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Macca
13-06-2018, 07:07
Electric is ideal for that.

It just isn't ideal for pretty much anything else.

We have to wait for them to realise batteries are never going to cut it ('They're getting better all the time!' Yes, in 40 years they've gone from useless to just shit) and move to hydrogen fuel cells where you can fill up with hydrogen just like you do with petrol.

Or alternatively, Mr Fusion.

Marco
13-06-2018, 07:28
Electric is ideal for that.


Ideal for what?


We have to wait for them to realise batteries are never going to cut it ('They're getting better all the time!' Yes, in 40 years they've gone from useless to just shit) and move to hydrogen fuel cells where you can fill up with hydrogen just like you do with petrol.


...only that it's twice as volatile. Yes, let's all drive around with a potential bomb strapped to us!:doh:

xTerzijsL3g

Marco.

walpurgis
13-06-2018, 08:24
I suspect that in maybe 100 years, those of us that remain after WW3, will be using non-petrol, non-electric, environmentally friendly transport with a mere one horsepower.

http://i66.tinypic.com/2s13pj8.jpg

struth
13-06-2018, 08:30
Ideal for what?



...only that it's twice as volatile. Yes, let's all drive around with a potential bomb strapped to us!:doh:

xTerzijsL3g

Marco.

realises the "goes like a bomb" phrase:D

struth
13-06-2018, 08:31
I suspect that in maybe 100 years, those of us that remain after WW3, will be using non-petrol, non-electric, environmentally friendly transport with a mere one horsepower.

http://i66.tinypic.com/2s13pj8.jpg

better veg patch too;)

walpurgis
13-06-2018, 08:45
Interesting older article about Lithium reserves: https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/is-there-enough-lithium-to-maintain-the-growth-of-the-lithium-ion-battery-m#gs.V5StLWs

Not directly related, but I wonder how far we may get with solar power. And I don't just mean for transport. The elements necessary are not necessarily in huge abundance. Tellurium for instance, is scarce and expensive.

struth
13-06-2018, 08:59
Interesting older article about Lithium reserves: https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/is-there-enough-lithium-to-maintain-the-growth-of-the-lithium-ion-battery-m#gs.V5StLWs

Not directly related, but I wonder how far we may get with solar power. And I don't just mean for transport. The elements necessary are not necessarily in huge abundance. Tellurium for instance, is scarce and expensive.

yup, its the old story of govts not being able to see the full pic, or conveniently avoiding it

walpurgis
13-06-2018, 09:02
yup, its the old story of govts not being able to see the full pic, or conveniently avoiding it

And short term view of bucks in the pocket for the big boys.

NickB
13-06-2018, 10:28
As an average lithium polymer battery has only 3% lithium by weight and there is estimated to be 13.5 million metric tons of lithium in the world apparently we will run out in about 350 years.... at current growth rates.

Macca
13-06-2018, 16:56
Ideal for what?



...only that it's twice as volatile. Yes, let's all drive around with a potential bomb strapped to us!:doh:

xTerzijsL3g

Marco.

There's no safety issue, you can already buy a hydrogen fuel cell car.

Try putting a naked flame near an empty petrol tank and see what happens. Diesel won't blow but then you are driving around giving everyone asthma and cancer. It's all a trade off. The only emission from hydrogen power is water.

struth
13-06-2018, 16:57
had 3 tyres fitted this afternoon.. got a decent deal.£144

CageyH
13-06-2018, 17:56
Is that a French thing? That certainly isn't the case here (in Wales). You can drive up to the national speed limit almost anywhere on country roads, so in that respect I'm still having plenty of fun.

Besides, as I've said before, having a fast car, for me, is mostly about the acceleration (0-60), not the top speed, which you simply can't use. That's why, given a choice, I'd always take a car that, say, had a maximum speed of 90mph, but was blisteringly quick getting there, over one with, say, a top speed of 140mph, but a much slower 0-60.

Marco.

Yes, a French road safety initiative. Blanket 80km/h speed limit on the departmental roads.
Comes into force on 1st July.

It may be time to get rid of the 7, and get something the family can enjoy. I am thinking of a 356 Speedster replica.

Pigmy Pony
13-06-2018, 18:11
I take your point, and I'm sure that, in due course, they'll penalise drivers of petrol/diesel cars accordingly, but not to the ridiculous levels you've quoted.

I'd certainly be willing to pay a reasonable premium on fuel and road tax, in order to keep my petrol or diesel car, and in terms of emissions, whilst no doubt they'll tighten up on it, they'll also have to be realistic.



Lol... Bring it on! I honestly couldn't give a flying fuck what people think. If *I* want to drive a petrol or diesel car, whilst doing so remains legal, I'll do it, if for no other reason than refusing to 'conform to the norm'!! But mostly because I insist on driving being fun.

:exactly:

Marco [refuses to be brainwashed or controlled by 'the system'].

Ah Marco,

I posted some mad figures to illustrate the direction in which we will be pushed, but I wasn't quoting anyone, these figures were for illustrative purposes only (although just how "ridiculous" those figures will look in five or so years, we shall see).

And as for emissions regulations, and how realistic they will be about them, we'll see. Conservatives, and Realistic, the two words don't even rhyme.

I know there will be a few people who can either afford to stick with petrol/diesel car ownership, or are prepared to spend beyond their means in order to "make a stand", but your average joe is at some point going to be compelled to "conform" for economic reasons. I count myself among their number, and while I sure as shit don't want to be forced to move from internal combustion to electric, I'm also realistic about the possibility.

On the subject of "conforming to the norm", most of us are already doing that without thinking about it. Hands up everyone who drives a diesel? Wow, that's a lot of hands. Mostly they are popular because they give decent performance and reasonable mpg. Diesel fuel costs (compared to petrol) has been rising at some rate of knots for some years now, yet we still buy them. Is this a big "Fuck you" to the government? No, its because driving diesels is still economically viable. There may come a point where diesel fuel is so much more expensive than petrol that we abandon diesels in droves and move to petrol cars. We are not being brainwashed, but we are being manipulated.

And the same will happen with ownership of electric cars. It's got nothing to do with "brainwashing" and everything to do with the alternative no longer being affordable.

Also I shouldn't have put in the "character assassination" paragraph, as NONE OF US give a flying fuck what other people think (except maybe a handful, and they're saying nowt.)

Oh and while I've got you on the line, the 50mph limit is not a French thing. No one driving any amount in England can fail to see that in recent years many of the previous "national speed limit" roads have been reduced to 50mph, one of the best known examples (if you're a biker) is the blanket 50mph limit on the Cat and Fiddle imposed about 12 years ago with helicopter enforcement. So you can count yourself lucky Marco!

Marco
13-06-2018, 18:26
There's no safety issue, you can already buy a hydrogen fuel cell car.


I disagree. For me, there's definitely a safety issue; the question is simply how serious it is. It won't apply to me though, as I'll never be driving a Hydrogen-fuelled car.


Try putting a naked flame near an empty petrol tank and see what happens. Diesel won't blow but then you are driving around giving everyone asthma and cancer. It's all a trade off.

I agree about it all being a trade-off, but in normal circumstances a naked flame will not be near the petrol tank of your car, so in that environment, petrol is as safe as any flammable liquid can be.

Liquid hydrogen is dangerous in ways [which petrol isn't] outside of its extreme flammability, and that's why, when used as a fuel, it's *potentially* overall more dangerous.

Marco.

Macca
13-06-2018, 18:39
Liquid hydrogen is dangerous in ways [which petrol isn't] outside of its extreme flammability, and that's why it's *potentially* overall more dangerous, when used as a fuel.

Marco.

It's dangerous if you deliberately explode it but why would you do that? It won't blow up in a collision if that's what you are thinking? In any case it is already been passed as safe in Europe and the US where standards for automotive safety are the highest in the world which would indicate that the risk level is small to none.

Diesel has to go since the pollution levels are unacceptable. That's why they were faking all their tests. Whilst I'm not keen on the idea of Government manipulating people like this there is a pretty strong case for reducing the number of diesel vehicles to an absolute minimum. I live near an 8 lane highway and in the summer if the wind is low the air quality is appalling. Fortunately there is mostly a stiff breeze blowing (or a gale) so it's not so bad. But in the recent weather I've not been able to open the window on some days.

Pieoftheday
13-06-2018, 18:43
I've been riding motorcycles for 32yrs and there's always been this thing of acknowledging a fellow biker, usually a nod, however bmw riders always seemed exemped , seemingly above the Japanese bike riders. I now ride a bmw and still the fookers don't nod!!!! Mebe should be in the FFS bit:)

Marco
13-06-2018, 18:49
I know there will be a few people who can either afford to stick with petrol/diesel car ownership, or are prepared to spend beyond their means in order to "make a stand", but your average joe is at some point going to be compelled to "conform" for economic reasons. I count myself among their number, and while I sure as shit don't want to be forced to move from internal combustion to electric, I'm also realistic about the possibility.


I understand and accept that, but I'm not (and never will be) your 'average Joe'; not because I'm special or anything, but simply because I think and live differently from most people, largely due to the lifestyle I'm fortunate enough to lead.


On the subject of "conforming to the norm", most of us are already doing that without thinking about it. Hands up everyone who drives a diesel? Wow, that's a lot of hands. Mostly they are popular because they give decent performance and reasonable mpg. Diesel fuel costs (compared to petrol) has been rising at some rate of knots for some years now, yet we still buy them. Is this a big "Fuck you" to the government? No, its because driving diesels is still economically viable. There may come a point where diesel fuel is so much more expensive than petrol that we abandon diesels in droves and move to petrol cars. We are not being brainwashed, but we are being manipulated.


Manipulated perhaps as a by-product of being surreptitiously brainwashed?;)

The main reason why I drive a performance diesel car is, rather obviously, because I enjoy its performance (torque), which you simply don't get with petrol cars of the same engine size. Secondly, and it's quite a distant second, is because I get more miles to the gallon than I would if my car was petrol driven.

However, for me (within reason) diesel 'costs what it costs' [I almost never pay attention to the per-litre price]; I simply fill up the tank and pay whatever the total is. Unless it goes up to some crazy price, like £20 a litre, I shall continue buying it and driving a performance diesel car, as I can afford it - especially as I only do, on average, 30-40 miles a week.

The only time my car does significant mileage, is when I go down south (or up north) within the UK, or take it on holiday abroad - and that's no more than once or twice a year.


And the same will happen with ownership of electric cars. It's got nothing to do with "brainwashing" and everything to do with the alternative no longer being affordable.


Sure, but that will only apply to your 'average Joe' (to coin your phrase).


Oh and while I've got you on the line, the 50mph limit is not a French thing. No one driving any amount in England can fail to see that in recent years many of the previous "national speed limit" roads have been reduced to 50mph, one of the best known examples (if you're a biker) is the blanket 50mph limit on the Cat and Fiddle imposed about 12 years ago with helicopter enforcement. So you can count yourself lucky Marco!

Lol... Why do you think I live where I do?:eyebrows:;)

I will always seek to divorce myself as far as possible from the worst effects of modern society!

Marco.

Marco
13-06-2018, 19:09
It's dangerous if you deliberately explode it but why would you do that? It won't blow up in a collision if that's what you are thinking? In any case it is already been passed as safe in Europe and the US where standards for automotive safety are the highest in the world which would indicate that the risk level is small to none.


And do you honestly think that the organisations concerned who've passed it as "safe" aren't in any way corrupt, or being controlled by their respective governments, in order to drive home an agenda?

I don't agree at all that it's safe [certainly not safer than petrol], and my research shows that.


Diesel has to go since the pollution levels are unacceptable. That's why they were faking all their tests. Whilst I'm not keen on the idea of Government manipulating people like this there is a pretty strong case for reducing the number of diesel vehicles to an absolute minimum. I live near an 8 lane highway and in the summer if the wind is low the air quality is appalling. Fortunately there is mostly a stiff breeze blowing (or a gale) so it's not so bad. But in the recent weather I've not been able to open the window on some days.

I completely agree, and of course sympathise. Plus, something definitely needs done.

All I can do, of course, is look at my own situation and reasons for desiring to drive a performance diesel car. As I've said before, mine can lay dormant 5 days of the week. It's used 100% for personal pleasure and mostly short journeys.

This week, for example, I've driven the grand total of 25 miles, and that's not liable to go up much by the time the week ends, so I'm by no means a major diesel polluter.

Marco.

Macca
13-06-2018, 19:19
And do you honestly think that the organisations concerned who've passed it as "safe" aren't in any way corrupt, or being controlled by their respective governments, in order to drive home their agendas?

I don't agree at all that it's safe [certainly not safer than petrol], and research shows that.



I completely agree with that, and of course sympathise. Plus, something definitely needs done.

All I can do, of course, is look at my own situation and reasons for desiring to drive a performance diesel car. As I've said before, mine can lay dormant 5 days of the week. It's used 100% for personal pleasure and mostly short journeys.

This week, for example, I've driven the grand total of 25 miles, and that's not liable to go up much by the time the week ends, so I'm by no means a major diesel polluter.

Marco.

I think if there was a safety issue it would be pretty big news. Not everyone is controlled by the government and the technology isn't new.

As far as owning a diesel is concerned it's fine providing there are not a lot of them. It's the numbers that have become a problem. You've got to get the masses to drive something else, get the percentages right down. If only a few percent of people stick to diesels just because they prefer them at an enthusiast level that won't be an issue. Buying a new one might be though.

Marco
13-06-2018, 19:28
I think if there was a safety issue it would be pretty big news. Not everyone is controlled by the government and the technology isn't new.


Sure, but the fact is it's not been around for long enough yet, properly implemented as a fuel for motor vehicles, for any meaningful conclusions to be drawn on its safety in that context. That's why I don't 'buy' any of the claims currently being made on how safe it supposedly is.


As far a owning a diesel is concerned it's fine providing there are not a lot of them. It's the numbers that have become a problem. You've got to get the masses to drive something else, get the percentages right down. If only a few percent of people stick to diesels just because they prefer them at an enthusiast level that won't be an issue. Buying a new one might be though.

The bit in bold applies to me. Also, I've never bought a brand new car in my life, diesel or otherwise, quite simply as they deteriorate too quickly in value. I prefer to benefit from someone else having taken that financial hit.

Therefore, the last bit won't apply to me. Plus, for the foreseeable future (certainly within my driving lifetime), they'll be plenty of secondhand diesel cars available, especially performance ones, if the cost of diesel rises substantially, and people shun big diesel cars for reasons of economy or otherwise.

Marco.

Pigmy Pony
13-06-2018, 19:31
30-40 miles equates to about half an hour's driving if you're pressing on, so I can see why fuel costs aren't a major concern. My grandson does more miles than that in his pedal car! I cover about 10 times that per week for work or leisure, and if I could cut that back to the mileages you do, I could comfortably run an AMG 63 or an American muscle car.

Well I can dream!

I stand by my comments about emissions regulations though. We'll just wait and see.

Anyway, Mrs P has gone out for the evening so it's goodbye Car (or bike) chat, hello music played loud. Toodle-pip.

CageyH
13-06-2018, 19:41
You do know that a diesel takes longer to warm up, so by only driving 30 to 40 miles a week you are not doing your engine much good.

With that kind of mileage I would have a big V8 on my drive and not a soot producing oil burner.
I do about 30 miles a day and the diesel economy over petrol is marginal.

Marco
13-06-2018, 19:55
You do know that a diesel takes longer to warm up, so by only driving 30 to 40 miles a week you are not doing your engine much good.


Sure, Kevin, nothing's perfect. I do take it for a good run sometimes, to compensate for that, and it seems to be fine, as the car both goes like a bomb and is very reliable. Remember I've been doing that type of driving with it now for three years, and so far have experienced no problems.


With that kind of mileage I would have a big V8 on my drive and not a soot producing oil burner.


Yeah, sure, although all internal combustion engines produce soot, to some degree or other. The diesel aspect comes into its own when I take the car to Italy [the main reason why it was bought in the first place], where I can drive 1500-2000 miles, over the space of a 3-week holiday. Taking a big V8 on that type of journey, simply wouldn't be practical.

Marco.

Macca
13-06-2018, 20:02
That is exactly what a 'Grand Tourer' was supposed to be for? And they are always V8 or V12s.

Marco
13-06-2018, 20:12
30-40 miles equates to about half an hour's driving if you're pressing on, so I can see why fuel costs aren't a major concern. My grandson does more miles than that in his pedal car! I cover about 10 times that per week for work or leisure, and if I could cut that back to the mileages you do, I could comfortably run an AMG 63 or an American muscle car.

Well I can dream!

I stand by my comments about emissions regulations though. We'll just wait and see.

Anyway, Mrs P has gone out for the evening so it's goodbye Car (or bike) chat, hello music played loud. Toodle-pip.

Don't get me wrong, sometimes I drive a lot more miles, especially at the weekend, if we decide to go for a long run into the country, for a day out and a nice meal. Some of our favourite haunts, in that respect, can involve a near 200-mile round trip!:)

Shame you have to wait for "Mrs P" to go out, before you can play music loudly. My "Mrs P" is usually with me, jumping up and down to the Rammstein (one of her favourite bands), played (on the big system) at near 'gig' levels!! :gig::D:D

You need to 'train' yours better;)

Marco.

Marco
13-06-2018, 20:21
That is exactly what a 'Grand Tourer' was supposed to be for? And they are always V8 or V12s.

Indeed...if you're willing to fork out for the fuel bills. Count me out, as I don't consider it practical. I prefer my diesel version of a 'Grand Tourer', where if I keep it at around 70mph, I can get approximately 35-40 miles to the gallon, and that's with a 3.5L engine!

If I fill the tank up full before I leave home, I can get all the way down to Dover, and well into France [also in complete comfort, as the engine is smooth and effortless], before having to fill up again. You could never do that in a big V8 or V12. You'd be lucky to get half of that mileage.

Marco.

CageyH
13-06-2018, 21:05
I assume that the DPF has been removed then?

CageyH
13-06-2018, 21:09
My next car is likely to be a rechargeable hybrid.
I will use battery power to go to and from work, and shorter trips at the weekend with the flexibility of an internal combustion engine for the longer trips. That will cut my fuel bill dramatically.

walpurgis
13-06-2018, 21:13
I have no plans for a 'next car'.

Marco
13-06-2018, 21:15
I assume that the DPF has been removed then?

Yes.

Marco.

Pigmy Pony
13-06-2018, 22:13
Indeed...if you're willing to fork out for the fuel bills. Count me out, as I don't consider it practical. I prefer my diesel version of a 'Grand Tourer', where if I keep it at around 70mph, I can get approximately 35-40 miles to the gallon, and that's with a 3.5L engine!

If I fill the tank up full before I leave home, I can get all the way down to Dover, and well into France [also in complete comfort, as the engine is smooth and effortless], before having to fill up again. You could never do that in a big V8 or V12. You'd be lucky to get half of that mileage.

Marco.

So your engine choice IS determined by fuel economy! :D Exactly the point I was making earlier! And when (if) diesel fuel and servicing cost increases make running your car more expensive than a petrol version, then buying that petrol version will look highly attractive. Would you still resist, just to show that you refuse to be manipulated (brainwashed)? No, that's what a mental person would do.

I'm sounding like I'm trying to promote electric cars, and nothing could be further from the truth. What I am trying to do is defend people's buying choices, and show that those choices are often manipulated by outside forces. And no one is immune, not me, not you.

And it's better that I play my music while Mrs. Pony is out, as she considers most of my stuff to be, at best, shite. In fact I don't know anyone who likes my music choices, and I couldn't give the furry crack of a rat's arse about that.

Vive la difference! :)

Ninanina
13-06-2018, 22:16
And it's better that I play my music while Mrs. Pony is out, as she considers most of my stuff to be, at best, shite. In fact I don't know anyone who likes my music choices, and I couldn't give the furry crack of a rat's arse about that.
Vive la difference! :)

Luckily I only have myself to please so my 'shite' is ok with me.. ;)

Pigmy Pony
13-06-2018, 22:23
Exactly! I don't play music for the entertainment of others, those people are called DJ's, or nuisance neighbours or something... :)

And Mrs. P is virtually untrainable, although she has learnt to sit, and shake hands. Still craps on the carpet though.:(

Ninanina
13-06-2018, 22:27
And Mrs. P is virtually untrainable, although she has learnt to sit, and shake hands. Still craps on the carpet though.:(

Classic Steve... you are definitely the funniest on here.... :lol:

Ninanina
13-06-2018, 22:36
As this thread is about cars/bikes....

I am thinking again to get a bike as I miss the thrill.....

It has to be some sort of cruiser type as my legs are so short so maybe a Yam Virago 535...

Ian7633
13-06-2018, 23:01
I miss my bikes but my health isn't up to it these days. I live not too far from Bury hill in West Sussex which is like a magnet for bikers on a nice Sunday and I love hearing some plastic rocket ship getting it's bollocks wrung or a fiery Ducati thundering in the distance The A272 is a fantastic road on a bike but the police patrol it mercilessly now but I used to thrash my old Yamaha RD's to within an inch of their lives back in the day.

Pigmy Pony
14-06-2018, 06:22
Hi Bev,

Cruiser bikes are the ideal bike for the vertically challenged. Anita is only about 5'3" and also has several health problems including lupus, fibromyalgia and Morton's Neuroma. The low seat height and 'forward controls' make riding her Hyosung Aquilla 650 so much easier than her Kawasaki ER-6 and Honda CBR 400. Very easy to control too.

Ian, I bet you wish you'd kept your old RD. The values of these bikes have skyrocketed in recent years. I know someone selling an RD400 with coffin tank in white with red "speed blocks". If I could afford, I'd have it in an instant. I'd buy a leather bomber jacket, a studded leather belt, some Doc Martens and I'd be back to my youth. What joy!

I love the smell of 2-stroke in the morning!

Ian7633
14-06-2018, 06:36
Hi Bev,

Cruiser bikes are the ideal bike for the vertically challenged. Anita is only about 5'3" and also has several health problems including lupus, fibromyalgia and Morton's Neuroma. The low seat height and 'forward controls' make riding her Hyosung Aquilla 650 so much easier than her Kawasaki ER-6 and Honda CBR 400. Very easy to control too.

Ian, I bet you wish you'd kept your old RD. The values of these bikes have skyrocketed in recent years. I know someone selling an RD400 with coffin tank in white with red "speed blocks". If I could afford, I'd have it in an instant. I'd buy a leather bomber jacket, a studded leather belt, some Doc Martens and I'd be back to my youth. What joy!

I love the smell of 2-stroke in the morning!

You're not wrong Steve, I just love the way a two stroke gives you it's power, nothing, nothing, nothing then BANG, all of it and of course that lovely aroma. I had two 250's and a 400 and a Suzuki X7 which was a fragile thing but it really was quick. I wanted a 350 LC but never did own one and like you say the prices now are prohibitive.

The last RD250 and the X7
http://i66.tinypic.com/2cgg6ky.jpg
http://i65.tinypic.com/25iy8sh.jpg

walpurgis
14-06-2018, 07:16
As this thread is about cars/bikes....

I am thinking again to get a bike as I miss the thrill.....

It has to be some sort of cruiser type as my legs are so short so maybe a Yam Virago 535...

Here you go Bev. Nice and low, not too heavy either.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201711111158320?radius=1500&cc-from=200&advertising-location=at_bikes&cc-to=300&postcode=ub25qw&sort=price-asc&body-type=Custom%20Cruiser&page=1

Low mileage with extras. Overpriced of course being a dealer, but at least it's a reliable model. Well reviewed too.

Marco
14-06-2018, 07:16
So your engine choice IS determined by fuel economy! :D Exactly the point I was making earlier!


Lol - what are you like! Not exactly, if economy *really* mattered, I wouldn't be driving a car with a 3.5 litre engine. I'd be going around in a Chevrolet Matiz!:eyebrows:

The point is, economy is a consideration when I'm driving nearly 2000 miles around Europe, but not when I'm at home doing 40-odd a week.... And yes, if I didn't need to use my car occasionally as a 'continental cruiser', I'd have a sexy big V8! And no, I'm not paying road tax and insurance on two separate cars;)

The car I've got was chosen on the basis of how much performance/fun/practicality/economy I could get, under £20k (my then budget) from a 4-door diesel saloon, which was different from the norm [hate driving what every other bugger has], and equipped to take four people abroad in comfort.

In that respect, nothing else other than what I ended up buying, ticked those boxes better:)


And when (if) diesel fuel and servicing cost increases make running your car more expensive than a petrol version, then buying that petrol version will look highly attractive. Would you still resist, just to show that you refuse to be manipulated (brainwashed)? No, that's what a mental person would do.


No, but that's not the argument. I'd defo go from diesel to petrol, if necessary, but NEVER *EVER* to an electric car!! As long as it's got a fast combustion engine, under the hood (that sounds good), I'm in:thumbsup:


I'm sounding like I'm trying to promote electric cars, and nothing could be further from the truth. What I am trying to do is defend people's buying choices, and show that those choices are often manipulated by outside forces. And no one is immune, not me, not you.


I'm not saying I'm immune (no one is), just not very easily influenced or manipulated by others. One of my biggest pet hates now is the term 'trending'. If I notice that something is 'trending', I'll seek to do or have the exact opposite! I abhor sheep-like behaviour with a passion. I've always been more of a leader than a follower.

Overall, I actively shun most aspects today of what is considered as 'the norm', and divorce myself as far as possible from 'the system' (government control and brainwashing). I simply insist on being an individual, and most importantly of all, a free-thinker/non-conformist.

Marco.

willbewill
14-06-2018, 07:27
Just paid this year's road tax £555!!! It's gone up by £20 a year again.

walpurgis
14-06-2018, 07:34
Just paid this year's road tax £555!!! It's gone up by £20 a year again.

Mine was £0.

Marco
14-06-2018, 07:34
Bloody hell, Malcolm, and out in the sticks in West Wales, too! What do you drive?

Marco.

willbewill
14-06-2018, 07:40
Volvo xc70, 2.5 turbo petrol 2007, it's an auto but is pretty quick albeit pretty thirsty as well. Crazy how they penalize cars like these which are built to last, surely more environmentally friendly than something full of toxic batteries that are short lived.

walpurgis
14-06-2018, 07:49
I've noticed that Autotrader sellers are now leaving tax details blank for motors like the Land Rover Defender for instance. Probably trying to avoid putting buyers off.

Marco
14-06-2018, 07:53
Volvo xc70, 2.5 turbo petrol 2007, it's an auto but is pretty quick albeit pretty thirsty as well. Crazy how they penalize cars like these which are built to last, surely more environmentally friendly than something full of toxic batteries that are short lived.

That's mad.... My Brabster (Merc C350) is a late 2008 model, similar to your car, in that it also has a big engine, and I only pay £370 a year for road tax.

Why on earth are you paying so much more for a car of similar age and size?:scratch:

How much is your insurance?

Marco.

willbewill
14-06-2018, 07:57
It's all down to the emissions.
That's mad.... My Brabster (Merc C350) is a late 2008 model, similar to your car, in that it also has a big engine, and I only pay £370 a year for road tax.

Why on earth are you paying so much more for a car of similar age and size?:scratch:

Marco.

Marco
14-06-2018, 07:58
It's all down to the emissions.

Yeah, but mine's a diesel!

How much is your annual insurance?

Marco.

Marco
14-06-2018, 08:03
I've noticed that Autotrader sellers are now leaving tax details blank for motors like the Land Rover Defender for instance. Probably trying to avoid putting buyers off.

And quite right, too. Anyone who doesn't *need* a 4-wheel driven car, and simply just 'likes to be high up', as a result of mindless stupidity, should be TAXED TO THE HILT. Anything that limits the amount of these vehicles clogging up our roads, driven by idiots who can't handle them properly, is fine in my book! :thumbsup:

Marco.

willbewill
14-06-2018, 08:05
Insurance is ok, about £370, the diesel models tax can be as low as £30, all down to CO2.
Yeah, but mine's a diesel!

How much is your annual insurance?

Marco.

walpurgis
14-06-2018, 08:07
I pay around £800 insurance on a sub 1000cc car. It's the post code thing.

willbewill
14-06-2018, 08:09
Whew! I'm glad I don't drive a 'high up one' the xc70 is more Normal height, had a V70 prior to it, gives me a comfortable, safe, fast car with plenty of room to cart all my carpentry tools around, saves having a car plus a van.
And quite right, too. Anyone who doesn't *need* a 4-wheel driven car, and simply just 'likes to be high up', as a result of mindless stupidity, should be TAXED TO THE HILT. Anything that limits the amount of these vehicles clogging up our roads, driven by idiots who can't handle them properly, is fine in my book! [emoji106]

Marco.

Marco
14-06-2018, 08:09
Jeez, I only pay £185 a year for insurance, fully comp, with 5 years no claims, and I'm in Wrexham.

I think you need to shop around a bit more!;)

Marco.

willbewill
14-06-2018, 08:11
Weird thing is I recently wanted to add my son to my insurance for a month (he's 37), was quoted £100 for 12 months or £168 for a month, guess which one I went for?
I pay around £800 insurance on a sub 1000cc car. It's the post code thing.

Marco
14-06-2018, 08:14
Whew! I'm glad I don't drive a 'high up one' the xc70 is more Normal height, had a V70 prior to it, gives me a comfortable, safe, fast car with plenty of room to cart all my carpentry tools around, saves having a car plus a van.

Lol... As long as you drive a 4x4 for valid reason(s), which 'liking to be high up and feeling safe' doesn't qualify as, and most importantly, know how to drive and park the thing properly, then fairy muff!

It's the women who do 'school runs' in huge big Range Rovers, and 'park' (read as abandon) them so inconsiderately on narrow streets, whilst collecting their brats, who can't walk 10 mins down the road to go home, which my ire is mainly directed at.

I'd happily ban the lot of them.

Marco.

walpurgis
14-06-2018, 08:15
Jeez, I only pay £185 a year for insurance, fully comp, with 5 years no claims, and I'm in Wrexham.

I think you need to shop around a bit more!;)

Marco.

I do shop around. One insurance company wanted nearly two grand. If I had your car Marco, I reckon the insurance would be maybe £3000 or more here.

Marco
14-06-2018, 08:22
Lol, mate, my comment was directed at Malcolm, not you. He lives out in the sticks, yet is paying DOUBLE what I am. I'm in the middle of Wrexham, so how does the post code thing apply there?:scratch:

I'd imagine that there's a lot more car crime, etc, pushing insurance costs up, where I am, than where he is....

Marco.

willbewill
14-06-2018, 08:32
Lol, mate, my comment was directed at Malcolm, not you. He lives out in the sticks, yet is paying DOUBLE what I am. I'm in the middle of Wrexham, so how does the post code thing apply there?:scratch:

I'd imagine that there's a lot more car crime, etc, pushing insurance costs up, where I am, than where he is....

Marco.

Not quite in the sticks here, North Gower so on the edge of Swansea, hence the higher rate insurance, in fact mine actually reduced this year by almost £160!!

Marco
14-06-2018, 08:34
Ah I see... I thought you were further north than that. In that case, I'm not too surprised, as Swansea has a pretty high car-crime rate.

Is your car kept inside a locked garage at night? If not, that can also make quite a difference to your quotes.

Marco.

willbewill
14-06-2018, 08:54
Ah I see... I thought you were further north than that. In that case, I'm not too surprised, as Swansea has a pretty high car-crime rate.

Is your car kept inside a locked garage at night? If not, that can also make quite a difference to your quotes.

Marco.

That's the rub, parked on road outside, my drive is barely wide enough to easily park even on there let alone the garage (which is full anyway).

walpurgis
14-06-2018, 09:29
No driving for me today. The car is in the workshop having the dented driver's door changed over for a mint undented one.

Also, I noticed yesterday that somebody has bashed the front grille and split the lower half in the centre. Why can't the dozy bastards keep away from my car? :steam: The grille of course is an integral part of the whole front bumper/valance, so a full repair would require that being replaced. Fortunately I can do a localised repair myself.

It's picked up several dings, scuffs and nicks from careless/incompetant idiots even though I always make a point of parking away from other motors in the supermarket car park.

walpurgis
14-06-2018, 15:56
No driving for me today. The car is in the workshop having the dented driver's door changed over for a mint undented one.

Got the car back and they've done a great job. Only charged me £125 too and I know he was working on it for over four hours (I know them well, so I get looked after). I'll do a few more smaller tidying jobs and it'll be looking like new again.

Marco
14-06-2018, 16:13
Shame you had to fork out the money mate, because of some waste-of-oxygen vermin (posing as human beings) who were incapable of respecting other people's property! That's why I'm glad my car is always kept in the garage, or driveway, on private property.

Anyway, glad you got it fixed at a reasonable cost:)

Marco.

spendorman
14-06-2018, 16:49
Got the car back and they've done a great job. Only charged me £125 too and I know he was working on it for over four hours (I know them well, so I get looked after). I'll do a few more smaller tidying jobs and it'll be looking like new again.

Does sound like a very reasonable repair cost.

Pigmy Pony
14-06-2018, 20:28
Weird thing is I recently wanted to add my son to my insurance for a month (he's 37), was quoted £100 for 12 months or £168 for a month, guess which one I went for?

Sometimes adding family members to your insurance can be beneficial. A few years ago my brother put me on his insurance as a named driver, as I have a better driving record than him. Reduced his premiums considerably.

A bit annoying really. he has all the fun of driving like a right wank stain, while enjoying the benefits of my more considerate driving style :(

willbewill
14-06-2018, 20:35
Yeah, my wife lowers my premium and refuses to drive my car lol
Sometimes adding family members to your insurance can be beneficial. A few years ago my brother put me on his insurance as a named driver, as I have a better driving record than him. Reduced his premiums considerably.

A bit annoying really. he has all the fun of driving like a right wank stain, while enjoying the benefits of my more considerate driving style :(

Pigmy Pony
14-06-2018, 20:44
You're not wrong Steve, I just love the way a two stroke gives you it's power, nothing, nothing, nothing then BANG, all of it and of course that lovely aroma. I had two 250's and a 400 and a Suzuki X7 which was a fragile thing but it really was quick. I wanted a 350 LC but never did own one and like you say the prices now are prohibitive.

The last RD250 and the X7
http://i66.tinypic.com/2cgg6ky.jpg
http://i65.tinypic.com/25iy8sh.jpg

That is a nice looking RD.

I used to have an X7, and I loved that bike. But my mate had an RD 250 which always felt stronger and more solidly built. If I was buying a 2 stroke now, it would definitely be an RD.

walpurgis
14-06-2018, 20:56
If you're going to do two strokes, you might at least do it properly! :)

http://i65.tinypic.com/2m33142.jpg

Pigmy Pony
14-06-2018, 21:06
One evening I met two of my friends in the pub for a couple of pints, one riding his 250 Hustler, one on his RD 250 and me on my X7. My RD mate was drowning his sorrows as his lifelong musical hero had died tragically the day before.

Afterwards, we set off back to his house in the pouring rain. I got back first, with no problems. Half an hour later, the hustler rider got back, covered in mud and with twigs sticking out of his helmet. He'd aquaplaned on the dual carriageway, and ended up going "off road".

My RD riding mate arrived a couple of hours after that with no bike. He too had slid off the road, and was spotted by a copper who breathalysed him. Can't remember how many beers he'd had, but it was a lot. So not a good night for him. Musical idol dead, scraped up bike, and lost licence.

The date was 9th December, 1980.

Pigmy Pony
14-06-2018, 21:08
If you're going to do two strokes, you might at least do it properly! :)

http://i65.tinypic.com/2m33142.jpg

Is that yours Geoff? Those things are worth fortunes these days! And with good reason, they are a bit special.

walpurgis
14-06-2018, 21:13
Is that yours Geoff? Those things are worth fortunes these days! And with good reason, they are a bit special.

It was mine. A long time ago. It was an H1/KH500 hybrid, tuned rather above standard, note the Denco road/race pipes. It was scruffy when I got it, so I rebuilt everything and resprayed it.

walpurgis
02-07-2018, 18:26
For the discerning car buff. A drive in an Alvis TE21. Just gorgeous!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmdDtDaqfqk&feature=youtu.be

http://i68.tinypic.com/14m6opg.jpg

GrahamS
02-07-2018, 22:11
Sigh......

walpurgis
02-07-2018, 22:14
Sigh......

One day..........................................I'll probably be even less able to afford one! :rolleyes: (:))

Pigmy Pony
03-07-2018, 06:18
It's one of those cars where you say to the butler "bring the car round to the front Jeffery, we're going into town" :)

Macca
03-07-2018, 17:24
For the discerning car buff. A drive in an Alvis TE21. Just gorgeous!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmdDtDaqfqk&feature=youtu.be

http://i68.tinypic.com/14m6opg.jpg

Look at it compared to the soulless modern tat in the background. It may not be as fast, or as fuel efficient, or as safe, but it is still infinitely better.

walpurgis
03-07-2018, 17:59
Look at it compared to the soulless modern tat in the background. It may not be as fast, or as fuel efficient, or as safe, but it is still infinitely better.

Yeah. I love cars from the mid fifties to the mid seventies.

I had one of these for quite a while, in the same colour but without the silly little pinstripe, very similar engine to the Alvis actually. Great car!

http://i67.tinypic.com/23kpwte.jpg

http://i68.tinypic.com/8vu2xh.jpg

Zoidburg
12-07-2018, 20:32
Me & my brother are off on a long weekend jolly to ride the NW500. Mines the BM 1250 twin & he rides the triumph, 1050cc triple. Very similar in terms of performance and both sound great with noisey pipes. but I wouldnt swop mine for his and he would swop his for mine[emoji16]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180712/50ff9fe1c56d7807b003c7f3e2479b4d.jpg

Sent from my EML-L29 using Tapatalk

Old boy
12-07-2018, 20:40
Yeah. I love cars from the mid fifties to the mid seventies.

I had one of these for quite a while, in the same colour but without the silly little pinstripe, very similar engine to the Alvis actually. Great car!

http://i67.tinypic.com/23kpwte.jpg

http://i68.tinypic.com/8vu2xh.jpg
Seeing the 2500 brought back fond memories, my parents had an identical brown one around 1974/5

Pigmy Pony
12-07-2018, 20:56
Me & my brother are off on a long weekend jolly to ride the NW500. Mines the BM 1250 twin & he rides the triumph, 1050cc triple. Very similar in terms of performance and both sound great with noisey pipes. but I wouldnt swop mine for his and he would swop his for mine[emoji16]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180712/50ff9fe1c56d7807b003c7f3e2479b4d.jpg

Sent from my EML-L29 using Tapatalk

Did you ride it to Cranage Ben? There was a couple of big BM's parked close to the entrance, I'm guessing one was yours.

Zoidburg
12-07-2018, 20:57
Did you ride it to Cranage Ben? There was a couple of big BM's parked close to the entrance, I'm guessing one was yours.Yes I did mate, I was parked next to another BM as well.

Sent from my EML-L29 using Tapatalk

Pigmy Pony
12-07-2018, 21:02
Purely a matter of taste but I prefer yours mate. Enjoy the weekend and stay safe :)

Pigmy Pony
15-07-2018, 15:37
23805

Marco
16-07-2018, 10:35
What are you trying to post, daftee? Whatever it was, it hasn't worked!:D

Marco.

Pigmy Pony
16-07-2018, 19:58
I had a serious go at learning to post pics. And failed. Or rather Mrs. P failed. I got bored after about ten minutes and chucked the laptop at her. She knows more about this stuff than me, but that's no recommendation. Like the saying "In the Kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is King".

Not giving up just yet, so expect some more nonsense appearing under my moniker in the coming days. :(

walpurgis
16-07-2018, 20:16
If you really want to post pics you could try 'tinypic', here: http://tinypic.com/

And here's some instructions I wrote a while ago for using it:

http://i63.tinypic.com/rqxmit.png

Pigmy Pony
16-07-2018, 20:53
Hi Geoff,

It was this very instruction that we followed, but to no avail. Missus said something about this "piece of shit" laptop not letting her right-click. So at the moment I don't know if it's a fault with the pc or we're just being thick.

She too has a low boredom threshold, so I'm giving her a break for a day or so before I peck her head again.

alphaGT
17-07-2018, 06:56
Yeah. I love cars from the mid fifties to the mid seventies.

I had one of these for quite a while, in the same colour but without the silly little pinstripe, very similar engine to the Alvis actually. Great car!

http://i67.tinypic.com/23kpwte.jpg

http://i68.tinypic.com/8vu2xh.jpg

Seems a lot of people agree with you. Here in the states, cars from the 50’s to 70’s are highly sought after and worth great sums of money! Do you get to see the Barrett Jackson Auctions on TV? A ruddy old Dodge from the late 60’s sold for a cool quarter million! It started out only certain models, but now most any car from the period is in demand. I had a ‘73 El’camino that was great fun to drive! Wish I still had it, it would be worth a mint.

Russell

Macca
17-07-2018, 07:36
With the yank tanks you have to stay prior to 1970 really, after that you get all the emissions regs sapping the power. 6 litre engines that only develop 120 BHP? Just silly.

Quite fancy a '67 Chevvy Impala or maybe a '69 Plymouth Barracuda myself.

alphaGT
17-07-2018, 11:38
With the yank tanks you have to stay prior to 1970 really, after that you get all the emissions regs sapping the power. 6 litre engines that only develop 120 BHP? Just silly.

Quite fancy a '67 Chevvy Impala or maybe a '69 Plymouth Barracuda myself.

Both fine choices!

But people who seek out old 70’s cars do not leave them stock. In fact dropping a high performance crate engine in is a popular option. Those polution controls that robbed power are long gone, replaced by 450bhp monsters, that get 8 miles to the gallon. What’s that, about 3kilometers per liter?

Russell

Barry
17-07-2018, 16:30
Both fine choices!

But people who seek out old 70’s cars do not leave them stock. In fact dropping a high performance crate engine in is a popular option. Those polution controls that robbed power are long gone, replaced by 450bhp monsters, that get 8 miles to the gallon. What’s that, about 3kilometers per liter?

Russell

That sort of fuel economy reminds me of my late father's Daimler 'Double Six', a 5.3 litre V12. It had a 'performance computer', which could tell you, amongst other things: how much fuel (in litre or gallons) you had left in the tank; how far you could go before re-filling, and, alarmingly, the instantaneous fuel consumption in mpg.

If you were going up hill it would read 5 - 8 mpg, but when going down hill you might get 25 mpg!

Macca
17-07-2018, 16:41
Both fine choices!

But people who seek out old 70’s cars do not leave them stock. In fact dropping a high performance crate engine in is a popular option. Those polution controls that robbed power are long gone, replaced by 450bhp monsters, that get 8 miles to the gallon. What’s that, about 3kilometers per liter?

Russell

No idea, I try to avoid the metric system where I can, and your gallons are smaller than our gallons, for no good reason.

You're right, you can stick a better engine in them, although that's sort of cheating.


As to running costs had a mate with a mint Jag XJ6, racing green with the cream leather interior. Anytime someone remarked on the fuel costs, cost of spares, tyres etc he'd just say 'Yeah, but I've got a Jag.' It was well worth the extra to him because he got a real kick out of driving it around that he would not get in a Daewoo Matiz.


I also fancy a proper 'Rockford Files' Firebird. Must be in the proper colour too even though it's a bit crappy. IIRC he has a couple of different variants and years in the show but the older ones are better looking:

https://i.imgur.com/nDhnMtr.jpg

walpurgis
17-07-2018, 17:07
If you're going to play with vintage American muscle cars, Go for a 1970 426 Hemi Dodge Challenger.

I've seen these on the drag strip. For a standard road car, they don't fool around!

http://i65.tinypic.com/288uoti.jpg

Barry
17-07-2018, 17:14
If you're going to play with vintage American muscle cars, Go for a 1970 426 Hemi Dodge Challenger.

I've seen these on the drag strip. For a standard road car, they don't fool around!

http://i65.tinypic.com/288uoti.jpg

Now that's more like it. :) 6.98 litre engine!

Macca
17-07-2018, 17:14
Too obvious. Cool, but just too obvious.

Pigmy Pony
17-07-2018, 17:21
We still think in miles per gallon in Britain and all the road signs use miles, although the fuel is sold by the litre (probably an EU thing). Mainland Europe is all metric. I believe Jimmy Carter wanted to make you guys metric, but it seems he failed.

Pigmy Pony
17-07-2018, 17:27
What make of car is it that has an 'SS' badge on the grille? That would be my choice.

walpurgis
17-07-2018, 17:29
Now that's more like it. :) 6.98 litre engine!

There was no true British made car that could keep up with it. It could out accelerate them all. The only Italian car that could keep up was the Ferrari 275 GTB 4, which I have actually seen racing a Hemi Challenger at Santa Pod Raceway. Both turning in quarters in the mid twelves.

The 426 standard Chrysler Hemi engine produced 425 BHP at the time, but with a few simple mods could turn out over 600 BHP.

walpurgis
17-07-2018, 17:29
What make of car is it that has an 'SS' badge on the grille? That would be my choice.

Several Chevrolets. I fancied a Nova SS.

alphaGT
17-07-2018, 21:17
Several Chevrolets. I fancied a Nova SS.

Yes most of the Chevys had a deluxe SS Model, for Super Sport. Which usually meant a big block engine, and higher insurance rates.

The big reason they replace the engines with high performance monsters, is that all of the old engines from the 70’s have long rotted away. They never lasted more than 80 to 100 thousand miles. So even if you rebuilt the engine, you sure wouldn’t put it back stock.

Modern cars with their computers and complexities will never become classic cars like these from the 50’s to 70’s. That’s part of the appeal, you can work on them! And let’s face it, few modern cars really have any individual style. Those that do are expensive, and will remain museum pieces, preserved in their unaltered state. In 50 years I seriously doubt anyone will want to pay premium price for a 2018 Toyota Camry. They’ll all be crushed into cubes and made into new cars.

Russell

walpurgis
17-07-2018, 21:29
In 50 years I seriously doubt anyone will want to pay premium price for a 2018 Toyota Camry. They’ll all be crushed into cubes and made into new cars.

Russell

In fifty years time, we will probably have had WW3 and the hugely reduced population who remain will have reverted to using horses.

Macca
17-07-2018, 21:43
I said years ago Ford Capris would be collectible one day and got laughed at.


I was offered a Nissan Skyline in decent nick for £2K. Couldn't buy it as I couldn't find anywhere to store it. Would have easily tripled my money on that now.


I could see some of the earlier Camrys becoming collectable once the vast majority of them are scrap. Buy one and tuck it away now, better than money in the bank.

walpurgis
17-07-2018, 21:55
I said years ago Ford Capris would be collectible one day and got laughed at.

I wouldn't want one now. They were nothing special to drive.

I'd far sooner have an Opel Manta GTE.

alphaGT
18-07-2018, 03:34
In fifty years time, we will probably have had WW3 and the hugely reduced population who remain will have reverted to using horses.

You may be right about that! But in 50 years I doubt any of us will have to worry about it? I know I won’t!

Russ

alphaGT
18-07-2018, 03:38
I said years ago Ford Capris would be collectible one day and got laughed at.


I was offered a Nissan Skyline in decent nick for £2K. Couldn't buy it as I couldn't find anywhere to store it. Would have easily tripled my money on that now.


I could see some of the earlier Camrys becoming collectable once the vast majority of them are scrap. Buy one and tuck it away now, better than money in the bank.

I’ve known or more than one person who bought a brand new Chevy Corvette and stashed it away, for preservation, and to make a profit. A neighbor of a friend who lives in the mountains of Virginia built his game room around one! It’s inside the house, will not fit through the door. With 3 actual miles on it. I forget what year, one of the mid 60’s models.

Russell

Pigmy Pony
18-07-2018, 06:42
Wouldn't mind an old Ford Granada, like the ones the Sweeny used to bomb around in.

Zoidburg
18-07-2018, 10:40
I've put a few photos up in abstract gallery section of my recent trip to the highlands by motorbike if anyone is interested :D

walpurgis
19-07-2018, 07:20
Wouldn't mind an old Ford Granada, like the ones the Sweeny used to bomb around in.

Ah yes. The Mk.I with the Essex 3.0 V6 engine that was prone to stripping its fibre timing gears and conking out from fuel starvation when the carb got hot and had wheel arches that started rusting away within a year from new. :)

At least it was better than the dreadful foregoing Zodiac Mk. IV.

Audio Al
19-07-2018, 07:26
I had a MK1 3ltr capri auto

took the engine and box out and fitted a 302 small block ford and a C5 auto box , that was :eek: to drive :D

walpurgis
19-07-2018, 07:33
I had a MK1 3ltr capri auto

took the engine and box out and fitted a 302 small block ford and a C5 auto box , that was :eek: to drive :D

Sounds like fun. A bloke down my road had a 289 Mustanglia.

GrahamS
19-07-2018, 08:43
In South Africa in 1971, you could buy a Cortina Mk3 with either an Essex 2.5L V6 or a 3.0L V6 with either auto four speed box or manual five speed box, off the showroom floor. I owned the 2.5L auto estate. From Basil Green Motors, you could buy a Mk3 with a Mustang 5.0L V8. The Granada was also available with a V8. The VW Microbus (Kombi) with Essex 3.0L V6 conversion and straight cut gearbox was also very popular. I had one of these as well - fantastic car. These all came about because Johannesburg, the biggest market, is 6,200 ft above sea level. Today, turbocharging takes care of the power loss, but turbo charging was in it's infancy then. The Fiat Uno 1.6L Turbo sold like hotcakes.

walpurgis
19-07-2018, 09:00
In the eighties, Ford produced the limited production Sierra XR-8, with a five litre V8 engine for the South African market. I only ever saw one in the UK.

GrahamS
19-07-2018, 09:22
I drove one! I didn't like the front suspension - very harsh, and the back end would break away with very little provocation.

AlexM
20-07-2018, 20:15
That sort of fuel economy reminds me of my late father's Daimler 'Double Six', a 5.3 litre V12. It had a 'performance computer', which could tell you, amongst other things: how much fuel (in litre or gallons) you had left in the tank; how far you could go before re-filling, and, alarmingly, the instantaneous fuel consumption in mpg.

If you were going up hill it would read 5 - 8 mpg, but when going down hill you might get 25 mpg!That's the only car I've ever been in where you could visibly see the fuel gauge dropping.

The fuel tank swtich was a cool thing too.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk

GrahamS
20-07-2018, 21:54
In the eighties, Ford produced the limited production Sierra XR-8, with a five litre V8 engine for the South African market. I only ever saw one in the UK.

A much better car, although not made by Ford, but by Basil Green Motors, was the Capri Peranha - a Capri with a 302 cu / 5L Mustang V8. The whole chassis was re-built with a very good suspension and brakes.

alphaGT
20-07-2018, 22:05
I friend of mine, the drummer in my band, bought a used Mustang Cobra, with the big V8 engine. It was scary fast to begin with! The back end stays loose with him driving! And now he’s in the process of installing a used blower kit, a factory belt driven blower he bought from a junkyard. It’s slow going on a limited budget, but once he’s done it’s going to be a monster! Pretty car too, white with two wide blue stripes. Probably about a 2001? I’ve always liked the belt driven blower, it comes on faster than a turbo, has a certain sound of its own. And should push him up over 400bhp, I’m not sure what he expects from it.

Russell

walpurgis
30-07-2018, 14:58
I'm not sure your car or bike insurance would cover this.

http://www.itv.com/news/2018-07-30/philippines-president-rodrigo-duterte-watches-as-luxury-vehicles-worth-millions-are-crushed-in-smuggling-crackdown/

http://www.itv.com/news/2018-05-30/over-a-hundred-luxury-smuggled-motorbikes-destroyed-in-philippines/

dantheman91
30-07-2018, 16:22
My new car

Ford Fiesta MK5 Ghia 1.25 Zetec S...

Drives fantastic....

walpurgis
30-07-2018, 16:27
What year's that Dan?

dantheman91
30-07-2018, 16:29
What year's that Dan?

2000...

walpurgis
30-07-2018, 16:33
2000...

Used to have those at work as company pool cars.

struth
30-07-2018, 16:40
had one in early 80's.. they go very well, but not so good in a smash lol real tinplate body

alphaGT
01-08-2018, 22:33
I'm not sure your car or bike insurance would cover this.

http://www.itv.com/news/2018-07-30/philippines-president-rodrigo-duterte-watches-as-luxury-vehicles-worth-millions-are-crushed-in-smuggling-crackdown/

http://www.itv.com/news/2018-05-30/over-a-hundred-luxury-smuggled-motorbikes-destroyed-in-philippines/

In the US they auction off confiscated vehicles and use the money for the police department. Destroying all that money seems wasteful, but what I don’t understand, are luxury vehicles against the law? Why are drug dealers smuggling cars into the country? Drug dealers buy local around here!

Russ

walpurgis
01-08-2018, 22:40
Their president is a loon. That's why.

Ian7633
07-08-2018, 21:51
I kept looking at my poor old Beemer slowly decomposing through lack of use, due mainly to my state of health when I decided it's time to either sort it out or get rid of it. It is quite elderly but is a comfy thing for my ample physique so opted for keeping it. It is Mot'd, taxed and insured so just get it started and remove the heavy layer of tree sap covering it. Four hours and one mobile valeter later she looks great and I've been liberated from the flat.
Before and after pictures. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180807/280e8697c3baf773e60351d65a00b914.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180807/6341b85de82dc0621ad06b8be4ef9153.jpg

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

walpurgis
07-08-2018, 22:17
Yes, it does look rather better now. :)

Marco
08-08-2018, 19:49
The camera angle makes it look like you've crashed it into that bush, Ian!:eek: Does the car have to be parked so far forward? I'd have thought the bushes are scratching the paintwork... How did you manage to clean the front of it in that position?;)

Anyway, looks much better now. Have you started it up and taken it for a run? Cars need used, and simply deteriorate otherwise. The battery will probably need a charge up, from the car being taken for a run, preferably somewhere you can give it a bit of 'welly', which the whole engine will benefit from:cool:

Marco.

Macca
08-08-2018, 20:21
It does look like a different motor. Although still crashed into a bush :D

Serious bit of machinery though. I remember when it was rare to see a BMW on the road, you'd stop and look if one went past.

Pigmy Pony
08-08-2018, 20:33
Quality paintwork on BM's. A good polish can change one from being rough as a badger's arse to mint :) And a new air freshener too! It must have thought Christmas was here.

Macca
08-08-2018, 20:41
Good runner, clean and tidy throughout, quick sale, £2500

Pigmy Pony
08-08-2018, 20:43
I'll meet you behind them bushes.

Macca
08-08-2018, 20:47
Have you ever noticed on 'Wheeler Dealers' that Mike's pronunciations of 'world' and 'weld' are exactly the same and that this does sometimes cause genuine confusion when he is talking about the car?

walpurgis
08-08-2018, 20:53
He 'finks' a lot too and can't pronounce the word didn't.

Macca
08-08-2018, 21:03
I think his accent is great. I'm a big supporter of traditional regional accents, even cockney. I just wonder how the yanks cope with it, it is a pretty big show over there now.

Pigmy Pony
08-08-2018, 21:14
Perhaps the Yanks just like the sound of his voice without understanding it. A bit like when I'm talking to my cat - she looks interested in what I'm saying, but I know she doesn't get my accent.

Macca
08-08-2018, 21:25
All cats understand English, even cats you see in foreign countries. It isn't that it doesn't understand you it just isn't interested in what you are saying.

Ian7633
08-08-2018, 21:51
The camera angle makes it look like you've crashed it into that bush, Ian!:eek: Does the car have to be parked so far forward? I'd have thought the bushes are scratching the paintwork... How did you manage to clean the front of it in that position?;)

Anyway, looks much better now. Have you started it up and taken it for a run? Cars need used, and simply deteriorate otherwise. The battery will probably need a charge up, from the car being taken for a run, preferably somewhere you can give it a bit of 'welly', which the whole engine will benefit from:cool:

Marco.

It is a weird angle, taken from the French doors. It is about two feet from the bush in front of it so no problem getting round it. The battery was flat but she did fire up with my jump pack however the battery isn't holding a charge, annoying as it was a new one in February but the garage that supplied it said it's under warranty so they will replace it. I've asked them to give a once over as it's been standing and to re-gas the air con, nice when the weather is warm and great when it's raining to keep the mist down.
I could have spent ages scrubbing the sap off but the valeter had special chemicals so no scrubbing needed. Next was a thorough shampooing and drying and then polished with a fancy polymer wax. The interior was cleaned and hoovered. The leather is going to be cleaned and dressed next month in exchange for me updating the valeter's website, new graphics and prices etc.
I'm looking forward to getting back out in the world, going to visit Jamie and have a good listen to his hifi as a whole, not just the pieces he brings over here lol.

Ian7633
08-08-2018, 21:53
All cats understand English, even cats you see in foreign countries. It isn't that it doesn't understand you it just isn't interested in what you are saying.

Cats have 32 muscles controlling each ear......to ignore you with.

Pigmy Pony
09-08-2018, 06:06
She doesn't like it when I ignore her though.

She's a bit spoilt, we got her all these cat toys but her favourite game is chasing me round the garden while I drag around an old boot lace.

Car's looking good, and no doubt it'll be nice to get around whenever you like and not to someone else's timetable. And it's great when you can do a 'job swap' to keep costs down :)

Ian7633
09-08-2018, 17:41
A couple of better photos, not bad for a 20 year old car

http://i66.tinypic.com/1616b7.jpg

http://i66.tinypic.com/25upu1y.jpg

walpurgis
09-08-2018, 17:46
Strange registration. I'm surprised they let you get away with just one letter. ;)

Ian7633
09-08-2018, 17:51
Strange registration. I'm surprised they let you get away with just one letter. ;)

My dog ate them officer...honest guv :eyebrows:

Pigmy Pony
09-08-2018, 17:52
I'd put that W at the end of the plate, before some joker makes it into a rude word.

Seriously though it looks really nice, just needs a scantily clad laydee draped across the bonnet.

gwernaffield
09-08-2018, 18:38
free parts for a ford kuga 2015 ,rear boot mat , front and rear mats , front and rear mud flaps, and front and rear wind deflectors, https://tcaqyq.db.files.1drv.com/y4maYBOPWhs8y8PalysPkoCeKUoqM0ik4TUyEzaSBiWE0MTMgP JfUNHz7fKS7RiUxzBiJWPcFDoNht57nSe-q0lse9Qg1EKvTD3uesrujnHpSTUx9FbF561i2wqJKqTsBmmc91 jcAWjFSS7UOOWkqQ88DHB79Ho6YAlE3ypngDlVY8Bp0fUmzWEI ARfkMDCBH_lB5k63G37PRD67Dudc9Ulkg?width=660&height=495&cropmode=none

i asked grant and he said put them on here pick up only , from buckley

gwernaffield
09-08-2018, 18:39
free parts for a ford kuga 2015 ,rear boot mat , front and rear mats , front and rear mud flaps, and front and rear wind deflectors, https://tcaqyq.db.files.1drv.com/y4maYBOPWhs8y8PalysPkoCeKUoqM0ik4TUyEzaSBiWE0MTMgP JfUNHz7fKS7RiUxzBiJWPcFDoNht57nSe-q0lse9Qg1EKvTD3uesrujnHpSTUx9FbF561i2wqJKqTsBmmc91 jcAWjFSS7UOOWkqQ88DHB79Ho6YAlE3ypngDlVY8Bp0fUmzWEI ARfkMDCBH_lB5k63G37PRD67Dudc9Ulkg?width=660&height=495&cropmode=none

i asked grant and he said put them on here pick up only , from buckley

gwernaffield
16-08-2018, 13:49
Now Taken

Macca
16-08-2018, 17:45
New Kia sports-tourer is out: the 'Stinger' - cool name, looks quite good:

https://i.imgur.com/ti7vmml.jpg

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/kia/stinger

Marco
16-08-2018, 17:51
Surprised you're talking about cars... Not normally your subject;)

Marco.

walpurgis
16-08-2018, 17:56
Four door 'coupe' style cars just don't look right to me.

Roy S
16-08-2018, 18:06
I'd baulk at paying over £30k for a Kia but then I'd never spend that sort of money on a car. Hifi however... ;)

Marco
16-08-2018, 18:09
It looks ok. However, cars like that need driven hard, on a track and off it, in order to be properly assessed, which is where many of them fall down!

Marco.

Macca
16-08-2018, 18:17
Four door 'coupe' style cars just don't look right to me.

It's more fastback styling than coupe though.

Barry
16-08-2018, 18:22
It's more fastback styling than coupe though.

What's the difference?

walpurgis
16-08-2018, 18:28
Here's my old fastback. It says coupe on the back.

http://i67.tinypic.com/35at6w5.jpg

Macca
16-08-2018, 18:31
That is a coupe. The Hyundai Coupe. That's what it is called. Not the Hyundai Fastback.


Images of fastbacks https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=fastback+styling&qpvt=fastback+styling&FORM=IGRE


They can have 4 doors whereas a coupe always has just 2

Marco
16-08-2018, 18:32
Shame you moved from that [a proper good looking, fun to drive car], Geoff, to your current love of mobile 'shopping trolleys'....;)

Marco.

walpurgis
16-08-2018, 18:34
They can have 4 doors whereas a coupe always has just 2

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/picturegalleries/11402706/The-10-best-four-door-coupes-rated.html?image=1

walpurgis
16-08-2018, 18:36
Shame you moved from that [a proper good looking, fun to drive car], Geoff, to your current love of mobile 'shopping trolleys'....;)

Marco.

Got to watch the money now Marco.

Marco
16-08-2018, 18:39
Yeah, especially with car insurance prices down there in 'salubrious Southall', eh?:doh:;)

Marco.

walpurgis
16-08-2018, 18:42
Yeah, especially with car insurance prices down there in 'salubrious Southall', eh?:doh:;)

Marco.

Yup. The insurance renewal is due soon. They'll probably be wanting over a grand to cover a sub 1000cc car driven by a pensioner with a clean licence who does only 3000 miles a year. Diabolical!

Macca
16-08-2018, 18:53
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/picturegalleries/11402706/The-10-best-four-door-coupes-rated.html?image=1

Newspapers for you. How can a coupe have 4 doors? It's essential to the styling of a coupe.

Pigmy Pony
16-08-2018, 21:05
Yup. The insurance renewal is due soon. They'll probably be wanting over a grand to cover a sub 1000cc car driven by a pensioner with a clean licence who does only 3000 miles a year. Diabolical!

The not-so-hidden costs of living in That London. You could always move 'oop north' Geoff. Cheaper car insurance, and for the price of a London 2 bed terraced you could buy a whole town in East Lancs, complete with Municipal swimming pool. And we don't even laugh at southern accents anymore. :)

walpurgis
18-08-2018, 09:42
Hmm. Just received my car insurance renewal quote, It's a heck of a lot LESS than what they initially wanted last year. I'm not complaining, but have this niggly feeling there's a catch.

Last year they wanted around a grand, until I haggled them down a few hundred. This time it's a 'mere' £574 if I renew online.

Marco
18-08-2018, 09:54
Good news, Geoff! You're now down to just over what I pay here for the Brabster!;)

Marco.

walpurgis
18-08-2018, 10:03
Good news, Geoff! You're now down to just over what I pay here for the Brabster!;)

Marco.

It's still a rip-off. My brother had his new Audi Q5 3.0 TD (the fast one) and new Vauxhall Agila van on one policy for around £350, a year or so back. He lives right out in the sticks.

Len Co
18-08-2018, 14:11
My renewal was less this year, I heard that premiums are generally lower for some reason. First time I haven't haggled or changed insurer for years - the catch is it could have been even lower if I hadn't been so lazy, all this shopping around does take it's toll though!
Wouldn't mind one of those devices that monitors your driving and if you are 'safe' lowers your premium.. Trouble is wifely drives as well (only kidding dear!)

Pigmy Pony
19-08-2018, 08:38
Hmm. Just received my car insurance renewal quote, It's a heck of a lot LESS than what they initially wanted last year. I'm not complaining, but have this niggly feeling there's a catch.

Last year they wanted around a grand, until I haggled them down a few hundred. This time it's a 'mere' £574 if I renew online.

£574 doesn't sound very 'mere' to me. But then Windermere is a mere, and is also the largest lake in England (c'mon Macca, tell me I'm wrong) :)

struth
24-09-2018, 15:44
found a pic of my old car. a skoda.... great motor this

https://imageshack.com/a/img922/9849/mtNySx.jpg

Thermionic Idler
28-09-2018, 14:49
This week, I finally traded in my Prius after over 8 years and 116,000 miles. That thing never ever went wrong, it was dirt cheap to maintain and did 57mpg so I knew I wanted another hybrid. I figured this one would do...

https://i.imgur.com/2yhCyyj.jpg

Ali Tait
28-09-2018, 15:01
Nice. Been looking at Lexii for my next car, just the reports of wallowy cornering in the GS and LS puts me off a bit. Probably get a Merc CLS though, like the look of those.

Thermionic Idler
28-09-2018, 15:06
Nice. Been looking at Lexii for my next car, just the reports of wallowy cornering in the GS and LS puts me off a bit. Probably get a Merc CLS though, like the look of those.

Yep, they are nice looking beasts. I'd say try the Lexus for yourself, motoring journalists seem very biased towards the German manufacturers for reasons I've yet to ascertain. This IS300h has rear-wheel drive like a BMW, it has perfect weight distribution like a BMW, the on-road poise, ride and handling are as good as any BMW I've ever driven - and it still does over 50mpg - and it is not a diesel.

Ian7633
28-09-2018, 15:26
found a pic of my old car. a skoda.... great motor this

https://imageshack.com/a/img922/9849/mtNySx.jpg

They are very good Grant, as it should be being basically a VW under the skin. I drove one for while before I got my Audi, nice and comfy and surprisingly roomy, even for me lol.

Ali Tait
28-09-2018, 16:21
Yep, they are nice looking beasts. I'd say try the Lexus for yourself, motoring journalists seem very biased towards the German manufacturers for reasons I've yet to ascertain. This IS300h has rear-wheel drive like a BMW, it has perfect weight distribution like a BMW, the on-road poise, ride and handling are as good as any BMW I've ever driven - and it still does over 50mpg - and it is not a diesel.

Yes agreed, the reliability is another plus point too. The LS and GS are fairly rare beasts though, and I guess would be ruinously expensive if they did go wrong. I do like the idea of an LPG’d V8 though..

CageyH
28-09-2018, 17:37
Or run it on ethanol?

struth
28-09-2018, 17:52
They are very good Grant, as it should be being basically a VW under the skin. I drove one for while before I got my Audi, nice and comfy and surprisingly roomy, even for me lol.

yup, it was a diesel auto with full electric pack and leather seats etc. Was pretty quick too. enjoyed it but life took a swipe and i no longer was going to use it much and diesels dont like low miles etc. so sold it and picked up my c-maxwhich ive had or 11 years without issue. it was 3/4 years old but low miles and has been a great motor. alas its in way out, under body wise. shame as its only done 50k and is otherwise very good nick

Pigmy Pony
28-09-2018, 18:01
This week, I finally traded in my Prius after over 8 years and 116,000 miles. That thing never ever went wrong, it was dirt cheap to maintain and did 57mpg so I knew I wanted another hybrid. I figured this one would do...

https://i.imgur.com/2yhCyyj.jpg

Nice, Dave, I do quite like Lexus, a worthy alternative to the usual German stuff, imo. Of course it's just a Toyota with added niceness, so you get Japanese reliability with some style and a shitload of extras. What's not to like! :)

walpurgis
28-09-2018, 18:18
And here we have the real future car.

http://i63.tinypic.com/qxugc4.jpg

Ian7633
28-09-2018, 18:30
I thought you already had one Geoff

Ali Tait
28-09-2018, 19:06
[QUOTE=CageyH;1016757]Or run it on ethanol?[/QUOT

I’ll set up a still in the shed lol.

walpurgis
28-09-2018, 19:29
I thought you already had one Geoff

Nah. I use a horse drawn motorbike.

struth
28-09-2018, 19:35
Quite fancy one of these

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180928/f2289c9309de1f476c1df5aa2f854ca8.jpg

walpurgis
28-09-2018, 19:47
Wouldn't this suit better? :)

http://i65.tinypic.com/rm44fs.jpg

struth
28-09-2018, 19:49
Is it electric? lol

Pigmy Pony
29-09-2018, 06:41
Wouldn't this suit better? :)

http://i65.tinypic.com/rm44fs.jpg

Not as easy to transport in the back of your car - I've seen videos of people trying, and it never ends well for the car

alphaGT
29-09-2018, 10:04
Wouldn't this suit better? :)

http://i65.tinypic.com/rm44fs.jpg

You’ll never be stuck in traffic again!

Russ

Macca
29-09-2018, 11:32
I think I would pay extra to have the optional flame-thrower fitted. Take out annoying pedestrians as well as other vehicles. Another advantage is that the tracks will rip up the road surface as you go along, making it harder for anyone to tailgate you.

Berni217
29-09-2018, 14:50
This week, I finally traded in my Prius after over 8 years and 116,000 miles. That thing never ever went wrong, it was dirt cheap to maintain and did 57mpg so I knew I wanted another hybrid. I figured this one would do...

https://i.imgur.com/2yhCyyj.jpg

I have the Lexus RX. Great car, fast and very reliable.

The Mark Levinson sound systems is one of the best!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Marco
29-09-2018, 15:11
Wouldn't this suit better? :)

http://i65.tinypic.com/rm44fs.jpg

Hey, do you think I could fit a nice stereo in that?

Marco.

Pigmy Pony
29-09-2018, 17:13
You'd spend a fortune on sound deadening...

I think helicopters playing 'Ride of the Valkyries' would be cooler though. I wonder if anyone ever thought to try that?

CageyH
04-10-2018, 19:56
This would explain my sudden lack of drive....
I
https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1961/45079108221_067c6dc45b_z_d.jpg

I have never seen a clutch fail like that before.

walpurgis
04-10-2018, 20:23
If the dual mass flywheel was on the blink, it could have been putting shocks through the clutch causing the rivets holding the friction plate onto the centre to fail. Looks a right mess....

Aren't modern cars wonderful. Over-complex cack!

Give me a Morris Minor, you can keep one on the road with a packet of fag papers and a piece of chewing gum :).

CageyH
04-10-2018, 20:51
Dual mass flywheel was ok. I changed it anyway, as I don’t fancy doing the job again soon.
It is from a Nissan X-Trail, so a lot of fun with transfer boxes etc.

walpurgis
04-10-2018, 20:55
As far as I'm concerned, cars ceased being interesting and fun when pushrod engines, leaf springs and carburettors disappeared.

Gaz
11-10-2018, 11:31
Any Saab owners on here?

I have a 2001 9-3 2.0SE, not quite a classic Saab but still enough Saab quirkiness to be well removed from the Vauxhall it was based on.

struth
11-10-2018, 12:24
Used to have a 900. Great motor. Enjoyed it thoroughly

struth
12-10-2018, 09:56
Found this pic of my oldest lad, alas no longer with us... he was very happy with his little moped lol

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181012/f5e32e4f17bf8ea8166451693b8cf85c.jpg

Not seen it for years

Pigmy Pony
12-10-2018, 10:21
Unusual looking moped, looks more like a stick. Chinese, was it? :D

struth
12-10-2018, 10:23
Unusual looking moped, looks more like a stick. Chinese, was it? :D

bike not in photo....lol thats a sledgy for chasing troublemakers with;)

Pigmy Pony
12-10-2018, 10:26
Essential kit if you've got a moped - kids tend to view 'peds as communal property. Can't beat a big sledgie to persuade them otherwise.

Pieoftheday
25-10-2018, 13:21
Hi everyone, I'm after a battery for my bmw f800r 2015 version,can anybody recommend company to buy from? Cheers Jim . Edit, scratch that chaps I took a chance on an ebay seller:uhho:

GrahamS
25-10-2018, 14:44
Hi everyone, I'm after a battery for my bmw f800r 2015 version,can anybody recommend company to buy from? Cheers Jim . Edit, scratch that chaps I took a chance on an ebay seller:uhho:

Strangely enough, I have bought my last two batteries (for my Volvo and my wife's Honda) from Halfords and they have performed flawlessly for the last four years and going strong.

Pieoftheday
25-10-2018, 15:32
Strangely enough, I have bought my last two batteries (for my Volvo and my wife's Honda) from Halfords and they have performed flawlessly for the last four years and going strong.

Hi Graham, I almost bought from Halfords but found the same battery on eBay for£25 less, I was a bit dubious it might be dodgy but the company has good feedback so took a chance,fingers crossed:)

User211
26-10-2018, 10:21
Spotted yesterday in the car park at work.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181026/350b43cdf551e40d935d744ad959e458.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181026/80cece15b7c9491f90e25563bfd700b9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181026/202a6b1a2efdc98dfca2327d57ce984b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181026/3db299c54c88650446a85105d5f158fe.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181026/39660f13f34542502fadd3b43cb58237.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181026/2debedbdf6ac9d8861467ab8acb44892.jpg

struth
26-10-2018, 10:24
C63 AMG A i think... only 300k dollaridoos:stalks:

struth
26-10-2018, 10:26
looking at one of these tomorrow

https://car-images.bauersecure.com/pagefiles/76014/toyota_c-hr_concept_001.jpg

hybrid version of course

spendorman
26-10-2018, 10:31
As far as I'm concerned, cars ceased being interesting and fun when pushrod engines, leaf springs and carburettors disappeared.
Mine has all of those attributes, if one can call them that. I do!

GrahamS
26-10-2018, 11:59
Ooofff....!

Gaz
26-10-2018, 17:28
looking at one of these tomorrow

https://car-images.bauersecure.com/pagefiles/76014/toyota_c-hr_concept_001.jpg

hybrid version of course

Sorry to hear that

Gazjam
26-10-2018, 17:37
Impressive Grant, looks fantastic mate.
Far nicer to me than the new Civic?

Shares the house style...but does it better imo.



looking at one of these tomorrow

https://car-images.bauersecure.com/pagefiles/76014/toyota_c-hr_concept_001.jpg

hybrid version of course

struth
26-10-2018, 17:48
Impressive Grant, looks fantastic mate.
Far nicer to me than the new Civic?

Shares the house style...but does it better imo.

Not many like it it seems lol. Obviously a left field choice but it's green and imo attractive. Great safety kit levels etc.

Might not like it on the test tho. Plenty others if I dont

Pigmy Pony
26-10-2018, 18:12
Not many like it it seems lol. Obviously a left field choice but it's green and imo attractive. Great safety kit levels etc.

Might not like it on the test tho. Plenty others if I dont

Anita really likes the CHR, and our next car will be a toss up between this or a new-shape Civic.

If it was up to me I would choose the Civic, as our current one we've had for six years now with NO issues. But it isn't up to me.

Gaz
26-10-2018, 19:00
SUV and Hybrid?

I'd rather walk.

Macca
26-10-2018, 19:05
SUV and Hybrid?

I'd rather walk.

Harsh.

Plus walking isn't actually an option for Grant.

struth
26-10-2018, 20:48
SUV and Hybrid?

I'd rather walk.

But there's not too many cars I can get into .. Needs to have right height in several directions and auto box. The hybrid is good financially as I drive a lot in town so might as well do it for free as much as possible. It at least isn't just a box.
Other vehicle option might be the rather nice Mazda CX-5 which I can get into

Gaz
26-10-2018, 21:02
My apologies I didn't realise you have a disability, with hindsight my comments are a bit insensitive, that certainly wasn't intended

struth
26-10-2018, 21:13
My apologies I didn't realise you have a disability, with hindsight my comments are a bit insensitive, that certainly wasn't intended

Not offended, don't worry. Just explaining why certain body shapes are better sometimes but not always. The chr is quite sporty I guess. It price is good for what you get. Toyota residuals help to keep price down to me. Toyota make so many hybrids they are really not much dearer. I guess it's the buying power keeping price down. Think they are the biggest selling car co in world

Macca
26-10-2018, 21:33
Very well run company is Toyota. Their dealerships tend to be top or near top in all the surveys too.

struth
26-10-2018, 22:17
Very well run company is Toyota. Their dealerships tend to be top or near top in all the surveys too.

I got treated better there than any other dealer so far

Marco
26-10-2018, 22:33
I got treated better there than any other dealer so far

I'm not surprised... As Martin says, they're a very well-run company (so it's no surprise that their staff are well-trained), and who produce very good (and extremely reliable) cars.

However, not detracting from the Toyota you're considering getting (which I do like, for YOUR specific purposes), despite the former positives, the cars themselves are a bit 'meh' (extremely practical and functional, but don't exactly get your pulse racing), and are also somewhat conservatively styled, certainly in comparison with their German, Italian or British counterparts.

I prefer something with a bit more pzazz and 'soul'....

For that reason, the only Japanese cars I'd consider owning are from Honda and Nissan (with the likes of their crazy GT-R). I also quite like the Mazda 6 and MX-5 RF. I like Hondas because of their racing pedigree, which trickles down to their road cars. They're superbly engineered, and arguably as reliable as Toyotas.

So yes, if going Japanese, and practical, I'd chose Honda over Toyota. Have you visited any Honda dealers, Grant?:)

Marco.

struth
26-10-2018, 22:39
Don't think they have any likely to suit Marco. Well they have one but it's pricier than this to me anyway. Not out tho and I will take it from the test. If it's bang right for me I will look no further as it's hard work if not it will be placed on the maybes and search goes on. I don't really need my pulse racing anyway lol just cheered up

Macca
26-10-2018, 22:40
I'm not surprised... As Martin says, they're a very well-run company (so it's no surprise that their staff are well-trained), who produce very good (and extremely reliable) cars.

However, not detracting from the Toyota you're considering buying (which I do like, for YOUR specific purposes), despite the former positives, the cars themselves are a bit 'meh' (extremely practical and functional, but don't exactly get your pulse racing), and are rather conservatively styled, certainly in comparison with their German, Italian or British counterparts.

I prefer something with a bit more 'soul'....

For that reason, the only Japanese cars I'd consider owning are from Honda and Nissan (with the likes of their crazy GT-R). And I like Hondas because of their racing pedigree, which trickles down to their road cars. They're superbly engineered, and arguably as reliable as Toyotas.

So yes, if going Japanese, I'd chose Honda over Toyota. Have you visited any Honda dealers, Grant?:)

Marco.

What about the MR2, the Celica, the Supra? All of them had/ have striking looks and good performance. Although the looks get worse as the marks progressed IMO.

walpurgis
26-10-2018, 22:40
I have a liking for Suzuki and Hyundai. I was very impressed with the quality of the Hyundai Coupe I owned and I'm on my sixth Suzuki.

Marco
26-10-2018, 22:50
What about the MR2, the Celica, the Supra? All of them had/ have striking looks and good performance. Although the looks get worse as the marks progressed IMO.

Exactly... Unless you're after a vintage example, then your point is moot. Most current Toyotas are nothing special in the looks department (which indeed also applies to many of today's cars), although I like some of the Lexus range, which are essentially upmarket Toyotas:)

Another company Grant should look at is Volvo. Some of the stuff they're producing now is really rather good.

Marco.

Marco
26-10-2018, 22:52
I have a liking for Suzuki and Hyundai. I was very impressed with the quality of the Hyundai Coupe I owned and I'm on my sixth Suzuki.

I liked your old Hyundai Coupe, Geoff, which I thought was rather Celica-like, but I can't say I'm overly enamoured with anything I've seen from Hyundai recently. It's just a personal thing with me. There's a certain aspect to the styling of most Japanese cars that doesn't really float my boat.

Marco.

struth
26-10-2018, 23:11
Exactly... Unless you're after a vintage example, then your point is moot. Most current Toyotas are nothing special in the looks department (which indeed also applies to many of today's cars), although I like some of the Lexus range, which are essentially upmarket Toyotas:)

Another company Grant should look at is Volvo. Some of the stuff they're producing now is really rather good.

Marco.

only 1 volvo on the scheme and its fairly small. nice motor tho. I used to have a big volvo; great motor, even if the styling was not all it could be. Big leather armchair seats too and a telephone in it:eyebrows:

struth
26-10-2018, 23:13
I liked your old Hyundai Coupe, Geoff, which I thought was rather Celica-like, but I can't say I'm overly enamoured with anything I've seen from Hyundai recently. It's just a personal thing with me. There's a certain aspect to the styling of most Japanese cars that doesn't really float my boat.

Marco.

I was told recently that Hyundai and Kia are same company. certainly their cars are similar. The little Kia Venga is a nice little motor. quite a flexible thing too. on my list as i sat in it;only kia i could get in and out of oddly

Marco
26-10-2018, 23:16
Have you visited any Honda dealerships, mate? If not, I'd recommend you do so.

Sorry, Kias do nothing for me (the Venga looks rather like a Honda Jazz). Another 'glorified shopping trolley', lol:D

Marco.

Marco
26-10-2018, 23:21
only 1 volvo on the scheme and its fairly small. nice motor tho. I used to have a big volvo; great motor, even if the styling was not all it could be. Big leather armchair seats too and a telephone in it:eyebrows:

Ah yes, I'm forgetting about this scheme thing... So you're restricted to choosing certain makes? Yeah, I know what you mean about Volvos, although I do prefer their modern stuff. It's one of the few companies whose cars have got better looking as the years have progressed, and also lost their rather staid image.

In that respect, I was always more of a Saab fan - now they *were* superb cars! Just a shame they're no more....

This is the Volvo I'd have: https://www.volvocars.com/uk/cars/new-models/s60/variants/polestar

Marco.

struth
26-10-2018, 23:25
Have you visited any Honda dealerships, mate? If not, I'd recommend you do so.

Sorry, Kias do nothing for me (the Venga looks rather like a Honda Jazz).

Marco.

Not yet. Not found one on my travels and I can't travel that far at moment. One out Falkirk way which may get a visit. Style is secondary to usability but hoping to combine both. Nothing is going to be perfect alas so it's a matter of deciding on what's most important. The BMW 2 series is out. Their x1 is a possible.
The Mazda is a lovely motor

Marco
26-10-2018, 23:33
The Beemer would always be my choice, as it's a driver's car, and I much prefer the looks. Even if the sales folk were assholes... After all, you'll hopefully be spending much more time with the car itself than the salesmen from the dealership;)

Try and get a look at some Hondas. For me, they're a cut above most Toyotas, in terms of styling and 'driveability'. I've got no idea though, in terms of ease of getting in and out them.

Marco.

Gazjam
27-10-2018, 01:01
Spotted yesterday in the car park at work.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181026/350b43cdf551e40d935d744ad959e458.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181026/80cece15b7c9491f90e25563bfd700b9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181026/202a6b1a2efdc98dfca2327d57ce984b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181026/3db299c54c88650446a85105d5f158fe.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181026/39660f13f34542502fadd3b43cb58237.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181026/2debedbdf6ac9d8861467ab8acb44892.jpg
Wow..gorgeous thing.
Would still take a Quadrifoglio Giulia over it though.

Pigmy Pony
27-10-2018, 06:41
Ah yes, I'm forgetting about this scheme thing... So you're restricted to choosing certain makes? Yeah, I know what you mean about Volvos, although I do prefer their modern stuff. It's one of the few companies whose cars have got better looking as the years have progressed, and also lost their rather staid image.

In that respect, I was always more of a Saab fan - now they *were* superb cars! Just a shame they're no more....

This is the Volvo I'd have: https://www.volvocars.com/uk/cars/new-models/s60/variants/polestar

Marco.

Wow that is some motor, I didn't know of its existence till now. Been a fan of Volos in recent years, and this is my new favourite.

I can certainly vouch for the reliability of Honda's cars, and it looks like the CRV would be the one best suited to your requirements. It's a decent size but not huge. I know someone who's on his second one and loves them. Quite pricey though.

The Mazda CX5 is also very nice and is another that Anita would be happy to live with (we've had Mazda before).

Marco
27-10-2018, 07:54
Nice C63! Who's is it, Justers?:)

Marco.

User211
27-10-2018, 07:59
I dunno I only saw it on Thursday. Had Friday off. All the black stuff is carbon fibre. The grey finish is very matt in the flesh.

is the front plate legal?

struth
27-10-2018, 08:01
Wow that is some motor, I didn't know of its existence till now. Been a fan of Volos in recent years, and this is my new favourite.

I can certainly vouch for the reliability of Honda's cars, and it looks like the CRV would be the one best suited to your requirements. It's a decent size but not huge. I know someone who's on his second one and loves them. Quite pricey though.

The Mazda CX5 is also very nice and is another that Anita would be happy to live with (we've had Mazda before).

looked at crv's many years ago and although then they were suitable if still same height, would likely be an inch or too too high.
the little jazz is a nice motor too practicality wise

struth
27-10-2018, 08:05
Its probably the only place it could go so, yes.

walpurgis
27-10-2018, 08:08
Suzuki Ignis hybrid compact SUV.

http://i63.tinypic.com/14o96ic.jpg

struth
27-10-2018, 08:11
Suzuki Ignis hybrid compact SUV.

http://i63.tinypic.com/14o96ic.jpg

I like suzies too. one of my neighbours had a few of them. nearest is down the Falkirk wheel i think alas.. looks like the ignis might be a contender.

Marco
27-10-2018, 08:49
I dunno I only saw it on Thursday. Had Friday off. All the black stuff is carbon fibre. The grey finish is very matt in the flesh.

is the front plate legal?

Quality... I love the matt finish. I'd have a C63 in a shot. The only thing that's stopping me is the potential fuel costs when driving abroad to Italy!!:eek:

That's why I went for the Brabster (and a diesel). The 38 mpg, on motorway runs, was the deal sealer!:)

Marco.

Marco
27-10-2018, 08:50
Suzuki Ignis hybrid compact SUV.

http://i63.tinypic.com/14o96ic.jpg

I like that. as it's funky and different from the norm!:)

Marco.

Marco
27-10-2018, 08:52
Wow that is some motor, I didn't know of its existence till now. Been a fan of Volos in recent years, and this is my new favourite.


Nice, innit? Goes like shit off a shovel, too!:D

Marco.

Ali Tait
27-10-2018, 08:54
Ah yes, I'm forgetting about this scheme thing... So you're restricted to choosing certain makes? Yeah, I know what you mean about Volvos, although I do prefer their modern stuff. It's one of the few companies whose cars have got better looking as the years have progressed, and also lost their rather staid image.

In that respect, I was always more of a Saab fan - now they *were* superb cars! Just a shame they're no more....

This is the Volvo I'd have: https://www.volvocars.com/uk/cars/new-models/s60/variants/polestar

Marco.

If it was going to be a Volvo I’d have one of these LPG’d-

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/volvo-s80-se-4-4-v8-awd/302930103003?hash=item46880a8adb:g:urcAAOSwfcNbzhO X:rk:2:pf:1

Yamaha V8 loveliness. :-)

struth
27-10-2018, 09:01
not feeling any love for the chr here :rfl::rfl: Must be a good sign ;)

Marco
27-10-2018, 09:01
If it was going to be a Volvo I’d have one of these LPG’d-

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/volvo-s80-se-4-4-v8-awd/302930103003?hash=item46880a8adb:g:urcAAOSwfcNbzhO X:rk:2:pf:1

Yamaha V8 loveliness. :-)

Lol... I know where you're coming from, but it's a bit 'big and bulbous' for me, mate.

Marco.

Ali Tait
27-10-2018, 09:19
Been looking at CLS 550, probably be my next motor.

Roy S
27-10-2018, 09:44
I like suzies too. one of my neighbours had a few of them. nearest is down the Falkirk wheel i think alas.. looks like the ignis might be a contender.

Other half has a new Swift, nice little car.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181027/0e2b717d9705f315bdd497239163f88f.jpg

struth
27-10-2018, 11:53
looking at one of these tomorrow

https://car-images.bauersecure.com/pagefiles/76014/toyota_c-hr_concept_001.jpg

hybrid version of course

Fabulous motor this... great drive too. on my testdrive mostly on motorway and a roads so electric wasnt on as much as my usual usage will be i still attained over 59mpg. smooth and comfortable, and lots of nice gadgets....

ordered one in pearl white. and black leather. black and silver diamond cut 18" alloys etc...:eek:

Roy S
27-10-2018, 11:55
ordered one in pearl white. and black leather. black and silver diamond cut 18" alloys etc...:eek:

Nice one Grant :)

Beobloke
27-10-2018, 12:24
Quality... I love the matt finish. I'd have a C63 in a shot. The only thing that's stopping me is the potential fuel costs when driving abroad to Italy!!:eek:

That's why I went for the Brabster (and a diesel). The 38 mpg, on motorway runs, was the deal sealer!:)

Marco.

A bloke at work has a C350CDi but is currently eyeing up a C63AMG saloon - I am doing nothing to dissuade him!


not feeling any love for the chr here :rfl::rfl: Must be a good sign ;)

I'll be interested to see what you think, Grant. Despite my general dislike of Toyotas, I think the CH-R is quite a mad, funky thing. However, that said, my sister test drove one recently as she and my brother-in-law are looking for a replacement for their Mini Countryman, bits of which are starting to break. She though it was quite nice generally but said the autobox was awful and that the lack of visibility was verging on dangerous. She said it was like driving along in a coffin with only a letterbox to look out of!

They also drove a Mazda CX-3 and a CX-5 and are going for the CX-5 - they said it was streets ahead.

JohnJo
27-10-2018, 12:29
Fabulous motor this... great drive too. on my testdrive mostly on motorway and a roads so electric wasnt on as much as my usual usage will be i still attained over 59mpg. smooth and comfortable, and lots of nice gadgets....

ordered one in pearl white. and black leather. black and silver diamond cut 18" alloys etc...:eek:

Excellent. Happy motoring Grant. Health to drive :thumbsup: