u/sorslibertas

I have a salary sacrifice Alpine A290GTS+ coming from Tusker.

I contacted the dealership to ask if I can have a dashcam installed. For reference, a dashcam is a factory option. They confirmed that they would be happy to install it, and that the added coat would be relatively cheap when spread over the lease period.

Tusker came back and said that a hardwired dashcam counts as a modification, so will not be permitted. Is it normal for lease companies to view factory options as modifications?

I am UK-based, and can happily carry a Spyderco UKPK legally. I’m curious as to where a UKPK would NOT be legal. For reference, the UKPK has a non-locking blade of 7.4cm/2.9” and can be opened with one hand.

Chicago and Denmark come to mind. Anywhere else?

I wanted a SAK with an in-line Phillips screwdriver, so I bought an Explorer, but I really don’t like how thick it is. I carried a Pioneer for a very long time, but recently started carrying a Compact, supplemented by a Rambler/Manager attached to my keys.

Other than the micro screwdriver, I haven’t really used the Compact since getting it.

I’m thinking of performing transplant surgery on the Explorer and Compact, but need to decide on whether to build a Yeoman or a Scientist.

I know that I like two layers, and hate four layers, but don’t know how I would like three layers.

Given that I will have a Rambler/Manager with adequate scissors, how much added value do large scissors have?

With the decision made to replace my Cupra Born with an A290 GTS+, I now have some other questions.

I have been using ABRP to plan my trips on the Born, and have provided the live data from the car to ABRP via the Tronity app, which doesn’t include Alpine or Renault on it’s list of vehicles it can get live data from.

Is there a way to provide live data from the A290 to ABRP without using an OBD dongle?

The time has come for me to replace my salary sacrifice 73-reg Cupra Born V1.

I went full EV at the time to take advantage of the congestion charge exemption, which sadly is no longer. I have been using street charging at between 29p/kWh and 59p/kWh depending on the time, and as much as possible, Ionity at 43p/kWh when driving longer distances.

Without the congestion charge exemption, I no longer have any incentive to stay with EV, but full ICE is not an option from my salary sacrifice provider.

I’m currently torn between staying EV, but downsizing to a Renault 5 or Alpine A290, or to move up in size to a Cupra Leon Estate PHEV. Street charging means that I won’t be saving much by staying EV.

I will be using the car in and around London, with fairly regular trips to Somerset, South Wales, and Kent, either by myself, or with my partner, a toddler, and a teenager. For perspective, we travelled comfortably on a two week road-trip with all our camping gear in the Born.

Any advice is welcome.