September 2002
With regard to points made in two recent previous threads (the Backroom moderation and the acronyms ones – and probably a few more I’ve missed, actually) I’ve decided to put my four penn’orth in after all about the “feel” of the BR, and why I don’t post so often these days.
I like a lot of the features of the new site but I think the BR has lost a lot of its bar-room atmosphere, which was an aspect of it I really enjoyed before. I liked the banter, even if it sometimes had the most tenuous of motoring links, which was usually carried out with much humour and little aggression. The site has gone through a number of periods where the tone has become less friendly but this has usually worked its way through after some sensible postings by regular visitors. From my recent visits, it seems to be at that stage again, with some aggressive and intimidating postings that go beyond simple debate and discussion. I’m not necessarily saying here that arguments, for want of a better word, have no place but I always steer clear of controversial postings anyway and don’t want to get involved in unpleasant exchanges. So that’s my own moderation, if you like. I have the power of choice - but even so, I wouldn’t keep going to a pub where the atmosphere was unfriendly.
Which gets back to the bar-room issue. The banter-type posts seem to have decreased over the past months, and even some of those seemed to attract some waspish comment or other about them being trivial and having no place on a forum like this. As I’ve said, I’ve always liked this bit of the site, though I can talk cars as well as the next person – dammit, I’ve got one, haven’t I? – though posts about specific car-related issues are fairly self-limiting (I might read one about Citroens but I wouldn’t probably bother with one about rear flange-sprockets on a twin overhead cam gyratory system). I have opinions about motoring related issues too. I also know that not every post I do make is the epitome of wisdom or wit, and I try never to post just for the sake of it. I’m not saying either that every post a contributor makes needs a reply or acknowledgement, although previously that tended to be the case (not just for me, but for most contributors). But – and here comes the nub of it all - recently I haven’t felt very welcome. I started to feel that nothing I ever contributed was of any interest to anyone, because unless I asked a specific question about some aspect of mechanical difficulty there was a very loud silence. I could be really cynical here and say that was because you blokes (and let’s face it, you mostly are) then replied so you could then come dashing to a girlie’s rescue - though I think that's probably unfair: I don’t think it is a gender issue even if it is obvious that there aren’t many female contributors to the site. So in this virtual pub (as I believe someone once termed it) I began to feel a bit like Billy No Mates at the bar, nursing my pint and trying to muscle in – unsuccessfully and somewhat embarrassingly - on everyone else’s conversations. Well, in the end I got the hint, drank up, and went home.
I really hope that doesn’t come over as mardy; and I suppose in writing this I’ve laid myself open to the very thing I was concerned about, because there’s a part of me that feels my four penn’orth will be of no interest to you anyway (despite what David W. said in his reply to my previous post). Hmmmmm. That does sound mardy doesn’t it?
Oh well, I’ve said it now (finally). One of two things will happen. Either: there’ll be loads of really witty, conciliatory or plain well-considered responses (though hopefully no aggressive, rude, unnecessary ones). Or: nowt. If the former, well, great: I like this site and I want it to be successful, preferably with me playing a minor part in it. If the latter: well, I could take up knitting……
Read more
I can't resist loyalty cards - the thought of getting 'something for nothing' has an irresistible appeal. I religiously collected Green Shield stamps which I gave to someone who raised money to save lesbian whales - or some other equally worthwhile cause.
Almost all the reward schemes issued by the petrol companies were discontinued before I cashed in my credits. The latest is BP - yes I know I can still visit Index? to spend the few pounds, but I won't.
BP have now joined with a number of other firms to use 'Nectar' reward scheme. If I buy 2,000 litres of fuel from BP I can ring Nectar on an 0870 Tel No, they will send me a voucher which I can fill in and get free admission for one at - wait for it - an Odeon cinema in the West End.
Whatever happened to the Esso free wine glasses promotion?
Read more
I agree with the 1% cash back credit card.
However it might not be for all. You loose the insurance perks that you get with other cards.
Still paying for your petrol with it is wise as it probably doesnt need 90 day cover (motoring link)
I am visiting Kilburn next week-end and therefore require secure parking for my boyfriends so-called 'swish' car. Ideally the parking would be within a mile or so of Kilburn High Road and safe enough to keep the raggy-boys at bay.
If anyone knows of a SECURE car park please reply.
Many thanks... Read more
Try the M25.
It says here in the local paper (so it must be true):
"> Motor sport history was made at the recent Thruxton circuit in Hampshire with the first-ever British race victory by a diesel car, in the shape of the Golf TDi .....
....Michael Neuhoff and his Golf TDi drove their way into the record books, beating a host of petrol-powered machinery in the Volkswagen Racing Cup not once, but twice ........ qualified in pole ....... battled all the way to the chequered flag in the first of the day*s races, beating a 2.8 litre V6 petrol Beetle RSi by a half second margin.
In race two the diesel domination was absolute ....... 14 second victory....
"The Golf TDi seems to thrive on fast circuits" said Neuhoff. <"
A Caddy TDi Racer was also entered,
DNF race one but "> a creditable 16th in race two<"
">Volkwagen Racing successfully boosted the standard 90bhp TDi, engine to an impressive 200bhp ... max torque 264 ft lbs .... variable turbine geometry, larger injectors, pump and intercooler. Also reprogrammed ECU.<"
200 bhp and 264 ft lbs in a Caddy Van? I want one .... now please! Read more
4 low loaders arrived in work today, each carrying 2 of these classic fire engines. I had a quick look at 2 of them and i must say that they are in really good nick for their age, even though they appear to lack the abilities of modern fire appliances. My dad told me that these engines are maintained to the highest level regardless of their age and it shows.
Has anyone ever driven one, or knows someone that served on one ? Are they suitable for fighting fires today as they were in the 60's? And where are they kept when they're not in use ?
Ash. Read more
Can't be that complex, can they? Just like a big pressure washer?
At the back of my mind, there's a local paper pic or local TV clip showing one of our retired fire appliances being handed over free to a third world country, or somewhere in the Balkans.
Time for a policy rethink, methinks.
Any one got any idea what main dealers charge for labour?
My highest example to date is Drayton Mercedes who have a hourly rate of £70.30 plus vat (£82.60 hr inc vat)
Can anyone beat this? Read more
Independent specialists may well be cheaper, but their knowledge is unlikely to stay current. You pays your money and you takes your choice.
A scam to watch out for is a charge for "consumables". Refuse to pay it unless the dealer can itemise exactly what consumable items were used during the servicing of YOUR vehicle.
For some reason (probably because it is Friday afternoon) my mind started wandering and ended up on Top Trumps. It got me thinking that this was what got me first interested in cars.
Do they still make Top Trumps (cos as soon as my boy is old enough.....)?
My favourite car was the Monteverdi Hai 450 GTS. Always quicker than the Ferraris and Lambos but lost out on weight! Ahh those were the days. Read more
What on earth are you lot talking about? Have you all been sniffing funny gas?
Hellllllp...!!! i'm a pretty good mechanic, but this one had got me stumped and i don't want to waste perfectly good riding weather trying to find out whats wrong with my car!!! it's an L-reg ford fiesta (the missus's old motor)and the steering had got stiffer and stiffer, almost like if you have a flat tire, it'll free up occasionally, but then just get worse again!!
my thoughts are that:
A) the steering rack has warped some how.... don't know what would have caused this!!
OR
B) The ball joints or something has rusted up some how!?!
Anyone got any ideas??? Read more
cheers thanks for the advice!!! i'll give it a go!!
I would very much appreciate the opinions of those whose finger is more on the pulse than mine is.
Through my father-in-law, who works for a Ford subsidiary, I can get a new Mondeo at list price less 21%. In addition, I can currently get 3 years interest-free credit with 35% deposit. Finally, I can get a discount (13% I think) off scheduled servicing of the vehicle at a Ford main dealer.
Given that a Mondeo would probably feature on my list of potential replacement vehicles anyway, is this a bargain which I would be foolish to let pass by ?
All comments gratefully received.
Robbo Read more
Go for it, even if Trade-Sales was a little bit cheaper, this way you get a 3 year warranty and cheaper servicing. TS only do 1 year warranty and the dealers can (depending on which one you got to) be a bit funny about the import cars... I've had to change dealers since getting mine from TS, although having said that, it may be because I went to them, test drove their Fiesta and then promptly bought one for £3,000 less at TS! :)
New car buying tips based upon 20 years of my buying everything from Boats to Motorbikes to Cars both here in the UK and abroad:
Can you add anything that I have missed?
1. Write to the manufacturer and ask if there are any impending price reductions or special offers expected in the next xx months. That way you do not get pinched like VW owners were in 2000 when VW UK categorically denied that they were going to reduce the price of UK-supplied cars after losing market share to imports. They then improved specs and finally reduced prices which resulted in some VW owners demanding money back from VW UK after having bought bonafide but relatively over-priced VW UK cars.
2. Don’t buy a light metallic colour. After an accident repair the paint rarely matches the original. And that includes repairs to more expensive marques, not just Fords.
3. If you are not good at haggling then do your new vehicle negotiation by e-mail, fax or phone. Avoid going to the showroom in person; this reduces the opportunity of you to be pressured or bamboozled into a deal your not 100% in control of. All car sales training is based on the “wow” factor of the excited customer walking into a new car showroom, and they will use this tactic to their advantage.
4. When making an offer to a dealer for a new car shock them with your opening offer. Give them your contact details asap. Make it SENSIBLY low. This sets the tone of the discussion. Then let the dealer do the work in trying to bring the price up. If you do not like the deal then literally walk away. Do not forget who is the customer here! If the dealer is pushed to shift stock then they may contact you a few days later with a sensible offer.
5. Never appear keen to buy a car; always look neutral. If the dealer is waxing lyrical about finance deals/”free” options, etc then appear calm and non impressed. See 3 above. NEVER give out positive vibes about a car—the salesperson is trained to exploit this to their advantage. When the salesperson is mumbling on about ABS, IPS, airbags, etc just remember it is just a box on wheels and keep your feet on the ground.
6. Sounds negative, but assume that EVERYTHING the salesperson tells you is a lie. Unless it is stated in writing then it is simply not true. In my experience a salesperson is a professional liar.
7. If bringing someone with you to a showroom then ensure that they adhere to the same “neutral” behaviour rules as you.
8. NEVER discuss how much money you have to spend. Make your purchase decision based upon the best deal that is presented to you, not based upon how much money you wish to spend.
9. Gets your facts straight about the car you wish to purchase. Do not get suckered in to spending more than you need –or- getting a car with more spec than you want (unless it is a genuinely good deal).
10. If the dealer will not discount the car that you want then demand that they include options such as I) Free/discounted servicing for 3 years. II) Guaranteed Courtesy car when yours is being fixed/serviced. III) Discount of spare parts. IV) Free 1st MOT, etc GET THIS IN WRITING.
11. If you are really good then get a discount on the car and ask for 10 above!!!!
12. Look at the pedigree of the car that you are buying. How have older, previous models fared? For this reason only buy new Renaults, Alfas, Fiats, Peugeots, Rovers if you expect high depreciation or patchy quality.
13. When haggling do not get rude or appear to be more knowledgeable than the salesperson.
14. Do not buy any Renault with an automatic gearbox.
15. When collecting the car inspect it thoroughly. Ensure it is to your spec. Do not allow yourself to be hurried. Ensure that the dealer has not waxed the windscreen!
Read more
its funny to listen to the sales persons. when i go for a pub lunch, say, i sometimes ask "is your food any good?". it should give a good guy the opportunity to sell his freshest fish or finest beef. but the answer is often dissapointing, one actuallly said "no it's crap".
electrical goods and phones are also good. they spend ages giveing you the merits of the potential purchase, then when you go to buy they try to sell you insurance for when it breaks down.
.jpg)
A bigger round what?