Car swap - who wants an AMG Merc for 3 months?
Discussion
The Espace is indeed Lurking like an unwanted TG challenge car....
The good news is that it has new snow boots and that it passed it's Controle Technique.
I did find an extra feature in it the other day. It would appear that when in passenger mode looking to summit a snow covered road, when presented with the driver option 'Need to attach snow chains' All you need to utter is 'Would you like me to drive' and the Espace will miraculously immediately gain more traction.
Although this also comes with a danger to health warning.
The good news is that it has new snow boots and that it passed it's Controle Technique.
I did find an extra feature in it the other day. It would appear that when in passenger mode looking to summit a snow covered road, when presented with the driver option 'Need to attach snow chains' All you need to utter is 'Would you like me to drive' and the Espace will miraculously immediately gain more traction.
Although this also comes with a danger to health warning.
OscarIndia - it lurks indeed! That said, if it needs running/starting occasionally for you whilst I am out there, I'd be happy to do that, and make sure it's all working before you and the family get in on your trips. Not sure if someone does that for you - if not, happy to do so. Same with making sure the heating on and there is some stuff in the fridge/wine rack. About time I repaid your generosity!
Part of the reason for doing the swap is having something capable of taking all our ski gear, baby gear, our gear plus infant and car seat. The CLS just is not big enough (long load area but low, and with a small loading aperture). I could buy rails and a roofbox for it of course, but then this thread would not exist, and where is the fun in that? It will also then just end up sitting outside in below zero temps for the whole winter, unused. Not ideal.
Anyway, time for a thread update. A chap has kindly offered an L405 FFRR, also in TDV8 flavour. We have e-mailed and been on the phone, and it looks as if we will be changing cars before Christmas. The car is also gaining a set of full winter tyres for the trip and beyond (Alpine symbol, rather than M+S all season). I had snow on the Defender and their cold weather performance is excellent (but they are rather more compromised in warm, dry conditions). As these will be on a spare set of wheels, the owner can revert to his summer tyres next year.
Insurance has been sorted on both sides, reciprocal loan agreement agreed, tyres bought and fitting arranged. So hopefully, we are there now.
He will be taking my car on a jaunt to Spain, which I think will be fun as if he can take in some good roads, this sort of long trip is where the Mercedes excels. He tells me he is a tall chap though, so I hope that the chopped roofline and snug, sports car-esque cockpit is OK! He also has plenty of performance car ownership experience, so I'm not worried about the 63 in his keeping, and in fact hope he uses it as it should be - a fast run to the continent is exactly that mission.
Hopefully attempt two will be the final one...
Thanks so much to the other chaps. I have responded to e-mails: my PH e-mail address is my work one (being changed, but the admins need to do that these days) which I am now rarely checking, hence slow response times.
Part of the reason for doing the swap is having something capable of taking all our ski gear, baby gear, our gear plus infant and car seat. The CLS just is not big enough (long load area but low, and with a small loading aperture). I could buy rails and a roofbox for it of course, but then this thread would not exist, and where is the fun in that? It will also then just end up sitting outside in below zero temps for the whole winter, unused. Not ideal.
Anyway, time for a thread update. A chap has kindly offered an L405 FFRR, also in TDV8 flavour. We have e-mailed and been on the phone, and it looks as if we will be changing cars before Christmas. The car is also gaining a set of full winter tyres for the trip and beyond (Alpine symbol, rather than M+S all season). I had snow on the Defender and their cold weather performance is excellent (but they are rather more compromised in warm, dry conditions). As these will be on a spare set of wheels, the owner can revert to his summer tyres next year.
Insurance has been sorted on both sides, reciprocal loan agreement agreed, tyres bought and fitting arranged. So hopefully, we are there now.
He will be taking my car on a jaunt to Spain, which I think will be fun as if he can take in some good roads, this sort of long trip is where the Mercedes excels. He tells me he is a tall chap though, so I hope that the chopped roofline and snug, sports car-esque cockpit is OK! He also has plenty of performance car ownership experience, so I'm not worried about the 63 in his keeping, and in fact hope he uses it as it should be - a fast run to the continent is exactly that mission.
Hopefully attempt two will be the final one...
Thanks so much to the other chaps. I have responded to e-mails: my PH e-mail address is my work one (being changed, but the admins need to do that these days) which I am now rarely checking, hence slow response times.
Edited by Harry Flashman on Thursday 6th December 16:19
Edited by Harry Flashman on Friday 7th December 00:28
Harry Flashman said:
OscarIndia - it lurks indeed! That said, if it needs running/starting occasionally for you whilst I am out there, I'd be happy to do that, and make sure it's all working before you and the family get in on your trips. Not sure if someone does that for you - if not, happy to do so. Same with making sure the heating on and there is some stuff in the fridge/wine rack. About time I repaid your generosity!
Part of the reason for doing the swap is having something capable of taking all our ski gear, baby gear, our gear plus infant and car seat. The CLS just is not big enough (long load area but low, and with a small loading aperture). I could buy rails and a roofbox for it of course, but then this thread would not exist, and where is the fun in that? It will also then just end up sitting outside in below zero temps for the whole winter, unused. Not ideal.
Anyway, time for a thread update. A chap has kindly offered an L405 FFRR, also in TDV8 flavour. We have e-mailed and been on the phone, and it looks as if we will be changing cars before Christmas. The car is also gaining a set of full winter tyres for the trip and beyond (Alpine symbol, rather than M+S all season). This is the type of tyre I had on the Defender and their snow performance is excellent (but they are rather more compromised in warm, dry conditions). As these will be on a spare set of wheels, the owner can revert to his summer tyres next year.
Insurance has been sorted on both sides, reciprocal loan agreement agreed, tyres bought and fitting arranged. So hopefully, we are there now.
He will be taking my car on a jaunt to Spain, which I think will be fun as if he can take in some good roads, this sort of long trip is where the Mercedes excels. He tells me he is a tall chap though, so I hope that the chopped roofline and snug, sports car-esque cockpit is OK! He also has plenty of performance car ownership experience, so I'm not worried about the 63 in his keeping, and in fact hope he uses it as it should be - a fast run to the continent is exactly that mission.
Hopefully attempt two will be the final one...
Thanks so much to the other chaps. I have responded to e-mails: my PH e-mail address is my work one (being changed, but the admins need to do that these days) which I am now rarely checking, hence slow response times.
Harry, very pleased to hear you have an alternative chariot sorted out to take you, Lady F, junior F and all your gear to the snow. I think you'll find the L405 a more sumptuous place to be, and should handle better too. The 63 was so much fun and I'll miss it and it sounds like it's going to a good foster home.Part of the reason for doing the swap is having something capable of taking all our ski gear, baby gear, our gear plus infant and car seat. The CLS just is not big enough (long load area but low, and with a small loading aperture). I could buy rails and a roofbox for it of course, but then this thread would not exist, and where is the fun in that? It will also then just end up sitting outside in below zero temps for the whole winter, unused. Not ideal.
Anyway, time for a thread update. A chap has kindly offered an L405 FFRR, also in TDV8 flavour. We have e-mailed and been on the phone, and it looks as if we will be changing cars before Christmas. The car is also gaining a set of full winter tyres for the trip and beyond (Alpine symbol, rather than M+S all season). This is the type of tyre I had on the Defender and their snow performance is excellent (but they are rather more compromised in warm, dry conditions). As these will be on a spare set of wheels, the owner can revert to his summer tyres next year.
Insurance has been sorted on both sides, reciprocal loan agreement agreed, tyres bought and fitting arranged. So hopefully, we are there now.
He will be taking my car on a jaunt to Spain, which I think will be fun as if he can take in some good roads, this sort of long trip is where the Mercedes excels. He tells me he is a tall chap though, so I hope that the chopped roofline and snug, sports car-esque cockpit is OK! He also has plenty of performance car ownership experience, so I'm not worried about the 63 in his keeping, and in fact hope he uses it as it should be - a fast run to the continent is exactly that mission.
Hopefully attempt two will be the final one...
Thanks so much to the other chaps. I have responded to e-mails: my PH e-mail address is my work one (being changed, but the admins need to do that these days) which I am now rarely checking, hence slow response times.
Edited by Harry Flashman on Thursday 6th December 16:19
In other news, we dropped the RR off at the garage yesterday and I was told on handing the keys over to one of the mechanics "I'll be in touch". Not heard from them today as they're stacked again! so looks like a plan B was a good call.
Enjoy your trip to the snow!!
Hoolio
I have read through this thread since the beginning and I have been so close to offering my GL350 several times. I've only not because I keep baulking at the near £1300 it'd cost for the winter tyres. I want some anyway but bonus month is in the spring.
Anyway...
I will try to change mine for a GL63 when the time comes (couple of years yet). Mentioned my interest to the Merc dealer when we bought my wife's GLC350 and he let me loose in an 80-miles-from-new C63 which was just about as epic as it comes. It actually made my old Cerbera 4.5 seem normal.
Good luck with the venture. It's one of the most fun / full of opportunity threads I've read here.
Anyway...
I will try to change mine for a GL63 when the time comes (couple of years yet). Mentioned my interest to the Merc dealer when we bought my wife's GLC350 and he let me loose in an 80-miles-from-new C63 which was just about as epic as it comes. It actually made my old Cerbera 4.5 seem normal.
Good luck with the venture. It's one of the most fun / full of opportunity threads I've read here.
Watchman said:
I have read through this thread since the beginning and I have been so close to offering my GL350 several times. I've only not because I keep baulking at the near £1300 it'd cost for the winter tyres. I want some anyway but bonus month is in the spring.
Anyway...
I will try to change mine for a GL63 when the time comes (couple of years yet). Mentioned my interest to the Merc dealer when we bought my wife's GLC350 and he let me loose in an 80-miles-from-new C63 which was just about as epic as it comes. It actually made my old Cerbera 4.5 seem normal.
Good luck with the venture. It's one of the most fun / full of opportunity threads I've read here.
Thanks for the thought!Anyway...
I will try to change mine for a GL63 when the time comes (couple of years yet). Mentioned my interest to the Merc dealer when we bought my wife's GLC350 and he let me loose in an 80-miles-from-new C63 which was just about as epic as it comes. It actually made my old Cerbera 4.5 seem normal.
Good luck with the venture. It's one of the most fun / full of opportunity threads I've read here.
Also, winters need not cost that much. 20 inch Vredestein Wintracs and Continental WinterContacts etc are around £200 a corner. The excellent Cooper Weather Master is cheaper still, and I have driven a Chevy Suburban on these extensively in the snows of Utah. I just bought a set for the Range Rover for £140 a corner, fitting (including removing old tyres) is £60 at my local tyre place.
I like the Cooper - as well as snow and packed snow/ice, it is great in the wet, slush and light road mud, which pretty much describes a British winter and also takes studs. The latter is unlikely to be necessary in France, but you never know!
Sounds like you have a good steed lined up! Remember that, European breakdown might be worth it... no matter what car you’re in. Make sure you park that beast, away from the locals in their bangers at the slopes.
We are gearing up to get out there also. Longing for the mountains and slopes; also, planning a trip over into Italy and also to Lausanne
We are gearing up to get out there also. Longing for the mountains and slopes; also, planning a trip over into Italy and also to Lausanne
I prefer to do the daily ski run in the ski bus, as I'll be doing odd hours due to the baby and will avoid the crowds, there's a stop outside the house, and Nyon lift is a few minutes away. Little point driving to the lift unless you are super early and can easily grab a space, really - first lift won't happen with an infant in the house! Also, the car will need to be at the chalet where the baby is, in case of emergency - the parent in the house will need wheels available if any sort of short-notice trip needs to be made. The couple we are sharing with have a VW Caravelle AWD on snow tyres too, which is the "ski truck" anyway.
I've also booked secure parking in town so that the car won't need to be on the street when we drive in: it makes things easier rather than driving around and trying to squeeze in somewhere. Also, whilst I had no issue with my Defender last time, you tend to be a bit more circumspect when you're driving someone else's car.
All of that said, I think it's pretty low risk out there. The worst thing I saw during my last season was when someone (drunk English person at half term) drove his car (E55 AMG wagon as it happened, on summer tyres) into the bollards outside the tourist office and wrecked it. The gendarmes threw the book at him.
I've also booked secure parking in town so that the car won't need to be on the street when we drive in: it makes things easier rather than driving around and trying to squeeze in somewhere. Also, whilst I had no issue with my Defender last time, you tend to be a bit more circumspect when you're driving someone else's car.
All of that said, I think it's pretty low risk out there. The worst thing I saw during my last season was when someone (drunk English person at half term) drove his car (E55 AMG wagon as it happened, on summer tyres) into the bollards outside the tourist office and wrecked it. The gendarmes threw the book at him.
Harry Flashman said:
Watchman said:
I have read through this thread since the beginning and I have been so close to offering my GL350 several times. I've only not because I keep baulking at the near £1300 it'd cost for the winter tyres. I want some anyway but bonus month is in the spring.
Anyway...
I will try to change mine for a GL63 when the time comes (couple of years yet). Mentioned my interest to the Merc dealer when we bought my wife's GLC350 and he let me loose in an 80-miles-from-new C63 which was just about as epic as it comes. It actually made my old Cerbera 4.5 seem normal.
Good luck with the venture. It's one of the most fun / full of opportunity threads I've read here.
Thanks for the thought!Anyway...
I will try to change mine for a GL63 when the time comes (couple of years yet). Mentioned my interest to the Merc dealer when we bought my wife's GLC350 and he let me loose in an 80-miles-from-new C63 which was just about as epic as it comes. It actually made my old Cerbera 4.5 seem normal.
Good luck with the venture. It's one of the most fun / full of opportunity threads I've read here.
Also, winters need not cost that much. 20 inch Vredestein Wintracs and Continental WinterContacts etc are around £200 a corner. The excellent Cooper Weather Master is cheaper still, and I have driven a Chevy Suburban on these extensively in the snows of Utah. I just bought a set for the Range Rover for £140 a corner, fitting (including removing old tyres) is £60 at my local tyre place.
I like the Cooper - as well as snow and packed snow/ice, it is great in the wet, slush and light road mud, which pretty much describes a British winter and also takes studs. The latter is unlikely to be necessary in France, but you never know!
Watchman said:
I've been looking for a set of 20" wheels that I like but I've not found any yet so the 21s are still on. 295 40 21 winters are eye wateringly expensive.
The 21" winters ( 295 ! ) are too wide to be any good on snow, I would go with the smallest and narrowest possible wheel/tire combo for winters. Will be much cheaper, more comfortable and better to drive in winter conditions.Harry Flashman said:
OscarIndia - it lurks indeed! That said, if it needs running/starting occasionally for you whilst I am out there, I'd be happy to do that, and make sure it's all working before you and the family get in on your trips. Not sure if someone does that for you - if not, happy to do so. Same with making sure the heating on and there is some stuff in the fridge/wine rack. About time I repaid your generosity!
He will be taking my car on a jaunt to Spain, which I think will be fun as if he can take in some good roads, this sort of long trip is where the Mercedes excels. He tells me he is a tall chap though, so I hope that the chopped roofline and snug, sports car-esque cockpit is OK! He also has plenty of performance car ownership experience, so I'm not worried about the 63 in his keeping, and in fact hope he uses it as it should be - a fast run to the continent is exactly that mission.
Harry I can assure said Tall chap that he will be perfectly comfortable in the CLS. It may have escaped you notice, but I'm 6ft 4 and found it very comfortable on the 350 mile delivery run!He will be taking my car on a jaunt to Spain, which I think will be fun as if he can take in some good roads, this sort of long trip is where the Mercedes excels. He tells me he is a tall chap though, so I hope that the chopped roofline and snug, sports car-esque cockpit is OK! He also has plenty of performance car ownership experience, so I'm not worried about the 63 in his keeping, and in fact hope he uses it as it should be - a fast run to the continent is exactly that mission.
Edited by Harry Flashman on Thursday 6th December 16:19
Edited by Harry Flashman on Friday 7th December 00:28
The Espace gets a run now and then anyway, when friends rent the chalet we give them use of the car so no problem there.
Ed is looking forward to punishing you on the slopes in Jan!
OscarIndia said:
Harry I can assure said Tall chap that he will be perfectly comfortable in the CLS. It may have escaped you notice, but I'm 6ft 4 and found it very comfortable on the 350 mile delivery run!
The Espace gets a run now and then anyway, when friends rent the chalet we give them use of the car so no problem there.
Ed is looking forward to punishing you on the slopes in Jan!
Of course - good point. Forgot that you are one of my lankier friends!The Espace gets a run now and then anyway, when friends rent the chalet we give them use of the car so no problem there.
Ed is looking forward to punishing you on the slopes in Jan!
I'm taking it easy in Jan, despite your goading. 3 knee operations mean I have to ease back into it all...
On topic, I am wondering about an informal PH car club when I come back and hopefully buy something two-seater and interesting again to supplement the Merc. Will give this some thought whilst away. Sort of like a loan pool for like-minded individuals in local areas who have varied and interesting stuff that they don't mind lending. Biggest challenge is insurance and making sure that everyone is like-minded and treats things properly, and has the funds to do small repairs if necessary. I even have a great local garage and paintshop to deal with such small issues, and even maintenance on older stuff that doesn't need a dealer/specialist.
As the original post states, four of us local South London friends have been doing this for the last few years...and this thread proves that there are plenty of folk who are as willing to lend their property as I am. My Morgans were always out with friends, as I liked them being run, and were used for everything from weekend trips to two friend's weddings. The Aston was used pretty much every weekend by two friends for golf trips and Goodwood runs. I in turn woofled about in a classic Merc 560 SEC (I took that car to Devon and Norfolk and back repeatedly and loved the whole experience, it is about to go in for restoration), a tip run Ford Focus (which I basically borrowed exclusively for two house renovations, and now sadly scrapped) and an F430 for weekends away (lovely thing, sadly likely to be sold soon). Our little car club is declining as folk have had children and moved to more sensible vehicles - but maybe another can rise in its place!
We probably need:
- a premium SUV
- a tip run car
- a performance four seat convertible
- a classic
- a two seat sports car
- an electric car
- a group ZipCar or similar membership for vans etc
Owning and parking cars in London is a pain, but as petrolheads we like to own nice things. Yet most of us here commute by public transport, bicycle or motorcycle /scooter(I do all three). This leaves a lot of metal sitting around unused, when it needs to be run.
Edited by Harry Flashman on Friday 7th December 10:06
Sounds interesting, Harry. I used to live between Brixton Hill and Tulse Hill but ended up moving out to Reading in the search of more (affordable) space! I now split my time between Reading and Sweden, so for roughly 2 weeks of the month my car is either parked up at home or at the airport. I would happily submit a MY18 RR Sport as an option!
Well I live near your old haunts, in Streatham, but the family (Mum’s) home is in Virginia Water and so nearer Reading.
So if you fancy something a bit spicier like the CLS63 or a Morgan Aero 8 / Audi R8 V10 / M4 (all on the club shortlist for next year) for your trips to the UK, you’re on!
So if you fancy something a bit spicier like the CLS63 or a Morgan Aero 8 / Audi R8 V10 / M4 (all on the club shortlist for next year) for your trips to the UK, you’re on!
Edited by Harry Flashman on Friday 7th December 10:55
Harry Flashman said:
OscarIndia said:
Harry I can assure said Tall chap that he will be perfectly comfortable in the CLS. It may have escaped you notice, but I'm 6ft 4 and found it very comfortable on the 350 mile delivery run!
The Espace gets a run now and then anyway, when friends rent the chalet we give them use of the car so no problem there.
Ed is looking forward to punishing you on the slopes in Jan!
Of course - good point. Forgot that you are one of my lankier friends!The Espace gets a run now and then anyway, when friends rent the chalet we give them use of the car so no problem there.
Ed is looking forward to punishing you on the slopes in Jan!
I'm taking it easy in Jan, despite your goading. 3 knee operations mean I have to ease back into it all...
On topic, I am wondering about an informal PH car club when I come back and hopefully buy something two-seater and interesting again to supplement the Merc. Will give this some thought whilst away. Sort of like a loan pool for like-minded individuals in local areas who have varied and interesting stuff that they don't mind lending. Biggest challenge is insurance and making sure that everyone is like-minded and treats things properly, and has the funds to do small repairs if necessary. I even have a great local garage and paintshop to deal with such small issues, and even maintenance on older stuff that doesn't need a dealer/specialist.
As the original post states, four of us local South London friends have been doing this for the last few years...and this thread proves that there are plenty of folk who are as willing to lend their property as I am. My Morgans were always out with friends, as I liked them being run, and were used for everything from weekend trips to two friend's weddings. The Aston was used pretty much every weekend by two friends for golf trips and Goodwood runs. I in turn woofled about in a classic Merc 560 SEC (I took that car to Devon and Norfolk and back repeatedly and loved the whole experience, it is about to go in for restoration), a tip run Ford Focus (which I basically borrowed exclusively for two house renovations, and now sadly scrapped) and an F430 for weekends away (lovely thing, sadly likely to be sold soon). Our little car club is declining as folk have had children and moved to more sensible vehicles - but maybe another can rise in its place!
We probably need:
- a premium SUV
- a tip run car
- a performance four seat convertible
- a classic
- a two seat sports car
- an electric car
- a group ZipCar or similar membership for vans etc
Owning and parking cars in London is a pain, but as petrolheads we like to own nice things. Yet most of us here commute by public transport, bicycle or motorcycle /scooter(I do all three). This leaves a lot of metal sitting around unused, when it needs to be run.
Edited by Harry Flashman on Friday 7th December 10:06
I now have the electric car box ticked as well as the Q7
BrabusMog, It really is a small world!! And when in Surrey, a 1990 Saab 900 Turbo S cab and 1994 Mercedes E320 Sportline convertible are available, should you want a classic droptop for nice weather.
Herbs - good! You should join too. And I hope you got my e-mail: thanks for the original offer of the Q7 and looking back into it at short notice.
Watch this thread in the spring...
Herbs - good! You should join too. And I hope you got my e-mail: thanks for the original offer of the Q7 and looking back into it at short notice.
Watch this thread in the spring...
Edited by Harry Flashman on Friday 7th December 11:07
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