One of my neighbors just got a new Sandero, clearly the quality has improved a lot over the years, the early ones were a bit cheap feeling in general but their current models are ok.
Unless you're in Texas. Supposedly Texas doesn't emissions test diesel vehicles, and there are a couple of Hilux running around with Texas plates. I saw a picture recently of a Nissan Xtrail with Connecticut plates. I'm guessing that the dmv went "oh they mean xterra.".There are tons of non US market cars i wish we could have. You can buy these and many other desirable models from other brands in Mexico and bring it up here but you wouldn't be able to register them as they aren't approved for US roads but just need small changes from the manufacturer. I'd love to drive a Toyota Hilux or a mitsubishi l200 and get an automatic toyota avanza with the older bulletproof drivetrain with an automatic for just 15k usd.
But doesn't that mean it will be her turn to pick and get a new car and your turn will be down the line when this one is used up?No sure what the long-term plan is. My Wifes Dacia Logan is getting on a little bit now (coming up to 6 years old with 110k on the clock) so I may give it to her in a year or two when (hopefully) the car market sorts itself out and I can buy something German again.
Am I alone in never seeing coolant in litres?Little update time.
Mileage is current ~9,700miles so will be having it's next OCI between now and Sunday.
Got some towing in the last few months. Really impressed how well the small SUV with it's 1.5 diesel engine manages. As previously mentioned, it's very short 1st gear makes pulling off an absolute doddle even with a gross train weight in excess of 3000kgs/6600lbs.
On motorways you stick to 5th gear which is around 2600-2700rpm with cruise control set to 60mph (maximum speed for a towing vehicle on a UK motorway) and it pulls up inclines without a 2nd thought. Albeit can be a little 'buzzy' at times. 6th gear will drop the RPM down to ~2000 but it struggles with hills and EGT's and boost run higher. So raise the RPM's a bit and she seems far happier.
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While away I did decide to try and take it off road while in the Gower. In the salt mashes on the North of the peninsular there's a number of dirt roads. I decided to do a U-Turn and dumped a front wheel into the marsh. Came out without much effort but did make a mess.
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While doing some pre-flight checks before towing home I did notice the coolant level was low. Not sure if it's just something I've missed previously or if it's leaked/consumed it. Something I need to keep an eye on!
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On every new car I did a PDI on (must be hundreds over the years) I've had to add some coolant to get it to full
But doesn't that mean it will be her turn to pick and get a new car and your turn will be down the line when this one is used up?
Am I alone in never seeing coolant in litres?
This was such an interesting writeup on a small engine European SUV. 1.5l Turbo. With a 10k miles, first oil change! Thanks for your post!!