Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

Initially the grille for BMW was also a feature for cooling as it was supposed to direct airflow to help cooling the radiator I think, maybe it had to be made bigger as the engines are more powerful and with turbos etc. (thus running hotter)?

Place I sometimes work at just did ca 200sqm of workspace.
It looks bad bc the concrete wasn't that even, and the epoxy is shiny so highlights that.
And they managed to produce a spot that never dried, which they then had to grind off and redo. The guys that did the work found it stressful.

High quality normal floor paint is quite hard wearing in my experience, and the whole process is way more relaxed. And if stuff goes wrong or wears off you can just touch up. Also no thanks to wearing full face masks in summer.
On the other hand, if you don't mind the toxic aspect and all goes well as in @citrons case, it can look very slick.

Sounds like it’s very dependent upon the level of prep?

prep

Paint innit.

Unwelcome visitor this morning.
Can anyone recommend a good check engine light delete kit?

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Lol, you probably want to check what the code is before just clearing it.

My bet is O2 sensor.

I recommend an ultra gauge but I think they're pretty much out of stock everywhere due to Covid. If you know anyone with a scangauge or an ultragauge, or can find one second hand, that'll sort you out.

Just messaged the guy who runs https://www.shiftcompany.co.uk/ as he's an acquaintance, he said he's got one in with a little mark on the screen he can do discounted if you want one ASAP.

Alternatively you can try one of the bluetooth OBD2 adapters and use one of the many apps. I've never managed to get one to work but I think I'm in the minority and there's people on here that have used them with success. I don't know which app is best but I've heard good things about Torque Pro

I've had torquepro Bluetooth / app working for want it's worth - cleared error codes every 100 miles or so the way to Chamonix a couple of years back. Ford focus if that makes a difference.

Appreciate the heads up man, I'll check them out!

I took it as and opportunity to visit the local JDM specialist here this time who actually rebuilt my mates N14 JCW when it inevitably blew up (all forged internals and running about 260-270bhp now) and who also happen to be the local custom exhaust wizards so I'll get a quote for some exhaust work while I'm at it as the exhaust on it is just stock with aftermarket tips.

Looks very clean but as with anything that old you need to have a very good look underneath at the structural chassis for rust etc.

Mini? probably inlet camshaft sensor, pull it out and see if the oil is creamy around the end, they are prone to condensation build up with short journey use and that can impair the signal. But a fault code reader will point you in the right direction.

We used semi Matt hardener so not too shiny, although we replaced the high bay and wall lighting with led at the same time. So the overall change in appearance was pretty significant.

In two minds about estate vs hatchback again. I've been offered a 2014 Golf by a relative which is I guess preferable to hacking around used car garages for an estate.

For the most part it would be used for trips to the supermarket and driving a couple of hours to my parents, so a hatchback is more practical day-to-day I suppose. But I have this vision of going on longer trips too - i.e. Scotland or into France. Those who have successfully done this with 2 adults and a baby, their stuff, plus a bike (on the back I guess), in a hatchback, how much of a pain was it?

I'm driven twice to the French Alps in a Ford Focus. That's with two adults and a six year old (who I know has less stuff than a baby, but they still have a child seat) and average amount of packing for a week. We didn't take a bike though.

We were certainly full but it wasn't too bad at all - I don't remember us particularly needing more space. Very much a case of just getting there rather than hanging around to enjoy the trip though.

I've also done the same journey with four guys and three bikes in a 1 series BMW. That wasn't comfy...

There's always a roof box?

Bike on the back, roofbox on the top? It's got to be doable.

would snatch at the opportunity to buy from a relative vs elsewhere. better the devil you know (unless said relative is actually a devil?)

as said above, as long as bike is ontop it should be doable. roofbox to go even further with capacity

this. i would say always better to buy a car from someone you know/trust. i wouldn't have the battered E46 right now if it hadn't been passed on by a forumenger.

i've toured france with my partner in a 1999 Yaris, with two bikes in the boot. Its totally doable.
if you have more space you just take more stuff, you don't necessarily need it.

Why shouldn't I buy a Skoda Yeti?

it's called a "Skoda Yeti"?

Tiny boot

It's unnecessarily expensive for what it is.

Both wack.

I'd concur with the idea of a roof box but put the bike in the boot. I've never had a "stress free" journey with a bike on a bike rack, and driving to Scotland, France, or even further with a bike on the back would make me a nervous wreck.

Just to continue the trend of posting a slammed version of every car mentioned in this thread: