Motoring Plans for 2026
Discussion
With Christmas over for another year, it s time to think of the new year and our motoring plans.
Last year contrary to my predictions, I did replace the Wife s Mini after 5 years of ownership with a 1 Series. I won t be replacing the M440, now into its 4th year of ownership until BMW launch the new 3/4 Series. I won’t be replacing it at all unless it’s available as a 3 litre ICE (mild hybrid like my current one and definitely not a plug in).
The motorcycle that I have (2015 Kawasaki ZXR6 636 Performance Edition) is now in its 10th year of ownership will be sold in 2026, even though I have been saying this for the past 3 years.
The Alfa Mito (currently used by daughter) that we have owned for 11 years will probably be replaced.
For the first time in 10 years (apart from COVID) I won t be going to the Isle of Man TT Races in June, as I found all the schedule changes due to weather a bit tiring this year. I am sure after a year break my enthusiasm for this great event will come back. As an alternative Mrs 131 Sport, together with a couple of our (adult) children, might do a trip to the Dordogne in June.
Happy motoring to all in 2026 and it would be great to hear your plans.
Last year contrary to my predictions, I did replace the Wife s Mini after 5 years of ownership with a 1 Series. I won t be replacing the M440, now into its 4th year of ownership until BMW launch the new 3/4 Series. I won’t be replacing it at all unless it’s available as a 3 litre ICE (mild hybrid like my current one and definitely not a plug in).
The motorcycle that I have (2015 Kawasaki ZXR6 636 Performance Edition) is now in its 10th year of ownership will be sold in 2026, even though I have been saying this for the past 3 years.
The Alfa Mito (currently used by daughter) that we have owned for 11 years will probably be replaced.
For the first time in 10 years (apart from COVID) I won t be going to the Isle of Man TT Races in June, as I found all the schedule changes due to weather a bit tiring this year. I am sure after a year break my enthusiasm for this great event will come back. As an alternative Mrs 131 Sport, together with a couple of our (adult) children, might do a trip to the Dordogne in June.
Happy motoring to all in 2026 and it would be great to hear your plans.
Edited by Rob 131 Sport on Saturday 27th December 06:13
The main goal of 2025 was to use my cars more, 2026 will echo that, although I would like to maybe sell my Morgan Three Wheeler and replace it with a Ferrari 360. The daunting prospect of that is 1) the obvious risk of big bills in a 20-year-old Ferrari even though the 360 is supposed to be fairly affordable and reliable. 2) I've got to completely empty my garage in order for it to fit, which isn't a problem with my current Morgan, so I need the added cost of buying a bigger shed in the garden to store everything and 3) I only do 500ish miles per year as it is in the Morgan, mostly taking it to work now and then - I categorically could not do that in a Ferrari as it would 100% rub people up the wrong way, meaning it'd maybe only do a couple hundred miles a year at which point I wonder if it is worth the bother... First world problems, of course.
Edited by TREMAiNE on Saturday 27th December 16:44
TREMAiNE said:
The main goal of 2025 was to use my cars more, 2026 will echo that, although I would like to maybe sell my Morgan Three Wheeler and replace it with a Ferrari 360. The daunting prospect of that is 1) the obvious risk of big bills in a 20-year-old Ferrari even though the 360 is supposed to be fairly affordable and reliable. 2) I've got to completely empty my garage in order for it to fit, which isn't a problem with my current Morgan, so I need the added cost of buying a bigger shed in the garden to store everything and 3) I only do 500ish miles per year as it is in the Morgan, mostly taking it to work now and then - I categorically could not do that in a Ferrari as it would 100% rub people up the wrong way, meaning it'd maybe only do a couple hundred miles a year at which point I wonder if it is worth the bother... First world problems, of course.
How has the three wheeler been? I always read of various woes people have with them, has it been reliable? I love Morgans and have always aspire to own one. Edited by TREMAiNE on Saturday 27th December 16:44
Well either do nothing, or have a whole-fleet (car) change.
The PCP on our X5 will finish over the summer (does 8k pa) when it's 4yrs old while our M135i has barely done 1k miles this year but owes us nothing. Ideal world we'd have a smaller electric car and a larger diesel/fun estate family car, we're the wrong way around with our current fleet.
I'd love to reduce some costs ahead of a major house extension too so considering either getting a smaller loan to pay off the final payment on the X5 (but still have silly insurance/maintenance costs and a £400pm payment). I can salary sacrifice something "ok" inc all insurance/tyres etc for £400pm (but think leasing something privately will be far cheaper but less flexible). I'm then stuck on what to get for long distances, near term the M135i with roof box will suffice if I fix the things wrong with it (air con, suspension, steering bushes).
The commuter NC750x will stay until it breaks, get stolen or written off.
In reality I'm lazy and like the X5 so we'll likely keep running it, and the M135i as it owes me nothing - no change!
The PCP on our X5 will finish over the summer (does 8k pa) when it's 4yrs old while our M135i has barely done 1k miles this year but owes us nothing. Ideal world we'd have a smaller electric car and a larger diesel/fun estate family car, we're the wrong way around with our current fleet.
I'd love to reduce some costs ahead of a major house extension too so considering either getting a smaller loan to pay off the final payment on the X5 (but still have silly insurance/maintenance costs and a £400pm payment). I can salary sacrifice something "ok" inc all insurance/tyres etc for £400pm (but think leasing something privately will be far cheaper but less flexible). I'm then stuck on what to get for long distances, near term the M135i with roof box will suffice if I fix the things wrong with it (air con, suspension, steering bushes).
The commuter NC750x will stay until it breaks, get stolen or written off.
In reality I'm lazy and like the X5 so we'll likely keep running it, and the M135i as it owes me nothing - no change!
Unlikely to do anything too adventurous; Thinking about replacing the Wrangler which is 14 years old now with a current model. Generally used as a shopping cart and an off-roader in the desert. Easy to repair and not stupidly expensive. Also, there Smart Fortwo is now 22 years old but there is no viable alternative in the North American market as we do not get really small cars.
Am hopeful that some kind of really small EV will show up as the only use for the car is for urban trips in the city centre.
Nothing new in Porsche land; there is always a new improved model but you can go crazy chasing the latest and greatest. I have no interest in Limited, Commemorative, Anniversary or the like, and my latest RS is already a more capable car than I am on a track so no gen 2 car. Maybe I might do something when the next true generation shows up but I would be 80 by then so unlikely.
As for driving adventures, I will certainly have some. Am thinking of renting a 4x4 in Chile and heading out to the Atacama desert. Always liked driving n deserts, and have done lots in the American West, in Rajasthan, even the Negev in Israel over the years. Will be in Turkey and Tiblisi Georgia next September and will have to think about whether there is an interesting drive.
Am hopeful that some kind of really small EV will show up as the only use for the car is for urban trips in the city centre.
Nothing new in Porsche land; there is always a new improved model but you can go crazy chasing the latest and greatest. I have no interest in Limited, Commemorative, Anniversary or the like, and my latest RS is already a more capable car than I am on a track so no gen 2 car. Maybe I might do something when the next true generation shows up but I would be 80 by then so unlikely.
As for driving adventures, I will certainly have some. Am thinking of renting a 4x4 in Chile and heading out to the Atacama desert. Always liked driving n deserts, and have done lots in the American West, in Rajasthan, even the Negev in Israel over the years. Will be in Turkey and Tiblisi Georgia next September and will have to think about whether there is an interesting drive.
I'll continue chipping away at little jobs on the MG, tax it hopefully march/april time weather permitting, and going to events and shows in it. Hopefully it gets through its MOT in May/June without too much work. I've had a lot done in the past year which included a 4 month stay at a specialist, so didn't get to drive it quite as much as I wanted even though I still managed to put nearly 2k on it between June and November.
My Alfa Mito is in its 4th year with me (which is record for my car ownership
), I'll probably spend another year looking at things to replace it with, and then reverting to my now older, more sensible self and remembering it owes me nothing and costs very little to run...I do fancy a Dacia Bigster though.
Events, it'll be stuff with the MG, and then maybe back to a couple of race events if I make my mind up(BTCC, F1 etc) didn't do any last year although I can't really say that I missed going to be honest. I'd also like to take the MG to a track day which is something I've never done before, so it would be nice to have a go.
My Alfa Mito is in its 4th year with me (which is record for my car ownership
), I'll probably spend another year looking at things to replace it with, and then reverting to my now older, more sensible self and remembering it owes me nothing and costs very little to run...I do fancy a Dacia Bigster though.Events, it'll be stuff with the MG, and then maybe back to a couple of race events if I make my mind up(BTCC, F1 etc) didn't do any last year although I can't really say that I missed going to be honest. I'd also like to take the MG to a track day which is something I've never done before, so it would be nice to have a go.
2025 was my big year for cars. 2026... probably not much to be honest. Likely keep my 330d and boxster for another year... might try and persuade the missus to do some European touring in the bmw, and then when we are in the UK as many trackdays as possible in the boxster.
No major mods planned, bmw just keeps chugging along, boxster might get some lowering springs and cruise control retrofitted to make it more usable for weekends away.
No major mods planned, bmw just keeps chugging along, boxster might get some lowering springs and cruise control retrofitted to make it more usable for weekends away.
I'll endeavour to teach my daughter to drive from June.
She is keen to get going, she wants a Fiat 500 but we'll cross that bridge at some point. I'm keen for her to inherit my son's Citigo as he's already hinted that he'll be after something else in the summer when he turns 20.
The family cars (i3 and F31 BMW) will be staying for another year unless my ship comes in..
She is keen to get going, she wants a Fiat 500 but we'll cross that bridge at some point. I'm keen for her to inherit my son's Citigo as he's already hinted that he'll be after something else in the summer when he turns 20.
The family cars (i3 and F31 BMW) will be staying for another year unless my ship comes in..
biggbn said:
TREMAiNE said:
The main goal of 2025 was to use my cars more, 2026 will echo that, although I would like to maybe sell my Morgan Three Wheeler and replace it with a Ferrari 360. The daunting prospect of that is 1) the obvious risk of big bills in a 20-year-old Ferrari even though the 360 is supposed to be fairly affordable and reliable. 2) I've got to completely empty my garage in order for it to fit, which isn't a problem with my current Morgan, so I need the added cost of buying a bigger shed in the garden to store everything and 3) I only do 500ish miles per year as it is in the Morgan, mostly taking it to work now and then - I categorically could not do that in a Ferrari as it would 100% rub people up the wrong way, meaning it'd maybe only do a couple hundred miles a year at which point I wonder if it is worth the bother... First world problems, of course.
How has the three wheeler been? I always read of various woes people have with them, has it been reliable? I love Morgans and have always aspire to own one. Edited by TREMAiNE on Saturday 27th December 16:44
The annual service is around £400 or so, I skipped last year due to low mileage.
It's known that some are good, some are bad. Brands Hatch Morgan always indicated I've got a good one. The bevel box on mine is very quiet, and they often comment it's one of the quietest they've ever heard. Only ongoing issue I have is an intermittent EML - it comes and goes non-stop, the dealership always resets it and says the fault code that comes up is common and nothing to worry about - nothing I can do to get it permanently off. It's annoying and will be a concern when selling, but the car drives fine so for now I'm not bothered.
I've only done around 5k miles in that time, maybe if I'd driven it further, more would have gone wrong, but I am happy (well, relieved) with the quality and reliability so far.
Tax is £300 a year, insurance £1500 (due to 2 total loss non-fault claims on my driving record - my first Three Wheeler was written off by someone, insurance was £400 before that) and it does about 30mpg as an average but I don't really work it out so that's a bit of a guess.
Going to be a fairly low rent one for me during 2026 I think;
e39 M5 will remain SORN and in storage whilst I "finish" the Z3, this will include;
- Replacement front wishbones - polybushed where possible
- Replacement of the Getrag 240 box for a ZF320
- Purple tag steering rack (quick rack)
- Potentially some spare wheels with track focused tyres
- Road trip to my friends house on the Swiss border (either in the daily or Z3)
- Track day towards the end of the Summer season.
e39 M5 will remain SORN and in storage whilst I "finish" the Z3, this will include;
- Replacement front wishbones - polybushed where possible
- Replacement of the Getrag 240 box for a ZF320
- Purple tag steering rack (quick rack)
- Potentially some spare wheels with track focused tyres
- Road trip to my friends house on the Swiss border (either in the daily or Z3)
- Track day towards the end of the Summer season.
GetCarter said:
Master Bean said:
Purchase a GMA T33.
He's sold them all. To buy one second hand would now be twice the price!But I do have plans for another 2 trips to Scotland, one being the NC500 clockwise as I've already done it anti-clockwise. Just a shame I'm over 300 miles South of the border.
Rob 131 Sport said:
I won t be replacing the M440, now into its 4th year of ownership until BMW launch the new 3/4 Series. I won t be replacing it at all unless it s available as a 3 litre ICE (mild hybrid like my current one and definitely not a plug in).
.
Have you had any issues with the mild hybrid ?.
Edited by Rob 131 Sport on Saturday 27th December 06:13
I am looking to replace my 2015 F10 528i with the later 5 series with a mild hybrid engine but have read reports re issues with the 48 volt battery leaving the car stranded, and the complexity of the whole system for very little gain which is putting me off at the moment.
My 528i has been totally reliable over the last 5 years, one of the best cars I have owned, which is making it very difficult to replace.
Taycan goes back in April, considering the new Cayenne EV or may just not get anything.
Depending on how a couple of investments go I may resurrect my hunting down of a 720s or 488 spider.
Planning on a road trip to play golf in Portugal with the road trip being the main focus.
Taking my 5 year old to Goodwood this year, really looking forward to that.
Depending on how a couple of investments go I may resurrect my hunting down of a 720s or 488 spider.
Planning on a road trip to play golf in Portugal with the road trip being the main focus.
Taking my 5 year old to Goodwood this year, really looking forward to that.
Monkeylegend said:
Rob 131 Sport said:
I won t be replacing the M440, now into its 4th year of ownership until BMW launch the new 3/4 Series. I won t be replacing it at all unless it s available as a 3 litre ICE (mild hybrid like my current one and definitely not a plug in).
.
Have you had any issues with the mild hybrid ?.
Edited by Rob 131 Sport on Saturday 27th December 06:13
I am looking to replace my 2015 F10 528i with the later 5 series with a mild hybrid engine but have read reports re issues with the 48 volt battery leaving the car stranded, and the complexity of the whole system for very little gain which is putting me off at the moment.
My 528i has been totally reliable over the last 5 years, one of the best cars I have owned, which is making it very difficult to replace.
I could certainly recommend them.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff