Best smoker barges 1-5 large [Vol 14]

[SpeckledJim]

g3org3y said:

r129sl said:

On Bentleys. Wife says: "I like them but we've got no money and you drive 120 miles every day, what on earth do you want one for?"

I spared her the truth (i.e., I want one because I think it will make me more attractive to younger women, or just to women generally) and agreed that it would be a bad idea. I also checked out the price of maintenance after Baister told me they were a "fookin nightmare". He reckons it's engine out to do anything, such as replacing the O2 sensors. He also suggested I check out the price of brakes. At Euro, a single front disc is £1,500!

I also googled mpg. 18mpg in real world use, falling to 3 if you cane it. So I'd get 12.

I still want one: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Or this local one: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Edited by r129sl on Sunday 6th October 08:21

How many parts does it share with a Phaeton? Option to buy the same part but with a VW rather than Bentley sticker on it for much of the car?

Of the parts that wear out and break - disappointingly few.

[mccrackenj]

MercedesClassic said:

(In other news; the Mccracken household is now the proud possessor of not one, but two, Honda Jazzes, both in a colour which I believe is known as “Terribly Tedious Silver”. Shoot me now!)

ETA: I still “possesss” the E320 so I assume I can still retain thread membership, but when it goes is there a grace period before I am banned from thread sin die?




Hi John, sorry to hear of your dreadful intrusion, happened a mate of mine few years ago too. Was a newish C class coupe, obviously had been casing his place to work out which apartment the keys would be in. Anyway noone was harmed and unfortunately the car was recovered the same day. He didn't want it back as it was tainted plus had Gap on it.
The key insurance didn't pay out so he had to pay that himself, courtesy car for 6 weeks I think he also had to pay as Mercedes took so long to sort it out.
Plus lost days off work and cash.
Three years later he still has the car but always nervous they will return.

Glad you got new wheels and hope everything is getting back to normal. Enjoy the revamped E320!

Thanks MC.

As you say the main thing is that no one was hurt, either of us could so easily have come across them, they were literally a couple of feet away when they took the keys! And there would have been 3 of them. Either me, Mrs mccrackenj or the vicious guard dog could have ended up with a kicking or worse for the sake of a couple of cars.

BTW we don’t talk about the E320, the very mention of it makes me twitch involuntarily!

Just spent the entire day giving the interior of Jazz 2 (the 2007 one) an extremely thorough scrub, every nook & cranny. In an odd way I’m actually looking forward to driving it now. The idea of a 12 yr old £975 Honda is quite liberating. Badly needs 4 decent tyres though, it’s got a mixture of different sizes and all crappy brands, so they’re all for the bin soon.

[olly755]

Plus, aren’t any Phaeton parts an arm and a leg and a left bk anyway?

[SpeckledJim]

mccrackenj said:

Thanks MC.

As you say the main thing is that no one was hurt, either of us could so easily have come across them, they were literally a couple of feet away when they took the keys! And there would have been 3 of them. Either me, Mrs mccrackenj or the vicious guard dog could have ended up with a kicking or worse for the sake of a couple of cars.

BTW we don’t talk about the E320, the very mention of it makes me twitch involuntarily!

Just spent the entire day giving the interior of Jazz 2 (the 2007 one) an extremely thorough scrub, every nook & cranny. In an odd way I’m actually looking forward to driving it now. The idea of a 12 yr old £975 Honda is quite liberating. Badly needs 4 decent tyres though, it’s got a mixture of different sizes and all crappy brands, so they’re all for the bin soon.

Jazz is a superb product, IMO.

[SpeckledJim]

r129sl said:

I know, I know. But my approach to car dealers is that they are all the same, save some of them have more expense showrooms. They are all dishonest to the core. You're on your own when buying a car, new or used, auction, dealer or private sale. As long as you remember that, you'll be fine. It doesn't matter where you buy it from because they are all as bad as each other. It's a bit like driving a taxi: selling cars for a living does something rotten to a man's soul.

How about this for colours? 20 grand. 65k miles. Very dodgy looking dealer.

Edited by r129sl on Sunday 6th October 10:46

Love the Cypress with Saddle and Burr Walnut combination. IMO the top roll which I think is Burnt Oak is too close to Saddle to look quite right. With Beluga or Charcoal, or Saddle top roll that would be lovely.

Not a fan of the launch 5-spoke wheel, they don’t feel at all special to me. Deliberately underplayed to drive sales of the upgrade wheel options.

[BigBen]

CharlesdeGaulle said:

I'm interested to know whether your ladies-of-a-certain-age in a DB9 are the same ladies-of-a-certain-age that, hypothetically, one would attract in a Lexus SC430? Not that I'm planning on competing with you - I know my limits after all - but I'd like to know my target zone before committing to one or the other.

There is a school of thought that women notice nothing of these things, although it's telling (and unsurprising) that Big Ben's wealth provoked some interest. I have no wealth so don't have to worry too much about attracting the 'wrong sort'. To provide some colour, one of the European types that's currently in my social orbit, a generously-bosom'd Mediterranean lady, drives a Corsa. Badly; very, very badly. But with the additional airbags it might be worth the risk.

I should have qualified the 'wealth' statement by putting it in context, that context being I was in Penrith. It was more or less the first time I have been anywhere in the car so not a very detailed survey and probably shows nothing other than ladies don't know how much second hand cars cost (although she did know I had driven from Cambridge so may have assumed one had to be quite rich just to afford the fuel.)

Of cars I have owned (actually still own now I think of it) only two have resulted in any attention from females:

i) R107 300 SL, I was in my late 20's at the time and it was universally popular with ladies of around the age I am now. At the time I thought "leave me alone old crone" whereas now I am wondering how quickly I can finish the restoration project.

ii) The DB9, have not had it so long or been to so many places but it has been universally well received.

I suspect an SC430 would not work as well, mainly due to their inherent vileness.

In summary you may be better off concentrating on what they drive and as you say check for sufficient air bags.

Ben

[CharlesdeGaulle]

BigBen said:

I suspect an SC430 would not work as well, mainly due to their inherent vileness.

Heathen.

[21st Century Man]

Krikkit said:

The whole engine is compressed between the front driveshaft and bumper,

I once saw one side by side, bonnets open, with an old NSU and an old Audi, the genetic heritage of the car was obvious, it was with it's siblings. Walter (or Henry come to that) nowhere to be seen.

[cat220]

R129 how did the db9 viewing go?

This xjr popped up on my Facebook ‘marketplace’ today, long mot and the history isn’t frightening. Seems very cheap. Messaged the owner regards service history and enquired if the tensioners had been done. The response, ‘it has some, don’t know’ so I’ve left it. I’ve absolutely no need for it and my wife would likely kill me if I bought it...
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/61414265...

[bolidemichael]

CharlesdeGaulle said:

BigBen said:

I suspect an SC430 would not work as well, mainly due to their inherent vileness.

Heathen.

Fear not, CdG, I've got your back. Way back.

[bolidemichael]

r129sl said:

I'm off to browse DB9s.

20 miles away from me is this: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Watch out ladies-of-a-certain-age, here I come.

Edited by r129sl on Sunday 6th October 14:31

This is fist pumpingly brilliant and incredibly arousing, so I suspect that you'll be a magnet to anyone with at least a single eyeball. California Sage is, for me, an extremely flattering colour on AMs. I lusted after a Vantage in California Sage after indulging in around 72 hours of aspirational dreaming, before being presented with the invoice for the new school term.

Leave the sodding Continental alone, though I am simultaneously repulsed and beguiled by its gauche bruteishness.

[McGee_22]

Regarding W12 behemoths of any particular flavour, I was chatting to a well known Wirral Audi Indy a few years back about the potential pitfalls of W12 A8's and was told about the engine out nightmare to replace a fairly cheap sensor at the back of the block. By complete coincidence one of the school gate Dads was a Project Manager down at Crewe so I mentioned this particular quirk of Audi W12 ridiculous engine removal saga to him and he confirmed that Bentley engines suffer the same failure... but that instead of engine removal they had developed a repair/replacement method to lift the carpet, cut a hole, replace the sensor, patch the hole with a screw-in cover and rinse and repeat for the life of the sensor or car.

[Johnny Raydome]

bolidemichael said:

Leave the sodding Continental alone, though I am simultaneously repulsed and beguiled by its gauche brutishness.

I think you've nailed it here; a most astute and well-phrased observation, Sir.

In the notional position to choose between a DB9 and a Continental GT, it would be the Aston for me every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Ten years ago, the wealthy husband of my ex's business partner retired and treated himself to a brand new light blue Continental GTC with cream leather. It was just gorgeous. No idea of the option boxes ticked but I was of the understanding that a figure of £150k was there or thereabouts.

I remember being stood on the drive of his equally gorgeous house, watching his young lad and some of his pals sitting in the car, playing with the electric roof and all the gadgets. And I remember thinking - I wonder what the depreciation on these things will be like?

Plenty on A/T around the £30k mark these days.

That's £120k just vanished. Ouch.

[Raino144]

E65Ross said:

I don't understand this..... Can someone please help me....

Was discussing with a friend I'm looking to save and purchase another second hand car (barge). They asked if I was going to do personal contract hire or buy outright. When I said buy outright they said it was just throwing money away.

Now.... Said person rents a diesel Audi A1 for £250/month on a 4 year deal. It includes servicing (except tyres of needed).

So...... £12000 in 4 years overall cost tk rent a car.

Buy a car for, say, £5k......spend £5k in servicing in 4 years. Sell for £3500.....net cost £6500.

Plus I'd rather a big barge to an A1, but that's beside the point.

When I pointed this out the person said "I need my car for work so I can't afford to have a car older than 4 years old".

"well, as boring as it is, my Toyota is 14 years old, I've had it for over 3 years and it's not let me down once and has cost £800 in servicing, I bought it for £1800 and it's still worth about £1400.... So that's just under £400/year for reliable motoring"

So.... How is PCH NOT throwing money away and buying a fairly old car throwing money away?!

Edited by E65Ross on Sunday 6th October 17:19

For some people receiving a car allowance with work, the allowance can come with stipulations as above... certain type of car, age etc...

Otherwise it is reverse ‘man maths’...

[MercedesClassic]

mccrackenj said:

Thanks MC.

Just spent the entire day giving the interior of Jazz 2 (the 2007 one) an extremely thorough scrub, every nook & cranny. In an odd way I’m actually looking forward to driving it now. The idea of a 12 yr old £975 Honda is quite liberating. Badly needs 4 decent tyres though, it’s got a mixture of different sizes and all crappy brands, so they’re all for the bin soon.

For new tyres I find it hard to pass Jim Morrow near Lisbane or Gilnahirk tyres now based beside the Orange Aston. Both owned by nice gents.
Although I've previously got part worns from Comber tyres which were top brands, still had the orange lines on them for about £30!

[0a]

E65Ross said:

Sterillium said:

E65Ross said:

...my Toyota is 124 years old...

The Duryeas Brothers I assume.

Edited.. Fat fingers (or rather thumb) must have pressed the 1 and the 2 at the same time.

It’s a sign. God is saying you need to join the w124 Merc fold!

Another 350 miles done today in the e39. Very comfy. That takes it to just over 750 miles since Friday afternoon! Only 2 full tanks at £75-80 used which seems fairly reasonable with a good amount of fuel left for pottering.

[E65Ross]

0a said:

E65Ross said:

Sterillium said:

E65Ross said:

...my Toyota is 124 years old...

The Duryeas Brothers I assume.

Edited.. Fat fingers (or rather thumb) must have pressed the 1 and the 2 at the same time.

It’s a sign. God is saying you need to join the w124 Merc fold!

Another 350 miles done today in the e39. Very comfy. That takes it to just over 750 miles since Friday afternoon! Only 2 full tanks at £75-80 used which seems fairly reasonable with a good amount of fuel left for pottering.

Having driven a W124 300E, I liked it..... But it's not quite what I'm after. I want something with a few more creature comforts and a bit more oomph. I think I may save for an LS460. I wouldn't mind a 430 but the styling is a bit.... Meh. I've heard they're wonderful barges though, so who knows. I'm wondering whether I'd wish it had a bit more power, it's about 20% or so down on the 745i, whereas the 460 is is a bit more powerful than a 750i, whilst still being reliable cars, but they have a weakness with the control arms.... But that aside they seem very well put together.

Decisions.

[r129sl]

bolidemichael said:

This is fist pumpingly brilliant and incredibly arousing, so I suspect that you'll be a magnet to anyone with at least a single eyeball. California Sage is, for me, an extremely flattering colour on AMs. I lusted after a Vantage in California Sage after indulging in around 72 hours of aspirational dreaming, before being presented with the invoice for the new school term.

Leave the sodding Continental alone, though I am simultaneously repulsed and beguiled by its gauche bruteishness.

The Aston is a thousand times nicer than the Bentley and, it seems, more reliable to boot. Unfortunately, the notional fanny magnet fund is spoken for three times over by a nasty combination of school fees, VAT and Chambers expenses. bks. I think I'll get a SC430. Or maybe just polish up the ageing SL.

[anonymous-user]

Raino144 said:

For some people receiving a car allowance with work, the allowance can come with stipulations as above... certain type of car, age etc...

Otherwise it is reverse ‘man maths’...

Who among us can honestly say that if we owned a solitary barge as our only car it would never have let you down once in the last 3 years? Or that it hasn't kicked you in the nuts with a four figure bill from nowhere? Or it's ever had every single thing working perfectly like a new car for more than a year at a stretch?

I love the barge buying man maths but PCP/PCH is so cheap that if you're not doing this as a hobby it makes FAR more sense than buying a middle aged used car, let alone a barge.

[E65Ross]

r129sl said:

bolidemichael said:

This is fist pumpingly brilliant and incredibly arousing, so I suspect that you'll be a magnet to anyone with at least a single eyeball. California Sage is, for me, an extremely flattering colour on AMs. I lusted after a Vantage in California Sage after indulging in around 72 hours of aspirational dreaming, before being presented with the invoice for the new school term.

Leave the sodding Continental alone, though I am simultaneously repulsed and beguiled by its gauche bruteishness.

The Aston is a thousand times nicer than the Bentley and, it seems, more reliable to boot. Unfortunately, the notional fanny magnet fund is spoken for three times over by a nasty combination of school fees, VAT and Chambers expenses. bks. I think I'll get a SC430. Or maybe just polish up the ageing SL.

Friend of mine had a DB9 when they were basically a brand new model. It was reliable in the sense it didn't break down..... But it certainly needed a fair chunk of work.

I've never been a fan of the SC430. I think the styling is awful (subjective, admittedly), but they aren't very sporty or, from what I gather, not very comfortable either. I suspect a Mercedes R230 SL is a much better machine, albeit less reliable.