Winko

Hi Robert,
As per my post, I've the Avon tyres on the front, Falkens on the rear.
Cheers,
Winko

Since a bad experience with Toyo's, I have been running Falken ZE310's on Roxy's 16" alloys. Tyre pressures 28 front, 36 rear. They've been very good.
In October I had to drive out to France at 2 days notice and needed 195 45 R16 replacement front tyres before I left. None of the stockists available to me had either Falkens or Toyo's - so I had to fit Avon ZV7's as these were the only extra load tyres from a reputable name I could find. They are rated 84V Extra Load.
I've now done over 2300 miles on this Avon (F)/ Falken (R) combination and I'm very happy. The initial 900 mile drive to France was fully fully laden - I even had stuff packed all round the spare wheel. Roxy was rock solid on the motorways, when for extended periods I was travelling at serious three figure speeds. There was also a 3 hour section of torrential rain and blustery winds and again she felt safe and secure at the much slower speeds required - no aquaplaning or tramlining at all.
Over the last 3+ months my motoring has mainly been on local twisty roads in every weather condition, including light snow. Despite typically low temperatures (most of the locals are running around with winter tyres) I've nothing but praise for cornering grip, driver feedback and low tyre noise. The Avon's also still look brand new, so I've high hopes for decent tyre wear.
With tyres so critical to our cars, it'd be interesting to hear if anyone else has experience of these Avon ZV7's. Like I say - I'm very happy with them on Roxy.

Hi TC,
What's sad about wanting a garage!!
If it's my marital situation you're referring to, don't worry! Here's a clue to how serious I am: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/customer-reviews/R2OO9JXI3H13OR?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp
I've also got a cracking mistress....
W
 

Yup. We've been slowly building a place in the Auvergne for the past 10 years and I'm now here for the forseeable future, aiming to finish the house this year. Unfortunately, in May my wife is retiring from her UK job, so will be joining me. I'll miss the peace and quiet, but will enjoy the food, as she's a chef.
I won't be disappearing from the forum though, as Roxy's safely here. As soon as the snow melts we'll be able to start terrorising the area. 
All I need to do now is get a garage built, so I don't have to talk to the wife outside meal times...... 

Merci Olivier,
Thank you for your input and advice.
Which French insurance company are you using, please?
Winko
 

Any ex-pats on the forum who have got experience of insuring their car in France? Roxy's currently on UK plates, but I'll get her onto French ones in coming months. 
Thanks, Winko

The updated site looks a lot better. Well done Psymon.

Hi Dan,
To me, this sounds like crud / waxing in the fuel system. How old is the fuel? If it's getting on a bit, current colder weather will exacerbate the problems using old fuel can create. Bang some high octane fuel into the tank - in my experience Shell is the best.
W

The Moto-build front splitter looks very good. Was it the Elise MkII one you fitted, and how much modification was necessary?

What tyre pressures did you settle on?