I see this happen so often but am not sure who is in the right/wrong.

London.

Cyclist going down inside of traffic (whether in a cycle lane or not) and faster than cars (ie effectively under taking everything). Car wants to turn left at junction and very often has not looked in mirrors at fast approaching cyclist. Result frequent near misses (fortunately not seen actual hits too often).

Personally I stop to let cyclist go for the two reasons:

i) they are more vulnerable
ii) they seem never to be prepared to stop to let the car go instead they jut give a lot of verbal. The verbal doesn't bother me but I don't want to be involved in an accident.

If I had a guess I would say cyclist was in the wrong, but..... Read more

Perhaps justifies a new thread from the man v auto one:

Drove a 3.0 Sport manual today.

Nice crisp V6, the chassis felt firm but absorbed ruts and bumps well, the steering was weighted much like the Mondeo, didn't hoon around so cant really comment on handling though it was surefooted and responsive enough.

Re performance, as expected and as per the above comment it didnt have that instant shove at low revs in any gear that the TDCi gives - less than 1800 in top and it still goes. Despite being 3.0ltr it pulled cleanly but not strongly by TDCi standards until getting on for 3000 from which it seemed to have a very linear delivery, the power building with the revs without a step, accordingly perhaps deceptively quick if using the revs, needle swing to 6000 + easily.

Kit - this car had optional full leather and also the optional elec sunroof which I would like, I value it on the Mondeo, though though no cruise, trip or column/wheel audio controls, also only a single non MP3 CD.

Nice dash binnacle though I prefer the centre console on the Mondeo where the climate controls etc are set into the ebony wood effect with the audio unit seperate, on the X-Type the climate system and audio gives the impression of being one combined and rather large unit. I also didnt like the interior colour of this car, cream leather.

Reckon a 3.0 auto beckons though one with black leather and probably SE spec.

EDIT: Spellin' Read more

DES MOINES, Iowa - Jane Hambleton has dubbed herself the "meanest mom on the planet." After finding alcohol in her son's car, she decided to sell the car and share her 19-year-old's misdeed with everyone ? by placing an ad in the local newspaper.

ADVERTISEMENT The ad reads: "OLDS 1999 Intrigue. Totally uncool parents who obviously don't love teenage son, selling his car. Only driven for three weeks before snoopy mom who needs to get a life found booze under front seat. $3,700/offer. Call meanest mom on the planet

I think we need a few more of these uncool parents Read more

The recent (very informative) thread on HGV gearboxes has reminded me to ask a question which has had me wondering.....

Does an equivalent "BMW syndrome" exist in trucking circles? I use the term without any particular prejudice towards drivers of the marque, but I hope it's understood what I mean.

For instance, would a trucker say, "just look at that - typical Eddie Stobart/Norbert Dentressangle driver!!" or "there's another tailgating (HGV) Volvo driver!"?. Or maybe refusing to let a MAN driver out at a junction on general principle? Read more

Full story here;

news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7180551.stm

I love this bit

High petrol prices have boosted demand for Toyota's Prius and Lexus hybrid cars and for small cars like the Camry.
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Read more