I found your channel about a year ago when I was looking up this bizarre vehicle. I love that the Ami embodies the minimalism of post-WWII motoring where all you need is a little bit of power and a roof and you're all set for amazing adventures. I guarantee you that this little thing has been to way more interesting places than 99% of SUVs!
I put rain-x anti fog inside all my windows every couple of weeks, I drive in all weathers 20 miles a day and only get very minor fogging on side and back windows
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! To you and Mon Ami, but most of all thanks for the 2 years of hard work for you and fun adventures for us, I’m sure i speak for everyone when i say…..we have loved it, thanks to you Mr Boo and Twiggy, we look forward to many more adventures hopefully!🎉
@@MeandMonAmi your welcome, it’s been an absolute pleasure to watch, I would never have thought a tiny car could be capable of generating such good content, but here we are 😂!lol
Thank you for 2 years of beautiful videos and a lot of information. I drive my Opel Rocks since August 2022 and I agree to all your pros and cons. For cold times in winter I prepared my little car with a 2000w powerstation and a heater. After the first colder days here in Munich I think this will be very helpful. What really still convinces me to keep my little car is the money factor. My insurance is about 10% of what I would pay for a normal small car and the cost for electric power is also very low. Driving my little car from Munich West to Munich east (50km completely) costs me around 2€. Public transport would cost around 7€. And that is much better than driving a bigger car with would cost me minimum 200€ a month.
Hi, honest and thorough review. You've shown the potential of such a vehicle - and that the range thing that people worry about with EV's isn't as much of a problem. Looking forward to many more villages and feasts to come.
I am driving my Ami (well, here it is called Opel Rocks) in the Netherlands for almost one year now. A much more moderate climate with more rain. Whenever it rains and/or it is cold I think about people driving on their bike or scooter and still get a smile on my face feeling much more comfortable within my “friend”. The same is with hot weather when scooter and motorcyclist have to wear helmets and protecting clothing. The fun factor overrules the uncomfort by far for me.
These things on B roads, where 80 is the norm, is infuriating for other drivers though. "A thick skin", I often wondered how they can live with themselves 😂. Apart from that I think they are awesome I never see these just tge Twizzy.
@@Niex_Knox Let me help you out: Taking life as it comes makes life much easier. Some delay at a certain moment; will it really change your life forever? I not, why worry?
love your Ami and your YT channel. We dread taking our Zoe EV into Renault. €200 for a check up and a cabin air filter. this year we need a 12v battery and break fluid change. i am expecting €800+. the car is fine, needs nothing but it appears EV dealers are recouping their lack of service fees for internal combustion cars, by screwing us EV drivers.
2 years with zero maintenance costs is great going! The service verdict will make interesting reading tbh. Only discovered you guys as I was interested in the Ami and now I'm a Mr Boo, Twiggy & Tim fan. One of my favourite channels. Well done lads ❤
Congratulations on Elton's second year! It has been so many adventures for the delight of those who watch this fantastic channel, certainly, the car has its flaws, but there's no doubt that it was worth it. I still remember when the car arrived on the tow truck, and now it's been two years. How time flies!!
can't believe it's already two years! we had such a lot of good times with both you two and Elton! can't wait to see what's in the box for all of us! :) Thank you for the amazing content you provide every time !
I have said in the past that I would only buy an electric car if it had a 'very l o n g' lead, but yours is really crowing on me! My ami is coming somewhere around the end of February next year! Don't ask me why, but that is what the garage told me, when I was there to sign the contract! I promise you that as soon as I have it, I'll look in making an open roof in my ami and at the same time construct a copy to put in your's! I still think that buying the ami is the best thing you have done. I really think that the pair of you is the best for us viewer's of TH-camrs that have a 'warm' heart for the south of France and knowledge of the French Riviëra by two delightful people that guide us around! I've said this before: I am hooked on MeAndMonAmi❤️
Hi lads from Spain. Thanks for a very informative and interesting video I don't drive any more because of my eyes and She Who Must Be Obeyed drives me where I need to go. I can, to some extent, stand the heat but it is the cold that gets me, having twice had frostbite even, here in Spain. 79 years ago today was the closest I have come to being killed - by a V2 rocket that came down and exploded about 300 yards away. Five people were killed and I ended up with a cut on my left knee.
This is absolutely crazy. We live in Menton, 77 years old and a potential buyer of that "car". Your video is great, answering non spoken questions and in a charming way. We have our electric bikes and they are great, havé gotten thick skin concerning insult’s on the street just because we are on the streets. So thanks for sharing your real world experience. 👍🇩🇰.
Longevity of Ami is what keeps me coming back to this channel. Mine has done approx 2850km in just over a year with no probs (apart from a couple of punctures). Good to see Elton still going strong after 10K.
It's been great fun for us viewers as well. The quirkiness and flaws for sure contribute to your adventures being more interesting than they would have been anyway. With fullsize cars the days of major flaws seem to be mostly over, in this quadricycle niche the charme of not being pampered left and right lives on. 😊
We live in Cyprus and have a Twizy (the 85kph one) and we love it. I think for where you live the Ami is great. I've enjoyed watching your adventures for the last two years, long may they continue!
Crikey! Two years already!! We’re in Lot et Garonne, it’s unbearably hot in the summer so I don’t know how you’ve coped. I’ve been holding off getting the Ami when I initially saw the concept Fiat Topolino. Now that is in production, and available, that’s what we’ll be going for. The open top sold it to us. Absolutely love following your exploits, keep it up. Always said you should have a half hour show on TV every week!
I agree 100%... Mine (Rocks E) is 1 year old, i did 5.000 km without any problems... nothing. And yes... temperature and range in winter is the only problem. It's northern Germany not the south of France 😂
There are certain places where a car is indispensable. In small towns and rural regions where public transport is absent and even in big cities where bus routes don’t necessarily go where you want, a car has to be in the picture. Its certainly possible to live a car-free life but not when commuting is a part of daily existence. The Citroen Ami, for all its flaws, has simplified your life and added practicality and convenience to it. If you guys get your drivers licence, you will want a bigger vehicle to take along family and friends. I’m sure with Elton, this is just the beginning of many possibilities. Thanks for the review! 😊
Very Good and Informative Episode. I can tell you an Ami in the UK, because of our weather, you do not get the same distance on a full Charge. The metal Frame rusts very quickly. There are quite a few more problems.
Congratulations Tim and Mr Boo on your 2 years in Elton! I can't believe I have been watching for all that time. Im currently having a break in Faro, Portugal, and i have seen a few Ami's used by estate agents and other services. A superb vehicle for the city. May your adventures in Elton continue 😊 best wishes 🛺
Had mine over a year now here in the UK. This is my second winter. About the cold temperatures: below 5 degrees C there is a beep from the dashborad and the speed reduces to 15mph, can be 10mph on a hill (this effect is reduced slightly when you turn the heater off on the approach to a hill). Consequently, I run a second car in the winter when temperatures are that low. Something to consider if you live in a cold climate. Thank you for the last 2 years, I look forward to Sundays when you post a new adventure.
Mister Me and Mister Boo & Elton! 2 years have elapsed since you took delivery 😮😮😮incredible how time is flying 😮😮 now there's no substitute for experience & if anyone is capable of giving a forthright view on Ami ownership it's you Tim! Crikey Elton has been uphill & down dale! This was a very interesting vlog listening to the pros & cons so anyone who is interested in buying one has all the relevant facts here as to whether it is right for them! Me personally I think as a 2nd vehicle just tootle around especially in the months between April to September would be perfect! I'd say for winter just park it up & cover it up till springtime! Always enjoy watching your vlogs & even if I wouldn't personally have one I do love the quirky & cheeky Ami❤ stay safe and well and obviously stay charged 😁💯👌
I’m Currently waiting for my Citroen AMI to arrive (I’m 15 years old) and I honestly can’t wait. I don’t care if I don’t have a radio, or flashy colors, I’m not gonna spend 14k euros for a Aixam or Chatanet (most popular microcar here in Italy). Great video as always!
Very comprehensive and informative review, thanks! As for the heat problem, when I lived in Hong Kong, the taxis has a "second roof", a kind of plastic or fibreglass panel that covered the roof, leaving an inch or two gap with the real roof. It was painted white and it helped keep the taxi cool. The airflow also helped with cooling. Also, it would be an idea if the Ami was fitted with an old-style opening windscreen, which would let air in when hot and maybe help with demisting. Just a thought... BTW I live just down the coast from you, so I know exactly what you mean. Happy motoring!
That’s very interesting. Someone else mentioned old Land Rover roofs had something similar and I agree an open windscreen. The summers have got longer and hotter for sure (and I love sun but…)
@@MeandMonAmi Yes, I was wondering if there could be a market for those kinds of things. You could attach them like a roof rack. Or maybe rig something up DIY with a couple of roof bars and a sheet of something attached underneath... For the Ami, the opening windscreen would be perfect. Enjoy the cooler winter! (PS: I don't suppose you're mad enough to test going skiing with the Ami...No, forget that, bad idea.)
I would love to own one. It's way too cute. But not in The Netherlands, it just doesn't suit our weather most of the months of the year. And I know it's not a fair comparison, because I have a drivers licence, but for that price I'd go for something like an ancient Toyota Prius. Would be more expensive to run, but on shorter distances, that shouldn't matter too much. If I wouldn't have a drivers licence, I'd love to drive it as a part of a shared car program, so I could drive it on good days, and pick a car better suited for bad weather on those days. Am I making any sense?
Glad you are still positive.. It Is What It Is,But You Lads Have Given Great joy over these past 2Yrs,if i were to get one as age creeps on, i would have to solve the foggyness,southcoast uk.. Keep It,great round town and for adventuring a bit futher.
Everything has its ups and downs, Watching for Eltons adventures for the last two years has been fun for me and for the MOST part fun for my favorite two entertainment providers on the French coast. Thanks for the memories! Hope to see you in December next year.
This week the Fiat Topolino Ami is now for sale in France after being on sale in italy for over 6 months. Would be good to see a Topolino / Ami comparison. What have Fiat changed on top of moving the drive controls to the dashboard. For example, have they got a better windscreen heater or is it still the same?
That is an excellent, well balanced two year review Tim. I well remember that first video when you picked Elton up at the car park, it’s been quite a journey since 😁 Good luck with the two year service, that video will be interesting.
When it's out of warranty, please do consider putting a solar panel on the roof and a suitable charge controller. That, I feel, would be a wonderful thing to have and would extend your range quite a bit.
@@antoniocruz8083 If those things were street legal here in SC then I'd be driving one. Sadly they're considered to be NEVs which have the same restrictions as golf carts here. They're banned from any road with a speed limit over 25mph.
I don’t think it would add much to range sadly. The amis that have done this use the panels to charge peripherals. Would be the right thing to do though obviously in terms of environment
@@MeandMonAmi When you charged your Ami from your Bluetti a few videos ago, you got about 10 extra miles from it and the two 100W panels put charge back into your Bluetti in about 2 hours. If you drove with the solar panel charging the battery as you drive then you would not get a great range extension but when you park for a few hours, you'll get a few extra miles added to your battery. While it won't recharge the car completely in one session, parked outside your house for a few days., it could well self recharge. If you carried several solar panels, you could sit down in the countryside, have a nice picnic and a nap and the car could recharge pretty well - depending on how many panels you carry. If they hadn't banned electric golf carts etc from the roads here then I'd be using one to get the 5 miles to/from work and solar charged.
@@MeandMonAmi The ami's battery I believe is 5,5kw. A 450w fixed panel, which is 2 meters by 1 meter in size, should generate 2kw/day, that's 40% of the maximum for an extra 30km in range. I know it is a large panel but I don't think it exceeds the car's dimensions. I saw amis with a similar panel working in the lisbon airport ramp. If I had an ami I would surely install one because I am not bound by strange appearances. I would love to travel for almost free.
After completing 10k km within a year, I've gained a comprehensive understanding of both the advantages and disadvantages you highlighted. Residing north of Athens, I've been fortunate to enjoy a positive experience regarding the weather conditions. However, I can also see and agree on how the conditions have the potential to change the overall experience for the worse.
I think you have the best climate for the Ami . Short winter ,warm spring and autumn and yes the hot summer is a problem. Looking forward to some snowy trips . Winter draws on ,be prepared….and stay charged and warm.
@@MeandMonAmi it's an outfit called amituning, but as far as I can see you have to take the car to them for installation, which makes it difficult. The Ami Buggy has one as standard, so I imagine someone will make a kit available sooner or later as there's obviously a need for it
Once again, a great vid. Thank you so much for sharing your very honest opinion! Would be interesting to know the findings and costs of the 2-year-‘service’. Would be great if one day Citroen came out with a L7 version of the Buggy with doors
I have been driving Topolino for 6 months now, enjoying every moment ,second and minute driving it. Might be hot in summer, but who cares the vibe u got and fun is well worth it...🎉😊
Elton has certainly done the bizz for you two….all cars have their flaws….some more than others……I think the sun roof or lack of it would deff be a plus…… I’m still wearing the T shirt lads, 👌🏽😎an wish we had your weather🥴keep healthy an safe. An I’ll keep watching…all the best.
I always look forward to watching your videos. Now I cannot wait to see how you overcome the excessive heat or cold problems. I know that, in winter, my wife takes a bundle of hot water bottle along in our car. How about carrying a bucket full of ice along for the hot summer rides?
Excellent video, everything you said was completely accurate, except you did miss the door mirrors that can flap around in the wind. I sold my Ami after two years as I couldn't deal with continual tortoise mode in the winter. I would charge the car for half an hour to warm the battery first, but even so I'd get only 15km/h or 20km/h for the first few kilometres and the range would halve. I swapped it out for an electric Aixam in the end. Much more expensive but better in every way.
In the 1970s the snow in Syracuse, New York, would be up to your shoulders on the side of the road. We don’t have anything like that anymore except Canada likes to share its cold weather with us.
Have you got quotes for silvered vinyl wrap for the roof. What would stop the hot roof radiating the heat are those thin sound absorbent pads. Would also help with the cold! Have you thought of a small evaporative cooler. What makes them less suitable in homes makes them really suitable in a car where the ventilation isn't a problem. I love your delivery - such a refreshing change from some other channel presenters! Keep up the great work.
Happy birthday, Elton, i hope the two did give you a nice warm handwash or so for the anniversary 🤣🤣 You three and Twiggy must have a great time together, i enjoy each minute you share with us. I'm sure the first inspection will go through without any problems. What we could see, you seem to be in best shape. Some of the developers at Citroën who designed you must have been keen mountaineers, the way you move through these small mountain roads... Till Sunday and - stay charged!
Thanks for this very usefull and good and well edited review Tim and Mr. Boo about the and yours great Ami.❤ After so much enjoyement watching your vlogs last years.❤ For long considered wishing and buying an Ami too..for long no budget still besides that for my sailing boat (=home) recently. But who knows one day. Indeed different climate here in The Netherlands..although also more and more warm and hot..but also rainy..so foggy. Curious to see your adventures and experiences in the colder snowy Alps.🎉 Don't forget the snow chains..😅
Happy birthday Elton. Great review Tim. I found your channel as I was researching electric cars. I adore the three of you Tim Mr. Boo and Twiggy. Stay charged1 🚙🚙🎂🎂
I am driving the German version of our little Friend. First item on my to- do list was a kit for a third break light and a white light when you go in reverse. This kit features a beep when you go reverse like forklifts do. An nice feature when you are sneaking (literally) up on pedestrians not warching. Then after having me braines baked I insulated the inside of the roof. Perfekt, still hot in summer but definetly better heat wise. I made me cover for the roof window which makes a nice combo with the insulated roof. Cold and damp/wet is definetly an issue here in Germany. Still tinkering with a fan solution but as you said some heating element needs to be involved for a decent effect. I really enjoy your videos - especially your daring trips. And please start wearing a hat in sunshine ...
Nice very interesting topic - I've always love Citroen Ami since two years ago watching both of you 👍If my fiat 500 died today and i would buy Ami straight away ♥
Absolutely spot on, and covered every single good and bad point of ownership. For me, it still remains the perfect London short-distance vehicle. The range is not an issue, charging is not an issue, the heat is sometimes an issue, the cold and the fog is a BIG issue but I use my other London car for that. My Land Rover ;) I actually have a couple of dry robes in the car that solves (mostly) the cold issue. ITs a keeper for now.
Thanks a lot! I am currently in the process of getting my driving test and in the meantime I have ordered a Citroen Ami. I was afraid that this purchase would be of no use, but being a city dweller and with your report, I tell myself that I made the right choice. the Ami is made for the city and for short distances if you want to go into the hinterland. thank you for this feedback from you, good luck with the license and we look forward to meeting you aboard our Ami Citroen! be well! I’m sending you lots of good vibes!😊
Thanks for the welcome. I will be enjoying all your videos in due course, I am really interested to understand your back story and how you ended up there as I am in my late 50s in England and my wife and I are considering all sorts of options. @@MeandMonAmi
Loved the video,nearly one year with mine but not using it much now in Glasgow area winter.still getting the looks and pointing so for the money getting more attention than a Ferrari,which is my positive take.only downside is the heater,I thought it was like a fan heater you have in your house that blows hot air immediately but not so this winter.it is probably a hairdryer under dash and that is my only negative but I do live in Scotland which is cold mostly.would I buy again,probably not.but enjoying Betsy till I hopefully trade up next year.fancy an XL berlingo
Its a creep…is the hill steep. Winter is not great. Salt…Humity…Heating kills range. We are now 5060 km with it on the run. 10 kWh/100km is normal. Ours will turn 2 in April. The worst with the Ami is….drum drum drum …tarara…its Stellantis. The german citroen Headquaters is the worst help ever. Thank you guys…i fall in love with the landscapes you visit. One day i ll will buy you a coffee in real. 🎉🎉🎉🎉
14:43 Look up "shaving cream anti fog windshield" here on YT. It has actually worked for me. I've only used the foaming type not the gel. Once the foam is buffed off the glasss it leaves a clear hydrophilic layer that creates a clear uniform moisture layer out of the condensation that is optically clear. If the temp is below freezing at the end of your ride you'll want to wipe the windshield down so ice won't form inside.
LoL, "winter temperature" of mere two degrees! 😆 Where I live, summers are very humid and noticeably over +30°C, while during winters it can sometimes drop below -30°C, but the average is -6°C. So... I guess I should not seriously consider buying one, yet they are sold in my country too.
Hi Tim, we got our Ami just after you, I think, in Jan '21 and we too live in a hot climate - Umbria - and have done 10k clicks. We had the diff blow up and the uneven rear tyre wear issue but both fixed without fuss under warranty. And yes, it is a f*king furnace in July!
Many years ago I tried driving a Smart and I liked it for the simplicity of use and its range on a liter fuel. But it of course needs a Drivers License.
Watched this a few months ago. On holiday in Nice today and bizarrely we saw you pulling out left onto the Nice road on our walk to Villefrenche. I shouted Bonjour but don't think you heard me! 😅
@@MeandMonAmi yes of course "me and Mon Topolino" may not have the same ring to it, BUT do remember you have your captive audience now, and switching up to a Topolino would undoubtedly grab a new audience as well as continued love from the old.
Citroen AMI is a curious vehicle that can be used not as a second car but rather as an occasional car for good weather and main usage in towns, and better be parked in a closed garage, as in outdoors it may not live long. Is it worthwhile? I think not, maybe ride it once or twice if we get one from a friend or we could rent it. I would hate to slow down a row of vehicles behind me, I would feel guilty.
Came for the Citroen Ami two years ago, stayed for the fantastic Riviera scenery. The tour guides aren't bad either.
Thanks so much Tom. Lovely to hear
I found your channel about a year ago when I was looking up this bizarre vehicle. I love that the Ami embodies the minimalism of post-WWII motoring where all you need is a little bit of power and a roof and you're all set for amazing adventures. I guarantee you that this little thing has been to way more interesting places than 99% of SUVs!
I agree. It’s bee. Up roads no suv could get up that’s for sure!
I put rain-x anti fog inside all my windows every couple of weeks, I drive in all weathers 20 miles a day and only get very minor fogging on side and back windows
We’ve used the spray but we still suffer when it rains
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! To you and Mon Ami, but most of all thanks for the 2 years of hard work for you and fun adventures for us, I’m sure i speak for everyone when i say…..we have loved it, thanks to you Mr Boo and Twiggy, we look forward to many more adventures hopefully!🎉
Thank you so much! And Thanks for being so supportive Brian
@@MeandMonAmi your welcome, it’s been an absolute pleasure to watch, I would never have thought a tiny car could be capable of generating such good content, but here we are 😂!lol
Thank you for 2 years of beautiful videos and a lot of information.
I drive my Opel Rocks since August 2022 and I agree to all your pros and cons. For cold times in winter I prepared my little car with a 2000w powerstation and a heater. After the first colder days here in Munich I think this will be very helpful. What really still convinces me to keep my little car is the money factor. My insurance is about 10% of what I would pay for a normal small car and the cost for electric power is also very low. Driving my little car from Munich West to Munich east (50km completely) costs me around 2€. Public transport would cost around 7€. And that is much better than driving a bigger car with would cost me minimum 200€ a month.
Thanks and yup it’s incredibly cheap to run ‘fuel’ wise
Der eup kostet mich gerade 3,75/100km an strom
Can’t believe I’ve been watching your adventures for 2 years now. Incredible . Long live Elton 🎉
I know it’s unbelievable
Hi, honest and thorough review. You've shown the potential of such a vehicle - and that the range thing that people worry about with EV's isn't as much of a problem. Looking forward to many more villages and feasts to come.
Thanks very much for sticking with us
I am driving my Ami (well, here it is called Opel Rocks) in the Netherlands for almost one year now. A much more moderate climate with more rain. Whenever it rains and/or it is cold I think about people driving on their bike or scooter and still get a smile on my face feeling much more comfortable within my “friend”. The same is with hot weather when scooter and motorcyclist have to wear helmets and protecting clothing. The fun factor overrules the uncomfort by far for me.
I totally agree! Greetings from Rocks E Germany .
Yup I agree. Motorbikes are no fun in the wet!
These things on B roads, where 80 is the norm, is infuriating for other drivers though. "A thick skin", I often wondered how they can live with themselves 😂. Apart from that I think they are awesome I never see these just tge Twizzy.
@@Niex_Knox Let me help you out: Taking life as it comes makes life much easier. Some delay at a certain moment; will it really change your life forever? I not, why worry?
@@frankschneider2426Is it working on winter days, on temperatures below 0?
love your Ami and your YT channel. We dread taking our Zoe EV into Renault. €200 for a check up and a cabin air filter. this year we need a 12v battery and break fluid change. i am expecting €800+. the car is fine, needs nothing but it appears EV dealers are recouping their lack of service fees for internal combustion cars, by screwing us EV drivers.
Thanks Simon. I enjoy your content too! Interesting what you say. The more complex the ev electronics the more they have you don’t they?
Dear sirs,
No mistakes...
The AMI is simply great...
Thank you to you... ...and Elton too
We love it despite all its quirks!
2 years with zero maintenance costs is great going! The service verdict will make interesting reading tbh. Only discovered you guys as I was interested in the Ami and now I'm a Mr Boo, Twiggy & Tim fan. One of my favourite channels. Well done lads ❤
Thanks Andy for being so supportive
Congratulations on Elton's second year! It has been so many adventures for the delight of those who watch this fantastic channel, certainly, the car has its flaws, but there's no doubt that it was worth it.
I still remember when the car arrived on the tow truck, and now it's been two years. How time flies!!
Thanks so much! Doesn’t time fly!?
can't believe it's already two years! we had such a lot of good times with both you two and Elton! can't wait to see what's in the box for all of us! :) Thank you for the amazing content you provide every time !
Thanks very much. Doesn’t time fly?!
@@MeandMonAmi it always does when you are in good company 😊
It's never a mistake if you follow your dreams
I have said in the past that I would only buy an electric car if it had a 'very l o n g' lead, but yours is really crowing on me! My ami is coming somewhere around the end of February next year! Don't ask me why, but that is what the garage told me, when I was there to sign the contract! I promise you that as soon as I have it, I'll look in making an open roof in my ami and at the same time construct a copy to put in your's! I still think that buying the ami is the best thing you have done.
I really think that the pair of you is the best for us viewer's of TH-camrs that have a 'warm' heart for the south of France and knowledge of the French Riviëra by two delightful people that guide us around! I've said this before: I am hooked on MeAndMonAmi❤️
Thanks guys. Hope you enjoy it!
Congratulations on the Two years Elton 🎉🎉 and your Team
Thanks
Yes! Great to hear that winter is not pausing your great adventures. Keep up the exploring🎉
We are very excited about some snow!
Wow, it's been two years. Feels just like yesterday!
I know!
No mistake Tim, just great adventures and you’ve invited us along 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 keep em coming and until then Stay charged
Thanks Bobby!
Hi lads from Spain. Thanks for a very informative and interesting video I don't drive any more because of my eyes and She Who Must Be Obeyed drives me where I need to go. I can, to some extent, stand the heat but it is the cold that gets me, having twice had frostbite even, here in Spain.
79 years ago today was the closest I have come to being killed - by a V2 rocket that came down and exploded about 300 yards away. Five people were killed and I ended up with a cut on my left knee.
That was a lucky escape!
This is absolutely crazy. We live in Menton, 77 years old and a potential buyer of that "car". Your video is great, answering non spoken questions and in a charming way. We have our electric bikes and they are great, havé gotten thick skin concerning insult’s on the street just because we are on the streets. So thanks for sharing your real world experience. 👍🇩🇰.
Thanks Peter. I think it’s a great runaround for Menton. See our menton video for proof!
Thanks both of you for the miles of entertainment you've given us. I always look forward to the next episode. Stay charged! 👍🏻
Thanks Billy
Longevity of Ami is what keeps me coming back to this channel. Mine has done approx 2850km in just over a year with no probs (apart from a couple of punctures). Good to see Elton still going strong after 10K.
Yup thus far ours is holding up
It's been great fun for us viewers as well. The quirkiness and flaws for sure contribute to your adventures being more interesting than they would have been anyway. With fullsize cars the days of major flaws seem to be mostly over, in this quadricycle niche the charme of not being pampered left and right lives on. 😊
Yes there’s definitely a bleeding edge element
We live in Cyprus and have a Twizy (the 85kph one) and we love it. I think for where you live the Ami is great. I've enjoyed watching your adventures for the last two years, long may they continue!
Thanks very much. I wonder if Citroen will do a licence version of the Ami?
As long as the price is right I think an 80kph L7e version would sell quite well in countries where there's no sans permis category.
Crikey! Two years already!! We’re in Lot et Garonne, it’s unbearably hot in the summer so I don’t know how you’ve coped. I’ve been holding off getting the Ami when I initially saw the concept Fiat Topolino. Now that is in production, and available, that’s what we’ll be going for. The open top sold it to us. Absolutely love following your exploits, keep it up. Always said you should have a half hour show on TV every week!
Thanks very much. Have you gone for the dolce vita?
I agree 100%... Mine (Rocks E) is 1 year old, i did 5.000 km without any problems... nothing. And yes... temperature and range in winter is the only problem. It's northern Germany not the south of France 😂
They are great apart from those issues
I’ve watched from the start , love it .
thanks
Can’t believe it’s been 2 years of absolute enjoyment of your videos !!
There are certain places where a car is indispensable. In small towns and rural regions where public transport is absent and even in big cities where bus routes don’t necessarily go where you want, a car has to be in the picture. Its certainly possible to live a car-free life but not when commuting is a part of daily existence. The Citroen Ami, for all its flaws, has simplified your life and added practicality and convenience to it. If you guys get your drivers licence, you will want a bigger vehicle to take along family and friends. I’m sure with Elton, this is just the beginning of many possibilities. Thanks for the review! 😊
Thanks Norman. Yes I survived quite happily for 54 years with no car but I think I’d miss one now
Very Good and Informative Episode. I can tell you an Ami in the UK, because of our weather, you do not get the same distance on a full Charge. The metal Frame rusts very quickly. There are quite a few more problems.
Congratulations Tim and Mr Boo on your 2 years in Elton! I can't believe I have been watching for all that time. Im currently having a break in Faro, Portugal, and i have seen a few Ami's used by estate agents and other services. A superb vehicle for the city. May your adventures in Elton continue 😊 best wishes 🛺
Thanks very much for watching. Time flies etc..
Had mine over a year now here in the UK. This is my second winter. About the cold temperatures: below 5 degrees C there is a beep from the dashborad and the speed reduces to 15mph, can be 10mph on a hill (this effect is reduced slightly when you turn the heater off on the approach to a hill). Consequently, I run a second car in the winter when temperatures are that low. Something to consider if you live in a cold climate.
Thank you for the last 2 years, I look forward to Sundays when you post a new adventure.
Thanks Jonathan. As I’ve always said they have to work for your use case and that isn’t everyone.
Mister Me and Mister Boo & Elton! 2 years have elapsed since you took delivery 😮😮😮incredible how time is flying 😮😮 now there's no substitute for experience & if anyone is capable of giving a forthright view on Ami ownership it's you Tim! Crikey Elton has been uphill & down dale! This was a very interesting vlog listening to the pros & cons so anyone who is interested in buying one has all the relevant facts here as to whether it is right for them! Me personally I think as a 2nd vehicle just tootle around especially in the months between April to September would be perfect! I'd say for winter just park it up & cover it up till springtime! Always enjoy watching your vlogs & even if I wouldn't personally have one I do love the quirky & cheeky Ami❤ stay safe and well and obviously stay charged 😁💯👌
Thanks David. They are an awful lot of fun
It's been a great 2 years for us viewers :)
Thanks very much
Happy Birthday Elton!
I’m Currently waiting for my Citroen AMI to arrive (I’m 15 years old) and I honestly can’t wait. I don’t care if I don’t have a radio, or flashy colors, I’m not gonna spend 14k euros for a Aixam or Chatanet (most popular microcar here in Italy). Great video as always!
Thanks. Where will you drive it?
Cracking TH-cam channel. Love the videos. Love the history and the local knowledge. Here's to next two years.
Thanks so much. Hopefully more fun to come
I am an AMI driver ONLY because of your videos. Thank you ❤
Hope it lived up to it!
Very comprehensive and informative review, thanks! As for the heat problem, when I lived in Hong Kong, the taxis has a "second roof", a kind of plastic or fibreglass panel that covered the roof, leaving an inch or two gap with the real roof. It was painted white and it helped keep the taxi cool. The airflow also helped with cooling. Also, it would be an idea if the Ami was fitted with an old-style opening windscreen, which would let air in when hot and maybe help with demisting. Just a thought... BTW I live just down the coast from you, so I know exactly what you mean. Happy motoring!
That’s very interesting. Someone else mentioned old Land Rover roofs had something similar and I agree an open windscreen. The summers have got longer and hotter for sure (and I love sun but…)
@@MeandMonAmi Yes, I was wondering if there could be a market for those kinds of things. You could attach them like a roof rack. Or maybe rig something up DIY with a couple of roof bars and a sheet of something attached underneath... For the Ami, the opening windscreen would be perfect. Enjoy the cooler winter! (PS: I don't suppose you're mad enough to test going skiing with the Ami...No, forget that, bad idea.)
Land Rover safari roof. Should be easy enough to fabricate something along those lines.@@MeandMonAmi
Well done 👍 for hitting the 10000km in the Ami ! I have only another 9700 km to go 😊
You’ll fly there! Happy motoring!
At last , an objective review.
I would love to own one. It's way too cute. But not in The Netherlands, it just doesn't suit our weather most of the months of the year.
And I know it's not a fair comparison, because I have a drivers licence, but for that price I'd go for something like an ancient Toyota Prius. Would be more expensive to run, but on shorter distances, that shouldn't matter too much. If I wouldn't have a drivers licence, I'd love to drive it as a part of a shared car program, so I could drive it on good days, and pick a car better suited for bad weather on those days.
Am I making any sense?
Yup this being sans permis was a big part of our decision
Glad you are still positive.. It Is What It Is,But You Lads Have Given Great joy over these past 2Yrs,if i were to get one as age creeps on, i would have to solve the foggyness,southcoast uk.. Keep It,great round town and for adventuring a bit futher.
Thanks Bex. I honestly think the fighting and heat are the biggest issues. The rest works for us
Everything has its ups and downs, Watching for Eltons adventures for the last two years has been fun for me and for the MOST part fun for my favorite two entertainment providers on the French coast. Thanks for the memories! Hope to see you in December next year.
Thanks
Hello from Portugal, thank you for your good advice. I always look forward to your videos.
Glad you like them!
This week the Fiat Topolino Ami is now for sale in France after being on sale in italy for over 6 months.
Would be good to see a Topolino / Ami comparison. What have Fiat changed on top of moving the drive controls to the dashboard. For example, have they got a better windscreen heater or is it still the same?
I think to have understood that the Topolino has an USB-c connector
Yes will be interesting to see
That is an excellent, well balanced two year review Tim. I well remember that first video when you picked Elton up at the car park, it’s been quite a journey since 😁
Good luck with the two year service, that video will be interesting.
Thanks Nick. Doesn’t time fly?
When it's out of warranty, please do consider putting a solar panel on the roof and a suitable charge controller. That, I feel, would be a wonderful thing to have and would extend your range quite a bit.
Also provide shade and make more heads turn and want to ask questions.
@@antoniocruz8083 If those things were street legal here in SC then I'd be driving one. Sadly they're considered to be NEVs which have the same restrictions as golf carts here. They're banned from any road with a speed limit over 25mph.
I don’t think it would add much to range sadly. The amis that have done this use the panels to charge peripherals. Would be the right thing to do though obviously in terms of environment
@@MeandMonAmi When you charged your Ami from your Bluetti a few videos ago, you got about 10 extra miles from it and the two 100W panels put charge back into your Bluetti in about 2 hours.
If you drove with the solar panel charging the battery as you drive then you would not get a great range extension but when you park for a few hours, you'll get a few extra miles added to your battery.
While it won't recharge the car completely in one session, parked outside your house for a few days., it could well self recharge.
If you carried several solar panels, you could sit down in the countryside, have a nice picnic and a nap and the car could recharge pretty well - depending on how many panels you carry.
If they hadn't banned electric golf carts etc from the roads here then I'd be using one to get the 5 miles to/from work and solar charged.
@@MeandMonAmi The ami's battery I believe is 5,5kw. A 450w fixed panel, which is 2 meters by 1 meter in size, should generate 2kw/day, that's 40% of the maximum for an extra 30km in range. I know it is a large panel but I don't think it exceeds the car's dimensions. I saw amis with a similar panel working in the lisbon airport ramp. If I had an ami I would surely install one because I am not bound by strange appearances. I would love to travel for almost free.
After completing 10k km within a year, I've gained a comprehensive understanding of both the advantages and disadvantages you highlighted. Residing north of Athens, I've been fortunate to enjoy a positive experience regarding the weather conditions. However, I can also see and agree on how the conditions have the potential to change the overall experience for the worse.
It’s a fab little vehicle but it gets mighty hot!
I think you have the best climate for the Ami . Short winter ,warm spring and autumn and yes the hot summer is a problem. Looking forward to some snowy trips . Winter draws on ,be prepared….and stay charged and warm.
There’s a company in Italy that fits an opening sunroof in place of the glass panel, which solves the summer problem
Do you have a link?
Yes we are lucky. I think if we could park in shade things would be better but we can’t
@@MeandMonAmi it's an outfit called amituning, but as far as I can see you have to take the car to them for installation, which makes it difficult. The Ami Buggy has one as standard, so I imagine someone will make a kit available sooner or later as there's obviously a need for it
@@MeandMonAmi while I’m here, users in Italy are reporting uneven wear on the rear tyres, so it might be an idea to check them every so often
Happy birthday. Elton from Chiang Mai x
Thanks and love to CM
Once again, a great vid. Thank you so much for sharing your very honest opinion! Would be interesting to know the findings and costs of the 2-year-‘service’. Would be great if one day Citroen came out with a L7 version of the Buggy with doors
That’s kind of what we want. Love the look of the buggy but won’t work year round for us
I have been driving Topolino for 6 months now, enjoying every moment ,second and minute driving it. Might be hot in summer, but who cares the vibe u got and fun is well worth it...🎉😊
Elton has certainly done the bizz for you two….all cars have their flaws….some more than others……I think the sun roof or lack of it would deff be a plus…… I’m still wearing the T shirt lads, 👌🏽😎an wish we had your weather🥴keep healthy an safe. An I’ll keep watching…all the best.
Thanks Colin! Stay charged in it!
I always look forward to watching your videos. Now I cannot wait to see how you overcome the excessive heat or cold problems. I know that, in winter, my wife takes a bundle of hot water bottle along in our car. How about carrying a bucket full of ice along for the hot summer rides?
Indeed. I think it would be a bucket of water inside twenty minutes but might be worth a go!
Time really flies congratulations on 2 great yeas and here's to many more!
Yes! Thank you!
It’s funny how the drawbacks of this vehicle are principally exactly the same as those there were with a 2CV… makes me nostalgic.
I’ve always instinctively felt that…
Brilliant, so enjoy this channel 😊
Excellent video, everything you said was completely accurate, except you did miss the door mirrors that can flap around in the wind. I sold my Ami after two years as I couldn't deal with continual tortoise mode in the winter. I would charge the car for half an hour to warm the battery first, but even so I'd get only 15km/h or 20km/h for the first few kilometres and the range would halve. I swapped it out for an electric Aixam in the end. Much more expensive but better in every way.
Interesting. Not had the mirror issue at all and boy is it windy here quite often but I can imagine the cold issue gets you down
Excellent honest review
Thank you!
In the 1970s the snow in Syracuse, New York, would be up to your shoulders on the side of the road. We don’t have anything like that anymore except Canada likes to share its cold weather with us.
Yup I was once in New York during a monster snow storm. Was something else…
Have you got quotes for silvered vinyl wrap for the roof. What would stop the hot roof radiating the heat are those thin sound absorbent pads. Would also help with the cold!
Have you thought of a small evaporative cooler. What makes them less suitable in homes makes them really suitable in a car where the ventilation isn't a problem.
I love your delivery - such a refreshing change from some other channel presenters! Keep up the great work.
Thanks. We've tried those coolers and they really make little impact. I’m sure reflective would help though
Happy birthday, Elton, i hope the two did give you a nice warm handwash or so for the anniversary 🤣🤣
You three and Twiggy must have a great time together, i enjoy each minute you share with us. I'm sure the first inspection will go through without any problems. What we could see, you seem to be in best shape. Some of the developers at Citroën who designed you must have been keen mountaineers, the way you move through these small mountain roads...
Till Sunday and - stay charged!
Thanks Uwe. We have had a lot of fun
@@MeandMonAmi Well - we can see that clearly 😁👍
Thanks for this very usefull and good and well edited review Tim and Mr. Boo about the and yours great Ami.❤ After so much enjoyement watching your vlogs last years.❤ For long considered wishing and buying an Ami too..for long no budget still besides that for my sailing boat (=home) recently. But who knows one day. Indeed different climate here in The Netherlands..although also more and more warm and hot..but also rainy..so foggy. Curious to see your adventures and experiences in the colder snowy Alps.🎉 Don't forget the snow chains..😅
Yes we may need them! Thanks
Happy birthday Elton. Great review Tim. I found your channel as I was researching electric cars. I adore the three of you Tim Mr. Boo and Twiggy. Stay charged1 🚙🚙🎂🎂
Thanks so much!
I am driving the German version of our little Friend. First item on my to- do list was a kit for a third break light and a white light when you go in reverse. This kit features a beep when you go reverse like forklifts do. An nice feature when you are sneaking (literally) up on pedestrians not warching.
Then after having me braines baked I insulated the inside of the roof. Perfekt, still hot in summer but definetly better heat wise. I made me cover for the roof window which makes a nice combo with the insulated roof.
Cold and damp/wet is definetly an issue here in Germany. Still tinkering with a fan solution but as you said some heating element needs to be involved for a decent effect.
I really enjoy your videos - especially your daring trips. And please start wearing a hat in sunshine ...
Thanks would love to see pics of your insulation
Once you've had enough, I wonder if Porsche Monaco would take it in part exchange?
I’m sure they would!;
very good i got a lot of problems with mine sqeeking belt leakage
I love that I have not had gasoline smelly hands in nearly 3 years.
Yup so much cleaner
Nice very interesting topic - I've always love Citroen Ami since two years ago watching both of you 👍If my fiat 500 died today and i would buy Ami straight away ♥
Thanks very much for watching
I've ordered the draft excluders from you. Got 2k miles on the clock and cold weather testing in Scotland. Seat cushions are next on the list!
Thanks Ben they are on the way to you . How long have you had it?
Since May this year. I only have an AM license so it was an alternative to using public transport. No regrets.
I love these weird kind of vehicles 🤩 THX for the uploads about the AMI
Glad you like them! We do too
Absolutely spot on, and covered every single good and bad point of ownership. For me, it still remains the perfect London short-distance vehicle. The range is not an issue, charging is not an issue, the heat is sometimes an issue, the cold and the fog is a BIG issue but I use my other London car for that. My Land Rover ;) I actually have a couple of dry robes in the car that solves (mostly) the cold issue. ITs a keeper for now.
Not sure why my name came up with something else!
Thanks Richard. Would love to do a video with you in London if you fancied that?
Love the HDR video! Please keep shooting in HDR!
Good to see that you still enjoy the car. Want one myself, but they don't seem to be available in the US.
Yeah we love it
Thanks a lot! I am currently in the process of getting my driving test and in the meantime I have ordered a Citroen Ami. I was afraid that this purchase would be of no use, but being a city dweller and with your report, I tell myself that I made the right choice. the Ami is made for the city and for short distances if you want to go into the hinterland.
thank you for this feedback from you, good luck with the license and we look forward to meeting you aboard our Ami Citroen! be well! I’m sending you lots of good vibes!😊
Excellent, where in France are you?
I’m from Nice!😅
The adverse effect of cold temperatures applies to ALL EVs, but you don't hear much about it.
Indeed!
The range on my Smart EQ ForTwo is 110 miles in the summer and about 85 miles in the winter.
I would love to buy one. If it comes with a 2 cyl. 4 stroke engine with at least 20hp.
Two years! Where did they go?
I know right!?
I would love an Ami if we lived closer to town. Perhaps one day
Really brilliantly done. I’m new to the channel, I laughed out loud at the name.
Welcome aboard!
Thanks for the welcome. I will be enjoying all your videos in due course, I am really interested to understand your back story and how you ended up there as I am in my late 50s in England and my wife and I are considering all sorts of options. @@MeandMonAmi
Loved the video,nearly one year with mine but not using it much now in Glasgow area winter.still getting the looks and pointing so for the money getting more attention than a Ferrari,which is my positive take.only downside is the heater,I thought it was like a fan heater you have in your house that blows hot air immediately but not so this winter.it is probably a hairdryer under dash and that is my only negative but I do live in Scotland which is cold mostly.would I buy again,probably not.but enjoying Betsy till I hopefully trade up next year.fancy an XL berlingo
Yes today i was up early for a meeting and it’s was cold and never really warmed up. And we were 5 degrees.
Just watched your video for the first time. Great Job, Nice video and I have subscribed. Sorry I may of missed your already 2 years of Ami ownership 😃
Thanks. You’ll enjoy catching up
Its a creep…is the hill steep. Winter is not great. Salt…Humity…Heating kills range.
We are now 5060 km with it on the run. 10 kWh/100km is normal. Ours will turn 2 in April.
The worst with the Ami is….drum drum drum …tarara…its Stellantis. The german citroen Headquaters is the worst help ever.
Thank you guys…i fall in love with the landscapes you visit. One day i ll will buy you a coffee in real. 🎉🎉🎉🎉
Thanks Susi
Cool video. Good honest review.
Glad you enjoyed it
paint the roof silver and cover it with foam isolation from the inside. that'll do the trick.
14:43 Look up "shaving cream anti fog windshield" here on YT. It has actually worked for me. I've only used the foaming type not the gel.
Once the foam is buffed off the glasss it leaves a clear hydrophilic layer that creates a clear uniform moisture layer out of the condensation that is optically clear.
If the temp is below freezing at the end of your ride you'll want to wipe the windshield down so ice won't form inside.
LoL, "winter temperature" of mere two degrees! 😆 Where I live, summers are very humid and noticeably over +30°C, while during winters it can sometimes drop below -30°C, but the average is -6°C. So... I guess I should not seriously consider buying one, yet they are sold in my country too.
A solar panel would be a great idea ontop of this car. I have a small solar powered boat. Could even use it to charge up your solar generator.
I would like an Ami, but here in Sweden, its freezing for 6 months of the year.. might move to Nice...
I think it would be cold
Hi Tim, we got our Ami just after you, I think, in Jan '21 and we too live in a hot climate - Umbria - and have done 10k clicks. We had the diff blow up and the uneven rear tyre wear issue but both fixed without fuss under warranty. And yes, it is a f*king furnace in July!
Glad you agree and that they sorted you. I never thought the summer heat would be such an issue but I’d be lying if I didn’t say it was
A rather good review of this little electric car.
Thanks very much
Many years ago I tried driving a Smart and I liked it for the simplicity of use and its range on a liter fuel. But it of course needs a Drivers License.
Thats true..
Great tours of South of France.
Thanks very much
Watched this a few months ago. On holiday in Nice today and bizarrely we saw you pulling out left onto the Nice road on our walk to Villefrenche.
I shouted Bonjour but don't think you heard me! 😅
This is perfect for a smaller city with bad public transport!
Would it not be an option for you to 'trade it in' for the new Fiat version with its canvas roof and subtle improvements?
It would but it would be a bit funny with the channel name. Also we wouldn’t want the door less one all year round
@@MeandMonAmi yes of course "me and Mon Topolino" may not have the same ring to it, BUT do remember you have your captive audience now, and switching up to a Topolino would undoubtedly grab a new audience as well as continued love from the old.
1st thing that came to my mind was the fogging since i am in the uk and it rains so much.
Citroen AMI is a curious vehicle that can be used not as a second car but rather as an occasional car for good weather and main usage in towns, and better be parked in a closed garage, as in outdoors it may not live long. Is it worthwhile? I think not, maybe ride it once or twice if we get one from a friend or we could rent it. I would hate to slow down a row of vehicles behind me, I would feel guilty.