The Car thread

[tom27111]

Just now, UpTheLeagueFox said:

@Steve_Walsh5

I cannot vouch highly enough for @tom27111 and his help when I got a motor. Bloody superstar.

Thanks mate.

 

Sorry for name dropping!

 

It was a pleasure 

[tom27111]

Few jobs come up in Northampton that I've applied for, BMW sales exec, Mini sales exec and one at Honda.

 

Don't know much about Honda's though, we didn't sell a lot of those.

[Izzy]

On 18/03/2021 at 18:52, Izzy said:

Just bought the missus a Volvo V40 hatchback and traded in her 125k miles Hyundai i-30

 

Think we got a decent price and the Volvo dealership were very good to deal with considering all the Covid restrictions.

 

Just feel safe as houses in a Volvo and it also looks the part, is nippy, economical, and has lots of gadgets too.

 

Very pleased.

So I've spent the last 4 weekends getting the wife's V40 looking immaculate.

 

It's a 67 plate but I've given in a full interior deep clean and protection plus an external two stage machine cut & polish and carnauba wax. It looks like it's just come off the production line and I'm delighted with it.

 

Got a text from the wife earlier while she's at the shops saying "Really sorry but when I reversed out the drive, I scratched the drivers side wing"

 

She's just got home and it's a complete fvckin mess. Needs to go to the body shop for a proper fix & respray.

 

Don't know why I bother really 

 

 

[tom27111]

11 minutes ago, Izzy said:

So I've spent the last 4 weekends getting the wife's V40 looking immaculate.

 

It's a 67 plate but I've given in a full interior deep clean and protection plus an external two stage machine cut & polish and carnauba wax. It looks like it's just come off the production line and I'm delighted with it.

 

Got a text from the wife earlier while she's at the shops saying "Really sorry but when I reversed out the drive, I scratched the drivers side wing"

 

She's just got home and it's a complete fvckin mess. Needs to go to the body shop for a proper fix & respray.

 

Don't know why I bother really 

 

 

 

Probably not much use to you, but there's a guy in Wellingborough who is fantastic.

 

Work is awesome, he's also fast and cheap.

 

If it would suit you, give me a shout and I'll get you a quote.

 

My Mrs is the same, usually with alloys, she thinks they're some kind of bumper to guide you parking against the curb 

[Strokes]

On 07/04/2021 at 12:50, tom27111 said:

Few jobs come up in Northampton that I've applied for, BMW sales exec, Mini sales exec and one at Honda.

 

Don't know much about Honda's though, we didn't sell a lot of those.

They’re shit.

[tom27111]

Just now, Strokes said:

They’re shit.

I concur.

 

Got an email earlier saying I wasn't successful in my application 

 

 

[Strokes]

1 minute ago, tom27111 said:

I concur.

 

Got an email earlier saying I wasn't successful in my application 

 

 

Opening line should be, I know you make shit cars but I still think I can still find enough idiots to buy them. Especially in and around Northamptonshire.

[tom27111]

Just now, Strokes said:

Opening line should be, I know you make shit cars but I still think I can still find enough idiots to buy them. Especially in and around Northamptonshire.

I was just throwing my hat in to the ring, but yeah, I think you'd struggle at a Honda dealer.

 

My only experience with one was a colleague selling a CRV and it came back inside a week and nobody could fix it 

 

Still exploring the options of starting up a lease company with my ex boss, him employing me in Peterborough and some other things.

 

At least I've got a job at the minute, might have to wait a few more months for something more permanent.

[Strokes]

5 minutes ago, tom27111 said:

I was just throwing my hat in to the ring, but yeah, I think you'd struggle at a Honda dealer.

 

My only experience with one was a colleague selling a CRV and it came back inside a week and nobody could fix it 

 

Still exploring the options of starting up a lease company with my ex boss, him employing me in Peterborough and some other things.

 

At least I've got a job at the minute, might have to wait a few more months for something more permanent.

To be honest the only experience I have of honda’s was when my wife had a civic. It was nothing but trouble, I was glad to see the back of it. The only vehicle brand that’s given me more trouble is Citroen. I’ve had both of their vans (berlingo and dispatch) on the 1.6hdi engines and you’re lucky if you can get £2k miles out of them before you are back at the mechanics.

 

[Bellend Sebastian]

My missus has got a Civic (not the current one, the one before) and that's been great so far.

 

Honda always score highly in the JD Power reliability survey, as do all the Japanese manufacturers.

 

I like it because it's got a reversing camera, which still seems like a space age luxury to me, as I drive a big car that doesn't even have parking sensors

[Wrighty22]

Can anyone recommended someone to fix my scratcher alloys? I’ve got one quote and just looking for a couple more. I live near Loughborough. 

[tom27111]

1 hour ago, Wrighty22 said:

Can anyone recommended someone to fix my scratcher alloys? I’ve got one quote and just looking for a couple more. I live near Loughborough. 

Generally looking around 50 quid a wheel for a decent refurb 

[Raj]

On 09/04/2021 at 18:01, Izzy said:

So I've spent the last 4 weekends getting the wife's V40 looking immaculate.

 

It's a 67 plate but I've given in a full interior deep clean and protection plus an external two stage machine cut & polish and carnauba wax. It looks like it's just come off the production line and I'm delighted with it.

 

Got a text from the wife earlier while she's at the shops saying "Really sorry but when I reversed out the drive, I scratched the drivers side wing"

 

She's just got home and it's a complete fvckin mess. Needs to go to the body shop for a proper fix & respray.

 

Don't know why I bother really 

 

 

No way to speak about the Mrs like that!!!

Tbf mate if that happened to me I'd have filed for divorce!

I think as blokes we do these things that no one in the family really appreciate and it really aint worth the hours put in.

[JonnyBoy]

On 18/03/2021 at 22:56, tom27111 said:

 

 

Because Volvo are the ultimate pioneers in car safety, since as long as I can remember, their headlights were always on. The majority of cars are the same now. 

 

Every time a Volvo drove towards us, my grandad used to say "Must be dark where he came from" 

 

And my mum had an XC90 when I was a teenager, complete with TV screens in the headrests!

 

Always been underrated cars.

 

The current XC90's are outstanding. They put a Range Rover to shame, in both design and reliability. 

 

agree, so many LWB cars i would have over a range rover. The Alpha Stevio Quadrifoglio would be my number 1 choice 

[Kopic]

Anyone have any experience with trade centre UK? I'm sick of plowing money into my car (currently has an issue which will cost about 300 quid to fix, because the year of my car is the only one with this part, so have to get it direct from audi, nothing second hand available) I also think the engine will shit itself pretty soon so just want something else. Keep hearing trade centre ads on the radio, I'm expecting it to be bollocks but no harm in asking. I'm thinking of a used new shape A class, anyone know if they any good? I think the a220 diesel auto, there seems to be so many different a classes and that seems to be the only one that matches the engine power of my current car and I'd rather not go lower, but it's probably out of my price range.

Edited 13 April 2021 by Kopic

[tom27111]

10 hours ago, Kopic said:

Anyone have any experience with trade centre UK? I'm sick of plowing money into my car (currently has an issue which will cost about 300 quid to fix, because the year of my car is the only one with this part, so have to get it direct from audi, nothing second hand available) I also think the engine will shit itself pretty soon so just want something else. Keep hearing trade centre ads on the radio, I'm expecting it to be bollocks but no harm in asking. I'm thinking of a used new shape A class, anyone know if they any good? I think the a220 diesel auto, there seems to be so many different a classes and that seems to be the only one that matches the engine power of my current car and I'd rather not go lower, but it's probably out of my price range.

 

Never come across Trade Centre.

 

What are you driving at the minute and what would your budget be?

 

The new A-Class is really nice, the digital cockpit looks awesome. The old model was nice inside, but they're on a new level now.

 

The A180 has massively improved to drive, it's still a 1.5 diesel engine supplied by Renault, but it's a hell of a lot quicker and more responsive than the old one. 

 

Might be worth considering the A200D. That's a proper Merc engine and you probably wouldn't notice a massive difference in performance to the A220.

 

 

[Kopic]

23 minutes ago, tom27111 said:

 

Never come across Trade Centre.

 

What are you driving at the minute and what would your budget be?

 

The new A-Class is really nice, the digital cockpit looks awesome. The old model was nice inside, but they're on a new level now.

 

The A180 has massively improved to drive, it's still a 1.5 diesel engine supplied by Renault, but it's a hell of a lot quicker and more responsive than the old one. 

 

Might be worth considering the A200D. That's a proper Merc engine and you probably wouldn't notice a massive difference in performance to the A220.

 

 

Cheers for the reply! Having read up about trade centre they sound a bit shit, you can't search their stock online and they just seem interested in selling finance.

 

Currently driving a 2007 a3 dsg 170bhp, done 151,000 miles and not had its chain/belt (I forget which) since 50k so I'm just waiting for it to blow basically.

 

I always buy used, relatively old cars with cash, never gone above 3k before but looking around 7k as I want it to last a bit longer. I found an a220 for 8k but checked its mot history and it sounded very dodgy, otherwise I'd probably be on my way to get it now! I like my cars, had a couple mk4 golf's before the audi, and the a class is really interesting me. I've checked out similar, Seats etc and I'm just not keen on their look. Would have another golf but they seem more expensive than the mercs for the spec I want. They are slightly out my price range currently but I can push it a bit for the right one.

[tom27111]

1 minute ago, Kopic said:

Cheers for the reply! Having read up about trade centre they sound a bit shit, you can't search their stock online and they just seem interested in selling finance.

 

Currently driving a 2007 a3 dsg 170bhp, done 151,000 miles and not had its chain/belt (I forget which) since 50k so I'm just waiting for it to blow basically.

 

I always buy used, relatively old cars with cash, never gone above 3k before but looking around 7k as I want it to last a bit longer. I found an a220 for 8k but checked its mot history and it sounded very dodgy, otherwise I'd probably be on my way to get it now! I like my cars, had a couple mk4 golf's before the audi, and the a class is really interesting me. I've checked out similar, Seats etc and I'm just not keen on their look. Would have another golf but they seem more expensive than the mercs for the spec I want. They are slightly out my price range currently but I can push it a bit for the right one.

 

No worries.

 

So it isn't the brand new shape you're looking at, that they release around 2 years ago?

 

Still nice cars, the interior is a class above BMW or Audi.

 

Another option to consider would be an A200 and get it re-mapped for about 300 quid.

 

Gives you a lot more BHP and saves the outlay on the A220, which is obviously more expensive.

 

In that model, I'd steer clear of the A180 with the Renault engine.

 

I'll have a look if any of my ex colleagues have got anything that might be of interest and let you know.

[Kopic]

6 minutes ago, tom27111 said:

 

No worries.

 

So it isn't the brand new shape you're looking at, that they release around 2 years ago?

 

Still nice cars, the interior is a class above BMW or Audi.

 

Another option to consider would be an A200 and get it re-mapped for about 300 quid.

 

Gives you a lot more BHP and saves the outlay on the A220, which is obviously more expensive.

 

In that model, I'd steer clear of the A180 with the Renault engine.

 

I'll have a look if any of my ex colleagues have got anything that might be of interest and let you know.

Yeah the older ones, the ones closest to my budget seem to be 13/14 plates. Really impressed with how they look, especially compared to the horrendous older model. I have a place that remaps cars a few houses down from me so that may be worth a look too. If I can't find anything I'll just run the audi til it goes boom and borrow the missus' Jazz until I find something.

 

That would be great, cheers!

[tom27111]

27 minutes ago, Kopic said:

Yeah the older ones, the ones closest to my budget seem to be 13/14 plates. Really impressed with how they look, especially compared to the horrendous older model. I have a place that remaps cars a few houses down from me so that may be worth a look too. If I can't find anything I'll just run the audi til it goes boom and borrow the missus' Jazz until I find something.

 

That would be great, cheers!

 

They've got nothing in, it's that awkward aged car that's just a little bit old for the places they work. Typically 3 or 4 year old cars straight from lease companies.

 

They are just out of budget really, Mercs always have that premium, but they do usually come with the little extras like a reversing camera that other makes wouldn't have.

 

If it was the motor you'd set your heart on, you'd probably get a decent deal on something a little bit newer if you put 7k down and financed a little bit. 3k would cost you around 90 quid a month over 3 years, but I understand that isn't for everyone.

 

You mentioned Golf's as well, again, they always hold their value and are quite pricey, but...

 

Have you thought about a Scirocco?

 

Some good value to be had with one of those. Possibly have to look at a petrol for the power you want. Just make sure it's had it's cam belt done.

[Jattdogg]

On 09/04/2021 at 13:26, tom27111 said:

I was just throwing my hat in to the ring, but yeah, I think you'd struggle at a Honda dealer.

 

My only experience with one was a colleague selling a CRV and it came back inside a week and nobody could fix it 

 

Still exploring the options of starting up a lease company with my ex boss, him employing me in Peterborough and some other things.

 

At least I've got a job at the minute, might have to wait a few more months for something more permanent.

Proud honda owner here. Perhaps they make them different over here though.

 

I am long over due for upgrades but i try to spend my money wisely and buy cars to last. Cars are a waste of money (perhaps that belongs in another thread lol) . Can i afford the flash cars, yes but i would rather spend my money on something else tbh.  Also, the thought of buying a more expensive car only for a thief to nick it or worse have the wife pull a Mrs @Izzy would annoy me.

 

Anyhow, I've got a 2010 civic and 2009 CRV. Had them both for 9 to 10 years now. Been fantastic cars. Nothing major wrong at all. Standard brakes etc but i don't drive like a cvnt and take care of my cars.

 

The most recent model crv and civics i believe have had issues with oil dilution over here in Canada (and america at least) which has stopped me from wanting to buy a new CRV. I am a bit gutted because the CRV over here has best in class cargo space which is huge for a family of 4. I don't care to get into the larger SUVs so now i'm stuck and debating driving the CRV into the ground.

[Crinklyfox]

3 hours ago, Jattdogg said:

Proud honda owner here. Perhaps they make them different over here though.

 

I am long over due for upgrades but i try to spend my money wisely and buy cars to last. Cars are a waste of money (perhaps that belongs in another thread lol) . Can i afford the flash cars, yes but i would rather spend my money on something else tbh.  Also, the thought of buying a more expensive car only for a thief to nick it or worse have the wife pull a Mrs @Izzy would annoy me.

 

Anyhow, I've got a 2010 civic and 2009 CRV. Had them both for 9 to 10 years now. Been fantastic cars. Nothing major wrong at all. Standard brakes etc but i don't drive like a cvnt and take care of my cars.

 

The most recent model crv and civics i believe have had issues with oil dilution over here in Canada (and america at least) which has stopped me from wanting to buy a new CRV. I am a bit gutted because the CRV over here has best in class cargo space which is huge for a family of 4. I don't care to get into the larger SUVs so now i'm stuck and debating driving the CRV into the ground.

I bought what was then a 'new shape' Honda Civic in 2006 and I'm still driving it 15 years later.  I had a couple of minor issues with it early on but it's been very reliable and until something catastrophic goes wrong I've no intention of changing it.  

[tom27111]

14 hours ago, Jattdogg said:

Proud honda owner here. Perhaps they make them different over here though.

 

I am long over due for upgrades but i try to spend my money wisely and buy cars to last. Cars are a waste of money (perhaps that belongs in another thread lol) . Can i afford the flash cars, yes but i would rather spend my money on something else tbh.  Also, the thought of buying a more expensive car only for a thief to nick it or worse have the wife pull a Mrs @Izzy would annoy me.

 

Anyhow, I've got a 2010 civic and 2009 CRV. Had them both for 9 to 10 years now. Been fantastic cars. Nothing major wrong at all. Standard brakes etc but i don't drive like a cvnt and take care of my cars.

 

The most recent model crv and civics i believe have had issues with oil dilution over here in Canada (and america at least) which has stopped me from wanting to buy a new CRV. I am a bit gutted because the CRV over here has best in class cargo space which is huge for a family of 4. I don't care to get into the larger SUVs so now i'm stuck and debating driving the CRV into the ground.

 

Totally agree, even though that might sound strange coming from someone who has sold cars and is looking to get back into it again!

 

I think buying a brand new car is probably the worst investment anyone could make, unless you plan on keeping it for 20 years.

 

The depreciation is ridiculous. 

 

We sold cars at a retail price, less than 3 years old that were 50% off the original purchase price.

[Bellend Sebastian]

Loving the vigorous defence of Honda on here. We've only had ours a few years but I know a few people who have been driving really old examples and been very content doing so.

 

My Mazda is being a bit of a pain in the arse - the occasional electrical gremlins that have characterised my ownership seem to be getting more frequent, and I pretty much convinced myself that I would look to change it sooner rather than later.

 

Got as far as looking at finance (and for reasons unclear I'm apparently quite credit worthy) and seriously thinking about biting the bullet, when my boss drops in, completely out of the blue that at some point in the foreseeable (albeit not imminent) future he may well get me a company car, which has literally never been mentioned before in all the years of my employment.

 

So that's really not helping the thought process

 

 

[tom27111]

49 minutes ago, Bellend Sebastian said:

Loving the vigorous defence of Honda on here. We've only had ours a few years but I know a few people who have been driving really old examples and been very content doing so.

 

My Mazda is being a bit of a pain in the arse - the occasional electrical gremlins that have characterised my ownership seem to be getting more frequent, and I pretty much convinced myself that I would look to change it sooner rather than later.

 

Got as far as looking at finance (and for reasons unclear I'm apparently quite credit worthy) and seriously thinking about biting the bullet, when my boss drops in, completely out of the blue that at some point in the foreseeable (albeit not imminent) future he may well get me a company car, which has literally never been mentioned before in all the years of my employment.

 

So that's really not helping the thought process

 

 

 

With company car tax, you're probably better off getting yourself something on HP.

 

I got to drive some lovely cars as my company car, but as they were always for sale, they would change quite regularly (annoyingly the nice ones usually lasted a few days), but it cost me about £130 a month.

 

In hindsight, I'd have much preferred to put that to something I'd own at the end of the day.

 

Different things work for different people though 

 

Weighing up the cost of road tax, MOT's, servicing and general repairs in that too though.

 

I had a couple of flat tyres that would have cost about 400 quid, but the company paid for it. Swings and roundabouts. 

Edited 14 April 2021 by tom27111