View Full Version : Car (or bike) Chat!
walpurgis
10-11-2014, 23:36
In case you need to find your washer jets in the dark?
Or to look a total twat?
Of course blue or red LEDs would be preferable :D
walpurgis
12-11-2014, 17:24
Will tax disc collections go up or down in value?
(up I reckon)
walpurgis
26-01-2015, 20:13
Diesel car users may want to watch 'Dispatches' on C4. Just started. It apparently has major implications.
Missed it, although my old man was talking about the programme today. Interesting… Should be able to catch it in ‘On Demand' :)
Marco.
Nice to have three. I still fancy something with the A Series engine. I've got a hankering for an MG midget, late sixties/early seventies with the 1275 lump. I'd mod it to quick, but usable road standard and bung a decent hardtop on. :)
I've still got my first car: a 1959 Austin Healey Sprite (Frogeye) with a works hard top - looks better to my eye than the spridget shape. I bought it in 1982 and could never sell it. I have an original 948cc engine for it, but the one fitted at the moment is a pretty hot 1330cc A Series with twin SU carbs etc.
walpurgis
27-01-2015, 15:29
I've still got my first car: a 1959 Austin Healey Sprite (Frogeye) with a works hard top - looks better to my eye than the spridget shape. I bought it in 1982 and could never sell it. I have an original 948cc engine for it, but the one fitted at the moment is a pretty hot 1330cc A Series with twin SU carbs etc.
Sounds like my sort of motor, that has to be fun. Although I do like the Spridgets. Quite fancy a round arch 1275 from around 1968, as a basis for something to sort.
If it were me, I would drop a K series in a Spridget.
Probably as I have a spare lying around, but 140BHP should be more than enough in a Spridget.
The K series works well in there, but I suspect an Alfa twin cam on Webers/Dell'Ortos would be nice too - I love that engine, and I do have a spare Alfa 2 litre twin cam lying in my garage.... Don't think the Austin Healey Club would be too impressed though :-)
walpurgis
27-01-2015, 17:07
If it were me, I would drop a K series in a Spridget.
Probably as I have a spare lying around, but 140BHP should be more than enough in a Spridget.
No, I love the 'A' Series engine. It's a gutsy little motor and you can get a lot out of it if need be and it always sounds great due to the siamesed middle exhaust ports giving it that distinct note.
Minis were my thing years ago and I modified everything. I still have photos of the head and port work I did and of the cars and vans of course.
They have a distinct burble, but a K series at 8,000 rpm+ makes quite a nice noise too!
Ninanina
27-01-2015, 21:30
Not been out on my bike for weeks... I think I might be a fair weather rider after all.. :eek:
walpurgis
27-01-2015, 21:41
Not been out on my bike for weeks... I think I might be a fair weather rider after all.. :eek:
Freezing temperatures and snow on the way in the next couple of days. I'd stay indoors if I were you Bev. :)
Ninanina
27-01-2015, 21:53
Freezing temperatures and snow on the way in the next couple of days. I'd stay indoors if I were you Bev. :)
I think you might be right Geoff... I hate the cold.. I'm a sun worshiper...:D
Ninanina
27-01-2015, 22:29
But I really miss riding the bike... I will try to brave the cold as long as it's dry...
Everytime I walk pass the bike it says "come and ride me" ;)
aaaaaa..........no comment :D
Went out last weekend for a blast, boy was it cold - especially just after sundown, though fortunately we were on the way back by then. Good job we headed south too - there were a spate of accidents on black ice in the Mendips, even though sunny - low sun and shading from hedgerows means every corner's a lottery if it's freezing. the few degrees of extra temp on the levels helped! Having ridden through numerous winters in the 90s I'm less inclined to now, though nothing beats a crisp winter's day for feeling alive on a bike...
Went out last weekend for a blast, boy was it cold - especially just after sundown, though fortunately we were on the way back by then. Good job we headed south too - there were a spate of accidents on black ice in the Mendips, even though sunny - low sun and shading from hedgerows means every corner's a lottery if it's freezing. the few degrees of extra temp on the levels helped! Having ridden through numerous winters in the 90s I'm less inclined to now, though nothing beats a crisp winter's day for feeling frostbitten on a bike...
Fixt :D
Had my KTM out last week and it was fine in between icy patches but frankly, unless I have to, I wont use it in icy or frosty conditions this time of year. Not worth the risk. Had nothing but a bike for many years and have little in the way of fond memories of winter riding.
awkwardbydesign
30-01-2015, 19:33
You need to get yourself along to the Dragon Rally. Or the Elephant Rally if you're really hard!
You need to get yourself along to the Dragon Rally. Or the Elephant Rally if you're really hard!
My GF did the Dragon Rally on a sidecar combo with her ex many moons ago... 'Twas so cold that their cider froze, leaving only pure alcohol, and on leaving the brakes were so frozen up the only way of un-sticking them was to pee on the drums! It was the coldest one in a long time. Not for me I feel...
awkwardbydesign
31-01-2015, 15:05
My GF did the Dragon Rally on a sidecar combo with her ex many moons ago... 'Twas so cold that their cider froze, leaving only pure alcohol, and on leaving the brakes were so frozen up the only way of un-sticking them was to pee on the drums! It was the coldest one in a long time. Not for me I feel...
Heh. The only one I went to was flooded out. The river overflowed and turned the campsite into a swamp; everyone ended up in the beer tent. When I asked my son where he wanted to go (meaning which pub), he said "Home". So we did. Chickens.
walpurgis
28-06-2015, 09:12
Got to bung a new exhaust on the Suzuki and adjust the handbrake today (MOT due). That'll be fun in this heat!
youve got heat! its cold and wet here.
Met office says 19 degrees for Greater London today so not exactly a Turkish Bath. Wet and chilly here, too.
walpurgis
28-06-2015, 09:38
Met office says 19 degrees for Greater London today so not exactly a Turkish Bath. Wet and chilly here, too.
24 degrees here and rising.
13c here. Will need a fleece on when I go out. Last time it was 24 degrees here would be about 2001
i am fighting the temptation of putting the fire on. rediculous for near July
walpurgis
28-06-2015, 09:57
13c here. Will need a fleece on when I go out. Last time it was 24 degrees here would be about 2001
It was nudging 29 here the other day. It's generally the warmest spot in Britain (Heathrow area).
I have a good outdoor thermometer in the shade that records peaks and dips.
all that aero fuel causing the problem...ban em i say;)
walpurgis
28-06-2015, 16:08
Got to bung a new exhaust on the Suzuki and adjust the handbrake today (MOT due). That'll be fun in this heat!
Bugger! I had a go at it and as usual the nuts at the centre flange are rusted solid. Grinder out tomorrow. Then I'll have to drill out the remains of the captive (spot welded) bolts and put new ones in. I half expected this. Last exhaust I did was just the same.
Got to fit a new aerial too. That'll be fun, the cable goes down through the screen pillar. Then a new timing belt.
fancy bike with an aerial. exhausts are inevitably a bugger
spendorman
28-06-2015, 16:55
Bugger! I had a go at it and as usual the nuts at the centre flange are rusted solid. Grinder out tomorrow. Then I'll have to drill out the remains of the captive (spot welded) bolts and put new ones in. I half expected this. Last exhaust I did was just the same.
Got to fit a new aerial too. That'll be fun, the cable goes down through the screen pillar. Then a new timing belt.
Advice from my friend's late father, he's the one that was Technical Manager at Vitavox, put together with graphite grease. I did this on Austin Mini parts that normally rust well, many years later still good.
It was nudging 29 here the other day. It's generally the warmest spot in Britain (Heathrow area).
I have a good outdoor thermometer in the shade that records peaks and dips.
It's 29 degrees in my pool, and about 34 ambient. It is the hottest my pool has been since I had it built 4 years ago.
I am not looking forwards to next week, as it will be nudging 40 degrees. That is too hot to do anything.
kirstysdad
28-06-2015, 18:32
fancy bike with an aerial. exhausts are inevitably a bugger
I want to report much of the "Suzuki" post as blatantly misleading. I have wasted several minutes only to discover its a bloody car! Is this a deliberate act or some sort of mindless hoax? :eyebrows:
I demand to know...:steam:
There ought to be a formal rule that all Suzukis are motorbikes, unless stated, as are Triumphs (could be ladies' support garments), Yamahas (unless you're referring to your organ), BMWs pose some difficulty as do Hondas- more so given all the garden stuff they make.
Anyway, I'm off to look at a Triumph brochure and fiddle with my organ:stalks:
walpurgis
28-06-2015, 20:34
I want to report much of the "Suzuki" post as blatantly misleading. I have wasted several minutes only to discover its a bloody car! Is this a deliberate act or some sort of mindless hoax? :eyebrows:
I demand to know...:steam:
There ought to be a formal rule that all Suzukis are motorbikes, unless stated, as are Triumphs (could be ladies' support garments), Yamahas (unless you're referring to your organ), BMWs pose some difficulty as do Hondas- more so given all the garden stuff they make.
Anyway, I'm off to look at a Triumph brochure and fiddle with my organ:stalks:
Well I have had a few of the two wheeled Suzukis as well. Sold the last about five years ago.
Beobloke
29-06-2015, 11:55
New chariot arriving at Beobloke towers later this week...
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa428/Beobloke/RR_zpsh9h732xl.jpg (http://s1197.photobucket.com/user/Beobloke/media/RR_zpsh9h732xl.jpg.html)
The sensible part of me says I should have bought the truly stunning and completely mint 1986 2CV that was parked beside it but I didn't! :)
Nice - that is if you like Range Rovers... I know you're a major fanboi, though ;)
Enjoy. Hope it gives you many years of driving pleasure :)
Marco.
Audio Al
29-06-2015, 16:27
Adam
All your HiFi money will be going in that little flap under the rear quarter light window
Beobloke
01-07-2015, 09:22
Adam
All your HiFi money will be going in that little flap under the rear quarter light window
Tell me about it. Mind you, though, we're in the process of re-arranging the house a bit and my audio man-cave will be shrinking. As it's already bursting at the seams I suspect I'll have to slow down the audio buying anyway!
Incidentally, I haven't forgotten about your Albarry pre-amp. Well, actually, I had until I rediscovered it at the weekend...:o
walpurgis
08-07-2015, 20:01
Bugger. My faithful old trolley jack just blew its seals. I've had it thirty years and it's been a very handy bit of kit. I'll have to rebuild it now. I value my tools and workshop gear.
(bought a cheapy from eBay locally just now to tide me over, still to pick it up)
spendorman
08-07-2015, 20:06
Bugger. My faithful old trolley jack just blew its seals. I've had it thirty years and it's been a very handy bit of kit. I'll have to rebuild it now. I value my tools and workshop gear.
(bought a cheapy from eBay locally just now to tide me over, still to pick it up)
Found mine had failed a few years ago. It was old when I bought it something like 30+ years ago. Brand name of Epco (I think), It's different as it does not have the usual two castors, has four wheels. Seems to give better stability.
walpurgis
08-07-2015, 20:24
Yup. Mine has four wheels too. Nice and stable. About six inches longer than the average home trolley jack too. Fortunately I have a full set of spare seals and diagrams.
spendorman
08-07-2015, 20:33
Just found a pic of the same model as mine, the model is probably much older than I thought
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3743/19346026149_3d5917a28a_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/vtxryZ)Epco Jack (https://flic.kr/p/vtxryZ) by A60man (https://www.flickr.com/photos/41679262@N02/), on Flickr
spendorman
08-07-2015, 20:35
Yup. Mine has four wheels too. Nice and stable. About six inches longer than the average home trolley jack too. Fortunately I have a full set of spare seals and diagrams.
That is good that you have spare seals etc.
A replacement jack that I bought in Lidl when the first opened in the UK, came with a spare set of seals.
walpurgis
22-09-2015, 18:04
VW & Audi diesel owners in several countries including the UK could be facing big trouble.
Think about it. These cars have been sold for the last eight years or so with non-compliant diesel emissions, that have only got by the strict tests through having illegal software that only 'clicks in' during testing to show false clean readings. Now there will have to be chips retro fitted to make the cars show their true emissions.
But! The big snag is that there's no guarantee that the cars affected will then meet legal requirements. The owners then potentially owning scrap!
The governments concerned can't just adjust regulations to ease the strictness of emission tests for the literally millions of VAG cars affected, as all the other manufacturers would be up in arms.
This is the scam of the decade (apart from banking of course)
Glad I haven't got a recent VW diesel.
StanleyB
22-09-2015, 18:09
VW will be OK in the UK. We allow big businesses to get away with murder. From horse meat to high levels of salmonella in eggs, the UK regulators are keen to make sure we don't stop spending.
Audio Advent
22-09-2015, 18:44
True...
Could go either way. I can imagine local councils will demand super-high parking fees from these diesels as now they are no longer considered low emision cars (if they ever were) and owners will likely be punished for it wherever possible.
Will they even pass the MOT?
I really don't know why LPG hasn't been pushed more in this country. Although I'm happy with it that way as if it got popular, they'd like increase the tax on it.
Audio Advent
22-09-2015, 18:48
The EPA blew the whistle on VW when it found a "defeat device" in a number of its cars. This device can tell when the car is being driven normally (by its owner) and when it is being tested for emissions (before it goes on sale, and during future MOT and other roadworthy tests). This device communicates with the car's computer to adjust how the engine is running, reducing emissions to legal levels only when it is being tested.
"VW manufactured and installed software in the electronic control module (ECM) of these vehicles that sensed when the vehicle was being tested for compliance with EPA emissions standards," the EPA wrote in a document sent to VW. Controlled by an automatic switch, the defeat device monitors the position of the steering wheel, vehicle speed, engine barometric pressure and how long the engine has been running for, among other variables, to work out when the vehicle is being tested.
So might not even pass their MOTs without a significant performance hit to get the emissions down.
That could then bring along some civil class-action lawsuits and their UK equivalents!
walpurgis
22-09-2015, 19:05
So might not even pass their MOTs without a significant performance hit to get the emissions down.
That could then bring along some civil class-action lawsuits and their UK equivalents!
Yes. This is a storm that is just developing. The status and even usability of affected vehicles after recall and fitting of 'remedial' software is unknown. The legal ramifications are enormous, from the point of view of millions of owners and of course those accountable at VAG.
Used to have a Skoda Octavia. Glad I sold it now lol
walpurgis
22-09-2015, 19:15
I'm OK. I pay no tax, get nearly 70mpg, pay rock bottom insurance and it's petrol!
Main runabout:
http://i57.tinypic.com/23mae6e.png
It may actually be legal. Does the regs actually say this cannot be done? VAG will likely fight this for years, alas leaving drivers in a potential no man's land.
Audio Advent
22-09-2015, 20:31
The personal consumers though will have been given false claims about the product which they then used to assume the car is roadworthy by law - don't think the potential civil suits will be so easy to argue BUT I very much doubt even then people would be compensated properly.
Audio Advent
22-09-2015, 20:33
I'm OK. I pay no tax, get nearly 70mpg, pay rock bottom insurance and it's petrol!
Main runabout:
http://i57.tinypic.com/23mae6e.png
Hmm... Are you sure about that 70mpg? Might just be the sat nav software making you believe the places are further away than you think! (and the speedo lies so you think you're going faster). Or the tank is 10 times larger than you think and the petrol stations are in on the scam and are err... providing 10 times more fuel for the same money.
walpurgis
22-09-2015, 21:04
Hmm... Are you sure about that 70mpg?
Manufacturer claims 74.5mpg. Unlikely. But I am getting at least upper sixties on runs, so I'm not complaining. I bought it for its cheap running costs, but I'm well impressed. It's a good car to drive.
Manufacturer claims 74.5mpg. Unlikely. But I am getting at least upper sixties on runs, so I'm not complaining. I bought it for its cheap running costs, but I'm well impressed. It's a good car to drive.
I get about 25 on my usual running in the big lass I'm running( not that big but quite tall). fortunately I dont do a lot of mileage. I can get into the low 40's on a run though. Its road tax is high too now that I pay for it, but I need the height to get in/out etc.
Manufacturer claims 74.5mpg. Unlikely. But I am getting at least upper sixties on runs, so I'm not complaining.
That's very economical, and an ideal car for town driving, so must suit you well :)
I was actually impressed recently with the fuel consumption of my Brabby. Even with a 3.5L engine and 350bhp on tap, on a return trip to Anthony's recently (Wrexham to South Wales), some 270 miles in total, I managed it on £40 worth of fuel [not the cheap stuff either, but Shell V-Power Nitro+] - and that wasn't using a motorway either, but mostly on twisty country roads, not exactly going slow!! :eek:
Shows that with good diesel engines, you can get both performance and economy.
Marco.
walpurgis
23-09-2015, 10:35
I actually prefer the older non-turbo diesels. Mainly for their simplicity. Shame there are none made these days. They have enough of the the diesel economy and flexibility.
I'm avoiding quick cars, because I tend to use the performance and have to constantly keep an eye out for speed cameras and the odd traffic bobby, which eventually becomes a bit wearing.
My current cars are comparatively slow, but do the job and I find them relaxing to drive. Very cheap to run too. Which helps with the pension.
Still tempted to get something a bit faster though :D.
Yup, totally understand. You have to admit though that was quite impressive fuel consumption for my car. £40 worth of premium diesel consumed on a 270-mile journey? If I'd filled it with the cheapest stuff from a supermarket, you could probably have lopped off another fiver from that cost....
Marco.
walpurgis
23-09-2015, 10:45
I haven't worked it out, but that sounds like around 50mpg to me. Not bad if you were hoofing it a bit.
I keep getting a niggling feeling that I should look for one of these as a replacement for my second car: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201508226277117?postcode=ub25qw&sort=default&make=mitsubishi&engine-size-cars=1-4l_to_1-6l&search-target=usedcars&onesearchad=used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew&radius=1500&page=6&model=colt&logcode=p
They are rare and well below the radar. Seriously nippy. Supposed to be a hoot to drive.
Audio Advent
23-09-2015, 11:37
Ha! I did a 200 mile trip on just £25 the other day. And I was being a bit of a prat driving wise on the motorway (gave myself a talking to afterwards - it's a relatively new car to me and it's quite fast) ! But that's because it was LPG at 53p a litre.. and my quick calculation gives about 20mpg for that trip. A bit disappointed with my fuel economy on my Saab Aero - only getting like 23 mpg average in town, 30mpg if I reset it and drive calmly on a motorway.
£40 and 270miles in a 3.5l engined car is pretty good - I work that out as 36.5 mpg assuming £1.20/l for the fuel. 50mpg would be £30 (that's your new target).
walpurgis
23-09-2015, 11:43
I used LPG (dual fuel) company cars for a few years and the performance drop off when switching to LPG was very noticeable. Needless to say, the LPG option was only used as a back-up.
StanleyB
23-09-2015, 12:06
A bit disappointed with my fuel economy on my Saab Aero - only getting like 23 mpg average in town, 30mpg if I reset it and drive calmly on a motorway.
Lucky you. I get 18MPG on average in my SAAB. Motorway is around 27MPG.
I keep getting a niggling feeling that I should look for one of these as a replacement for my second car: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201508226277117?postcode=ub25qw&sort=default&make=mitsubishi&engine-size-cars=1-4l_to_1-6l&search-target=usedcars&onesearchad=used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew&radius=1500&page=6&model=colt&logcode=p
They are rare and well below the radar. Seriously nippy. Supposed to be a hoot to drive.
Treat yourself, Geoff. Life's too short, mate, to deprive yourself of some well-deserved fun! :hotrod:
Marco.
A bit disappointed with my fuel economy on my Saab Aero - only getting like 23 mpg average in town, 30mpg if I reset it and drive calmly on a motorway.
£40 and 270miles in a 3.5l engined car is pretty good - I work that out as 36.5 mpg assuming £1.20/l for the fuel. 50mpg would be £30 (that's your new target).
Saabs seem to be rather thirsty... You and Stan should be able to achieve better fuel consumption than that. Are both your cars petrol engines?
I'd probably get nearer to the 50mpg mark if I drove slower next time, but that wouldn't be as much fun - and there's not much point in having a car like that if now and then you don't enjoy what it can do [haring round tight bends at 65mph, and the like]! My Brabby's very spoiled, though.
I keep her in tip-top condition (as car tweaking/engine tuning is a big hobby of mine now, even more so now than hi-fi), with the engine kept tuned to the peak of its performance. It's been 'Terracleaned', so all internal built-up carbon deposits have been removed, which improves both performance and economy, always 'fed' with the best fuel, either Shell V-Power Nitro+ or BP Ultimate diesel), and oil. The latter currently Ester-based Silkolene/Fuchs Race Pro S 5W30.
I also occasionally use Valvoline Syn-Power Diesel fuel system cleaner, which is excellent:
j26nPGecZjk
The car has also been fitted with K&N air filters and a WIX Racing oil filter. I check the tyre pressures every week [nitrogen filled], ensuring that all are at the optimal PSI level (which makes a big difference when it comes to fuel economy), and low-profile Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres have been fitted. Good tyres also improve fuel economy. The car also has a sports body-kit and lowered sports suspension, all of which makes it pretty aerodynamic.
Therefore, I think the fuel consumption figures I'm getting are probably testament to a combination of all of the above :)
Marco.
Audio Advent
24-09-2015, 02:04
Saabs seem to be rather thirsty... You and Stan should be able to achieve better fuel consumption than that. Are both your cars petrol engines?
Yeah.. don't know what that's all about. I thought Saabs would be efficient. Then again it's the Aero (sporty) version. 2.3 turbo. All saabs are turbos so perhaps they just push too much fuel into each stroke? Petrol, yes.
The car has also been fitted with K&N air filters and a WIX Racing oil filter. I check the tyre pressures every week [nitrogen filled], ensuring that all are at the optimal PSI level (which makes a big difference when it comes to fuel economy), and low-profile Pirelli P Zero tyres have been fitted. Good tyres also improve fuel economy. The car also has a sports body-kit and lowered sports suspension, all of which makes it pretty aerodynamic.
Therefore, I think the fuel consumption figures I'm getting are probably testament to a combination of all of the above :)
Marco.
Nitrogen filled tyres?! What? What does that do (other than mean you can't pump them up with a foot pump)? Doesn't help I guess that the Saab has done 172k, is 15 years old and owner before last was a rudeboy. Rear suspension is saggy (common fault over time, the bushes go) which causes wear on the inside of the tyres and mine have been swapped to the front so need to get those and the suspension sorted which may help.
Stan: I read on a Saab forum that if you take a particular fuse out of the Saab for 15 minutes, the ECU then resets and learns your driving style and then sets up for that. So, if you want it to be more performance oriented, you take out the fuse, replace it and then go burning up the streets for a bit! If you want it to more economical you do the first drive all smooth and slow acceleration etc. Now, I don't know what models that applies to to be honest but I'm hoping (if it's true in the first place) it applies to my year 2000 model.
Audio Advent
24-09-2015, 02:32
I used LPG (dual fuel) company cars for a few years and the performance drop off when switching to LPG was very noticeable. Needless to say, the LPG option was only used as a back-up.
I've found no real difference, except for two things: when the LPG is in use the ECU isn't adjusted properly for it so it doesn't idle at the right revs and you have to give a smidgen more pedal to stop it stalling on pulling off. second, when you begin to run out there doesn't seem to be enough pressure in the tank to get all the fuel you need when putting your foot down so you can get a bit of hesitation if not complete fuel starvation and refusal to act (then I just switch over until I'm driving steady again). I guess that's down to the practicalities of an after market LPG tank in the boot rather than it being part of the design of the whole car.
LPG is higher octane than normal petrol so an engine designed for LPG should be able to get more performance out than normal petrol. My Saab being a turbo means it might be utilising that higher octane in that it can achieve higher compression without any pre-ignition and so wiz up the turbo faster than with petrol without causing problems.. but I don't know if the ECU actually controls the turbo compression in any way at all. I'm sure it could though if tweeked!
I think LPG is great: much lower emissions, half the price, same fuel economy and I don't notice any performance difference (other than the particular tuning issues on my car).
I might try the fuse-out reset trick and start up with LPG to see if it will re-map itself to the LPG instead of petrol as I try to only use LPG for financial reasons. I've not had the car that long as you might guess..
Nitrogen filled tyres?! What? What does that do (other than mean you can't pump them up with a foot pump)?
See here: https://shop.atseuromaster.co.uk/car-products-services/tyre-services/nitrogen-inflation/8
It's what's used in Formula One racing cars, and as stated, keeps the correct tyre pressure for longer. I've tested this now over a period of two years, and it definitely works. With normal air, I used to lose around 2-3psi a month on some tyres, and now with nitrogen, nothing.
With sports suspension and very low-profile tyres (30, on 19" rims), you can really feel the difference in how the car handles when the tyre pressures are right, and when they're not. And with nitrogen inflation at only £1.25 a tyre, which lasts ages, it doesn't break the bank either....
I check the tyre pressures weekly, with my own gauge, and as soon as any of the tyres lose pressure, I pop along to my local ATS (5 mins from my house) and the lads there perform the nitrogen inflation. It takes minutes, and I get a nice coffee there, too! :)
The other thing I'm anal about is ensuring that the wheel balancing and tracking are *spot on*, so I have the latter regularly checked too, especially with the condition of the roads these days! :rolleyes: All that makes a big difference to how your car handles (which impacts on the driving experience), and how long your tyres last. And at around £230 a pop, for the Pirelli P-Zero Corsas I use, I want them to last for as long as possible!
Outside the car dealership, where I bought da Brabster:
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/913/uRsxdt.jpg
And outside of my humble dwelling:
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/673/482VIx.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/673/Gl9rZ0.jpg
Marco.
walpurgis
24-09-2015, 08:26
The Nitrogen thing is strange, considering that roughly 3/4 of normal air IS actually Nitrogen. I don't see how using pure Nitrogen in tyres can make a difference.
Trust me, mate, it does. The figures don't lie. Over a period of two years now of using nitrogen, when testing my tyre pressures, they are staying constantly correct for much longer.
Marco.
The nitrogen thing is quite a well known tweak - Ed China uses it on a Wheeler Dealers episode, can't recall what car but it is something sporty. Probably not worth the extra outlay for a Fiat Panda though.
It basically eliminates moisture inside the tyre.
It is used on aircraft where temperatures can reach -40 degrees C in flight, and Is used in motorsport to decrease tyre temperatures.
The main advantage in passenger cars is a lack of corrosion, and a slower rate of pressure loss. If you check your tyres regularly, it's probably not worth it.
The nitrogen thing is quite a well known tweak - Ed China uses it on a Wheeler Dealers episode, can't recall what car but it is something sporty.
Missed that episode, and would like to have seen it. Got a link? :)
Here's an interesting article on the subject: http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2007/10/the-truth-about-filling-your-tires-with-nitrogen/
All I know is that it works!
Marco.
P.S Have your IMFs landed yet?
walpurgis
24-09-2015, 09:40
The AA have a similar summary: http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/safety/filling-tyres-with-nitrogen.html
walpurgis
24-09-2015, 09:44
A tweak that makes more sense to me is the use of non water coolants. There are obvious benefits and the only downside I can think of is if some nerk at the service centre tops your car up with water/antifreeze and cocks it all up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQk_X33B2iQ
Missed that episode, and would like to have seen it. Got a link? :)
Here's an interesting article on the subject: http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2007/10/the-truth-about-filling-your-tires-with-nitrogen/
All I know is that it works!
Marco.
P.S Have your IMFs landed yet?
Don't recall which episode I'm afraid. And there are a lot! It's from the past couple of years, though.
Re the IMFs have a look at my Gallery thread.
A tweak that makes more sense to me is the use of non water coolants. There are obvious benefits and the only downside I can think of is if some nerk at the service centre tops your car up with water/antifreeze and cocks it all up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQk_X33B2iQ
Lol - that's what I use! :)
And yes, it works. I always take my car to a specific independent garage (BMW and Merc specialist) for all servicing, so they know that there's waterless coolant in the engine. The Evans is not cheap, though. How much it costs is down to the amount of coolant your car's engine takes.
In the Brabby, it's 12 litres! And Evans Powercool 180 coolant costs £29.95 for 5 litres, plus you need the same amount of prep fluid as coolant, and that's £15.99 for 5 litres, so you can work it out for yourself... :eek:
The advantage, of course, is that it's permanent, so if you're going to keep your car for a while, it pays for itself in the long run.
Marco.
Bet this is a lovely wee thing to drive... It's what I'd have if I wanted a purely fun car, with no practicality: http://www.abarthcars.co.uk/site/uk/promotion-595-trofeo-edition
Sexy! :)
Marco.
It's not that impractical, seats 4 in reasonable comfort and has a boot.
it would break the immutable rule about never buying French or Italian cars, though...
walpurgis
25-09-2015, 14:51
Expensive way to buy a less practical version of the Punto though.
Not as bad as the ludicrously priced 'Ferrari' version though.
Still. If you like Polish cars............:lol:
According to Top Gear pretty much every small car is basically a Fiat 500 underneath. Not sure how true that really is, though.
It's not that impractical, seats 4 in reasonable comfort and has a boot.
Lol, yes... What I meant was for wine-buying trips to France and Italy, and seating three/four people in total comfort (for long distances), which is largely what my car was bought for, with some sportiness [just a tad, lol] thrown in for good measure. Somehow, I think it would be a tight squeeze in that wee Fiat! :eyebrows:
It's the sort of car that appeals to me, though - and I like Italian cars, as they have 'soul' :)
Bet it goes like shit off a shovel!! :eek:
Marco.
walpurgis
25-09-2015, 15:51
According to Top Gear pretty much every small car is basically a Fiat 500 underneath. Not sure how true that really is, though.
Er. No.
Some Fiat models share basics like chassis/floorpans and engines, etc. Like models from VW/Seat/Skoda/Audi do (not Fiat parts though). And other makes do this too.
Jaguar, Ford and Mazda share designs and parts. The Kia Magentis and Hyundai Sonata prestige saloons started off as basically the same car.
walpurgis
25-09-2015, 16:05
I like Italian cars, as they have 'soul' :) Marco.
Interesting little collection here Marco: http://www.speedhunters.com/2012/05/brooklands-italian-job/
Check out the sixties Fiat 600 with Lotus Twin Cam stuffed in the back! :D
Awesome, Geoff! I'll have a good read there now :eyebrows: :thumbsup:
Marco.
Firebottle
25-09-2015, 16:16
Bit of a shoehorn job :wow:
Ali Tait
25-09-2015, 17:01
Great read Geoff, thanks for sharing. Love those Lancias..
Audio Advent
25-09-2015, 19:21
Outside the car dealership, where I bought da Brabster:
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/913/uRsxdt.jpg
And outside of my humble dwelling:
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/673/482VIx.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/673/Gl9rZ0.jpg
Marco.
Gosh! That's your car? I thought you had an estate. Have you ditched the family look and gone "lone man and his machine"? No wonder you spend on the anal bits and pieces (no... I didn't mean that! tho I bet you do...) to keep it running as you want it.
Lol - just fancied a change, Sam... You're right, the last one ('the hearse') was this:
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/911/BomYd7.jpg
That was still pretty fast, and I loved it, but nothing like the Brabster! :eyebrows:
Marco.
I saw a mint Fiat X19 on the way to work yesterday. There can't be many of them left running.
Nope - most of them would've rusted away by now! :eyebrows:
Have you never been tempted to get yourself a wee jalopy? You don't know the fun (and the freedom) you're missing!
Marco.
If I had a car and could travel around the country at will do you realise how much hi-fi kit I would accumulate? It is best that I don't ;)
If I did though I would probably get a Lexus, an old one, LS400 or similar.
Lol... Interesting that an old Lexus would be your bag. In that case, we've got rather different taste in cars! :eek:
Marco.
I like big, quiet, luxurious cars that are well engineered. Top speed and acceleration aren't really factors that are important to me. So we probably agree on the first and disagree on the second. Having said that I have not driven a car since 1987 so if I went back to it I might find my tastes had changed.
Indeed... That's a long time not to have been behind a wheel. Have you got a driving licence? The Lexus, for me, is as ugly as sin, and for me looks are very important with cars. In some way, they have to look 'cool', and be a bit different from the norm :)
I'm not so much into high top-speeds, as you can't use them in this country (or virtually any country) on public roads. It's all about *how* a car gets to 70/80mph - on the right road, and so acceleration and the way the car 'feels' when you're driving it, is what is important to me, as that's where the fun factor lies! :exactly:
Marco.
No, I've never had a licence. Couldn't afford the lessons when I was younger, then I was involved in a couple of nasty head on collisions (not me driving I should point out) within a short space of time and that sort of put me off.
Ugly as sin? Really?
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac233/Macca_photos_2009/1990-lexus-ls400-photo-381810-s-1280x782.jpg (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Macca_photos_2009/media/1990-lexus-ls400-photo-381810-s-1280x782.jpg.html)
walpurgis
26-09-2015, 09:31
I would probably get a Lexus, an old one, LS400 or similar.
A friend had one. The cost of parts and maintenance is eyewatering! You could run a Porsche for the same outgoings.
I had the Lexus/Toyota SC400 for a while (also known as the Soarer in some quarters). That 4 litre quad cam V8 engine was a thing of beauty! Plenty fast, and I used to get through rear tyres at quite a rate. Great handling, and very well fitted out.
A friend had one. The cost of parts and maintenance is eyewatering! You could run a Porsche for the same outgoings.
I did all my own servicing, and found a friendly Toyota main dealer who supplied me genuine parts at pretty good prices. They even ordered me parts from Japan and really were very helpful.
Bloke who lives near me has a Soarer. Rare care that is.
Yes, the thing about the LS400 is that they are old enough to be self-maintainable. They were designed and built to better the Mercedes E series. Statement level Japanese engineering, those boys don't muck about.
walpurgis
26-09-2015, 09:42
If I had a car and could travel around the country at will do you realise how much hi-fi kit I would accumulate?
You could become another Audio Al. :)
Ugly as sin? Really?
http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac233/Macca_photos_2009/1990-lexus-ls400-photo-381810-s-1280x782.jpg (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Macca_photos_2009/media/1990-lexus-ls400-photo-381810-s-1280x782.jpg.html)
Yup, soz. I know why you like it, but for me, it's a 'double-bag job'. Big, bulky, old-fashioned, nondescript Japanese box. Completely unsexy, but I guess that's not the point. Looks like something a 70s 'man from C&A', with beige slacks and sideburns would drive, which is probably why you like it! :D
Hear ya, about your driving licence, I think that would also put me off a tad!! :eek:
Marco.
'Man At C&A' LOL - yes I know where you're coming from. I like flash cars but wouldn't drive one myself. I prefer the anonymity of something like that Lexus. Still a high quality car but under the radar for most punters.
Indeed, and it's BEIGE, no doubt just like the driver's trousers (and C&A Y-fronts underneath)! :eyebrows:
Nah, I like something sporty and 'distinctive'. I dislike the word "flash", as I don't buy nice cars for that reason, simply to provide the fun-factor I enjoy. Because cars, for me, shouldn't just be homogenised, nondescript boxes to transport you mundanely from A to B, but give you a thrill and 'sense of anticipation' every time you get behind the wheel.
I enjoy some excitement, as life's too short to inhabit boredomville!! ;)
Marco.
I'm not so much into high top-speeds, as you can't use them in this country (or virtually any country) on public roads. It's all about *how* a car gets to 70/80mph - on the right road, and so acceleration and the way the car 'feels' when you're driving it, is what is important to me, as that's where the fun factor lies! :exactly:
Marco.
How come you bought a dirty diesel with a boat anchor up front then? :lol:
Lol... Boat anchor? You've lost me there :scratch:
Dirty diesel? Haha... We've been here before ;) Also, remember that any car I drive must have *some* in-built economy and practicality!
Marco.
Firebottle
26-09-2015, 10:35
I enjoy some excitement, as life's too short for it to be boring!! ;)
Have to agree with that. I do drive a very boring box on wheels which is both reliable and economical, which I appreciate, so I get my excitement elsewhere:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhO260KcZzE
It's a bit like a bike but without the wheels really :)
Certainly no issue with traffic jams when you're driving one of those. ;)
Yeah that's quality, Alan - defo what you call thrilling! :respect:
What happens when you're up there and need a wee - do you just unzip your wee weiner and let it go? :D
Marco.
Lol... Boat anchor? You've lost me there :scratch:
Dirty diesel? Haha... We've been here before ;) Also, remember that any car I drive has to have *some* in-built economy and practicality!
Marco.
Diesel engines are notoriously heavy due to the construction.
This is why you need two cars. A practical uber-barge for long distance stuff (and wine shopping), and a lightweight, nimble car that really gets close to pure driving with mind boggling performance as an added bonus. :yay:
Lol - indeed. Heavy is good though, for stability! When you're driving, it's good to feel that the car is properly 'planted' on the road.
And when you've got a big and powerful enough engine, weight doesn't matter... Consequently, when I'm driving on the motorway at 70/80mph, it hardly feels like you're moving, and the noise is virtually nil. In seventh gear, travelling at 80mph, the engine's only doing 2000 revs!
Last thing I want is a noisy, revvy wee engine buzzing in my ears, and a car rattling all over the place. I like my comfort, too ;)
The "boat anchor" also doesn't stop the Brabster reaching 0-60mph in 5.3 secs!! :eyebrows:
Marco.
Firebottle
26-09-2015, 15:02
What happens when you're up there and need a wee..
One does tend to go before take off.........
Regarding traffic jams because it's rural France I've usually got the sky to myself. It is nice occasionally to fly with someone else.
http://www.paramotorclub.org/forum/images/smilies/wingovers-white.gif
Lol - could be fun! If it were me, I'd go up there armed with one of those 'Supersoaker' water pistols, and dive-bomb folk, giving them a royal soaking in the process, especially girls wearing tight fitting t-shirts! :eyebrows: :D
Marco.
Great fun...until the Gendarmarie shoot you down.
Hehehehe.... Not if you outgun them first! :eek: :lol:
:guns: :guns:
Marco.
who needs a supersoaker gun:eyebrows:
* ahem * Anyway last time I was in rural France there were no people around at all. Deffo no girls in tight=fitting t-shirts. I think I would have noticed...
S'ok, Grant will settle for nice plump heifer! :D
Marco.
hows about this heifer?
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/26/e33f6d41db362cd7a3c4a5a5e7a9cafb.jpg
My neighbour is a classic American car man and does them up etc. this is one of his many mates cars
Nice! Like 1950s American cars :)
Marco.
Its a bit away and was through glass so gave it a vintage look to the snap. His last one did 0-60 in about 2 secs lol... think it was 8 litres with turbos or whatever they are called. Like being in a dragster
Ali Tait
26-09-2015, 18:31
An Edsel no less. Pretty rare.
walpurgis
26-09-2015, 18:31
That one's an Edsel. Made by Ford as a prestige model. It was a big flop and was voted the worst car of all time by the US car press. Quite sought after now and not as bad as they made out.
Aye, it will likely be a Ford. He specialises in big Fords. He goes to the US for a holiday every now and then and buys up a load of rare spares and sends them accross the pond in a container. pays for his holiday, makes him a tidy profit and he then has a load of stuff for his business as well.
walpurgis
13-11-2015, 16:25
Keep warm this winter. Buy a Vauxhall! :)
http://www.itv.com/news/2015-11-12/almost-200-fires-caused-by-vauxhall-zafira-car-problems/
Nasty that... Not a big fan of vauxhall although had a few. Prefer ford . the one ive got now is overall probably the best car ive had. Certainly the most comfortable and easy of access is superb..great for us disabled old sods
walpurgis
30-12-2015, 20:06
This is very pretty.
http://i67.tinypic.com/jinnfd.jpg
The David Brown Speedback GT.
http://www.davidbrownautomotive.com/
And no, it's not a copy of the Aston Martin DB5. It just has styling cues pinched from it! :)
Did they forget to style the very rear of it? The plate area looks like a Ford Mundano era Jag and the lights look like some 50's yank tat.
walpurgis
30-12-2015, 20:40
Did they forget to style the very rear of it? The plate area looks like a Ford Mundano era Jag and the lights look like some 50's yank tat.
So what else did you like about it?
Picking up car in the New Year, hopefully January.
One of these, this colour and alloys.
2.4 diesel, the big 19"s, remapped with EGR and DPF removed, should be around 250ish brake and get 40ish mpg when I'm done with her. :)
http://www.veloces.co.uk/sites/www.veloces.co.uk/files/brera%20black%20002.jpg
Ali Tait
30-12-2015, 21:01
That'll be EGR and DPF.. :-)
walpurgis
30-12-2015, 21:04
That'll be EGR and DPF.. :-)
Won't be legal or MOTable will it?
Won't be legal or MOTable will it?
Yes it will be fine. We do that to Alfa's all the time.
That'll be EGR and DPF.. :-)
:D
Well.....technically it won't be fine, it technically fails the MOT, however, as the DPF check is visual only at the moment the car should pass. The whole DPF issue opens up a can of worms both practically and morally, they are fitted for a reason. Given the whole VAG emmissions-gate saga expect a lot of scrutiny of diesel emmissions and particulates in the future...
Picking up car in the New Year, hopefully January.
One of these, this colour and alloys.
2.4 diesel, the big 19"s, remapped with EGR and DPF removed, should be around 250ish brake and get 40ish mpg when I'm done with her. :)
http://www.veloces.co.uk/sites/www.veloces.co.uk/files/brera%20black%20002.jpg
Very nice, Gaz. I hope she gives you almost as much pleasure as mincing around Motherwell on Monday afternoons in yer pink tutu! :D
Seriously though, gorgeous moatur, ma man. You can't beat the excitement of getting behind a nice pair of wheels every day, which is almost as good as getting up behind the backside of a................. Aye, we'll leave it there!
Fancy a wee race next time I'm up? :eyebrows:
Marco.
Well.....technically it won't be fine, it technically fails the MOT, however, as the DPF check is visual only at the moment the car should pass. The whole DPF issue opens up a can of worms both practically and morally, they are fitted for a reason. Given the whole VAG emmissions-gate saga expect a lot of scrutiny of diesel emmissions and particulates in the future...
Neal,
You mention the VAG group and morals in the same sentence? :)
I Let 'em off because they let the next gen Bugatti go through purely from a Top Trumps perspective, but come on!
Very nice, Gaz. I hope she gives you almost as much pleasure as mincing around Motherwell on Monday afternoons in yer pink tutu! :D
Seriously though, gorgeous moatur, ma man. You can't beat the excitement of getting behind a nice pair of wheels every day, which is almost as good as getting up behind the backside of a................. Aye, we'll leave it there!
Fancy a wee race next time I'm up? :eyebrows:
Marco.
Naa....you'll win. :)
Neal,
You mention the VAG group and morals in the same sentence? :)
I Let 'em off because they let the next gen Bugatti go through purely from a Top Trumps perspective, but come on!
But the VAG Group debacle has drawn attention to it all, for sure.
VAG Group debacle has drawn attention to it all, for sure.
A VAG group debacle, you say? I'm in! As long as ah don't huv tae pick the hairs oot ma teeth afterwards...
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/911/E11icH.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pbE11icHj)
:eyebrows: :eyebrows:
Marco.
Ali Tait
01-01-2016, 00:20
Naa....you'll win. :)
He will, but you'll drive by in way more style.. :-)
:D :D
Yeah man, Alfas have SOUL!
Marco.
Ali Tait
01-01-2016, 00:39
They do indeed mate. :-)
I've got a selection of motorbikes, and a Golf R which I really like. Sold my BMW 650 coupe to buy the R.
A VAG group debacle, you say? I'm in! As long as ah don't huv tae pick the hairs oot ma teeth afterwards...
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/911/E11icH.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pbE11icHj)
:eyebrows: :eyebrows:
Marco.
:lol:
Neal,
You mention the VAG group and morals in the same sentence? :)
I Let 'em off because they let the next gen Bugatti go through purely from a Top Trumps perspective, but come on!
Two sentences, but as I said it opens up a can of worms. DPF are fitted for a reason, particulate emissions from Diesel engines are known to be very nasty and a huge health issue.
Two sentences, but as I said it opens up a can of worms. DPF are fitted for a reason, particulate emissions from Diesel engines are known to be very nasty and a huge health issue.
I know mate, as you said it does teeter on a moral issue.
Ali Tait
16-02-2016, 09:19
Well the Delica is now toast, or at least I'm not willing to spend the money on it. :-(
On the upside, decided to get a new car, so getting one of these-
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a616/aliballybee1/2015jeeprenegade-011%201_zpszzrvpojf.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/aliballybee1/media/2015jeeprenegade-011%201_zpszzrvpojf.jpg.html)
Michelle liked it because it's orange, which is her favourite colour.. :lol:
I liked it because the price was right, good equipment levels, and cheap to run but still with a little poke, at least enough for overtaking - 1.4 petrol turbo with 140bhp Fiat engine (Jeep is now owned by Fiat). Still drives like a 4x4, but has a surprising level of refinement.
Nice... I actually like that. The orange suits it :)
So what happened to the Delica (was that what you had with you at NEBO?) Oh, and how's Michelle doing now, mate? We've been saying prayers for her at mass every Sunday.
Marco.
Ali Tait
16-02-2016, 10:15
Lots of things needing done to it mate, and it's started using a lot of oil, so it's time to get shut. Needs a full set of pads and discs too, and new tyres. Yes, that was the one at NEBO, the one that broke down..
Said at the time I wouldn't spend more money on it. :-)
Doesn't owe us anything though, been a good car otherwise.
Michelle is getting better slowly, she was hoping to be having a phased return to work next week as she is going a little stir crazy, but our GP has vetoed that for another couple of weeks at least. Thanks for the prayers mate, we'll take all the help we can get!
Yes agree about the colour, I think it's the nicest of those available too, it's really for Michelle though, so as long as she is happy with it, that's all that matters as she'll be the one driving it 99% of the time - I use my old LPG Jeep for work. Be something to cheer her up too, though she's still not allowed to drive yet!
Good to hear that Michelle's on the mend, mate - and long may it continue! That's a cool wee Jeep, and I'm sure she'll love driving it when she's able to :)
I'm quite into orange too, in a typical 70s retro way... :eyebrows:
Marco.
Ali Tait
16-02-2016, 10:46
They make some cool PA stuff too..
Ali Tait
16-02-2016, 10:48
http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w365/goffquested/orangeamps.jpg (http://s1072.photobucket.com/user/goffquested/media/orangeamps.jpg.html)
Good to hear that Michelle's on the mend, mate - and long may it continue! That's a cool wee Jeep, and I'm sure she'll love driving it when she's able to :)
I'm quite into orange too, in a typical 70s retro way... :eyebrows:
Marco.
Yup. All else pales where health is concerned.. She should chill as long as she can and get strong.... Plenty time for work later..:)
Ali Tait
16-02-2016, 10:54
Yep, that's what I keep telling her, she's slowing her recovery by trying to do too much too soon.
Yup. All else pales where health is concerned..
Aye, as they say: 'Your health is your wealth'...
Marco.
http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w365/goffquested/orangeamps.jpg (http://s1072.photobucket.com/user/goffquested/media/orangeamps.jpg.html)
Ha - quality! :D
Marco.
-
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a616/aliballybee1/2015jeeprenegade-011%201_zpszzrvpojf.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/aliballybee1/media/2015jeeprenegade-011%201_zpszzrvpojf.jpg.html)
.
That's cool. And you will always be able to find it in the car park ;)
Ali Tait
16-02-2016, 14:00
LOL aye, though the colour isn't quite as bright in the flesh.
HackneyRF
21-02-2016, 10:41
My wife's a bit of an older/classic car fan and has set her heart on an older Saab 900 to replace her much loved but starting to fail Peugeot. I know zilch about cars so can't advise her, so wondered if any of you car heads know much about these or maybe have had one? They seem to be well regarded motors looking around the web. Anything she should look out for?
Cheers
Loz
Had one back in day.. Very good "drivers" car. Can be hard work to get best out of them but boy are they fun...look fab too
walpurgis
21-02-2016, 11:34
They were a good car. Fairly complex mechanically though and all will be getting old now. Parts are not cheap. It's an enthusiasts car and an owner would be best advised to do their own maintenance, as workshop costs will be on the high side.
alcarmichael
22-02-2016, 21:36
Stumbled upon this section, so I may as well post a pic or two of my pride n joy.
http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq99/alcarmichael/Mobile%20Uploads/image_6.jpeg (http://s437.photobucket.com/user/alcarmichael/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_6.jpeg.html)
http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq99/alcarmichael/Mobile%20Uploads/image_5.jpeg (http://s437.photobucket.com/user/alcarmichael/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_5.jpeg.html)
http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq99/alcarmichael/Mobile%20Uploads/image_7.jpeg (http://s437.photobucket.com/user/alcarmichael/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_7.jpeg.html)
Very nice indeed, Alex! :respect:
Marco.
alcarmichael
23-02-2016, 19:32
Thanks. Not been driven for a couple of months now, waiting for the nicer weather to return which isn't coming fast enough!
walpurgis
25-02-2016, 20:08
Lately I've noticed a growing trend for used car dealers to ask silly high prices for run of the mill second hand motors. I don't understand what they think they'll gain. It's just going to put people off. It certainly puts me off.
Here's an example I spotted earlier: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201601270452044?make=kia&searchcontext=default&sort=locasc&radius=1500&search-target=usedcars&postcode=UB2%205QW&page=1&onesearchad=used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew&model=magentis&fuel-type=diesel&logcode=p
That's £1000 over the real used retail value!
Here's another: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201512019127446?radius=1500&sort=locasc&search-target=usedcars&model=c5&make=citroen&fuel-type=diesel&postcode=UB2%205QW&page=2&onesearchad=used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew&logcode=p
£1200 more than it should sell for. Crazy!
Mrs H had a problem with her X-Trail losing power (going into limp home mode) so took it to the local garage, who quoted her €5k to fix it. I laughed at the quote. This was to replace the fuel pump.
A bit of interweb browsing later and I find that it's a common fault, and more importantly how to read fault codes reset the ECU and out the car into the fuel pump learning mode without the Nissan software. The part I needed (new suction control valve) cost me €100 delivered. (Apparently the mechanic could not understand why I wanted to replace this valve when the new pump came with one anyway? )
An hour and a half of my time later and the car was fixed, giving me a saving of €4900.
I asked the Mrs if I could spend what I saved on the HiFi, but I am too polite to share her response with you.
Ali Tait
29-03-2016, 12:26
Got the new Jeep now-
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a616/aliballybee1/70D88DFC-80FA-431E-823F-22E3847FD884_zpsspssddgi.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/aliballybee1/media/70D88DFC-80FA-431E-823F-22E3847FD884_zpsspssddgi.jpg.html)
Michelle likes it because it's orange. :-)
Sure is orange.;). Hope it dont get Tango'd
Ali Tait
29-03-2016, 12:42
Too late!
Yes, very orange..
Got the new Jeep now-
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a616/aliballybee1/70D88DFC-80FA-431E-823F-22E3847FD884_zpsspssddgi.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/aliballybee1/media/70D88DFC-80FA-431E-823F-22E3847FD884_zpsspssddgi.jpg.html)
Michelle likes it because it's orange. :-)
A ginger mobile... ;-)
Ali Tait
29-03-2016, 12:56
Cheeky bugger!
Cheeky bugger!
Ha, I'm no position to criticise mate... Have you seen my motor? The granny magnet :lol:
Ali Tait
29-03-2016, 13:06
LOL, keep the doors locked..
Ha, I'm no position to criticise mate... Have you seen my motor? The granny magnet...
:lolsign:
Ha - If it's got a pulse, and there's still some juice left in its box, you'll bang it! :D
Marco.
walpurgis
29-03-2016, 18:00
I think Ali's Jeep is very nice (if you like that sort of thing :D).
walpurgis
29-03-2016, 18:11
Why are so many second hand cars offered for sale with only one key? It's nuts.
Many cars have keys with coded chips in and can cost hundreds of pounds to replace. Certainly enough to put potential buyers off (if they have the savvy to understand the implications).
If you lose a key, surely it's worth the cost of paying for a new one just for the peace of mind, 'cos if you lose the last one you have a BIG problem. Costly enough to render older cars an economic write off unless you can find the code!
brian2957
29-03-2016, 18:17
Got the new Jeep now-
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a616/aliballybee1/70D88DFC-80FA-431E-823F-22E3847FD884_zpsspssddgi.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/aliballybee1/media/70D88DFC-80FA-431E-823F-22E3847FD884_zpsspssddgi.jpg.html)
Michelle likes it because it's orange. :-)
Very nice mate . A new car and Michelle's happy too . Win win :D
Ali Tait
29-03-2016, 18:23
Aye! :-)
walpurgis
29-03-2016, 19:57
Got the new Jeep now
By the way Ali. Which engine has your Jeep got? I take it that's a Renegade. Looks like one I think.
Ali Tait
29-03-2016, 20:41
Yes 'tis. Has the 1.4 petrol turbo. Cheap to run but still has 140bhp. I reckon diesels are becoming too complicated, petrols are possibly more reliable now.
walpurgis
29-03-2016, 21:27
Jeep are getting some serious power out of their smaller petrol engines lately.
Mind you Ford, Vauxhall and Dacia ain't doing too bad either. They're just repeating what Daihatsu did in the eighties though, the Charade GTti was a wicked little tool! :)
Ali Tait
30-03-2016, 05:17
They cheated. As they are now owned by Fiat, they are having to use their engines, so it's the same engine as in the 500 etc. Not real Jeeps anymore, at least unless you buy a Hemi.
I think it's still too early to say if small high power petroleum engines are more reliable than the diesel equivalents.
They are both pretty complex these days, although the additional cost of the diesel pump probably just swings it the way of the petrol engine.
Ali Tait
30-03-2016, 05:30
Not counting the huge problems people are having with EGR and DPF you mean?
Ali Tait
30-03-2016, 05:31
Besides which, petrols are much less polluting.
Not counting the huge problems people are having with EGR and DPF you mean?
If you do short journeys, then the DPF will not get hot enough to regenerate.
These same journeys will also kill the Catalytic converter on your petrol engine.
EGR valves are a common issue on diesel and petrol.
Ali Tait
30-03-2016, 05:47
Well that's exactly it. Michelle will be using this around town, so it will spend most of it's time doing short journeys.
There is also the fact that petrols are cheaper to buy and service.
Ali Tait
30-03-2016, 06:05
I did research all this before making the decision of what to buy..
Ali Tait
30-03-2016, 06:18
Three years old, but still a relevant article-
http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-2332107/Petrol-vs-diesel-cars-Drivers-warned-diesel-filter-trap.html
brian2957
30-03-2016, 07:04
Jeep are getting some serious power out of their smaller petrol engines lately.
Mind you Ford, Vauxhall and Dacia ain't doing too bad either. They're just repeating what Daihatsu did in the eighties though, the Charade GTti was a wicked little tool! :)
I road tested a Dacia Sandero Stepway recently and I was quite surprised when the salesman told me it had a 1 litre engine . I thought it would be totally under powered . When I took it out on to the road I was very surprised at how much poke this car had . I could accelerate up a mild incline in 5th gear .
walpurgis
30-03-2016, 08:59
Too much techno trickery on modern cars for my liking.
The DPF can be a real pain with some diesel cars.
Turbos are a necessary evil to an extent, but I don't like them. If the oils seal on the induction side fails it can wreck the engine.
EGR's are no big deal, easy to sort out yourself as a rule. As is the MAF sensor/box and Lambda sensor. It's just a question of figuring out which item is causing problems.
Then there are various camshaft, flywheel and crank sensors, which can give bother.
Catalytic converters tend to be trouble free, but around here there's a bunch of jokers that go round at night stealing them off motors, so you get in your car in the morning and find half your exhust system has gone walkies.
I detest timing belts too. Both my cars have cam chains, which should last the life of the engine if the oil is kept clean.
Diesel injector pumps tend to be relatively trouble free. Good job, 'cos they cost a bomb. Some manufacturers are using electronic injectors with a low pressure feed instead of pumps. Each injector can cost over £300 to replace. That's a grand if all four go. Current Renault diesels seem to have a bit of an issue with these. I'm keeping well clear of their DCi models for that reason and I fail to see any real point in their sixteen valve diesels anyway.
Seems to me the safest option is to buy a 1988 Mercedes 190E 2.5 diesel. No turbo, chain cam and the rest of the car is virtually everlasting! :D
spendorman
30-03-2016, 09:06
I road tested a Dacia Sandero Stepway recently and I was quite surprised when the salesman told me it had a 1 litre engine . I thought it would be totally under powered . When I took it out on to the road I was very surprised at how much poke this car had . I could accelerate up a mild incline in 5th gear .
Decades ago, I was surprised at my Dad's 1.1 litre Allegro, much nippier than I thought it would be, economical too.
You forgot the MAP sensor, knock sensor, dual mass flywheels etc.
Every car has it's problems. You just have to pick what problems you can live with.
Ali Tait
30-03-2016, 09:12
Yep, but a DPF can run you thousands to replace.
Agree with Geoff that cars are far too complicated these days.
My car is as aerodynamic as a breezeblock and thus gets poor mpg. On plus side its easy to get into, comfy and has plenty room. Quite quick too thanks to it 1800 petrol engine. Cant afford to replace it so it will have to outlast me. Actually its in better nick than i am and its about 11 years old
walpurgis
30-03-2016, 09:20
Yep, but a DPF can run you thousands to replace.
The DMF can cost a packet too. Diesel VWs have had a major problem with them for over ten years. Even replacements lasting only months and costing up to £1300 each time depending on where it's done. I'd not buy a VW manual diesel from 2004 onwards.
walpurgis
30-03-2016, 09:25
Decades ago, I was surprised at my Dad's 1.1 litre Allegro, much nippier than I thought it would be, economical too.
I had a 1.3 Allegro many years ago. They always got slagged off, but I found it a decent little motor. Mine was nippy too, faster than the BMW 316 I'd had prior to it and it handled way better. Decent ride also. That A Series BMC engine was always good.
Never was in an Allegro.. Quite liked the princess..cant remember if it was austin or morris though. Remember the maxi too. Twas leylands first hatchback ...maybe their only?
Apart from the Metro and Maestro?
Aye but i meant at that time. The hatch was appearing everywhere but BL decided to only have one and stick with saloons..that was a big mistake
walpurgis
30-03-2016, 12:37
Apart from the Metro and Maestro?
A friend of mine has had a Maestro 1.3 van for about thirty years. Nothing worth mentioning ever goes wrong with it. Good old A Series BMC engine again.
Never was in an Allegro.. Quite liked the princess..cant remember if it was austin or morris though. Remember the maxi too. Twas leylands first hatchback ...maybe their only?
It was the Austin Princess. They'd stopped using the Morris name by that point.
I think the last Morris badged car was the 1100 but may be wrong about that
I think the Montego replaced the Princess in the line up as the 'executive saloon' - compared to the Princess it was agricultural and very cheap and nasty inside.
Remember they used to do the Vanden Plas versions of the Princess and Allegro with the big Rolls Royce style radiator grilles? They looked ridiculous.
Ali Tait
30-03-2016, 12:48
Yep, and the square steering wheel..
walpurgis
01-04-2016, 11:28
I said I wanted one of these, Peugeot Partner Combi 2.0 HDi, picked up last night.
http://i65.tinypic.com/103wx2e.jpg
I now have three motors on the road. This is oldish, 2004, but only has 47k on the clock. No rust whatsoever and no issues of any kind. It drives like new and stomps along surprisingly briskly for a non turbo diesel. Quite chuffed with it actually. It'll be a good all purpose runaround, These things just don't wear out and are cheap to run.
Yes. I know it's green. I like it!
Ali Tait
01-04-2016, 11:37
Those engines can have their problems, but get a good'un and they'll do star trek miles.
That's exactly the same as my mates only his is a Citroen.
walpurgis
01-04-2016, 11:56
That's exactly the same as my mates only his is a Citroen.
That's the Berlingo. They are to all intents and purposes the same vehicle.
I think the last Morris badged car was the 1100 but may be wrong about that
I think the Montego replaced the Princess in the line up as the 'executive saloon' - compared to the Princess it was agricultural and very cheap and nasty inside.
...whoa there Martin, don't be overlooking the 'Italian' re-styled Morris Marina, the 'Ital'...what a beauty ;)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morris_Ital
...and these were very popular company cars at Jaguar in the late 80's, the old Maestro Turbo, 0-60 in less than 7 seconds...but unfortunately the chassis couldn't keep up with the engine, bit of a death trap! :doh:
Drive: Front wheel
Engine:
No of cylinders: 4 in line
Capacity: 1,994 cc
Bore & Stroke: 84.5 mm x 89 mm
Valve operation: Single ohc, two valves per cylinder
Fuel system: Garret T3 turbo through single SU
Max Power: 150 bhp @ 5,100 rpm
Max Torque: 169 Ib/ft @ 3,500 rpm
Transmission: Type: 5 speed manual
Suspension:
Front: Independent McPherson strut, lower wishbones, coil springs, anti roll bar
Rear: Semi independent torsion beam axle, trailing arms, coil springs, anti roll bar
Brakes: Disc front, drum rear with servo assistance
Steering: Rack and pinion, power assisted
Wheels: 5J x 15.
Tyres: 185/55 R15
Performance: 0-60 mph; 6.7 secs
Max Speed: 132 mph
Fuel comsumption: 22.2 mpg
Price new 1989: £13,529
£13529! That was a lot of money in 1989, especially for what was essentially a piece of junk
I remember the Ital quite well, I knew a few people who had them.
A friend had the Metro, Maestro and Montego, in that order (all used) in the late 1990s - they were just shockingly bad, like something from Soviet -era Eastern Europe. All of them were stolen, which is even more bizarre.
I said I wanted one of these, Peugeot Partner Combi 2.0 HDi, picked up last night.
http://i65.tinypic.com/103wx2e.jpg
I now have three motors on the road. This is oldish, 2004, but only has 47k on the clock. No rust whatsoever and no issues of any kind. It drives like new and stomps along surprisingly briskly for a non turbo diesel. Quite chuffed with it actually. It'll be a good all purpose runaround, These things just don't wear out and are cheap to run.
Yes. I know it's green. I like it!
I honestly thought that all the HDi engines had a turbo fitted?
walpurgis
25-04-2016, 15:56
Blimey, that was cheap!
As the service history was a bit vague, I took the recently purchased Peugeot Partner into a little service & MOT place about 100 yards away from my house.
The work I asked for was:
New timing belt with tensioner and idler fitted and a replacement water pump and auxiliary belt at the same time. New front discs and pads. Replacement fuel and air filters. Engine oil change with new filter. Also a full inspection of suspension, steering and engine hoses, etc.
The bill? £350 all in! Very nice, I was expecting a good couple of hundred quid more. I know the guy who runs the place, as they are sort of neighbours and they look after me well, but that was a bargain.
Funny thing is, the car feels faster now. Can't figure that, unless the new air filter made that much difference. The brakes feel worse, a couple of days bedding in new parts needed I reckon.
Ali Tait
25-04-2016, 16:27
That is cheap for all that work Geoff.
walpurgis
25-04-2016, 16:46
That is cheap for all that work Geoff.
Yeah. Means I've got a couple of hundred quid left over from the money I'd put aside for the job..........Hmmm, now what can I buy? :hmm:
I honestly thought that all the HDi engines had a turbo fitted?
Nice motor Geoff... Looks like a good model without the fancy bits that cost dollaridoos
walpurgis
26-04-2016, 19:40
Nice motor Geoff... Looks like a good model without the fancy bits that cost dollaridoos
That's what I like about them. Looks like a van, sounds like a van and drives like a van. Handy motor and no 'Bling'!
Yesh, but if it had wider wheels and a nice fat exhaust.... <Ahem> :eyebrows: :eyebrows:
Marco.
walpurgis
26-04-2016, 20:12
Yesh, but if it had wider wheels and a nice fat exhaust.... <Ahem> :eyebrows: :eyebrows:
Marco.
It would then unfortunately, not be what it is. ;)
walpurgis
26-04-2016, 20:15
Trouble is, I now have to decide which of the other cars to move on. Hmm. The Porsche, the Bentley or the Aston? Tricky one. :hmm:
It would then unfortunately, not be what it is. ;)
Pimp it, baby! Yer knows ya wants ter.... Just think of the chicks. Bev would be really impressed! :eyebrows:
Marco.
Now, now Marco... Poor bev is not here to defend herself..... think she tripped over, and skinned her cucumber ;) Only joking Lass..... Dont hit me ;)
Ninanina
28-04-2016, 20:32
No I'm still here but had a tough time of it for a while as Colin is unwell.. long story and I won't bore people with it
My friend had the Berlingo version of the Partner and it was a great van but don't 'pimp' it Geoff
I had a Peugeot 405 1.9 diesel for years and it was one of the best cars I ever owned
walpurgis
28-04-2016, 20:44
Hope Colin's on the mend Bev.
Ninanina
28-04-2016, 21:04
Thanks for your kind thoughts...
It just seems if it's not one thing it's another at the moment... but he is a tough cookie.. I have no idea how he copes with it all
However we did visit his Oncology consultant on Monday and the trial drug seems to be doing wonders for his CLL so there is hope there ;)
walpurgis
02-05-2016, 09:03
I've been checking.
My recently purchased green Peugeot 'rabbit hutch' is apparently quite susceptible to some tweaking. A re-chip of the EMS and a couple of other bits would more than double the power output. 90bhp to 190bhp, could be interesting with suitable suspension & brake upgrades. They're strong engines and this one's only got 47k under its belt. 250k is not unusual on these.
Not sure the insurance company would be impressed though.
http://i63.tinypic.com/2q80wuh.jpg
walpurgis
02-05-2016, 22:19
Jaguar's first ever SUV, the F-Pace.
http://www.automobilemag.com/news/2017-jaguar-f-pace-second-drive-review/
It ain't slow!
walpurgis
13-05-2016, 22:34
What are the first jobs a sensible bloke does when another motor arrives? Apart from the obvious, like making sure it's safe to drive and has oil, fuel and coolant, etc.
Well. Make sure the jack and wheelbrace are the right ones and work. Next, chances are the wheel nuts will be on well tight, so loosen them with a suitably long wrench and then re-tighten using the brace that comes with the car. 'Cos if you have a puncture that's all you'll have available to undo them with and at least then you will be able to. Finally, if the spare wheel is slung under the car, make sure the threaded release on the spare wheel holder can be undone using the wheelbrace, because being exposed they often rust up solid. Free off and grease everything!
I like a good greasing :D
walpurgis
13-05-2016, 22:42
I like a good greasing :D
I was warned you were a slippery customer. :D
walpurgis
10-06-2016, 11:30
Daft maybe, but I keep getting attracted to the motorbike listings on eBay and Gumtree at the moment. Not had one for about five years. Is it an itch I'll need to scratch I wonder?
I don't want 'fast', I want basic and simple. MZs keep crossing my mind. I had a 301 years ago and liked it a lot. Spotted a solid looking old ETZ 250 that's been stood unused for while. Could be a cheap project. Nothing there I can't sort out and cheaply. Just my sort of machine. I don't want anything I can't lift off the deck if it falls over and I ain't a youngster any more (and to think I used to be able to lean over my XS-650, pick it up and walk off with it :rolleyes:).
Thinking of trying to pick up an electric trike bike to help with mobility. Need to sell somecstuff but would be stable enough and they usualy have low cross bars.. It can do most of work and i can aid the mobility of my hip and chest a bit i think... Anyone got a cheap one im interested... Dont see them up here much alas.
New wheels
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/Lodger56/roybus_zpsn6xnlug6.jpg
(Renault say 80mpg average, computer sez 61, still not too shabby)
walpurgis
10-06-2016, 12:03
Looks smart Roy.
I never believe manufacturer economy claims. I bought a new Suzuki Alto a couple of years ago. The claim was 74mpg. Never got near that. The mid sixties I get is OK though. No tax either (it's up for sale shortly, mint with 9k if anybody wants one :)).
I never believe manufacturer economy claims. I bought a new Suzuki Alto a couple of years ago. The claim was 74mpg. Never got near that. The mid sixties I get is OK though. No tax either (it's up for sale shortly, mint with 9k if anybody wants one :)).
Sounds like a good little buy for someone. Girlfriend's got a Liana (it was reasonably priced... ;)) & her daughter has a Swift, both good cars.
walpurgis
11-06-2016, 23:35
Sounds like a good little buy for someone. Girlfriend's got a Liana (it was reasonably priced... ;)) & her daughter has a Swift, both good cars.
Suzukis are generally excellent cars that drive pretty nicely. Not sure about the latest diesels, they use Fiat engines. Mind you, I believe Jeep and Vauxhall use these too.
My Alto is amazingly quiet and smooth. Pretty brisk too for a sub 1000cc car. The performance is the same as the original BL 1275 Mini Cooper S, so quite good fun.
walpurgis
11-06-2016, 23:38
Girlfriend's got a Liana (it was reasonably priced... ;))
The Liana is a very reliable and pleasant motor. Chain cam drive too. Just a bit juicy by the latest standards, but not bad.
She loves her Liana, it's the estate version (quite rare) with a body kit(!) but it's getting a bit long in the tooth on an 04 plate so she's looking for something new. She recently did one of those online trade in valuations and was offered eighty quid! Told her to fill it with petrol and double the value :)
Virtual-Symmetry
12-06-2016, 08:06
Looks like owning a fish & chip shop is the way to go. Went past ours last week to find the owner getting out of a brand new Maserati 'Gran Turismo' went past it again this morning, its still there so i am assuming it is his :drool:
Cash business so you can fiddle the tax and VAT. And do a bit of laundering too, if the fancy takes you.
walpurgis
12-06-2016, 09:14
She loves her Liana, it's the estate version (quite rare) with a body kit(!) but it's getting a bit long in the tooth on an 04 plate so she's looking for something new. She recently did one of those online trade in valuations and was offered eighty quid! Told her to fill it with petrol and double the value :)
If it's got no faults, keep it. The oily bits should last for up to 150k miles.
An '04 is not really old. My recently obtained Peugeot Partner 2.0 HDi diesel is an '04 and is as solid as a rock and drives like new.
I'd still consider another Merc 190E and those you see are around 35 years old and still motoring along without much bother.
If it's got no faults, keep it. The oily bits should last for up to 150k miles.
Oh ok, it's done 90k and never missed a beat & she's got a private plate, you wouldn't know it was a 12 year old car.
walpurgis
18-06-2016, 11:26
Classic Japanese bike pricing becoming ludicrous!
http://www.motorcyclesunlimited.co.uk/1969-honda-cb750-classic-sandcast-for-sale/
walpurgis
25-06-2016, 20:49
Absolutely bonkers bike rider. I thought I used to ride fast, but this nutter has me beat!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVX1PWqz14k
On the highway, taking bends at speeds approaching 200 mph.
That's like a pleasant Sunday ride out for me and friends :lol:
There's only one outcome if one spills it at speed, so no reason not to take it to the max :D
walpurgis
25-06-2016, 21:12
I wonder if he's still alive?
walpurgis
29-06-2016, 09:28
Any Honda Cub fans out there? Here's a job lot for collectors.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/142031448698?_trksid=p11010.c100352.m3747&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%2 6asc%3D37329%26meid%3D3d555c6699414bfa8a49ec2b8c11 2b94%26pid%3D100352%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D12%26mehot%3D pp%26sd%3D201609288704
walpurgis
06-07-2016, 19:27
Well I said I'd get a bike. I thought I might go for something bigger, but instead I'm picking this little gem up tomorrow.
http://i67.tinypic.com/dnkho1.jpg
Honda Innova. Very tidy and just over 4000 miles. They run like a Swiss watch. Quicker than you's expect too. Had one before.
It'll only get used occasionally. I anticipate these going up in value soon.
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