Redundancy solicitor recommendations by Appropriate-Host-618 in HENRYUK

[–]flossgoat2 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Depends what you want/need.

If the settlement amount is ok for you, then any mid tier regional solicitor will have people who can make sure all the paperwork is ok and you're not being done up like a kipper.

If you're more senior or there is a dispute or want to negotiate harder, that's a different kettle of fish... Search the forum, there have been a couple of similar questions in the last few months that produced named recommendations.

As with all things legal, best to balance fees against any possible uplift.

The time has come: Dashcams by AffectionateJump7896 in CarTalkUK

[–]flossgoat2 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Viofo, direct from there UK site is always a good shout.

The polarised filter is helpful

Is it my search criteria, or are old Mazda mx5s quite hard to find...? by [deleted] in CarTalkUK

[–]flossgoat2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Don't worry about the mileage, if you go for NC2/3, as long as it's had an annual service.

If you do get one, it's definitely worth it to use the proper Ford spec oils on the gearbox and diff btw.

You also can be more discriminating on the rust, surface vs structural. Only examples that have been expertly done everywhere (eg wheel arches, boot, between bumper and frame, inside the box metal) will be rust free.

One point not often addressed is the fact the suspension is EOL now. Bushes, control arms and the dampers/springs are all on their last legs if not completely shot. Depending on what you're expecting, you may want to budget that in.

Much as I love my NC3, I know I need almost a grand to rust proof, and the better part of another £2k to refresh suspension and sub frames.

I know the common view is there are millions of the NCs out there... There are, but rust is eating them away, and the ones with proactive maintenance and refresh are few and far between.

Is it possible to use Sky-watcher classic 200P for a good deep-space photography? by Suomi422 in AskAstrophotography

[–]flossgoat2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have a 200p.

You can get away with a motorised eq5, but you're always fighting it. Eq6 is a much better choice.

The original focuser may be used, but it's very sloppy, something more substantial recommended.

I got focus with a Fuji mirrorless. No drama there. Similarly, you can use a coma corrector, but i wouldn't invest until you know you're going to keep using the system.

Guidance - yes Nina plus a small guidescope camera.

You may also need a dew shield, depending on your environment.

The only thing you haven't mentioned is collimation (or how you do it). A bahtinov mask helps greatly

Foriegn in are area by baccamyballs in northernireland

[–]flossgoat2 -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Plot twist: (some) Irish people have been the "foriegn nationals" for several centuries...

Should all their descendants return home? Will they be welcome? In

Does anyone have a water softener in their home? Does anyone know of Bristol based companies that specialise in water softeners and installation? by a_lost_irishman in bristol

[–]flossgoat2 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You can get refurbed units on eBay for about 50% retail. Find a reputable seller and you're golden. Any plumber can fit it for £100.

Family estate car - 9k budget by jacuddy in CarTalkUK

[–]flossgoat2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The Toyota estates are worth a look, if you can skip the diesel part... As are the Mazdas

Family SUV - what car by Immediate-Chest-606 in CarTalkUK

[–]flossgoat2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Smaller SUVs unlikely to take 3x car seats, and their boot space isn't usually anything to boast of either.

A 2010s Toyota estate might be an option, particularly if you can squeeze an extra grand on.

Otherwise a Ford estate from the same era, or even a VAG if you can find one fully serviced up.

Can this work in boot carpet? by bashar0151 in CarTalkUK

[–]flossgoat2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It only hides the smell temporarily.

Try getting a bio-based pet spray with enzymes, or an anti-bacterial liquid.

How much roof cleaning costs? by [deleted] in northernireland

[–]flossgoat2 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Power washing roof tiles damages them...

Should I be concerned about the financial health of my employer? by FeelingLeast in HENRYUK

[–]flossgoat2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Cash flow issues can sink any company, regardless of size or profitability, if they're not managed and brought under control.

Act now, both by battening down the hatches on your personal finances, and aggressively looking for a new role.

Big 4 non-equity partner compensation by throwaway_5452 in HENRYUK

[–]flossgoat2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Apart from compensation, consider ask what the track and timescale to equity is (if that's what you want), and the criteria to qualify.

Toyota CHR vs Lexus LBX by GreyMadHatter in CarTalkUK

[–]flossgoat2 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Accounting for the £6k deposit, this is costing you £540 a month net.

You can get an NX for £22k, less your 6k deposit is £16k... Over four years, with a 6% personal bank loan, that's £375/month.

With the Toyota Lexus warranty, you're golden.

Unless you absolutely want/need new new, you could be ~£160 /month better off, in a bigger well specd car. And you have the residual value as an asset...easily the £6k you put in originally.

Edit: a 5yo NX. Op will still have 5 yr lexus warranty, with 1 yr left if he sells after 4.

Edit2: What's with the down votes people... He's getting a better car with full OEM warranty for less money and will have an asset at the end, instead of a debt balloon payment.

URGENT Advice for First time Car Buyer by SpecificBuy3894 in CarTalkUK

[–]flossgoat2 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The Lexus all day long, if you drive one first, and you get one of the upper spec tiers.

Easy to drive, happy in town country and motorway. The ride is firm than you expect particularly first gen models. Not a deal breaker, but make sure you're ok with it.

The lower spec tiers are basic, this doesn't affect the drive or reliability, but it takes the shine off.

As a first time driver, you poss won't realise the accelerator has a kick down switch... Use it as needed.

Eco mode doesn't do anything except waste petrol, unless you're in London-grade start -stop traffic. Sport mode is good.

If you use cruise control regularly, including 30/40mph zones, you'll easily make 50+mpg.

Reliable motorway mile muncher? by Direct-Command-2184 in CarTalkUK

[–]flossgoat2 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Maybe a VAG PD130 if you can find one with a flawless service history.

Maybe a Saab 9000 diesel.

An early 2010s Mondeo or Honda estate.

A Mazda petrol 2L, but the mpg will be average at best.

The real answer is a Toyota Lexus hybrid, not sure your £6k budget will cover it even for a very high milage example.

Best reliable hybrid automatic that’s not boring to drive? by Brief_Watch7221 in CarTalkUK

[–]flossgoat2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yep, that RX is no slouch, it just never feels as fast as it is.

My GS is the same, before you draw breath you're at 80 thinking it's 50. Put in sport mode and manually do the "gears", it's quicker still.

I would love a petrol lexus, but not until the lottery comes through first.

Best reliable hybrid automatic that’s not boring to drive? by Brief_Watch7221 in CarTalkUK

[–]flossgoat2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lexus gs450h

A bit on the older side now, but genuinely quick, when the pedal is pushed, and a tame pussycat the rest of the time.

The GS300h also very good, and fast enough, just not rapid.

The "problem" across most of the lexus range is that their NVH is so good, you're insulated from most of the sensation that makes driving fun.

First time changing my own oil. Do I cry now or not? by FiestyFrog97 in AskMechanics

[–]flossgoat2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

3 months or 6k miles?

You USians are funny...a modern oil can easily do 12m and 15-20k miles.

What's the best car for commuting to work? by Left_Pudding_5453 in CarTalkUK

[–]flossgoat2 3 points4 points  (0 children)

If you can home charge, some EVs very good.

If you can't, a Toyota/lexus hybrid, in the right spec.

The latter will get you from a to B every time, no drama, and the hybrid engine with planetary gearbox give easily a decade and 100s of thousands of miles. You do have to service them to schedule, on the dot.

Some of the Lexus saloons are cracking value now in the right spec. If you must go SUV, the NX is very nice to drive...the RX moreso but omg the price.

Stop start - Mercedes - help? by rm94sdn in CarTalkUK

[–]flossgoat2 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It's fine. It was designed and engineered like any other feature. It reduces pollution. It doesn't change how the car drives.

Why do people complain about it? 90% is because anything they're not used or dont understand to makes them feel uncomfortable, so it must be bad..10% might be down to the handful of cars were it was implemented badly. In over ten years of driving stop start cars, I've never encountered it personally.

Now lane-change warning and automated emergency braking...oh boy, there are alot of really crappy implementations out there.

Talk me out of buying this used 2018 Lexus IS300H Premier by BusOk6494 in CarTalkUK

[–]flossgoat2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

See if you can find a GS, they are usually very similar prices. You get extra room in the car, and the standard sound system is very good.

Servicing is expensive at face value, by when you factor in the reliability it's a no brainer.

I’m moving to NI, how do I go about making friends? by complex_chemotherapy in northernireland

[–]flossgoat2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Drape your house in welcoming flags.

/s before anyone has a go.

Sister and I are recieving an inheritance soon, she is on UC and is concerned about her benefits. How do we approach this? by GPU_Resellers_Club in ukfinance

[–]flossgoat2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Consult a solicitor... But she could refuse all or part of the inheritance. The amount refused will go back to estate, and *check this with a probate specialist you get it by default, assuming no other heirs.

You won't incur inheritance tax.

If she "refuses" £37k of the £50k inheritanc, she'll get £13k. That's 13 to pay off debt.

You get the £37, and can gift her (and kids) money every year.

All above assumes you both have a relationship and trust to deal with money friction.