The immediate follow-up to last week’s fat-pin-in-tyre crisis:
the Michelin Fit2Go tyre checker said the pressure was
dropping fast, and a tyre specialist condemned the rubber.
Given that the car belongs to Miss Ruppert, it’s up to her
to do the shopping around. She found a 205/55 R16 19W
Michelin Energy Saver to match the rest for £76 fitted. At
times like these, a good old-fashioned space saver would
really help, and my daughter wasn’t keen on using a tin of
tyre gunge. The garage, though, took the car in a day early.
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MILEAGE 55,175
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
READER’S RIDE
TALES FROM RUPPERT’S GARAGE
Here is part two of Nick’s inspiring tale, which began
last week with his Peugeot 206 banger.
“My colleague’s granny bought a Skoda Fabia vRS
d i e s e l n ew i n 2 0 0 4 a n d th e n p a s s e d i t o n a co u p l e of
years back. It’s done 99,000 miles with full history but
it isn’t perfect: the bushes need replacing, the fuel cap
doesn’t clip shut, the radio maintains a poor grasp on
a signal and the bonnet is sun-bleached. But I’m now
stopping at the pumps once every seven days rather
th a n eve r y fo u r. I t co st m e £ 70 0 w i th n o i n cr e a s e o n
my insurance. I put a fresh MOT on the Peugeot 206
and sold it – for £700. I’d call that a free upgrade!”
Skoda Fabia vRS
SEND YOUR USED CAR TALES TO [email protected] AND READERS' QUESTIONS TO [email protected]
The range extender version is no
longer made so used ones are
sought after. You can expect up
to 180 miles of range from the
car compared with 100 miles max
from the regular i3. If the batteries have always
been topped up and the extender never used,
the 650cc motor occasionally cuts in to keep
itself fresh. Its servicing is condition-based and
should be recorded on the key fob. However, the
motor was subject to recalls, so check they wereactioned. All being well, it sounds good. JE
It’s all still a bit uncertain but
there’s nothing like being prepared
so get an international driving
permit, find that old GB sticker in
your garage and pack the car’s V5
along with your motor insurance green card. Plan
for possible Eurotunnel and cross-Channel delays
as cars and freight are processed. Find out more
at gov.uk and search for guidance on driving in
the EU after a no-deal Brexit. JE
ANSWER
ANSWER
QUESTION
QUESTION
READERS’ QUESTIONS
I’ve seen a one-
owner, 2015 BMW
i3 Range Extender
with 77k miles for £12,950. It
would be my first EV. Does it
sound like a good buy?
Don Shelby, Bristol
I’m planning a
driving trip after
October, but how
w i l l B re x i t a f fe c t m y EU
driving entitlement?
Simon Fisher, via email