Ian Coulter

Hi, Hope this doesn't upset anyone but I just wanted to flag up here that I have listed a number of sets of STi wheels and tyres in the For Sale section, preferably for collection from Kinross. Hoping these might be of some interest to someone fairly local. By the way, when did the Scottish Scoobies For Sale section get discontinued? Regards, Ian

I got 225/45/R17 94V Toyo Snowprox 950s for £77+VAT each = £354.20 at the old 15% VAT rate. However, I think that this was probably last year's price, as they were in stock from them. The problem at the moment seems to be finding stock (like salt, shovels & sledges)!

After thinking about this for the last 3 years, I finally decided to go for a set of winter tyres and managed to get a set of Toyo Snowprox 950s, from Ronnie at Wheels Around, just before Christmas. I have been very pleased with them so far, particularly in snow and slush, as they make the car feel much more sure-footed. They have kept me moving (and stopping) when lots of others have just been slipping and sliding around. I think that the 950s have probably been replaced by the 952s, but they were available in stock locally and have been of the car when I actually needed them most. They are also V rated, rather than the more normal H rating of most other winter tyres that I have seen. They do feel very different in the dry, presumably as a consequence of the tread blocks moving around more, particularly when pressing on a bit, and you also feel the car squirming around a bit under hard acceleration. However, this is something I am happy to accept and live with in order to benefit from their increased capability in cold weather generally and particularly in adverse conditions. All in all, I am glad I went for them and my only regret is that I did't do it sooner, saving more of the tread on my RE070s for summer use! Ian

Wee Jock, I looked into this when I first got my car, as I wanted to change the bulbs to something a bit more blue to match the HID dipped beam. Apparently, you have to separate the clear plastic lens from the main unit by heating the seal with a hairdrier. You then have to be very sure that you get it all sealed up again after changing the bulbs. The manual says to take it to the dealer to change the front bulbs. I never did get around to changing mine. Maybe one day ... Regards, Ian

Hi, I tried a set of the expensive Piaa Silicone wipes a couple of years ago but wasn't that impressed with them considering the price (nearly £40). I have just replaced them with a set of Aero Tech spoiler type blades on and am very pleased with them so far, very smooth & quiet at speed. At only £7.90 (on eBay), compared to £30+ from Subaru, they are much better value, even if they have to be replaced every year. Ian

BMWhere? - Thanks for that. I had actually read all of your various crusading posts on the subject before deciding to go ahead & get them. It was really just a coincidence that these are V rated, but it is probably better for the driving that I will do on them. Relatively little of it is likely to be on snow, but they will hopefully be significantly benefit in the cold & wet anyway. I would anticipate switching back to my summer tyres & wheels just after the clocks change. Ian

After slithering around on part-worn RE070s since last Thursday, I finally decided to get myself a set of winter tyres. Luckily for me Ronnie Thom (Wheels Around) just happened to have a set of 4 Toyo Snowprox 950s in the right size. These were fitted this morning but I haven't had much of a chance to test them out in the snow yet. Has anyone encountered any sort of problems in using winter tyres like these? I obviously don't expect them to grip like the RE070s during a dry summer. These are 225/45 R17 94V, rather than the more usual, slower H rating. Ian

Hi, I have found that too. I generally have to add at least 1 litre between services. Ian

Col, Where & when will this transfer be taking place? I just wondered if I might be able to see it from the south side of the Forth. I can see your big blue & red rig through my telescope at the moment. Regards, Ian

Frank, I can't believe that I've not seen you around yet. Pav, I'm just back from looking at houses in Dalkeith! Regards, Ian

Pav, Yes, that's my black STi that is sometimes in the car park. I liked the look of your WR1. I was tempted by one a few years ago, but held onto my classic until I got this one. Are you around Musselburgh much? There don't seem to be too many around here. Regards, Ian

As title. Anyone on here? Ian

As above, Silver STi, presumably from Motorpoint, judging by reg no, like mine. Ian

Just noticed a knocking from the nearside rear this afternoon. What age are the cars whose have failed? Mine is an MY06 STi. Regards, Ian

And I haven't seen yours. Did I read somewhere you had changed it?