pinkpanther

Looks like Spring had sprung

Nice sunset this evening

Interesting (Snow) moon this evening

We had a quite astonishing sunrise a few days ago. The colour came and went in the space of a few minutes.

Yes - fortunately I prefer the older Jaguars and loved my old S-Type, which despite being much maligned and a parts bin special (lots of Ford components) it was a cracking car. I'd very much like to own an S-Type R at some point, but in the meantime an old 4.2 V8 XJ will do

Unfortunately the rainy day arrived and resulted in a catastrophic leak through the sunroof!! Decided I needed another Jaguar in my life (I'd previously owned an old S type and regretted moving it on) and ended up with an XJ!! Very much enjoyed owning my latest Yeti and am hugely frustrated ownership ended in such a negative fashion, due solely to the sunroof. I can envisage owning another though. More than likely a non Ad- blue 140 (with a map to negate any EA189 update issues). Farewell for now

No guarantee I'm afraid. A friend has just part part exchanged a Qashqai with a fixed glass roof, due to a water leak into the cabin. The local glass place quoted around £1k to remove and re-seal. I had such a roof in an earlier Roomster and although it offered plenty of light, I would have preferred it to open. Unfortunately my current (2012) Yeti has recently fallen victim to the leaking sunroof and, despite the best efforts of my local independent, it appears the only option is extensive (costly) dismantling in order to trace the leak, or replacement of the entire sunroof (was told £2-3k). I have neither the time, nor the inclination to get involved, so unfortunately it is being part exchanged next week. I also know of a 2017 L&K with a leaking sunroof at 14000 miles!! Fabulous cars (I've had 4 of them) just not with a sunroof.

A few from this morning's (local) exercise. The moon was especially large (and ?full).

Apparently so. A friend replaced the original battery on his 2014 SEAT Alhambra 2.0 TDi a few weeks back and I noticed the Carista Beta now has the option to code a new battery on VAG cars. We sought advice from a mechanic though and was told it was not necessary to code the battery, assuming the replacement was the same capacity / specification?? It's a few weeks since the battery change and all seems well.

I noticed the recent Carista Beta now has the ability to code number plate lights as LED. Yet to try it though.

Good morning.......

A few photos from today's walk........

The lockdown / enforced reduction in mileage and recent cold weather have not been kind to my Yeti It's now typically regenerating the DPF every 100 miles and I've had issues with the oil level rising, presumably due to it becoming diluted with diesel (from uncompleted regenerations). MPG has also nosedived to mid 30's - see below: I generally do 20k miles / year, so haven't previously had any issues running a diesel car long-term. Still a truly excellent, capable and dependable car, but with its relative lack of value I suspect I'll keep it for a rainy day

I've been thinking about getting one of these - what do you reckon to this? hotUKdeals link

Another consideration is the residuals on the SX4 are (relatively) poor when considered alongside the Vitara. I paid £18.5k for a pre-reg (0 miles) 2018 manual 1.4 boosterjet all-wheel-drive SZ5 and after almost 2 years / 30k miles AT values it at £10190 Part Ex or £11990 private sale.

I went with the SX4 S Cross as it offered considerably better value than an equivalent Vitara and is a bit more roomy. The 1.4 boosterjet engine is excellent, although I have no experience with Suzuki automatics.

Friend of mine captured this sunset in Clevedon recently Bridlington this morning.......

I do like a good reflection (Rufford Park and Chatsworth) ........

Spent ages trying to get a photograph of these fast moving little blighters Not the best, but you get the idea!

Astonishingly lovely sunrise this morning. The colour came and went in the space of minutes.

As previously mentioned rear brakes can stick, but other than that I'm not aware of any intrinsic faults with the Citigo, Mii, Up!

They certainly hold their price well, as do most small cars in the current climate. I paid £7500 for a pre-reg SEAT Mii design (5 door with Beats audio) February 2019 and AT reckons it's still worth £7k at 14k miles!!!

I've used Michelin cross climates on several cars and can highly recommend them (both in summer and winter). They proved so good I sold my winter tyres / steel rims!! Will look to fit these to my Mii with the continentals wear out. Mine are 185/55/15.

The "fleet" - I did also have a lovely old S-type Jag, but got bored with endlessly putting fuel in it.

I remembered I'd written a little about my SX4 experience here: https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/463233-im-now-yeti-less/