Parked on a street in Sant Agnello Italy Oct 2023
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Saw a number of these in Italy, not one looked to be used for off road. But different form appeared smaller, but maybe different year, different models for markets. Didn't google it..........
The same thing in the USA. One lady I worked with long before I retired had a 2WD Chevrolet Blazer. She bought it THINKING it was 4WD! Didn't even think to look or check.These are only Ford Focus sized at best. Not a big car at all!
I'd say 1 in every 50 I see on the roads here is four wheel drive. I don't understand why anyone would want a FWD SUV? You're compromising on handling, fuel economy, emissions, comfort for extra height and are totally unable to use it?
The same thing in the USA. One lady I worked with long before I retired had a 2WD Chevrolet Blazer. She bought it THINKING it was 4WD! Didn't even think to look or check.
Here it seems (to me) the decent compromise is the Honda CR-V. Wife has the 2017 AWD Touring w/1.5L Turbo. It goes out of the hole fast, decent off road, near 40MPG (US) hwy and seems very reliable, plus hauls a LOT of gear with seats down or up. That said, near full three weeks in Southern Italy (mostly just south of Napoli) and I saw one (1) Honda the entire trip! Are Honda not marketed there? What about UK?They're just the 'in thing' unfortunately.
I'd have been quite happy with a similarly sized hatchback with four wheel drive. In fact I'd have preferred it, but my only options at the time were the VW Golf Alltrack or BMW 120d XDrive. Both of which were in excess of £40,000 compared to £23,000 for the Duster.
People say they like the high driving position, which is fine. But an MPV will give you that high driving position, provide better road holding characteristics because they are lower to the ground and minimise the effects on emissions and fuel economy PLUS you have a more spacious interior.
Here it seems (to me) the decent compromise is the Honda CR-V. Wife has the 2017 AWD Touring w/1.5L Turbo. It goes out of the hole fast, decent off road, near 40MPG (US) hwy and seems very reliable, plus hauls a LOT of gear with seats down or up. That said, near full three weeks in Southern Italy (mostly just south of Napoli) and I saw one (1) Honda the entire trip! Are Honda not marketed there? What about UK?
OK I'm out. HahahhahaaWe have Hondas, usually driven by old-folks.
OK I'm out. Hahahhahaa
Interesting though. Maybe a bit the same over here. Honda could maybe improve their stodgy marketing in the UK
Yeah those are tiny. No CR-Vs?I actually really like the current Civic. But the towing capacity is woeful at 750kg even for the most powerful models.
Compare that to the current Golf at 1800kg, the BMW 1 Series at 1500kg, Ford Focus at 1500kg etc.
But yes, mainly Honda Jazz's (think they're called the Fit over there?) driven by 80+ year olds with CVT gearboxes. They're not uncommon, but they're certainly far from popular.
Yeah those are tiny. No CR-Vs?
Honda dropped the Fit over here a couple of years ago. I always thought it would be fun to have a Fit with SI drivetrain and suspension. We have both the SI and the Type R still.
It's something I think about often, but have been cleaning engine bays like this since I passed my test nearly 14 years ago without issue.
I was considering spending a few hours going through each connector in the engine bay and applying Stabilant. I might still, but my Wife already thinks I'm a bit mad after the work I've put into a 1 year old car this winter.
When I rinse the engine bay down, it's on a low pressure and I move the lance quite quickly to ensure I'm never spraying any particular part for any length of time. In addition, I spray all major connections and earth points with Bilt Hamber Ferrosol afterwards to drive out any moisture.
You said in the OP that your previous car had lots of troubles, could your practice cause some of that? I think there is a very good chance it may have.
I checked the product you used, it has Sodium Hydroxide, which is corrosive and you let it dwell too. Sodium Hydroxide mostly reacts with organic matter, but it can react with other materials too I bet.
We are not good at connecting things long term. If something doesn't cause an immediate or very near term issue, we tend to dismiss it. It's something to think about IMO.
They're easy to disassemble, but you might rip one of the gaskets if you do take it apart.This style heater is popular in the Overlanding world. They do tend to clog up with carbon, so you’ll want to keep an eye on that.
It appears you're having great fun. I am thoroughly enjoying reading about your vehicle, its travels and modifications.
Your pictures are illustrative, your commentary rich.
It's like having a great meal and watching your tablemate enjoy his too.
CAUTION: The above might not become a commonly used metaphor.
As others have said, I so wish the simpler vehicles were available on our side. Car makers here say car buyers want bling and leather and toys in their vehicles and so equip their products.
Everybody knows a loaded vehicle reaps more profits. I bet they make fewer basic examples.
I have no data to support that claim so don't repeat it.
Re the "Chinese Diesel Heater": It's amusing that the heat outlet is opposite the driver's position. I'm sure it puts out enough hot air to clear the glazing.
It'd be interesting to see how much faster the larger sizes perform.
Q 1: I see the intake & exhaust fittings in the 5th picture up. What's left to install there are weather and spray guards (for lack of better words), yes?
Q 2: Installing a drop pipe into the tank will require drilling a hole in your filler pipe, I assume. Did the unit come with instructions/parts for sealing the hole? It sure could become a leak in the EVAP system.
Q 3: The filter and injector pump will be mounted where?
Q 4: How large is the secondary battery and is the charger a plug-in (not connected to the vehicle's charging system)?
Thanks for posting and I trust my Q's haven't crossed any politeness boundary.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and.....can you do my car next?
This style heater is popular in the Overlanding world. They do tend to clog up with carbon, so you’ll want to keep an eye on that.