Sat in traffic today behind a wagon r I noticed the rear hatch has what looks like a number plate recess but the plate is mounted in another recess on the bumper. Anyone know why ?
Any other oddities similar you can think of ? Read more

It's well known in the trade that hexagonal ring spanners and sockets are far superior than the multi-notched variety; you getter a better purchase and less risk of slipping. Why is it then that you can only buy these in sets "because they're specialized sir" when they do a much better job? Surely they can't cost more to manufacture. I only want one 13mm spanner to undo a cheapo Ford sump plug which are very prone to burr. Read more

Source: BBC news {Link wasn't long enough to warrant being shrunk with tinyurl}

news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/tyne/8049729.stm

Motoring link: The 64-year-old also hopes to pay for a set of custom-made vehicles to take cancer patients to and from hospitals.


{A somewhat tenuious motoring link. If it strays off the main road and heads down a rough country lane, this thread will be locked - DD} Read more

Regulars will have recently picked up that I have traded in my gas guzzling 4x4 for something a bit more environmentally friendly (in white). Let me run my experience past you. I will try to keep it simple but as far as I am concerned something has not been transparent.

When I made the first telephone call to the dealer the salesman quoted me the manufacturers advertised RRP 'on the road' and an approximate valuation of my own trade in which was significantly more than I was offered back end of last year.

Hooked, I decided to visit the dealership and have a 'face to face' view the car and get a true valuation of my own. I was offered the top end of the valuation and I was well pleased. Did the deal based around the RRP minus my valuation, and signed a sales invoice which included a few 'extras'. The balance was rounded down to the nearest £1000 with the difference of a few hundred becoming the deposit. This invoice clearly stated my PX value.

Move on a week when I went to collect the vehicle. All paperwork signed up , pay the balance and off I go.

That evening I sift through the extensive paperwork particularly the new typed up invoice. I notice hidden on the second sheet that the my trade in was £1200 less than was quoted on the original purchase invoice. The breakdown of the car cost was extensive with tax, new car tax, VAT element, delivery etc etc etc.

Bottom line is that although the balance was exactly the same the figures have changed to reflect a lower value on the new car and a lower px value on mine. They have not charged me as much for the new car but not given me as much for my old one.

Now you may say "Well whats your problem?" I feel as though I have not been treated honestly and with integrity. That £1200 may have made my decision not to swop maybe not. The figures may seem academic but taking into account by driving off the forecourt I'm the price of the VAT down as well as instant depreciation. That figure is also £1200 lower before depreciation - if you get my drift.

So whats it all about? If anyone has any idea I'd welcome their views. Had I walked in with no PX and cash is that £1200 the area in which I could negotiate a discount? Which is right the advertised RRP or the cost price on the final invoice? Was the original valuation merely a hook?

Clearly something is occurring but what? Why does there always seem to be an angle?
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Anyone know approximately how much a front brake calliper to be done with a bit of brake pipe will cost.


shouting silenced Read more