Definitely car, I've too much to carry to think about public transport as an option (plus I'd get some very strange looks on the bus), and don't have the money for taxis.
I had the 1/4" cable first because the amp I was using at the time only had that connector, while my current one has Speakon. My backup amp also only has a 1/4" socket so I'd need it for that in case anything happens. I will get another Speakon cable eventually, but other things have a higher priority at the moment
I think Sire describe it as "tobacco burst", despite every other manufacturer having a tobacco burst that's effectively a 2TS with just the black and brown bands. This is a 2TS with red and brown. I have a tobacco burst V7 and it's great (albeit it will be sold later in the year to finance a bass I've been after for years) - enjoy!
Self-taught from 18, dipping into various books, websites, YT channels, Fender Play and even a few less-than-successful online "in-person" lessons. I've picked up random bits of learning over the years but nothing I'd call coherent.
That's fair enough and will depend on how well you trust the seller. The Monzo links all start monzo.me so hopefully this will start to get the word out there that such links aren't scammy.