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

Opel Monza GSE

Same owner for at least 30yrs. Always loved it. Someone on the opposite side has a mk1 Audi T T non-recall model.

To be honest, I've no idea re: Japanese imports and mileage, was hoping the hive mind might be able to offer some advice :)

Recently had this idea of considering thinking about maybe getting one and almost immediately spotted that example. The UK one with similar miles (but better condition) that @el_presidente was looking at was on for £9k, IIRC... What's the usual difference in price between a genuine UK car and an import? Any thoughts on whether it's a dreadful idea all round?

@el_presidente I'm finding it pretty tough to justify myself, but if UK holidays are the way forward then a bit more room would be nice. And I do miss my old mk1 octavia vrs estate, so easy to chuck bikes etc in the boot!

@ColinTheBald had a quick read up on grey imports vs parallel imports. Would this still be considered a grey import if the same model was sold over here, or would it be considered a parallel import?

T5 is ULEZ compliant (deffo later ones at least anyway) I regularly drive rental T5’s through central London with no charges.

T6 is just a face lift and newer interior toys as far as I’m aware. DSG auto box is also much more common in T6 than T5.

You would have to check with the authorities. Cars sold into the Japanese market often have a slightly different (usually better) spec and the insurers will use this as an excuse. Adrian Flux is normally the best bet.

I haven't imported a car in ages (FTO and GTO from Japan, brand new L200 from Cyprus), each time I saved thousands on UK prices. Japanese imports are almost always very low mileage.

Do check the underseal, this frequently doesn't exist.

Do check the underseal, this frequently doesn't exist.

Pretty much this due to them not salting the roads over there and think I paid 10%(?) more on insurance for my imported MX5. Also history and prev owners can be an unknown if you aren't the first UK owner.

I know, I know - drove 5 hours to Northumberland yesterday in my horrible Isuzu, ugh. It has just developed a slow brake fluid leak that requires topping up every few days. Nasty

Wing Yip?

Asia Market Dublin!

Depends, some japanese auction cars have files and details with them, some importers just throw the files away.

T5 - comes with diesel options 1.9 tdi or 2.5 tdi
T5.1 - shift to 2.0tdi. 199bhp bi-tdi known as a bit temperamental
T6 - essentially a face-lift. Bi-tdi 204 engines seemingly more reliable. All engines sensitive to good fuel and short trips (DPF)
T6.1 - big interior facelift and tech facelift. Interior basically car like and comes with adaptive cruise control on Highline models.

All spendy

That’s very useful, thanks

I used to get my mtb into the 5 easte with front wheel off easy. Would go in with wheel on but why?
I could get 2 road bikes in the boot under the cover. And the mtb in there with wheels off too.

You need a real size estate. Ie e63, s6, m5 etc. Your c is middle ground, neither here not there. But you spent a bit on it now. So maybe just rent a van for your trips, stick the cruise on at 130kph and chill. A van is great, can get changed in back, etc. I'd say sleep in it too, but maybe you're too mature for that, unless it's a posh VW, which are a waste of money. People only get VW because they want to, and think they look cool.

The new transits drive really well. Rent one for a weekend mtb trip and try it.

I went for ducato as fwd and own engine, not the Peugeot/citroen engine. Plus the dimensions in back worked.

Anyone with an MX-5 need a Haynes manual? I have one that is surplus to requirements. PM if you are interested.

@jgadd

Roof leaking on new Golf. Seems they forgot an o ring on one of the roof rail bolts or something. Head liner is stained to shit.

I think the issue is that even a full size (E63 say) would struggle with the sheer amount of room that two full suspension 29ers take up, they are very big bikes. As it stands the C55 is doing ok with the bikes on the roof-23.2mpg today, which isn’t as horrifying as I thought it was going to be.

However it would be nice to have the bikes inside, and to be able to leave them there when in the hotel for the night- we bought the bikes in last night and put them back on the roof this morning.

A van would be a big cost, I’ll see how I go through winter and then make a decision next spring I think.

Just rent when needed.
You can't leave bikes in a car unless covered in boot. Or I wouldn't. Tbh I wouldn't leave then in a van unless it had proper locks fitted.

I am sure I'd have got one in the bmw 5. But maybe your enduro rig is a lot bigger than my neuron.

Which model.

Stop deux

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And we made it to Morgins.

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I’ll have to check this out tomorrow on flat ground, but I have a feeling that I’ve broken a spring.

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Does anybody have a reliable recommendation for a portable battery charger please? The IS250 is protesting its current diet of a 10-mile daily commute in traffic.

nice. you always spot some rare beasts. these always had more of a look of some meaty japanese motor. brutish compared to the delicate lines of the manta.

my spot of the weekend was this 850 as I was picking up pizza yesterday.

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The guys in The Woods shop will love that Pace .

That is unfortunate. I hope it's something that can be repaired en France.

So what was your total of litres used on the run? Around 120, or more?