The Car thread

[Crinklyfox 1,978]

13 hours ago, tom27111 said:

Buying a brand new car is one of the most ridiculous things you can do financially, in my opinion. 

 

Buying a nearly new motor,  just 12 to 18 months old can save you up to 50 or 60% depending on what you want.

I used to think that way Tom and I'm still amazed that some people seem to buy a new car every year then part exchange it the next year, the depreciation must be horrific.  But I now have a different car buying philosophy.  I used to aim for cars that were a couple of years old so they'd still be in good condition but were significantly less expensive than new but found mostly that they were in dealers for nearly new prices.  So I changed to buying new cars and then running them as long as I could, taking care to keep them regularly serviced.  My current car is a 14 year old Honda Civic ES.  It's worked out at about £1000 per annum on depreciation which isn't too bad.

[tom27111 3,034]

1 hour ago, Crinklyfox said:

I used to think that way Tom and I'm still amazed that some people seem to buy a new car every year then part exchange it the next year, the depreciation must be horrific.  But I now have a different car buying philosophy.  I used to aim for cars that were a couple of years old so they'd still be in good condition but were significantly less expensive than new but found mostly that they were in dealers for nearly new prices.  So I changed to buying new cars and then running them as long as I could, taking care to keep them regularly serviced.  My current car is a 14 year old Honda Civic ES.  It's worked out at about £1000 per annum on depreciation which isn't too bad.

That's the most financially viable way of doing it.

 

Service a car regularly and they go on and on.

 

I've taken a fair few in part exchange that have done enough miles to drive to the moon, they've all had one thing in common, a great service history 👍

[Jon the Hat 4,362]

Bought my Discovery 4 5 years ago when it was five years old.  Depreciation £2k per year, repairs and servicing about £5-6k, fuel about £50k, but bloody love it.  Would only change it for a 2016 one.  No interest in disco 5 or new defender.

[BroughtonFox 144]

Glow plug light came on flashing a few days ago on my Audi A3 and now it’s gone into slow mode. Took it to the local garage Christmas Eve and they said it was the EGR Valve that needs replacing which costs £280 but with the labour it would cost £800+ 

 

anyone experienced to know if this is correct? The part price I can cope with but the labour charge seems a bit much 

 

now debating wether it’s time for a new car or try and find somewhere that can do it cheaper.

[Countryfox 8,459]

10 minutes ago, BroughtonFox said:

Glow plug light came on flashing a few days ago on my Audi A3 and now it’s gone into slow mode. Took it to the local garage Christmas Eve and they said it was the EGR Valve that needs replacing which costs £280 but with the labour it would cost £800+ 

 

anyone experienced to know if this is correct? The part price I can cope with but the labour charge seems a bit much 

 

now debating wether it’s time for a new car or try and find somewhere that can do it cheaper.

Get another quote ..  or even two ...  

[Bellend Sebastian 2,192]

23 minutes ago, BroughtonFox said:

Glow plug light came on flashing a few days ago on my Audi A3 and now it’s gone into slow mode. Took it to the local garage Christmas Eve and they said it was the EGR Valve that needs replacing which costs £280 but with the labour it would cost £800+ 

 

anyone experienced to know if this is correct? The part price I can cope with but the labour charge seems a bit much 

 

now debating wether it’s time for a new car or try and find somewhere that can do it cheaper.

Ouch. Sounds like quite a common issue, and although I can find examples of folk being charged quite a bit more (£1600 by one main dealer, apparently) still worth shopping around, I'd have thought

[The Bear 3,893]

That's bullshit for the Labour costs. It doesn't take that much or that long to take them off. My mate at work has an older car with an EGR and he took his off and it was coated black! He cleaned it himself and put it back on and it was fine. 

 

If you can find a mate or local garage who'll take it off and clean it for you it may be a lot cheaper. 

Edited 26 December 2020 by The Bear

[tom27111 3,034]

48 minutes ago, The Bear said:

That's bullshit for the Labour costs. It doesn't take that much or that long to take them off. My mate at work has an older car with an EGR and he took his off and it was coated black! He cleaned it himself and put it back on and it was fine. 

 

If you can find a mate or local garage who'll take it off and clean it for you it may be a lot cheaper. 

This. A quick Google search says it not a lengthy or complicated job.

[stix 1,063]

5 hours ago, BroughtonFox said:

Glow plug light came on flashing a few days ago on my Audi A3 and now it’s gone into slow mode. Took it to the local garage Christmas Eve and they said it was the EGR Valve that needs replacing which costs £280 but with the labour it would cost £800+ 

 

anyone experienced to know if this is correct? The part price I can cope with but the labour charge seems a bit much 

 

now debating wether it’s time for a new car or try and find somewhere that can do it cheaper.

Even at an Audi/VW independent that Labour quote is around 10 hours Labour. Hawking would have gotten it done quicker than that. 

[pSinatra 2,585]

I've changed the EGR on an Audi A3.  It can depend on the layout of your engine.  Mine was situated at the front of the engine, but I have seen them tucked away.

 

Once you've located it, you'll see what bolts hold it together.  It's easy, but one or two of the bolts are a bit tricky to get to.  I did start with the intention of cleaning it & putting it back, but I just went out & bought a new one.  

 

The new EGR valve came with a choice of blanking plates.  You can blank off the valve, but I didn't bother.  I don't think it causes any mechanical problems but you may upset a sensor & have to live with a warning light.

 

If there's anything I can do myself, I will.  So, I've done a fair amount of DIY mechanics on various cars/vans.  Audi's are awful for getting to stuff

[BroughtonFox 144]

Seems like a tricky situation then I’ll try ringing round a few more places tomorrow. Only trouble I have is driving is the only form of transport I can use to get to work and no coworkers live anywhere near me so I’m needing it fixed by the 4th of Jan. 
 

Thanks all.

[Leicester_Loyal 5,396]

Time to get this thread going. Favourite cars, ones you shouldn't have sold, ones that got away, anything really.

 

 

Integra DC2, one of my favourite cars, but the prices have gone right up in the past few years, not sure I'll ever get one now.

 

 

Civic Type R EP3 - Was a choice between this and a Clio 182 about 3 years ago, I went with the Clio because the insurance was half the price and the parts were a lot cheaper. I've always wanted to scratch the VTEC itch ever since.

 

 

M135i - Always fancied one but they're a bit too pricey for me, especially whilst trying to save for a house. I've got a strong feeling I'll be getting one in the next couple of years. 322hp, rear wheel drive and a lovely interior, what's not to like.

 

 

Golf MK2 - Always wanted one, even as my first car, but the maintenance would have been quite a lot for a 17 year old lad. A couple of years later the prices went up and they've carried on going up ever since.

 

 

Lotus Elise - Another silly car, not sure why but always fancied one, reckon I'll get one eventually as a weekend car.

Last but not least Clio V6 - 3 litre engine, absolutely bonkers, but I doubt I'll ever even get to go in one nevermind own one.

 

[Umbungo78 14]

2 minutes ago, Leicester_Loyal said:

Time to get this thread going. Favourite cars, ones you shouldn't have sold, ones that got away, anything really.

 

 

Integra DC2, one of my favourite cars, but the prices have gone right up in the past few years, not sure I'll ever get one now.

 

 

Civic Type R EP3 - Was a choice between this and a Clio 182 about 3 years ago, I went with the Clio because the insurance was half the price and the parts were a lot cheaper. I've always wanted to scratch the VTEC itch ever since.

 

 

M135i - Always fancied one but they're a bit too pricey for me, especially whilst trying to save for a house. I've got a strong feeling I'll be getting one in the next couple of years. 322hp, rear wheel drive and a lovely interior, what's not to like.

 

 

Golf MK2 - Always wanted one, even as my first car, but the maintenance would have been quite a lot for a 17 year old lad. A couple of years later the prices went up and they've carried on going up ever since.

 

 

Lotus Elise - Another silly car, not sure why but always fancied one, reckon I'll get one eventually as a weekend car.

Last but not least Clio V6 - 3 litre engine, absolutely bonkers, but I doubt I'll ever even get to go in one nevermind own one.

 

A mates got an integra dc2 in yellow, been on the front of loads of jap car porn mags, they just keep on appreciating...... I've got a scirocco R which has held its value well since they stopped making them. Hoping to see the same increase in value as the Honda as they have quite the fan club 

[potter3 357]

11 hours ago, Leicester_Loyal said:

Time to get this thread going. Favourite cars, ones you shouldn't have sold, ones that got away, anything really.

 

 

Integra DC2, one of my favourite cars, but the prices have gone right up in the past few years, not sure I'll ever get one now.

 

 

Civic Type R EP3 - Was a choice between this and a Clio 182 about 3 years ago, I went with the Clio because the insurance was half the price and the parts were a lot cheaper. I've always wanted to scratch the VTEC itch ever since.

 

 

M135i - Always fancied one but they're a bit too pricey for me, especially whilst trying to save for a house. I've got a strong feeling I'll be getting one in the next couple of years. 322hp, rear wheel drive and a lovely interior, what's not to like.

 

 

Golf MK2 - Always wanted one, even as my first car, but the maintenance would have been quite a lot for a 17 year old lad. A couple of years later the prices went up and they've carried on going up ever since.

 

 

Lotus Elise - Another silly car, not sure why but always fancied one, reckon I'll get one eventually as a weekend car.

Last but not least Clio V6 - 3 litre engine, absolutely bonkers, but I doubt I'll ever even get to go in one nevermind own one.

 

 

Had a 98 Spec DC2 back in the day (rocker cover courtesy of the previous owner ). Best car I've ever owned and really wish I didn't sell it, but unfortunately it had some rust issues I couldn't afford to keep on top while I was at uni. Keep looking at another now (or a DC5) but as you say, prices have gone a bit mental in the past few years.

 

Looked at a few Civics to scratch that itch but most examples of EP3s seem to be either pretty ropey, or horribly overpriced. Everyone shits on the FN2 but I was pleasantly surprised by the one I drove, so that might be the way to go.

 

 

[JonnyBoy 313]

On 23/12/2020 at 09:27, Sol thewall Bamba said:

Nice, I like the MiTo on the outside but how did you find the interior? In my opinion they're let down by the dashboard a bit.

 

Yeah the Brera is comfortably one of the best looking cars on the road, that V6 is a great engine as well. I see quite a few at the garage I go to with some very tasteful mods/upgrades and they look stunning.

it's a bit plane jane inside but so are the new ones so i think that's just alpha. Yep.. and they will only go up in value, on Auto trader an 06 one with reasonable mileage is still £6,000 + but definitely one of a kind if I can get my hands on one. 

 

My favourite car is the Stevio Quadrifoglio, would have one of these every day ahead of an SVR. May not be made as well but sound immense and look great. About £30k cheaper as well, performance SUV 0-60 in 3.8 for around £70k whats not to love 

[JonnyBoy 313]

12 hours ago, Leicester_Loyal said:

Time to get this thread going. Favourite cars, ones you shouldn't have sold, ones that got away, anything really.

 

 

Integra DC2, one of my favourite cars, but the prices have gone right up in the past few years, not sure I'll ever get one now.

 

 

Civic Type R EP3 - Was a choice between this and a Clio 182 about 3 years ago, I went with the Clio because the insurance was half the price and the parts were a lot cheaper. I've always wanted to scratch the VTEC itch ever since.

 

 

M135i - Always fancied one but they're a bit too pricey for me, especially whilst trying to save for a house. I've got a strong feeling I'll be getting one in the next couple of years. 322hp, rear wheel drive and a lovely interior, what's not to like.

 

 

Golf MK2 - Always wanted one, even as my first car, but the maintenance would have been quite a lot for a 17 year old lad. A couple of years later the prices went up and they've carried on going up ever since.

 

 

Lotus Elise - Another silly car, not sure why but always fancied one, reckon I'll get one eventually as a weekend car.

Last but not least Clio V6 - 3 litre engine, absolutely bonkers, but I doubt I'll ever even get to go in one nevermind own one.

 

 

M135i/M140 gotta be one of the most fun reasonably priced small cars around, be interesting to speak to someone who has owned a 140i and golf R to compare

 

Looked at the V6 clio on auto trader the other day they are like gold dust and going up in value, immense to drive i bet 

Edited 28 December 2020 by JonnyBoy

[Samilktray 3,952]

Engine management light came on in my car (56 plate Focus) a couple days before Christmas and it’s been juddering pulling off but now feels juddery in most gears. Anyone car savvy enough on here to tell me if it’s fvcked or not?

[tom27111 3,034]

2 hours ago, JonnyBoy said:

 

M135i/M140 gotta be one of the most fun reasonably priced small cars around, be interesting to speak to someone who has owned a 140i and golf R to compare

 

Looked at the V6 clio on auto trader the other day they are like gold dust and going up in value, immense to drive i bet 

 

Having driven a lot of them for work, I'd put the BMW at the bottom of the list (even though the BMW auto gearbox is the best on the market).

 

The Golf R is a much better car, but pricing reflects that.

 

The Audi S3 is another one worth looking at, but still not as good as the Golf in my opinion.

 

The best value for money is the Seat Leon Cupra 300 

Edited 28 December 2020 by tom27111

[Bellend Sebastian 2,192]

12 minutes ago, Samilktray said:

Engine management light came on in my car (56 plate Focus) a couple days before Christmas and it’s been juddering pulling off but now feels juddery in most gears. Anyone car savvy enough on here to tell me if it’s fvcked or not?

I believe Fords have a self diagnosis mode and will provide you with error codes which will give you at least some clue about what's amiss.

 

Not sure how you access it - on my Vauxhall it was via holding down certain pedals whilst turning on the ignition.

 

This MIGHT be it, but I cannot pretend to have watched it properly:

 

 

 

 

[Samilktray 3,952]

9 minutes ago, Bellend Sebastian said:

I believe Fords have a self diagnosis mode and will provide you with error codes which will give you at least some clue about what's amiss.

 

Not sure how you access it - on my Vauxhall it was via holding down certain pedals whilst turning on the ignition.

 

This MIGHT be it, but I cannot pretend to have watched it properly:

 

 

 

 

Much appreciated 

[South Shire Fox 321]

On 28/12/2020 at 13:20, tom27111 said:

 

Having driven a lot of them for work, I'd put the BMW at the bottom of the list (even though the BMW auto gearbox is the best on the market).

 

The Golf R is a much better car, but pricing reflects that.

 

The Audi S3 is another one worth looking at, but still not as good as the Golf in my opinion.

 

The best value for money is the Seat Leon Cupra 300 

Been seriously contemplating one of these, is there much difference between that and the Cupra 290? 290 seems to be slightly more expensive on auto trader.

[Frost 496]

@tom27111, you alright if I drop you a DM fella? Need some car advice but don't want to bore everyone to death in here!

[Otis 391]

On 28/12/2020 at 13:20, tom27111 said:

The best value for money is the Seat Leon Cupra 300 

Love mine. It can be a monster. 

[stix 1,063]

On 27/12/2020 at 23:08, Leicester_Loyal said:

Time to get this thread going. Favourite cars, ones you shouldn't have sold, ones that got away, anything really.

 

 

Integra DC2, one of my favourite cars, but the prices have gone right up in the past few years, not sure I'll ever get one now.

 

 

Civic Type R EP3 - Was a choice between this and a Clio 182 about 3 years ago, I went with the Clio because the insurance was half the price and the parts were a lot cheaper. I've always wanted to scratch the VTEC itch ever since.

 

 

M135i - Always fancied one but they're a bit too pricey for me, especially whilst trying to save for a house. I've got a strong feeling I'll be getting one in the next couple of years. 322hp, rear wheel drive and a lovely interior, what's not to like.

 

 

Golf MK2 - Always wanted one, even as my first car, but the maintenance would have been quite a lot for a 17 year old lad. A couple of years later the prices went up and they've carried on going up ever since.

 

 

Lotus Elise - Another silly car, not sure why but always fancied one, reckon I'll get one eventually as a weekend car.

Last but not least Clio V6 - 3 litre engine, absolutely bonkers, but I doubt I'll ever even get to go in one nevermind own one.

 

Ok I’ll play!

 

First car...

 

White D reg Austin Metro 1.0l. Was originally going to be my mums when she passed, but that never materialised so I inherited it!! Lucky me! Did the job at 18 I suppose, drove it into the ground, and ended up paying the scrap man £25 to take it away!!

 

Most fun car....

White Celica st185 gt4. Was so much fun to drive, and although cars generally are probably quicker nowadays, it felt like it bloody flew!!! I’ve had 3 Celicas in all, the GTi, an imported GTR and this one. Still miss it! 
 

Most missed...

 

A 1999 black BMW 330Ci. Was the most I’d ever spent on a car at the time. I loved it! Real quality feel to it for me. Reliable.....until it suddenly blew up in the middle of Wigston town centre! Looked like a bomb had gone off! Sadly that was the last I saw of it. 
 

Most ridiculous....

 

A Mauve Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7l V8. I’ve actually had two of these!!! They’re really solid, engine wise anyway. Electrics and internals were always the issue with these. That V8 noise though!!! Used to love that sound! In between refills!!! 13mpg 😂 

 

Current car....

2016 BMW 430d Gran Coupe. Only had it since the summer but it’s by far the most I’ve ever spent on a car. I absolutely love it!! 
 

Dream car...

 

...I’m not really sure yet. M4 maybe when the kids have gone? M5 when I’m abit older!! 

 

[tom27111 3,034]

1 hour ago, Frost said:

@tom27111, you alright if I drop you a DM fella? Need some car advice but don't want to bore everyone to death in here!

Go for it, mate 👍