Running a banger cost effective?

[p4cks]

Back on topic...

For 6 miles I’d go for a small petrol engine as opposed to a 1.9 diesel that someone has suggested, the latter will have nowhere near the time or distance to warm up properly.

OK now that’s said, back to the cycling bashing...

[MC Bodge]

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[MC Bodge]

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[MrGTI6]

It's definitely cost-effective if you pick the right car. I've spent the last two-and-a-bit years in an S-reg 306 GTI-6. So far, I've taken it from 128k to 159k, and it's been totally dependable.

I'm ashamed to admit that it hasn't even had a service in the time I've had it, although I'm planning to get the cam belt changed at the end of this year.

[MrTrilby]

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[Pothole]

singlecoil said:

Pothole said:

singlecoil said:

murphyaj said:

singlecoil said:

Indeed. My commute is only three miles, but if I didn't have the option of a car I would walk it before I would risk riding a bike.

Statistically, per mile travelled, you have a higher chance of being killed as a pedestrian than a cyclist...

I'll take your word for what the statistics say, but will make up my own mind as to which is the most dangerous in my particular circumstances.

You're generally reasonably sensible. Basing a decision of feelings is not, really.

Do you mean basing a decision 'on' feelings? If so, who is doing that?

You're also tediously predictable. What are you basing your view on, then?

[gazza285]

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[MC Bodge]

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[InitialDave]

Guys, if he doesn't want to use a bike to commute on, he doesn't want to use a fking bike to commute on.

I enjoy cycling, but riding a bike because I need to go somewhere really isn't as appealing.

[MC Bodge]

InitialDave said:

Guys, if he doesn't want to use a bike to commute on, he doesn't want to use a fking bike to commute on.

I enjoy cycling, but riding a bike because I need to go somewhere really isn't as appealing.

It's not the OP, it's another person.

[Pothole]

OP:

I'm running a 1998 civic at the moment. Total cost for 11 months has been £900ish plus petrol. It's not exciting but it is reliable and comfortable. It's reasonably quiet now I've put new tyres on it. I've not serviced it yet but I will as long as it passes the MOT in October without costing too much.

Costs:

purchase 175
ticket 100
MOT 190
tyres 160
fan resistor 12
flasher relays 24
tax 270 (12 months)


Would have been £100 less had I not been unlucky and got stopped for no MOT on the trip home from Poole to Cannock...

I only bought it to save riding my motorcycle in the winter but it's to good to let go and I'll use it this winter, too. I reckon the MOT will cost about the same as the same bits will be needed on opposite sides to what failed last time (a shock and a bush) I might even have a go at those myself. There's no glamour or fun attached but purely as a functional item I don't care enough about to even lock most of the time, it's perfect.

[Down and out]

MC Bodge said:

It doesn't blow my mind, but it does sound a little strange.

You could warm up by riding/walking/running there.

What seems strange is asking on a car forum what car to get, then someone suggesting a bike. I wouldn't ask what microwave to get and expect replies of "get a barbecue" on a food forum.

[Pothole]

Down and out said:

MC Bodge said:

It doesn't blow my mind, but it does sound a little strange.

You could warm up by riding/walking/running there.

What seems strange is asking on a car forum what car to get, then someone suggesting a bike. I wouldn't ask what microwave to get and expect replies of "get a barbecue" on a food forum.

You might if you asked what microwave to get to cook steak...

[singlecoil]

Pothole said:

What are you basing your view on, then?

I'm basing my view on my knowledge of my commute, I have driven the route hundreds of times and have walked some of it too. I believe I would be safer walking on the footpath than I would be cycling on the road.

How well do you know that particular part of the A413 in Buckinghamshire?

[MC Bodge]

Down and out said:

What seems strange is asking on a car forum what car to get, then someone suggesting a bike. I wouldn't ask what microwave to get and expect replies of "get a barbecue" on a food forum.

Tools for the job.

Being interested in driving cars and interested/seeing the benefits of riding bikes are not mutually exclusive.

[MC Bodge]

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[MC Bodge]

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[djohnson]

MC Bodge said:

djohnson said:

Everyone’s assessment of risk is different. For me it’s be a great answer, if I’m in the Leeds office it’s a 30 mile round trip quite a bit on nice country roads, fitting exercise into my schedule I do but it’s a challenge and combining it with counting would be great. However getting out of the car with its crumple zones and airbags and becoming such a vulnerable road user Is way off my acceptable risk scale. Each to their own though.

So you are frightened, but assert that people who ride bikes on the road are crazy?

You seen to keep equating ‘made a risk return judgement’ and ‘frightened’. They’re not the same. I called a potential client yesterday and told him I’m not pitching for his work. I’m not ‘frightened’ of undertaking his work, it’s what I do for a living, my risk / return judgement tells me it’s not for me. If being ‘brave’ means setting aside rational decision making then I shall leave that to you oh courageous one.

[MC Bodge]

djohnson said:

You seen to keep equating ‘made a risk return judgement’ and ‘frightened’. They’re not the same. I called a potential client yesterday and told him I’m not pitching for his work. I’m not ‘frightened’ of undertaking his work, it’s what I do for a living, my risk / return judgement tells me it’s not for me. If being ‘brave’ means setting aside rational decision making then I shall leave that to you oh courageous one.

It's not quite the same thing. It doesn't take bravery to ride a bike on the road, but people can be frightened of doing so.

[singlecoil]

MC Bodge said:

djohnson said:

You seen to keep equating ‘made a risk return judgement’ and ‘frightened’. They’re not the same. I called a potential client yesterday and told him I’m not pitching for his work. I’m not ‘frightened’ of undertaking his work, it’s what I do for a living, my risk / return judgement tells me it’s not for me. If being ‘brave’ means setting aside rational decision making then I shall leave that to you oh courageous one.

It's not quite the same thing. It doesn't take bravery to ride a bike on the road, but people can be frightened of doing so.

Once again someone needs to point out to you that choosing not to take a risk doesn't indicate fear. Perhaps you could find another way of advancing your argument?