Poxy Nine (Ten) Year Rule

[watty]

Yep, I've the old shape 2007 (Mk I?).  No DPF, nothing fancy, just a diesel engine.  Used to have terrible problems with emissions (the car, not me) until I learned to throw a bit of petrol in it and do an Italian tune-up!

I'd better book the NCT soon then for Ballymun (my preferred location).  Sounds like I can expect an approx 3 week wait.  That would suit me and give me time for the retest if/when necessary.

[Rat Catcher]

Old shape 2007 is MKI. Never had emissions problems with any of my Octavias (had the lot now, MKI, MKII and MKIII!) and never put anything other than diesel in the fuel tank but my OCD means they've all been properly maintained i.e. oil & filter every 20,000 kilos (always before flexible service interval prompt), pollen filter every 40,000 kilos (OEM specifies 60,000), air and fuel filters every 90,000 kilos (as per OEM specification). The run home on the motorway could be a factor though, modern diesels do like to get out of traffic.

[watty]

Practically all my driving was city centre (before MyTaxi) and the on-board computer says my average speed is 30km/hr.
One time, the NCT refused to test my car because the emissions reading was too high for the machine to measure 

Probably shoulda bought petrol at the beginning but I followed the crowd and got diesel.

[Rat Catcher]

I suppose you'll get a leaf next. Could just be my imagination but I don't think the testers are as heavy footed in Drogheda, all my Octys have always gone there.... apart from the MKIII which has only been tested once by the dealer as a condition of sale, that was in Greenhills and gave a reading of 0.000 for smoke...

[watty]

Nah, probably a Superb 1.6 diesel for 3 years and then see how the comrades are getting on with the electric taxis.  They can be the guinea pigs...

I wouldn't buy new again anyways - too much uncertainty in the biz - and the 2nd-hand electric cars don't have the range imho.

[Rat Catcher]

Bought Trigger's Brush new in 2004... not sure why, I think I just wanted the experience of owning a new car... but they're not new for long, just another workhorse within a couple of weeks. Mrs. Catcher bought her last motor new as well and kept it for 13 years... spotless for 12 years until she decided to hit a column in Tesco's car park. Kinda thought she'd want to buy another new one but she was happy enough to take my old yoke... happy days, money saved... not that it's my money!

[Shallowhal]

Nah, probably a Superb 1.6 diesel for 3 years and then see how the comrades are getting on with the electric taxis.  They can be the guinea pigs...

I wouldn't buy new again anyways - too much uncertainty in the biz - and the 2nd-hand electric cars don't have the range imho.

+1

[watty]

There was a bit of chat in this thread about NCT waiting times...  Just to add my 2c. 
Got an appointment for Northpoint/Ballymun for 2 weeks time.  It seemed like there was only 1 or 2 slots free per day so not much choice.

[Shallowhal]

There was a bit of chat in this thread about NCT waiting times...  Just to add my 2c. 
Got an appointment for Northpoint/Ballymun for 2 weeks time.  It seemed like there was only 1 or 2 slots free per day so not much choice.

But if making an appointment for a private jammer you could book it online and have a choice of numerous dates and times as per my missus!

As an aside,when making your booking for the LRA,use the landline (01 8798300) number....i was unaware until RC posted in the Useful Contacts that there was an ordinary landline number available...that premium rate 0761 number is a rip off,phonecalls to it are rarely less than €2.....at least when you ring Babe Station you know you're being ripped off!!

[Rat Catcher]

The (perceived) urgency seems to be a factor when you ring the SPSV line. As noted, the dealer who sold me my shitebox nua rang on a Friday and got an appointment at his centre of choice for the following Wednesday without knowing any plate licence details... presumably just explained that he's sold the car to a taximan subject to it passing the National car test.

You're welcome, Hal! Probably came from http://www.saynoto1890.com/a-z-listing/ - always worth a look when you have to ring a non geographical number.