Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: Gaffers on 27 September 2013, 00:02:00

Title: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 27 September 2013, 00:02:00
..... golf cart.

(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll138/mrgaffney/Snapbucket/a2057d80-b1dd-4a7c-96bc-9cc99f9cc710_zpsb4925e09.jpg) (http://s287.photobucket.com/user/mrgaffney/media/Snapbucket/a2057d80-b1dd-4a7c-96bc-9cc99f9cc710_zpsb4925e09.jpg.html)

(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll138/mrgaffney/Snapbucket/87686F2A-orig_zpsfa3d18ef.jpg) (http://s287.photobucket.com/user/mrgaffney/media/Snapbucket/87686F2A-orig_zpsfa3d18ef.jpg.html)

(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll138/mrgaffney/Snapbucket/DB4AAAE0-orig_zps5f13ffc8.jpg) (http://s287.photobucket.com/user/mrgaffney/media/Snapbucket/DB4AAAE0-orig_zps5f13ffc8.jpg.html)
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: chrisgixer on 27 September 2013, 00:19:49
:(
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: omega3000 on 27 September 2013, 07:15:50
Where the gear stick  :-\
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Dan282 on 27 September 2013, 07:47:53
I think there a single speed box.
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Lazydocker on 27 September 2013, 08:08:52
You went for it then :y

After careful consideration I decided it wasn't quite what we needed... The range can be questionable for our needs occasionally.

So I've bought another Omega Estate that will probably be hers and will sell her Panda because the pushchair won't fit in the boot!
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: TheBoy on 27 September 2013, 08:28:40
Aren't Nissan the ones who want around £100-£150 per month to rent the batteries (price depends on mileage)?
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Dan282 on 27 September 2013, 09:18:59
Aren't Nissan the ones who want around £100-£150 per month to rent the batteries (price depends on mileage)?

I think they do mate. I know Renault charge 7-800 quid per annum for the twizy and Zoe.
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Kevin Wood on 27 September 2013, 09:21:52
Mental note to disconnect the outside socket in case he comes round to nick my 'tizzy. ;)

Seriously, I hope it serves you well. It'll be interesting to hear how you get on. :y
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 27 September 2013, 10:48:54
You have an option, buy the battery outright or rent it.
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: 05omegav6 on 27 September 2013, 12:00:08
First impressions...
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 27 September 2013, 12:04:25
Where the gear stick  :-\

I believe there is no gearbox as such, being direct drive to the wheels.  Reverse being controlled at the motor level rather than by the box.

You went for it then :y

After careful consideration I decided it wasn't quite what we needed... The range can be questionable for our needs occasionally.

So I've bought another Omega Estate that will probably be hers and will sell her Panda because the pushchair won't fit in the boot!

It's not for everyone as it wont fit in to every family's needs.  It fits ours very well.  If our commutes were longer then it would not have worked.

You have an option, buy the battery outright or rent it.


We went for buying the battery, it made little difference to the monthly/running costs but made sene when you factored in the guaranteed price at the end.

According to the figures we will either break even or make money over the length of the 3 years we intend to keep it.  I will be doing the calculations as we go, I have already worked out that when we go in to London at the weekends for meals and/or the theatre it will be cheaper to drive in and pay parking than getting train tickets (including the discount from the Forces Railcard)
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: 05omegav6 on 27 September 2013, 12:11:19
So essentially the fuel savings cover the depreciation then :-\
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Kevin Wood on 27 September 2013, 12:12:31
Remember I've got a generator in the garage and my call-out charges are very reasonable for breakdowns outside indian restaurants. ;)
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 27 September 2013, 12:24:31
So essentially the fuel savings cover the depreciation then :-\

And more  :y

But how depends on your milage, the more you drive it the more you save and thus in real terms the more money it saves you.
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: tunnie on 27 September 2013, 12:24:46
Be interesting to see how you get on with long-term running costs  :y

Like the colour, Curry event soon? Be good to see one of these in the flesh  :)
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 27 September 2013, 12:25:51
Remember I've got a generator in the garage and my call-out charges are very reasonable for breakdowns outside indian restaurants. ;)

Free unlimited 'break-down' assistance for the first year comes complimentary in case you ever get caught out without enough charge to get home :y
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 27 September 2013, 12:27:03
Be interesting to see how you get on with long-term running costs  :y

Like the colour, Curry event soon? Be good to see one of these in the flesh  :)

It was this or gunmetal grey, Mrs G made the final decision on colour as it is more important to her than me.

Curry, definitely.  When? :P
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: TheBoy on 27 September 2013, 12:44:53
I have already worked out that when we go in to London at the weekends for meals and/or the theatre it will be cheaper to drive in and pay parking than getting train tickets (including the discount from the Forces Railcard)
Same here, its about break even from here if one person takes the car into the Smoke (outside Congestion Zone though), paying for parking and fuel as it is to use the god awful trains.  2 people, its cheaper to drive, even into congestion zone.
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: 05omegav6 on 27 September 2013, 13:24:57
So essentially the fuel savings cover the depreciation then :-\

And more  :y

But how depends on your milage, the more you drive it the more you save and thus in real terms the more money it saves you.
8) can see the reasoning behind that :y

Be interesting to see how you get on with long-term running costs  :y

Like the colour, Curry event soon? Be good to see one of these in the flesh  :)

It was this or gunmetal grey, Mrs G made the final decision on colour as it is more important to her than me.

Curry, definitely.  When? :P

 http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=118219.msg1498185#new  (http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=118219.msg1498185#new) :y
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: BazaJT on 27 September 2013, 19:46:57
Not driven one too far,but it didn't seem too bad a thing to drive.Quite eerie at first what with no engine note and such.Not got the one with the solar panel in the tailgate spoiler then?Apparently it gives you an extra couple of miles range!!Good luck with it hope it serves you well.
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 28 September 2013, 09:56:04
Not driven one too far,but it didn't seem too bad a thing to drive.Quite eerie at first what with no engine note and such.Not got the one with the solar panel in the tailgate spoiler then?Apparently it gives you an extra couple of miles range!!Good luck with it hope it serves you well.

Not worth the extra few hundred quid.  All it does is trickle charge the aux 12v battery which powers all the internals of the car.  It is most beneficial for those who leave the car standing for long periods, which could be something that happens with us maybe twice a year.  The flip side that that requirement is that we are currently petitioning Heathrow to put charging points in the staff car park which means that the solar panel would have been a wasted investment.

That said, this is the only toy we have not opted for.  I love the 360 degree camera 8)
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: 05omegav6 on 28 September 2013, 11:53:06
I would have thought BAA would have been all over that :-\

Gatwick has dedicated charging spaces in all the car parks, all empty, but at least they're thinking about it...
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 28 September 2013, 13:06:22
I would have thought BAA would have been all over that :-\

Gatwick has dedicated charging spaces in all the car parks, all empty, but at least they're thinking about it...

They have them in the Short stay car parks but not in the staff one, something we hope to change.
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 28 September 2013, 13:10:24
First impressions...

Pretty good, on first charge the current displayed range is 102 miles and the short trips made so far don't seem to have dented it too much.  The most difficult part I can foresee is routing the charging cable from a suitable socket in the house before we move in to our new place where I can get a charging point installed.  Then again, I can just take it to Nissan and charge it for free (80% in 30mins) while I go for a coffee.
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: 05omegav6 on 28 September 2013, 13:19:23
 8) presumably that's any Nissan dealer so planning a longer journey needn't be any more complicated than planning a route based on LPG sites :-\

Guessing the 13 amp socket in the garage doesn't quite cut it then ::)
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 28 September 2013, 13:28:05
8) presumably that's any Nissan dealer so planning a longer journey needn't be any more complicated than planning a route based on LPG sites :-\

Guessing the 13 amp socket in the garage doesn't quite cut it then ::)

I think there are a few dealers hat don't have the charging oints, but the sat nav knows which do and don't plus the location of any other points.  So in theory a 150-180 mile one way trip is possible but would need planning.

There is a socket in the garage but there is the small matter of an XJR on axel stands on the driveway blocking access.  :(
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: TheBoy on 28 September 2013, 15:00:55
First impressions...

Pretty good, on first charge the current displayed range is 102 miles and the short trips made so far don't seem to have dented it too much.  The most difficult part I can foresee is routing the charging cable from a suitable socket in the house before we move in to our new place where I can get a charging point installed.  Then again, I can just take it to Nissan and charge it for free (80% in 30mins) while I go for a coffee.
Doesn't that fast charge butt-rape the battery?
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 28 September 2013, 16:55:22
First impressions...

Pretty good, on first charge the current displayed range is 102 miles and the short trips made so far don't seem to have dented it too much.  The most difficult part I can foresee is routing the charging cable from a suitable socket in the house before we move in to our new place where I can get a charging point installed.  Then again, I can just take it to Nissan and charge it for free (80% in 30mins) while I go for a coffee.
Doesn't that fast charge butt-rape the battery?

As long as it not done everyday, apparently not.
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: AndyRoid on 28 September 2013, 17:34:22
I have already worked out that when we go in to London at the weekends for meals and/or the theatre it will be cheaper to drive in and pay parking than getting train tickets (including the discount from the Forces Railcard)
Will it make the 90 mile round trip on a single charge with the electrical demand of the lights, heater, etc?
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 28 September 2013, 18:11:58
I have already worked out that when we go in to London at the weekends for meals and/or the theatre it will be cheaper to drive in and pay parking than getting train tickets (including the discount from the Forces Railcard)
Will it make the 90 mile round trip on a single charge with the electrical demand of the lights, heater, etc?

Apparently, but I can charge it for free in London, I just have to pay for the parking.
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: AndyRoid on 28 September 2013, 18:32:15
Guessing the 13 amp socket in the garage doesn't quite cut it then ::)

http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=13008#
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 28 September 2013, 18:51:37
You've obviously done a lot of research and calculations, so how much do you think your electricity bills will go up assuming you will have it on charge every night?  ???

Is it worth changing tariff to one that provides cheaper over night rates, like the old Economy 7 that we used to have for storage heaters?  :-\
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 28 September 2013, 19:13:36
You've obviously done a lot of research and calculations, so how much do you think your electricity bills will go up assuming you will have it on charge every night?  ???

Is it worth changing tariff to one that provides cheaper over night rates, like the old Economy 7 that we used to have for storage heaters?  :-\

Good old British Gas(!) will come and fit a charging point for free(well someone pays them) we then get a preferential tariff of a low off-peak rate and peak between 1200 and 1600.

Based on 12000 miles a year it is estimated to cost between £3-400...........a year!
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: kevinp58 on 28 September 2013, 20:26:21
Oh dear a candidate for the ugliest car of the year.  :o
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 28 September 2013, 22:27:54
You've obviously done a lot of research and calculations, so how much do you think your electricity bills will go up assuming you will have it on charge every night?  ???

Is it worth changing tariff to one that provides cheaper over night rates, like the old Economy 7 that we used to have for storage heaters?  :-\

Good old British Gas(!) will come and fit a charging point for free(well someone pays them) we then get a preferential tariff of a low off-peak rate and peak between 1200 and 1600.

Based on 12000 miles a year it is estimated to cost between £3-400...........a year!

That's us in the form of our hugely inflated energy bills to cover cost of paying for thing like this, 'free' insulation and 'free' boilers!  ::)
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: 05omegav6 on 28 September 2013, 22:39:24
Oh dear a candidate for the ugliest car of the year.  :o
It's infinitely better looking than that poxy Juke ;D
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: kevinp58 on 28 September 2013, 22:54:41
Oh dear a candidate for the ugliest car of the year.  :o
It's infinitely better looking than that poxy Juke ;D




Close call  ;D
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 29 September 2013, 07:12:22
Oh dear a candidate for the ugliest car of the year.  :o

That's ok, as I am inside I don't have to look at it.....you on the other hand ;D ;D
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: 05omegav6 on 29 September 2013, 12:52:15
 ;D my Dad used to say the same about his Scorpio Estate... for some reason, the rear end of the sandy beige (Nantucket Grey?) saloons always reminded me of the back of a moose ::)
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 29 September 2013, 12:54:55
Ok, first decent run in it this morning to take the missus to work.  Driving on the motorway at 60-65 is a little painful, but coming back home at 55 improved my kwh/mile considerably.  On the way back the battery level got to 25% so I popped to Nissan and put it on a fast charge, while I went shopping in town.  within 37 mins she was back up to 90% and I was driving about again.

The computer is still learning from my driving style so the predicted range drops a lot when I get the speed up but then recovers significantly when I brake and regenerate, over time this should even out.

The next problem is getting it close enough to a suitable socket so I can slow charge at home.  You are not supposed to use an extension cable as it's a 13A charger but with the XJR on axle stands on the drive there is no other way at the moment (unless I pull my thumb out of my arse and finish the jag ;D)
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: 05omegav6 on 29 September 2013, 13:53:01
Well hurry up then ::)
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: tunnie on 29 September 2013, 15:14:14
Sounds good, do the charges at Nissan come free?
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 29 September 2013, 16:09:51
Sounds good, do the charges at Nissan come free?

Yes  :y

I have done a bit of research.  The 'don't use an extension lead' for this type of charger is apparently due to numpties using cables that are not able to cope or are not fully unwound before using. 

The charger is rated at 10amps, so I have got a single plug, watherproof, 13amp extension with a built in RCD.  That should do the job :y

Edit: as long as it doesn't r............ ::)
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 29 September 2013, 16:18:20
You'd best have a word with Mr Gixer about that, as he's our resident expert on garage electrics!  ;D
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 29 September 2013, 16:24:59
You'd best have a word with Mr Gixer about that, as he's our resident expert on garage electrics!  ;D

Don't worry, all sources of gas have been isolated :-X ;D ;D
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 29 September 2013, 19:33:07
I actually like the look of it. :y

Not sure I could cope with the 'range anxiety' though.

May I ask you what it cost, Mr Guffer? ::) ::) ::) :)
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: TheBoy on 29 September 2013, 19:44:21
You'd best have a word with Mr Gixer about that, as he's our resident expert on garage electrics!  ;D

Don't worry, all sources of gas have been isolated :-X ;D ;D
Oi!!!  >:(

Besides, given you're medical condition.... :P
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 29 September 2013, 19:47:10
You'd best have a word with Mr Gixer about that, as he's our resident expert on garage electrics!  ;D

Don't worry, all sources of gas have been isolated :-X ;D ;D
Oi!!!  >:(

Besides, given you're medical condition.... :P

 ;D ;D ;D

Paranoid, I physically checked the cord every half hour, no heat coming off it at all :y
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: chrisgixer on 29 September 2013, 19:47:47
You'd best have a word with Mr Gixer about that, as he's our resident expert on garage electrics!  ;D
Oohoohoo I see sir Digger is in cem mode.  Bring it on big boy ;D
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 29 September 2013, 19:53:56
I actually like the look of it. :y

Not sure I could cope with the 'range anxiety' though.

May I ask you what it cost, Mr Guffer? ::) ::) ::) :)

Range anxiety, I'll admit I had some this morning but that was the point of driving the missus to work and then driving back.  I got home with 30+ miles in the 'tank' and after the fast charge at nissan I had 95.  I have had it on slow charge this evening and it is almost done and now showing a max range of 105+.  I must be doing something right then  :y

Cost?  We went for the Teknica which with govt grant was about £24-25k.  Nissan contribute £1600 to the deposit and we put down as little as possible.  The idea being that the car is to pay for itself by not paying for petrol.  With a gaurranteed price after the 3 years higher than the balloon payment, it means we wont loose anything :y

What I did like was the non-pushy salesman, who knew the car inside out.  He could have pressured us for all sorts of additional extras but even said don't bother getting the car mats from us, they are half the price on eBay.
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 29 September 2013, 20:17:04
I actually like the look of it. :y

Not sure I could cope with the 'range anxiety' though.

May I ask you what it cost, Mr Guffer? ::) ::) ::) :)

Range anxiety, I'll admit I had some this morning but that was the point of driving the missus to work and then driving back.  I got home with 30+ miles in the 'tank' and after the fast charge at nissan I had 95.  I have had it on slow charge this evening and it is almost done and now showing a max range of 105+.  I must be doing something right then  :y

Cost?  We went for the Teknica which with govt grant was about £24-25k.  Nissan contribute £1600 to the deposit and we put down as little as possible.  The idea being that the car is to pay for itself by not paying for petrol.  With a gaurranteed price after the 3 years higher than the balloon payment, it means we wont loose anything :y

What I did like was the non-pushy salesman, who knew the car inside out.  He could have pressured us for all sorts of additional extras but even said don't bother getting the car mats from us, they are half the price on eBay.


£5,000. Do I have that correct?
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 29 September 2013, 20:19:31
Yup :y
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 29 September 2013, 21:18:23
So what's the fastest you done in it so far??  ???  On private roads of course...   ;)  :)
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 29 September 2013, 21:24:01
70 ::)
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: chrisgixer on 29 September 2013, 21:27:49
Yeah I thought he said 70 before. He did say 70 didn't he. I'm sure he did. Yes he did. 70!

Maybe Sir Digger the cave man is having hearing trouble. ;D


....Pardon? :D
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 29 September 2013, 21:28:41
*grabs popcorn*
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: chrisgixer on 29 September 2013, 21:30:22
Please tell me you still have the Jag ?
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: 05omegav6 on 29 September 2013, 21:34:25
Are you awake ;D

Quote
There is a socket in the garage but there is the small matter of an XJR on axel stands on the driveway blocking access. :'(

About three pages ago ;D
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 29 September 2013, 21:44:05
Are you awake ;D

Quote
There is a socket in the garage but there is the small matter of an XJR on axel stands on the driveway blocking access. :'(

About three pages ago ;D

Pot, Kettle, Black!!! Touche!!!  ;D ;D ;D  Shame Al got there first, but I went for a pee.....  ;)
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 29 September 2013, 21:46:52
So why only 70?  ???  Is that it? or do you suddenly become all sensible once you've bought an electric car?  ::)
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 29 September 2013, 21:50:17
Please tell me you still have the Jag ?

Of course, the fact that the leaf cannot be used to transport my bikes around was a good excuse to keep the big bird :y
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 29 September 2013, 21:51:13
So why only 70?  ???  Is that it? or do you suddenly become all sensible once you've bought an electric car?  ::)

Nope, I will save the fast stuff for Kitty :y
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: chrisgixer on 29 September 2013, 22:03:36
Are you awake ;D

Quote
There is a socket in the garage but there is the small matter of an XJR on axel stands on the driveway blocking access. :'(

About three pages ago ;D

Pot, Kettle, Black!!! Touche!!!  ;D ;D ;D  Shame Al got there first, but I went for a pee.....  ;)
Pardon? ;D

I'll open the door, you just got to walk in. Always polite me. ;)

;D
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 29 September 2013, 22:04:53
Are you awake ;D

Quote
There is a socket in the garage but there is the small matter of an XJR on axel stands on the driveway blocking access. :'(

About three pages ago ;D

Pot, Kettle, Black!!! Touche!!!  ;D ;D ;D  Shame Al got there first, but I went for a pee.....  ;)
Pardon? ;D

I'll open the door, you just got to walk in. Always polite me. ;)

;D

I hope you both washed your hands while you were in there.........on second thoughts, I hope you both showered ;D
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 29 September 2013, 22:13:02
Hmmmn I heard that Mr Gixer has a fetish for hairy cave dwellers!!!  ::)  ;D
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: chrisgixer on 29 September 2013, 22:15:02
Ok ok we got a room. What can I say  :-*
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 29 September 2013, 22:52:18
Ok ok we got a room. What can I say  :-*

Luckily for me there are plenty of cavetypes in Reading to keep you occupied!!  :P  :)
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: chrisgixer on 30 September 2013, 00:47:21
Ok ok we got a room. What can I say  :-*

Luckily for me there are plenty of cavetypes in Reading to keep you occupied!!  :P  :)
Jealousy will get you nowhere my new lover. ;D I've moved on already. You where rubbish. ::)
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: chrisgixer on 30 September 2013, 00:50:02
Ok ok we got a room. What can I say  :-*

Luckily for me there are plenty of cavetypes in Reading to keep you occupied!!  :P  :)
Jealousy will get you nowhere my new lover. ;D I've moved on already. You where rubbish. ::)

I'm actually quite disappointed Digger. You've been following me round for months, bit of a waste of time really. All talk and no trousers. ;D
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 30 September 2013, 01:00:35
Ok ok we got a room. What can I say  :-*

Luckily for me there are plenty of cavetypes in Reading to keep you occupied!!  :P  :)
Jealousy will get you nowhere my new lover. ;D I've moved on already. You where rubbish. ::)

I'm actually quite disappointed Digger. You've been following me round for months, bit of a waste of time really. All talk and no trousers. ;D

Lucky escape for me then!!  ::)  You go on back to the Pink Fella.... or is it the Scouser?  :-\  You're such a slut Gixer!!!  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: chrisgixer on 30 September 2013, 01:02:34
Ok ok we got a room. What can I say  :-*

Luckily for me there are plenty of cavetypes in Reading to keep you occupied!!  :P  :)
Jealousy will get you nowhere my new lover. ;D I've moved on already. You where rubbish. ::)

I'm actually quite disappointed Digger. You've been following me round for months, bit of a waste of time really. All talk and no trousers. ;D

Lucky escape for me then!!  ::)  You go on back to the Pink Fella.... or is it the Scouser?  :-\  You're such a slut Gixer!!!  ;D ;D ;D
Now now, don't get bitter. There's plenty more fish in the sea. ;)
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: chrisgixer on 01 October 2013, 00:42:50
Well, have to say, I was very surprised. It goes. Not massively quick but plenty quick enough. And it did so in complete silence (until minor road noise crept in of course) impressive.


Dash lit up, lights on. Which I was desperate to turn off. Old habits... ::)  Pleeeaae turn the lights off, Pleeeaae. ;D
(http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p326/chrisgixer/E93E39E2-C726-4FF2-B9C3-2D82312A63F2-912-0000005379B5BC7F_zps5a9d0b46.jpg)
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: chrisgixer on 01 October 2013, 00:46:14
If your like me and planning to own a vxr8 before you die, hurry up. They won't be around for much longer.  :'(
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: 05omegav6 on 01 October 2013, 01:29:26
Having seen it in the flesh, I am very impressed :y much bigger than I thought it would be... easily Astra/Focus sized rather than Micra. Reasonable boot space, looks well screwed together and has that all important new car smell 8)

It even has proper sized tyres on it... a bit strange to hear drive by at 30 with barely a murmur, but quick off the mark :o be interesting to line up on a runway against a 3.2 and an MX5...

Anyone looking for a new family run around could do alot worse.
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 01 October 2013, 02:17:40
Congrats, Looks impressive  :y, Almost got run over by a battery car year or so ago didn't hear the thing creeping up behind  ;D

Although think I'd go for the VX Ampera, Just personal preference  :y
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 01 October 2013, 08:01:31
Congrats, Looks impressive  :y, Almost got run over by a battery car year or so ago didn't hear the thing creeping up behind  ;D

I had that happen yesterday.  Young lady walking across a junction with phone in hand.  She jumped out of her skin when I pipped the horn ;D
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: tunnie on 01 October 2013, 08:19:11
Congrats, Looks impressive  :y, Almost got run over by a battery car year or so ago didn't hear the thing creeping up behind  ;D

I had that happen yesterday.  Young lady walking across a junction with phone in hand.  She jumped out of her skin when I pipped the horn ;D

 ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: chrisgixer on 01 October 2013, 08:30:56
Compared to one of these.

(Or whatever your favourite petrol car is)
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201309198862666
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: tunnie on 01 October 2013, 08:34:58
Just blip the throttle in that! Oh wait, wrong gearbox  ::)  ;D
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: 05omegav6 on 01 October 2013, 08:35:39
Black too ::)
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 01 October 2013, 08:39:40
Compared to one of these.

(Or whatever your favourite petrol car is)
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201309198862666

Looks nice  :y
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: AndyRoid on 01 October 2013, 09:00:49
Just blip the throttle in that! Oh wait, wrong gearbox  ::)  ;D
Knock it in to neutral as you creep up on them  ;)
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: tunnie on 01 October 2013, 09:08:18
Just blip the throttle in that! Oh wait, wrong gearbox  ::)  ;D
Knock it in to neutral as you creep up on them  ;)

True  :y
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: chrisgixer on 01 October 2013, 09:14:57
Compared to one of these.

(Or whatever your favourite petrol car is)
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201309198862666

I wonder, as an example, if I buy the vxr8 today, how the figures stack up over three years, compared with a (i can barely say it) "Leaf"
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: 05omegav6 on 01 October 2013, 09:22:39
£25k - £12k/3 =

£4333 per year to spend on fuel, tax and insurance, so realistically, £3k per year towards petrol :-\ about twenty weeks worth...

I suspect Guffers will be laughing all the way to the bank :-\
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: chrisgixer on 01 October 2013, 09:27:16
Yeah but he'd have to get up a lot earlier. :)


Pfffff :-\  will the vxr8 be forever out of reach?  :'(
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: tunnie on 01 October 2013, 09:31:36
Yeah but he'd have to get up a lot earlier. :)


Pfffff :-\  will the vxr8 be forever out of reach?  :'(

Give it time, first gen Monaro's can be had for around £5/6k now?
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: aaronjb on 01 October 2013, 10:08:47
Congrats, Looks impressive  :y, Almost got run over by a battery car year or so ago didn't hear the thing creeping up behind  ;D

I had that happen yesterday.  Young lady walking across a junction with phone in hand.  She jumped out of her skin when I pipped the horn ;D

Around here they do that engine noise or not >:( and usually give you an angry look even if they are the ones who stepped out in front of you on a main road..

Still, I was also quite impressed - it's a nice package. Though thinking about it last night if Amy & I got one for the commute we'd still need another petrol car for her along with the Omega & M3, otherwise she'd not be able to visit her folks on her own without recharging at Oxford services.. d'oh!
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Kevin Wood on 01 October 2013, 10:36:45
Still, I was also quite impressed - it's a nice package. Though thinking about it last night if Amy & I got one for the commute we'd still need another petrol car for her along with the Omega & M3, otherwise she'd not be able to visit her folks on her own without recharging at Oxford services.. d'oh!

Yep. We're in the same boat. A leaf would be fantastic for my commute. 20 miles each way, little bit of urban but mostly A/B roads. Rarely exceed 60 unless I get an unusually clear run.. like I did this morning. :-X

But.. I can't see it replacing any of our other cars, and 4 cars will be a parking nightmare, along with paying 4 sets of insurance, etc.

I need a decent tow car and something that can do longer journeys, so Omega stays. Westfield stays, obviously. MX5.. well, it's nice to have a rag top that's a little less extreme than the Westfield. Emma needs a small car for her short commute, so that stays.

As I said last night, if they did a little electric 2 seater it would be great, because we'd always have a larger petrol car anyway. <sigh!> guess I need a Tesla. 8)
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: tunnie on 01 October 2013, 10:39:26
Maybe one of these?

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/fisker/karma-2011-2012 (http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/fisker/karma-2011-2012)
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Kevin Wood on 01 October 2013, 10:50:29
Maybe one of these?

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/fisker/karma-2011-2012 (http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/fisker/karma-2011-2012)

Hmm. :-\ Think I'd only go for fully electric. "Range extender" is the worst of both worlds, IMHO. Using electric power to lug around a petrol engine and a tank of fuel that you rarely use. Might as well use that weight to give it more electric range. Unless it's going to replace the Omega I only need it to have 70 miles of range.

Besides, it's had a good beating with the ugly stick, IMHO.
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: aaronjb on 01 October 2013, 10:56:20
Yep. We're in the same boat. A leaf would be fantastic for my commute. 20 miles each way, little bit of urban but mostly A/B roads. Rarely exceed 60 unless I get an unusually clear run.. like I did this morning. :-X

Lucky you  :P I hit every conceivable traffic jam this morning - lorry broken down on the A322 caused a tailback from the Swinley roundabout to Bracknell, then a broken down mummywagon at the lights by the M3 caused a tailback from there to .. almost the Swinley roundabout - just enough clear traffic to get your hopes up. All that dumped us right into rush-hour gridlock for the rest of the journey. Left home at 7.30 and got to work at 9.15 - it's only 20 miles!

I reckon I* could have cycled it faster.

(*Clearly a lie.. Guffer probably could have, though!)


Anyway.. we really ought to be able to do with just the M3, Omega and an EV, but insurance for Amy on either of my cars is prohibitively expensive (basically doubling my insurance costs!) so it's a no-go for now.. plus I'm a bit, erm, precious about my cars and who drives them  :-[ :-[ :-[

So Omega, M3, Micra and Leaf? Oh and half a kit car in the garage.. ;D
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Kevin Wood on 01 October 2013, 11:55:13
I reckon if they did an electric Micra it would do well.
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: henryd on 01 October 2013, 11:58:23
I reckon if they did an electric Micra it would do well.

Vw are doing the "e" Up :y
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 14 October 2013, 09:40:37
Just a little update.

So far no issues.  I took it in to London yesterday.  Dropping the wife off at work before heading to Ikea where they have a rapid charger (bonus).  Then drove to Earls court before going to Westfields in Stratford for a spot of shopping and meet up with a friend.  Unfortunately I don't have the 7KW charger so I couldn't juice up while shopping.  After driving around a little I set course for home and the sat nav said 46 miles, battery said 42.

I was a little nervous but I thought sod it lets see what happens.  Long story short, I got home without running out of juice although once you get to the last bar on the gauge the range estimation disappears which is a little disconcerting.
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: tunnie on 14 October 2013, 09:59:00
Sounds good, I think there are charges here at Sky. There has been an electric Smart car parked at a charging spot for last 12 months  :-\

Not sure what kind of adapter it is though  :-\

From watching Top Gear, I remember they said it cannot be towed as it will damage the electric motors. Does that mean also it cannot be pushed?

What is the process if you do run out? Flat bed truck?
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 14 October 2013, 10:01:53
No good for my needs sadly, range is way to low and the carrying capacity also way to low.
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 14 October 2013, 10:02:39
There is a Neural gear, so I assume it can be pushed short distances, and there is a towing eye......

Normally though running out of juice means recovery (a year's free unlimited breakdown cover is included :y)
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 14 October 2013, 10:03:13
No good for my needs sadly, range is way to low and the carrying capacity also way to low.

Aye, it's not for everyone or indeed most.  But if fits our needs perfectly :y
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: tunnie on 14 October 2013, 10:05:37
There is a Neural gear, so I assume it can be pushed short distances, and there is a towing eye......

Normally though running out of juice means recovery (a year's free unlimited breakdown cover is included :y)

Once I get the new place, if you are ever on the limit, welcome to stop by  :y
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 14 October 2013, 10:13:15
Could you put a small generator in the boot for emergencies?  ???  :-\

Or tow a small trailer with a generator charging as you go?   :-\  ::)  ;D
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 14 October 2013, 11:00:35
Could you put a small generator in the boot for emergencies?  ???  :-\

Or tow a small trailer with a generator charging as you go?   :-\  ::)  ;D

Would that not be worse than having a hybrid, which Kevin rightly pointed out is pointless? :-\

Besides I already checked and you cant get a towbar for the Leaf, I already asked :-[ :-[
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 14 October 2013, 13:05:54
Could you put a small generator in the boot for emergencies?  ???  :-\

Or tow a small trailer with a generator charging as you go?   :-\  ::)  ;D

Would that not be worse than having a hybrid, which Kevin rightly pointed out is pointless? :-\

Besides I already checked and you cant get a towbar for the Leaf, I already asked :-[ :-[

Ha ha dunno Guffer, the trailer remark was made as a joke really!  ;D 

But when you think about it if a suitable gennie could charge as you go, say on a long motorway run at a steady speed it would certainly worth looking at....  :-\  A gallon of fuel would last a few hours I'm sure.....  :-\   You'd get a few funny looks though pulling into the services!!  ;D

As to the towbar, even though the dealer might not fit them, I bet you could get it done elsewhere. Might cause warranty problems though....  :-\
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Kevin Wood on 14 October 2013, 13:19:39
Guessing it's not type approved for towing, so you could get in hot water if you tried.

It'll be a while before it'll do what my Omega did last week (550 mile journey with a glider trailer behind it).
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 14 October 2013, 13:25:56
Didn't really have that sort of thing on my mind, nor Pikey Palaces either!  ;D

Just a little trailer with a small gennie.....  ;D  Maybe you could run a small gennie in the boot, venting the exhaust out the back somehow!!!  ::)  ;D
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: aaronjb on 14 October 2013, 14:21:53
Didn't really have that sort of thing on my mind, nor Pikey Palaces either!  ;D

Just a little trailer with a small gennie.....  ;D  Maybe you could run a small gennie in the boot, venting the exhaust out the back somehow!!!  ::)  ;D

Didn't Top Gear already try that? Wait a sec...

(http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/ithrust.png)

;D
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 14 October 2013, 17:04:15
 ;D ;D ;D

Plus there is the small matter of the fact that you cannot charge with the 'motor running' (ie drive mode) for safety reasons.

The idea is that you charge while you are doing something else like shopping, resting or visiting someone.  Thus I would envisage that the charging stations are targeted as such.  Rapid (30 min to 80%) at service stations and strategic points, Fast (a couple or few hours to 80%) or slow (any domestic plug socket that can handle constant 10A draw) anywhere you like.

I like the fact that I can drive as fast as I like in to London for just a few quid, park shop and charge for a few quid more and then drive back.  Obviously I have to do better at planning than yesterday but it still worked ::)
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 14 October 2013, 17:08:49
I like the fact that I can drive as fast as I like in to London for just a few quid, park shop and charge for a few quid more and then drive back. 

Is that because it won't go faster than any speed limit or is that just your cyclist mentality kicking in!! ie the rules of the road don't apply to me!!!!  :P  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: aaronjb on 14 October 2013, 17:09:42
Since seeing yours I keep contemplating taking a visit to Nissan for a test drive (although the nearest dealer is annoyingly far away) .. but then I look again at the range at my average cruising speed and it's barely enough to get from here to Oxford services for a top up :(

I don't think it's really designed for sustained cruise at *cough* 70 *cough* given how the numbers swing down when you use their calculator!

Perhaps a Note is in my future instead. I will, of course, buy a flat cap.. actually, no, I already have one of those  :-[
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 14 October 2013, 17:14:28
I like the fact that I can drive as fast as I like in to London for just a few quid, park shop and charge for a few quid more and then drive back. 

Is that because it won't go faster than any speed limit or is that just your cyclist mentality kicking in!! ie the rules of the road don't apply to me!!!!  :P  ;D ;D ;D

Ask Gixer how fast/slow it is.....   :y

Oh, and we need a disused runway to do a few, erm, tests ;D
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: TheBoy on 14 October 2013, 17:34:29
Remember that more than 50% discharges shag the battery. And I think that is logged for warranty purposes?
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: chrisgixer on 14 October 2013, 18:09:48
I like the fact that I can drive as fast as I like in to London for just a few quid, park shop and charge for a few quid more and then drive back. 

Is that because it won't go faster than any speed limit or is that just your cyclist mentality kicking in!! ie the rules of the road don't apply to me!!!!  :P  ;D ;D ;D

Ask Gixer how fast/slow it is.....   :y

Oh, and we need a disused runway to do a few, erm, tests ;D

It's quite quick actually. Impressive. :y

I don't think it would be quick for very long if driven aggressively though. I think Guffer said as much.

And yes, where's that Josh fellow, runways must be getting quiet this time of year. :-\
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 14 October 2013, 18:57:52
Having had a few spirited sessions today, and following from our conversation about 0-30 and 0-60, who would win.  I know I said that 0-30 the Leaf would have most things because of the torque from the electric motor...but I fancy my chances on the 0-60 as well. 

It would be very interesting to see :y

But I will only do it once ;D
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: TheBoy on 14 October 2013, 19:05:16
If it wasn't for the 2 milliions tonnes of battery, tizzy cars would be unbeatable on initial acceleration.
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: 05omegav6 on 14 October 2013, 21:02:48
Having had a few spirited sessions today, and following from our conversation about 0-30 and 0-60, who would win.  I know I said that 0-30 the Leaf would have most things because of the torque from the electric motor...but I fancy my chances on the 0-60 as well. 

It would be very interesting to see :y

But I will only do it once ;D
The Omega will top 60 in second ::)

Is the range disappearing at the last bar part of a 'Last Gasp' effort to get to a safe place? Did the radio and aircon die at the same time :-\
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: Gaffers on 15 October 2013, 09:37:04
Nothing died on it :y
Title: Re: In the morning, I'll be picking up this....
Post by: 05omegav6 on 15 October 2013, 09:39:48
Nothing died on it :y
:y must be a quirk of the display then...