January 2025
I am outraged at the suggestion that older drivers retake their tests. They are without a doubt the safest and most law abiding sector of the driving community. The real problems are the drivers under 25 who drive as if all the demons of hell are chasing them, have little or no respect for other road users and mainly drive Audis or older BMWs. One only has to drive along any UK motorway to see those driving at far above the speed limit and very few if any are elderly. The older drivers may be a little slower but with town speed limits of 20mph they are the only ones who tend to obey.
Lets stop demonising the elderly drivers, the government are already on a crusade to penalise pensioners wherever they can.... Read more
Long anticipated first time in and drive today of the new Renault 5.
I wanted one before I saw it, and that desire has now increased.
I’ve only driven it for 20 minutes, in a test track environment, but I’ll be spending longer in one in February.
I think it’s a design joy, with enough details to recall the original 5, but not so much to be a pastiche of the 1970’s classic.
More impression to come in time. Read more
Forget to add as a side note, I called into the hell hole that is Cobham services last night for a charge - the place was rammed.
As I pulled onto a charger, the car in front was an identical, yellow, Renault 5 - a colleague on his way back from a different dealer.
Two minutes later, another one arrived - another colleague who’d left the same dealership as me but had chosen, independently, the same place to charge.
That did create a bit of attention, three, identical new Renault 5’s on charge and in a line.
I thought I would start a discussion and see where it goes...lol
... Read more
First thought was a Mk1 Lada, since my 40 quid example had a great toolkit (still have some of the spanners, though most of it was knicked), a starting handle, and fully reclining seats for that wait in the anteroom to the apocalypse/
But it seems its out of budget
My car will be six years old in June 2025 and I plan to get it MOT'd and serviced at the same time. It will have done approx. 21000 miles by then. I have considered having the timing belt changed but there is conflicting information as to whether this is needed. It would appear that VAG, owners of SEAT, are now recommending changing it every 15 years or 180,000 miles. This concerns me given some of the horror stories I have read concerning rubber belts. Your advice would be appreciated Read more
Thanks. Yes my son received a letter from Honda telling him that it was going to be replaced for free only to be told a few months later that the letter had been sent out incorrectly, along with many others. He was disappointed to say the least. Not Honda’s finest moment. I would imagine many people just won’t have it done or they’ll just try to move the car on before the belt change is needed.
Looking as ever for that elusive car for a potential replacement for the Korando.
First, went to Mazda.. CX30 Seating too low and not as nice (comfortable) as the Korando, didn't test drive.... Read more
Friend with an F type to to replace his xjs 2010 called around. His sil was a jlr tech and has access to the diagnostic kit.
That was comfy and a nice place to be in....
Went with a fiend to look at one, for him to replace an ageing VX Zafira .
Definetly looks nice, but drivers seat far too cramped for 6'2" me, (not that I was interested.... Read more
He has never expressed an opinion on the position of the B pillars on the Touran or the 1st gen Seat Leon he had before, neither of which have particularly long front doors. The main thing for him seems to be limited steering wheel adjustment. ...
This comment - 'Sadly it was also a commercial flop, seems people in general shy away from clever cars' - set me thinking; good topic for a pub debate? I shall start with my own reliable well engineered 'good...flop' - a 1980 onwards Triumph TR7 DHC! Not sure what suggest as a bad car which sold lots - Morris Marina? Read more
Heard that plans may be motion to import the Electric version of the Tata city car. Privately imported the cost is sub £10000.
But another brand that got a lot of hype but started a new way of buying cars was the Daewoo. ...
I bet I'll get loads of replies say why I am thinking of replacing what many say is a brilliant car/engine !
I have a 2005 Passat PD100 estate, 120k miles, only cost me £1200. The boot is massive and great for our two dogs and carrying stuff.... Read more
Nissan Elgrand?
SWMBO has reclaimed her car (Leo the Leaf) because it has isofix in the front passenger seat and mini swmbo likes to be beside mum whilst being chauffeured around, so I am now back to using the C class for commuting purposes and I’m really missing the Leaf for its simplicity and running costs and I’ve been looking at used examples where many a bargain lurks.
Seems that the rear end has fallen out of the used EV market, particularly the Leaf so there are many stupidly cheap cars about. I can get a sensible mileage 4yr old big battery 62kwh example from Cinch for around £11k or a private sale 40kwh car for much less. It is tempting despite the £3k loss I’d take on the Merc. I’d save around £2k a year on fuel.
www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412287582428 Read more
<< I suspect it very much depends upon the design and build quality of the panels and related equipment (and the quality of the installer can make a difference too), plus how much damage the panels get from the weather (including debris from nearby trees hitting them) and local wildlife.>>
I have the advantage of living in a bungalow and the panels are arrayed facing a small flat roof, so I can occasionally give them a wipe over with a squeezy floor mop. Also worth remembering just now that if snow settles on the panels output drops to zero :-)...
Hi all, any advice on the following options would be greatly appreciated.
I currently have a Volvo XC60 B4 mild hybrid, just short of two years old. I like Volvos (this is my second) but I have concerns about their long term reliability, so I was planning on changing it next year before the warranty expires. I have retired now and don’t want to be changing cars every three years, so I was thinking about switching to a Lexus NX and taking advantage of the long warranty. ... Read more
As someone famously (and IMHO very wisely) once said: "The more they overtake the plumbing, the easier it is to stop up the drain."...
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No-I wasn’t . A year before I took my vehicle to its original dealer for an MOT and on collection the service manager said they’d included a basic health check as part of the inspection.
I would have happily paid for this check if it had been offered as indeed I would have a year later when the car went in for an MOT and oil change.
Yes-this is my fault for not clarifying .
I wasn’t ripped off but I’ve learned my lesson