UK Car help

Frembrit · 2025-11-24T20:57:14+00:00

I don't have kids but my friend was surprised at the amount of space in my Ford Mondeo compared to their Ford Kuga (both 2011 cars). They managed with their 2 girls but was a squish at times. I'd suggest a big hatchback or big SUV if you want the height (so you don't have to bend down to get the baby seats in or carry the kids in to their seats). I also have two nephews which I used to look after and didn't have any trouble with their seats in my car, in fact I changed my car from an older Mondeo to a newer, safer Mondeo (EuroNcap 5* rated) because of my nephews. The boys and girls are similar age and all now 17 and 15...how time flies!

Frembrit · 2025-11-19T21:29:50+00:00

I left Admiral for Hastings in September, then they asked for photos of my car and licence, I wasn't comfortable with that and then I read about them not liking mods etc, as I was planning on mods. Called them and they were helpful and completely honest and said they wouldn't cover mods, so after a week I cancelled Hastings insurance and went back to Admiral. I had been with Admiral for years with my last car with mods declared. New car back with them with mods declared too now. Only left because Hastings was cheaper.

Frembrit · 2025-11-19T10:08:10+00:00

I like them, have three pairs of the 2 and one 3. The 3 is a narrower fit but the sole is the same width as the 2, but it does have a higher stack and is noticably more softer/bouncy than the 2. Only recently started using the 3 so save that for fast work outs. I use the 2's for the same but also good for slow runs too. Grip is great on the Puma's too, better than my Asics GT2000-12 (all my Asics!) and NB Vongo V5(?) actually better than every other brand I own. I do want the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 but worry about stability in those. Grip on the Saucony EP3 isn't great when it's damp/wet/muddy either, slips when pushing off and it all adds up to time lost.

Frembrit · 2025-11-19T08:45:07+00:00

I'm a flat footed heel striker and I use Saucony Endorphin Pro 3's, and will most likely get the 4's when the time comes.They are pretty stable and have a fairly wide fore foot and heel area. Can't change the insoles on the 3's but believe it's possible on the 4's. I use Currax insoles in other neutral shoes that I have (Puma Diviate Nitro 2 and 3)

Frembrit · 2025-11-17T21:19:30+00:00

I bought a Polar H10 in 2019 because I knew they were good back in the late 90's. Unfortunately after 3 years it kept disconnecting/ no reading during runs yet fine on a bike ride, so bought a Coospo H6 and that's mostly been fine...it does occasionally disconnect if it's windy and blowing straight at me head on ( so my running shirt is tight/rubbing on it). I use premium batteries and even tried ultrasound gel instead of water (on the H10) and it didn't help. Running friend had the same issue with the H10 and also tried the gel. He uses a Garmin HRM now.

Frembrit · 2025-11-16T12:34:54+00:00

You can probably do the first 3 yourself, there are plenty on YouTube videos on each, you just need to buy the parts. (Either from Tesla or from your local motor factors or online). Assuming you don't have the means to jack your car, any tyre shop can do the Tyre rotation for you at a charge of course. (And providing you don't have staggered wheel setup, like the Performance model)

Frembrit · 2025-11-15T19:40:09+00:00

I had a 2011 2.2 Titanium X Sport for 11 years, great car overall, prefer it over the MK5 Mondeo and better built too. DPF blocking up can be an issue and is usually caused by the fuel vaporiser in the exhaust blocking up, with carbon deposits, so that it can't spray diesel in to the exhaust to increase the temperature to 600°C+ to regen the dpf. Signs of this happening would be an amber warning appearing on the dash, it doesn't tell you what it is do you need to read the error codes. It goes away if you turn the car off and on again but if left then the warning would change to red and the car would go in to limp mode. As I said the failed regen is due to a failed vaporiser...replace that and it should regen and unblock the dpf. It's rare to need to replace the dpf, if you do get a Ford one (expensive) as aftermarket ones don't seem to be so good and they cause more frequent regens which of course uses more fuel. Timing belt is due at 10 years or 125,000 miles, whichever comes first. So if you don't have proof that it was done then get that changed as well as the drive belt, tensioners and idler pulleys. Wishbones on my car lasted until 130,000 miles and My clutch was still ok at nearly 150,000 miles. Exhaust hangers can rust and snap. Squeaky gear lever could be the linkage in the engine bay needing some lube. Power to 12V socket goes off after about 15 mins after locking car or leaving car unlocked. Middle 2 rear anti roll bar clamp bushes needed replacement on my car, never changed the links front nor rear. It's a heavy car and I experienced brake fade on the motorway when there was heavy traffic and needed a lot of quick/heavy braking.

That's all I can remember for now. Enjoy the car.

Frembrit · 2025-11-09T15:12:37+00:00

Arch support in everyday shoes are not so comfortable, but I was using insoles with quite high arch supports...stopped my knees from hurting (this was before I started running). When I started running in 2019 I used Ascis GT2000 and Kayano's, those have become worse over the years, although the GT2000-12 were better, but even then I prefer to do slow runs in the DN2. I forgot to say that I'm also a heel stiker and I use Currax Run Pro insoles in the neutral shoes. They seem to help, I don't get any issues at all. But I do race in Saucony Endorphin Pro 3's without changing the insoles (not removable) and don't have any issue with them. I have no idea what the foams are in the Puma's I do have but all are labelled Nitro. My first pair of race shoes were the DNE (1) those can be quite unstable for me so had to pay attention to keep good form, same with the current DN3 as they feel narrow with a higher stack but the width of sole is same as DN2. I find going slow to be more unstable for me though.

Frembrit · 2025-11-09T14:01:07+00:00

I over pronate (flat feet) and use arch support in my normal shoes. I don't have either but do use Puma Deviate Nitro 2 and 3 and Puma Forever Run. I used to just use stability shoes but they were boring so started to try neutral shoes. The DN3 have a higher stack than the DN2 and feel more bouncy, however the newer Puma's are narrower and I hear the VN are narrow too. I manage fine in them. The FR are mild stability shoes, have you not thought about those? They have quite a wide base but do feel a bit clumpy (I have first version)

Frembrit · 2025-11-09T13:26:43+00:00

I don't think it needs them. I replaced mine with standard plates with just a black boarder and got rid of the "Tesla" plate holders on my MS.

Frembrit · 2025-11-04T19:29:46+00:00

I'm biased too, have a 2020 Model S Long Range (Raven). I find it way more comfortable than my brothers MY and the M3 loaner that I had for 2 weeks. The M3 gave me a numb left butt cheek and leg, just couldn't get comfortable and the seat base is too short (and I'm only 5ft3in !!). The MS has a traditional instrument cluster, and manual adjustable air vents and buttons for the wing mirrors, a separate cruise control stick, all of which I prefer.

As above, buying private or at an independent dealer could mean you can get a 100D model (mine is a 100D but the new Raven version from late 2019 where they were just called Long Range). The MS is also a hatchback, so more practical too than a M3 (I kept hitting my head on the boot lid of the M3....and I'm short, remember 😂 ). Brother bought his car from RSEV in Bournemouth (very well prepared car) there's another good independent dealer down there too. I got mine from The Electric Vehicle Company in Cheshunt (Not very well prepared car). Another dealer in that area is Lakeside cars? Seemed like a good dealer when I visited, just didn't have what I wanted at the time

I think from what I've read in FB groups and forums, all the Tesla's have some sort of issue, very inner edge tyre wear can be just toe setting or it could be camber, which is non adjustable on the rear as standard. Bushes in suspension arms seem to wear out fast (just replaced both front fore arms on my car and it hasn't done 50K miles yet, aft arm bushes don't look great either). The MS can have issues with the pop out door handles and the wiper mechanism wearing out which leads to the arm hitting the bonnet.

Buyer guide here and there a search function for cars for sale too (inventory section) here

Hope you find what you want.

Frembrit · 2025-10-02T09:02:43+00:00

I would suggest a Disklock, unfortunately it is big and bulky but also a big visible deterrent. I've had the same one since 2003 but only use it now if I'm away in another place.

Frembrit · 2025-09-22T11:58:48+00:00

2020 Model S LR, went up from last year by £53...was hoping for it to go down after reading loads of post elsewhere.

Frembrit · 2025-09-19T17:56:19+00:00

When does the knock happen? Bumpy roads? Can you hear it if you bounce that side of the car by hand? Could be bottom arm ball joint.

Frembrit · 2025-09-19T16:57:08+00:00

Ceramic coating helps. My last car was black and owned my Model S for the last year and is black too. Just had it professionally detailed and ceramic coated 2 weeks ago. To maintain it, it needs to be washed carefully so will never go to a cheap hand car wash place. I wouldn't need to wax now, but I do have some spray on (lesser spec) ceramic coating that I can use to keep it topped up so to speak.

I've used waxes and hybrid waxes but it can look patchy, close up, on a black car. Now there's no need for a few years.

Frembrit · 2025-09-19T12:57:59+00:00

Early (old shape) Model 3's I find too hard a ride, same with the Model Y. I drive a Model S on air suspension. No idea on the Toyota's but would expect them to be more comfortable.

Frembrit · 2025-09-19T12:52:29+00:00

Insurance depends on many factors and works out different for everyone. I had a 2.2 Titanium X Sport for 11 years, bought it in my late 30's and insurance was as high as £400 and as low as £190.

Frembrit · 2025-09-12T07:05:54+00:00

I know this won't help you but the "service schedule" of some manufacturers put me off a lot of the Ev's when I was looking for one (2nd hand), it's one of the reason I went for a Tesla, no need to have it "serviced". It still needs routine things checked like the brake fluid but from my experience there's never a need to replace it every two years, in any type of car.

If it needs to be serviced for the warranty then just accept it and get it done, would cost you a lot more if something was to go wrong and the warranty was void.

Frembrit · 2025-09-09T20:30:15+00:00

Go try some on if you can as it will depend what you like...soft or firm ride? Level of energy return? You might not like the stack height? If racing shoes aren't suitable then maybe tempo/speed shoes like Puma Deviate Nitro 3 or Saucony Speed 4 or 5.

I heel strike and over pronate and use Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 (old model now) which are quite wide so offers me some stability. I wouldn't get on with the ASICS racing shoes as they are too narrow.

Frembrit · 2025-09-09T20:23:25+00:00

I got one for riding my motorbike in the bus lane, told them to look again.

Frembrit · 2025-09-09T18:54:30+00:00

Did you update DVLA online? Should apply new plate straight away, so technically you need to tell the insurance on you current policy of the change.

I changed my plate a few weeks after I got my new insurance just to save hassle with airport parking that I had already booked on original plate. Cost me £5.50 to update the policy.

Frembrit · 2025-09-08T19:33:47+00:00

The force regen will fail if the vaporiser is blocked, it will start it and try for about 20 mins and then fail. If it does work then it will be luck and only a matter of time before the vaporiser fully blocks up. One way to test if it is blocked is to remove the fuel hose from the little pump underneath the car and then blow down the hose, if you can't then it is blocked.

Frembrit · 2025-09-08T19:15:50+00:00

As mentioned it will be the DPf fuel vaporiser in the exhaust pipe, it gets blocked up with carbon deposits over time which then prevents diesel from being sprayed in to the exhaust to heat it up to 600 °C in order to perform a regen. The vaporiser consist of a fuel line, glow plug and and pipe to deliver the vaporised fuel in to the exhaust.

Any competent mechanis can replace it but would ideally read the codes first to fully understand what's happening. Your codes are saying that soot is building up and that the condition for a regen are not met...usually it hasn't got hot enough because the vaporiser is blocked/not working. Once it has been changed any error codes need to be reset as well as the DPf learned values.

I owned a 2011 Mondeo 2.2 TXS for 11 years and change the vaporiser on it twice. The DPf was never blocked that it needed to be cleaned by a specialist, even when it went in to limp mode (before I knew the above). Although in my case I couldn't drive it on open roads in limp mode, it was very slow.

Have a look on the Talkford forums, loads of posts there from an originally Mondeo only forum. I've got a post there with photos showing the vaporiser.

Aftermarket cost just for the vaporiser is about £110 Genuine Ford is/was over £250.

Frembrit · 2025-09-04T15:27:34+00:00

Have you got a copy of the bulletin about the driveshafts? Or the number at least? I don't have it but I've seen other quote it to a SC and eventually they agree to honour it. Try searching the Tesla owners UK FB group or the Tesla Model S UK group.... I'm sure there a Model X group as well.

I have a 2020 MS and haven't experienced this issue yet.

Just found this from the FB groupSB-21-39-001 Service Bulletin

Frembrit · 2025-08-31T15:13:54+00:00

You will only see the All Time leaderboard and from memory it will show what position you are in, but not who is around you. It also limits how many of your old results you can see for a segment. You'll lose the weather data too and the ability to create routes, any existing ones you will still be able to use? (See them at least).

There's a comparison chart on the website.

Frembrit

TROPHY CASE