How Saffas do we on here in UK?
Discussion
Not sure if I qualify anymore: born in Durban, lived there till I was 10, moved to England in 1991, and lived the last 15 years here. In fact, I haven't been back since 1994 - bet its changed a little since then!!
The other night, I found my old house and school using Google Earth - that was weird
The other night, I found my old house and school using Google Earth - that was weird
Edited by Ginger2003 on Saturday 19th August 20:29
I've been here 14 years (family still in Durbs) and still regard myself as a Saffa through and through, even though I have no intention of going back! Live in Surrey and work in SW London and know that there are loads of Saffas about this region, just have to see how many SA shops have sprung up around Wimbledon, Southfields etc. Any ideas for a meet venue?
Dino D said:
Going back to some proper driving roads eh?
What do you mean proper driving roads?? Been back lately? The taxis are doing their best to wreck the roads, and the current government are not investing much in its upkeep!!
They have also got real tight on speeding over there, with huge fines and a stint inside if you are unlucky enough to get caught in a remote area on a weekend whilst they wait for a magistrate - NO THANKS!
The roads may be clogged over here for weekly commuting etc, but get out early on a weekend and enjoy traffic-free motoring while the average Brit is sleeping off his hangover. Also at least the majority of speed cameras are fixed and painted bright yellow so provided you know your route, should not cause any problems. Also Europe is just a quick hop across the Channel and then we are talking proper driving roads!! (Alps, Amalfi coast, French Riviera etc)
Hello mate!
Good to hear from some fellow country men!
I've been back last year. The taxis etc are dangerous but down in the eastern cape there are some fantastic roads. Like here best to get out early. What I miss in the UK is lots of wide, clearly sited roads with sweeping high speed corners that I used to enjoy down there. That said it was a good idea to do a slow run of your chosen route to check for any new potholes stray cows,sheep people etc!!
I got stopped on the the way to airport doing well over the posted limit. Had long chat with the officer about how I was late for the airport etc etc and carried on my way. Down where I was I knew most of the cops anyway which was useful...
I don't condone corruption but I know many who used a few rands to avoid a weekend stay in jail!
There are definitely lots of Saffas around UK and London but not many PH'ers-apparently only the three of us!
If anyone is interested in mini saffa meet I'd suggest the west side of town with a run to a country pub in Berkshire/Surrey?
Good to hear from some fellow country men!
I've been back last year. The taxis etc are dangerous but down in the eastern cape there are some fantastic roads. Like here best to get out early. What I miss in the UK is lots of wide, clearly sited roads with sweeping high speed corners that I used to enjoy down there. That said it was a good idea to do a slow run of your chosen route to check for any new potholes stray cows,sheep people etc!!
I got stopped on the the way to airport doing well over the posted limit. Had long chat with the officer about how I was late for the airport etc etc and carried on my way. Down where I was I knew most of the cops anyway which was useful...
I don't condone corruption but I know many who used a few rands to avoid a weekend stay in jail!
There are definitely lots of Saffas around UK and London but not many PH'ers-apparently only the three of us!
If anyone is interested in mini saffa meet I'd suggest the west side of town with a run to a country pub in Berkshire/Surrey?
I don't think most Saffas in the UK are that into their cars to be involved in PH. Too many of them have only had driving experience in Polo Playas and Toyota Jazz to know any different. Here in the UK (land of opportunity if you are hard-working) cars are relatively more affordable and you don't need to be loaded to afford a decent car.
Simply owning a nice car doesn't qualify you as a petrolhead / pistonhead though, it has to become an obsession!!
Simply owning a nice car doesn't qualify you as a petrolhead / pistonhead though, it has to become an obsession!!
Easy now-I used to drive a playa around alot. I even had a Toyota, but I was flashier than a Tazz-had the corolla twincam!
What I love about the UK is that there is a healthy obsession for quality cars and they are relatively afordable, especially if you let someone else take the depreciation.
I see on your profile you like the beemers-I finally got my bum onto the seat of one. Got my 330i a couple months back. Absoloutly loving it!
Your M3 must sound really tatsy with the Gruppe system.
You ever been one of the London Tunnel runs??
What I love about the UK is that there is a healthy obsession for quality cars and they are relatively afordable, especially if you let someone else take the depreciation.
I see on your profile you like the beemers-I finally got my bum onto the seat of one. Got my 330i a couple months back. Absoloutly loving it!
Your M3 must sound really tatsy with the Gruppe system.
You ever been one of the London Tunnel runs??
Dino D said:
[quote=Ginger2003]Not sure if I qualify anymore[quote]
=I reckon you qualify-we can't afford to be choosy about who's still a Saffa on PH -not with the massive turnout we've had so far!!
=I reckon you qualify-we can't afford to be choosy about who's still a Saffa on PH -not with the massive turnout we've had so far!!
I second that Dino. We've had a really poor response of Saffas on PH. Guess they are all out braaing, and watching the boks getting hammered by the Ausies and Kiwis.
m3desmo said:
I don't think most Saffas in the UK are that into their cars to be involved in PH. Too many of them have only had driving experience in Polo Playas and Toyota Jazz to know any different. Here in the UK (land of opportunity if you are hard-working) cars are relatively more affordable and you don't need to be loaded to afford a decent car.
Simply owning a nice car doesn't qualify you as a petrolhead / pistonhead though, it has to become an obsession!!
Simply owning a nice car doesn't qualify you as a petrolhead / pistonhead though, it has to become an obsession!!
Most guys here take the Playas and Jazz's and zoot them up to something awful. Huge sound systems, that bounce the car along and give it more hp, bored out engines that only last one robot to robot race, turbos, body skirts, nos, etc. There are some real real petrol heads here, but they seem to be very quiet.
m3desmo said:
Dino D said:
Going back to some proper driving roads eh?
What do you mean proper driving roads?? Been back lately? The taxis are doing their best to wreck the roads, and the current government are not investing much in its upkeep!!
They have also got real tight on speeding over there, with huge fines and a stint inside if you are unlucky enough to get caught in a remote area on a weekend whilst they wait for a magistrate - NO THANKS!
The roads may be clogged over here for weekly commuting etc, but get out early on a weekend and enjoy traffic-free motoring while the average Brit is sleeping off his hangover. Also at least the majority of speed cameras are fixed and painted bright yellow so provided you know your route, should not cause any problems. Also Europe is just a quick hop across the Channel and then we are talking proper driving roads!! (Alps, Amalfi coast, French Riviera etc)
There are still some really awesome driving raods here. Take to the North East of the country, out Sabie, Kruger National park way. Magic driving. Stuning countryside, wonderful weather for open top cruising, or racing through the mountain passes. Great driving, just beware of mr
DIno - LOL. Good driving roads on my doorstep not to mention all the roundabouts.
HLF - I am in the process of taking my car across. Emotional decision. V. expensive. Need to own it 1 year but if you don't you pay a pro rata amount on the number of months you have oned it according to its new cost.
CHeers
G
HLF - I am in the process of taking my car across. Emotional decision. V. expensive. Need to own it 1 year but if you don't you pay a pro rata amount on the number of months you have oned it according to its new cost.
CHeers
G
You right about the roads in MK and surrounds. I do enjoy the roundabouts there and the apparent lack of gatso in between them.
You say you taking your car over. Do you hav eto any import duties? Are you gauranteed not to be charged any 'extra' duties that the locals deciden when it arrives down there?
You say you taking your car over. Do you hav eto any import duties? Are you gauranteed not to be charged any 'extra' duties that the locals deciden when it arrives down there?
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