So after ten to twenty five years of use it seems that most of my pairs of Holeproof Explorers are giving up on me. They're wearing out in such a manner that darning the spots isn't going to cut it anymore. I hear rumours that the company has changed hands and the modern versions just aren't the same quality.

So I'm up for 5-10 pairs of new socks. I hear good things about wool / merino, but buying anything online I'm sceptical of the actual quality once it gets to me. Even temu makes their products look appealing all the way until you open the package.

Given this group is still small and off the marketing radar, anyone got any brand name suggestions, or even stores I should visit, maybe I should be buying wool and a sock knitting machine.

Thanks for your thoughts.

So mum drives a 2003 Nissan pulsar, n14 I think.

The new mechanic round the corner wants $250 for spark plug change and $400 for front brakes, which I hope is pads and rotors for that price.

I've only worked on old hiaces, spark plugs were $6ea, front pads were about $40 and rotors were $60ish. That totals about $125, double it for modern price gouging to $250, that leaves $400 for labor, which seems high to me.

Whaddya reckon?