A growing family has now led to the ultimate mid-life crisis, I think I need an estate car. I don't fancy any of the run o' the mill cars (regardless of their attributes) and am considering a new shape Legacy Tourer. I've seen 2.0 sport tourers, pre-reg, for around £15 grand. Anybody got one who can give an informed opinion? Other general comments appeciated. Read more

This thread is dedicated to adverts for cars that have been "extensively modified" by their current owners. Naturally eBay is a prime place to spot such beauties, so I shall kick off with Mark's favourite, the X/19

cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=...1

Isn't it hideous? Read more

I spent a wonderful morning yesterday out at Prestwold Hall, just outside Loughborough, Leics, taking part in a Mini Racing event (which was given to me as a 30th birthday present by my wonderful other half) and had an absolutely fantastic time.

Over the four hours or so I got to drive a coach, run a fun Autotest in a Mini Cooper, be taken out for a few laps of the circuit by an instructor and then put down a few laps myself, take a gorgeous E-Type (still bearing Jack Brabham's name) out for a few more laps, and then be a passenger alongside one of their pro drivers in a Cooper S for a couple of extremely high speed (and slightly mental) laps.

Overall the circuit is fun, the staff are very friendly and helpful, and I had a great time which I won't forget. Much credit and thanks to all involved, and the highest of recommendations to anyone wanting to try a fun trackday for themselves.

Now for a public service announcement - Leicester Racecourse is hosting a small motorshow this Sunday sponsored by the Leicester Mercury. Nothing too big league, but they are going to have the X-Power and the new Misubishi Colt on display, along with a few other interesting bits and pieces. Entrance and parking are apparently free. Read more

That got you reading didn't it?

I have a question as always. As you may remember, some weeks ago I was on here whining about how 1 tyre was wearing quicker than the other and there was some wheel shake on my '99 Focus. After the advice of the BR's, I had the tracking sorted, the wheels balanced (all of them) and the steering wheel aligned.

Now - I've noticed that at 70ish, if you take your hands off the wheel (not completely off as that would be dangerous ;-) - just loosen the grip slightly) there is quite a bit of shake. The second problem is that at slower speeds the steering wheel seems to ever so slightly "bob" left then right very quickly but continuously but only if you're not gripping the steering wheel.

My question is, is this damaging the car? I only ask because the problem doesn't bother me - if you're holding the wheel properly then you dont' really notice I just don't want it to be silently damaging my car. A completely unrelated matter possibly is that when I was driving home from getting the wheels balanced, I turned right relatively quickly and heard a mechanical clang which I checked when I got home using my limited...well - non-existent mechanical skills. I dont' know how wheel balancing works but my thought was that a weight had fallen off the back wheel as the noise came from the rear. Of course, I could be wrong.

I would be very grateful for any input - if it isn't damaging the car then I don't care because like I said before, if you drive properly, then you don't notice anything.

Many thanks in advance,
Adam Read more

Hi

I've read loads in the press about certain cars (Mini Cab, SLK, CLK Cab, SL, Boxster, etc) have extremely low depreciation due to demand. Extremes being of people buying Mini's/SLKs, using them for a year and still getting list price.

The question I have is - is this really feasible in the real world, or is it a myth.

Do dealer margins on 2nd hand vehicles mean that although the advertised price may be the same as list, the price you actually receive when trading in isn't so good. It's difficult to work out from book/forecourt prices as most models discussed have huge (and expensive) options lists, so actual price paid is difficult to assess.

Ultimate goal (as is everyone?s) would be to change car every 6 months (9,000 miles) with zero depreciation. Common sense says it's impossible, but with 2 year waiting lists on some cars it may be possible in certain cases.

Interesting that there seems to be a familiar theme with these cars - German convertibles.

I'd like to hear what others think.

Dave
Read more