Electric cars-got to be a viable option now?

[Chinese_Alan]

That’s a great write up and thank you.

When wifeys i3 is up I am pretty sure that will be next.

I helped a pal buy a 100k mile 4yo Model 3 last week, he paid under 11k. I know the brand well and know where to look and it was in amazing nic. He plans on keeping it for 4 years and another 100k, it should be amazing value and second to none tech.

I’m five years in with EV’s now and it is beyond me when I still read hater comments of social media. They can be purchased pretty keen now second hand and cost peanuts to run.

I think we are nearly there.

Pitch

Not sure if I’m asking a stupid question…

Do EV’s have a maintenance cycle anything like an ICE? You know how every X,000 miles the cam belt or whatever should be replaced? Or is it just lightbulbs, suspension and tyres?

Also - what’s the range like after 100k miles/4 years? That’s only 500 a week - doesn’t seem all that much put that way?

[Tooks]

Not sure if I’m asking a stupid question…

Do EV’s have a maintenance cycle anything like an ICE? You know how every X,000 miles the cam belt or whatever should be replaced? Or is it just lightbulbs, suspension and tyres?

Also - what’s the range like after 100k miles/4 years? That’s only 500 a week - doesn’t seem all that much put that way?

Maintenance schedule varies by manufacturer, but generally every couple of years, and mainly inspection focused as well as pollen filters and brake fluid changes. Tesla doesn’t recommend anything at all, just inspect and replace/maintain things as necessary, but they’re at the extreme.

My ID.4 is over 3 years old now, done 75k miles and range is still the same as when it was new. If anything, some software changes that VW have done over the last couple of years have made it more efficient. A set of tyres last me 30-40k miles, brake wear is very low, not even half worn at that mileage according to the service report just before it had its MOT.

[RobDad]

I just had our Fiesta ST serviced and Ford sent me a video of the underside of the car - it focussed on the suspension, tyre wear, disc and pad wear and whilst it listed other things like the oil change and brake fluid change that obviously wasn’t shown on the video. My Cupra Born is shortly due its first service at 20.000 miles and I suspect the content of the video will be almost the same minus the exhaust pipe?! - I also suspect somehow the bill will be the same but I’ll wait and see!


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[Tooks]

I just had our Fiesta ST serviced and Ford sent me a video of the underside of the car - it focussed on the suspension, tyre wear, disc and pad wear and whilst it listed other things like the oil change and brake fluid change that obviously wasn’t shown on the video. My Cupra Born is shortly due its first service at 20.000 miles and I suspect the content of the video will be almost the same minus the exhaust pipe?! - I also suspect somehow the bill will be the same but I’ll wait and see!


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Yep, VW sent me a video at the ID.4 first service at 2 years and just prior to the MOT showing similar.

Needless to say, nothing much to report!

I purchased a service plan shortly after delivery back in 2022, covered the 2 year inspection ‘service’ and pollen filter change, the MOT at 3 years and a brake fluid change at same, cost was £288.

The only other cost over 3 years and 75k miles has been tyres.

[rdesouza]

Well the very distinctive R5 has landed with me for a week





Quick 30 min drive and all I can say is WOW. Absolutely love it. The looks, the drive, the fun, the full package. It's wonderful. Appreciate this is just 30 mins but I do bond (or not) with a car quickly.

Hoping the wife likes it as want to order one - and might order even if she doesn't as it's brilliant. I'll report back in a week if anyone interested

How did you get to keep it for a week?

[senwar]

How did you get to keep it for a week?

We use Arval for company cars and booked a test drive which are for a week.

[rdesouza]

We use Arval for company cars and booked a test drive which are for a week.

Thanks. Will see if my wife's companies lease firm would do the same.

Thanks for the review.

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[xxnick1975]

Well my week of fun comes to an end this evening and tne car is collected tomorrow

All I can say is - what a car. I've loved the past week. Done over 500 miles in it and smiled while driving. The range isn't fantastic but it's not built for distant driving. It came with 85% battery and said 150 miles but over the week it's increased and a 100% charge showed 220 miles yesterday which funnily enough was tbe round trip i was doing. A 110 mile drive used 135 and had to charge on way back. Set off with 100 mile in battery and 62 miles to drive but only had 15 when back.

Had challenges charging it but think this was just the car not communicating with my charger properly. Something I'd sort if I'd not only got it a week.

Other than that, no issues or complaints at all. The car is a lovely thing to drive. Feels bigger than it is and also feels a decent size inside.

If I was being picky, the gear selection is dependent on a firm press on the brake - got caught a few times going back or forward when expecting to go the other way but that's user error.

If anyone is considering or getting one - you're in for a treat. A brilliant little pocket rocket that will be a huge success in my opinion. If anyone has any specific questions feel free to ask but I'll miss this little thing!

Putting my thoughts into context - if my car wasn't coming this week (a surprise) i would honestly be considering canceling and having one myself. I said this last week but feel even more so affer a week with kermit. However, we're likely going to order one for the wife this weekend so win win! Although she wants black. Boo.

Looks good apart from the terrible wheels - is that a UK market thing. Can't believe they suffer those in France.

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[Tooks]

Looks good apart from the terrible wheels - is that a UK market thing. Can't believe they suffer those in France.

Base wheels are model specific, but I think you can upgrade to these on all models if they’re not to your taste.

I’d like to see a gold option for these wheels, that and the dark blue paint option would give a very ‘Clio Williams’ look, an old car of mine that I adored!

[thieuster]

This pics have convinced me to have a look at it next week!

Already, R5-green is my choice.

[thieuster]

Pfff... not the sharpest knife here. I never realised that the Honda e:Ny1 should/can be pronounced as "e:Anyone"... I guess because we pronounce every single letter seperately.

[hogthrob]

I say "Enyee"

[Dave E]

Interesting on the R5, we've got an EV lease scheme at work and I'm thinking of making use of it and the R5 is right at the top of my list to look at.

[xxnick1975]

R5 should be an appealing but affordable city car and the wheels should reflect that.

18 inch diamond cut alloys on this is just vulgar.

They should offer a no frills utility spec with steel wheels and hubcaps.

Else it's just a marketing exercise


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[noTAGlove]

Else it's just a marketing exercise

Nicole and Papa heading up the advert.

[xxnick1975]

Nicole and Papa heading up the advert.

Indeed. Although that was a Clio, non?

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[senwar]

Looks good apart from the terrible wheels - is that a UK market thing. Can't believe they suffer those in France.

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My wife despises those alloys. Absolutely despises them. I think they're great

Base wheels are model specific, but I think you can upgrade to these[/b] on all models if they’re not to your taste.

I’d like to see a gold option for these wheels, that and the dark blue paint option would give a very ‘Clio Williams’ look, an old car of mine that I adored!

Sadly you can't. Its just one choice on each. I don't like the spoke ones but the wife does. However for iconic spec you get the gaudy yellow interior. No chance to change.

So she's ordered one today. Techno 52kwh comfort model. She's gone for black though (booo!) but will be nice.

This is someone who hates the wheels doesn't like the dash layout doesn't like automatic and has been against electric. Yet she's ordered. Selfishly I'm happy. Just hope she is in the end. I did tell her not to order but she wanted to.

We got a small discount via carwow (£672) which basically covers the paint upgrade. 0% for 2yrs. Great buy to be fair. Also gave us a p/ex price on her mini valid till June. Expected deliery by end of June as jt stands. I'm more excited than the wife haha.

[Macca]

They nailed the styling on the new R5, think our i3 will be replaced with one in the not too distant future

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[Macca]

This is accurate to.our experience, 35k and just had a set of tyres at the years, other than a juddering wing mirror when it folds, zero issues, it's been great, easily see 280 off a full charge when needed which is plenty, servicing came with the car and we just extended another 2 years with warranty and servicing included .. absolutely zero complaints on running costs
Exciting it isn't but it's done the job as a family car and a commuter tool

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[adrianw]

As someone who has a liquid yellow Renault I'm biased,

[adrianw]

My son bought an ex-demo! BMW Electric five series estate yesterday, it mahoosive, two things it has lost over half its value in nine months and there is literally nothing under the bonnet, the could have popped in a moulded boot liner, I'm assuming the space is for the front motor in the twin motor version,

[Bonzodog]

My daughter is considering a personal lease on an ev,are there any companies to avoid or are the all much the same.Thanks for any input.

[senwar]

I picked up my Range Rover Sport PHEV on Wednesday and had a good few hours driving yesterday and today. First impressions are brilliant.

I've only done 152 miles to date but 120 of that has been on electric. That's using the hybrid setting. Full charge is coming up at about 60 miles at the moment and it's doing what it says.

Pretty sure I'll do most of my driving in electric. Miss the rawness of the taycan but already enjoying the comfort and glide of the RRS.

[RobDad]

Looks good apart from the terrible wheels - is that a UK market thing. Can't believe they suffer those in France.

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I genuinely like those wheels as opposed to the spoked ones. Have a bit of an 80’s feel imho. Nothing I can see that’s terrible about them?


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[xxnick1975]

I genuinely like those wheels as opposed to the spoked ones. Have a bit of an 80’s feel imho. Nothing I can see that’s terrible about them?


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Just very, very tacky.

Turns what should be a fun, practical, city run around, and, praise be, the antithesis of an over clubbed SUV, into a fashion accessory.

The car of the moment, the car every wannabe leases up.

And then something else will come along as the next 'must have'

There should be a basic no frills version, like a fiat panda, or a Zoe successor, even if it wears a Dacia badge. Id be interested in that.

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[RobDad]

Never once thought that tbh when I’ve seen pics of the new R5, I think the wheels suit it well. I have seen the new electric Grande Panda has a steel option and they admittedly look the part but I remember those on the original Panda.
There does seem to be a range of cheaper smaller EV’s coming out now - our kids are older and although we live in a rural area I have no desire or need for any kind of SUV, I just need something city car sized which can manage a country lane without feeling so heavy or lifeless that you worry about ending up in a hedge! I think I’ll wait it out for another year or so until a few more options appear and the new car razzle dazzle over cars like the R5 disappear. I kind of wish car companies would create new designs - the Hyundai Inster looks a bit odd in pictures but at least it’s original. I’ve always rather liked the idea of some of the modern recreations but I’ve never actually wanted to buy a new Beetle, Mini or fiat 500 - they are cute but a poor pastiche imho.


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[hogthrob]

There should be a basic no frills version, like a fiat panda, or a Zoe successor, even if it wears a Dacia badge. Id be interested in that.

That'll be the upcoming Renault 4. Just don't look at the wheels.

https://www.renault.co.uk/electric-v...-electric.html

[xxnick1975]

I remember the top gear (Amazon version) where May drives a mint R4 but then stacks it for no good reason and just leaves it. Probably doesn't. It just what they have you believe

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[thieuster]

Here, the 4 will be more expensive than the 5! The 4 is 2,000 euros more expensive.

[RobDad]

Isn’t there a Twingo in the works too?


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[senwar]

Isn’t there a Twingo in the works too?


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Yep

[jaytip]

I just had our Fiesta ST serviced and Ford sent me a video of the underside of the car - it focussed on the suspension, tyre wear, disc and pad wear and whilst it listed other things like the oil change and brake fluid change that obviously wasn’t shown on the video. My Cupra Born is shortly due its first service at 20.000 miles and I suspect the content of the video will be almost the same minus the exhaust pipe?! - I also suspect somehow the bill will be the same but I’ll wait and see!


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How old is your Born? Service is based on time not mileage with VW group EV’s.

[Mj2k]

I remember the top gear (Amazon version) where May drives a mint R4 but then stacks it for no good reason and just leaves it. Probably doesn't. It just what they have you believe

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Was Chris Harris l, wasn’t it? The blue one.

[thieuster]

One thing is for sure: the older designs were 'stronger' than the modern ones. I can think of a few car (designs) from the 60's, 70's and perhaps 80s that would be great to see back on the roads after a modern-day makeover.

[xxnick1975]

Was Chris Harris l, wasn’t it? The blue one.

Yeah, you are correct. Those guys all merge into one in the end!

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[RobDad]

How old is your Born? Service is based on time not mileage with VW group EV’s.

Thanks for this, for some reason I thought it was 20,000 miles or 2 years but on checking you are correct - it’s 2 years regardless of mileage unless the car requests a service earlier


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[reggie747]

That'll be the upcoming Renault 4. Just don't look at the wheels.

https://www.renault.co.uk/electric-v...-electric.html

Why do they suggest that it's a modern version of the old Renault 4 when the only thing it shares is that it has 4 wheels ??

[Franky Four Fingers]

That R4 has pinched the back off a mini

[Mj2k]

Yeah, you are correct. Those guys all merge into one in the end!

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Indeed they do! Although Chris is one of the best for me as he can actually drive.

I did cheat somewhat, as it was on in the background on Dave or whatever it is called, while I was prepping the Sunday roast.

I wonder if they take the cars back to dispose of, I do hope so vs pollute the environment. I guess they must have to, but who knows.


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[Mj2k]

Yep

Now if the range is good, and the car remains true to tiny dimensions, this could replace the Smart 453. The current Smart EV is massive vs its origins.

Failing that, the R5 in yellow is a big yes from me. I never got to own a 5 turbo back in the day but did drive one. Feels like I would be going back to my youth again with one. Love to get it onto some retro looking alloys from the 90s, not a fan of those diamond cut ones.


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[thieuster]

Now if the range is good, and the car remains true to tiny dimensions, this could replace the Smart 453. The current Smart EV is massive vs its origins.

Failing that, the R5 in yellow is a big yes from me. I never got to own a 5 turbo back in the day but did drive one. Feels like I would be going back to my youth again with one. Love to get it onto some retro looking alloys from the 90s, not a fan of those diamond cut ones.


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There is a chance you can lay your hands on a new 'Turbo': https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a63183775/renault-5-turbo-3e-revealed

[adrianw]

There is a chance you can lay your hands on a new 'Turbo': https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a63183775/renault-5-turbo-3e-revealed

It is going to be quite expensive

[Pitch3110]

Liked that until I saw the dash covering. Wow, but looks amazing.

I’m sure it will provoke some negative but the prereg Plaids on their website are crazy value. Top tech, quality vastly improved on the latest and 1,020hp. Only left hookers but easily adaptable

[noTAGlove]

I love the irony of a brand intimately known for its electrical problems of cars of the past, now being one of the most desirable electric cars. A great turnaround for the brand.

[Kingstepper]

I love the irony of a brand intimately known for its electrical problems of cars of the past, now being one of the most desirable electric cars. A great turnaround for the brand.

Made up fact?

[Pitch3110]

I love the irony of a brand intimately known for its electrical problems of cars of the past, now being one of the most desirable electric cars. A great turnaround for the brand.

It was always a toss up between the R5 GT Turbo and the 205 1.9 GTI's back in the day. I choose the Pug route and a pal the R5, he suffered.... Funny thing is I always fancied one but house purchase forced a back step to a 1.6 GTI and then onto a grown up 1.9 309 GTI.

Fantastic to see the resurrection on this motor.

Pitch

[reggie747]

It was always a toss up between the R5 GT Turbo and the 205 1.9 GTI's back in the day. I choose the Pug route and a pal the R5, he suffered.... Funny thing is I always fancied one but house purchase forced a back step to a 1.6 GTI and then onto a grown up 1.9 309 GTI.

Fantastic to see the resurrection on this motor.

Pitch

The 205 GTi's handled like they where truly on rails straight out the box. Not sure how the R5's did in contrast.

[dandanthewatchman]

It was always a toss up between the R5 GT Turbo and the 205 1.9 GTI's back in the day. I choose the Pug route and a pal the R5, he suffered.... Funny thing is I always fancied one but house purchase forced a back step to a 1.6 GTI and then onto a grown up 1.9 309 GTI.

Fantastic to see the resurrection on this motor.

Pitch

R5 Turbo had terrible problems. An inability to start it once got hot being pretty fundamental




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[jaytip]

]][emoji[emoji6]];[emoji6][emoji6][emoji[emoji6]][emoji6]]The [emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji6] GTi's handled like they where truly on rails straight out the box. Not sure how the R[emoji6]'s did in contrast.

And it’s uglier big brother the [emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]] was even better.

[Macca]

The 205 GTi's handled like they where truly on rails straight out the box. Not sure how the R5's did in contrast.

Handling was great, brakes were awful out the box!

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