Car swap - who wants an AMG Merc for 3 months?
Discussion
Hoolio said:
Shouldn't be, lower arms are new...bill was just under 5k. Will be to the bottom of it when they take it apart next week. Garage isn't happy either as it's a 6 hour job so they'll have to claim that back from the suppliers. All part of the fun of owning a JLR product.
P.S. remember your MOT
Curious to know what caused it.P.S. remember your MOT
And the MOT is booked in on Monday!
Thread update time! So the owner of the L405 and I met and swapped cars this morning. Thoroughly nice chap (I'm yet to meet a PHer who isn't - I feel like I'm storing up bad karma, so the next one I meet will be a psychopath or something), and who is going to use the 63 for fun, which is exactly what it is good for. Had interesting conversations about his other cars - he bought a Tesla after the Rangie. It is a real game-changer apparently, and what saw the RR relegated to occasional duties. Interesting, given that a Model X (which he has and rates very highly) is the one I am interested in. This is a chap who has V8s, and tracks motorcycles, so he is a true petrolhead too...
Handover with no hiccups, except for the fact that I nearly left the Isofix base in the Merc.
Here are the cars before going their separate ways. Those pretty turbine alloy wheels on the RR are being swapped for smaller ones on winter rubber in the early new year. I'll post a few first impressions after the weekend, when I will be visiting Mum and taking advantage of a bit of grandparental babysitting of Flash Jr. Funnily enough I prefer the exterior looks of the L322 to the L405, but the interior on this car is from a different world - it feels far more high quality and a great deal more modern. The owner showed me around the systems and it has some great touches that will help on this trip, such as being able to configure the headlights for the continent, and change the speedo to kmh.
20181219_093126 by baconrashers, on Flickr
Direct comparison shot (excuse blur). The older car is a much more upright, truck-like thing compared to its sleek successor.
2018-11-25_07-57-48 by baconrashers, on Flickr
In other news, trip planning continues apace. Chalet keys arrive tomorrow by courier, and friends are living in our place whilst we are away, as they are doing a renovation/extension of their place nearby, which is a great result for all of us.
Handover with no hiccups, except for the fact that I nearly left the Isofix base in the Merc.
Here are the cars before going their separate ways. Those pretty turbine alloy wheels on the RR are being swapped for smaller ones on winter rubber in the early new year. I'll post a few first impressions after the weekend, when I will be visiting Mum and taking advantage of a bit of grandparental babysitting of Flash Jr. Funnily enough I prefer the exterior looks of the L322 to the L405, but the interior on this car is from a different world - it feels far more high quality and a great deal more modern. The owner showed me around the systems and it has some great touches that will help on this trip, such as being able to configure the headlights for the continent, and change the speedo to kmh.
20181219_093126 by baconrashers, on FlickrDirect comparison shot (excuse blur). The older car is a much more upright, truck-like thing compared to its sleek successor.
2018-11-25_07-57-48 by baconrashers, on FlickrIn other news, trip planning continues apace. Chalet keys arrive tomorrow by courier, and friends are living in our place whilst we are away, as they are doing a renovation/extension of their place nearby, which is a great result for all of us.
Edited by Harry Flashman on Wednesday 19th December 11:35
eltax91 said:
I notice both pictures are outside your Gaff. Won't you travel for your international man of mystery car swaps you lazy git? 
Hah! What can I say? I like having people over (genuinely true!). Also both swap counterparties happened to spend time in London from their outside London homes, so made it easy to come and scope out my place for burglary, as Fermit stated above...Hello folks - thread update time.
I have got to spend a bit more time in the swapmobile now, after shuttling around London and Surrey over Christmas. And I have to say, I am (almost) smitten. One generation has moved the game on considerably, it seems.
Honestly, I think that most of this is due to weight reduction. The heaviest L322s weigh just over 2600, kilos. The later car is 300 kilos lighter. Now whilst this is still a big, heavy car, it steers, rides and brakes with a great deal more conviction. But it feels a great deal faster and more wieldy too, as the 60bhp increase is emphasised by the weight loss.
It has definitely imbued a new driving style - it is big, so you take it easy, waving people out and generally not hurrying anywhere. You barely have to tickle the throttle, so you can drive it subtly and slowly through town, knowing that the response should you need the power is there: there is no need to keep it on the boil in town as you did the L322. It also feels like a big car, rather than a small truck - and I would imagine that this is a combination of a monocoque construction, and improved electronics.
And the interior moves the game on as well, as do the TFT screens etc. Lady F loves everything about this car except for its bulk.
It feels much closer to the Merc than the old car, in terms of a vehicle to live with (generationally they are closer - as someone pointed out it was unfair to compare a 2002 Range Rover design to a 2010 Mercedes one) - but with improved visibility, far superior ride, and a better gearbox. It obviously does not have the AMG's Mr Hyde side - but I would be very interested to drive the Supercharged version, or the new hybrid, as I suspect that the pace of those cars would compensate in some way for the engine note and sheer exuberance of the Mercedes.
I'll be interested in how the car feels on higher profile, softer snow tyres (being fitted in a few days on smaller wheels than the current 21 inch items).
I can see why people buy these, now. It is a bit too big for London - but something discovery sized (with the extra seats), with this level of power, the switchable air suspension and some interesting driver modes, could really be the best real world conventional (non electric) car out there. I think I would always pick something like a E63 4matic wagon over one of these before I finally switch to electric, but it is a very beguiling thing to potter about in.
I have got to spend a bit more time in the swapmobile now, after shuttling around London and Surrey over Christmas. And I have to say, I am (almost) smitten. One generation has moved the game on considerably, it seems.
Honestly, I think that most of this is due to weight reduction. The heaviest L322s weigh just over 2600, kilos. The later car is 300 kilos lighter. Now whilst this is still a big, heavy car, it steers, rides and brakes with a great deal more conviction. But it feels a great deal faster and more wieldy too, as the 60bhp increase is emphasised by the weight loss.
It has definitely imbued a new driving style - it is big, so you take it easy, waving people out and generally not hurrying anywhere. You barely have to tickle the throttle, so you can drive it subtly and slowly through town, knowing that the response should you need the power is there: there is no need to keep it on the boil in town as you did the L322. It also feels like a big car, rather than a small truck - and I would imagine that this is a combination of a monocoque construction, and improved electronics.
And the interior moves the game on as well, as do the TFT screens etc. Lady F loves everything about this car except for its bulk.
It feels much closer to the Merc than the old car, in terms of a vehicle to live with (generationally they are closer - as someone pointed out it was unfair to compare a 2002 Range Rover design to a 2010 Mercedes one) - but with improved visibility, far superior ride, and a better gearbox. It obviously does not have the AMG's Mr Hyde side - but I would be very interested to drive the Supercharged version, or the new hybrid, as I suspect that the pace of those cars would compensate in some way for the engine note and sheer exuberance of the Mercedes.
I'll be interested in how the car feels on higher profile, softer snow tyres (being fitted in a few days on smaller wheels than the current 21 inch items).
I can see why people buy these, now. It is a bit too big for London - but something discovery sized (with the extra seats), with this level of power, the switchable air suspension and some interesting driver modes, could really be the best real world conventional (non electric) car out there. I think I would always pick something like a E63 4matic wagon over one of these before I finally switch to electric, but it is a very beguiling thing to potter about in.
CAPP0 said:
Harry, did you successfully change your contact email on here? I don’t think I saved your number and only have the work email - I may yet pester you for a weekend on the slopes
I did - send me a PM. We may not be able to do accommodation as between two families we have visitors most of the time and are trying to save the remaining time so that it is just us in the house, but I am always up for a ski if anyone is in resort!On that note, winter tyres were fitted to the 20 inch spare rims today. They look pretty chunky and are fairly soft - and studdable, which I think may be taking things a bit too far for a low ski resort...
£530 for four plus £70 fitting, which I think is fairly reasonable for a good tyre (these are Cooper Weather-Masters, which I have used on a Chevy Suburban in the snows of Utah, so I know they'll do the business if we have a bad storm and need the car to be secure on an unploughed road.
20190102_114646 by baconrashers, on Flickr
20190102_114515 by baconrashers, on FlickrWe're now into doing some final jobs and packing stuff up. Leave on Tuesday 8th...
LDN - it has snowed non stop through January (amazing start to a season), and the snow tyres have literally been fantastic. Plenty of folk on M+S tyres having trouble out here. The RR on these snow tyres has been amazing. And the ground clearance has been invaluable.
This is a pic of our drive after a night of snow. It is ploughed daily. The mound on the left is a rental Mini after 3 days...
20190131_095016 by baconrashers, on Flickr
I'll do a better update in a bit, but in the meantime have some photos:
Cluses, early morning:
20190212_071545 by baconrashers, on Flickr
20190212_071539 by baconrashers, on Flickr
Salt Lake City, before nearly two metres of snow hit the mountains. It was a perfect powder week! We had a Nissan Armada for the week. It was rubbish compared to the Range Rover, frankly.
20190202_072756 by baconrashers, on Flickr
This is a pic of our drive after a night of snow. It is ploughed daily. The mound on the left is a rental Mini after 3 days...
20190131_095016 by baconrashers, on FlickrI'll do a better update in a bit, but in the meantime have some photos:
Cluses, early morning:
20190212_071545 by baconrashers, on Flickr20190212_071539 by baconrashers, on FlickrSalt Lake City, before nearly two metres of snow hit the mountains. It was a perfect powder week! We had a Nissan Armada for the week. It was rubbish compared to the Range Rover, frankly.
20190202_072756 by baconrashers, on FlickrEdited by Harry Flashman on Tuesday 12th February 19:17
So the snow has come back after a nearly four week absence. Just after the second camper van turned up. Our friends and housemates have chums with similar taste to theirs! Both fully kitted out, and with Synchro 4x4.
The RR remains completely unflustered. We drove in convoy through the pass to Chatel a few weeks back in heavy snow, a foot deep on an unploughed road. Both made it, but I made it without stress!
20190312_174609 by baconrashers, on Flickr
The RR remains completely unflustered. We drove in convoy through the pass to Chatel a few weeks back in heavy snow, a foot deep on an unploughed road. Both made it, but I made it without stress!
20190312_174609 by baconrashers, on FlickrI hear you al on the Razzle comments. I've also been making dogging jokes at the expense owners of these vehicles.
As for the Merc, its current keeper's last report was that his wife was not a fan as it is too unruly, but that his kids love it. Like me, he thinks that the gearbox is a bit primitive, and that the stereo is balls, but the rest of it is quite fun.
In the meantime, here in France...the snow has returned!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lliy-QiYsD8
As for the Merc, its current keeper's last report was that his wife was not a fan as it is too unruly, but that his kids love it. Like me, he thinks that the gearbox is a bit primitive, and that the stereo is balls, but the rest of it is quite fun.
In the meantime, here in France...the snow has returned!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lliy-QiYsD8
Let me know if you fancy a skiing buddy whilst out here! We get out most days, as childcare is all sorted every day except Wednesday and Saturday.
And the snow has arrived, with more coming. Keep the winters on!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U925MrDQmOU
And the snow has arrived, with more coming. Keep the winters on!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U925MrDQmOU
So, I thought that I should conclude this tale, with the handover of the cars back to their respective owners. We met halfway between our homes at the Haynes Motor Museum in Somerset, and spent a couple of hours after the handover looking at some lovely old machinery in this unexpectedly modern and airy museum. Well worth a trip if you are passing. Both owners very happy with their tenure, and the state of their cars! No write-offs or thefts, despite a couple of sceptics on the thread. I think I will try to find a way for a London PH car share club, as with sensible people, and proper insurance, this could all work reasonably well.
The Merc has barely done any mileage at all, after all that! Returned to me as it was (in fact rather cleaner, I believe - it looked very shiny when I took it back!) and I have to say I have missed that absolute monster of an engine, the sports car-esque cockpit and driving position, and the looks (I am one of those who really likes the low shape of the CLS). It immediately went to Wales with me for the bank holiday weekend, where I found lots of good roads, and re-acquainted myself with Sport Plus mode...
20190524_121226 by baconrashers, on Flickr
The RR has been a joy to borrow. Rather unfortunately, almost as soon as I returned from France, someone scraped it in a London car park. Several months in France with no issues, one week in London and bang. So I spoke to the owner, who was happy for me to repair it at my local paint shop, who I know pretty well. I decided that whilst it was in, I'd see to some previous small bits and pieces that dated to before my possession, so had the whole car looked over, rectified, and then professionally machine polished and waxed. It looks good, and the owner was very happy with the results!
20190524_121217 by baconrashers, on Flickr
I shall miss the lofty driving position and sheer interior space of this car. But it makes even the large Merc seem small, and is just a bit too big for London. It made perfect sense in the mountains, and felt nothing less than supremely capable in any weather, on any road, at any time. I really see what people mean when they say that this generation of RR really is the car that can do everything. With the supercharged engine, I reckon it could be almost perfect.
It is interesting though - the RR is such a relaxed place to be, that loafing around at 70 mph is easy, and lovely. The CLS is problematic though - its setup and feel means that at 70mph, it feels unhappy, as if it wants to go faster: every twitch of the accelerator results in it jumping forward. And as such, I am going to have to get used to showing restraint again...ironically, the Range Rover, with its relaxed, luxurious nature and lofty driving position, really is the better car for the modern world of crowded roads and speed cameras...
Anyway, all's well that ends well, and thank you to all of you who so kindly offered cars, entering into the spirit of the thing. It's been a fun thread, a fun experience, and hopefully has restored everyone's faith that other people can be kind, generous, and respectful of your property. In that vein, I am always happy to lend my 63AMG to a sensible PHer in exchange for something different and special, so feel free to PM if you fancy 5.5 litres and 560bhp (possibly quite a bit more, as I am thinking of a bit of a tickle to the ECU as well as a big brake upgrade) of twin turbo V8 for a while, and have something fun to lend in return...
The Merc has barely done any mileage at all, after all that! Returned to me as it was (in fact rather cleaner, I believe - it looked very shiny when I took it back!) and I have to say I have missed that absolute monster of an engine, the sports car-esque cockpit and driving position, and the looks (I am one of those who really likes the low shape of the CLS). It immediately went to Wales with me for the bank holiday weekend, where I found lots of good roads, and re-acquainted myself with Sport Plus mode...
20190524_121226 by baconrashers, on FlickrThe RR has been a joy to borrow. Rather unfortunately, almost as soon as I returned from France, someone scraped it in a London car park. Several months in France with no issues, one week in London and bang. So I spoke to the owner, who was happy for me to repair it at my local paint shop, who I know pretty well. I decided that whilst it was in, I'd see to some previous small bits and pieces that dated to before my possession, so had the whole car looked over, rectified, and then professionally machine polished and waxed. It looks good, and the owner was very happy with the results!
20190524_121217 by baconrashers, on FlickrI shall miss the lofty driving position and sheer interior space of this car. But it makes even the large Merc seem small, and is just a bit too big for London. It made perfect sense in the mountains, and felt nothing less than supremely capable in any weather, on any road, at any time. I really see what people mean when they say that this generation of RR really is the car that can do everything. With the supercharged engine, I reckon it could be almost perfect.
It is interesting though - the RR is such a relaxed place to be, that loafing around at 70 mph is easy, and lovely. The CLS is problematic though - its setup and feel means that at 70mph, it feels unhappy, as if it wants to go faster: every twitch of the accelerator results in it jumping forward. And as such, I am going to have to get used to showing restraint again...ironically, the Range Rover, with its relaxed, luxurious nature and lofty driving position, really is the better car for the modern world of crowded roads and speed cameras...
Anyway, all's well that ends well, and thank you to all of you who so kindly offered cars, entering into the spirit of the thing. It's been a fun thread, a fun experience, and hopefully has restored everyone's faith that other people can be kind, generous, and respectful of your property. In that vein, I am always happy to lend my 63AMG to a sensible PHer in exchange for something different and special, so feel free to PM if you fancy 5.5 litres and 560bhp (possibly quite a bit more, as I am thinking of a bit of a tickle to the ECU as well as a big brake upgrade) of twin turbo V8 for a while, and have something fun to lend in return...
Edited by Harry Flashman on Wednesday 29th May 23:38
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