Salarios

The Gazelle isn't as exciting as it may seem. Have a look at this review that outlines some of its quircks and imperfections. I think a Y62 with unique modifications based on your needs and preferences can be more thrilling and enjoyable. And a modded Y62 is still more versatile than a Gazelle: it can take you to a cocktail party in a tuxedo, or the toughest trails in shorts, and do both with class.

Just to provide an update, I talked to a few shops and they quoted me ridiculous amounts to run the wires from the battery to the trunk, from 500 to 1,000 AED. So I went to Dragon mart, got thick electrical wires for 100 AED, and found a shop in Satwa to run the wires under the cabin floorboard for 100 AED along with an on-off switch and two fuses attached to the wires. So in total, paid 200 AED, and now have a convenient and quick inflation process. The yellow/blue wires behind the compressor are from the battery, the black hose in the bottom left is the inflation hose, the black wire in the top left is for the trailer. By the way, the Y62 honks its horn automatically as soon as it's inflated to 35PSI, through its Tyre pressure control system (TPCS), so no need to constantly check the pressure!

@Xaf thank you for taking the time to write such thoughtful and valid comments. These are serious words of wisdom that every driver should adhere to. The Y62 does indeed have considerably higher running costs, but the thrill of a V8 400hp engine packaged in luxury justifies it in my humble opinion. @Gaurav can attest to the joy of riding it as he drove up the Maleha mountain with it on Friday. I have a [fake] defender back home (more on that later), and have no worries on damaging it while offroading since running costs are much lower, but sometimes I feel like I'm driving a farm tractor. I'll let people with more experience comment on striking that perfect balance between comfort/power versus running costs. Anyway, a few points to mention: - I had the bumper changed yesterday (thanks @Chaitanya D for the contact details of Mohammad), and also installed the bash plate painted matte black to match the car, and a new LED light: The bash plate is connected to the chasis, and should theoretically absorb the forces better. Before doing this, I visited these guys, and considered metal front and rear bumpers along with Smittybilt winch: They were asking 3,600 for the front, and 2,200 for the back, plus 2,800 for the 12k winch. But because of three reasons I decided against it : a) The bumpers are made of aluminum and recovery points can not be attached to the bumpers; b) RTA approval is questionable for the bumpers and c) the winch is attached not to the chasis but to a cross bar which is held to the chasis with three bolts on each side. And that front cross bar is not strong enough to with-hold the strong forces of a winch. I spoke to multiple shops that confirmed the Y62 by design is not suited for a winch like a cruiser. Just to comment on @Srikumar's valid statement about additional wear and tear, and of course this is true, but my experience is that some cars are built tougher than others. Cruisers and patrols are built like tanks and can withstand that offroad abuse much better than entry level 4x4's. But of course the approach/break-over/departure angles need to be improved.

With great sadness, I must pull out of this meet. I have to travel back home and take care of family at risk of this pandemic. And then when I come back I'll have to self-quarantine myself, so I won't be able to join you guys, but wishing you all an amazing and safe drive!

@Xaf has already said it perfectly, but just to add a point: the method which the world will need to control the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, is exactly what will cause a global recession: a quarantine on a massive scale. Every industry will be negatively affected by the quarantine due to economic inactivity. Stock markets will continue to decline because of it (every 20% drop is called a "bear" market, and we'll see a lot of those), and experience in the past 40 years has shown that it takes about a year for a bear market to correct itself. Stock traders are trying to forcibly prevent a freefall by using a method called "circut-breakers" which temporarily halts trading to cool the markets (and we've had two of those in the past week) but still there is little hope. Don't invest right now, you'll lose money.

Thank you @Gaurav for the detailed analysis. I couldn’t see ahead so I slowed down as soon as the refusal was announced on the radio, which meant I stopped in a sticky spot. The car behind me also stopped very close to me so I couldn’t back out. When I accelerated I felt the car slide into the pocket on the right and so I tried to save it by swerving head first into it to use the momentum to avoid getting stuck in the pocket. But obviously had too much momentum. Looking back, it’s much clearer to me as to what I should have done, and of course everything you said is spot on. I really recommend recording your drives people! You can relive your mistakes in full HD view! 😂

It’s not a stock bumper but I do need a bash plate, ideally a strong metal one that attaches directly to the chasis and not the bumper itself. If anyone has any recommendations as to where to get it installed please let me know.

@Srikumar You are right, I hit it in the front. Thank you @Emmanuel you are right, driving with a single hand is a bad habit I need to cut. And yes for the video footage, I do have a mount which is attached to the passenger headrest which I use when no one sits there.

Wow, what an incredible day. Thank you sincerely to @Gaurav and @Srikumar for being so patient and methodical in every recovery, ensuring everyone walks away unscathed and educated. But we had a lot of recoveries!! By the way, this is me breaking my front bumper. I welcome your comments and criticisms on what I did wrong here..

Thank you @Gaurav . The new safety rule is a good idea. Wishing you guys a great ride.

Sorry for the delay @Chaitanya D I wanted to go on a drive first before commenting on the new tires, and had some fun with them for the first time today. The tire/rim combo cost just over 7k, and I had it done in Sharjah (across Day to Day in Al Nahda). It was a good decision to go from 20’s to 18’s I think, as there is now a higher tire wall and hence more surface area in the sands. The AT3’s are just amazing though. No noticeable increase in highway noise, very good traction, and they look good too (which was also a factor in my decision!). They didn’t interfere with the suspension at all, but initially they rubbed against the plastic panel in the front passenger side, which was easily fixed by screwing the panel inwards more tightly. Overall I’m very happy with this decision. By the way as I broke my front bumper again today on a fewbie drive and dislocated the diffuser in the back, I was thinking about your comment as I was driving back: that I’m glad I didn’t spend 10k on the Japanese bumpers! 😂 I’ll be calling your guy tomorrow for a new bumper. 🙃 Cheers, Salar

If the RSVP limit is increased I would also like to join this drive please.