Car swap - who wants an AMG Merc for 3 months?
Discussion
kers!!Neil1300r said:
I can do better than that, a L322 in supercharged petrol flavour. None of your horrible children killing smelly devil fuel here
Neil, if that is a genuine offer, I would be very interested. Perfect winter car. Added bonus that Lady F would definitely approve, being an American who like big 4x4s with lots of presence (her parents' ski truck is a GMC Suburban).OscarIndia said:
How about a chuck away car perfect for The alpine adventure.
£1500 gets you a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 4.7 V8 with an LPG conversion.
The most comfortable heated seats around.
As a bonus I can arrange for it to be delivered out there, and will even take it off your hands at the end if you haven't killed it.
Major advantage is that if it gets marked it doesn't really matter!
I had one during the beast from the east and can confirm that it was an absolute blast!
I wondered when you would make it to this thread! And great idea, and wonderful offer - thanks mate. And one I will definitely go for if this thread doesn't deliver. And I am really looking forward to seeing you out there this winter too!£1500 gets you a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 4.7 V8 with an LPG conversion.
The most comfortable heated seats around.
As a bonus I can arrange for it to be delivered out there, and will even take it off your hands at the end if you haven't killed it.
Major advantage is that if it gets marked it doesn't really matter!
I had one during the beast from the east and can confirm that it was an absolute blast!
Edited by OscarIndia on Thursday 4th October 09:47
That said, I'd rather not deal with the potential reliability issues of a very old throwaway car, and instead borrow one from a PHer who knows the vehicle intimately, runs it regularly, and has an interest in not passing me junk. Also, I'd like something vaguely nice/interesting for the trip - and offering my P&J to a willing swapper seems like a good way for both of us to have some fun.
And I really would like the CLS to be run regularly or semi-regularly through the winter by someone, frankly. It's a lovely car (as you know, having found it for me!), and whilst I could store it on a trickle charger, I believe that cars should be used. I'm already having to store my '94 E320 for the period, as well as the old Saab.
I like the idea of a poll (which I will probably ignore, as I am the king of bad decisions), and a thread diary showing the life of the cars in each others' temporary possession.
Edited by Harry Flashman on Thursday 4th October 10:00
I like your Espace, and if you genuinely want someone to run it/check on it whilst you're not there, I'd do that! But I would like something to transport me, wife and Flashette Jr to the mountains with the associated kit we require, and I still think someone should have the CLS as it's wasted sitting around otherwise. If this fails I shall lend it to a mate anyway - but I really like the idea of a winter car swap.
I've done this before with friends: my best man's thank you present (which he deserved as he was absolutely awesome with helping with stage and wedding) was the use of my V8 Vantage for 6 months, so I really don't mind lending my things to folk, as long as they take care of them. If this thread fails, he gets the CLS for winter. I know he'll love it. Sadly he also has an AMG Merc (CLS55 in earlier saloon flavour), so isn't a swap candidate, and it also seems that it won't be as special to him as to someone who has never had one before.
I definitely need something with some space. My wife is claiming I need to leave one of my 5 pairs of skis at home, to make more space for baby kit. I respectfully disagree.
I've done this before with friends: my best man's thank you present (which he deserved as he was absolutely awesome with helping with stage and wedding) was the use of my V8 Vantage for 6 months, so I really don't mind lending my things to folk, as long as they take care of them. If this thread fails, he gets the CLS for winter. I know he'll love it. Sadly he also has an AMG Merc (CLS55 in earlier saloon flavour), so isn't a swap candidate, and it also seems that it won't be as special to him as to someone who has never had one before.
I definitely need something with some space. My wife is claiming I need to leave one of my 5 pairs of skis at home, to make more space for baby kit. I respectfully disagree.
Longtime Lurker said:
I can offer you my "87 Sheepdog" i took it in part exchange for my motorbike a few years ago (good condition never raced or rallied in the best colour & fully loaded)
Very roomy......
Where's the "like" button on this thread., eh? I know it's unlikely, but I would love it if you actually owned that. I would also question your sanity.Very roomy......
Edited by Harry Flashman on Thursday 4th October 10:24
Jaybee1981 said:
May as well throw my hat in the ring although a defender it is not!
66 Plate X1 20d X-Drive
Hardly the last word in all climate motoring but should/may/could do the Job
Thank you, and that would be perfect but for the size. I have a load of kit to haul...if I can roofbox it, it may work really well and definitely ticks the modern/reliable/nice boxes. Thanks! Definitely on the list (although I'm holding out for the FFRR Neil tantalisingly suggested earlier 66 Plate X1 20d X-Drive
Hardly the last word in all climate motoring but should/may/could do the Job
)TheJimi said:
Not sure if I'd want the stress of being custodian of someone's P&J for that long, tbh.
Outstanding thread though, and you're a good guy, Harry
I know what you mean, but it's only a car at the end of the day. We would agree to fully comprehensively insure each others' cars for the period, with an agreement to forward proceeds of an insurance payout if there is a serious problem, so I am pretty relaxed about it. Outstanding thread though, and you're a good guy, Harry
Obviously we would meet and assure each other that we are not psychopaths and have some sort of respect for other peoples' property, before handing over keys...
Hah – you go away for a boozy lunch and all hell breaks loose on the thread! This is brilliant!
To answer some questions in order: where am I going? Morzine, in the Portes du Soleil. Renting a chalet, so not a small endeavour. So your vehicle will be garaged overnight and perfectly safe (not that vehicle crime is a thing over there, frankly)
The car will be used not quite daily, as we are a walk to the local Nyon lift. Major uses will be driving to the Ardent lifts to access Avoriaz, and for regular trips to Chamonix.
Snow socks/tyres on the Merc will not do (and frankly I’d rather not have one thing to put on/take off). My favourite place to ski from is the Ardent car park, for swift access to my favourite areas. That means an icy, snowy, car park. Fine for a snow tyre shod fwd car, or 4x4 on normal tyres. My CLS will be horrendous there. And as I have said, I like to go out in the worst weather, as that’s when the powder happens. BSS speed skier Jan Farrell, who uses a CLS63, is not a powder hound. I am. So I’d like a 4x4 over the AMG. As for putting winters on the CLS, read Chris Harris report of doing that on this very car. I think he described it as “scary”. If the Monkey found my car frightening on winters, I’ll drive a proper 4x4, thanks!
To walm, who has offered a Nissan GTR. I love you. My wife, however, will not. If you ever fancy a driving swap back in Old Blighty, I would be happy to oblige!
W00dy – I’ve followed your Espace Quadra purchase on the retro thread. I love it. But I’d like something a bit less, well, mental. And yes, I do own a fluorescent, one-piece ski suit and reflective wayfarer sunglasses. Genuinely.
With immense gratitude to everyone who has offered cars (what a place PH is!), I am very much leaning to the Range Rovers. Partly because I really wanted to buy one, but scratched the AMG itch instead, and partly because it is pretty much the perfect winter vehicle to me. The CLS is very luxurious inside and is a special place to be – it would be nice to drive something with a similar sense of occasion in the Alps…
To answer some questions in order: where am I going? Morzine, in the Portes du Soleil. Renting a chalet, so not a small endeavour. So your vehicle will be garaged overnight and perfectly safe (not that vehicle crime is a thing over there, frankly)
The car will be used not quite daily, as we are a walk to the local Nyon lift. Major uses will be driving to the Ardent lifts to access Avoriaz, and for regular trips to Chamonix.
Snow socks/tyres on the Merc will not do (and frankly I’d rather not have one thing to put on/take off). My favourite place to ski from is the Ardent car park, for swift access to my favourite areas. That means an icy, snowy, car park. Fine for a snow tyre shod fwd car, or 4x4 on normal tyres. My CLS will be horrendous there. And as I have said, I like to go out in the worst weather, as that’s when the powder happens. BSS speed skier Jan Farrell, who uses a CLS63, is not a powder hound. I am. So I’d like a 4x4 over the AMG. As for putting winters on the CLS, read Chris Harris report of doing that on this very car. I think he described it as “scary”. If the Monkey found my car frightening on winters, I’ll drive a proper 4x4, thanks!
To walm, who has offered a Nissan GTR. I love you. My wife, however, will not. If you ever fancy a driving swap back in Old Blighty, I would be happy to oblige!
W00dy – I’ve followed your Espace Quadra purchase on the retro thread. I love it. But I’d like something a bit less, well, mental. And yes, I do own a fluorescent, one-piece ski suit and reflective wayfarer sunglasses. Genuinely.
With immense gratitude to everyone who has offered cars (what a place PH is!), I am very much leaning to the Range Rovers. Partly because I really wanted to buy one, but scratched the AMG itch instead, and partly because it is pretty much the perfect winter vehicle to me. The CLS is very luxurious inside and is a special place to be – it would be nice to drive something with a similar sense of occasion in the Alps…
Apologies for not checking in on this - had a day of working hard: ironic, given that I leaving the company! Leave on a high note etc...
This thread is showing some seriously nice metal! The Fiat 500, Mk1 Escort are simply gorgeous. And FBP1, you know I love your P1. I will be troubling you for a drive when I get back...
To LDN and OscarIndia, you chaps are being so kind for your offers of cars already out there. If this thread doesn't work, I will absolutely say yes, and will buy you a very, very nice dinner out there or back here to say thank you. The generosity of fellow PHers never fails to astound me.
In the meantime, I hope everyone is liking this thread as much as I am - really cheers me up. I shall see what happens over the weekend and start sending a few PMs to some of the guys who seem up for the car swap.
In the meantime, this is what you win: PH's own reviews of the very car that I am up for lending to someone:
https://www.pistonheads.com/regulars/ph-fleet/merc...
https://www.pistonheads.com/regulars/ph-fleet/cls6...
This thread is showing some seriously nice metal! The Fiat 500, Mk1 Escort are simply gorgeous. And FBP1, you know I love your P1. I will be troubling you for a drive when I get back...
To LDN and OscarIndia, you chaps are being so kind for your offers of cars already out there. If this thread doesn't work, I will absolutely say yes, and will buy you a very, very nice dinner out there or back here to say thank you. The generosity of fellow PHers never fails to astound me.
In the meantime, I hope everyone is liking this thread as much as I am - really cheers me up. I shall see what happens over the weekend and start sending a few PMs to some of the guys who seem up for the car swap.
In the meantime, this is what you win: PH's own reviews of the very car that I am up for lending to someone:
https://www.pistonheads.com/regulars/ph-fleet/merc...
https://www.pistonheads.com/regulars/ph-fleet/cls6...
Mcfazz79 said:
Mcfazz79 said:
I would gladly proffer my 2010 FFRR TDV8 Vogue SE - with the essential rear screens to entertain the infant child....
I have also recently replaced the well know and highly temperamental ventilated seat heater unit and intercooler pipes so no risk of blanket fogging the continentals on the mountain passes.
I have also recently replaced the well know and highly temperamental ventilated seat heater unit and intercooler pipes so no risk of blanket fogging the continentals on the mountain passes.
So, gentlemen (and ladies?), time to update this thread which has, quite frankly, astounded me in terms of responses, interest and general good feeling. Thanks all! Lady F and I were comparing the weird cattiness of Mumsnet, which she turned to for some new baby advice and swiftly decided never to visit again, to PH, where we seem to genuinely want to help each other out.
Mind you, I hope that some self-interest, in terms of the possession of 5.5litres of twin turbo V8 with almost 600bhp, loosely attached to the road by some mechanical bits and inadequate rear rubber, also featured! I've been out in the CLS this weekend, with no baby for the first time in weeks, and frankly with all the driver aids off and everything set to Sport+/Manual, it is an eye-widening and savage experience...
...which definitely needs careful treatment in the cold and wet - it was wheelspinning at 50mph down the A3 yesterday night under hard acceleration (on new tyres, mind you). I may have switched it back to Comfort pretty quickly, taken everything down several levels, and gone back to wafting around with the superb stereo doing its thing. But this morning's drive on the roads of Surrey, in the autumn sunshine, on dry roads, was an absolute blast. This car would probably suit someone who has another, more sensible vehicle in the garage in case things get really bad this winter.
To that end, I have accepted the kind offer of a PHer who posted on this thread, and will be swapping the 63 for a TDV8 FFRR, on M+S rated tyres, which honestly sounds like the perfect family ski truck. The generous individual loaning it to me has access to another 4x4, so will not spend his winter slithering around and terrified, which seems like a good situation for both of us!
If the other owner agrees, I will update this thread with diary entries of the Rangie doing its inimitable thing in the Alps. He called on its capabilities during the heavy snows early this year, and said it was like driving a big, safe sofa around. I rather hope the CLS doesn't give him the opposite experience
Mind you, I hope that some self-interest, in terms of the possession of 5.5litres of twin turbo V8 with almost 600bhp, loosely attached to the road by some mechanical bits and inadequate rear rubber, also featured! I've been out in the CLS this weekend, with no baby for the first time in weeks, and frankly with all the driver aids off and everything set to Sport+/Manual, it is an eye-widening and savage experience...
...which definitely needs careful treatment in the cold and wet - it was wheelspinning at 50mph down the A3 yesterday night under hard acceleration (on new tyres, mind you). I may have switched it back to Comfort pretty quickly, taken everything down several levels, and gone back to wafting around with the superb stereo doing its thing. But this morning's drive on the roads of Surrey, in the autumn sunshine, on dry roads, was an absolute blast. This car would probably suit someone who has another, more sensible vehicle in the garage in case things get really bad this winter.
To that end, I have accepted the kind offer of a PHer who posted on this thread, and will be swapping the 63 for a TDV8 FFRR, on M+S rated tyres, which honestly sounds like the perfect family ski truck. The generous individual loaning it to me has access to another 4x4, so will not spend his winter slithering around and terrified, which seems like a good situation for both of us!
If the other owner agrees, I will update this thread with diary entries of the Rangie doing its inimitable thing in the Alps. He called on its capabilities during the heavy snows early this year, and said it was like driving a big, safe sofa around. I rather hope the CLS doesn't give him the opposite experience
Edited by Harry Flashman on Sunday 7th October 12:38
MissChief said:
To be honest I’d be writing up some sort of agreement/contract about who’s responsible for what during the loan, be looking for insurance before swapping etc. Harry may have cover for any car he has so many but other things like maintenance, MOT if due during the loan period, any repairs etc due. Maybe even as far as mileage limits (although that may may getting to France a tad difficult!) and what amounts to fair wear and tear. I’m sure Harry wouldn’t be too pleased at having a set of rear tyres down to the cords when he’s been taking excellent care of the RR for example.
Been thinking about this (I am a lawyer by training, after all). Pretty simply done: we already discussed insurance for ourselves and each others' wives on the phone. Basically, we each have to insure the other's car on our own insurance, so our own NCB etc is at risk. I expect a simple contract stating that in a write-off situation, we have to hand the proceeds of the insurance over, and that in a fixing the vehicle for damage situation, we behave reasonably, and fix it. Mileage limits seem fair (although I am a relatively relaxed about this, as the RR will do two big trips and then about 50 miles a week. I am quite relaxed about the CLS having reasonable miles put on it too. We'll probably agree to replace tyres should they come back too worn or damaged. We are also planning on a swap in November, which gives us plenty of time to get used to each others' vehicles and make sure we don't have any concerns about imminent issues etc. I'm pretty confident in my Merc, having just bought it, and the RR has just been in to get a few minor bits sorted, so ostensibly, both cars should be in good nick and ready for winter.
Frankly, the chap I spoke to seemed a reasonable fellow, into his cars, used to high performance vehicles, and with the resources to deal with stuff (all of these things do matter - it's how our informal car club works at home; and why when my friend backed my Aston into a bollard a year back, he just got it fixed with no qualms). MOTs are not due during the period, nor any services, I believe, but should I take the RR over a service interval due to my use, I'd be perfectly happy to have it serviced at my cost. Next service on the Merc is a minor one, so I hope the other chap feels the same way should he take it over the service mileage (unlikely I believe). Anyway, we are meeting for a beer in a few weeks to work all this stuff out.
My car is the more valuable of the two by a factor of 3, so more risk is with me. But that was sort of the point of this thread - to offer something a bit special to someone, in exchange for something helpful to me. As I said to the RR owner on the phone, I really want the 4x4 not because I anticipate driving it across snowfields, but because on the rare times you have really bad weather, I feel safe with me, wife and infant in the car. And if I have to drive a baby to hospital in a snowstorm (hopefully a situation that will not arise), that 4x4 could be literally a life saver.
I am a believer in trusting other people, and treating them fairly. The other owner seems to be the same sort of person. Time to have a little faith!
Edited by Harry Flashman on Sunday 7th October 17:47
LDN said:
Nice one! Enjoy the RR. M+S tyres should see you right but be aware; chains on board, still a must!
Legal requirement to have them on board where I am going, so looking for some in the correct size...ETA: and where you have a place, too! Advice: can I buy chains for a big 4x4 with wheels that size en route? Hypermarche chains are generally cheaper than buying them over here.
Edited by Harry Flashman on Monday 8th October 07:51
Thanks LDN. On my last season the Landy had proper snow tyres on it so i never needed chains, even going over the col to Chatel in heavy snow. The RR is wearing M+S rates tyres and so, as you say, chains will be necessary: I appreciate the tips.
I know that supermarket well - it's where I did my food shopping 5 years ago!
I know that supermarket well - it's where I did my food shopping 5 years ago!
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