reason when posting here, even when at home, stick to using the latter:mental:
Re south of France - go by train, and hire a car at the far end (if needed). It's a good thing to do. I suppose you could even fly and increase your carbon footprint. However, hire cars can be variable, and often nothing like as easy to drive as one's own car. Also getting hire cars gets harder as one gets older.
Some really nice places off the beaten track in south and central France.
Noted... The train aspect would be interesting, as after car, it's my favourite way of travelling. Planes I detest, as you see nothing of your journey and I LOATHE the overcrowding/stress and hassle these days at airports, and I find the seating arrangements (lack of leg room in particular, as I'm tall) deeply uncomfortable. Boats are ok, but I'm not really a sea kind of guy.
Piggurs, I'll get to your excellent post later!:cool:
Marco.
I liked trains when a boy; the old style carriages with compartments etc. Occasionally a steam train but they were mostly on haulage by that time.
The sea, i love the sea and its the best way to travel as long as its not a big huge cruise ship. Planes you can keep.
I liked trains when a boy; the old style carriages with compartments etc. Occasionally a steam train but they were mostly on haulage by that time.
The sea, i love the sea and its the best way to travel as long as its not a big huge cruise ship. Planes you can keep.
Yup, same here, and they also existed (to some extent) in the 70s. Awesome things with real character. Now the trains themselves are cold and soulless/devoid of personality, although undoubtedly fast. What I dislike about travelling by boat (unless its in somewhere really interesting), is that much like sky, one bit of water looks the same as another - and that's all you can see as a passenger when you look out the window, or up on the deck.
Whereas in a car or train, you can enjoy a constantly changing landscape passing you by, and also the beautiful scenery! And in a car, you can stop and look round quaint little towns and villages.
In terms of trains, I plan on taking Del on the Orient Express for our 30th wedding anniversary, as that's always massively appealed to both of us, on various levels:)
Marco.
Yup, same here, and they also existed (to some extent) in the 70s. Awesome things with real character. Now the trains themselves are cold and soulless, although undoubtedly fast. What I dislike about travelling by boat (unless its in somewhere really interesting), is that much like sky, one bit of water looks the same as another - and that's all you can see as a passenger when you look out the window.
Whereas in a car or train, you can enjoy a constantly changing landscape pass you by, and enjoy the beautiful scenery!
In terms of trains, I plan on taking Del on the Orient Express for our 30th wedding anniversary, as that's always massively appealed to both of us, on various levels:)
Marco.
I will dress up as Hercule Poirot :eyebrows:
Hey - I can see you in that outfit, and the tache would be *so* you!:D
Marco.
RobbieGong
12-01-2020, 13:55
Yup, same here, and they also existed (to some extent) in the 70s. Awesome things with real character. Now the trains themselves are cold and soulless/devoid of personality, although undoubtedly fast. What I dislike about travelling by boat (unless its in somewhere really interesting), is that much like sky, one bit of water looks the same as another - and that's all you can see as a passenger when you look out the window, or up on the deck.
Whereas in a car or train, you can enjoy a constantly changing landscape passing you by, and also the beautiful scenery! And in a car, you can stop and look round quaint little towns and villages.
In terms of trains, I plan on taking Del on the Orient Express for our 30th wedding anniversary, as that's always massively appealed to both of us, on various levels:)
Marco.
Great minds and all that.......Been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember Marco, sincerely hope to fulfil it with the Mrs one day, has always appealed to me
walpurgis
12-01-2020, 14:23
Will there be a murder 'victim' though?
Pigmy Pony
12-01-2020, 15:54
In terms of trains, I plan on taking Del on the Orient Express for our 30th wedding anniversary, as that's always massively appealed to both of us, on various levels:)
Marco.[/QUOTE]
You only been married 30 years? I bet it seems longer to del :D
I forgot - we did go to South of France differently one year. We flew to Girona, got a train to Carcasonne, bus to Beziers then another bus to cap d'Agde. The flight was shit, but I really enjoyed the train. Although I found that my stomach doesn't like me facing backwards :spew:
My best train trip was going from Glasgow up to Inverness in the late seventies. Leaving Queen Street at 10pm and travelling overnight. Proper old fashioned carriages with compartments you could close the curtains on. We shared the carriage with a young couple who lit up some excellent Moroccan. You could smoke on trains in those days. They also had with them a kitten which they kept losing, despite the compartment only being about 2 square metres. Trains will never again be like that :(
You only been married 30 years? I bet it seems longer to del :D
Haha - not quite; it's our 29th anniversary this year! How long so far has Anita put up with you?:eyebrows:
My best train trip was going from Glasgow up to Inverness in the late seventies. Leaving Queen Street at 10pm and travelling overnight. Proper old fashioned carriages with compartments you could close the curtains on. We shared the carriage with a young couple who lit up some excellent Moroccan. You could smoke on trains in those days.
You'd have been able to see bugger all, though! I like looking out the window at some nice scenery, so hate night trains, as it's boring, unless you like staring at your own reflection in the window... Especially on modern trains, as the strip lights are way too bright! Not very relaxing at all...
I'm with you on the old carriages, though. However, as a non-smoker, the thought of inhaling stale 'fag smoke' (even if the variety of such was a little more 'interesting' than usual) for hours on end makes me gag!:spew:
Marco.
Pigmy Pony
12-01-2020, 16:21
Haha - not quite; it's our 29th this year! How long so far has Anita put up with you?:eyebrows:
You'd have been able to see bugger all, though! I like looking out the window at some nice scenery, so hate night trains, as it's boring, unless you like staring at your own reflection in the window...
I'm with you on the old carriages, though. However, as a non-smoker, the thought of inhaling stale 'fag smoke' (even if the variety of such was a little more 'interesting' than usual) for hours on end makes me gag!:spew:
Marco.
Yeah, I wouldn't be able to put up with that now, but things were different in those days. You would have been known as "that posh kid that complains about everything, so tell him we've all got the shits and the trip is off" :D Not darkness all the time, started coming lighter about 2.30am iirc. And I had my little Prinzsound cassette player for entertainment :) Spent a lot on batteries though.
Yeah, I wouldn't be able to put up with that now, but things were different in those days. You would have been known as "that posh kid that complains about everything, so tell him we've all got the shits and the trip is off" :D
Lol - if you're talking about when I was a kid, then things, smoking aside, as I was never into that, would've been different.
Not darkness all the time, started coming lighter about 2.30am iirc. And I had my little Prinzsound cassette player for entertainment :) Spent a lot on batteries though.
Yes, but I'd have been asleep then!:D
Maybe not though if you had choons on.......
Marco.
Great minds and all that.......Been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember Marco, sincerely hope to fulfil it with the Mrs one day, has always appealed to me
Yeah, Rob. We both love old-fashioned steam trains, and rail travel *done right*, when it was THE way to travel, classy and luxurious. Plus we're big fans of the whole 1920s/art deco thing. In that respect, one ship I'd love to have sailed on (if it had managed not to sink:D) would've been the Titanic!
The plushness and attention to detail in the 1st class sections, and just the gorgeous design of it and sheer quality of it as a whole, was just a joy to behold:)
'Cruise ships' today are just so pretentious and vulgar in comparison - along with many of the folk who go on them!:doh::D
Marco.
Marco,
You had better start saving.
https://www.thevintagenews.com/2018/11/27/titanic-ii/
In two years time, you can sail on the “Titanic”.
Pigmy Pony
12-01-2020, 17:35
Lol - if you're talking about when I was a kid, then things, smoking aside, as I was never into that, would've been different.
Yes, but I'd have been asleep then!:D
Maybe not though if you had choons on.......
Marco.
Music was Kraftwerk and Temptations in heavy rotation, so you probably would have nodded off anyway. So I would then have recorded your snoring with my Prinzsound's "condenser" microphone...
Marco,
You had better start saving.
https://www.thevintagenews.com/2018/11/27/titanic-ii/
In two years time, you can sail on the “Titanic”.
Interesting, Kevin! We'll see what the Chinese replica is like in due course, but I can't see it being too close to the original:)
Marco.
Music was Kraftwerk and Temptations in heavy rotation, so you probably would have nodded off anyway. So I would then have recorded your snoring with my Prinzsound's "condenser" microphone...
Ha - or the sound of you being strangled for wakening me up!:eek::D
Marco.
Pigmy Pony
12-01-2020, 22:37
Ha - or the sound of you being strangled for wakening me up!:eek::D
Marco.
No way would we disturb your sleep - it's our only chance to get a word in edgeways :)
Pigmy Pony
12-01-2020, 22:40
Interesting, Kevin! We'll see what the Chinese replica is like in due course, but I can't see it being too close to the original:)
Marco.
Chitanic! They'll use it for whaling in the off season...
InThe Sticks
07-02-2020, 17:36
An unusually sunny day here today, so i dragged the old girl out of her winter hibernation and had a hoon about, whilst completely forgetting that she does 100mph+ in first gear as i nearly looped the thing as i changed into 2nd whilst mid wheelie
I think its about time for a more sensible (and comfortable) bike.
https://i.imgur.com/YDgl5hk.jpg
Also, time permitting, i’ll get this…
https://i.imgur.com/pusabvg.jpg
back to looking like this…
https://i.imgur.com/WYYhFsn.jpg
And finally, me and a mate have pre-booked this for a day for our May Vegas trip..
https://i.imgur.com/jEAHMlz.jpg
Expensive, yes, but this’ll be probably the last time either of us will do Vegas again, so why not.
It had to be green as he wants to drive out to area 51 for some reason or another. I just hope that if i’m abducted i don’t get anally probed!
Or, at least if i do, they use lube!
It's a long way to area 51 from Vegas, I'd check that it will carry enough fuel. Especially if you're going to cane it. And of course you are. :)
https://www.bing.com/search?q=how+far+is+area+51+from+las+vegas&qs=SC&pq=how+far+is+area+52&sc=3-18&cvid=4289FC5282C84E1AACC89D80BF07587F&FORM=QBLH&sp=1&ghc=1
99 miles apparently. Can the lambo hold enough fuel for 200 miles?
I'm just remembering that Clarkson had trouble with his GT40 as it would only hold enough for 75 miles and the Top Gear studio was further than that from his house.
Wiki says less apparently. But even at that shouldn't be making a care that can't travel 200miles
okay fuel tank holds 90 litres and fuel consumption is 12.5 litres per 100KM - 200 miles required which is 321.87 km so it will do it on half a tank if driven economically, leaves plenty of fuel left to burn it a bit. Wish I was going.
Ali Tait
07-02-2020, 20:15
If you haven’t got the mpg down to single figures you’re not driving it right. :-)
dave2010
09-02-2020, 11:52
Friends came to see us last year - driving a very smart Morgan. When they left I suggested a small detour to get petrol rather than going to another garage with more expensive petrol. This was dismissed - quite reasonably as it turned out - as the small detour would have completely annulled the benefit of having the cheaper petrol.
I also warned about filling up en route, as petrol stations are quite far apart if one heads off towards the west, and that advice was I think accepted, as the car uses quite a lot of petrol, and hasn't got a very large petrol tank.
I would expect a modern electric car to have a better range - though I do have to admit the Morgan looked very stylish.
Friends came to see us last year - driving a very smart Morgan. When they left I suggested a small detour to get petrol rather than going to another garage with more expensive petrol. This was dismissed - quite reasonably as it turned out - as the small detour would have completely annullled the benefit of having the cheaper petrol.
I also warned about filling up en route, as petrol stations are quite far apart if one heads off towards the west, and that advice was I think accepted, as the car uses quite a lot of petrol, and hasn't got a very large petrol tank.
I would expect a modern electric car to have a better range - though I do have to admit the Morgan looked very stylish.
ooh, whats a friend :D
cant remember my last visit
Ninanina
17-02-2020, 03:22
The Prius has just had it's yearly service & MOT..
Only needed offside anti roll bar bush, nearside last year so was expecting it... not that expensive as I got a discount on the repair
So yet another year of cheap motoring...
Shame I had to add a couple of wheel trims that had been stolen.... £400 for everything including new wipers all round included etc and a £20k courtesy car provided
Done over 15,000 miles in the Prus with just yearly servicing costs so no complaints so far... not even had to replace a bulb as yet..
It's definitely the most reliable car I've owned so far... they easily can do 250,000 miles without trouble so mine at 122,000 odd miles is nothing
dave2010
17-02-2020, 09:01
The Prius has just had it's yearly service & MOT..
Only needed offside anti roll bar bush, nearside last year so was expecting it... not that expensive as I got a discount on the repair
So yet another year of cheap motoring...
Shame I had to add a couple of wheel trims that had been stolen.... £400 for everything including new wipers all round included etc and a £20k courtesy car provided
Done over 15,000 miles in the Prus with just yearly servicing costs so no complaints so far... not even had to replace a bulb as yet..
It's definitely the most reliable car I've owned so far... they easily can do 250,000 miles without trouble so mine at 122,000 odd miles is nothingDidn’t know you had one of those. Mine’s looking a bit battered, mostly due to inconsiderate b****ds who bump into it in car parks - when I’m not even driving, and last year there were the ******s who stole the cat converter. I’m thinking of retiring it this year as it approaches 130k. Not perfect, but mostly very easy to drive. I’m not sure I like the newer models as much as ours from 2007. The model after that seemed good - significantly faster IMO - but some of the newer ones seem less appealing, though I know people who like them.
Could do with heated windscreen (like Fords) and heated wing mirrors, and retracting wing mirrors, plus a better rear view camera, and also sensors as well as the camera. When we bought ours we could have had sensors as well, but the salesman suggested we didn’t need a camera plus sensors. With hindsight I think we were right, and the salesman wrong, and I note that some cars definitely do have cameras plus sensors now. Handling in high winds is not as good as some other cars, but it’s not the worst we’ve had. That honour probably belongs to a Toyota Yaris.
Didn’t know you had one of those. Mine’s looking a bit battered, mostly due to inconsiderate b****ds who bump into it in car parks - when I’m not even driving, and last year there were the ******s who stole the cat converter. I’m thinking of retiring it this year as it approaches 130k. Not perfect, but mostly very easy to drive. I’m not sure I like the newer models as much as ours from 2007. The model after that seemed good - significantly faster IMO - but some of the newer ones seem less appealing, though I know people who like them.
Could do with heated windscreen (like Fords) and heated wing mirrors, and retracting wing mirrors, plus a better rear view camera, and also sensors as well as the camera. When we bought ours we could have had sensors as well, but the salesman suggested we didn’t need a camera plus sensors. With hindsight I think we were right, and the salesman wrong, and I note that some cars definitely do have cameras plus sensors now. Handling in high winds is not as good as some other cars, but it’s not the worst we’ve had. That honour probably belongs to a Toyota Yaris.
the chr is a good car :eek: but i would say that
Could do with heated windscreen (like Fords)
I may be wrong, but I believe Ford held the patent for heated windscreens, which is now expired, so for years they held the monopoly but that's changing.
With hindsight I think we were right, and the salesman wrong, and I note that some cars definitely do have cameras plus sensors now.
I agree. Wife's Nissan only has a camera, my VW only has sensors - I much prefer the latter, I hate trying to rely on just a camera, especially at night.
dave2010
18-02-2020, 13:19
Yesterday I test drove a Tesla 3. Very good car. Didn’t get much chance to try it at speed, but it pulled away from an Audi effortlessly - though who knows if the driver was trying. Not much point in having a top speed over 140 mph though - it gets up to the legal speed limit very quickly, and with little noise. It was very windy, but that only affected it very slightly. Perhaps others would actually prefer a slower car, with less good suspension, but more noise to give a feeling of excitement. One area where it wasn’t so good was over potholes, most of which communicated directly with my rear end. Another annoyance I had was with the indicator switch, which didn’t seem to self cancel well after doing lane changes, but apparently that was my “fault” as I perhaps pushed the control,lever down too firmly. Certainly worth considering, though would probably make more economic sense for people driving into cities with environmental charges.
The base model at around £37k is only rear wheel drive - after that there’s a £10k jump to the long range and performance models, which I suspect are significantly better. I drove one of the higher end models.
https://youtu.be/ZH7V2tU3iFc
An interesting test of some electric cars til they died for range etc.
dave2010
21-02-2020, 09:12
https://youtu.be/ZH7V2tU3iFc
An interesting test of some electric cars til they died for range etc.Quite fun that. Range is perhaps a problem, though some petrol cars perhaps don't have a greater range (say) than the best of these. The Toyota Prius has a 45 litre tank (just under 10 gallons), while some other cars have bigger tanks (e.g. Audi A3, A4 - 63 litres (just under 14 gallons), Toyota Camry has 70 litres (15+gallons), Mercedes C class has 66 litres (14+ gallons)). These tanks should, in theory, give a range of around 500 - or more - miles for each. So for range all of these particular cars should go further by a significant factor than electric cars. Diesel cars - currently not so popular in the UK - might go even further. My friend's Morgan might, however, not go as far as the best electric cars, without a top up.
I wondered about how hydrogen cars might compare. They probably could do better than electric cars at the moment, and compare well with petrol and diesel cars. However, there are hardly any hydrogen refilling stations - mostly round London - https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/buying-and-selling-guides/hydrogen-cars/
Hydrogen cars are less efficient than electric cars. As suggested earlier, if hydrogen is generated by electrolysis, it's probably more energy intensive than just using the electricity directly. However, hydrogen can be produced by other means, including waste processing, and steam reforming. This page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_production shows that steam reforming is not great for CO2 release, with one ton of hydrogen produced releasing 9-12 tons of CO2. Thus producing hydrogen from fossil fuels or methane is not so great for the global environment, though if there's a choice between releasing methane, or CO2, then releasing CO2 is better - though still bad - because of its relatively lower impact on global warming. Overall, this does seem to suggest that unless there are specific reasons for generating hydrogen by other methods, that electrolysis, which can at least be powered by so-called renewable energy, may be the best approach. The Kvaermer process - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kv%C3%A6rner_process - might be a good method to avoid CO2 or other greenhouse gas emissions, though as it produces carbon and hydrogen, though I don't know how efficient it is. It may still require a lot of energy, so should be compared with electrolysis.
The time taken to fill up a car using hydrogen as a fuel is perhaps not much more than for conventional petrol or diesel filling, but given that there are very few places where this can be done at present in the UK, hydrogen cars would seem to have a very limited or restricted future. I did wonder if it would be possible to combine electric car technology with hydrogen car technology - I don't see why not. This might increase the possible range of a car, though could make for even more dangerous vehicles - with batteries which could explode, plus a gas which would be very inflammable if released from its containers.
I think its a matter of planning a route more carefully. Most folk tho wont be doing 200 miles a day. The cost of buying/leasing is the problem compared to ice or hybrids. The Kia was the closest to its stated range at about 90% of stated in real life driving.
dave2010
21-02-2020, 09:50
I think its a matter of planning a route more carefully. Most folk tho wont be doing 200 miles a day. The cost of buying/leasing is the problem compared to ice or hybrids. The Kia was the closest to its stated range at about 90% of stated in real life driving.Try this, which I hope shows how to plan from a trip from Thurso (close to John o' Groats) to Penzance (close to Lands End) - https://abetterrouteplanner.com/?plan_uuid=9c8f2a79-b1d0-4576-ba37-4a4545e8f126 - based on a Tesla 3.
Note that there is a suggested speed limitation (62 mph) on this proposed route - which seems a bit pointless, as there are charging points between Thurso and Perth, for example at Dornoch, Inverness and Aviemore.
For "everyday" use, electric cars seem manageable, though I test drove an Ioniq the other day, and the guys at the garage had forgotten to charge it overnight, so it was at the lower end of its capabilities. It would be a bummer to get into a car on a cold day, and discover that it couldn't even get to the nearest charging station. At least with a petrol car one can keep a spare can in a shed for this sort of situation.
Try this, which I hope shows how to plan from a trip from Thurso (close to John o' Groats) to Penzance (close to Lands End) - https://abetterrouteplanner.com/?plan_uuid=9c8f2a79-b1d0-4576-ba37-4a4545e8f126 - based on a Tesla 3.
For "everyday" use, electric cars seem manageable, though I test drove an Ioniq the other day, and the guys at the garage had forgotten to charge it overnight, so it was at the lower end of its capabilities. It would be a bummer to get into a car on a cold day, and discover that it couldn't even get to the nearest charging station. At least with a petrol car one can keep a spare can in a shed for this sort of situation.
yeah see only 7 stations in scotland, and none in n ireland. only a couple in n england until you get down to about liverpool. not exactly confidence building is it..
. I did wonder if it would be possible to combine electric car technology with hydrogen car technology - I don't see why not. This might increase the possible range of a car, though could make for even more dangerous vehicles - with batteries which could explode, plus a gas which would be very inflammable if released from its containers.
I thought the hydrogen was stored in liquid form, not gaseous?
I thought the hydrogen was stored in liquid form, not gaseous?
can be both but gas is most common at moment i believe
dave2010
21-02-2020, 12:50
can be both but gas is most common at moment i believeIs it really gasesous? I need to check.
This article gives hints that it might usually be gaseous, rather than in liquid form - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid_hydrogen
As it points out, the energy density of hydrogen is high, but the density of liquid hydrogen is very low - compared to water and petrol - so the volumetric energy density of liquid hydrogen isn't enormous.
This table shows the critical teperature and the critical pressure for a range of substances, including hydrogen - https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/gas-critical-temperature-pressure-d_161.html Hydrogen won't exist in a liquid state even with very high pressures unless the temperature is at or below the critical temperature - which is around -240 degrees C, and the pressure to do that is 13 atmospheres. There may be some applications where it is useful to cool hydrogen below the critical temperature and pressurise it, but for operation under normal environmental conditions it seems much more likely that hydrogen will be in gaseous form.
Looks like it can be - but is not always - transported to the filling station in liquid form but you fill the tank with gas not liquid.
There is a potential for 'Hindenburg' style disasters https://abc7news.com/hydrogen-explosion-shakes-santa-clara-neighborhood/5326601/
they were working with starch enzymes to create hydrogen from water. dunno if that was viable but it was kinda self producing
dave2010
21-02-2020, 13:24
Looks like it can be - but is not always - transported to the filling station in liquid form but you fill the tank with gas not liquid.
There is a potential for 'Hindenburg' style disasters https://abc7news.com/hydrogen-explosion-shakes-santa-clara-neighborhood/5326601/
Oil/petrol can also be dangerous - remember Buncefield - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buncefield_fire
Re trips - here is another trip in Scotland - from Thurso to Portee - https://abetterrouteplanner.com/?plan_uuid=4e3e111c-3a55-453f-bfb6-13998dbc36da again I think using a Tesla 3. Odd that the suggested refilling stop is only 10 minutes in Ullapool, but the final battery charge is down to 10% on arrival at Portree. I would have thought that it might be worth having lunch in Ullapool, or going round Tesco, and putting at least 30 minutes worth of electricity in. Also, I haven't actually checked that it's possible to get away from Portree, having arrived there. No point in getting to places, if one can't get back.
Apparently some chargers used to do a flat rate charge - presumably irrespective of how much was "pumped in", but now the pricing for many chargers is proportionate to the time and charge actually delivered. Seems that pricing for charging "on the road" can vary between OK/reasonable - to "I might just as well have stayed with a petrol car", though for people who charge at home the effective fuel costs can be very low.
I don't know how long it takes to charge a car, such as a Tesla, via an ordinary extension cable (13 amp), which would make going to visit friends and family a possibilty - take them a bottle of wine or whisky, and hope that they'll let you use their electricity. It might, however, mean they'd have to put you up for a week or two!
Of course, if there are electricity power failures most people are stuffed - yet again.
PS: I think the trip to Portree might have to take into account a return to Broadford, (26 miles from Portree) where there is a charging point - https://abetterrouteplanner.com/?plan_uuid=50d36a07-358f-4853-bf65-4ae65697f961 - not sure if there is one in Portree. 10% residual charge should just do it, but who wants to live that dangerously?
PPS: There are some charge points in Portree - https://www.zap-map.com/locations/portree-charging-points/
should charge overnight ok. The superchargers tesla have can charge at a huge rate so less than an hr certainly. again tho its all liverpool down. as per usual as we and far north of england/n ireland dont have as big a population so are a bit abandoned a bit like petrol in old days.
dont think i will get one on the motability scheme anyway; certainly not one that i can fit my scooter in. but govt dont seem to have considered this. Of course there is a fair chance they will do away with it anyway now they are free to do what they want
dave2010
21-02-2020, 16:40
Of course there is a fair chance they will do away with it anyway now they are free to do what they wantYou're not suggesting that they're going to screw everything and us, up, by any chance, are you? :)
You're not suggesting that they're going to screw everything and us, up, by any chance, are you? :)
if he can he will
dave2010
21-02-2020, 18:22
if he can he willI wonder who you mean. ..... can’t help himself if we’re thinking of the same person. Whether by accident or design - doesn’t matter, we’re still stuffed. Scores highly as one of the world’s incompetents, I’d say, but that’s just my opinion.
Made in 1968
26-02-2020, 21:12
Cars cost way too much
Service, MOT, Insurance all due this month coming.. Cost me a fortune in New Tyres already.
Just remembered why i was never interested in driving. Thank god we will only ever need one more car. This one is 11 years old but only done less than 40K. when it reaches 70k its time for another before it starts costing. By then we will see what the state of play is with Lecky cars.
Cars cost way too much
Service, MOT, Insurance all due this month coming.. Cost me a fortune in New Tyres already.
Lol... You're not wrong, but these days I'm more interested in cars than hi-fi! I love the Brabster, as it's such a joy to drive: comfortable, fast, handles immaculately, has a stonking sounding stereo in it, and overall it's the 'toy' I derive most pleasure from:)
Servicing and tyres? Tell me about it! I've just shelled out £850 for a full service, including two new rear tyres (at £200 a pop - Michelin Pilot Sport 4s), gearbox oil & filter change, plus swapping from Xenons to LED 'NIGHTEYE' lights - excluding the oil, as I supplied that (Motul 300V Ester Core), which was £100 on its own, as the tank takes 8 litres of the stuff.
Plus this month the road tax was due, so that was another £330 for the year... Never mind, it's only money, and the car's going like a bomb!:cool:
Marco.
dave2010
27-02-2020, 09:57
Cars cost way too much
Service, MOT, Insurance all due this month coming.. Cost me a fortune in New Tyres already.
Just remembered why i was never interested in driving. Thank god we will only ever need one more car. This one is 11 years old but only done less than 40K. when it reaches 70k its time for another before it starts costing. By then we will see what the state of play is with Lecky cars.
You don’t drive much, do you. What car is it?
Beobloke
27-02-2020, 12:47
Lol... You're not wrong, but these days I'm more interested in cars than hi-fi! I love the Brabster, as it's such a joy to drive: comfortable, fast, handles immaculately, has a stonking sounding stereo in it, and overall it's the 'toy' I derive most pleasure from:)
Servicing and tyres? Tell me about it! I've just shelled out £850 for a full service, including two new rear tyres (at £200 a pop - Michelin Pilot Sport 4s), gearbox oil & filter change, plus swapping from Xenons to LED 'NIGHTEYE' lights - excluding the oil, as I supplied that (Motul 300V Ester Core), which was £100 on its own (tank takes 8 litres of the stuff).
Plus this month the road tax was due, so that was another £330 for the year... Never mind, it's only money, and the car's going like a bomb!:cool:
Marco.
Funny - I loved my Merc and do miss it in some ways, but it's a huge relief to be back paying Ford spares and servicing prices! Major service including a new rear coil spring and rear brake pads? £330!
Made in 1968
27-02-2020, 13:21
You don’t drive much, do you. What car is it?
I don't drive. Its the dearest Wife car. Vauxhall Corsa D. She goes to work in it [15 mins drive] Ferries her mother around & shopping, when shes not at work she picks me up from work. that's it.
Exactly the same as that, same colour
https://www.directcars.co.uk/used-cars/vauxhall/corsa/14-se/135484
Funny - I loved my Merc and do miss it in some ways, but it's a huge relief to be back paying Ford spares and servicing prices! Major service including a new rear coil spring and rear brake pads? £330!
Lol, nice one... If you want to keep the car 'tip-top', you need to maintain and service it, and I only use proper Merc parts (or if even better are available from specialist manufacturers), which as you say aren't cheap. I could've gone for much cheaper tyres too, but I don't believe in skimping on the only thing that keeps you on the road, especially with nearly 600Nm of torque at the back wheels!
The P4s give superb grip in the dry or wet, plus they produce a very comfortable and quiet ride (for 255/30/R19s):)
So are you enjoying your ST [it was an ST you bought, wasn't it?] I haven't seen any pics of it for a while:cool:
Marco.
rmcin626
27-02-2020, 16:36
Lol, nice one... If you want to keep the car 'tip-top', you need to maintain and service it, and I only use proper Merc parts (or if even better are available from specialist manufacturers), which as you say aren't cheap. I could've gone for much cheaper tyres too, but I don't believe in skimping on the only thing that keeps you on the road, especially with nearly 600Nm of torque at the back wheels!
The P4s give superb grip in the dry or wet, plus they produce a very comfortable and quiet ride (for 255/30/R19s):)
So are you enjoying your ST [it was an ST you bought, wasn't it?] I haven't seen any pics of it for a while:cool:
Marco.
Those tyres are £235 a pop for my Q5
Yup mate, I'm not surprised. Trust me though, they are *utterly superb*. Rolling on them will transform your driving experience, and the good news is that they also last - of course depending on how you drive!:D
Marco.
rmcin626
27-02-2020, 17:03
Yup mate, I'm not surprised. Trust me though, they are *utterly superb*. Rolling on them will transform your driving experience, and the good news is that they also last - of course depending on how you drive!:D
Marco.
They would last with me no problem, as I’m far to old to be a boy racer now, although I do have my moments in the right circumstances and locations.
Beobloke
27-02-2020, 17:09
LSo are you enjoying your ST [it was an ST you bought, wasn't it?] I haven't seen any pics of it for a while:cool:
Marco.
No, it’s a Ghia X but with a slightly de-tuned version of the ST’s 3.0 V6. It’s basically an ST with 23bhp less, softer suspension and more wood inside!
Still really pleased with it. If I’m a good boy I can get 42mpg out of it but when I’m not good (which is most of the time to be honest...) it doesn’t get overtaken by much! I like it’s Q-car nature. It has V6 badges but I reckon even if thy spirit them, most people assume it’s the 2.5. They soon learn it’s not, though... ;)
They would last with me no problem, as I’m far to old to be a boy racer now, although I do have my moments in the right circumstances and locations.
Lol... Well, I'd defo consider them, Robin, when you're next due a tyre change:)
Which ones are you running just now?
Marco.
No, it’s a Ghia X but with a slightly de-tuned version of the ST’s 3.0 V6. It’s basically an ST with 23bhp less, softer suspension and more wood inside!
Still really pleased with it. If I’m a good boy I can get 42mpg out of it but when I’m not good (which is most of the time to be honest...) it doesn’t get overtaken by much! I like it’s Q-car nature. It has V6 badges but I reckon even if thy spirit them, most people assume it’s the 2.5. They soon learn it’s not, though... ;)
Ah yes, it's Jon (In the Sticks) who's got the ST... Glad you're enjoying it - sounds like fun:)
Marco.
rmcin626
27-02-2020, 18:32
Lol... Well, I'd defo consider them, Robin, when you're next due a tyre change:)
Which ones are you running just now?
Marco.
I think they are continental sports, will double check in the morning.
They're good too, but the PS4s are still a significant step up:)
Marco.
Just a shout out for the best fuel, by a country mile, I've ever put in the Brabster, and apparently the unleaded version is just as good: https://www.cambriancards.com/learn-more-about-texacos-supreme-fuels/
If you've got a Texaco station near you, try using at least a full tank of either of the above, and trust me, you'll notice a very positive difference!:)
Marco.
Ali Tait
28-02-2020, 06:59
Thinking about them for the beemer for summer tyres, definitely don’t want run flats again, and need something with good grip with 313hp and 630nm to lay down.
Go for it Ali, it'll be a significant but very worthwhile investment, and once you move to PS4s you won't want to return to anything inferior - a bit like with valves and transistors!)
Marco.
Ali Tait
28-02-2020, 08:14
Rears are 275/35/19, can find them for £178 online. Not too bad.
275s? Wide-boys, lol!
What are you driving these days, mate? I've lost touch:)
Marco.
Ali Tait
28-02-2020, 08:46
535d M Sport mate. Best compromise between performance and MPG that I could find. If I cruise at 60 on the motorway I can get 52mpg, pretty good for a car with that power.
Ali Tait
28-02-2020, 08:48
Of course I could remap it to 400bhp.. :D
Nice one, mate. Would the gearbox take it? And is that one of the ones with a twin turbo?:)
Only thing is, I've always found 5-Series Beemers to be a bit 'bulky' and executive looking (although super-comfortable and beautifully finished), much like E-Class Mercs. For that reason I prefer 3-Series and C-Classes accordingly.
It's also why I'd never buy a new Merc, as they look like they've been given steroid injections!:doh:
That 'phat', bulbous and bling styling seems to be favoured now - just look at the state of Rolls Royces....:spew:
Marco.
Ali Tait
28-02-2020, 09:19
Yes the gearbox will take 700nm, so a stage 1 remap should be fine. It's an F10 with the twin turbo straight six N57 engine.
Agree it's not the lightest saloon around, but it still handles very well and it's ideal for what I mostly need, which is a motorway mile muncher. The interior is great and the seats very comfortable. Good stereo too.
Yup, defo spot on for that purpose... Enjoy!:cool:
There's new software out now for the map I had done on my car nearly three years ago, which offers more tweaking of the curves and improved performance, so will be getting that done soon, and then dyno-tested.
Defo look into the PS4s though, as your car is tailor-made for them:)
Marco.
Ali Tait
28-02-2020, 09:29
Will do, also thinking about Eagle Asymmetrics too. Maps are something I'll think about, but to be honest it's fast enough as it is lol. I've also read a lot of horror stories over the long term post remap..
Eagle F1s are good. That's what I used before the PS4s. If it's 'bang for your buck' you're after, in terms of delivering the best performance in terms of price, grip, comfort and wear, then the Goodyears are good, although a little noisy, especially with low-profile.
The PS4s though, simply outclass them in all areas, so are worth the extra:)
Yeah, best not to take your car to the limits of BHP/torque. Always leave some 'headroom'. You know how it works, same with hi-fi!;)
Marco.
Audio Al
28-02-2020, 10:52
I'm upgrading the mains cable on my Leaf charger :ner: can't beat some volts up it ;)
Made in 1968
28-02-2020, 11:30
She wants a Vauxhall 'Astra' GTC' But i said when you win the lotto feel free other than that i suggest a lot more well paid job. Cos for where she goes & the use it gets its crazy wanting such an expensive car. Cant all be pratz like the Swedish Car Guru
:lol: Petrol Head :rfl:
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