The Car Thread.

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

What you are not told in the video is, that's as far as you can go without it breaking down...

I once worked with a guy who had one, and the reputation is well-deserved. Also know someone who clearly enjoyed going to the local and then soliciting attention by starting his car up noisily in the car park. His TVR failed to start, and instead attracted the attention of a mobile mechanic - who couldn't fix it so it was towed away. He moved on to a Mustang as it happens.

 

[plastic penguin]

Over the next couple of weeks I'm buying a DA polisher to bring back the luster. I'll use with Autoglym polymer and a separate wax.

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

Over the next couple of weeks I'm buying a DA polisher to bring back the luster. I'll use with Autoglym polymer and a separate wax.

Good for you. I confess I have someone who does mine once a month. A clean and sparkly car always drives better!

 

[DougK1]

A clean and sparkly car always drives better!

Less drag

 

[plastic penguin]

Good for you. I confess I have someone who does mine once a month. A clean and sparkly car always drives better!

I would use medium or fine grinding paste but I don't know how thick the paintwork is. The paintwork has no sun bleaching or any lacquer peel. Alfas are not normally known for the thickest paintwork.

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

Just seen one of these burbling through our holiday village:

Ultima GTR - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[bigboss]

It's bonkers why companies are still making 4 litre engine.

Clearly these cars will only appeal to the tiny minority.

Several manufacturers are making their best petrol cars before the ban kicks in.......a way of exiting gracefully from the market. They will no doubt command a high premium in the used car market, more like a collector's edition.

 

[plastic penguin]

Several manufacturers are making their best petrol cars before the ban kicks in.......a way of exiting gracefully from the market. They will no doubt command a high premium in the used car market, more like a collector's edition.

Very likely if they are verging on classic, such as @12th Monkey Audi.

 

[Friesiansam]

Take a look at this: Auto Union Type 52. Car Magazine.

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

Take a look at this: Auto Union Type 52. Car Magazine.

Unfortunately it insists I disable my adblocker. No chance...

 

[Friesiansam]

Unfortunately it insists I disable my adblocker. No chance...

Sorry about that. I have ad blocking enabled for that site, without any problem...

Here's a couple of pictures from the article:

6005cc V16, 512bhp!

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

6005cc V16, 512bhp!

That wouldn't be an unimpressive specific output even now.

 

[daveh75]

Ooof!

View: https://youtu.be/5GO8HM5r4MU?si=YLdKK7-E11goRDAf

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

Just been reading Autocar's review of the Maserati Granturismo - a £160k car. Proper WT* moment in seeing that it is only offered with a limited colour range, and if you want what the magazine describes as a nice-but-nothing-special red, the cost is.....£29,000. More than a basic Golf for a coat of paint.

If I were in the fortunate position of having that kind of wedge to throw at a new car, I'd be telling them to jog on for that...

 

[Friesiansam]

Just been reading Autocar's review of the Maserati Granturismo - a £160k car. Proper WT* moment in seeing that it is only offered with a limited colour range, and if you want what the magazine describes as a nice-but-nothing-special red, the cost is.....£29,000. More than a basic Golf for a coat of paint.

If I were in the fortunate position of having that kind of wedge to throw at a new car, I'd be telling them to jog on for that...

Ludicrous option prices seem to be par for the course, at that level.

 

[plastic penguin]

Hello chaps.

Well, have I found a car that usurps the Alfa? In many respects yes.

A few days ago I drove a 2013 Ford Focus ST-3. I like the styling. Having owned fast Fords from yesteryear you can still see the lineage.

After driving my brother's 1.0 EcoBoost and Alfa, this ST is on a different planet. It's very fast and responsive (not sure if it still has the Volvo derived plant). The steering is ultra sharp and the petrol consumption is better than the Alfa. The interior layout is easy to use, very ergonomic. The bad things from past Fords is the plastics still feel a little on the cheap side. But the seats are body hugging and the suspension is compliant. So job done, my next car is a Focus ST. Or is it?

After jumping back in the Alfa, despite the age difference and it's better on petrol and faster, I found the steering to be sterile; there was no feel or feedback of the Alfa, you felt detached from the driving experience as a whole. After around 10 minutes of the test drive, I felt a little disappointed 😞. Pushed hard around tight bend it felt scary, despite it's claimed tech steering.

The conclusion was it's a great car in some respects, but if you're after the ultimate driving experience, the 2.0 Alfa is far more satisfying option.

 

[DougK1]

Well I think the planets must have aligned this year regarding my car insurance. I've just had the cheapest quote for donkeys years for no frills fully comp on the car at £127. The motorbike was also cheap this year at £56 fully comp. I doubt it will last but this year I'm one happy bunny

 

[plastic penguin]

Well I think the planets must have aligned this year regarding my car insurance. I've just had the cheapest quote for donkeys years for no frills fully comp on the car at £127. The motorbike was also cheap this year at £56 fully comp. I doubt it will last but this year I'm one happy bunny

I'm sure you are, Doug. Nice one. With extra money saved you could put it towards music \o/

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

Mine was pretty much the same as last year - was expecting a hike from what people seem to be saying.

 

[abacus]

New car insurance changes here

Bill

 

[Gray]

New car insurance changes here

Bill

Says it's only for cars registered after 1st August this year.
Not sure I've ever bought a car that was less than 10 years old - and pretty sure I never will.
(Unlike my hi-fi - always brand new).

 

[Friesiansam]

Says it's only for cars registered after 1st August this year.
Not sure I've ever bought a car that was less than 10 years old - and pretty sure I never will.
(Unlike my hi-fi - always brand new).

The new ratings will based on these five criteria:
"Performance – Evaluates vehicle characteristics such as speed, acceleration, and the impact of modern powertrains.
Damageability – Assesses how design, materials, and construction influence repair costs and damage severity.
Repairability – Focuses on the ease and cost of repairs, encouraging repair-friendly vehicle designs.
Safety – Analyses active and passive safety systems, including crash avoidance features.
Security – Examines physical and digital security measures, leveraging Thatcham Research's New Vehicle Security Assessment expertise." (quote from: https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/news/mo...eplaced-with-new-vehicle-risk-ratings-system/)

I can see many new electric cars, being hammered because of their rapid acceleration.

 

[Gray]

I can see many new electric cars, being hammered because of their rapid acceleration.

Electrics are due to pay some road tax from next April too.
If I was being selfish, I'd say that I'm not shedding too many tears on their behalf.
(My last tax was £415 for driving less than 1,500 miles).

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

(My last tax was £415 for driving less than 1,500 miles).

I share your pain - best part of £700 for 3,500 miles. Your cost per mile is even worse than mine...

 

[michael hoy]

In may this year, mine was £1173 fully comp for the year on my new car.
Lost my no claims by not having any insurance for 3 years after being told incorrectly about driving my wife's car.