End of year Tat Accounts.

[chaseracer]

@Ghosty: should you ever experience a hyperactive speedo needle and a clicking cable, I have a new cable (Merc dealer stock) which never made it onto my 300E before I stopped throwing money/parts at it.  Probably a few other bits lying about too.

[chaseracer]

@Tommyboy12: is this Snetterton...?

[Justwatching]

No acquisitions or disposals for 2022.

Carried forward:

[Saabnut]

Fairly busy year for me (for a change!  There is a good possibility a trailer may be added to the fleet before the end of the year but as I will be away, will limit this to vehicle changes for the year.

Out:

Saab 9-5 still on the forum and back as a daily

Transit bridged but a few bits of it are still hanging around

Saab 900 Ruby

BMW R1100RS sold but still here awaiting collection in the spring

Forum bike 205 sold after a deer interface. Currently undergoing repairs so will return to the road

Saab Sonett two stroke, now in North Carolina

In:

Most of a Discovery TDi for spares

Grey Fergie

Vauxhall Astra

Moggy

Lemon of the year, to be sold or bridged

AX diesel, now in everyday use

4.4 petrol Range Rover. Tow car until the Disco is back

TD6 Range Rover - French tow car

So that is 6 out but 8 in. This fleet reduction continues to go well.

[worldofceri]

IN: 1
OUT: NIL
Non Movers: 5

December 2021 - Working: 4; Broken: 1   
December 2022 - Working: 4: Broken: 2

IN: 2011 Ford Ranger Thunder   
STATUS: Working

The back end of ‘21 and the first half of this year were a good period for Walsgrave Transport and I began to have ideas about putting a second truck and trailer on the road. When @ruffgeezer put this Ranger up for sale my interest was piqued when I noticed it already had a tachograph fitted, which would save me a good few quid over getting one fitted.  Over the following few weeks, and egged on by @Inspector Morose, I talked myself into it. At about the same time I won a ‘cherished’ plate in a roffle from @Cord Fourteener, so that went on it. All it needed was the tacho calibrating and it was ready to go. Unfortunately since the summer, costs have been higher and business less brisk, so my plans to have a second trailer roadworthy have faltered. Still, the Ranger is proving a useful backup truck for when the Isuzu is in for service or whatever, as evidenced by this pic Mr Morose took the other week whilst out in the snow.

NON MOVER: 2017 Isuzu D-Max      
STATUS: Working

The Isuzu continues to be a superb towing machine. Now on 170,000 miles, averaging around 2,000 miles a week.

NON MOVER: 2000 Vauxhall Astra van     
STATUS: Broken

With the Ranger providing runaround duties, I have less use for the old Astra. When the wiper motor packed up just before the mot expired, I parked it up and cancelled the insurance, as I just didn’t have time to do anything with it. Currently still sat around whilst I figure out what to do with it.

NON MOVER:  2005 Honda Accord    
STATUS: Working

Mrs WoC’s Honda is still here as it just keeps going. Needs a wheel bearing and a couple of tyres. And a rear bumper if I’m being picky, after someone drove into it in a supermarket car park.

NON MOVER: 1980 VW Transporter Devon camper
STATUS: Working 

Our camper continued to be reliable and fun through 2022, though as ever, we didn’t really use it as much as we’d like. Currently for sale as we’re likely to use it even less next year. Terrible time to be selling a camper though and we’ve had very little interest.

NON MOVER: 1972 VW 1200
STATUS: Broken

Still in the garage surrounded by junk. Third year running for this photo.

[MrGTI6]

Started the year with 2 cars. My 306 that I've had for several years, and a Roffle-win Vectra.

 

In January I swapped the Vectra for a C70.

 

Soon after that I sold the C70 and bought a Golf which I planned to use as my main car. The Golf was excellent, but as used car prices peaked, Phillip Schofield offered me £2,500 more than I paid for it. Safe to say it didn't hang around for very long after that!

 

Then I realised we needed something sensible to replace the Golf, so bought an Outlander. It was cheap, but it soon became apparent that sixth gear didn't work. The previous owner had put a five-speed gear knob on it! Then it used to randomly go into limp mode and throw up the EML. I had no faith in the car whatsoever. It was too temperamental to sell privately, but thankfully it behaved impeccably when I took it to WBAC, and the inspector didn't pick up on the lack of gears. Had a very lucky escape and avoided taking a bath with that one!

 

In the summer, I won a tatty Renault 19 in a Roffle. The drive home during a heatwave was unpleasant as the driver's window didn't open! Despite that, it made for very reliable transport for a couple of weeks, after which point I sold it.

 

I managed to refrain from buying any more cars right up until November, when a 9-3 Aero convertible came up for sale locally. It was a lovely car and I set about fixing various little niggles. The plan was to keep it until at least next summer, but earlier this month I passed my motorbike test and had to sell it to free up some funds for my first bike (which I'm yet to buy).

 

Now I'm left with just the trusty 306, which is soon to begin its 7th year in my ownership. Currently on 182k and used every day. Not the most practical car in the world, but it handles everything that gets thrown at it and was unstoppable in the snow last week! Unlikely that anything else will join it for the remainder of 2022.

[Tommyboy12]

20 hours ago, chaseracer said:

@Tommyboy12: is this Snetterton...?

Tis indeed

[TwyRob]

2022, a year where I went from two cars down to one via a few stops in between!

Saab Turbo X



I have owned Saabs for the last 8 years and I am a bit of an enthusiast. This car is technically brilliant, their first XWD car and with an eLSD and 2.8 Turbo 276bhp  engine.  I loved it when it was working! I bought this car in the Summer of 2020 and sold it last week. After it spent 35% of 2021 off the road having an exhaust made up I decided that a limited edition from a defunct manufacturer wasn't great reliability wise for my daily car. My new job from Sept 2021 involves more responsibility and daily short hops between premises so I have ordered a (*cough) electric car. 14 months after placing that order I am still waiting!

Volkswagen 1300



This car was bought in Nov 2019 with a running problem (missing a bolt attaching the carb, creating a major air/fuel leak when it rocked about) and very leaky fuel lines. After some general improvements; including fixing the above, some wheels and other items it wasn't getting used so I sold it on in April 2022.

Mazda MX5 1.8



Almost immediately after I had sold the Beetle the Turbo X had two catastrophically failed wheel bearings. Therefore I bought this. It was lovely but two weeks later the engine failed with a spun bearing. £1k lost.

Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible




This was a lovely car that died too soon. I bought it in early August and after a battery and new rear brakes it was very nice indeed. Top down everyday! However, on 31st October a big deer ran into the passenger A pillar at speed and it was written off.

Peugeot 406



This roffle win was an unexpected purchase in mid August. Leading to a 3 car problem! It was lovely for the 7 weeks left on the MOT and saved me £300 in fuel in September. However, when it failed the MOT it went to a new home to live on.

Mazda MX5 2.0 Sport



This car was bought in mid Nov 2022. It's great! It hasn't broken and has had a new battery and wheel alignment. It's a lot of fun and is a great single vehicle to have until the electric car comes and I am back to two.

My wife's VW T5 has hung around throughout, which doesn't really count!

[ruffgeezer]

In;

2003 Nissan Micra 1.0e 'Ella'

As I'm now known as a "car guy" by a lot of the folks at the coffee morning my parents run, it nets me the occasional cast off; this came as the elderly driver had been struggling with clutch control and they didn't need two cars any longer.

 

2005 Volvo V50 Sport 2.0d;

I love the S40 as a daily, but I'm often frustrated by the fact it's a saloon, so when this popped up fairly locally,  as spares or repair due to a CEM issue, I bought it.  I had a local chap transport it back from Fleet Hargate as my shift pattern didn't allow me to go there and potentially break down bringing it home.  I am hoping to get to look at it one day, it currently resides on my neighbour's drive.

 

2014 Peugeot Expert

Taken as a spares or repair project from the same company that used to own @worldofceri's Ranger, this one proved quite troublesome to get right, and was only finished in time for the used van market to slump, as such it's still available for £4750 ono (cheap trade in welcome)

2007 Volvo V70 D5 Auto 'Hector'

Now MrsR's daily,  really low mileage local purchase, just approaching 51,000

2011 Ford Ranger

Bought in to repair and tidy up, spent several hours driving around in a holding pattern around Wickenby to prove it was fixed.

 

Non - Movers;

2006 Volvo S40

My current daily until the V50 is proven,  the previous owner has expressed an interest in buying it back,  187k on it now but still drives spot on.

 

1995 Citroen Ax Vts

I haven't found time to do anything other than change the radio,  still waiting for a quote to rebuild the workshop so I can get into it properly and rewire the engine bay.

 

Out:

2003 Nissan Micra 'Ella'

Sold on to @comfysofa only a few days ago.

 

2003 Volvo V70 D5

I never really thought I'd part with this one, but it really wasn't suited to my commute, so it was sold to make way for a newer one, and now resides with @Cord Fourteener

2011 Ranger

Once MOT'd and faults proved fixed, it was packed off to @worldofceri to be the Isuzu's understudy.

2008 Fiesta 1.4 TDCi

Bought to run to and from Derby whilst I was still training and the V70 needed a repair.  Sold to @holbeck as a commuter car I believe?

[CaptainBoom]

I go through cars at a very glacial pace, this year has been one of change, which has been stressful at times and enjoyable at others:

OUT:

My longstanding old chum, my Volvo V40 brought my youngest daughter home from hospital and has been to more funerals than Co-op.  It got front-ended and then rear-ended in one week.  Below is it in happier times with a big yellow boil on it's roof.  Farewell brave solja, U iz wiv de angles nao, etc, etc.

IN and OUT:

The below fine steed that came to me mostly broken and I spent successive nights persuading it to live again.  Punted on for a miniscule profit to scrape some cash together on the promise of a 2004 Civic  The first car in 20 years of driving that I sold as a car and not scrap, felt weird.

IN:

The Clio was sold as my ex-FiL offered me his Honda Civic, however when I came to buy he had mysteriously trebled the price.  As I was now without wheels, some late-night searching found me this:

A ULEZ refugee PD130 Aldi A4.  It's nice enough, I don't benefit from the frugality as I don't go far enough to stretch it's legs, changes are afoot in August of next year where I live and I can't afford to run this @£12.50 per day.  I'm giving serious thoughts to not bothering with a car á la Reb.  I'm hoping to escape my current exploiter employer next year, and look at getting a job in the big smoke.  It all adds up to there being less of a point in keeping a car.

Would there be any interest in a 2003 Aldi A4, diesel manual on here?

NO CHANGE:

Talking of big smoke... 

The ratty Saab 900 still lives on my drive, work has shat all over my leisure time this year, and the poor thing has sat fizzing away like Alka Seltzer in a glass of water.  This year, with a change of job will see me sort things out. 
I've still to get a baseball cap, then I can live out my lifelong dream* of being Onslow from Keeping Up Appearances.

[Pete-M]

Started the year with the C32 AMG, Golf V6, blue Mini Cooper S (R53) and a diesel Jaaag X type 2.2d Sport Premium. 

 

Blue Mini cracked its cylinder head and was returned to the trader I bought it from.

It was replaced with the grey,  tweaked to 230ish bhp. R53 Cooper S JCW 210. This has taken on daily duties.  It has also got through rather a lot of my money as I've fitted new tyres, Bilsteins, a full heated leather interior, armrest  and upgraded a few other bits. Suspension is too low on it currently, as soon as I find the specs for JCW springs I'll chuck 'em on. It is also due a brake upgrade.

C32 has a faulty crank sensor. It's a bugger to replace so I'm waiting for the weather to improve. I have the sensor, but don't want to use the car in winter anyway so that can wait. Need a tailgate in 744 silver if anyone has one.  It'll run but only until the crank sensor warms up.  SORN

Golf is awaiting a full service, new rear calipers, a Haldex service and a set of Bilsteins + H&R springs.  It has been off the road for four years, just waiting for a round tuit to arrive.  I've also sourced a rust free tailgate for it, which took a while.  Which means I can finally de-tint the rear windows. Circular Tuits are currently out of stock, but I think I'll use this for a while this year and then flog it.  Runs well, sounds lovely, currently SORN.

X type was sold. Probably too cheaply, but I really don't get on with the diesel X type. Like the V6 AWD jobs, but the diesel ain't for me. 

[catsinthewelder]

On 12/22/2022 at 8:01 PM, catsinthewelder said:

So I might have been a little hasty in posting early in the month 😬

Today I visited @Cavcraft and the world famous green garage doors to buy what at first glance is quite a flash motorbike.

Obviously as me and Billy are involved it isn't that flash, it's a Keeway Superlight 125 which has a few minor issues and a very low price.  As it was an Autoshite collection mission we managed to have a few issues with the van I borrowed being a little French.  First it screamed about low oil level, then the bonnet wouldn't open without a lot of faff to top it up.  It spent most of the journey popping up random ABS faults.  Retirement might happen soon!

The bike is ace and feels like the perfect vehicle to follow a lad who's never ridden anything before from Lands End to John O Groat's.  Our gaffer is bringing a 1200cc Indian which we have threatened to remove a plug lead from!

Thanks Billy and great to see you again!

[Cavcraft]

Thanks, Rich, and likewise. Great to catch up again and to meet your good lady. Anyone who likes Vauxhall Corsas is keeper material of the highest order! 

[holbeck]

On 12/24/2022 at 4:56 PM, ruffgeezer said:

2008 Fiesta 1.4 TDCi

 

Bought to run to and from Derby whilst I was still training and the V70 needed a repair. Sold to @holbeck as a commuter car I believe?

 



 

 

Still got this.

Needed a tyre for the MOT.

Boring but economical.

I really should go out and buy a V8 to restore balance.

[spike60]

 

 

Dog dick red 1985 SEC 500 Lorinser owned 4 years for sale in the spring. Probably.

2000 Z3 2.8 has had a makeover since this, currently has a hardtop on and 17 inch black OZ wheels. Cat C before I bought it, it'll possibly be for sale in the spring. Been a good little fella for the last 11 years.

E320 cdi that stayed, it was living a life of leisure until June  when changing circumstances meant it had to work for a living. Now on175k with few problems over the last 4 years

Departed very smart and very troublesome 530d. Owned and used by my son for a year until became surplus.

 

My fleet has been static for a couple of years but I decided this would be about my last chance to get a V12 with way the world is changing.

So a couple of weeks ago I drove 200 miles and went to see a Mercedes CL600 that was an actual colour, the car was lovely for age, mileage etc and I know CL's reputation goes before them but I hadn't anticipated the V12 shocking reputation for oil leaks etc, I got cold feet and bailed after talking with the helpful local indy.

In a change I couldn't explain I now have an interest in getting a Honda CR-Z, totally out of character for me!

[calebaaront]

Here's what happened to the fleet this year. 

Sold the Trabant (regrettably)

Bought a lovely 1964 Honda C92 Twin wasn't the most reliable but was still a blast to ride

Then I bought a Rover 214 that I owned for approx 2 hours which I sold to @Harriytait

After that I bought probably the best car I've ever owned a 1993 Proton MPI SE a very low mileage example too. (Sold)

Then the Honda went but I bought another Proton to replace it! A 1994 SL Saloon (Sold)

After I sold the 1993 Proton MPi I bought a sensible 2006 Audi A4 Avant Quattro.

I'm now left with my 1991 Peugeot 205, Audi and 1981 Honda NC50. 

[junkyarddog]

This is this years fleet,that are all legal and roadworthy(apart from my current project Golf)

1986 205 diesel.1.7

1990 Mk2 Golf GTI.1.8 8 valve

Project Mk2 Golf GTI 1.8 8valve.

1990 Ford Sierra Hearse,2.0 pinto auto.

1991 Honda Prelude 2.2 VTEC (yo)

Daily driver,2008 Ford Mondeo wagon,2.0TDCI

How many cars does a chap actually need?

(That's not even half of them🙄)

[Out Run]

Nowt changes, here.

[JMotor]

On 12/24/2022 at 2:39 PM, MrGTI6 said:

Started the year with 2 cars. My 306 that I've had for several years, and a Roffle-win Vectra.

Onyx Black GTI-6 ♥. Ph3? As not on the two tone side skirts? 

Yes very good cars. Also much better than people give them credit for. 

[MrGTI6]

11 hours ago, JMotor said:

Onyx Black GTI-6 ♥. Ph3? As not on the two tone side skirts? 

Yes very good cars. Also much better than people give them credit for. 

I think it's a phase 2 but I'm not entirely sure! It's a 1998 if that makes any difference.

Objectively not the best car I've owned, but definitely my favourite! 

 

[Matty]

1 hour ago, spike60 said:

Dog dick red 1985 SEC 500 Lorinser owned 4 years for sale in

Nooooooooo!!!! Regret it dor the rest of your life etc etc

[captain_70s]

No change this year, I must be behaving myself as I get older... Did move house though...

Acclaim and Volvo sharing daily duties depending on which one is most functional at any given time, although issues are slowly being chipped through. 

Dolomite serving as garage ornament to be returned to the road for Spring.

[bigfella2]

In chronological order.

KEEPER:

Clio 182, had it for a few years, and Intend to keep it another few years, been my daily on and off for a while, love this car. Took it out today to blow the cobwebs off the dephaser. Need to plead with @Dave_Qat some point to sort me a spare key.

OMG ready for cambelt change.

AQUIRED:

Hugely shonky Citroen AX GT, looks mostly solid bar the area behind the headlight.

Went to see it on hottest day of year at Mathewson's on my way back from Scarborough, and put a crafty provisional bid on it, and won.

Not done anything to it since I got it in August. I could do a thread on it if there is any interest. Watch the you toob vid for lols.

SOLD:

Had to sell this, been in the family a few years, but surplus to requirements. Shame as it was ultra reliable, always ran and started when everything else didn't. Still local so should see it around. Live long Shitetron.

AQUIRED:

Boring modern. Decided to dip my toe in the EV cesspit. So decided to rent an Ovlov XC40 Recharge through NHS lease for 3 years, only took 13 months to get built 🤦What it lacks in character and range it makes up in getting a lick on.

 

[DavidB]

I bought a Suzuki Alto in March with a knackered clutch for it's engine for my SJ which unfortunately would have taken a lot of cutting etc to fit so it lives on as my daily and has been great. It feels like a complete heap at times, but I love it really.

I blind bought a Cavalier SRi 16v in October which turned out to be a complete non-runner with 'rust issues' - has been a "weldathon" and is keeping me busy and should be done by January.

My Suzuki SJ is still on the road, will be getting partially stripped in January to get resprayed (again) as it just wasn't good enough the first time round. There's also a rumbling that's getting worse that I just cannot track down.

I spent too much on a Citroen AX (£720) with low mileage and a short MOT - I spent about four hundred quid on a few jobs, as well as partial respray and tidy up, and sold it for £790 not including ebay fees. Bah.

I have wanted one of these for ages - mk3 MR2. Didn't really gel with it, I don't really like convertibles, although it was a really nice car. Sold to Jamie on here.

I sold my Micra to a guy who came over from Ireland, stayed in a hotel and took it back over with him. He had the same colour one years ago and was looking for another.

I also sold my A3 Quattro, easily one of the best cars I've owned, gr8 CAR:

Also said goodbye to my Brabus Roadster thingy - I should say good riddance but I miss it and would have another one.

I've just bought something stupid but will be picking it up in 2023.

[500tops]

1 hour ago, bigfella2 said:

In chronological order.

KEEPER:

Clio 182, had it for a few years, and Intend to keep it another few years, been my daily on and off for a while, love this car. Took it out today to blow the cobwebs off the dephaser. Need to plead with @Dave_Qat some point to sort me a spare key.

OMG ready for cambelt change.

AQUIRED:

Hugely shonky Citroen AX GT, looks mostly solid bar the area behind the headlight.

Went to see it on hottest day of year at Mathewson's on my way back from Scarborough, and put a crafty provisional bid on it, and won.

Not done anything to it since I got it in August. I could do a thread on it if there is any interest. Watch the you toob vid for lols.

SOLD:

Had to sell this, been in the family a few years, but surplus to requirements. Shame as it was ultra reliable, always ran and started when everything else didn't. Still local so should see it around. Live long Shitetron.

AQUIRED:

Boring modern. Decided to dip my toe in the EV cesspit. So decided to rent an Ovlov XC40 Recharge through NHS lease, only took 13 months to get built. What it lacks in character and range it makes up in getting a lick on.

 

Very interested in a GT thread!

[sporty-shite]

There hasn't been too much going on at Sporty Towers this year.  

Started with this

which became too impractical now the Sporty Juniors are the size if adults. 

it made way for this...

which was ok, but the lack of speedo annoyed me more than I thought it would. 

Inbetween, I won a roffle.....

which was fun, but only had half the number of seats required. It was a shame to leave it unused, so it left to go to a local bloke. Still see it around occasionally. 

I now have this.  .

which is irritating me irrationally due to some niggles.  It will be for sale soon.

There will be one more in this year's account, hopefully, as long as I can get to collect it in time.

Mrs S's Astra is still providing sterling service, too, so warrants a mention, although I don't have a recent photo. 

 

[RichardK]

Mine's really boring!

Started with:

Ended up being a total ballache to sell and messed around by a Corby MX-5 specialist so didn't even get to enjoy the last of summer in it. Nice but I prefer Mk 1 I think. House stuff was final shove to get rid of it in November.

OUT at the start of the year. I hope it's okay.

OUT in summer after I bought the black Cruiser. Foolish move...

OUT: lack of covered storage was stressing me out with it and the arguments with MOT people just did my head in. House stuff meant cutting back on such things anyway.

Common sense was derailed by:

Boris: automatic convertible. Bought because I wanted to enjoy summer drives and expected to lose use of my right foot for months. Wasn't necessary as surgery went well.

Did I learn? Hell no.

Lovely RX-8 but buying a house means anything that was not MOT and was just suffering the cold was adding stress. Regret selling it, but not as much as I'd regret how stressed I'd be if I'd kept it.

I should have stuck with this as my automatic solution and enjoyed the 323i longer. I will have another one day.

In and staying:

I don't learn. Lilith is a 14,000 mile PT Cruiser cabrio. Auto. That's the keeper?! Not happy about winter but next house has carport and is less damp.

Before parts were removed in the hope we'd make a start on the bonnet. This is now my collection of rust and parts, which means I can be immensely stupid and waste money on making every bit of the bodywork right, like a fool. Worst case, I bought some classic wheels and an engine we know was running relatively recently, that could be moved into a more solid base, but I had a dream of what this could be the moment I saw it, and I want to see it through!

More to the point I'm getting a proper garage, so instead of being able to open a door /or/ have room to work on a car, both will be possible. I'm optimistic the chassis is okay but from what I've seen the big bucks are all going to be taken by the bonnet, windscreen, floor and tub/panels, and suspension/brakes R&R. And lots of little details like splash guards and stuff that are absent.

Giving myself five years, but if I can get it running and safe earlier I'll make that five years to "the dream" and be happy with a GRP bonnet and carbs as a stop gap, but it'll still need the windscreen frame, most of the rear/tub/passenger floor/etc. sorting so it feels silly doing half a job.

Place bets if I make it to summer 2023 without giving in to a cheap rough 1500/IV just to get a taste of Spitfire driving (no, I've never driven one. Vitesse, MG B/C and Midget and a TR6, but never a Spitfire).

Notable test cars:

Dacia Jogger. Bloody brilliant thing. Even seats 7.

D350. Over 42mpg. Not a hybrid. Very expensive but felt worth every penny. The four wheel steering was a surprise.

I like SsangYongs, but driving this after the RR... half the price (and change) and that felt about right, purely because the ride quality has been tuned to be a bit harsh and bouncy compared to the pre-facelift.

Started the year with a Puma ST and I'm ending with a CX-60 PHEV, both very nice cars, but the Jogger is the one that felt most relevant to real needs and real earnings. Give it a webasto roof and I'd love it.

[loserone]

15 minutes ago, RichardK said:

webasto

Fuck yes.

[juular]

Out.

Nothing!

In.

205 Diesel

Triumph Toledo

No change.

Volvo Amazon

Volvo C70

Renault Trafic camper

Honda Accord iDtec GT

Lexus LS400

And the Volvo 240

 

 

[spike60]

Hold the press! A late addition to the fleet, I don't think it's  tat (yet) and hopefully not shite either but in a change of plan I got a Honda CRZ hybrid.   

I wanted a V12 while still doable, then when I got cold feet I decided on another Corvette but the prices are a bit too rich for my blood at the moment. So I got 1.5 hybrid, if anyone can explain why to me please do.  Does this mean I have to hand my AS card in?

Definitely a fleet clear out in the spring involving 2.8 Z3 and 500 SEC!