1:16:34
Edwin's New Clio, Ben The Saviour And ULEZ Defeated? C.R.E.A.M. #65
C.R.E.A.M. Podcast
Overview
This episode of "Cars Rule Everything Around Me" (C.R.E.A.M. #65) features discussions on car ownership, maintenance, and the automotive market. The hosts debate whether cars "rule or ruin" their lives, sharing personal anecdotes about recent car purchases, repairs, and the challenges of daily driving. Topics range from the practicality of sports cars in winter to the complexities of emissions regulations and the allure of modified or rare vehicles. The episode also touches on celebrity car collections and the growing trend of sourcing automotive parts and accessories from online platforms like Alibaba.
How was this?
Save this permanently with flashcards, quizzes, and AI chat
Chapters
- The hosts begin by debating whether cars "rule or ruin" their lives, setting a personal tone for the episode.
- Edwin finds his Range Rover indispensable for navigating icy conditions, highlighting its practical utility.
- Benjamin faces issues with his S2000's rear brake caliper, illustrating the potential "ruin" aspect of car ownership.
- William announces a new car purchase, signaling a "rule" for him due to overcoming the "antsiness" of not buying a car.
This opening segment establishes the core theme of the podcast: the complex and often contradictory relationship between car enthusiasts and their vehicles, exploring both the joys and frustrations.
Edwin's Range Rover being essential for his mechanic to get home safely during icy weather, leading the mechanic to want to buy it.
- William expresses excitement about purchasing a rare green Renault Clio 172 Exclusive, a long-desired "phase one" model.
- Edwin shares his near-miss with a potentially problematic E63 AMG purchased through an auction, highlighting the value of CarVertical checks.
- The discussion touches on the specific details of the Clio, including its 'mushroom' grey leather interior and its rarity.
- CarVertical is promoted as a sponsor, emphasizing its role in preventing costly mistakes when buying used cars.
This chapter showcases the thrill of acquiring desired vehicles and the importance of due diligence in the used car market, demonstrating how technology can aid in making informed decisions.
Edwin's decision not to bid on an E63 AMG after a CarVertical check revealed multiple damage records, outstanding finance, and emission issues.
- Benjamin details his significant struggle with Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charges for his S2000, accumulating multiple fines.
- He explains that ULEZ compliance is based on NOx emissions, not CO2, and that his S2000, despite being Euro 3, meets the NOx threshold.
- Benjamin successfully contested the fines by obtaining a certificate of conformity from Honda and liaising with the DVLA and Clean Air Zone authorities.
- The conversation highlights the bureaucratic complexities and system inefficiencies in managing vehicle emissions zones.
This section provides a practical, albeit frustrating, case study on navigating complex vehicle emissions regulations, offering insights into how to contest fines and understand compliance criteria.
Benjamin receiving six ULEZ fines despite genuinely not knowing his S2000 was non-compliant, and his subsequent process of contesting them with official documentation.
- The hosts discuss rapper Manny Fresh's impressive car collection, including a BMW Z3M Coupe, NSX, S14, Corvettes, and Porsches.
- This leads to a broader conversation about celebrity car ownership and the aspirational aspect of automotive collections.
- The idea of "MTV Cribs" for car garages is proposed, emphasizing the visual appeal and desirability of such collections.
- The discussion touches on the impracticality of certain car modifications, like a fish tank in a dashboard.
This segment bridges the gap between car enthusiasm and pop culture, showcasing how high-profile individuals engage with the automotive world and inspiring listeners with diverse car tastes.
Manny Fresh's garage tour revealing a BMW Z3M Coupe (which he calls a 'clown shoe'), a second-gen NSX, and multiple other desirable vehicles.
- A 'conspiracy' is proposed: flat-bottom steering wheels are designed to prevent drivers from eating while driving.
- The discussion explores the practicality of eating in cars, with examples like crisps, pizza, yogurt, and hot dogs.
- The hosts debate the merits of flat-bottom steering wheels for maneuverability versus traditional round ones.
- The segment humorously delves into the ergonomics of driving and eating, highlighting potential mess and distraction.
This lighthearted segment uses a humorous 'conspiracy' to explore the practicalities and ergonomics of driving, prompting reflection on driver behavior and vehicle design.
The idea that a flat-bottom steering wheel prevents a driver from easily using their knee to steer while eating, thus discouraging eating while driving.
- The cold-weather testing of the Bugatti Torbion, with Mate Rimac driving, is discussed as a sign of brand commitment.
- Christian von Koenigsegg's 7-hour drive in snow in his Regera is highlighted as a testament to the car's capability and his belief in his product.
- The unique aspect of buying a Koenigsegg or Pagani directly from the living founder is contrasted with larger, more corporate manufacturers.
- Doug DeMuro's podcast and his habit of not wearing shoes are humorously mentioned.
This chapter examines how hypercar manufacturers and their leaders engage with their products, emphasizing authenticity, testing, and the direct relationship between creator and customer.
Mate Rimac personally driving the Bugatti Torbion during cold-weather testing, demonstrating confidence in the vehicle's performance.
- A restomod Ferrari 412 with an 812 engine and a manual gearbox is presented as an incredible, albeit visually divisive, build.
- The hosts discuss the trend of sourcing automotive parts, especially wheels and brake kits, from platforms like Alibaba.
- Edwin shares his experience ordering custom forged wheels for his CL from China at a significantly lower cost than replicas or genuine parts.
- The quality and reliability of Chinese-made automotive parts are debated, with examples of strength-tested components being cited.
This segment explores the cutting edge of automotive modification and the evolving landscape of parts sourcing, showing how enthusiasts are finding innovative and cost-effective solutions.
Edwin ordering custom 20-inch Maybach-style wheels from an Alibaba manufacturer for his CL, costing £900 compared to thousands for genuine or replica versions.
- The episode concludes with a listener-submitted challenge: to create "The Ten Motoring Commandments" for the C.R.E.A.M. religion.
- The hosts begin to brainstorm commandments, starting with 'Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's car.'
- The discussion is cut short, leaving the final commandments to be determined later.
- This segment serves as a playful wrap-up, reinforcing the community aspect of the podcast.
This interactive segment engages the audience by creating a shared set of principles for car enthusiasts, fostering a sense of community and shared values within the podcast's fanbase.
The initial commandment proposed is 'Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's car,' setting a tone of respect and admiration within the automotive community.
Key takeaways
- Car ownership is a dual experience, offering immense joy and utility ('rule') alongside potential frustration and expense ('ruin').
- Thorough vehicle history checks, like those provided by CarVertical, are crucial for avoiding costly mistakes when buying used cars.
- Navigating emissions regulations (like ULEZ) can be complex, requiring detailed understanding of specific pollutants and potentially involving bureaucratic challenges.
- The automotive world is increasingly globalized, with online platforms offering access to a wide range of parts and accessories, though quality and authenticity require careful vetting.
- Celebrity car collections and the passion of hypercar founders offer inspiration and insight into the diverse spectrum of automotive enthusiasm.
- Even seemingly mundane aspects of car design, like steering wheel shape, can spark humorous debates about driver behavior and ergonomics.
- The pursuit of rare or unique vehicles, like Edwin's Clio, is a significant motivator for many car enthusiasts.
- The podcast fosters a sense of community through interactive segments like the 'Ten Motoring Commandments'.
Key terms
ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone)NOx emissionsCertificate of ConformityCarVerticalRestomodAlibabaITBs (Individual Throttle Bodies)Euro 4 / Euro 3 emissions standardsPhase 1 / Phase 2 ClioHemi V8
Test your understanding
- How does the concept of 'rule or ruin' manifest in the hosts' personal car ownership experiences?
- What are the key factors Benjamin had to consider and address to make his S2000 ULEZ compliant?
- Describe the process Edwin used to avoid purchasing a potentially problematic used car, and what tool was instrumental in his decision?
- What is the significance of buying a car directly from its living founder, as discussed in relation to Koenigsegg and Pagani?
- What are the potential benefits and risks associated with sourcing car parts from platforms like Alibaba, based on the hosts' discussion?