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Scotland in August - Do I need an air-conditioned car?

Scotland in August - Do I need an air-conditioned car?

Old Jun 2nd, 2008, 06:18 PM
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Scotland in August - Do I need an air-conditioned car?

I've already rented a small four-door automatic car for three of us in Scotland in early August. I can save almost $100 if I change to a car without air conditioning. Any pros or cons? Thanks!
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Old Jun 3rd, 2008, 04:21 AM
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ttt
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Old Jun 3rd, 2008, 04:25 AM
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In Scotland? You MIGHT need it one bright sunny afternoon, if you are sitting in the car and not moving. Otherwise, the breeze will be lovely. I've needed the heating at night in Inverness in August, however

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Old Jun 3rd, 2008, 06:23 AM
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A/c? Just hope the heater is good.

a/c in Scotland is called "windows" . . . . .

(Even if you get warm days, it won't be hot - of course that depends on your definition of hot)
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Old Jun 3rd, 2008, 06:26 AM
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Air conditioning in a car in scotland is like putting an ashtray on a motorbike.
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Old Jun 3rd, 2008, 06:34 AM
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We were in Scotland last week, and I am glad that our car had climate control. It wasn't especially hot outside, but the interior became quite warm (British understatement) when the car was standing in the sun, and i prefer to drive with the windows closed.

Our car has a manual gearbox, and I would sooner pay the extra for climate control than for an automatic.
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Old Jun 3rd, 2008, 06:38 AM
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wuss
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Old Jun 3rd, 2008, 06:43 AM
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Memorable front page headline in the Edinburgh Evening News one nice July day many years ago -

"Sizzling Seventies Continue - No Relief in Sight."
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Old Jun 3rd, 2008, 06:46 AM
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Oh my..
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Old Jun 3rd, 2008, 06:58 AM
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I changed to a car without air conditioning. I've probably just guaranteed that Scotland will experience the hottest summer on record since the beginning of time....

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Old Jun 3rd, 2008, 06:59 AM
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Yeah, I'm gonna have to chime in on the 'wuss' remark

I live in Florida, and lived in south Florida for 25 years. We're used to 100 degree days with 99% humidity. AC was required and necessary.

a/c for Scotland... (giggle!) I'm going there in 10 days and bringing a sweater, a shawl, and some tops that range from sleeveless to long sleeve. Layers are cheaper than ac.
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Old Jun 3rd, 2008, 07:43 AM
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What can I say?

Extra clothing because you are going to Scotland?

Wuss! It was shirtsleeves for us last week.
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Old Jun 3rd, 2008, 07:54 AM
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the romans thought the picts painted themselves blue. They didn't. That's the natural colour of scottish people.

CW - remembering "holidays" in Ayr and Largs and the "shrinkage" involved in swimming in the North Sea.
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Old Jun 3rd, 2008, 08:54 AM
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shirtsleeves one week - polar fleece and gloves the next . . . . .
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Old Jun 3rd, 2008, 09:45 AM
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The coldest I have ever been was in Scotland in August. The rain soaked right through my coat, too.
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Old Jun 3rd, 2008, 10:34 AM
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They do say 'four seasons in one day' for a reason
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Old Jun 3rd, 2008, 11:25 AM
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twina: No, and No again. we toured Scotland last August, and the weather was much like the Pacific NW where I live, only cooler...just open a window if need be, but take a sweater or two, and a rain jacket. (I left my favorite one on the ferry to Mull_)
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Old Jun 3rd, 2008, 01:14 PM
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For $100 you've made the right decision, but most of us own cars with air conditioning, so it's not a totally stupid question. Really
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Old Jun 3rd, 2008, 01:28 PM
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Actually air-conditioning would be very useful in August - it'll stop your windows misting up in the rain
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Old Jun 3rd, 2008, 01:45 PM
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I was in Skye on the 23rd-26th May and we spent every day with the roof of the car open . I was very glad I had the sliding roof but hadn't thought I'd use it when I decided to take that particular car on my trip.
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