GR86 Grey ‘86 in South Wales

4 brand new 225/40/R18 Continental Sport Contact 7s fitted by my local tyre place today. First impression on the way home is one of understeer so far… and the back end certainly feels more loose but I’d imagine that’ll be down to the brand new tyre “sheen”.

Also, does it bother anyone else when new tyres get fitted and it seems they completely guessed the pressures? Attached photo is what mine looked like when I picked it up. Corrected them all to 34PSI on each corner now.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0439.webp
4 brand new 225/40/R18 Continental Sport Contact 7s fitted by my local tyre place today. First impression on the way home is one of understeer so far… and the back end certainly feels more loose but I’d imagine that’ll be down to the brand new tyre “sheen”.

Also, does it bother anyone else when new tyres get fitted and it seems they completely guessed the pressures? Attached photo is what mine looked like when I picked it up. Corrected them all to 34PSI on each corner now.
How is the road noise in comparison to the Michelins?
 
Well after a run down to the Haynes Motor Museum this morning for both the first Pistonheads Sunday Service of the year, and my first time seeing the Smith and Sniff podcast being recorded live, I can comfortably say that the Conti SC7s are much quieter than the standard fit PS4s.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Silver Fox
Well, the Remark is on the car. Jesus f***ing Christ it’s loud 😂 does it bed in a bit? Accelerating in high gears at low speed is genuinely mental boom wise
You end up driving to the tune of the Remark, never sit at 3k rpm, drop a gear and move along…..
 
Having a proper ownership wobble. Upcoming insurance quotes are in the £1,500 - £2,000 range, currently saving towards the next house, all in I’d say it’s gonna be £600 a month on finance, tax, fuel, and insurance.

I’m about £5k up on the finance so it won’t cost me to come out of it, but I really don’t want to.

Heart over head stuff unfortunately. Perhaps it makes more sense to sell it, buckle down for a while and get something else once new gaff is sorted.

Who knows.
 
  • Wow
Reactions: Conscript
I believe it was £2,500ish last year, so it’s come down but still a good chunk. Very unlucky with non faults unfortunately, nothing that can be done until 2026ish.
 
  • Sad
Reactions: Conscript
Insurance costs can be a concern, I too would be thinking twice if it was £1.5K to £2K.
If you want to keep it, do remember to factor in the low depreciation of the GR86, that really brings down the total cost of ownership.:)
Any other similar age car will cost more in depreciation than the extra insurance premium.
 
Quote has come back at £1,245 to stay with admiral, and I can’t find anything else which even comes close to that. Lower than expected, still ridiculous however.
 
Quote has come back at £1,245 to stay with admiral, and I can’t find anything else which even comes close to that. Lower than expected, still ridiculous however.
I assume that this is due in some part to the Air B&B knob-ends next door putting dents in your car? It's maddening that a policy holder gets stung for some 'no-fault' claims, like car park dings where the other party can't be found etc.. It took 5 years for us to clear wifeys 'no-fault' windscreen replacements and trolley dents, just to be able to say "None" for claims in the last 3 years. I feel your pain 😟
 
I assume that this is due in some part to the Air B&B knob-ends next door putting dents in your car? It's maddening that a policy holder gets stung for some 'no-fault' claims, like car park dings where the other party can't be found etc.. It took 5 years for us to clear wifeys 'no-fault' windscreen replacements and trolley dents, just to be able to say "None" for claims in the last 3 years. I feel your pain 😟
Yep, exactly that. Price comparison sites are coming back at £2k with a hugely inflated excess so counting myself lucky really.

Hopefully means I can keep it another 12 months and try to get the paint sorted!
 
I think the Remark Axle back has finally worn me down enough to think about changing it out for a full system. Looking at the CTEC one which is mentioned on here a lot. The 50mph sections of the M4 around me drive me mad with the drone of the Remark.
 
Nothing like being able to wash my car properly ready for TDC’s food and fuel tomorrow to remind me just how fucked the paint really is.

Yes that is 9 separate door dings on the passenger door.

How likely is it that some or all of this could be polished out? Or am I better off just getting panels sprayed at this point?
 

Attachments

A body shop would probably be my least preferred option as some of them are absolute hacks and just wanna sand, fill and (over)spray. A few of those chips look like you could make a fair job yourself with some touch-up paint, wet-n-dry and a DA polisher. If you know a decent Detailer they should give you an honest opinion. Having done a fair bit of detailing myself, if the scratches are through the top layer of paint though, then polishing isn't gonna do much ...
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Delahorney
I think the Remark Axle back has finally worn me down enough to think about changing it out for a full system. Looking at the CTEC one which is mentioned on here a lot. The 50mph sections of the M4 around me drive me mad with the drone of the Remark.
No idea if you replace the Remark yet but for few hours of your time and sound deadening material £80 worth can make a massive difference i have remark and made it bearable now. https://www.gr-zoo.com/threads/the-white-and-yellow-one.9891/post-131722