Steve Whits

Sorted 🙂

They appear to be smashing drivers windows and removing steering wheels. The why would be demand for BMW airbags in the 2nd hand market or abroad. From my local FB page Our steering wheel was taken on Saturday night Hide or report this our steering wheel was also taken on Saturday night. The window was smashed!

There seems to be an outbreak of BMW airbag thefts as well which are easier to steal than Cats. 3 BMW's local to me were targeted in one night. The big issue is there's been no better time to be a thief! Theft from vehicles is not even being investigated, it's just being recorded.

Well I'll certainly be taking my badges off this weekend now. Might be a bit simplistic but if it makes it harder to spot it can only help.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/would-thief-trying-steal-catalytic-21398637

I have an Icon exactly the same colour that I've had for coming up to 2 years now and has been faultless. It's a very relaxing drive fuel consumption varies massively depending on usage. I've been up to Scotland from Sheffield and averaged just under 70mpg in the summer but my wife now uses it for her dog walking business and in hilly Sheffield in winter she's getting around 40mpg. The figures are accurate as I have kept a spreadsheet of mileage and fuel usage for years as she has her own business. (Better than my SLK which returns 22mpg!!!) There isn't a great deal I don't like about the car to be fair although the Icon is a bit basic but it was a good deal. Mileage on mine is 28,500 oh and Mr T's customer service is second to none if you have it serviced there. I'd make sure you get one with full service history or failing that at least the hybrid battery checks.

I was fortunate enough to get mine off Ebay seller local to me for £35. The only thing it didn't have was the mould carrier. Just popped an old towel under it and not had a problem. Definitely check ebay, gumtree and local scrapyards first before resorting to Mr T

The best I've had out of mine is 70mpg (brim to brim) on a long journey to Scotland. I live in Sheffield and my wife uses the Auris for short runs and she's currently getting 39mpg😢 Lots of steep hills and short journeys

Depends where you live. I live in Sheffield, loads of hills and steep streets whereas if I lived in the flatlands of East Anglia I would expect my brakes to last longer. Also depends on driving style as well so too many variables.

I'd look for one that has had it's annual service done by Toyota as well, therefore having the battery check every year. Normal things really just make sure everything works, usual background checks with MOT and mileage, previous owners. I went to look at one 100 miles away that was described as immaculate and low mileage yet it had the looks of a car that had done loads of miles (worn pedal rubbers, different makes of cheap tyres on all 4 wheels and every alloy was scuffed). The one I bought had full Toyota history and was immaculate. Just be prepared to walk away and don't let the salesman sway you :)

Sorry, This may be of interest to some in South Yorkshire https://www.southyorkshire.police.uk/find-out/accessing-information/request-information-under-the-freedom-of-information-act/catalytic-converter-theft-ref-20191026/ Prius being the most targeted

Have you got any photo's? And are you willing to post kits out with fitting instructions?

From Catloc: “Catlocs for the Toyota Auris are available exclusively from Toyota dealerships.” Looks like Toyota have seen a marketing chance.

I'd also try disabling the motion sensor before getting out (just above the rear view mirror) in case that's faulty (long shot but you never know).

Yes I know thanks, I have my car serviced by Burrows but if I can save a few quid by fitting it myself I will do that