April 2006
Hardly an easy option:
tinyurl.com/fykyd
Read the questions section, but go to the bottom one first, the one posted last is at the top and it's a classic!!!!!!
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I don't advocate holding anyone up. I don't advocate getting in the way on a dual carriageway.
But am I the only person left in the UK who actually will drive at well under the limit sometmes -not all the time - but sometimes, simply because it's more pleasurable to do so?
On a country road, no hurry to get anywhere, and let's say the limit is 60. If there is nobody behind me I will often happily tootle along at 45 to 50, probably on cruise, just to take in the surroundings a bit more, get chance to see something out of the window, have a conversation about it with swmbo even.
When someone gets behind me I'll then speed up, but often find a sensible pull off to let them past and resume my gentle pace.
Does wonders for fuel economy and my stress levels too. Driving for pleasure so often these days seems to mean "as fast as the road conditionss permit, legal or not", which interests me not one jot.
Is that unusual? Anyone else?
43, before you ask.
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I promise I'm not taking the proverbial when I say that I have tried to do the whole inside lane thing, but all those people overtaking me winds me up, can't help but pull out and get up to 70mph. Annoying as I know conciously that it makes not one iota of a difference, they'll just be sat at the slip road junction for longer.
I used to race motocross from a young age, must be that!
I got flashed approaching a Gatso last night on the opposite side of the road, it looked like a standard one, why was that? I was on full beam so so I think it unlikely it read my reg, worrying though. Read more
Adam - I appreciate that this information may not be publsihed in every county, Moble camera locations that is. I have done a little research and here is a link
tinyurl.com/4v2jy
to the sort of thing that is available is some counties. Perhaps it should be more widely available? Genuine interest in reducing casualties etc
Ambling along a normally fast A-Road the other day behind an old Pajero, I got to wondering which cars other backroomers associate with extra slow driving?
Back in the 80's I remember Triumph Toledos heading the queue.
More recently E-H reg Renault Espace's have, erm, slowed the pace of life somewhat. Read more
Rovers, these are the people who used to drive the Volvo
340 (Dummies we were told by Volvo)
They hate driving, hate cars, and buy Rovers (except 75 or
Tata Indica).
Even the MG ones are driven slowly and badly.
lol
Hmm.........let me guess.
You drive a 10 year old BMW 3 series with tinted windows, oversized alloys and out of date tax? No? Ah sorry, it's an 8 year old BMW! :)
Any information, views and opinions on the life expectancy of a turbocharger?
I ask because I'm about to look at a 1990 MB W124 300E (M103 engine) fitted (when new) with a Garrett T2 twin turbo system. It has already been replaced once and I'm wondering when it's likely to need replacing again. It is clear from what I've read so far that, although such devices are essentially "fit & forget", regular and rigorous general engine servicing and oil changes are essential to getting the most out of them; the record looks pretty good in the case in question.
Any clues on replacement cost would also be welcome, as well as views on the wisdom of installing a reconditioned system (in an exchange deal) instead of a brand new replacement. Read more
Frined had a Porsche 924 turbo. Turbo failed at around 110k (it was very seconhand). Replacement turbo also failed cos garge who did the job failed to connect the oil feed correctly (talk of gaskets etc...).
I suspect a lot down to fastidious maintenance by competent people - which rules out lot of the garages I have had experience of.
madf
The bonnet release on my Volvo V40 (1998 1.8 GDi) was loose this morning. I tried pulling the wire with pliers and pulled about 10 inches of wire out. The cable has either snapped or the end come out at the bonnet catch.
Does anyone know a way to release the bonnet without smashing the grill? Read more
Thanks for the link. I'll make some calls and see if anyone other than Volvo has done this before.
What a great programme this is, even though it was depressing last night. Left me pondering on what the solution is to all these teenage car crims.
The bit when they found the cannabis farm was fantastic comedy though, especially when he threatened him with the non-existant Police dog. Read more
If she was blonde and arrested you, would it be a fair cop?
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
Main Dealers - don't you just love 'em? - jacks Thu 27 Apr 06 10:06
My wife has a 3 year old MINI bought new from BMW dealer.
She's just received a letter from the dealer inviting her to bring in the car for a "Routine Maintainance Check" for only £39.99.
I rang the dealer to find out what this was about as the car has a "5 year servicing for £100 up front deal" and has only been serviced fairly recently anyway.
Apparantly this a new "between service check" they are offering - - you can bring the car in and wait while they:
check the fluid levels
Check the lights all work
check disc pad thickness
Check tyre pressures & tread depth
and er.. that's it !! for £40 quid !!
Incredible the ways they will find to get money out of you, for what are basic weekly checks for most sensible drivers.
I also asked them about the cost of extending the warranty when it expires shortly.............and was told an additional 1 year warranty from BMW costs £543 and has a £100 excess.
I've never heard of a warranty excess from a manufacturer before........so you have a warranty but anything up to £100 is not claimable, and if anything major goes you pay thr first £100 effectively meaning - if you have just one big job done - you have effectively paid £643 towards it.
I think I'll have to pass on both those kind offers !
Jacks
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Appropriate timing, this thread!
My Terracan is coming upto 40K service time - local main dealer in Halesowen - £427 (it is a main service), Local Independent (who I thoroughly recommend, Bartley Green Service Station) serviced to hyundai schedule with oem parts £275 (when I said main service, I meant a 3/4 of a day service...)
And the local garage probably has more knowledge about the car as the main dealer has only ever sold about 5 Terracans in 3 years
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Drive Your Way - If anything can, TerraCan
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Renault Clio '99 model (mk2)
OK, After a leaking master cylinder was replaced there has been a lot of judder on the rear nearside brake drum that you can feel at the pedal.
BTW: its definitely nothing to do with the disks at the front because you feel it just the same when you use the hand brake to slow the car.
Stripped it down last night and had a look myself. In the area where the pads touch the drum there is a little dark patch (scorched) about the size of a penny. Looking closely there is a little crows foot that appears to be a crack. Looking on the outside, there is evidence of a crack there too.
My guess is that somebody had smacked the drum wih a hammer or dropped it and that now I will need new drums.
The other side is fine.
I am looking for opinions now...
1) Surely it cant be easy to damage a dum like this?
2) Dealer parts are v expensive (£150 / side) where is best place to buy these?
3) What about using parts from a scrapped vehicle?
4) Given that the problem was definitely not there before , what position am I in to accuse the garage of wrecking the brakes? Read more
HI, did you find a clio drum at the right price? if not, I have 2 for sale but not sure if mk 1 & 2 are same. I think may be. my drums are £20 pair, brand new lucas make.
Cheers
....... an artic delivering goods to a shop, with the nearside wheels on ramps to help level the vehicle. Is this common practice?
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L\'escargot. Read more
Have to say I admire the Tesco artic drivers who reverse their wagons across a busy but narrow London main road into a narrow cave between two terrace houses, at the back end of which is the back end of the Tesco round the corner. Sometimes hold the traffic up for a minute or so but I've never seen one get into trouble.
Browse
Made me smile (and thats not something that happens that easily).
Phil I