Your fleet running reports

[Jobbo]

When coming down a frozen hill recently I noticed it doesn't have hill descent control. Then discovered last night it does, in the Off Road mode. It doesn't have a diff lock though, just Haldex and the electronics. I've no idea what difference the off road mode makes.

[NotoriousREV]

When coming down a frozen hill recently I noticed it doesn't have hill descent control. Then discovered last night it does, in the Off Road mode. It doesn't have a diff lock though, just Haldex and the electronics. I've no idea what difference the off road mode makes.

Probably tries to limit individual wheel slip (e.g. faux locked diffs) but allow more overall slippage.

[DeskJockey]

Galaxy had its annual service and MOT. Apart from a number plate bulbs there was nothing wrong.

Service was the standard filters and fluids with the addition of spark plugs. Could be placebo but it felt quicker to start after.

Mechanic said rear pads wouldn't last until the next service, but should be fine at least until the summer.

Boring, but reliable.

[KiwiDave]

Having fun and games here with the 86's... If you've not heard Subaru issued recall notices on heaps of engines due to possible valve spring failure, and early 86's are affected. Toyota NZ issued the recalls, Subaru NZ didn't, leaving all BRZ owners, and those of grey import 86s wondering WTF. To make matters worse the parts list is extensive and most cars being booked in are being held for between 3 and 5 days. Ten have been done and one blew up 30mins after leaving the garage prompting a big investigation.

Other owners due to have theirs done are now currently asking what the hell's going on - mine is due in on Monday! Nervous is an understatement...

There's roughly 400 people in the owners club in NZ - we also have a 'kaboom' club. So far this has been entirely people who've supercharged them badly. But in the last month has included two cars which have thrown bearings, including it seems the one fresh out of the shop from recall work.

Turning into a PR nightmare.

[DeskJockey]

That doesn't sound good!

Edit: just told my boss who has an first edition 86. He'd been advised by Toyota about some engine recall work when he booked it in for a service, but then they cancelled the recall work because they "weren't ready for it". He hadn't heard about the valve issues, but was going to ring them again and press for more information.

[mik]

I guess in this day and age, the number of times any dealership mechanics start pulling an engine apart is pretty low..... hence they might struggle with capability/competence.

Toyota recalling when Subaru are not is also stoopid.

Reminds me of VAG recalling Golf and A3 for brake vacuum pipe leaks around 2002, but not SEATs with identical powertrains. Guess what then failed on my Leon?

[McSwede]

I guess in this day and age, the number of times any dealership mechanics start pulling an engine apart is pretty low..... hence they might struggle with capability/competence.

Toyota recalling when Subaru are not is also stoopid.

Reminds me of VAG recalling Golf and A3 for brake vacuum pipe leaks around 2002, but not SEATs with identical powertrains. Guess what then failed on my Leon?

What?? The suspense is killing me

[mik]

I guess in this day and age, the number of times any dealership mechanics start pulling an engine apart is pretty low..... hence they might struggle with capability/competence.

Toyota recalling when Subaru are not is also stoopid.

Reminds me of VAG recalling Golf and A3 for brake vacuum pipe leaks around 2002, but not SEATs with identical powertrains. Guess what then failed on my Leon?

What?? The suspense is killing me

It was the <phone rings>, hang on....

[Richard]

Got a new high score yesterday

Just some stats about the car first

Weight - 1060kg
Engine - 1.4 litre turbot
Power - 170bhp

So I thought this was pretty impressive over the 2 miles back from the petrol station

[Foz]

Got a new high score yesterday

Just some stats about the car first

Weight - 1060kg
Engine - 1.4 litre turbot
Power - 170bhp

So I thought this was pretty impressive over the 2 miles back from the petrol station

bet it was cold as well

[Rich B]

Whole tank averages only please!!

My best was 11.2 on the road in my E46 M3 (admittedly that road was the Stelvio Pass).

[Mito Man]

There’s some erm, questionable, stains on your display.

[Jimmy Choo]

Whole tank averages only please!!

My best was 11.2 on the road in my E46 M3 (admittedly that road was the Stelvio Pass).

Dayum! The 166 did 16mpg on the tank after I got it back from the upgrades.

[Richard]

There’s some erm, questionable, stains on your display.

Yep

Rain

Because I left the roof off my car on a lovely sunny day about two weeks ago, then went to the pub, and beer made me forget to put the roof back up when I got home (in a different car, not driven by myself), then it rained hard enough for the noise to wake me at 6am....

[Jimmy Choo]

I have now done 40,000 miles in my 2010 Mini One Clubman in 26.5 months.

I would not recommend that anyone else does this.

Bad things:

Any warnings display in the area in the rev counter that shows speed. This includes low fuel and the warnings keep popping up even when you cancel them.
The big central speedo is fucking useless in RHD as the angle to the speeds you look at are at an inconvenient angle to quickly glance at. That's why you have the option to display a digital speed in the rev counter in front of you unless the car is panicking about low fuel.
The suspension is rock hard and thumps like a bastard over every pebble.
It's gutless as fuck.
It's worse on fuel at motorway speeds than any of my 3 litre cars or the boosted Saab.
It's too small inside considering how big it is outside.
The boot is tiny with the rear seats up.
It's not that comfortable to do big distances in.
The rear doors get filthy and the remote opening only works on one of them.


Good things:

The silly half door is actually really useful.
The rock hard suspension is good if you're driving like you're 17.
You can drive it like you're 17 without immediately losing your licence.
It's really easy to heel and toe.
If you fold the seats down, you can fit 64 cases of porridge in.

It was gifted through the family when my late grandfather-in-law gave up driving so I can't really complain but if I was choosing a Mini, I'd have a 5 series instead.

[V8Granite]

Whole tank averages only please!!

My best was 11.2 on the road in my E46 M3 (admittedly that road was the Stelvio Pass).

Mine was 12 mpg in the 500e from Heysham to my home.

It was 206 miles and the fuel light came on just outside Peterborough. Done in under 2 hours.

Dave!

[ste]

UPDATE

E53 4.8is

Vs '16 X6 M50d. You Loose.

Well not quite actually, but to my and definitely the X6 driver's surprise it was far from clear cut. E53 quicker to ~30, M50d to ~60 and then pretty much nothing in it to ~120 when his limiter seemed to kick in. All irrelevant of course, not least because mine didn't sound like a goods vehicle whilst doing it.

And to keep it on topic, averaged 19.7 MPG for my 60 mile commute to Southampton this morning.

[Jimmy Choo]

UPDATE

E53 4.8is

Vs '16 X6 M50d. You Loose.

Well not quite actually, but to my and definitely the X6 driver's surprise it was far from clear cut. E53 quicker to ~30, M50d to ~60 and then pretty much nothing in it to ~120 when his limiter seemed to kick in. All irrelevant of course, not least because mine didn't sound like a goods vehicle whilst doing it.

And to keep it on topic, averaged 19.7 MPG for my 60 mile commute to Southampton this morning.

I saw your pics on instagram. The back looks much better de-badged.

[mik]

Good things:

If you fold the seats down, you can fit 64 cases of porridge in.

<prepares cheque book>

[Mito Man]

Good things:

If you fold the seats down, you can fit 64 cases of porridge in.

<prepares cheque book>

Sounds like the ideal vehicle for a man to ferry goods in for his legitimate business.