*********Motors Chat - Round 9 *********

OSI wrote: »

Cooper S is the most obvious one. Astra OPC? Or are they still holding value?

The first of the OPCs (2006) are falling into the 5k range alright at this stage. I think id rather go to 6k for a clean one with the gearbox done in it cause the bearings failing seems to be inevitable even for on that was looked after and its about a 1100 euro fix. Very reliable apart from the gearbox according to a few friends who own them, goes like sh*t off a shiny shovel too I wouldn't rule out a Corsa OPC unless you need the space of the Astra?

Again you would want to go to €6k for the first of the R56 cooper S's, while the R53 is a hoot to drive it doesn't make a great daily compared to the 56. Build quality and fuel efficiency improved significantly! Again, space could be an issue coming from the e46 (assuming this car is for you?)

Purchase price on an ST would generally be a bit less on account of the tax. As mentioned the Clio 197 or megane 225 (very rare, bit marmite in the looks dept). Might find a Leon FR which has the mk5 GTI engine, or a Cupra but i doubt there's many on our shores!

That's pretty dumb, once a wheel over comes traction you haven't done anything but loose grip.

CIP4 wrote: »

Flicking through brochures a new Renault feature 'Grip Xtend over loose surface such as gravel, light snow and mud, engage Grip Xtend and one wheel will be allowed to spin to help you gain traction'

What am I missing here surly a standard diff lock would be better or am I wrong ?...

There's a lot to be said for a diff-lock in snow and ice - Jag traction control used to largely simulate a diff-locked setup in snow, much like a Range Rover - but it seems this system, originally PSA's "Grip Control", measures which wheel is slipping less and allows it to still slip somewhat, much like a dragster "pawing" for grip, while largely clutching-out the other one. It seems a bit counter-intuitive, but apparently it works quite well. Many traction-control systems tend to clutch both out in very difficult conditions to the point that you can barely move off.

jimgoose wrote: »

There's a lot to be said for a diff-lock in snow and ice - Jag traction control used to largely simulate a diff-locked setup in snow, much like a Range Rover - but it seems this system, originally PSA's "Grip Control", measures which wheel is slipping less and allows it to still slip somewhat, much like a dragster "pawing" for grip, while largely clutching-out the other one. Many traction-control systems tend to clutch both out in very difficult conditions to the point that you can barely move off.

That's the way I see it it's a van stick a diff lock on it and that will work as well as it can no need for anything fancier. I mean if you get stuck in muck on a site it's still only 2wd so a diff lock can only do so much.

It's gone on its test drive there the end is in sight

Special Circumstances wrote: »

Personally I'd take the supercharged tritec over the turbo Prince anyday. Thirsty in comparison alright. But if the competition is an engine manufacturer that can't make a chain last the life of most of the engines built witout significant numbers having catastrophic failures...

Its was a pretty bullet proof engine by all accounts, even with reduced pulleys making more boost etc, but having driven a few R53s and regular R50s the rattles and bangs and road noise from the R53 interior would melt my brain if it was a daily.

My R56 was certainly not without its issues and I had the chain done at about 80k miles for fear it would blow up in my face but aside from that it made a relatively comfy daily. Bit crashy over the bumps but not too bad! Great exhaust note from it too, and was easy on petrol. Although the 53 had the supercharger whine

CIP4 wrote: »

I really didn't get it at all seems like a gimmick to me.

Some tc systems on ice/snow will not allow any wheel slip and therefore are terrible in snow as soon as the wheel slips it is stopped by tc. Most cars that iv driven the tc button can be pressed once to allow some slip but still leaves stability control on so it's not completely off(long press knocks it off completely). This sounds like the marketing team trying to talk about this feature.

It's still an open diff so never going to be great. I drove a 4wd jag x type in the snow frequently in 2010 when the weather was bad. Top gear actually tested that car on a ski slope to show it's capability. However, it was terrible as all the diffs were open. As soon as the back wheels lost traction, that's where all the power went effectively making it rwd and the 4wd redundant. Was great fun though, even if it was an auto.

CIP4 wrote:

And yes after 2.5 hours I'm starting to get board

Mines getting done tomorrow, I'm going to bring it up tomorrow and collect it Thursday. Last night I heard one of the front brake pads scraping, hate that noise, pad must be gone. I'll let them sort it out. Looking at the last service receipt they pointed out that the front brakes were at 30% so I've got my wear out of them. I must see if they could shampoo just the seats inside for me, they're getting grubby and my wet vac isn't the best. Carpets and dash are perfect though.

Right so the mechanic was working on the car for 3 hours. The only thing it needed was a brake fluid change because of its high milleage so I got them to do that. Driving it home it's now a very happy car. And they actually replaced the pollen filter too so the air is now so fresh you really notice. Also clean brakes was down on the invoice and when I looked at the discs they looked like new really shiny where as before weren't like that at all. I'm not sure how they did it. Anyway everything is ok now brakes, suspension, engine all perfect so happy out even if it wasn't cheap at least it's only a minor service next. Timming belt due soon though in a few months and they were saying 550 all in which is strong tbh.

Where do you have it? Stuck to the dash with wires going into vents down to the radio or what? Is it messy I'm wondering?

Thargor wrote: »

Where do you have it? Stuck to the dash with wires going into vents down to the radio or what? Is it messy I'm wondering?

It's on the left side of the front windscreen, wires i assume are hidden down the A pillar going behind the dash into the radio.

I'll try grab a picture when I'm home this evening and see if i can capture the wire going into the A Pillar.

YbFocus wrote: »

How much did it cost if you don't mind me asking?

And what does cleaning the brakes do, sounds gimmicky to be honest.

280 for the basic service which is high compared to a vag but they are very awkward to service plus parts price are high on Renault parts 15 for oil filter, 25 air filter, 35 for activated carbon pollen filter, 65 for fuel filter it's a whole unit even spurious parts are not that much cheaper and then RN0720 oil is really expensive as Mobil Castrol etc don't make it its about 70 quid if you were buying it in a motor factors add 2 hours labour as that's what they actually take to service I don't think it's that bad considering a golf would be 200 and they have a cheap paper element fuel filter and all filters are easily accessible on them.

My point on the brake cleaning was that you could physcially see a massive difference and the rear brakes use to squeak a small bit and now they don't at all looks like a gimmick on paper but in reality there was a difference.

morritty wrote: »

It's on the left side of the front windscreen, wires i assume are hidden down the A pillar going behind the dash into the radio.

I'll try grab a picture when I'm home this evening and see if i can capture the wire going into the A Pillar.

Thanks for that!