Cluffy's Fleet - Resisting becoming a sheep....

[Cluffy]

Hi all,

I've been meaning to post more on here. I guess I've had questions on here from time to time, so why not document all in one place and keep a longer record 🙂

At last count, I've had over thirty cars to my name since passing my test back in 1999... I've always loved Jags as my Dad had them and then got massively into Alfas after having a 156 2.0 Twin Spark and just couldn't imagine anything cooler...

So, what's in the fleet at the moment? Well, first to say that I work for JLR and have been resisting the ease of just taking on a Car through work... It's a lot of money monthly, however, it's actually a bargain for what it is and would be ridiculously easy... However, the first part of that statement hits me hardest being from the north (I'm affectionately know as the Northern Tramp by @grogee of this parish) and as I see it, I can keep a couple of cars easily* for the £5k a year the JLR car would cost me over twelve months, providing I've found the upfront cash to buy... So I'm resisting becoming a sheep in a Defender!

In the household at the minute we have three cars. My wife runs a 2014 Mini Cooper S Auto. Lovely thing to drive - a hoot! And it's well built. Nearly 90k on it and not a single rattle or squeak. It likes to bong and beep at everything which gets a bit annoying - did something break or are you just letting me know it's a bit chilly outside? No pictures on my phone. It's been pretty reliable over the last two years after a new battery and normal servicing. 

Onto my two, I've mentioned my Jag XJ in a couple of places. I bloody LOVE this car:

It needs a couple of bits but i really enjoy putting miles on it. It's pretty well spec'd as it's not a portfolio but does have all the bits I want like heated/cooled seats, heated wheel and the previous owner fitted CarPlay/Android Auto which integrates really well into the main screen. I don't get why everyone doesn't have one 😅

Finally my latest purchase at the back end of February was my Porsche Boxster S:

After owning a Corrado VR6 for several years, I was ready for something else. I've wanted to have a crack at a 911 for a number of years, but the upfront expense didn't make sense to me with the amount I'd use the car and also i rarely have passengers in my "fun" car. 

Funny one this - a few bits to do (I like to tinker)... It makes a cracking noise and I will put a different exhaust on at some point to make even more of it. Steers and rides really well for a 21 year old car with no roof strength! But it's frustrating me somewhat...! 

[Cluffy]

The Boxster is knocking from the front end RHS it's really taking the shine off... It happens over bumps, particularly with a little right-hand lock on and also, I seem to get it more when the car is cold...

I have replaced drop links and top mounts for MOT and lower arms as there was play in the ball joints and the bushes looked poor... But still it's knocking. It sounds as though it's coming from the top mount area but I'm well aware noises can be deceptive !

My mechanic has been over it and can not find a thing wrong. "Tuning forks", anti roll bar, steering rack/rods are all solid (apparently). He wondered if the struts themselves can break down on these??

I'm lifting it this weekend to do an oil service so any thoughts / tips would be welcome as i will have a good poke around!!