Thanks for all the ideas folks! Plenty of good stuff to consider.

Now I just need to find a decent one – the first one I looked at was a proper lemon and not as advertised at all. So if anyone is selling a prefacelift petrol octavia vRs estate, hit me!

So far nothing untoward, appreciate the replies!

My second year driving at 18/19 was also a 2.0D Volvo V50 – cheap as chips to insure (certainly when compared to the normal polo, corsa, saxo, fiesta, golf) I’m sure things have changed a bit now. As said previously, there are plenty of other factors; postcode, occupation, car storage at night/daytime, voluntary excess (I’ve found more isn’t always best, so check), no additional drivers etc.

Thanks all. Think we’ve found one that ticks the boxes.

Shameless plug, there will be a ’53 shogun sport warrior for sale. 124k. Belts replaced recently.

Interesting to hear responses. More positive than I expected!

I know it was said that Hilleberg were out of price range, but I have nothing but good things to say about the products and the customer service. The Akto is a cracking little tent, with enough space for gear. The Nallo I’ve made work with two blokes and a dog! Used a few times this year, dartmoor and lakes. I think they are all well engineered. Is second hand an option?

At the end of the day, it needs a few bits as you’ve outlined, and unfortunately isn’t worth all too much. What about donating it, fire service, local technical college etc?

Another vote for First Light by Geoffrey Wellum, a cracking read that I couldn’t put down last week. His recent passing made me pick it up.

Following this thread. Really considering one recently.

I would echo the thoughts of those above – Chainsaw is not the way to go.

No idea where my old man got the sleepers for his garden, but I spent more time sharpening the chain than I did cutting. Watch your back when lifting too!

I second the triglav national park, some incredible waterfalls and views etc.  Tri-border point (tromeja?) with Austria and Italy; well worth it. Lake bled was touristy, but for obvious reasons (it’s stunning in the sun) and would certainly do anyway.

Enjoy the clean air and stunning views. Would love to go back.

Rust.

Last renewal was ~£900 but due again in May.

23 years old with a 2010 Octavia vRS and a modified classic mini on a multicar policy.

I was quite pleased actually, considering the mods declared.

When I bought a ‘new’ car last, Admiral were more than happy to swap my new car with the old, then set me up a new policy for the temp cover for the old car. I’m sure 30 days was minimal cost, probably because multicar discount… They were very helpful.

I’m with @oldtennisshoes. Attach the feet loosely, sling it on the car and tighten when happy.

+1 for Bose SoundSport. I’ve started using them as everyday headphones because they are so comfortable.

Triglav National Park is stunning but unsure on cycling legalities. Some fantastic waterfalls and rivers. Bled is touristy and busy. Bohinj was better but still busy.

Would 100% recommend you go.

Cheers all. My research throws up no big scares. Just general stuff for a car that age. I’d only go FSH and make sure the belts been done. Auto boxes aren’t my strong point.

As above the car is for my parnter to get back into driving. Most cars appear to be 1 or 2 (presumably older) owners…

This thread just makes me feel bad. I could cycle to my work, and a large portion would be off-road. In the summer it’s nice and I tried to do it twice a week. But going up and over the South downs in the wind and rain just doesn’t appeal at all… haven’t ridden in a good 6 weeks it’s only 12 (steep*) miles or so each way.
*for someone of my fitness

How do you people do it? Work offer a small disabled wet room as a shower. Just find it difficult to lug everything I need – full office outfit including shoes, towel, lunch etc etc.

I’ll keep my eyes peeled around the Worthing area. Family members (albeit ones with little knowledge or care for bikes) have had bikes lifted from Worthing and surrounding areas, even with locks on.

I’m still looking for an old yellow carerra road bike. It was carp, but was my cheap hack until someone borrowed it and it got nicked.

Why can’t people just respect other people’s property.

Having just returned from a week in Slovenia myself (more walking and gentle bike rides following rivers) I can say wherever you go, it’s beautiful. I stayed NW Slovenia, Triglav National Park area. The walk up to the tri-border with Austria and Italy is quite something.

There are a few bike parks also, certainly one in Kranjska Gora. Julian alps must be littered with trials!

Enjoy

I run an dying ’04 V50 (albeit the 2.0 diesel variant)

Your issues sound similar to something I experienced a few months ago. As mentioned above it was only spotted when I took a few hours to trace all the turbo pipes etc, to find air intake loose.

As a side note (I saw Brighton mentioned) I use Charlwood automotive Crawley/Gatwick area, as I live Worthing/Horsham. They are volvo independent specialist and have had no issues with them.

Hope all is resolved soon!

Thanks all, there are certainly a few reoccurring names!

Cheers all for the responses. The superstar nano-x’s look ideal! Interesting to hear mixed reactions on the Saint stuff