I was reading this story (from Superbike magazine, 1984) about a rapid journey from John O'Groats to Land's End - 884 miles in 11 hours 14 minutes on a Kawa GPz750 turbo, at a point-to-point average of nearly 79mph: www.tubbylardo.co.uk/2011%282a%29.html

I don't think that would be possible these days, given traffic volumes, speed cameras etc: in fact, averaging even 60mph point to point usually involves cruising above the legal limit most of the time.... Read more

I'm fairly convinced now that our roadworks are planned by m****s, or by people who actively enjoy creating problems.

The disgraceful mess of roadworks around the Western Bypass in Newcastle has rendered the A1 a commuting no-go zone - so the genuises have now reduced the A690 to a single lane contraflow putting any commuters from Durham into the situation of picking which set of traffic jams they would like to sit in.... Read more

Hi, I have an 11 plate zafira and have a horrible noise while driving, not all the time but more often when cold or damp. It sounds like a belt slipping. I have had the belt replaced and other things checked, I have now been told that it could be the turbo 'winding down'. I have driven cars and vans with turbos on and have never heard anything like this, any clues? Could it be the turbo is defective? Or on its way out? The car is an ex mobility car with 20,000 on the clock so has not been hammered. I need to find out soon as I only had 6 months warranty on it and have already had the car 2 1/2 months. Help!!! Thanks in advance. Read more

Been looking to buy a used VW Up in recent weeks, and a used Golf.
Experience 1: of a VW dealer in SW London.
They had the Up I wanted at a good price. Had several phone conversations with the sales guy. Have bought a couple of cars at a distance from VW and BMW dealers in the past, have paid up front and arranged to collect the car. Turned up for this car, and.... the car was in a pretty poor state (given it was one owner, 12 plate, with c 15,000 on the clock). Unrepaired damage to a rear panel, minor scuffs front and back, damage to the dash. The sales guy tried to convince me that for the price, I should take it as is. I was also offered the Supaguard or something similar) treatment at the bargain price of £1,500 (I'm serious).
I pulled out of the sale.... Still waiting for the refund of my cash.
Experience 2: Arthur Prince, a VW dealer in Loughborough
Good conversation with the sales guy, answered all the questions on the condition of the car, agreed the deal, and turned up to collect. What a difference. Customer service..... Well presented dealership, friendly, helpful. No attempt to rip me off with any add-ons that I didn't want It's a family firm, apparently. The current owner/manager made a point of coming over to thank me for buying a car from them, presented a bottle of wine, and an invite to the family friend's French vineyard. The car has been excellent, and they have responded promptly to a couple of post-purchase questions.

And where am I going this week, to buy a used Golf?

You can probably guess.... Read more

I have a question about headlamps. Which are better for night time dipped beam driving on unlit roads, LED or Xenon gas discharge? (ie not H4 or H7 bulbs with Xenon gas). How do I define better – gives the greatest benefit to the driver in terms of light spread and ability to illuminate the road ahead. I note that nanny EU has insisted any car fitted with Xenon headlamps has washers and are self-levelling, but this does not appear to be the case for LED headlamps. I also note that some motoring magazines have run comparative testing for different versions of H7 (or H4, I’m not sure) halogen headlamps, but not included LED or Xenon in their tests. ... Read more