Named drivers do not have to actually drive the car. And should the policy holder have a prang, it won't affect the named drivers whatsoever. Get yourself a couple of quotes with and without. Trust me, I'm a old fart.

Try adding old farts with clean driving licences as named drivers. We saved a good amount on my daughters insurance doing this.

Had a similar problem with my old Disco. Turned out to be a turbo hose at the end of its life which was sucking flat when I took my foot off the accelerator. It mainly happened when approaching a roundabout at high(ish) speed as this is when the turbo discharge pressure will be at its minimum...

Wow. You lived in your Landy for 5 months and still enjoy it? You are clearly made of tougher stuff than I. But driving a Defender for around 8-10 hours per day for 10 days will be a challenge. I suppose now you're going to tell me that you intend to avoid tolled roads?

Also check out the bulb plugs. These can run quite hot and eventually melt a bit then stop conducting electricity. Replaced both on my old 300 tdi Disco.

Cherbourg to Lisbon in 5 days in an air-conditioned, cruise controlled Ford Mundane or VW ****shat would be realistic, but in a Defender you will be pushing it. Forget wild camping and greenlaning as you would be stuck on French/ Spanish and Portuguese motorways to get there and back on time...

Godzilla, l assume that May or June didn't happen, does that mean that you are now considering September? If so we may be able to join you.

Oh bugga....double bugga. Thanks for letting us know. We thought about doing a 'billy no mates' trip but as the weather looks to be deteriorating we have now cancelled our crossing and re-booked it for later in the year.

Have just thrown a bit more cash at my van and now have working air conditioning. Whether or not it's still functioning by the time we reach Rennes is another matter. Unfortunately, I recently received an email from Kerm & Randomdaze saying that due to circumstances beyond their control, they...

Excellent.

Kerm & Random-Daze, How's the fuel situation out there?

Indeed. The news looks quite negative but the Brittany ferries website seemed quite positive. I think we'll just have to wait and see. I suppose it wouldn't be too bad if we had cars with a decent range.

Excellent, see you there. Have just fitted a set of 31" kumho kl71's and the old van is looking a bit more aggressive now.

Yes, see you in Nantes at the campsite I mentioned several pages ago. I'll bring your spares that you left with me last year.

Excellent. Will you now be joining us at the beginning of the trip in Rennes or later on as your original plan? As for your Defender / CX5 dilemma . Mmmmmmm.........well the CX5 will cruise at 130k in air-conditioned luxury but it won't take your roof tent. Maybe let Sarah make the decision...

If it is the turbo, you will be using a lot of oil and the turbo hoses from the turbo will be oily inside. I assume that you are aware of run away diesels due to turbo seal failure? If not have a google of it then view some examples on YouTube. I obtained a second hand turbo off eBay when mine...

Watching............

Try out your set up in the UK or France. If you wish to sample Morocco within a 2 week window I would recommend joining those who have done it before ie Trailmasters or Atlas overland. Flying to Morocco and hiring a Toyota Landcruiser saves many many miles of motorway,

Sorry, am unable to join you in May. But feel free to join us in June if you're available. Nice to see that you are using the excellent 'vibraction' route books. What does SWMBO stand for? I can get as far as 'some where' but then I run out intelligence.

I don't think your photo does it much justice. 19k cars are normally highly polished and sat in a showroom, not a muddy puddle. I wouldn't have a clue about its value I'm afraid.