My Black Gold 182 & new Mini Cooper D
Discussion
SebringMan said:
It is a lovely car you have. Does the company car mean that the Clio will be moving on?
it's funny because not that long ago i planned to sell the Clio to get a Mini Cooper S... at the time i was supposed to get the new face lifted 1 series but wasn't too keen on it (116d with 105bhp).A recent company car policy meant the Mini was in, so will get the chance to drive both
182RS said:
Where are you from ? it's very close to Calas indeed !
I rent a house from a friend of a friend just outside Claviers every summer for 2 weeks and just enjoy the roads and doing nothing. I will be buying a house in the area if I win the lottery at some point! I'm from the UK but live in Germany.
krallicious said:
I rent a house from a friend of a friend just outside Claviers every summer for 2 weeks and just enjoy the roads and doing nothing. I will be buying a house in the area if I win the lottery at some point!
I'm from the UK but live in Germany.
Sounds like a good idea, the roads are just fantastic in Provence - Côte d'Azur.. Enjoy !I'm from the UK but live in Germany.
took the 182 for a drive on some unknown roads, went back really happy. No one around, great light and scenery, Clio dancing from corner to corner all mostly second gear. then on the way down it was more for third gear. a made a small video, need a bit of editing but will try to post soon.
Also new wheels are coming...
Also new wheels are coming...
So more about the forthcoming company car. This will be my third one (swap every four years) with the first being an ugly but faithful (and surprisingly fun to drive) diesel C-Max.
I was surprised by the car as it was my first (and only - to date) Ford, felt pretty good to be in it and to drive. Very practical and could handle a lot of sideways action before complaining ! It was a bit too heavy so was hard on brakes and pads (nice since i wasn't paying for it).
Next was a copper grey Gold VI which was supposed to be better in every way (interior, look, weight, power) but wasn't. The car being too safe and uncommunicative (feels like a chopped down A4 B5 to drive) led me to buy the Clio (and stop abusing company cars). However within 20,000 miles, I took it to Mt Ventoux on various occasion (worked one month for a customer over there) and let's say the car didn't appreciate the treatment. First were shot tyres as expected but the right wheel bearing became incredibly noisy and needed being replaced. Then the engine put itself in security 20k miles later and a new water pump and a gas exchanger were needed. Oups. And now on 60k miles, the other front wheel bearing is noisy and one of the rear shocks is shot. Waoh, didn't expected this from a VW at all ! the Ford had the same treatment (even longer) and never complained. Even after 60k miles, the only thing to report was a noisy passenger window motor.
But above all the Golf was just boring in every aspect (dull steering and gearchange, over assisted brakes) and sometimes furiously irritating (over sensitive ESP) and beeping on every occasion : cold temperature, passenger seat belt not on, something in front when parking, something behind... And even worst, on the 105 PS diesel engine, there are 5 gears but top speed is achieved in 4, like 'Economy' gear in 80's german cars (remember the E28 525e ?).
Anyway, today i went in a Mini center (very cheesy decoration and sellers !) to spec the car :
- British Racing Green metal paint
- white roof and side mirrors
- standard 15" Heli Spoke (i know from the Clio that it will ride and accelerate better on smaller wheels, don't mind about the look)
- leather sport wheel
- automatic tyre pressure
Business pack gives:
- velour mats
- rear park radar
- fog lights
- rain and low light detection
- automac dual zone aircon
- Bluetooth
- navigation system and infotainment
on top of it i added (from my pockets this time)
- bonnet white stripes (how couldn't i...)
- electric mirrors (how could they not be standard !!)
- central armrest
- rear sign delete
- white sidelights (on advice from the beautiful lady because 'the orange one look s**t' she said)
the car should be there in 3 months, can't wait !
I was surprised by the car as it was my first (and only - to date) Ford, felt pretty good to be in it and to drive. Very practical and could handle a lot of sideways action before complaining ! It was a bit too heavy so was hard on brakes and pads (nice since i wasn't paying for it).
Next was a copper grey Gold VI which was supposed to be better in every way (interior, look, weight, power) but wasn't. The car being too safe and uncommunicative (feels like a chopped down A4 B5 to drive) led me to buy the Clio (and stop abusing company cars). However within 20,000 miles, I took it to Mt Ventoux on various occasion (worked one month for a customer over there) and let's say the car didn't appreciate the treatment. First were shot tyres as expected but the right wheel bearing became incredibly noisy and needed being replaced. Then the engine put itself in security 20k miles later and a new water pump and a gas exchanger were needed. Oups. And now on 60k miles, the other front wheel bearing is noisy and one of the rear shocks is shot. Waoh, didn't expected this from a VW at all ! the Ford had the same treatment (even longer) and never complained. Even after 60k miles, the only thing to report was a noisy passenger window motor.
But above all the Golf was just boring in every aspect (dull steering and gearchange, over assisted brakes) and sometimes furiously irritating (over sensitive ESP) and beeping on every occasion : cold temperature, passenger seat belt not on, something in front when parking, something behind... And even worst, on the 105 PS diesel engine, there are 5 gears but top speed is achieved in 4, like 'Economy' gear in 80's german cars (remember the E28 525e ?).
Anyway, today i went in a Mini center (very cheesy decoration and sellers !) to spec the car :
- British Racing Green metal paint
- white roof and side mirrors
- standard 15" Heli Spoke (i know from the Clio that it will ride and accelerate better on smaller wheels, don't mind about the look)
- leather sport wheel
- automatic tyre pressure
Business pack gives:
- velour mats
- rear park radar
- fog lights
- rain and low light detection
- automac dual zone aircon
- Bluetooth
- navigation system and infotainment
on top of it i added (from my pockets this time)
- bonnet white stripes (how couldn't i...)
- electric mirrors (how could they not be standard !!)
- central armrest
- rear sign delete
- white sidelights (on advice from the beautiful lady because 'the orange one look s**t' she said)
the car should be there in 3 months, can't wait !
Edited by 182RS on Saturday 30th May 09:00
Edited by 182RS on Saturday 30th May 09:03
krallicious said:
Nice.
Thanks !krallicious said:
I'll keep my eyes peeled when driving down through Digne to Callas. Only 3 weeks to holidays and an epic road trip.
just checked on the map, the place near where I live is called Calas (with a single L). I see you're going next to Draguignan, which is way better as far as sceneries and driving roads are concerned. Make the best out of it Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff