What do you drive/own?

[EM2]

1998 Fiesta Finesse 1.3, but it has proper Ford wheel trims now.
Called Glen, because it came from Matlock. Old punks will understand that

 

[Schnellzug]

Thanks



Seems to just be standard practice for the training companies, I suppose there are still enough manuals about for it to be worthwhile.
Mind you, I was speaking to the instructor about another company who'd been trying to find a rigid Scania with a manual to replace their old one, and hadn't been able to find anything suitable.

It always used to be a requirement for PSV trainers to have manual gearboxes, and I suppose it's a worthwhile skill to able to add to one's portfolio.

 

[notadriver]

Will get to drive a Setra coach in a weeks time. Either a S315 GT-HD or the S416 GT which is a 14 metre tri-axle. Both have automated manual gear boxes.

 

[Nym]

Old or new kind, was on a semi auto this morning and it felt like the gearbox was formed of a midget with a sledgehammer to change gear. An old Green Triangle Coaches single decker... Dennis I think.

 

[90019]

It always used to be a requirement for PSV trainers to have manual gearboxes, and I suppose it's a worthwhile skill to able to add to one's portfolio.

That still seems to be the case for most companies, but I know that Lothian's training buses are all autos.
And from the letter I got today, I may be driving one of them soon

 

[anthony263]

Just out of interest, which one(s) do you most want?

The 1, I particulary want is R792 DHB - The final alexander ps built.


At the moment I am out of work so I really lack funds, however if I get a job or a bit of luck on the lottery then I will be very pleased give Stagecoach a call.

 

[Nym]

And from the letter I got today, I may be driving one of them soon

Well dun

 

[notadriver]

Old or new kind, was on a semi auto this morning and it felt like the gearbox was formed of a midget with a sledgehammer to change gear. An old Green Triangle Coaches single decker... Dennis I think.

The oldest is on an 02 plate and the newest on a 56 plate. The Volvo is an I-shift on a 10 plate but strangely is quite jerky pulling away. The Setras have been well looked after and their gear changes are smooth if unfortunately a bit slow. They don't like to be rushed.

 

[Nym]

Is the short bodied one... If I'm on it tomorow I'll get the reg plate and fleet number..

EDIT: Just checked their fleet list...

Was one of their Dennis Dart SLF units with a Plaxman body.

 

[Schnellzug]

The oldest is on an 02 plate and the newest on a 56 plate. The Volvo is an I-shift on a 10 plate but strangely is quite jerky pulling away. The Setras have been well looked after and their gear changes are smooth if unfortunately a bit slow. They don't like to be rushed.

Some of those (we may be digressing slightly here) semi-auto coach gearboxes do seem to be rather slow. One of our local companies has a three-axle Bova with a gearbox that you can use in semi- or full auto mode, and whichever you choose it does seem no quicker than a manual, and more lurchy than a manual with a decent driver.

 

[fordylad]

I've just bought an 11 plate mondeo titanium x estate in panther black, and I am totally in love with it. However my wife has just borrowed it!!!!!!! Nervous week ahead lol

 

[mbonwick]

The 1, I particulary want is R792 DHB - The final alexander ps built.


At the moment I am out of work so I really lack funds, however if I get a job or a bit of luck on the lottery then I will be very pleased give Stagecoach a call.

I'm not entirely sure that 20392 will be withdrawn this time round - I imagine it will be cascaded to see off the older N reg examples.

It might be worth getting in touch with Stagecoach nearer the time, but before the Scania E300s actually arrive, just to let them know why you're interested - you never know, they may just make an exception for you!

 

[notadriver]

Some of those (we may be digressing slightly here) semi-auto coach gearboxes do seem to be rather slow. One of our local companies has a three-axle Bova with a gearbox that you can use in semi- or full auto mode, and whichever you choose it does seem no quicker than a manual, and more lurchy than a manual with a decent driver.

Yes you're right. It's no quicker to change gears in manual mode but using kickdown will give better acceleration. Personally prefer this over a manual as driving in London is a pain with a manual box. I think this type of gear box is preferred as it can be driven on an auto only licence and a bad driver on a manual coach will burn out the clutch. Now the newest I-shift is quick changing gears

Incidentally does anyone know why/how the latest BMW cars give better mpg and lower CO2 emissions with an automatic box rather than the manual ?

 

[Rugd1022]

Loving the Golden Oldies. That Mini looks very nice.
I have a Citroen DS3 (well I have as of about 3 this afternoon when I picked it up !!)

Cheers XC. The Mini is a Mk2 1275 Cooper S... and goes like the proverbial poo off a flat ended gardening implement!

What's a DS3 when it's at home...? Is it owt like a DS21...?

 

[Minilad]

Cheers XC. The Mini is a Mk2 1275 Cooper S... and goes like the proverbial poo off a flat ended gardening implement!

What's a DS3 when it's at home...? Is it owt like a DS21...?

I have had 3 minis and loved everyone as if it was my child !!

See attached pic for my DS3 And no its nothing like a DS21. Although I would happily take one of those !

 

[Rugd1022]

Very smart that... makes my Fiesta look like a hairdresser's motor! I only went out to buy a paper, but came back with a new car!

A DS21 though, oh yes please. The first Rover P6 I bought came from a classic dealer in the Cotswolds whose speciality was DS's, the Rover needed jump starting and he pulls out a gorgeous DS from his garage to assist in firing it up, I sat in it for a while, looking around and thinking 'one day I'll be brave enough to have one of these'.

Still waiting!

 

[Minilad]

Very smart that... makes my Fiesta look like a hairdresser's motor! I only went out to buy a paper, but came back with a new car!

A DS21 though, oh yes please. The first Rover P6 I bought came from a classic dealer in the Cotswolds whose speciality was DS's, the Rover needed jump starting and he pulls out a gorgeous DS from his garage to assist in firing it up, I sat in it for a while, looking around and thinking 'one day I'll be brave enough to have one of these'.

Still waiting!

Have to be one of the most lovely and original car designs ever. I am in the Citroen Car Club. Some of the Deesses at meets are absolutely stunning

 

[cookiescrumble]

I drive a 54 plate Corsa C, lovely little car! Been really good to me and my dad over the years.

 

[S19]

That DS3 looks mint. Is it the HDi or petrol model?

 

[Minilad]

That DS3 looks mint. Is it the HDi or petrol model?

Petrol 1.6 and it's a rare Automatic box as well.

 

[S19]

Petrol 1.6 and it's a rare Automatic box as well.

Same engine and box that's in the newer model MINI I think. Good units.

 

[Minilad]

Yeah it is the same one 120BHP although there is a 150BHP version too.
Feels nice and smooth with a bit of a kick if needed though.
Very much a Mini rival I think although I haven't driven a Mini to make a comparison

 

[S19]

The MINIs are ok but you have to spend thousands on options to make them a decent spec. I had that problem 5 years ago haha

 

[Minilad]

The MINIs are ok but you have to spend thousands on options to make them a decent spec. I had that problem 5 years ago haha

Just like any BMW then !!
They do seem to hold value OK though.
I just think Minis are everywhere now though. No longer a head turner or in any way exclusive

 

[SwindonPkwy]

Aston Martin DB9 in my dreams, cboardman hybrid in my garage. Weighing in at 9kg, it accelerates just like a FGW HST.

 

[S19]

Just like any BMW then !!
They do seem to hold value OK though.
I just think Minis are everywhere now though. No longer a head turner or in any way exclusive

Yeah pretty much! I wouldn't buy a new one again. I would consider a factory JCW model if I had copious amounts of cash though

When I was 22 I ordered a brand new MINI Cooper with £7k of options including things like privacy glass, JCW bodykit etc. Total of nearly £19k :cry:

I lost that £7k in a year. It would've been £9k had I not shopped around for a good part ex deal against an Evo. Dealers were going in low

 

[t_star2001uk]

For my regular daily drive i have a choice of either a Class 165,168,172,67 or Mk3 DVT. But when i get home i have a 2003 Vauxhall Omega 3.2 Elite....

 

[newbie babs]

It is known as "The beast"

But its purrs and with a rally engine under the bonnet it certainly does leave others standing. Sad thing is its my son`s not mine

 

[S19]

It is known as "The beast"

But its purrs and with a rally engine under the bonnet it certainly does leave others standing. Sad thing is its my son`s not mine


View attachment 9026

I like those 'Blob-eye' shape Prodrive wheels on that. Never seen that done before

 

[2Dogbox]

It is known as "The beast"

But its purrs and with a rally engine under the bonnet it certainly does leave others standing. Sad thing is its my son`s not mine


View attachment 9026

Nice Looking Scooby, I've got an 07 plate Hawkeye WRX.