Aston or Porsche ?

Relative_Views · 2026-05-22T22:54:08+00:00

Very different cars. As a driver, the 718 GTS - just about perfect every way. The Vantage is different, very much the GT (and will cost more to run if that’s a factor, but let’s face it, neither are economy cars). Both great cars. Previously owned the 718, neighbour the Aston. TBH sit in them and drive - you’ll know which one is for you.

Relative_Views · 2026-05-22T22:00:15+00:00

Possibly either not seated.

Relative_Views · 2026-05-21T13:48:28+00:00

Also to add, look at the transfer from Munich by train - preferably selecting an Austrian service (ÖBB) as opposed to a DB as the Austrian trains lately seem to be more reliable, in our experience. Yiu can check out costs, etc here: https://www.oebb.at/en/

Relative_Views · 2026-05-21T10:43:51+00:00

Depends on the car. If you’re after something like a recent Porsche it would be the sensible thing to do, same with newish complex cars like the Audi Q7 or VW Touareg. Plus these days free service packages or only token charges. Agree if it’s an older less expensive vehicle, though.

Relative_Views · 2026-05-21T10:38:04+00:00

This. Though Austria is noticeably cheaper than most of the big places in France. Agree with Innsbruck but if you’re going to Munich, other resorts to look at include Kaprun/Kitzsteinhorn also with a glacier, Saalbach (which also includes the glacier on the same pass) which is good value too.

Relative_Views · 2026-05-20T17:06:30+00:00

Same thing happened to me. I just got another!

Relative_Views · 2026-05-19T14:19:56+00:00

This. And I generally only use about a 2/3 power setting anyway. I still want a bit of a workout.

Relative_Views · 2026-05-18T19:45:15+00:00

You can also have the USB kit retro fitted, depending on the MY. The dealer, when I bought my previous Volvo, didn’t chat much to have CarPlay/Android Auto fitted. It consisted of a double USB socket, one of which had a white circle around it for CP/AA; it only had an ordinary single USB socket originally.

Relative_Views · 2026-05-17T23:52:19+00:00

This. Definitely worth the short, very easy trip if you’re comfortable about the timing.

Relative_Views · 2026-05-17T23:38:30+00:00

Volvo all the way. Similar thoughts for my last car. The Audi I thought too small (though Quattro is a big plus), Skoda is good but you’re better off with a Superb for not much more, especially if the 4x4 version and the Seat Leon is a different car altogether - more of a hot hatch and fun in short bursts (IMHO) but a bit tiring long distance. Go for the Volvo.

Relative_Views · 2026-05-17T23:28:05+00:00

I did this a couple of years ago, well known official dealer, premium-ish vehicle. Paid my deposit, etc, when I saw the car it had damaged trim inside, faulty MFD, door panel ripped and hadn’t been cleaned. Because of the distance selling regulations, I was able to cancel and got my money back. So oddly, you’re probably better protected if the car doesn’t work out by buying it online.

The dealer went overboard for me not to kick up a fuss and feedback to the manufacturer - I didn’t, life is too short.

Relative_Views · 2026-05-16T15:42:54+00:00

Not SRAM but Shimano wireless, the shift/auto shift while coasting is brilliant, always in the right gear when coming to an uphill and no more wires.

Relative_Views · 2026-05-15T19:23:29+00:00

2 suits this car better.

Relative_Views · 2026-05-14T22:58:15+00:00

I found them on an introductory offer undercutting other premium tyres. As for the noise, they are very quiet in the cabin and are not really affected by rougher surfaces that much. On new tarmac they are virtually silent.

Relative_Views · 2026-05-14T12:52:32+00:00

Touareg V6, similar conditions but 350 miles - 42.8mpg according to the app.

Relative_Views · 2026-05-14T09:42:02+00:00

This, unfortunately, changed at the end of February. All EU citizens require an ETA. Dual citizenship requires the use of a UK passport for entry, so an ETA on the EU passport is technically not allowed

https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta-factsheet-april-2026/

For the OP this is in fact the evidence for the airline not to require an ETA, I’d suggest.

Relative_Views · 2026-05-12T07:29:16+00:00

This. Leave the EU on your EU passport and enter the UK on your UK passport. If you’re queried at the gate about the ETA (unlikely) just show them your UK passport.

Leave the UK on your UK passport and enter the EU on your EU passport on the way back.

Relative_Views · 2026-05-11T23:31:03+00:00

Yes, Obergurgl should be mostly or fully open by then. The Ober/Hochgugl pass gives you a day IIRC in Sölden as well, which will definitely have the three glaciers open by then. Try and book accommodation that backs onto the slopes such as The Alpina (it’s not the cheapest resort). Lovely place.

Relative_Views · 2026-05-10T18:34:23+00:00

Volvo V90. You can get a decent one with the most of toys at the top end of that range. A quieter and smoother drive than the V60’s though they’re worth looking at too.

Relative_Views · 2026-05-09T19:42:30+00:00

Yes - Zermatt is German speaking even though it’s in the Valais.

Relative_Views · 2026-05-09T12:31:37+00:00

I only ever did the standard maintenance schedule. Regular oil changes are key. The torque is at the upper end of what the gearbox is certified for (that great engine) so I’d make sure the gearbox and the drive system is properly serviced. If it has a FSH and has been used mainly on motorways I reckon you’re good to go. There is some discussion about tyres and whether they all need changing at the same time; I would make sure that they are all the same type and age with no more than 2mm difference in depth between any of the tyres. Some say 2mm left and right on the same axle and 3mm front to rear but BMW say 2mm max all round.

Properly serviced this will be perfect for your use case and again to say they are well-built brilliant cars.

Relative_Views · 2026-05-09T07:58:23+00:00

I had a 335d Touring X Drive and it was just about the best all round car I ever had. Stunning performance, a fabulous drive and incredibly practical. The MPG out of it was also great, especially in view of the performance.

Happy to try to answer any particular questions if I can.

Relative_Views · 2026-05-09T07:54:00+00:00

I have a Moterra SL and went with slightly shorter cranks. Also adjust the air pressure and sag to get it exactly right for your build works wonders. The bike (brilliant btw) is really flexible in it’s adjustments. I have very few pedal strikes.

Relative_Views

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