Car and Bike Chat

[Ninanina]

:thumbsup: That looks badass. And it's Honda, so it'll be well screwed together, and stay looking good for longer :) Mrs. P also has a cruiser (Hyosung Aquila GV650). Perfect for vertically challenged folk.

Just had a look at the Aquila, looks lovely. It’s very similar to the Honda Rebel 500. Does Mrs P have any problems with the weight @ 220kg? The Rebel is a little bit lighter @ 190kg

I’ve had loads of Honda’s and always loved them and I’d be trading in my Grom against the new one

Probably riding to Honda tomorrow to take a look :)

Shouldn't be a problem Bev - you'll find the centre of gravity is very low, and that makes all the difference. Though a bit of leg strength will help for moving it in and out of the garage. The Fireblade is quite a bit lighter (168kg) but is much taller. In a moment of weakness I once let Anita have a shot on the Blade, she fell off before she reached the end of the drive :doh:


Shouldn't be a problem Bev - you'll find the centre of gravity is very low, and that makes all the difference. Though a bit of leg strength will help for moving it in and out of the garage. The Fireblade is quite a bit lighter (168kg) but is much taller. In a moment of weakness I once let Anita have a shot on the Blade, she fell off before she reached the end of the drive :doh:

You were right Steve. Visited Honda and slung a short leg over the Rebel and instantly fell in love with it. It’s a great looking bike and I can totally flat foot it

Probably going for a test ride tomorrow so we will see. Can’t wait to get another ‘proper’ bike again :)


You were right Steve. Visited Honda and slung a short leg over the Rebel and instantly fell in love with it. It’s a great looking bike and I can totally flat foot it

Probably going for a test ride tomorrow so we will see. Can’t wait to get another ‘proper’ bike again :)

Great stuff. Get it quick while we still have the weather.

Don't forget quality leathers, these should do the trick... though you might need a better helmet.

https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article207146.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200c/lily-cole-poic-getty-image-1-648242977.jpg


Great stuff. Get it quick while we still have the weather.

Don't forget quality leathers, these should do the trick... though you might need a better helmet.

:eek: Indeed Steve

I think I’ve already sold the Grom and got almost what I paid for it 3 years ago, probably because the supply for new bikes is so poor

That means I’ve got more than I thought towards a new Rebel 500. Should be test riding the Rebel Tuesday, fingers crossed that I love it :)


:eek: Indeed Steve

I think I’ve already sold the Grom and got almost what I paid for it 3 years ago, probably because the supply for new bikes is so poor

That means I’ve got more than I thought towards a new Rebel 500. Should be test riding the Rebel Tuesday, fingers crossed that I love it :)

I'm sure you will - obviously the ride will be rather different to what you're used to. Take it easy in the bends and you'll be just fine :) Interesting what you say about bike supply, I wasn't aware of that.

Interesting version of the RT classic. https://open.spotify.com/artist/2fV3UnBvyFUPV6JQJJZOv2

Also, worth checking out the Mary Lou Lord and Dick Gaughan versions.


Great stuff. Get it quick while we still have the weather.

Don't forget quality leathers, these should do the trick... though you might need a better helmet.

https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article207146.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200c/lily-cole-poic-getty-image-1-648242977.jpg


I'm sure you will - obviously the ride will be rather different to what you're used to. Take it easy in the bends and you'll be just fine :) Interesting what you say about bike supply, I wasn't aware of that.

Cheers Steve

I sold the Grom this morning and only lost £200 from when I purchased it 3 years ago :)

Booked test ride on the Rebel for Tuesday morning, can’t wait. I’d do it tomorrow but I’m booked to give blood


Cheers Steve

I sold the Grom this morning and only lost £200 from when I purchased it 3 years ago :)

Booked test ride on the Rebel for Tuesday morning, can’t wait. I’d do it tomorrow but I’m booked to give blood

I know it is going be stupidly hot Tuesday, but don't be tempted to skimp on the protective gear (Rebel Rebel, you've torn me dress) and you don't want to be asking for your blood back, oh no :doh:

[Ninanina]

Worry not I always wear appropriate bike gear :eek:

[Pigmy Pony]

Stupid bloody Vito, why does it hate me? What did I ever do to it?

I suspect that the clever folk at Mercedes Benz (and other manufacturers) develop all the features/gizmos that later appear in their cars/vans, and they work perfectly well. Then the bean counters say "We could save a couple of quid if we use thinner wire", or "There's this factory in China (actually a shed behind the factory) that'll do all those bits for a quarter of the price".

Anyway, yesterday the van's radio refused to switch off (does this automatically when key is taken out, or 'off' button is pressed). So the radio ran all day. I couldn't leave it like that overnight, so I disconnected the battery (a job in itself). This morning i had to move the van so I reconnected the battery. And guess what?

I suppose I should be pleased it's working again, but now I'm just waiting for it to happen again. I loved that van when I first got it, now when I look at it I just growl.

[struth]

Stupid bloody Vito, why does it hate me? What did I ever do to it?

I suspect that the clever folk at Mercedes Benz (and other manufacturers) develop all the features/gizmos that later appear in their cars/vans, and they work perfectly well. Then the bean counters say "We could save a couple of quid if we use thinner wire", or "There's this factory in China (actually a shed behind the factory) that'll do all those bits for a quarter of the price".

Anyway, yesterday the van's radio refused to switch off (does this automatically when key is taken out, or 'off' button is pressed). So the radio ran all day. I couldn't leave it like that overnight, so I disconnected the battery (a job in itself). This morning i had to move the van so I reconnected the battery. And guess what?

I suppose I should be pleased it's working again, but now I'm just waiting for it to happen again. I loved that van when I first got it, now when I look at it I just growl.

typical.. smarter they make them, the more likely they are to f**k up. there will be a fuse box; maybe 2 actually being a merc. should be a fuse legend in there somewhere(maybe on a bit of paper). might save you disconnecting battery. but it may well work for years ok now. might not have been radio, might be a software glitch. its supposed to switch off when door is opened after engine off i think.

[walpurgis]

I've got motor issues too, my car is playing up once more. Same thing each time, soggy brakes with loads of pedal travel. This'll be the fourth time it's been 'sorted'! The brakes are fine for a while, then out of the blue, when braking, the ABS kicks in and the brakes remain soft afterwards. Seems to me there could be air in the ABS pump that's never been cleared when bleeding, if I had a hoist, I'd go through the whole system myself. Various garages don't seem able to pin it down.

[struth]

I've got motor issues too, my car is playing up once more. Same thing each time, soggy brakes with loads of pedal travel. This'll be the fourth time it's been 'sorted'! The brakes are fine for a while, then out of the blue, when braking, the ABS kicks in and the brakes remain soft afterwards. Seems to me there could be air in the ABS pump that's never been cleared when bleeding, if I had a hoist, I'd go through the whole system myself. Various garages don't seem able to pin it down.

could be he isnt getting all air out of the module. there is a tool for doing it but the old fashioned way is imo the best one. if it keeps happening like that you could switch abs off and see if it continues to happen or not

[walpurgis]

No option to turn ABS off on this one.

[struth]

No option to turn ABS off on this one.

unusual.. oh well, nae luck:D

maybe disconnect the power to it?

[Pigmy Pony]

No option to turn ABS off on this one.

No doubt there's a reason why this won't work, but... An ABS system will only work if all the components are present and correct, so, what if some part of the ABS is removed? Or just cut through a relevant wire? Or will it have a fuse? You might have guessed, I know nowt about ABS :scratch:

[Pigmy Pony]

typical.. smarter they make them, the more likely they are to f**k up. there will be a fuse box; maybe 2 actually being a merc. should be a fuse legend in there somewhere(maybe on a bit of paper). might save you disconnecting battery. but it may well work for years ok now. might not have been radio, might be a software glitch. its supposed to switch off when door is opened after engine off i think.

Radio in normal use stays on with ignition key in off position, only goes off when key is removed.

You're right, there are two fuse boxes, I did think about removing the fuse (actually it was Mrs. P's idea). The handbook has a separate "fuses supplement" which made no sense. There is an audio fuse, an amplifier-controller fuse, and something else, the name of which escapes me. And the fuse boxes in no way looked like the layout illustrations.

[Ninanina]

Oh sorry about your Vito problems Steve

I’ve always thought that Merc’s engine’s & gearboxes are excellent but questionable elsewhere recently. Old Merc’s like my W124 were pretty good all round but that’s a long time ago

Bit of a muddle up at Honda so test riding the Rebel in the morning :)

[Ninanina]

That’s a shame Geoff. Hope you can get it sorted ok

Had a puncture yesterday at Virginia Water, first one for near on 25-30 years and the space saver looks like a 2CV wheel!

Got tyre repaired at Toyota today which took them a long time to discover & fix…. turns out that the screw that was stuck in it wasn’t the problem

[Barry]

Had the car serviced and MOT'd today. £320 - running a car these days is becoming expensive.

[Pigmy Pony]

Oh sorry about your Vito problems Steve

I’ve always thought that Merc’s engine’s & gearboxes are excellent but questionable elsewhere recently. Old Merc’s like my W124 were pretty good all round but that’s a long time ago

Bit of a muddle up at Honda so test riding the Rebel in the morning :)

Weather a bit better suited to riding than it was seven days ago. Enjoy!

Yes, the engine and (auto) gearbox on my Vito is great, it's just the rest of it :(

Mrs. P says to me "Look at the state of it, you don't deserve anything nice". Thing is, each time it lets me down, a bit more shine goes off the apple, and the less inclined I am to get the polishing rags out. Also, I have been having a bit of trouble with spatial awareness, and the Vito is reaping the benefits.

No wonder she won't let me near the Volvo...

[Ninanina]

That’s such a pain Steve. I did consider replacing the Prius with another Merc as I do love them but reading the reliability index thingy they really don’t come out too good, whereas Toyota’s are near the top reliability wise so I’ll probably just get another newer Prius

Just rode the Rebel Rebel and instantly fell in love with it… what a hoot and much more powerful than I imagined it would be

I’ve ordered one but delivery is now December :doh:

[dave2010]

... whereas Toyota’s are near the top reliability wise so I’ll probably just get another newer Prius.
I assume that you ordered a bike, not a car.

Re the Toyotas - which would you go for? I had a Prius - loved it until it "died" - or became unrealistic to repair. Would you even consider an EV or a plug-in hybrid?

Actually it looks as though the Prius range is no longer available as new in the UK - see https://www.toyota.co.uk/new-cars/prius

In the US government funded support has been withdrawn for some of Toyota's cars.
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/electric-hybrid-toyotas-more-expensive-194422192.html

Apparently there will be a new Prius from 2024 - https://topelectricsuv.com/news/toyota/2024-toyota-prius-coupe-hybrid/ - though not sure when or if that will arrive in the UK.

[struth]

still enjoying my hyundai ev... its not the most desirable car in world by looks but it does its job very well. ie gets me out and has a scooter in boot:D can go fairly quickly too if you wish it too, but also has a good range

[dave2010]

still enjoying my hyundai ev... its not the most desirable car in world by looks but it does its job very well. ie gets me out and has a scooter in boot:D can go fairly quickly too if you wish it too, but also has a good range
Glad it's working out for you. Most of us don't need cars which have to go more than 200 miles on a tankful or charge, so EVs do seem to be the way to go. One argument against the plug-in hybrids is the extra weight of having motors, an ICE and a battery pack, but if the alternative is to just stick with ICEs - then that's not good, and perpetuates the damage caused by fossil fuel burning. Not having to drive to a garage to fill up is also a plus point - sometimes overlooked.

That's why I'm totally against that advertising ploy of "self charging hybrid". What part of "still an ICE burning fossil fuels" don't the advertisers and people who follow them understand. The Prius would have fitted into that category - and indeed we had one. It was a great car at the time - but the world has moved on. New variants - either plug-in or EV would be welcome, but not the original. Some of the plug-in models were compromised by having too big a battery under the back seat and an inflexible layout - so maybe the Prius body shell is just not adaptable for a good solution of plug-in hybrid. Some of the "green credentials" - even of companies like Toyota - are done cynically so that they can sell other gas guzzling motors - depending on the jurisdictions in which they operate.

[struth]

i still think the 2030 timetable will slide back a bit, if not completely back..the main polluters of the world couldn't care less and a couple of % if that worldwide will seem too easy to just forget it until the usa, china, india, australia etc start behaving like it matters.

[struth]

Glad it's working out for you. Most of us don't need cars which have to go more than 200 miles on a tankful or charge, so EVs do seem to be the way to go. One argument against the plug-in hybrids is the extra weight of having motors, an ICE and a battery pack, but if the alternative is to just stick with ICEs - then that's not good, and perpetuates the damage caused by fossil fuel burning. Not having to drive to a garage to fill up is also a plus point - sometimes overlooked.

That's why I'm totally against that advertising ploy of "self charging hybrid". What part of "still an ICE burning fossil fuels" don't the advertisers and people who follow them understand. The Prius would have fitted into that category - and indeed we had one. It was a great car at the time - but the world has moved on. New variants - either plug-in or EV would be welcome, but not the original. Some of the plug-in models were compromised by having too big a battery under the back seat and an inflexible layout - so maybe the Prius body shell is just not adaptable for a good solution of plug-in hybrid. Some of the "green credentials" - even of companies like Toyota - are done cynically so that they can sell other gas guzzling motors - depending on the jurisdictions in which they operate.

its nice and convienient to charge at home, and a lot cheaper than petrol, even though i charge at full whack domestic cost as i don't do sufficient miles to make it viable to get an ev rate.
whether overall an ev is helping planet is debatable currently; certainly not at my mileage. but i wouldn't now want to go back to ice now even tho i was sceptical at first.

[Ninanina]

I assume that you ordered a bike, not a car.

Re the Toyotas - which would you go for? I had a Prius - loved it until it "died" - or became unrealistic to repair. Would you even consider an EV or a plug-in hybrid?

Actually it looks as though the Prius range is no longer available as new in the UK - see https://www.toyota.co.uk/new-cars/prius

In the US government funded support has been withdrawn for some of Toyota's cars.
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/electric-hybrid-toyotas-more-expensive-194422192.html

Apparently there will be a new Prius from 2024 - https://topelectricsuv.com/news/toyota/2024-toyota-prius-coupe-hybrid/ - though not sure when or if that will arrive in the UK.

Indeed Dave I ordered a new Honda Rebel 500 bike…shame I’ve got to wait so long for it though :doh:

I would definitely go for another Prius, the outgoing model from 2016-2021/2. I would consider an EV or a Plug-in Hybrid but living in Portsmouth with no driveway I have no option but to go for a normal hybrid. The Prius is no longer available new in the UK but I’m hoping they will bring the new one in maybe 2023/24

I’ve decided I’d get much more fun from a new bike than changing the Prius. My Prius has just under 130,000 so theoretically it’s about half way through it’s life and I’m in no rush to change it really as it’s been 100% reliable. If repairs start to be too expensive I’ll chop it in sooner but so far after 6 years it’s cost me next to nothing to run/repair

[Pigmy Pony]

I would consider an EV or a Plug-in Hybrid but living in Portsmouth with no driveway I have no option but to go for a normal hybrid.

This my problem with EVs as things stand - a huge chunk of the population live in apartments or terraced houses with no off road parking. Green credentials, mad acceleration and the ability to get where you need to go for tuppence every four years mean nowt if you can't charge at home.

Maybe in a few years...

[struth]

This my problem with EVs as things stand - a huge chunk of the population live in apartments or terraced houses with no off road parking. Green credentials, mad acceleration and the ability to get where you need to go for tuppence every four years mean nowt if you can't charge at home.

Maybe in a few years...

it can be an issue steve but it will be solved soon i think. we are still in first real wave of modern ev's. the next lot will likely solve much of the problems; if not then the 3rd wave will. the tech is changing very rapidly.

[Macca]

Wireless charging. It's feasible.

[walpurgis]

it can be an issue steve but it will be solved soon i think. we are still in first real wave of modern ev's. the next lot will likely solve much of the problems; if not then the 3rd wave will. the tech is changing very rapidly.

Unfortunately, I think makers will see the high mileages EVs are capable of as an excuse to design them to wear out after a certain mileage. After all, if every car can cover 300k miles, they'll be selling fewer. Maybe I'm just cynical.

[Pigmy Pony]

Wireless charging. It's feasible.

How would that work? Something under the tarmac near to the kerb? My cat spends a lot of time under the car, especially when it's raining. As I'm sure lots do. I can just see the lawsuits: Your EV charger gave my cat cancer :(

My concerns about on-street charging are for others - there's room to charge a double decker on my drive, with enough space left for a queue of shivering passengers :) My sticking point is probably just the outlay, which no doubt will improve over time.

Oh, and Anita saying she won't have an EV while she has breath in her body :D

[Barry]

Unfortunately, I think makers will see the high mileages EVs are capable of as an excuse to design them to wear out after a certain mileage. After all, if every car can cover 300k miles, they'll be selling fewer. Maybe I'm just cynical.

Not at all - it's exactly the sort of thing that all manufacturers think about. For example, warranty duration is usually set so that most items will fail a few months after the expiry date.

[Pigmy Pony]

Unfortunately, I think makers will see the high mileages EVs are capable of as an excuse to design them to wear out after a certain mileage. After all, if every car can cover 300k miles, they'll be selling fewer. Maybe I'm just cynical.

No, just being realistic. Obsolescence make the world go round ;)

[Macca]

How would that work? Something under the tarmac near to the kerb?

Pretty much:

Magnetodynamic coupling
In this method, power is transmitted between two rotating armatures, one in the transmitter and one in the receiver, which rotate synchronously, coupled together by a magnetic field generated by permanent magnets on the armatures.[25] The transmitter armature is turned either by or as the rotor of an electric motor, and its magnetic field exerts torque on the receiver armature, turning it. The magnetic field acts like a mechanical coupling between the armatures.[25] The receiver armature produces power to drive the load, either by turning a separate electric generator or by using the receiver armature itself as the rotor in a generator.

This device has been proposed as an alternative to inductive power transfer for noncontact charging of electric vehicles.[25] A rotating armature embedded in a garage floor or curb would turn a receiver armature in the underside of the vehicle to charge its batteries.[25] It is claimed that this technique can transfer power over distances of 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) with high efficiency, over 90%.[25][79] Also, the low frequency stray magnetic fields produced by the rotating magnets produce less electromagnetic interference to nearby electronic devices than the high frequency magnetic fields produced by inductive coupling systems. A prototype system charging electric vehicles has been in operation at University of British Columbia since 2012. Other researchers, however, claim that the two energy conversions (electrical to mechanical to electrical again) make the system less efficient than electrical systems like inductive coupling.[25]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_power_transfer#Near-field_(nonradiative)_techniques

[dave2010]

This my problem with EVs as things stand - a huge chunk of the population live in apartments or terraced houses with no off road parking. Green credentials, mad acceleration and the ability to get where you need to go for tuppence every four years mean nowt if you can't charge at home.

Maybe in a few years...Some towns/cities are tackling this issue really rather well. Brighton is way ahead of the game I believe, and have a lot of on street chargers, with more to go in. Clearly a lot less fun if one has to drive to a charging point. Even for people who have houses and the possibilty of having a charger installed, the constraints on the wiring distance from the electricity supply into a property are another barrier. Having a drive or nearby kerb parking spaces is no good if the distance is more than 5-7 metres from the electicity supply. I don't know if this is an issue that the electricity companies are addressing - perhaps it's not too high priority for them.

[Pigmy Pony]

Some towns/cities are tackling this issue really rather well. Brighton is way ahead of the game I believe, and have a lot of on street chargers, with more to go in. Clearly a lot less fun if one has to drive to a charging point. Even for people who have houses and the possibilty of having a charger installed, the constraints on the wiring distance from the electricity supply into a property are another barrier. Having a drive or nearby kerb parking spaces is no good if the distance is more than 5-7 metres from the electicity supply. I don't know if this is an issue that the electricity companies are addressing - perhaps it's not too high priority for them.

Can you not have a portable charging point then? I have a 30 metre extension lead in the van. I'd make sure the reel is fully unwound so it doesn't catch fire

[struth]

Can you not have a portable charging point then? I have a 30 metre extension lead in the van. I'd make sure the reel is fully unwound so it doesn't catch fire

extentions are supposedly a no, no, although i know of folk who use them and have not had issues. some councils allow cables to cross pavements now too, although there has to be a protector over cable and a warning sign i think.

ive a protector for my cable as it crosses my slabbed path at side of house when in use. this allows anyone to walk up side(like bucket men) without a trip hazard.. it has a yellow top and is fairly heavy.

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/hWJzcc.jpg

neat enough if not in use and out of the strip but its a lot of work for me being disabled to remove it from strip etc.

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/922/IkoZ52.jpg

[dave2010]

Can you not have a portable charging point then? I have a 30 metre extension lead in the van. I'd make sure the reel is fully unwound so it doesn't catch fireI've got extension cables too, but it seems they are definitely not recommended by the car manufacturers. I expect that some people will just use those if they feel they have to.

The chargers which will work off 13 amp UK sockets are really slow - but can work overnight and provide quite a substantial charge. However they are unlikely to work completely within off-peak tariffs for a decent charge so would be more at the 17-25p per kWh end of rates than the 5-7p per kWh possible with a fast home charger. I can charge up one car with a slow connection via a weather proofed outside socket which has been connected to the house wiring - but to comply with the constraints the charger and car do have to be close to the wall socket.

There may be ways of taking a fixed extension cable out from a house to a point near a drive or nearby road, but so far I've not heard of any way of doing that which is approved by the electricity companies. It is presumably technically possible, but maybe to date not a significantly large part of the engineering business for the companies to offer that as a service. I guess it would require sheathed cable - probably in a metal or other conduit, and a protected connector close to where the vehicles would be charged.

One other option is to use one of the industrial cables which some building contractors use. There are adapters for that kind of connection. I think they are called IP44 Industrial connectors.

Of course those could provide electricity via a diesel or petrol generator .... :steam: :doh:

[walpurgis]

It might be worth checking if using non-recommended charging equipment breaches home or vehicle insurance terms. Could be an expensive mistake if there's a cockup!

[struth]

you can buy longer cables of course. not sure how long they go tho. they are expensive.

[dave2010]

you can buy longer cables of course. not sure how long they go tho. they are expensive.I think to be safe and perhaps approved they'd have to be the industrial type cables.

Re your drive with the cable covers - you don't use those for the car charging do you? It looks as though your wall charger has a tethered cable - with maybe a 5 metre cable - so the cable with the covers - is/was that for kit like hedge trimmers etc.?
Or maybe for your outdoor rave music parties!

[struth]

I think to be safe and perhaps approved they'd have to be the industrial type cables.

Re your drive with the cable covers - you don't use those for the car charging do you? It looks as though your wall charger has a tethered cable - with maybe a 5 metre cable - so the cable with the covers - is/was that for kit like hedge trimmers etc.?
Or maybe for your outdoor rave music parties!

edit...no, its the charge cable. it protects it from being stepped on and more importantly stops anyone tripping on it. the buckets have to go over it etc and the men come into my property to collect them etc. its not for driving over, but fine for walking on etc. obviously its the tether that passes through the cable protector. the mains comes from through the wall as the supply is fortunately the other side of the charger.

[Lawrence001]

This my problem with EVs as things stand - a huge chunk of the population live in apartments or terraced houses with no off road parking. Green credentials, mad acceleration and the ability to get where you need to go for tuppence every four years mean nowt if you can't charge at home.

Maybe in a few years...We've got a 30s semi with a front garden. Ironically because of my green credentials, I'm not willing to rip up the front lawn and pave it over so I can charge an EV.

[Lawrence001]

edit...no, its the charge cable. it protects it from being stepped on and more importantly stops anyone tripping on it. the buckets have to go over it etc and the men come into my property to collect them etc. its not for driving over, but fine for walking on etc. obviously its the tether that passes through the cable protector. the mains comes from through the wall as the supply is fortunately the other side of the charger.I bet home insurance legal cover excludes liability for cables outside the property boundary. So it would be at your risk of being sued if someone trips over it.

[struth]

I bet home insurance legal cover excludes liability for cables outside the property boundary. So it would be at your risk of being sued if someone trips over it.

possibly yes, but i wanted to make it safe for the lads to collect my bins(as Im disabled) and as easy as i could for myself. mine is still running at 3.6kwh as a cable still need replacing, but its fast enough for me as i dont do a lot of miles. total charging for july so far has been £9.60.

[dave2010]

edit...no, its the charge cable. it protects it from being stepped on and more importantly stops anyone tripping on it. the buckets have to go over it etc and the men come into my property to collect them etc. its not for driving over, but fine for walking on etc. obviously its the tether that passes through the cable protector. the mains comes from through the wall as the supply is fortunately the other side of the charger.Ah - so where does the cable go into the car? That can be a pain with EVs. Many have the charge input where the petrol filler would go on an ICE car, but some [e.g. Renault Zoe] have them at the front. Unless people have a big enough property though - with a roundabout arrangement - popular in some affluent parts - it's usually necessary either to reverse in or out. In our case for some reason we find going in forwards easier, so the Tesla is a bit of a pain as either has to be driven right up to the bins/garage door, or reversed in towards the charging point.

I thought your drive had enough space for you to get closer to the charge point - but maybe there are other constraints - such as accessing the boot to get things in or out.

Re the point about digging up the front garden or paving it over in order to get a cable to where it might be useful for charging, I suspect there are ways that are less drastic, but may require collaboration with electricity suppliers.
Putting in a cable in a conduit should be possible and wouldn't actually disrupt a lawn that much - but I just don't think this is an area that many people have thought about yet. If petrol/diesel are going to stay expensive [likely] people may rethink these issues - even £1k to get it done might be worth it - though perhaps car suppliers might think about this more and offset the costs.

We drove one EV car on a test drive not that long ago, and when we discussed the length of cable needed to get across the lawn to the parking space or road - probably about 7 metres in that house - the sales guy didn't have a clue about how it could be done. There is usually a limit inside the house as to how far the cable can go from the supply point to the external charging station on the outside wall or post. That's for the faster chargers which use more current. Both the internal and external wiring need to be considered as the total length induces constraints.

[struth]

Ah - so where does the cable go into the car? That can be a pain with EVs. Many have the charge input where the petrol filler would go on an ICE car, but some [e.g. Renault Zoe] have them at the front. Unless people have a big enough property though - with a roundabout arrangement - popular in some affluent parts - it's usually necessary either to reverse in or out. In our case for some reason we find going in forwards easier, so the Tesla is a bit of a pain as either has to be driven right up to the bins/garage door, or reversed in towards the charging point.

I thought your drive had enough space for you to get closer to the charge point - but maybe there are other constraints - such as accessing the boot to get things in or out.

Re the point about digging up the front garden or paving it over in order to get a cable to where it might be useful for charging, I suspect there are ways that are less drastic, but may require collaboration with electricity suppliers.
Putting in a cable in a conduit should be possible and wouldn't actually disrupt a lawn that much - but I just don't think this is an area that many people have thought about yet. If petrol/diesel are going to stay expensive [likely] people may rethink these issues - even £1k to get it done might be worth it - though perhaps car suppliers might think about this more and offset the costs.

We drove one EV car on a test drive not that long ago, and when we discussed the length of cable needed to get across the lawn to the parking space or road - probably about 7 metres in that house - the sales guy didn't have a clue about how it could be done. There is usually a limit inside the house as to how far the cable can go from the supply point to the external charging station on the outside wall or post. That's for the faster chargers which use more current. Both the internal and external wiring need to be considered as the total length induces constraints.

if you look closely at picture of car its actually plugged in at front. the drivers door is about level with front door of house so its about as good as it can be

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/hWJzcc.jpg

[dave2010]

Makes sense now you mention it. I didn't spot that, and I thought the cable on the LHS was actually going out towards the road!

Your cable looks quite a bit thinner than ours - but maybe that's another optical illusion. I probably wouldn't have bothered with the protective hump - but put the bin somewhere else - but your circumstances are different.

We haven't had any major problems with the cables, but I think sometimes people have to walk round or step over them. I do worry that some p****ker will walk right into them sometimes, possibly causing a lot of damage - but that hasn't happened AFAIK.

[Pigmy Pony]

I think Grant has the right idea with his parking - easiest access for driver from car to front door. And also keeping cable protected, last thing you need is someone going arse over tits and blaming you.

I'm sure we've all heard the story of the bloke who cleared the snow from his front path, to make things easier for visitors, only to be sued by his postman who slipped on it (if the homeowner had left it alone he wouldn't have been liable). Ok that was USA, but we'll be going the same way.

[dave2010]

I think Grant has the right idea with his parking - easiest access for driver from car to front door. And also keeping cable protected, last thing you need is someone going arse over tits and blaming you.
Indeed - but I didn't know where the front door is. I do now. Convenient for the driver - yes! Maybe there's also a side door, so comments about the cable protector may make sense for that too.

[Macca]

Saw a Nissan Almira yesterday, on a P reg, seemingly in perfect condition. Also saw a Reliant Robin parked up, also on a P reg, looked like it had just come out of the showroom.

Anyone else noticed that the new Suzuki Swift is almost identical to the B&W Mini?

[walpurgis]

Saw a Nissan Almira yesterday, on a P reg, seemingly in perfect condition.

The 1.5 Almera is a very durable car. There are many older examples in this area.

Yesterday, I noticed an 'R' reg Volkswagen polo in shiny condition and mentioned it to my wife as we passed it. Volkswagens of that era were mechanically robust, but prone to rust for a while due to poor quality steel being used and iffy paintwork.

[Pigmy Pony]

Saw a Nissan Almira yesterday, on a P reg, seemingly in perfect condition. Also saw a
Reliant Robin parked up, also on a P reg, looked like it had just come out of the showroom.

Anyone else noticed that the new Suzuki Swift is almost identical to the B&W Mini?

Well done for saying it the right way round - people who call them Robin Reliants will be first against the wall when the revolution comes :(

[struth]

a del boy chariot.. batman and... you guessed it robin.


https://youtu.be/xknQtRcnT1Q

[Pieoftheday]

Indeed Dave I ordered a new Honda Rebel 500 bike…shame I’ve got to wait so long for it though :doh:

I would definitely go for another Prius, the outgoing model from 2016-2021/2. I would consider an EV or a Plug-in Hybrid but living in Portsmouth with no driveway I have no option but to go for a normal hybrid. The Prius is no longer available new in the UK but I’m hoping they will bring the new one in maybe 2023/24

I’ve decided I’d get much more fun from a new bike than changing the Prius. My Prius has just under 130,000 so theoretically it’s about half way through it’s life and I’m in no rush to change it really as it’s been 100% reliable. If repairs start to be too expensive I’ll chop it in sooner but so far after 6 years it’s cost me next to nothing to run/repair
Hope you get your bike Bev, apparently Honda are no longer taking orders for that model and some others as of 1st August

[Ninanina]

Hope you get your bike Bev, apparently Honda are no longer taking orders for that model and some others as of 1st August

James I didn’t know that, you’ve got me worried now so I think I’ll call my dealer tomorrow just to confirm my order will be fulfilled

I may call Honda as well just to make sure

It’s bad enough having to wait until December for it as I’m missing this lovely weather ☹️

[andyrlb]

Any Alfa Romeo fans on here ?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220805/2b7edd15bb70c94f56e6139b2c35ddd6.png


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Barry]

I believe Gary (Gazjam) drives an Alfa.

[Gazjam]

Any Alfa Romeo fans on here ?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220805/2b7edd15bb70c94f56e6139b2c35ddd6.png


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nice 159 SW!
Cream leather interior too, best colour combo with black.

Barry's spot on, Alfa nut here too.
Heres mine.

https://i.imgur.com/IqL1JTN.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/vOgv3lV.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/mgELOM0.jpeg

The dreaded Brera "condensation in the rear light cluster" problem kicking in, will get that sorted soon.
:thumbsup:

[andyrlb]

Nice 159 SW!
Cream leather interior too, best colour combo with black.

Barry's spot on, Alfa nut here too.
Heres mine.

https://i.imgur.com/IqL1JTN.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/vOgv3lV.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/mgELOM0.jpeg

The dreaded Brera "condensation in the real light cluster" problem kicking in, will get that sorted soon.

Very nice to Gary , I absolutely love mine , every trip is a trip and it’s never missed a beat in 12 months and sailed through the mot


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Pigmy Pony]

I believe Gary (Gazjam) drives an Alfa.

Yes he does. He had a long-running issue with some garage that was doing some mods on it. Which I think were resolved. His Alfa is a real beauty, sex on wheels.

[andyrlb]

Future classics I’m sure


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Barry]

The only thing that 'niggles' me about Alfas is the necessity for the number plate to be fitted to the kerbside on the front of the car. It spoils the looks.

[andyrlb]

The only thing that 'niggles' me about Alfas is the necessity for the number plate to be fitted to the kerbside on the front of the car. It spoils the looks.

I totally agree, like a mole on the most beautiful woman [emoji1787]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Pigmy Pony]

Has to go somewhere though. Can't go in the centre, that would really ruin its looks. You'd just have to move to one of those American states where a front plate isn't required.

[Firebottle]

I totally agree, like a mole on the most beautiful woman [emoji1787]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Isn't that called a beauty spot?



I'm covered in them..

[walpurgis]

I had an Alfa 33 many, many years ago. I loved the sound that flat four made when it got revving, silky smooth too with a lovely exhaust wail at speed. Nippy little bugger! :)

[Pigmy Pony]

Isn't that called a beauty spot?



I'm covered in them..

That's why you're so pretty. Like an older Chesney Hawkes :)

[andyrlb]

Isn't that called a beauty spot?



I'm covered in them..

Oops , luckily you’re not the most beautiful woman [emoji2]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Gazjam]

That's why you're so pretty. Like an older Chesney Hawkes :)

The one and only…

[struth]

That's why you're so pretty. Like an older Chesney Hawkes :)


chip hawkes' son:eyebrows:

[Pigmy Pony]

A Chip off the old block. Chocolate chip face.

[Pieoftheday]

James I didn’t know that, you’ve got me worried now so I think I’ll call my dealer tomorrow just to confirm my order will be fulfilled

I may call Honda as well just to make sure

It’s bad enough having to wait until December for it as I’m missing this lovely weather ☹️
Fingers crossed :)

[Barry]

Does anyone here have problems with spiders who live in the side mirrors? Regardless of whether the car is garaged or left outside, the side mirrors get covered in cobwebs. They don't obscure vision - but I do find the whispy remnants waving about when driving annoying. :doh:

Can anyone suggest a cure?

[andyrlb]

Does anyone here have problems with spiders who live in the side mirrors? Regardless of whether the car is garaged or left outside, the side mirrors get covered in cobwebs. They don't obscure vision - but I do find the whispy remnants waving about when driving annoying. :doh:

Can anyone suggest a cure?

+1 , if you quickly touch the web more than once ( resembling an insect ) mr spider will show himself, I never kill spiders though , got them on my van and car .


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[walpurgis]

Does anyone here have problems with spiders who live in the side mirrors? Regardless of whether the car is garaged or left outside, the side mirrors get covered in cobwebs. They don't obscure vision - but I do find the whispy remnants waving about when driving annoying. :doh:

Can anyone suggest a cure?

Use a can of compressed air (air duster) to blow them out, poking the extension tube into the small gap around the edges helps.

[Pigmy Pony]

+1 , if you quickly touch the web more than once ( resembling an insect ) mr spider will show himself, I never kill spiders though , got them on my van and car .


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No me neither, I always have a couple of small webs in the van. They don't bother me, I have my job to do, they have theirs.

[struth]

Use a can of compressed air (air duster) to blow them out, poking the extension tube into the small gap around the edges helps.

+1

[Barry]

Use a can of compressed air (air duster) to blow them out, poking the extension tube into the small gap around the edges helps.

Excellent suggestion, thanks Geoff. I have just bought a can of air duster, and will try out your idea when the temperature cools down.

Apropos 'luring' out the spiders, well I have done that in the past and moved them away, but the little buggers re-appear.

[walpurgis]

Used car prices seem to be creeping downwards slowly, I keep a regular eye on what's happening. Guess the dealers are not shifting enough and want more sales.

[Pigmy Pony]

Used car prices seem to be creeping downwards slowly, I keep a regular eye on what's happening. Guess the dealers are not shifting enough and want more sales.

Was it not new registration a couple of weeks ago? That would affect value of current stock.

Somebody once suggested New Car Registration Day should be a national holiday, so those that can't afford a new car can line the streets and wave at those that can :)

[struth]

i got just short of 7m/kwh on my return trip from livingston today.. rediculously good. :D

[walpurgis]

More nonsense, well it is the Express. https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/cars/1662666/fuel-saving-tips-petrol-station-hack-petrol-diesel-car-repair-costs-exclusive?utm_source=newsshowcase&utm_medium=gnews&utm_campaign=CDAqEAgAKgcICjD33fkKMJ7R5gIwl_Br&utm_content=rundown&gaa_at=g&gaa_n=ATKjfPGCQobp7u_iN7O_BYnxoBZ2Rb7sh4vdIEmuTDpL eZeG3sisBQx4kYJ_IiSnYsWhvWY6IyDMkA%3D%3D&gaa_ts=6311b422&gaa_sig=JNkKAeTjSCGehmRMcwe4HRHQQEryadRHQymvg3mNu-oh-6CI7XchSiIUJzTRp2rlaF5wp2EzJtIE9cLwwDLTxQ%3D%3D

To quote, "oil deposits and bad quality stuff which falls to the bottom of the fuel tank gets pumped around the vehicle for a prolonged period". That's just ridiculous.

[AJSki2fly]

More nonsense, well it is the Express. https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/cars/1662666/fuel-saving-tips-petrol-station-hack-petrol-diesel-car-repair-costs-exclusive?utm_source=newsshowcase&utm_medium=gnews&utm_campaign=CDAqEAgAKgcICjD33fkKMJ7R5gIwl_Br&utm_content=rundown&gaa_at=g&gaa_n=ATKjfPGCQobp7u_iN7O_BYnxoBZ2Rb7sh4vdIEmuTDpL eZeG3sisBQx4kYJ_IiSnYsWhvWY6IyDMkA%3D%3D&gaa_ts=6311b422&gaa_sig=JNkKAeTjSCGehmRMcwe4HRHQQEryadRHQymvg3mNu-oh-6CI7XchSiIUJzTRp2rlaF5wp2EzJtIE9cLwwDLTxQ%3D%3D

To quote, "oil deposits and bad quality stuff which falls to the bottom of the fuel tank gets pumped around the vehicle for a prolonged period". That's just ridiculous.

Complete and utter rubbish, the reporter and editor should be ashamed of themselves, pure scare mongering. If they did a proper investigative article on Supermarket Petrol quality and additives used backed with chemical analysis that might be more enlightening.

[struth]

more likely you'll have fuel in your engine oil ... sure there can be crap at bottom of a tank, but if you dont run it dry it wont circulate. if it does get sucked up it will block the filters and car vwill cease to go.

[Pieoftheday]

Indeed Dave I ordered a new Honda Rebel 500 bike…shame I’ve got to wait so long for it though :doh:

I would definitely go for another Prius, the outgoing model from 2016-2021/2. I would consider an EV or a Plug-in Hybrid but living in Portsmouth with no driveway I have no option but to go for a normal hybrid. The Prius is no longer available new in the UK but I’m hoping they will bring the new one in maybe 2023/24

I’ve decided I’d get much more fun from a new bike than changing the Prius. My Prius has just under 130,000 so theoretically it’s about half way through it’s life and I’m in no rush to change it really as it’s been 100% reliable. If repairs start to be too expensive I’ll chop it in sooner but so far after 6 years it’s cost me next to nothing to run/repair
Did the Rebel arrive yet?

[struth]

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/video/2022/sep/08/why-self-driving-cars-have-stalled-video

[Pigmy Pony]

A customer/pal of mine has just taken delivery of a brand new top spec C-HR, and is loving it. Replacing his newish model A-Class Merc which he says was agricultural by comparison.

He showed me his phone app, which tells him exactly where his car is at any given time and how long it was there. Clever stuff, but some might not be happy about that :eyebrows:

[struth]

A customer/pal of mine has just taken delivery of a brand new top spec C-HR, and is loving it. Replacing his newish model A-Class Merc which he says was agricultural by comparison.

He showed me his phone app, which tells him exactly where his car is at any given time and how long it was there. Clever stuff, but some might not be happy about that :eyebrows:

enjoyed my ch-r.. very good motor and lots of fun

[Macca]

A customer/pal of mine has just taken delivery of a brand new top spec C-HR, and is loving it. Replacing his newish model A-Class Merc which he says was agricultural by comparison.

He showed me his phone app, which tells him exactly where his car is at any given time and how long it was there. Clever stuff, but some might not be happy about that :eyebrows:

with it being his car, wouldn't he know that already? I mean it's not like putting the cat out for the night and wondering where it goes.

Hands up anyone who is not sure where his car is right now or how long it has been there?

[struth]

with it being his car, wouldn't he know that already? I mean it's not like putting the cat out for the night and wondering where it goes.

Hands up anyone who is not sure where his car is right now or how long it has been there?

well some family member may also drive it...

[Pigmy Pony]

Just if his wife shares the car and has the app on her phone. But there are probably plenty of other ways for your comings and goings to be recorded. With my old phone i could be working or visiting a particular address and Google would later ask me to rate some nearby cafe or pub. Busted!

[Macca]

well some family member may also drive it...

I suppose so. You could track the wife's journey to the shops and back, or something even less exciting.

Technology for the sake of it. Electric powered windows was the start of it.

[Pigmy Pony]

with it being his car, wouldn't he know that already? I mean it's not like putting the cat out for the night and wondering where it goes.

Hands up anyone who is not sure where his car is right now or how long it has been there?



I once drove my car to the local Spar shop but then walked back. For one terrible moment I thought my car had been nicked.

[Jimbo]

I remember parking in an NCP car park in a city and then not only forgot which floor I parked on I forgot which NCP car park I had parked in!

[struth]

I forgot where I parked car at Hampden in Glasgow during a world cup game. Took hrs of searching to find it. No tech then tho as it was 70s

[Pigmy Pony]

I suppose so. You could track the wife's journey to the shops and back, or something even less exciting.

Technology for the sake of it. Electric powered windows was the start of it.

No I think someone getting sick of shovelling horse shit started it.

[Jimbo]

I just went round each car park and every floor pressing my car key until I saw orange flashing lights. 😆

[Pigmy Pony]

I just went round each car park and every floor pressing my car key until I saw orange flashing lights. 😆

Well my car was a Mk. 2 Escort 1.1L with two flashing lights on one side and a single flashing light on the other side which flashed really quickly. And absolutely no need for an alarm.

[Jimbo]

Well my car was a Mk. 2 Escort 1.1L with two flashing lights on one side and a single flashing light on the other side which flashed really quickly. And absolutely no need for an alarm.

����

[Macca]

They do sound like the sort of things I would do if I had a car...

Okay you've convinced me. I'm in.

[Pigmy Pony]

I once managed to lock my car (Mk. 5 Cortina) with the keys inside at Manchester airport. An off duty copper showed me how to get in it with a bit of plastic strapping off a pallet.

I've no idea why he would be going round with that in his pocket, and I didn't like to ask. Maybe he wasn't really police ;) But it got me out of a bind.

[Pigmy Pony]

I am reminded of the time (would have been late 80s) we went to see Pink Floyd at Manchester Maine Road. Some feral-looking kids offered to keep an eye on our car for a fiver. Yeah right... My mate tore a fiver in two and gave the kid half, with a promise to give the other half upon our return. It worked.

[walpurgis]

I managed to lock the keys in my Citroen 2CV with the engine running in about 1980. I used the coathanger dodge as the doors were so floppy it was easy! :)

Loved that car, it went everywhere dependably, if slowly. Comfortable too and at nearly 60mog I wasn't complaining.

[Pigmy Pony]

Great little cars, so simple and just got on with it. 600cc iirc. Not a torque monster though - Once in the far north of Scotland four of us set off to the pub in one. Two of us had to get out and walk at one point where the gradient was a bit challenging.

[Macca]

I am reminded of the time (would have been late 80s) we went to see Pink Floyd at Manchester Maine Road. Some feral-looking kids offered to keep an eye on our car for a fiver. Yeah right... My mate tore a fiver in two and gave the kid half, with a promise to give the other half upon our return. It worked.

You used to get that when parking at Anfield. Don't know if you still do. It was only ten bob to 'Mind your car, mister' back then (1970s) though. Feral kids now probably millionaires living on the Wirral.

[Pigmy Pony]

You used to get that when parking at Anfield. Don't know if you still do. It was only ten bob to 'Mind your car, mister' back then (1970s) though. Feral kids now probably millionaires living on the Wirral.

Steven Gerrard might have been one of those kids. He has that look.

[Macca]

Steven Gerrard might have been one of those kids. He has that look.

Think his family lived way out in Formby, actually quite a posh area, but yes he does have the scouse look.

[struth]

Think his family lived way out in Formby, actually quite a posh area, but yes he does have the scouse look.

he came from whiston

[Macca]

he came from whiston

Even posher then.

[struth]

Even posher then.Think I've been there.

[Macca]

my mother went there for her first covid jab.

Think I might have been there back in the 1970s but not sure why.

[dave2010]

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/video/2022/sep/08/why-self-driving-cars-have-stalled-video
19/31 Tesla automated crashes fatal. Not good!

[AJSki2fly]

19/31 Tesla automated crashes fatal. Not good!

Crap report, full FSD on a Tesla is NOT available in the UK and restricted un the US to only specific individuals as it is under test. The article is not factually correct in various aspects and seems to be seeking sensationalism rather than factual reporting. It is currently accepted in the motor industry that autonomous driving cars are not there yet.

[struth]

not sure what the country has to do with the report. america is mostly ahead of us..

[dave2010]

my mother went there for her first covid jab.

Think I might have been there back in the 1970s but not sure why.When I was “on the buses” some of the routes went by Whiston I think, and maybe Rainford and Prescot.

[dave2010]

Are most new cars sold in the UK now automatic?

[struth]

Are most new cars sold in the UK now automatic?I think last year 54% were autos . First time I think.

[rmcin626]

Spending a couple of hours at Audi Glasgow, while the car is serviced

[struth]

Had son at hospital and got pretty decent mileage.
Gotta go out again in pm too.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220913/ebc0f62c193731615fab6ba049b4e7a8.jpg

[Pigmy Pony]

I think last year 54% were autos . First time I think.

Don't EVs count as automatic? That would contribute to the increase significantly.

Until 2 years ago I had never driven an auto. Now my van and the car are both autos. I would never go back to a manual. Anyway, Mrs. P's Morton's Neuroma and a plastic bone replacing one of her toes, makes not needing to use left foot a big deal nowadays.

[struth]

Don't EVs count as automatic? That would contribute to the increase significantly.

Until 2 years ago I had never driven an auto. Now my van and the car are both autos. I would never go back to a manual. Anyway, Mrs. P's Morton's Neuroma and a plastic bone replacing one of her toes, makes not needing to use left foot a big deal nowadays.

i think evs technically dont have a gearbox. just a motor that goes forwards and backwards depending on voltage.. but i would agree it should be deemed an auto as a cvt is

[dave2010]

i think evs technically dont have a gearbox. just a motor that goes forwards and backwards depending on voltage.. but i would agree it should be deemed an auto as a cvt isI have driven automatics on and off now for not quite half a century. I can’t understand why anyone would not want to drive an automatic car, or alternatively, why anyone would want to drive a stick shift car. However, we do still have one, but it hardly gets used. The EVs we have effectively only have a fixed ratio drive train, though some really fast EVs do also have an automatic gearbox. There is no real need for a gearbox for cars up to 100 mph.

What is really good about some EVs is the regenerative braking, which with very slight practice make one foot driving very simple. I don’t actually see why the same techniques can’t be applied even to ICE hybrids. Not all EVs are as good in this respect though. The Tesla Model 3 is good, the Renault ZOe somewhat less so.

Recently I’ve been driving a Toyota C-HR automatic, which is quite nice, and making me wonder whether I should buy one, or something similar (perhaps preferably a plug-in hybrid), and re-establish my green credentials by having air source heat pumps installed at home instead of the oil boiler, and using the money from the sale of my Tesla Model 3 for that. Yes - it’s not quite as quiet as a full EV, but it’s quite easy to drive. However, the sat nav is about the crappiest I’ve ever come across, far worse that the one in our earlier Toyota Prius. Re crappiness, a fairly recent article in the Guardian suggested that I’m not the only person to think that Tesla’s customer service is about as shitty (or at least as non-existent) as it’s possible to get.

[struth]

I have driven automatics on and off now for not quit half a century. I can’t understand why anyone would not want to drive an automatic car, or alternatively, why anyone would want to drive a stick shift car. However, we do still have one, but it hardly gets used. The EVs we have effectively only have a fixed ratio drive train, though some really fast EVs do also have an automatic gearbox. There is no real need for a gearbox for cars up to 100 mph.

What is really good about some EVs is the regenerative braking, which with very slight practice make one foot driving very simple. I don’t actually see why the same techniques can’t be applied even to ICE hybrids. Not all EVs are as good in this respect though. The Tesla Model 3 is good, the Renault ZOe somewhat less so.

Recently I’ve been driving a Toyota C-HR automatic, which is quite nice, and making me wonder whether I should buy one, or something similar (perhaps preferably a plug-in hybrid), and re-establish my green credentials by having air source heat pumps installed at home instead of the oil boiler, and using the money from the sale of my Tesla Model 3 for that. Yes - it’s not quite asc quiet as a full EV, but it’s quit easy to drive. However, the sat nav is about the crappiest I’ve ever come across, far worse that the one I’m our earlier Toyota Prius. Re crappiness, a fairly recent article in the Guardian suggested that I’m not the only person to think that Tesla’s customer service is about as shitty (or at least as non-existent) as it’s possible to get.


the ch-r is a cvt, or was... as im sure you know.. yes its a great motor to drive and has decent fuel economy. i got 53/ 63 depending on weather etc. good on snow too.
ive driven autos too for about 50 yrs.. in fact i learned to drive initially in a 3.5l v8 rover 3 gear auto.. lol

[dave2010]

Here is John Naughton’s article in the Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/sep/10/tesla-gave-us-tech-on-wheels-so-how-come-it-forgot-to-include-the-service-centres

[dave2010]

I noted the distinction between automatic transmissions and CVTs, so I checked. As far as I’m concerned they are both automatic transmissions, and from the point of view of the driver almost the same thing, as there no need to change gear, de clutch - clutch etc, thus taking a cognitive load off the driver, which can be beneficial for safety reasons. Here is an article about CVTs and transmissions - https://www.caranddriver.com/research/a31517125/cvt-transmission-vs-automatic-quick-guide/

Way back I remember DAF producing vehicles with CVTs - and we joked about them being driven by rubber bands - which perhaps wasn’t completely far from the truth. Modern CVTs are more sophisticated and more robust, though there are several types and designs. The article also links to other articles explaining the differences between the different types of CVT. EVs have no need to make use of any form of variable transmission, unless they operate over a very wide speed range

[Ali Tait]

Don't EVs count as automatic? That would contribute to the increase significantly.

Until 2 years ago I had never driven an auto. Now my van and the car are both autos. I would never go back to a manual. Anyway, Mrs. P's Morton's Neuroma and a plastic bone replacing one of her toes, makes not needing to use left foot a big deal nowadays.

Yes agree, for a daily driver auto makes much more sense. Not that I’d have the choice, my car only comes in auto form. My last three cars have been auto out of choice though.

If I was to buy a weekend fun car though, I’d choose manual for that.

[struth]

i think toyota's cvt's were rated as the best at one time. it has improved since the days of the early micras for sure...

[Pigmy Pony]

Yes, Anita misses the increased driver involvement that a manual gives. But the S60 is no slouch imo, and enough to make overtaking a hoot. She's more bothered about this kind of thing though. She does all the driving.

I'm not fussed personally as I still have the 2 wheels for fun. Though even that is not what it was as my joints get older.

[dave2010]

This guy’s videos are well worth watching : https://www.weber.edu/automotive/J_Kelly.html

If you look on YT you can find several of his strip down videos - for example of Toyota Prius transmissions as well as Tesla motors.

[dave2010]

Re driver involvement I’d really rather not have the bother of gears, but I noticed that I fatigue quite rapidly on some motorways but more tricky “ordinary” roads with bends and junctions and other traffic are more likely to keep me awake and hopefully driving well enough.

[Pigmy Pony]

Whenever we have driven in France the difference in journey times between autoroutes (motorways) and 'lesser' roads is quite marked. In this country not so much so.

Probably partly due to the construction of 'smart' motorways and all the contraflows, roadworks and traffic queues that go with it, and partly because our motorways are free to use, meaning people will use them even for journeys of less than 10 miles. In France such short trips are not worth the faff and toll costs.

When driving up to Barnard Castle a couple of weeks ago we used the M6 up to Tebay and cut across from there. On our return trip the sat nav kept us off the motorway for the whole trip (maybe an accident or something). It was a much more interesting run, and helped keep us alert. And even allowing for a 30 minute stop for a very nice cooked breakfast at a roadside cafe we "discovered" near Skipton, the journey time was less than ten minutes longer.

So I would say that giving motorways two fingers whenever possible is better for mental health, possibly fuel economy, and local businesses too. But not if everybody did it, so keep it to yourself :)

[walpurgis]

Well I saw that coming. Electric cars no longer the cheap to run option.

https://news.sky.com/story/cost-of-charging-an-electric-car-surges-by-42-caused-by-rise-in-energy-costs-12705528

[Pigmy Pony]

Well I saw that coming. Electric cars no longer the cheap to run option.

https://news.sky.com/story/cost-of-charging-an-electric-car-surges-by-42-caused-by-rise-in-energy-costs-12705528

Oh no that will not do.

So what's the solution?

a. Government subsidise the cost of charging away from home to make evs viable.
b. Make petrol and diesel more expensive.

I wonder which they'll go for?

Governments don't have a good track record with this sort of thing. I remember when diesel was WAY cheaper than petrol. Until the popularity of diesel cars surged.

[struth]

thats if you only use fast public charging. home charging is still a fair bit cheaper, even with increases. also there are other costs to compare i guess. the drop in sales of ev's is partly due to lack of availability too.

[Macca]

thats if you only use fast public charging. home charging is still a fair bit cheaper, even with increases. also there are other costs to compare i guess. the drop in sales of ev's is partly due to lack of availability too.

This true, we are having problems at work sourcing new vehicles both ICE and electric, it's actually holding the business back.

[archiesdad]

Off down to York area this weekend, a mega meet with the Honda S2000 group, Saturday a days driving followed by lots of beer etc, lazy day Sunday with lots of chat.

[Macca]

Had a brand new fully electric DAF 14 tonner delivered to work this week. Cost £340K!

[struth]

Had a brand new fully electric DAF 14 tonner delivered to work this week. Cost £340K!

sounds a bit steep... betting battery cost most of that

[Macca]

sounds a bit steep... betting battery cost most of that

I guess - it looks just like an ordinary 14T

[Firebottle]

Jeeez, that's the price of a house.

[Macca]

Jeeez, that's the price of a house.

Yes I was shocked too. If you'd ask me to guess I've have said a hundred grand.

[struth]

Yes I was shocked too. If you'd ask me to guess I've have said a hundred grand.

mileage and maintanence costs should be quite a bit lower; especially with diesel so pricy and getting harder to get by day. it must add up or they wouldnt do it.. may well get a voucher from govt too

[Pigmy Pony]

Yes I was shocked too. If you'd ask me to guess I've have said a hundred grand.

My mate's last tipper truck cost his boss north of £150k. That was two years ago, and not electric. Apart from the heated massaging seat. And everything has gone dearer since then.

[Pigmy Pony]

mileage and maintanence costs should be quite a bit lower; especially with diesel so pricy and getting harder to get by day. it must add up or they wouldnt do it.. may well get a voucher from govt too

Hope they can cope with long distances, last thing you need is those buggers sat on our smart motorways' non-existent hard shoulders with dead batteries.

[Pigmy Pony]

On the M6 coming back from Stoke I found myself idly wondering if there are any new cars which could become classics in the future. Couldn't think of any. I mean, there are enthusiasts' clubs for pretty much everything made in the 50s 60s and 70s, Triumph Heralds, Cortinas, Minis, even BL offerings like Morris Marinas and Ausin Allegros, which were always crap even back then.

Can't see anyone getting nostalgic about a Qashqai or a Kia Sportage.

[Macca]

You're right. Although in the far future maybe any surviving ICE car will be a collector's item?

Can see the original Tesla becoming collectable. Also the Toyota Prius.

[CageyH]

On the M6 coming back from Stoke I found myself idly wondering if there are any new cars which could become classics in the future. Couldn't think of any. I mean, there are enthusiasts' clubs for pretty much everything made in the 50s 60s and 70s, Triumph Heralds, Cortinas, Minis, even BL offerings like Morris Marinas and Ausin Allegros, which were always crap even back then.

Can't see anyone getting nostalgic about a Qashqai or a Kia Sportage.

The high end sports cars, also things like the Yaris GR, GT-R, Audi R8, BMW Z4, Intégra Type R, Ford Puma(?), Elise, RX8, C63 AMG, Focus and Fiesta ST, Renault CUP/RS models.

[struth]

you'd be surprised what may constitute a classic in future years. the lowly kona has a lot of followers;; battery and the 'R' ice both. it just takes someone to start a club and hey presto it can become a classic.
i mean the allegro was a classic piece of shit to me but some seem to love them

[walpurgis]

the allegro was a classic piece of shit to me but some seem to love them

I've seen that said a few times. I liked the Allegro myself, I found it reliable, economical and dead easy to maintain, not particularly prone to rust either. The 1100 that I had was better handling more comfortable and nippier than the BMW 316 that had preceded it.

[walpurgis]

On the M6 coming back from Stoke I found myself idly wondering if there are any new cars which could become classics in the future. Couldn't think of any.

Modern cars are the equivalent of 'white goods' and I doubt there are many Classic modern washing machines or vacuum cleaners.

[struth]

Modern cars are the equivalent of 'white goods' and I doubt there are many Classic modern washing machines or vacuum cleaners.

im betting my kona is a better motor than an allegro lol. mind you it wouldn't be hard....

[Pigmy Pony]

you'd be surprised what may constitute a classic in future years. the lowly kona has a lot of followers;; battery and the 'R' ice both. it just takes someone to start a club and hey presto it can become a classic.
i mean the allegro was a classic piece of shit to me but some seem to love them

But that radiator grille made it look like a baby Rolls Royce. And if you were prepared to throw good money after bad you could get a car that talked to you. Might have been an Austin Princess iirc.

[Pigmy Pony]

Modern cars are the equivalent of 'white goods' and I doubt there are many Classic modern washing machines or vacuum cleaners.

You can get a Henry or Hetty hoover with a face on it. And you could make a beard for it from carpet fluff and glue. that would give it some character. Especially if it was a Hetty.
https://media.currys.biz/i/currysprod/10211468?$l-large$&fmt=auto

[struth]

the coop had a big daimler limo.. was a cracker of a motor and mostly used for weddings and funerals. had a shot of it just befor it got retired. it was a lump; thats best i can say about it really. nice to sit in and be driven about tho

[Pigmy Pony]

Chocolate brown Mini Rolls

https://fsautomoveis.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Vander-Plas-001-1.jpg

A true classic right there, and a thing of beauty. Six cylinders, DOHC 24 valves, engine is 24" wide! I'd have one of those in a heartbeat. Shame it's hiding behind that ugly pig of a car...

[Macca]

But that radiator grille made it look like a baby Rolls Royce. And if you were prepared to throw good money after bad you could get a car that talked to you. Might have been an Austin Princess iirc.

you only got the Rolls Royce grill on the Allegro if you forked out for the Vanden Plas model.

The talking car was the Austin Maestro but IIRC they scrapped the feature pretty early on due to poor customer feedback. It got on people's nerves, basically.

[struth]

lol.. can imagine folk wouldnt be ready for that then.. maybe not yet

[Pigmy Pony]

The sat nav voice in our Volvo gets right on my wick - she's very polite, says please a lot, but talks way too much and turns down my CD when doing it. A lot like Mrs. P, but without the politeness and saying please bits. And it's only my CDs that get turned down :(

[struth]

The sat nav voice in our Volvo gets right on my wick - she's very polite, says please a lot, but talks way too much and turns down my CD when doing it. A lot like Mrs. P, but without the politeness and saying please bits. And it's only my CDs that get turned down :(

should be a setting to stop that.. it annoys the pish out me too. think i just turned the voice prompt off. it comes up on sreen anyway

[Barry]

The voice of my Garmin is the same female voice that was used on my old Tom Tom. I don't think it is the same voice as used on my Audi in-car sat nav, but I don't use that - much preferring the Garmin.

Whoever the voice is - I call her "Mavis".

[Pigmy Pony]

The voice of my Garmin is the same female voice that was used on my old Tom Tom. I don't think it is the same voice as used on my Audi in-car sat nav, but I don't use that - much preferring the Garmin.

Whoever the voice is - I call her "Mavis".

You should hear what Mavis calls you :ner: Her and Doris (the Google Maps lady) compare clients, (and the odd places they're asked to go to) and when they get together they're like two fish wives. I have that on good authority from Derek the iPhone sat nav man.

[Macca]

You should hear what Mavis calls you :ner: Her and Doris (the Google Maps lady) compare clients, (and the odd places they're asked to go to) and when they get together they're like two fish wives. I have that on good authority from Derek the iPhone sat nav man.

It's all fine until that bloke from 'This vehicle is reversing' shows up. He just says the same thing over and over again, drives them mad.

[Barry]

Or even worse: "Reversing, Reversing, Reversing, .... "!

[Pigmy Pony]

I'd have one that says "Get back ya bastard, I'll break yer legs!"

[Macca]

I'd have one that says "Get back ya bastard, I'll break yer legs!"

Phoenix Nights.

[Barry]

You should hear what Mavis calls you :ner: Her and Doris (the Google Maps lady) compare clients, (and the odd places they're asked to go to) and when they get together they're like two fish wives. I have that on good authority from Derek the iPhone sat nav man.

"Mavis" stands for Misleading AdVice Intended (to) Surprise. All three of my satnavs are/were misleading in one way or another.

[Stranraer]

Phoenix Nights.

Quality, but for me not as funny as the Fire Marshall episode which they had to end with an apology to a Mr Keith Laird who definitely was NOT attracted to dogs...........

[Pigmy Pony]

Quality, but for me not as funny as the Fire Marshall episode which they had to end with an apology to a Mr Keith Laird who definitely was NOT attracted to dogs...........

"It's a dog! He's drawing a dog!"

https://www.bing.com/th?id=OIP._crzf7cawWMjt3OyYAu0_gHaEb&w=188&h=94&c=2&o=6&pid=SupCap

[Stranraer]

"It's a dog! He's drawing a dog!"

https://www.bing.com/th?id=OIP._crzf7cawWMjt3OyYAu0_gHaEb&w=188&h=94&c=2&o=6&pid=SupCap

:rfl::rfl::rfl::rfl::rfl:

[Barry]

What are you lot talking about? :scratch:

[Macca]

What are you lot talking about? :scratch:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVx9KJwpdXE



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0EgexCjH1k

[Pigmy Pony]

I've just moved the Fireblade into next door's garage temporarily, to make space in ours for kitchen crap. Recently I had considered selling it, but after seeing a space in the garage where the Blade used to be filled me with such sadness I don't think I could ever part with it. Even though I get so little use out of it - this is how I imagine Anita would feel about me when I'm gone.

[Firebottle]

Even though I get so little use out of it - this is how I imagine Anita would feel about me when I'm gone.

:lolsign: