Phil xxkr

Crikey Ian, wonder what he would make of some of the things going on today 🤯

You are kind in your comments John but I am reminded of GBS, "The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in adapting the world to himself Therfore all progress depends on the unreasonable man." And if I even thought of driving to Crete, the climate inquisitors would be knocking at my door before I went to bed, but certainly a wonderful thought. 😎

You are absolutely spot on Paul on all counts especially re the drive back which down the A1/M1 was super smooth and squeaks only became obvious on my local rural unruly surfaces. So maybe that was the case at the dealership level,when it was MOT'd the day before, no advisories - nothing. But the whole point is a fault was identified and it got fixed at my local Lexus dealer but costs covered by Newcastle which I think is great service and totally pragmatic solution. We go to Greece each year and I am always intrigued by the TripAdvisor Hotel reviews and the level of expectation from reviewers. Just because, say, the Royal Mare in Crete where we go says it's 5 star does not mean it is equivalent to the 5 star George Cinq or Lanesborough yet some people think it should be. And as a consequence find unhappiness and complain in inverse proportion to their state of happiness yet they paid maybe one twentieth of the price. I also paid a fraction of the original price so did not expect a new or even nearly new condition but one that was agreeable to my standards and not some "should be" ones. In the event the car is in fantastic condition so I am content. If not I would be like a reviewer who complained about the lack of choice at breakfast despite even the the bread having a dozen choices!!

I agree vis a vis mileage but I wasn't aware about regular runs for hybrids? I shall look into that, thanks. We also had a Rav4 from new some years ago, brilliant car ran up 140k with virtually no problems at all. Traded it in for my Jaguar XKR, now that's another story 🤑🤑🤑🤑🤑

Mine is a hybrid, good mpg and low tax. Also runs independently of battery?

Think you are missing a couple of points here Paul if I may. Firstly, if you are buying a used anything just what exactly is your level of expectation? I imagine some people expect a new car standard for a used car price - it ain't gonna happen is it? Secondly, as with any problem in life, how do you get a resolution that meets all parties needs without rancour or raised blood pressures all round? - By walking softly but carrying a big stick of course. Thirdly as I alluded to, various limitations made the usual acquisition process impractical but it didn't matter because I was protected every step of the way be it 2miles or 2000 miles away. But I am very pleased to say the outcomes are, I have a terrific car at a great price with long term support from two dealerships who have been 100% effective in building a long term relationship with me, so one happy customer. As to the warranty issue well, as the warranty was only effective from the day I acquired it it was understandable they declined a usual fair wear and tear situation but it was worth a shot😉

Just about a month ago I bought a used RX 450h from Lexus Newcastle. As it was 200 miles from my house and with CV-19 restrictions a preview, test drive examination etc wasn't possible so I bought it unseen. Some may think it brave or foolhardy or both (as at that point I had seen pictures of an RX never in the metal) but with the the Lexus Gb assurances and paying by c/card I had little concern. On the day I collected the car two things struck me, boy it's BIG! , and also in fantastic condition. Come day 2 and beyond however I became aware of noises from the rear suspension. My nearest lexus dealer, Derby, identified an issue with the trailing arms which unfortunately the warranty people wouldn't cover. But after a few conversations between Derby, Newcastle and myself, Newcastle kindly offered to fix the problem which they did with new arms installed. For me it's hard to imagine that an ordinary car dealer would have done the same, a real testimony to the strength of the the network. And I have a 3 year warranty and service plan for a no-fear future. Lexus Derby who did the work were first rate and to be recommended.

RE Warranty, I would consider selling the car with the warranty which makes it more desirable (and which is transferable and bundling your outstanding balance into the deal) and then taking out a new one. I mentioned in an earlier note I took out a 2 year warranty and 3 year service plan funded by a 0% 20 month c/card deal from Virgin which I amortised over 20 months therefore zero charges. And you have Section 75 consumer protection.

I agree with Barry14UK on this one. Just ordered a complete set of wipers from Lexus direct for less tha£30 (exc delivery) bargain. Had a problem with the order site it wouldn't accept expiry date on my c/C? But phoned through spoke with very helpful chap, Josh, who took order over the phone and should be here Tuesday.given it's Easter that's fantastic service don't you think?

The card is actually the property of Halfords so yes you need it. But in terms of the Gold card benefits in general it bought me a tremendous discount on a three year service plan but not on extended warranty. Upshot is I now have 36 month fixed price cover for almost all eventualities which incidentally I funded via a 20 month interest free credit card from Virgin. So I pay back one twentieth each month to the card company leaving me 16 months for Black Swan events

Strangely enough I always felt Grappa to be to people what aviation fuel is to Cessnas🤭 in other words it has a lone purpose. Whereas Tsiporou is for celebrating the conviviality of friends and always with a little octopus or fish or pickled veg. Bravo 😋😋😋

Answered; get the family to move to Derbyshire 😎 because like me, you must feel highly blessed for living in this most wonderful of counties and environments!

I would agree totally if the rendition was one of Andre's Segovia and if the Spanish had anything remotely as good as Tsipouro 😎

Am driving UXE as a courtesy car today and initial impressions are its a fantastic vehicle. Quiet, very fast acceleration but with initial information overload! The main binnacle combined with the navi screen and multi colour HUD takes a while to synch with your brain. As a highly practical efficient and impressive EV I would certainly give it consideration if you wish to go the EV route.

How long did it take to assemble 2500 files 🤔😎

Edit, cars in dealerships not on here🤡

Blessing, the best time to buy a car is when you don't need one, sounds obvious but true. And as you are on a fixed budget warranty, warranty warranty should be your key must have and before a sunroof especially in england 😊 Next, look up Kevin Hunter the homework guy, on YouTube and what he says about leverage. This will definitely get you a better deal. As Cyclone said on here there are cars on here that aren't moving as quickly as dealers would like so there are deals to be done. Best of luck.

Renato, didn't know it until now - one word - Beautiful. As a committed grecophile I hopefully shall be able to play this later this year at sunset over the Aegean with a tall Tsipouro. 🌅

Oddly enough I was loaned a copy, RCA Gold label as I recall in 1971 by a work colleague and was smitten, and have played it ever since. Pity is on Classic FM and other ways they only play the adagio and I feel it loses the whole identity as a result. Bit like they only play from the 1812 the sequence Tchaikovsky wrote with the cannon in it 🤡🤡🤡

And Julian Bream?

Super choices! When you get a minute listen to Miles Davis Sketches of Spain, terrific rendition of concierto de aranjuez.

That's a great Army tip Barry. I go to isight, a manufacturing optical firm in Shepshed near Loughborough. Gayle who works there is ex Hoya and very knowledgeable and being manufacturers they will fit lens to existing frames. However due to current circumstances I am not sure of their current status.

Only if there's an off-licence en-route 😋

Edit, before I had my cataracts done that is

Barry14UK, before I had my cataracts I couldn't drive at night, the oncoming lights were just too overwhelming, Since then I have discovered two great brands. Firstly, Hoya EnRoute, incredible lightweight lens that make driving at night no longer a pain. Secondly, Serengeti sunglasses, these must be the best daytime drivers in the world. It's like looking at the world in HD. Check them out, neither are inexpensive but the difference is astonishing,