Car Thread II

[andretmzt]

But that extra octane rating right?

[Dowbocop]

Just saw a car with a green left rear indicator. Didn't look deliberately cosmetic because it wasn't symmetrical - any ideas why?

[jiggles]

Not to make the potential beginning of WW3 all about me but word is the Audi factory has shut down once again due to material shortages because, yep, a lot of the wiring is sourced from Ukraine.

Meanwhile the leasing company won’t respond to my calls or emails, haven’t updated my ETA in over 4 months, and won’t even respond to the employee benefit provider that contracts the salary sacrifice scheme out to them, when I escalated it.

Next step is my employer I suppose.

And I’ve cancelled the order at last. 9 months in limbo and the dealer sends me a letter today saying essentially “we have no idea when this car will be scheduled to be built. But we’re hoping the situation begins to improve in the second half of 2022”.

[Robbo-92]

That’s slightly worrying for the new and used car market going forward, when did you originally place the subsequently cancelled order Jiggles?

[jiggles]

That’s slightly worrying for the new and used car market going forward, when did you originally place the subsequently cancelled order Jiggles?

July of last year.

[Robbo-92]

That’s slightly worrying for the new and used car market going forward, when did you originally place the subsequently cancelled order Jiggles?

July of last year.

That’s pretty grim

Hopes my Civic will last a couple more years at least

[massimo]

That’s slightly worrying for the new and used car market going forward, when did you originally place the subsequently cancelled order Jiggles?

July of last year.

I’ve been having a nightmare with BMW myself.
Ordered a BMW M340d Touring also last July, and ticked pretty much all the option boxes. Was told delivery October/November.
Then end of November.
Then February/March.
And then April.
And then June.
And that’s me hassling them for updates. Radio strawberry floating silence from the dealership.
Have been told by BMW U.K. it’s scheduled to go into production first week of May, so if I’m lucky I’ll get the car at the end of June. Probably July.
So a years wait. Meanwhile my current Audi has three damaged alloy wheels which need weekly inflating because they can’t form a proper seal and I’m waiting to trade the damn thing in.

[False]

my used car has increased in value by about 7 grand in less than a year

yay me

[SEP]

That’s slightly worrying for the new and used car market going forward

Yeah, things aren't great at the moment. We currently have a 0% finance event going on, which usually generates quite a lot of business, but at the moment, we're getting next to no enquiries coming through. A combination of supply issues of new cars, increased prices of used cars, and people generally having less money due to the cost of living crisis.

[Robbo-92]

That’s slightly worrying for the new and used car market going forward

Yeah, things aren't great at the moment. We currently have a 0% finance event going on, which usually generates quite a lot of business, but at the moment, we're getting next to no enquiries coming through. A combination of supply issues of new cars, increased prices of used cars, and people generally having less money due to the cost of living crisis.

Yep, a very crap situation all round

[Red]

Changed my first tyre, after my friend drove my car into the kerb and the tyre burst. Easier than I expected it to be. Almost fun, if I hadn't had somewhere important to be.

[Jenuall]

Changing a tyre is a rite of passage, you're basically a pro mechanic now

Polo hit all 7s fever on the odometer today which was nice:

[Robbo-92]

I’ve been very lucky and not had to change a tyre as of yet, my Polo had a spare but my Civic doesn’t so I’d not have r a choice other than to call someone out to sort it anyway!

[Victor Mildew]

Van went in today for it's new snazzy roof (with double the sleeping capacity ). Should be ready this time next week.

The last 6 months have cost me a strawberry floating fortune.

[Red]

Where do people go for new tyres? Someone recommended blackcircles.com to me, they look pretty good from the reviews/prices. We got a bit stung last time we needed them as we had them done by a dealer in an emergency far from home so looking to avoid that this time.

[Jenuall]

I just ask friends locally and see what the general feeling is on the best place. There's usually somewhere decent that won't shaft you. Never bought online before so no idea if that's a good approach

[False]

I personally order from black circles or equivalent and have them sent directly to the local tire place - easier and quicker than any hassle

The really important part is choosing the right tyres

[Red]

I was just going to go for whatever was mid-priced in the options. Cheapest I've heard is a false economy, but I don't think they need to be anything special for our car.

[LewisD]

I was just going to go for whatever was mid-priced in the options. Cheapest I've heard is a false economy, but I don't think they need to be anything special for our car.

My advice would be to go for something with a good wet grip rating.

I normally fit Dunlop Sport BluResponse and find them to be great every time:


If the budget doesn't allow for Dunlops, next thing I'd recommend would be an Avon ZV7. Great wet grip, just not as good all round as the Dunlops, but a touch cheaper:


I'd recommend avoiding Firestone tyres. Absolute bag of gooseberry fool with no grip in temperatures below 9°.
Took them off before they were halfway through the tread.

Of course it goes without saying that not every car will like the same tyres as another person's car, so your experience may vary.
If your unsure, stick to finding a tyre with an "A" rating for wet grip in the upper limit of your budget.

Avoid obviously Chinese tyres like Black Lion, Chenlong etc.
Your car will hate them and you'll be replacing them sooner.

[Red]

Thanks for the tips!