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Posted by: Turin Machine Oct 17 2013, 09:46 AM

As per, I thought it would be a good idea to have somewhere where we can post regarding to the above topic, personal experiences and funny stories, topics, help and advise welcome.

Posted by: Turin Machine Oct 17 2013, 09:51 AM

****, double post, thats a good start, not!

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 17 2013, 09:59 AM

I have one immediately: what do I use to get that new car smell in a second hand car? I bought n old car a while back, but it had been valeted inside in such a way it looked and smelled like new! Any thing I do just make it smell of the stuff I used to clean it, so to speak.

Posted by: motormad Oct 17 2013, 10:04 AM

Haha, nice one TM.

To get a new car smell you need to clean the interior, the carpets, seats and headliner.
Especially if the vehicle was smoked in you need to pay a lot of attention to the drivers side headliner from front to rear as the cigarette smoke seeps into the fabric and is released over time.

Once everything is cleaned it'll smell nicer, then you can replace your pollen filter, spray it with any scent you like (saturate it basically) and leave it for 10 minutes before you put it in.
Then start your car and put the air conditioning on with the recirculate on and spray your scent into the vehicle (I use Autosmart BLAST - Bubblegum You can buy "new car scent" stuff if you want) and spray it into the footwells as well. Allow the car to run with the recirc on for 15 minutes or so, the scent will go around the air conditioning system.

Everyone compliments on how my car smells so it must work.

Posted by: Turin Machine Oct 17 2013, 12:04 PM

Thing is, most of that luvly New car smell is created by the phenols and other nasties evaporating out of the plastics, highly toxic. Very difficult to recreate. However, if you have a leather interior that can be kept smelling nice by using Gliptone leather conditioner, available from Liquid Leather web site it accurately recreates the smell of old fashioned leather.

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 17 2013, 12:24 PM

MM, for the sake of completeness, do you have, or indeed, are you willing to disclose, what you do for detailing your car?

Posted by: motormad Oct 17 2013, 01:03 PM

I will PM you a link

But basically for a full on detail you would

Pre rinse/snow foam.
Use an APC on the wheel arches, door shuts etc
Jet down vehicle once again
2 bucket wash
Iron and tar containment removal
Clay to remove any remaining contamination, tree sap , etc
Rinse or snow foam again.
Dry
tape up the cars rubbers, window trim etc
Machine polish (anywhere from 1 to 3 stage normally)
remove all tapes
wash the vehicle again or snow foam to remove polishing dust, tape residue
Prepare the surface for LSP (depends which product you are using dictates how you prepare the surface).
Apply the LSP as appropriate
Apply dressing/sealant to the plastic trims
I personally wash the wheels last so I would now wash the wheels and dry them, then apply tyre dressing and wax the wheels

Posted by: Claude Oct 17 2013, 01:28 PM

Automotive-related...

If someone wanted a personalised registration number, or one which meant something to them but appeared fairly standard (J389 KLV, for example), you can contact the DVLA. If it has never been issued then they'll include it in a future auction (with a reserve price of around £130 for that example probably) and they'll also inform you when it's available so you can bid.

I only found out about this recently and am now in the process of buying one which means something to me. I appreciate many don't see the point of 'personalised' plates but I thought it was worth sharing all the same.

Posted by: Turin Machine Oct 17 2013, 03:46 PM

Actually I do see the point, so much so I put one on my current ride. Good for you if you do it, stand out from the herd.

Posted by: Turin Machine Oct 17 2013, 03:47 PM

[quote name='motormad' date='Oct 17 2013, 02:03 PM' post='87342']
I will PM you a link

But basically for a full on detail you would

Pre rinse/snow foam.
Use an APC on the wheel arches, door shuts etc
Jet down vehicle once again
2 bucket wash
Clay
Rinse or snow foam again.
Dry
tape up the cars rubbers, window trim etc
Machine polish (anywhere from 1 to 3 stage normally)
remove all tapes
wash the vehicle again or snow foam to remove polishing dust, tape residue
Prepare the surface for LSP (depends which product you are using dictates how you prepare the surface).
Apply the LSP as appropriate
Apply dressing/sealant to the plastic trims
I personally wash the wheels last so I would now wash the wheels and dry them, then apply tyre dressing and wax the wheels
[/quote

Sound like a deal.

Posted by: motormad Oct 17 2013, 04:03 PM

Claude I want a personal numberplate.
People will call me a **** but then again I have purple wheels so I don't think the plate will make much difference at all..

Posted by: Turin Machine Oct 17 2013, 04:06 PM

Roflmao

Posted by: newres Oct 17 2013, 04:18 PM

Yes, it will make you unique. Just like everyone else.

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 17 2013, 04:57 PM

With the absence of Haynes Manuals these days does anyone know of a link or whatever that will show me how to change front discs and pads on a Nissan Qashqai?
Been quoted £325 = ridiculous!!

Posted by: motormad Oct 17 2013, 05:03 PM

I would imagine it's the same as any car really.
Jack it up and take the wheel off.

Remove calipers by 2 or 4 bolts holding onto carrier.
Remove a screw or plate of some kind that retains the pads.

Use a vice or clamps to press pistons back into the caliper(some cars require a wind back tool normally this is on the rear however).

For the disk normally there is a small screw which holds the disc in place on the hub.
Remove this the disk will come out.

I know a good mechanic in Maidenhead who can do this (he does a lot of work for me it's always top notch) or another guy based in Newbury who can do it however his availability is not as good.

I reckon either of them would do it for around £200-250 all in (depends how much parts are)

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 17 2013, 05:07 PM

OK thanks MM.
Have done this on other cars before but wondered if there was anything particular to watch out for such as funny springs etc.
I have found copious amounts of penetrating oil is usually needed on some of the bolts especially the small ones holding the disc on. If you round or shear them you are in trouble!

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 17 2013, 05:10 PM

It might be cheaper to succumb to the 'dark side'!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/nissan-qashqai-workshop-manual

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 17 2013, 05:12 PM

Blo0dy hel! Andy I have been looking for that for ages!
They must have only just brought it out!
You do have your uses after all!!
Seriously, thanks,

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 17 2013, 05:16 PM

I presume it is the right one!

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 17 2013, 05:18 PM

Yep, looks good!

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 17 2013, 05:18 PM

It come out two days ago!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nissan-Qashqai-Petrol-Diesel-Service/dp/085733610X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382030243&sr=8-1&keywords=HAYNES+NISSAN+QASHQAI

Posted by: spartacus Oct 17 2013, 07:01 PM

What about a thread on cookery tips.... or one for the allotment holders and garden owners?...



I must admit I did have a gander at motormad's link to the pictures of his Golf and that was one impressively shining car. Must look up where I can buy some of that Collinite N 476S gloop. It looks the dog's nuts. I take it that the buffing up process to get that sort of shine was done using a polishing pad attached to a power tool rather than elbow grease?

Posted by: spartacus Oct 17 2013, 07:04 PM

I'm being dim, but what's an APC (other than Armoured Personnel Carrier) and LSP... and what do you mean by 'snow foam'? Is that a product name?

Posted by: Exhausted Oct 17 2013, 07:19 PM

I've got a couple of Audi RS6 number plates which I acquired a couple of years ago. Probably sell them on some time. If you buy an RS6, give me a call and I might sell you one.

I pop my car into the local wash boys and get it done for a fiver. Looks alright to me when it's done, trouble is the dents do stand out a bit afterwards and the self tappers holding the bumper on are starting to rust. The new Yokohama tyres though are spot on, reassuringly expensive.

Posted by: Turin Machine Oct 17 2013, 07:48 PM

APC-all purpose cleaner.
Snow foam is a kind of heavy duty pre wash treatment. Sometimes erroneously described as 'touchless washing'. Designed to pre wet and loosen dirt prior to being lanced off.

Posted by: motormad Oct 17 2013, 08:04 PM

The wax does nothing for the overall shine of the vehicle to be honest.
Maybe the final 2 or 3% however it won't take a car with poor paintwork and turn it into one with good paintwork. The shine and quality of the reflections and what not is in the polishing of the paint.

The polish is applied using a machine polisher (I use a DAS6 pro on a variety of pads and polishes to get the amount of "cut" I require - basically how aggressive to go. paint is a finite resource and polishing in effects removes some of the paint. you measure the paint with a depth gauge to get an idea how of much paint there is and measure how much you're taking off as you work)
You can get the result by hand but it will take literally hours per panel - It's not fun.

Snowfoam is basically a foam that looks like snow and provides some cleaning. Some are "show foams" I call them , as they look pretty but don't clean much. You apply them with a snow foam lance and a pressure washer. I use Bilt Hamber Autofoam which is a good cleaner and also safe to existing layers of wax.



The local car wash boys are the ones who put all the fine swirl marks and scratches on it especially over time.
I would never use them, ever.

LSP is "last step product" basically the wax or sealant you apply to the vehicles paintwork (the last step).
APC is all purpose cleaner. (not to be used regularly)

Posted by: Turin Machine Oct 19 2013, 06:26 PM

Any one know a good wheel refurb outfit??

Posted by: Exhausted Oct 19 2013, 09:25 PM

That might be true but to see a swirl, one needs the paint to be shiny to begin with. Non metallic solid colour doesn't show the marks and when I park up, I don't have to worry about finding two spaces to park in (like Vbird) and that my worst nightmare would be that someone has bumped their door on mine. Having a shiny car must be the stuff that nightmares are made of.

Posted by: motormad Oct 19 2013, 11:59 PM

You can still spot swirls on a non-metalic colour, be it white, red, blue, orange, or rainbow.
Having a clean car to me shows pride of ownership. While I appreciate not all people have pride in their cars I would not buy a car that had not been looked after to at least some degree.

People should be more careful & respectful. I took my Mum into town today, she whacked my door into a rock on her garden when she got into my car - I flipped at her. It's just about paying attention to what it is you're actually doing!

My Alloys in Basingstoke
Silver Wheels in Ringwood (near Bournemouth). I have used both multiple times. I personally prefer Silver Wheels Ltd, as I find the chap there much nicer to deal with, have a good relationship with him.

Neither are the cheapest but then again, you pay for the results.

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 20 2013, 12:06 AM

Perhaps it is also incumbent on proud car owners to be more careful where they park too?

Posted by: user23 Oct 20 2013, 07:57 AM

It's only a car.

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 20 2013, 09:35 AM

A car isn't always just a car. The point I was making is that while one can blame others for not taking care, it is also the responsibility to make sure, where practical, that one minimises the chances of others doing damage too.

Posted by: motormad Oct 20 2013, 08:06 PM

Andy is right.

As usual User23 is wrong.

Posted by: Claude Oct 21 2013, 10:26 AM

Another option to throw into the mix - City Powder Coating in Birmingham.

I've got a couple of sets of wheels that need refurbing and I've heard good results from them, although they are quite difficult to get hold of on the phone by all accounts. I plan to turn up with 8 wheels, drop them off then collect them a week/fornight later.

I totally agree with what MM said - you get what you pay for - but £20 a corner is just too cheap to ignore. I'll definitely be making a visit in the next few weeks/months.

Posted by: motormad Oct 21 2013, 10:58 AM

I would like to inspect a finish from them before I would even go near it. If you think about the process of power coating, and the overheads of running the business, costs of the paint, storage, upkeep of machinery, staff, I can't see how they can charge £20 a wheel.

Their website is crap as well and the £20 a wheel was apparently a winter special deal!

My friend has his wheels refurbished at a local company and it was good for about 6-8 months and then the powdercoat became pitted and went from an off-white to a odd yellow-ish thing.

Posted by: Turin Machine Oct 21 2013, 11:29 AM

Thanks MM, yeah looking for a decent job to restore back to new condition, gonna need grinding and filling I'm afraid. I'mm give them a look. Ta.

Posted by: motormad Oct 21 2013, 11:35 AM

I'm going to Silver Wheels on Saturday to drop my winter wheels off for refurbishment.
As I have a good relationship with Marcus there I could probably get quite a hefty discount on any additional work.

If you wanted to speak to Marcus there - mbeck@silverwheelsltd.co.uk - or call him - 01202 896651 - (or let me know what size wheel you have and what finish you want I can ask him for you) then I drop them down for you if you wanted.

https://www.facebook.com/SilverWheelsLtd?ref=ts&fref=ts

Posted by: Claude Oct 21 2013, 12:26 PM

Like I said, I've heard positive comments from people who have used their services, some 18+ months ago, but like you, I just don't see how they can do a decent job at that price. Unsurprisingly that 'special' price has been in play for nearly 2 years now!

One of my sets is for trackdays and will be shod in 'wets' so hopefully they won't see to many miles use each year, and the other set I may move straight on depending on the finish. In either case, if it's no good it's not the end of the world but I'll let you know so you can take a look.

I'll drop Marcus a call when my 'show' wheels need refurbing, cheers for the recommendation.

Posted by: motormad Oct 21 2013, 12:43 PM

What do you drive yourself Claude?
I think trackday wheels need to be a bit beaten up, gives that #racekor feel I would be interested indeed to find out how they go!

And no worires.

Posted by: Claude Oct 21 2013, 01:31 PM

A Renault Sport Clio - it's a superb handling car, but very French - everything rattles.

Posted by: motormad Oct 21 2013, 03:17 PM

Haha, done anything chassis based? Coils, roll bars etc? never actually been in one
My sister had the first of the "newer" shape Renault Clo, I think it was a P plate, 1.2 . It was brand new and red, I remember you couldn't tell it was idling as it was so quiet.
However that's probably changed by now.

Posted by: Claude Oct 21 2013, 03:40 PM

Up front standard shocks are Sachs remote reservoir dampers (used by BTCC teams back in the day), with Eibach camber bolts, and it's on lowering springs manufactured by a chap who won a race in the Clio Cup series at Brands Hatch last weekend. Koni adjustable shocks and a Whiteline anti-roll bar finish up the rear.

This video is great for summarising how much fun my car is...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTTI-aMKn60

Posted by: motormad Oct 21 2013, 03:59 PM

Yes! I saw that video before. I subscribe to EvoTV, Drive network, etc . Very interesting. I quite like the old Harry, what a car guy.
shame he's gone to work for Jaguar/Land Rover really.

No doubt that handles well
And sounds like you use and abuse it suitably!

Posted by: Turin Machine Oct 21 2013, 10:35 PM

Thanks mm, what I'm gonna do is run it over the winter, then whip them down to Basingstoke in the spring, I'll probably have dinged at least one again in the next few months. **** annoying when it's a new car. Ho hum. Ta anyway.

Posted by: motormad Oct 22 2013, 11:08 AM

Oh that's sods law

I've only curbed two wheels in 3 years.
One was on a stupid mini roundabout that had a raised curbed centre thing (ah well) and the other was on my show wheels *CRINGE*.
Luckily I was able to file it down and polish it up so you wouldn't notice it now

Posted by: Turin Machine Oct 22 2013, 08:14 PM

Yeah, it seems new cars and narrow cornish lanes are not a recipe made in heaven!

Posted by: The Hatter Oct 23 2013, 08:10 AM

My Nan has a Renault Clio, which she uses a fair bit. Trouble is the spares are expensive - which pushes up service costs. Not a bad runner though. She got it from her friend, who had just brought another one, so they must have something going for ithem.

Posted by: Claude Oct 23 2013, 08:13 AM

Spares being expensive is relative. Compared to a German VAG car I think spares are cheap, compared to Italian exotica they're peanuts, but it all depends on where you get them from. Main dealers & even independent garages will charge a premium for sourcing parts for you, whereas if you source them yourself you'll generally be able to get them much cheaper.

Posted by: The Hatter Oct 23 2013, 08:32 AM

I'll tell her, I didn't even think you could do that, always just took what the garage said. Think she could have saved a few bob recently if she'd had cheaper parts. Thanks

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 23 2013, 08:58 AM

Depends where you get them.
From a Renault dealer yes, from Motor Parts Direct, Hambridge Road much less!
You could even go to MDC if you can tolerate the surliness and swearing from behind the counter!

Posted by: Claude Oct 23 2013, 09:21 AM

Or Euro Car Parts online - they're forever doing special discounts.

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 23 2013, 10:38 AM

Beware that some cheap parts can be inferior. Some cheap tracking arms, for instance, don't last two minutes.

Posted by: motormad Oct 23 2013, 01:25 PM

I think Andys point is very valid.
Im mobile at the moment so I will share a few stories when back on a p.c

However anything suspension or engine related such as suspension bushes, engine sensors such as MAFs, thermostats or pressure switches, ALWAYS buy GENUINE parts.

Posted by: dannyboy Oct 23 2013, 02:17 PM

With some cars all you can buy are geunine parts.

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 23 2013, 02:21 PM

The like the ones your driver conveys you in on your weekly premises inspections!

Posted by: dannyboy Oct 23 2013, 02:22 PM

Exactly so I'm told. And the one I drive at the weekend.

Posted by: motormad Oct 23 2013, 10:08 PM

Okay back to my story.

A friend has an Audi TT.
She had an oil pressure sensor fault which was replaced with a non genuine sensor from a large supplier.
It was faulty and caused all sorts of issues for her.

Friend put a non genuine MAF into his Mk4 1.8t - Ran WORSE than with the standard faulty MAF.

Another friend put a non genuine thermostat into replace his slightly sticky one on his PD130 .
Replacement thermostat broke in 1 month..

All genuine parts from VW come with a 2 year guarantee. If you have them fitted at VW that means if they go faulty within the 2 years it's repaired free of charge to you, if you have your friend/private garage fit it then you'd only get the replacement part for free.

The point is genuine parts are not excessively expensive

Aftermarket Mk5 GTI bumper - £160.
Genuine bumper - £200+vat

Aftermarket Coolant Temperature Sensor - £28
Genuine Coolant Temperature Sensor - £52

If you buy through TPS (VAG that is for but I'm sure others exist for other manufacturers) you can get 50+% of retail prices for genuine parts (normally need a trade account but some branches will sell to general public)

Posted by: On the edge Oct 24 2013, 06:11 AM

Good example of market forces, if the car manufacturers and garages hadn't tried to lard the price of spare parts, the pattern market would be much smaller or wouldn't exist.

Posted by: Mr Brown Oct 24 2013, 08:25 AM

I can be rally smug then! I live somewhere I don't need a car so don't suffer from these issues, that represents a pretty big saving.

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 24 2013, 08:47 AM

Front brake pads & discs Nissan Dealer £350
Set of discs & pads bought by me £67 labour £0
EDIT - Oh and Haynes manual £13.99!

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 24 2013, 09:29 AM

Out of interest, how long did it take? I wonder also what the cost difference is between OEM and pattern parts? Either way, it looks like a reasonable deal to me!

Posted by: JeffG Oct 24 2013, 09:31 AM

Actually, I'd rather trust my life to the professionals.

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 24 2013, 09:33 AM

That is a fair attitude, but it isn't a difficult job for a competent 'home' mechanic.

Posted by: JeffG Oct 24 2013, 10:10 AM

I am well past home mechanics. I remember a very long time ago replacing an engine in a Morris 8 with the help of a friend. We wondered why it wouldn't fire, even after running down a hill in gear. Finally we had a brainwave and checked which way round the distributor went. Firing order was 1-2-4-3 not 1-3-4-2.

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 24 2013, 11:43 AM

'bout 2 1/2 hours taking it easy.
I always take my time jacking and supporting correctly.
Personally I would rather put trust in what I had done myself and knew I had done it properly rather than a third party.
I have being doing home maintenance since I was a lad and never had any safety issues.
Having said that, if you are unsure of your capabilities, then of course you are better off with the "professionals".
I put that in inverted commas because I am not sure some of them are!
I don't know the cost of the parts with Nissan as I just had a quote for the whole job.

Posted by: Exhausted Oct 24 2013, 07:23 PM

That is not true. I suggest you ask your mate for a look at his TPS trade parts handbook and you will see that discounts to trade buyers are nowhere near that figure.

Posted by: Exhausted Oct 24 2013, 07:27 PM

Perhaps you might have said that in your original post rather than giving duff statistics to suit your comparison.

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 24 2013, 07:45 PM

I'm not sure that tone was necessary sir!

Posted by: Exhausted Oct 24 2013, 08:04 PM

you want me to apologise?

Posted by: spartacus Oct 24 2013, 10:22 PM

Ahh... 'home mechanic'.... I remember those days (he said wistfully, drifting off and remembering days decades ago of a bedroom full of crankshaft bits and jars of piston rods dunked in oil waiting to be put back together, weekends spent adjusting tappets and all with the smell of Gunk degreaser pervading every available space in my room and clinging to my clothes wherever I went...)

... In those days even the vaguely interested could have a stab at changing alternators and replacing head gaskets without getting into too much trouble, as the Haynes Manual was always on hand to help you piece things together again.....

These days however the clever buggers that design modern cars have made sure that even changing the headlamp bulb requires the manual dexterity of a teenage chinese contortionist. Or that removal of every car part requires a 'special tool' and dismantling several other components to get at the bledy thing... Engine bays are just one sheet of protective plastic designed to keep your fingers away from even thinking of pulling bits apart yourself. Sadly I leave it to the professionals nowadays as they have the computers on hand to diagnose and tweak

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 25 2013, 09:15 AM

Charming!
Just trying to be helpful and informative.
Which statistics were "duff"?
Fairly un-"duff" to me, comparing the cost of taking ones car to a dealer and having a job done, and that of doing it oneself??

You know, sometimes the responses on here make me understand why Lady Penelope and Lord it Up left.
It makes one feel like doing the same. I am not surprised that few new posters come on here!

Posted by: dannyboy Oct 25 2013, 09:49 AM

I thought they left because they were not used to being answered back too in any other way than a doff of the cap.

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 25 2013, 09:51 AM

Very good!

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 25 2013, 09:53 AM

I think it must have been his blob week!

Posted by: On the edge Oct 25 2013, 10:54 AM

I'd agree with that Biker1. It's all got beyond me now but fortunately I have a nephew who seems a bit like MM and for what seems to be a very small outlay, keeps me going.

Posted by: motormad Oct 25 2013, 11:23 AM

If you are just going to be argumentative in what is otherwise a nice easy going friendly thread, please leave.






Some cars are pretty bad
To be fair nothing is impossible. Most car headlights bulbs are pretty easy to change - My Golfs are very easy (well, my old one was, not this one with the Xenons).

Most jobs such as suspension, bushes, regular maintenance is very easy with nothing more than a few sockets and a toolkit from Halfords.

I dropped the sump on my driveway and changed the pickup pipe, only took a couple of hours.
Ford Ka's though, trying to change a headlight bulb on that.. or a Renault Modus

I think it depends on the confidence and ability of the "home mechanic"

Posted by: motormad Oct 25 2013, 11:23 AM

Epic saving! And now you have a sense of achievement having completed it yourself.

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 25 2013, 11:25 AM

And just think, unwittingly, MM and myself have saved you £££, I think we deserve a big sloppy kiss!

Posted by: dannyboy Oct 25 2013, 01:37 PM

I have recently bought a Reliant Robin & am thinking of converting it to four wheel drive.

Any tips?

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 25 2013, 02:48 PM

Sell it quick!!

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 25 2013, 02:49 PM

Hmmmmmmm...............I didn't save THAT much!

Posted by: blackdog Oct 25 2013, 04:35 PM

Put the 4th wheel on the roof, horizontally. Attach a bright torch with some blue gel over the lens. If you're lucky other motorists will then get out of your way as you race past at 35mph.


Alternatively:

Posted by: MontyPython Oct 25 2013, 07:10 PM

That doesn't surprise me at all!

Posted by: Exhausted Oct 25 2013, 09:09 PM

It doesn't matter if it is an easy going thread, statements which are incorrect or are misleading need to be challenged. I note that you didn't comment on the reply to your statement about huge discounts from the VAG main dealer regarding trade price discounts. The trade will get a discount because of the volume of parts they buy and their associated annual spend but the norm is 10%. sometimes 15% but rarely more.

If Admin thinks I should leave then I will but I don't think that being argumentative would be just cause.

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 26 2013, 08:01 AM

Again I ask you where my post was incorrect or misleading.

Posted by: motormad Oct 26 2013, 11:26 AM

A friend of mine can get up to 52% off some parts.
Some parts are not subject to such a large discount. Some are.
There is nothing incorrect about my statement.

One thing I have learnt is sometimes rather than engaging in a discussion which is completely off topic it could be de-escalated by not discussing it.

Posted by: Exhausted Oct 26 2013, 02:50 PM

The implication in your post was that you were comparing like with like. Your second post, you confirmed that the quoted figure for Nissan included fitting but the aftermarket was for a cheap part price only.




I have a friend who says that you can't get discounts like that from VAG trade parts sales.
Stalemate.

Sorry, the discussion is clearly headed "Car care and other automotive topics" so how is a reply to a car care/maintenance item in a thread any different than talking about swirls on the paint surface.
Should we therefore never engage if we think it might 'escalate'. What's the point of a forum like that or would you prefer that posters spent all their time patting each other on the back and offering sweeties. A bit like on the other forum you gave us a link to once.

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 26 2013, 03:06 PM

The implication was your inference; he wasn't implying anything in my view. At the time of the post he said he was quoted over £300.00 if he wanted a dealer to do it. Later, he found the wherewithal to do it himself. This cost him less, but he never attempted to deceive anyone, and when asked, answered as honestly as he could. He certainly didn't deserve your acerbic reply.

Posted by: The Hatter Oct 26 2013, 03:47 PM

Thought I'd give buying spares a try to save Nan a few bob. EBay didn't have anything, so Googled it! I think I've managed to get a cheap second hand part, a sun visor of all things, but aren't the dealers sites weird? Perhaps I'm too used to Amazon or EBay, just order and pay.

Posted by: Exhausted Oct 26 2013, 05:27 PM

No, he didn't say that.....

Front brake pads & discs Nissan Dealer £350
Set of discs & pads bought by me £67 labour £0
EDIT - Oh and Haynes manual £13.99! wink.gif

That reads as price parts to me. Line 1 reading

Front brake pads & discs fitted by Nissan Dealer £350 would have been correct perhaps

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 26 2013, 05:50 PM

This is what happens when someone joins in on the end of a conversation. His first post on the matter was:



Now yes, his quote went form £325.00 to £350.00, but he had made it clear earlier that he wished to do it himself, and that the quote was obviously for the complete work to be done; however. I still fail to see any justification for your rudeness!

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 27 2013, 09:24 AM

OK I am sorry if I mislead some of you but I was just trying to help comparing the cost of main dealer and DIY.
I obviously didn't word it to the letter!
I will continue to attempt to post material on here if I think it helpful to some as did Andy when he pointed me towards the Haynes Manual.
If I offend some with allegedly "duff" information then so be it.
I like to think that the spirit of this forum is for
1. Lively debate and
2. A community spirit where we can assist one another in whatever way we can as demonstrated many times previously.

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 27 2013, 09:36 AM

I don't see you need to do that; Exhausted was the one talking out of his dorsal side.

Posted by: motormad Oct 27 2013, 10:37 PM

Good for you.
Fight the power.
Let miserable people be miserable.




I broke one of my air ride sensors today. That was fun, my car going tripod down the road...

Posted by: motormad Nov 3 2013, 07:29 PM

On a cleaning related note I have recently completed writing a guide for another forum I use

Feel free to read it. Hope it helps someone.

http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,74892.0/topicseen.html

Posted by: Turin Machine Nov 3 2013, 08:32 PM

Excellent, textbook stuff. Be prepared for the usual comments though.

Posted by: Claude Nov 4 2013, 01:05 PM

Can anyone recommend a good, honest & trustworthy BMW independent specialist with 50 miles of Newbury?

Posted by: motormad Nov 5 2013, 12:00 AM

I worked at Car Clinic for my work experience
They had loads of E36 M3s in for Vanos work at the time. Believe they were a specialist. Never used them myself tbh.

Posted by: The Optimist Nov 5 2013, 11:12 PM

Some excellent advice in there. Thanks MM. I need to stock up on some new bits and bobs now as I've clearly not been doing my paintwork any favours! Not sure I'll ever get all the way through your steps but even for basics, there's plenty of great suggestions. When I get my next motor, I'll know how to start out right

Posted by: Exhausted Nov 6 2013, 09:11 AM

Wondered where your vast knowledge came from.

Posted by: motormad Nov 6 2013, 11:18 AM

Glad it helped you. If you want clarification on anything just ask.



Isn't there a middle lane somewhere near you that needs hogging?

Posted by: Nothing Much Nov 6 2013, 11:52 AM

Isn't there a middle lane somewhere near you that needs hogging?

ce

Posted by: Exhausted Nov 6 2013, 07:01 PM

Not this week, I don't want to make a pig of myself.

Posted by: The Optimist Jan 3 2014, 06:19 PM

Question for you, given you offered

What's your take on rinseless car wash fluid? I've read a little and it looks to be extremely effective for those who won't be able to dedicate a lot of time to a detail every week. I have a black car currently and so plenty of swirls over several years of poor quality washing on my part but getting a new car (also black) in a couple of months which I'm hoping to keep in far better condition.

Posted by: motormad Jan 3 2014, 10:51 PM

Hmm Rinseless/waterless washes I've always been very nervous of, simply because you usually need water as a medium to help carry particulate matter away from the paint.
Rinseless are of course better than waterless but neither are really something I would do on a regular basis.. I only ever waterless when I've got to a car show (and I've cleaned the car before the drive) as there is very little dirt on the vehicle, and what little dirt there is can be easily removed as it's not had chance to bond.

You would be better off having the car prepared properly or cared for by a friend or paying someone to do it when the car is new, with a durable coating (such as Cquartz which will last a year at least) and then washing the car properly & safely, when you can (every couple of weeks or whatever) or by paying someone else to do it (most detailers will do intermediate washes quite cheaply indeed).

Avoid the cheap crappy 5 quid places with your new car and I would instruct the dealer not to apply any coatings or to even wash the vehicle. You'd be surprised how swirly the paint on new cars can be, and this is nearly always down to the dealer prep. I also hope you aren't paying £300 for "lifeshine" or "supaguard" or any similar coating..

Spend the time properly on your new car once, and it will be worth it over the years of ownership

Posted by: JeffG Jan 4 2014, 10:41 AM

I knew someone years ago who when he got a new car, took off the hubcaps, greased and wrapped them then stowed them in the attic until he needed to sell it.

Posted by: Biker1 Jan 4 2014, 11:17 AM

I know people who buy cars with air conditioning and then won't use it because it costs more in fuel!
(Or perhaps those who buy cars with headlights and can't afford to use them! )

Posted by: Andy Capp Jan 4 2014, 11:45 AM

...and indicators (especially when people get near to supermarkets!).

Posted by: The Optimist Jan 4 2014, 06:36 PM

I think most new BMWs and Mercedes have broken indicators

Posted by: motormad Jan 4 2014, 10:12 PM

gave me quite the giggle.

Posted by: Biker1 Jan 5 2014, 10:00 AM

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2390373/BMW-drivers-really-aggressive-drivers-prone-road-rage-wheel.html

Posted by: Exhausted Jan 5 2014, 01:04 PM

It always amuses me that we are always the best, most considerate and of course the most experienced drivers on the road and it's always the other guy who causes all the problems due to his (or her) lack of roadcraft and understanding of the rules as we see them.

Get a life and stop moaning about the other person as he (she) is probably moaning about you.

Posted by: Biker1 Jan 6 2014, 06:12 AM

There are just 2 things that a man will NEVER admit he is bad at.................
One is driving and the other is sex!!

Posted by: Turin Machine Jan 6 2014, 09:42 AM

Broadly agree with this, however if you can get Lifeshine thrown in by a good dealer its worth haggling for, also avoid at all costs so called service washes. Touchless cleaning (snowfoam and pressure wash) is also an option just to get the worst of the dirt off in between 'proper' washes.

Posted by: motormad Jan 6 2014, 12:02 PM

The problem is the dealers employee idiots to apply the product. They do not do it properly. This is where most of the damage occurs. They claim lifeshine lasts for years but in reality it's the trade version of Autoglym Extra Gloss Protection which costs about £10 in Halfords, and an application lasts 2-3 months TOPS on a well prepared car. They will not clay the car, or polish it, or give it an IPA wipedown, they will whack it on poorly prepared car so it will last much less..

If you want a coating done have a professional detailer or a knowledgeable friend perform the initial protection detail on the car. I can recommend Detail My Car as I know they offer this as as service (new car protection detail). And it would be around the same price as a dealer prepared Lifeshine Treatment, or probably slightly less in fact..

I would instruct any dealer when buying a car under no circumstances to ever wash the car, I would not want it touched at all.

Posted by: Claude Jan 6 2014, 04:14 PM

Can you recommend a pre-wash? Do you rate Auto Finesse Citrus Power or Valet Pro Citrus wash, or another product? Also, what's the best way to use these products?

Posted by: Exhausted Jan 6 2014, 04:19 PM

That's an offensive statement if ever I've heard one. Could you be specific about which dealer or is that a generalisation.

Posted by: motormad Jan 6 2014, 04:59 PM

Citrus Power is really good. However it is very expensive when used regularly. You can use 200ML per car quite easily (and often you need to).

You can dilute it 1:2 with Water (1 part water 2 parts Citrus Power) without much loss of cleaning power.

VP Citrus Wash is very good as well but you need to be careful with dilution ratios or it will effect your LSP. Out of those 2 I would use VP Citrus It's just as good and miles cheaper.

I use Bilt Hamber Autofoam in a Pump sprayer (as I don't use a Jetwash personally due to the house I'm living in) and that works well.




Offensive how? Unfortunately it's true... dealers (which I won't name out of being professional) don't have time to spend 5-6 hours on a car prepping it properly. It's done in 30 minutes by untrained people who don't understand "detailing". I've also seen serious paint damage done by dealers who "machine polish" things - They use the harshest compounds on old, dirty machine polishing pads and they do it really quite badly.

There are exceptions to this but the generalisation is correct. A minority of dealers employ skilled employees but this is not something the average joe would notice so the majority of dealers do not bother..

Posted by: Exhausted Jan 6 2014, 05:26 PM

Simply by calling people doing a job idiots.

People who faff about and get stressed about car paintwork are idiots in my book. Is that offensive ?

Posted by: Andy Capp Jan 6 2014, 05:33 PM

Dealers on 'the triangle' do seem to employ people with, let's say, 'out-of-date' attitude to customer service.

Posted by: Turin Machine Jan 6 2014, 10:02 PM

I don't think that someone spending tens of thousands of pounds and then wanting to keep it in good condition is stupid at all, quite the reverse in fact.

Posted by: Turin Machine Jan 6 2014, 10:04 PM

it's not so much the employees to blame, it's the dealer for not instituting a proper procedure and for not investing in the right equipment to do the job

Posted by: Exhausted Jan 6 2014, 10:30 PM

That's better but the margins can be quickly eroded by employing expensive add ons such as MM might like. No excuse for selling a car that hasn't been properly prepared though.



Just suggesting a tit for tat reply really.

Posted by: motormad Jan 7 2014, 12:01 AM

I don't think that's offensive, then again I am not a little crybaby like you seem to be sometimes.

If you are offering a service I expect that service to far exceed what the average consumer would be able to do. If they are not up to their jobs then I will call them idiots if I want to. If you took your computer up to PC World with a problem and the guy knew LESS than you did, you'd not think he was an idiot? Or would you invite him to your house for Peppermint Tea..

I find detailing very theraputic. Completely the opposite of being stressed. Nothing will calm me down, chill me out more than either locking myself outside or in a unit somewhere with just myself and a bit of music and get on with the job in hand.

My old Golf which you all mocked me for was sold with 150k on the clock. It was a 2004 Mk5 Golf 1.9 TDI. I sold it for £6750. Do you think I would have gotten anywhere near that if the paint LOOKED like 150k old paint? I'd be lucky to have gotten half.

I speak with first hand knowledge of what dealers can (and have) done to brand new car paint. Coatings that owners pay £300+ for which are ultimately £10 products. They are applied no better or more carefully than what your "average joe" would do at home.

Posted by: Claude Jan 7 2014, 04:17 PM

Thanks MM, appreciate your comments. I'm currently wearing CarPro CQuartz Finest and I really don't want anything to affect that so I'll play the dilution game very carefully indeed!

Posted by: motormad Jan 7 2014, 06:19 PM

Epic choice of LSP
You want to avoid anything Caustic so if you use a snowfoam lance you need to keep the PIR (panel impact ratio, so that's the % of product hitting the panel when diluted) between 4 and 8%.

If you don't already consider buying some Carpro Reload as a 10 minute bi weekly top up to your Cquartz

Posted by: Claude Mar 3 2014, 09:52 AM

Saw your car yesterday MM and was impressed, good effort!

Who are you insured with and have you got an agreed value policy?

Posted by: motormad Mar 3 2014, 10:05 AM

Hah, where was this? At the DMC open day?

I'm insured with Brentacre, so every single mod is covered with a like for like replacement. EG if I were to have a front end crash I'd have my front end repaired to how it is currently with my splitters and what not. I phoned up yesterday and added another £3k worth of modifications and it cost me nothing!

I think I have a guaranteed value policy, but I'm not entirely sure, LOL. Should probably pay more attention to these things. But everything is well above board, as it should be really.

Posted by: Claude Mar 3 2014, 10:19 AM

Yep, I came and said hello when I was talking with a couple of your friends (Robbie with the Leon & JW Audio?) but didn't introduce myself as 'Claude' from the NT forum - didn't think it was the right time/place Do you know Charlie who took photos? Is he from your Golf circle of friends?

Was a good event, although it could have done with some hot food/drinks on sale.

Posted by: motormad Mar 3 2014, 10:43 AM

Haha, so we spoke? That's so weird!

Yeah Robbie and Jairm (JW Audio). Robbie has a new Ibiza Cupra, he's had a lot of bad luck with it, it was keyed and had some pretty shoddy main dealer paintwork issues - Jairm's one of my best mates, he did my audio work for me, and all of my trimming, and he drove me to Blackburn to get the RS4 seats on Friday night
He owned the Mk5 next to me.

I didn't know Charlie at the time, didn't speak to him on the day, but am now friends with him on Facebook lol. I think we're going to meet up at Ultimate Dubs.

He took some cracking pics! This one's probably my favourite



Yeah, agree RE the food and drink. Nick did have a kettle and some tea/coffee/hot chocolate in the Gazebo but again I don't think many people were really aware.

Nick's planning another event in the summer and I know the feedback received will be acted upon and we've been chatting about other options so hopefully the next one will be even better

Posted by: JeffG Mar 3 2014, 12:50 PM

Does the car in the picture make a scraping noise when it's being driven?

Posted by: Baffers100 Mar 3 2014, 05:08 PM

MotorMad, pretty sure you work near me, I recognise the car!

Advice please on foam lances- brought a Karcher K2 recently, was going to get a Karcher foam lance but most stuff I've read on detailing forums directs me to the AutoBrite HD foam lance. Do you have any other recommendations?

Also- any thoughts on good types/brands of snow foam for foam lances? (Everything else I use is pretty much entirely Autoglym).

Could also do with a plebs guide to washing the car with the pressure washer too to make sure I'm not damaging the paintwork. I had the 2 bucket method down to a t, and only stumped for a pressure washer to get the car cleaner quicker this time of the year. (Plus, new car on order is White so I want to keep it cleaner and looking good).

Thanks

Posted by: Turin Machine Mar 3 2014, 11:16 PM

What do you think of the Karcher? just bought a K4 but will probably use my old washer for the car as it's not too powerful so less likely to damage it. Not so sure about foam although I have used pre soaks with some success, might just give it a go this spring, my main gripe is the cleaning the drive and pavement after I'm done. Still.

Nice job on the car MM, looks like a labour of love!

Posted by: Andy Capp Mar 3 2014, 11:19 PM

It looks like yer suss is ferked!

Posted by: Claude Mar 4 2014, 08:37 AM

I got my AB HD lance through the group buy on the Detailing World forum, with MagiFoam I think. The lance itself is good, I'm more than happy with it. The foam is also more than satisfactory, however, I haven't tried any alternative products so can't offer any comparison.

Posted by: motormad Mar 4 2014, 02:02 PM

RE pressure washer, as Claude says - The Autobrite Lance is really good. Magifoam is a good snow foam as well, it actually cleans, and has a very very very long dwell time (being it stays bubbly for bloody ages).
I use Bilt Hamber Autofoam personally. Both are good. Autofoam probably cleans a bit better but you do have to rush around if you're cleaning the badges and grills etc as it doesn't cling as long

A ft or so is fine.. if you don't go close enough to the paint you're not going to get anything off the paint!



some pikey stole it





You'll be OK.
Pre soaks are probably easier and quicker but not quite as fun

And yeah she really is. Last night I was working on it till 1am for example... got a gearbox oil leak somewhere, from the filter housing I suspect, as she is DSG it's of particular worry, and I snapped one of my height ride sensors so the suspension doesn't really work properly.
I've had plenty of late evenings and sleepless nights due to this car.

Posted by: spartacus Mar 4 2014, 08:28 PM

I take it that one of the special mods you’ve added is Citroen DS21 suspension and the whole thing raises by about 6 inches as soon as you start her up and fill the hydraulic spheres?

If that's not the case then presumably one of the provisos of catching a lift and being allowed to sit on the passenger seat is that you weigh in at an anorexic maximum 5st and are quite happy to have your fillings drop out every time you go over 20mph on any road surface other than the Santa Pod dragstrip?



For those unfamiliar with the delights of classic french motoring this is the DS

I remember we had one was I was a nipper and I was fascinated by the feeling of rising up off the ground before we started to roll forward. I always thought it was like a hover car (although my dad thought it handled like a 20t hover tank)

Posted by: motormad Mar 5 2014, 12:58 AM

Not quite, it's air suspension. There are 2x400cc compressors and a 5 gallon/150psi air tank.
E-level management which basically means you set 3 ride heights and no matter what the loading of the car (eg 3 fat blokes in the back and a boot full of their stuff) the car will never sit unequally.
You measure with a tape measure from each wheel arch down at a height you like, and then save it, and it's maintained regardless of load of the vehicle

Say I set up my preset one to be 23 inches wheel arch to ground, no matter what the loading of the car this ride height will be maintained if I dump the boot full of luggage or a fat person gets in the back... . It's a very simple yet complex system.

Best way to understand what it does it is to watch this vid

www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTrupjf-QFQ&t=2m54s

I gave Simon a lift back from the pub and I don't think he complained about the teeth shattering ride comfort (it's very comfortable actually).

I remember the Citroen DS3 was involved in a failed assassination attempt and due to the clever suspension design, the driver was able to get his passenger to safety with a completely shot out tyre?

Posted by: Biker1 Mar 5 2014, 06:14 AM

Anyone know who round here does motorcycle MOT's apart from Pro-Bike?

Posted by: Andy Capp Mar 5 2014, 11:49 AM

This is not a recommendation as I have never used them, but Ball Hill Garage used to I understand.

Ball Hill Garage
Ball Hill,
Newbury,
Berkshire.
RG20 0NL
Tel: 01635 253282

Posted by: On the edge Mar 5 2014, 05:27 PM

I think the motor scooter place in the old cable works near Boundary Road does as well. Used to be called Pipers.

Posted by: Baffers100 Mar 5 2014, 09:46 PM

Thanks for your help.

Think I will go for the Autobrite HD lance. I can get it from them for £40 with 5 litres of magifoam which seems to be a good buy as that's around £30 on Amazon.

I'm impressed with the Karcher K2. I always thought it either wouldn't be powerful enough or it would destroy my paintwork but actually it's great. It's brilliant on my alloys which gave always been a mare, even with Bilberry cleaner.

Another note- are there any good products available which will keep my exhaust tailpipes looking like new, or is this not worth doing unless you have a nice chrome muffler? I'm going to be driving a hybrid lol, I just want to keep the "just rolled off the factory floor" newness!

Posted by: Exhausted Mar 5 2014, 10:54 PM

The Motor Bike Mot test place is Chris Fidler on the junction of Mill Lane, Bone Lane and Boundary Road.

As far as I know there are no Bike testers on the Sterling estate.

Posted by: spartacus Mar 5 2014, 11:22 PM

MM I'm genuinely pretty impressed with that. I didn't know about these mods (my son doesn't buy motor mags so I don't keep up) In my day you'd be considered a petrol head if you spent your weekends dismantling the carbs, were happy to while away a few hours fiddling with tappets and feeler guages and had a well thumbed copy of the Haynes manual for your motor.

These days cars are too complicated for that sort of general 'let's take this bit off and see how it works' amateur mechanics, but you do seem to have some pretty sophisticated technical wizardry at your disposal instead.

Posted by: spartacus Mar 5 2014, 11:35 PM

If you needed to change the tyre you didn't need to jack the car up either. You just inserted a peg into the suspension and the wheel retracted up with the car resting on three tyres. Not foolproof though as I remember my dad's car tipping over a couple of times...

Posted by: Biker1 Mar 6 2014, 08:47 AM

Thanks to all for bike MOT info.
I will check them out.

Posted by: Claude Mar 6 2014, 08:48 AM

I use Auto Finesse 'Mercury' which is a fantastic product. Apply it with a microfibre cloth, rub then wipe off with a clean mf cloth. If there are stubborn marks then use some fine wire wool, but generally it keeps them gleaming! An alternative rated product is Autosol, although I've never used it.

Posted by: motormad Mar 9 2014, 06:57 PM

Yes as above it's a good product.
Finishes very nicely, I use it as a finishing polish for my bare aluminum wheel rims.
Autosol is good as well, but a bit harsher so doesn't leave the same shine.

Posted by: Biker1 Mar 10 2014, 08:23 AM

After reading all this I think, now the weather is better, I'd better give the car a wash.
Haven't done it since last October!
Wilkinsons wash & Go seems to work well!

Posted by: motormad Mar 10 2014, 09:11 AM

It is quite a complicated system, very helpful to have.

We have no need for feeler gauges now we have hydraulic automatically adjusting tappets

To change a wheel on mine I still need to jack the car up although you can dump out air from certain bags and then if you physically lift the wheel/tyre up it will tripod.
A feature like that would come in handy, hah.

Front suspension





Rear suspension



One of the ride height sensors (there are 4)



Compressors

Posted by: Claude Mar 11 2014, 11:08 AM

Who knows anything about Sat Nav?

I've plotted a 700 mile, two-day driving route in Wales using Google maps and 20 or so waypoints for each day.

I'm either going to borrow (does anyone on here have one they could lend me?) or buy a TomTom, Garmin or something similar.

Is it possible to get the route from Google maps onto the Sat Nav unit, or is that functionality compatible with some models but not others?

If it is possible is it just a case of downloading the route as some kind of file, then connecting the SatNav to the PC via USB then dropping the file onto the SatNav folder, and Robert est ton maman's frére?

Posted by: motormad Mar 11 2014, 03:31 PM

Maybe some newer models have that option, I would personally just use my Smartphone with Google Maps, normally if you sync accounts you can use your planned routes?

Posted by: dannyboy Mar 11 2014, 05:03 PM

wouldn't that count as using a mobile phone whilst driving?

Posted by: Andy Capp Mar 11 2014, 06:17 PM

Not if in hands free mode.

Posted by: Turin Machine Mar 11 2014, 09:25 PM

Audi A6 uses google maps as part of its nav system.

Posted by: motormad Mar 12 2014, 12:09 AM

No?

Posted by: dannyboy Mar 12 2014, 10:56 AM

can you programme a smart phone with route details in hands free mode then?

Posted by: dannyboy Mar 12 2014, 10:56 AM

you seem unsure.....

Posted by: JeffG Mar 12 2014, 11:41 AM

You cannot programme any SatNav while you're driving. You enter details before you start your journey. As you well know.

(Unless your SatNav has voice recognition, of course.)

Posted by: Andy Capp Mar 12 2014, 11:43 AM

Yes, I think dannyboy is just being flippant.

Posted by: dannyboy Mar 12 2014, 11:52 AM

I dunno - I balance an Road Atlas on the steering wheel.

Posted by: Claude Mar 12 2014, 12:03 PM

Talking of Road Atlas(es?) I've just bought a Philips Navigator one and it is superb!

Posted by: JeffG Mar 12 2014, 12:22 PM

As long as you steer with your knees while turning pages.

Posted by: Andy Capp Mar 12 2014, 01:10 PM

You need them for rolling an oily!

Posted by: motormad Mar 12 2014, 01:38 PM

Dannyboy?
flippant?

Posted by: dannyboy Mar 12 2014, 01:44 PM

that's what I though - bloody cheek!

Posted by: blackdog Mar 13 2014, 05:39 PM

Big difference between cannot and should not. The SatNav built into my car will not allow programming while the car is moving (cannot), but my phone and my Garmin plug-in satnav will happily allow programming while mobile (driver should not). I much prefer the latter - which allow whoever is in the passenger seat to programme them.

Posted by: JeffG Mar 13 2014, 09:56 PM

Sorry, used 'can' when it should have been 'may'. Sloppy grammar there.

I like the voice bit on my SatNav - if I am driving in an unfamiliar area, I can just press a button on the steering wheel and say "navigate home". Wonders of modern technology (Plus it offers a diversion in the event of a traffic hold up some miles ahead.) It can also cope with the temporary loss of the GPS signal.

Posted by: motormad Mar 19 2014, 11:04 AM

I'd like to think that there's not many places you could put me and I couldn't figure out my way home without using a navigational aid. Just find somewhere you know is north/south/east/west and head in relevant direction towards home! Then pick up signs for a place/road you recognize. Except the A34 that's up the M6 not far from Manchester.. it's not the same A34

I'm able to drive to most major cities/towns without the use of sat nav, I'm good at reading road signs

Just when you need to get somewhere a bit more off the beaten track then I'll put the nav on but only when I'm near my destination.
EG I had some work done on my old car in Barnsley so had to drive there, drove up the M1 and got off at Barnsley junction, and made my way towards the town center, where I then popped up the sat nav - 10 minutes away

Posted by: Claude Mar 19 2014, 02:02 PM

In answer to my own question, and for anyone else that might be interested, there's a piece of free software called Tyre to Travel, which allows you to import a Google maps route URL, and convert it to either a TomTom itinerary (.itn) or a Garmin route (.gpx) file, so you can either upload it to your SatNav device, and/or send it to your friends who are joining you on your road trip, so that nobody gets lost if they do get left behind.

Now I'm just praying that the weather in North Wales is kind to us in a couple of weeks.

Posted by: Biker1 Jun 7 2014, 10:08 AM

This is an interesting new angle!
Looking for a used car locally in the last week or so and 2 different local dealers would not let me have a test drive unless I agreed to do a deal beforehand!!!!!
Is this the new approach or do they not want business?

Posted by: Turin Machine Jun 7 2014, 10:59 AM

What is it you're looking for?

Posted by: Strafin Jun 7 2014, 12:22 PM

That's just really poor, I wouldn't bother with those dealers. Depends on your budget and whether you want a main dealer or not, but there are good ones out there. Blue Angel are pretty good in my experience.

Regarding sat navs, I don't know why you would plan a route and want a sat nav to stick to it. It seems pointless, why not just buy a sat nav and use that, so long as you set it up properly it will take you the best way. Garmin have their own satellites so I would always recommend them, but the way it operates will be personal preference. Worth trying out a couple at Halfords or something.

Posted by: Andy Capp Jun 7 2014, 12:48 PM

Oh you're so clever, big and and sexy!

Posted by: Nothing Much Jun 7 2014, 01:00 PM

Double And Andy,Andy.

Posted by: JeffG Jun 7 2014, 01:46 PM

I'll set up a SatNav route for an longish out-of-town journey even if I know where I'm going (a) because it tells me how long until arrival while en route and (b ) it gives me the choice of a diversion if there is a hold up some miles ahead.

In the local area, if I have to pick up someone from a place or road I am unfamiliar with (I do volunteer driving), I will sometimes set up the address so it takes me to the correct house - handy if it's a long road.

Posted by: Andy Capp Jun 7 2014, 01:56 PM

It's the excitement.

Posted by: Biker1 Jun 8 2014, 08:24 AM

Medium sized estate around £7K

Posted by: Biker1 Jun 8 2014, 08:27 AM

Well it is, it's just that it gets lost in the Middle!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A34_road

Posted by: Turin Machine Jun 8 2014, 10:21 AM

Tried CCS or dk in that cham?

Posted by: JeffG Jun 8 2014, 10:41 AM

Well, that came out a bit weird, didn't it?

Posted by: Turin Machine Jun 8 2014, 10:44 AM

Yup, stupid cheap tablet, it was of course Thatcham. **** auto correct.

Posted by: gel Jun 8 2014, 11:18 AM

It was part of the same A34 once, but bits have been designated as parts of other trunk roads

Posted by: Nothing Much Jun 8 2014, 11:43 AM

Goodness knows what people did before Garmin and Halfords
This was a route followed by many over centuries

.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIbLKPAKXA0
ce

Posted by: Biker1 Jun 9 2014, 07:27 AM

Yes I keep looking with those but haven't had what I want yet.

Posted by: motormad Jun 9 2014, 09:06 AM

I found CCS wouldn't let me test drive cars... not very helpful, not impressed

VW let me drive a Mk7 GTI, Mercedes wouldn't let me try an A45 AMG.. guess I will stick with my trusty old Mk5 for now....the guy at Mercedes was like, no we don't have any demos you should just buy one.
Like I'd put 45k+ down on a car without test driving it, you can do one son.

Posted by: Turin Machine Jun 9 2014, 09:14 AM

It's a shame because,

"Buying a car is like making love to a beautiful woman"


Swiss Toni.

Posted by: motormad Jun 9 2014, 09:17 AM

Maserwati 3200, talk to me.

Posted by: Biker1 Jun 9 2014, 09:33 AM

Another one!!!
What are these people on???

Posted by: Turin Machine Jun 9 2014, 09:57 AM

You should try Newbury Audi, wouldn't even talk to me. What a way to do business!

Posted by: motormad Jun 9 2014, 10:57 AM

Bearing in mind I had £11k cash to buy my last car... they said they'd only let me drive the car after I had "arranged finance"

Explained I had cash I was happy to leave as a deposit for the test drive (fair enough really??) was told no.

Needless to say there were plenty of Mk5 GTI's out there and I had no problem finding a private dealer working from home who was more than happy for me to drive a car before "buying it".

no thanks...

Posted by: Andy Capp Jun 9 2014, 11:32 AM

I understand cash is of little value to a 'proper garage', they want people to arrange finance, preferably through them.

Posted by: JeffG Jun 9 2014, 12:16 PM

Whereas when I showed interest in a Qashqai, Rowstock let me take one away on my own, which I drove down to the Swan roundabout and back. Enough time to try out the cruise control and its six forward gears

There was nothing to stop me taking it further if I'd wanted to.

Edit after reading other posts: I was a cash buyer, too.

Posted by: motormad Jun 9 2014, 01:36 PM

Then I spent just under £7k on a car elsewhere, and they lost the sale....

Posted by: Biker1 Jun 10 2014, 07:00 AM

Same here.
Let me drive a used Qashqai for as long as I wanted on my own.
Ended up buying it.
This was Rowstock Nissan at Rowstock.
Very good.

Posted by: Exhausted Jun 10 2014, 07:48 PM

Part of the problem with test driving could be that sales cars are not always taxed and the insurance could be a problem for someone test driving. I can understand a dealer being cautious letting a sales car out of his sight but an accompanied test drive could be an answer. Would that not be on offer at our local car sales companies.

Posted by: Turin Machine Jun 10 2014, 08:57 PM

Both for mine and the wifes car, we simply registered an interest, booked a drive and went out. Didn't have a prob. Just lucky I guess.

Posted by: JeffG Jun 10 2014, 10:14 PM

I expect it all comes down to how honest or dodgy you look. Now, who was it got refused?

Posted by: Turin Machine Jun 10 2014, 10:51 PM

Nobody looks dodgier than me! And as for her? Well, just don't go there.

Posted by: gel Jun 11 2014, 06:42 AM

Obviously have to be wary of events such as:
http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/archive/2014/06/07/11263296.Couple_makes_off_in_test_drive_car/

Posted by: motormad Jun 11 2014, 08:18 AM

No test drive = no purchase.

Posted by: Strafin Jun 11 2014, 12:38 PM

Any reputable, or in fact any real dealer would have trade plates to cover this surely?

Posted by: Turin Machine Jun 11 2014, 12:47 PM

One would think so wouldn't you?

Posted by: MontyPython Jun 11 2014, 01:47 PM

I think trade plates go with the driver rather than the vehicle, so would not be appropriate for a test drive.

Posted by: On the edge Jun 11 2014, 02:00 PM

Absolutely! Just make sure the sales assistant knows you are a customer; if they don't demand to see one who has been trained.

Posted by: x2lls Jun 11 2014, 02:09 PM

Would they be so daft as allow a stranger to drive one of their vehicles without first checking they had appropriate insurance?

Posted by: JeffG Jun 11 2014, 03:52 PM

It's not the driver's responsibility - it's the dealer's. Dealers have umbrella insurance to cover all their vehicles (I'm assuming).

Posted by: Exhausted Jun 12 2014, 07:37 AM

Were you offered the opportunity of an accompanied test drive or did you want to go on your own. The thing is that an expensive car represents an investment by the dealer. What proof has he got that you won't rag the nuts off it, run through a few red lights or get caught in a speed trap. His insurance might be a bit iffy if it transpired you had loads of points or a previous drink drive.

I also can understand why a Merc dealer would be unwilling to let you run around in a £45k car. Would you buy a new car with a couple of hundred miles on the clock ? I suspect he was fairly sure that you would want a joyride and not a testride perhaps.

Posted by: Strafin Jun 12 2014, 07:54 AM

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/?t=92309
It seems that trade plates cover the tax only, not insurance. That should be covered on a blanket policy, although according to this thread insurance can be restricted to cover two people in a vehicle only. To me it doesn't matter though, I would never buy a car from anyone who refused a test drive.

Posted by: motormad Jun 12 2014, 08:10 AM

I don't mind.

I am not going to put a large amount of money down on a car I am not allowed to test drive.

I've been to various VW dealers, and they got me in a GTI and a new Golf R the SAME DAY.

So I am unwilling to buy a car from them, their loss, not mine.

I've bought about 10 vehicles (cars and bikes) and never had any issues test driving any of them, and funnily enough didn't buy a single one without test driving (or riding) it.

Posted by: Biker1 Jun 12 2014, 08:52 AM

Obviously dealers have to guard against such things as that in the Oxford Mail article but I would be happy with an accompanied test drive or to leave a some kind of security. Even many bike dealers are now allowing test rides, something totally unheard of in the past.

Posted by: Baffers100 Jun 13 2014, 09:32 AM

What a rubbish experience.
Luckily I've had very few problems. I've found it easy to test drive at Honda, Mazda, Ford and Audi in Newbury.

There was a guy in Newbury running a garage specialising in performance cars who was selling a nice Audi TT. One of the cheaper ones in the area so I was keen, but he refused to move it for a test drive unless I was going to buy it. I explained I might do if it drove well, but can't committ to that before driving it. The guy was a tool, and I took my money elsewhere, but I'd hope these people are few and far between.

Posted by: Ron Jun 17 2014, 01:43 PM

Backed into my garage wall while turning round. The Focus has a shallow dent about 6 x 6 with paint damage. Any recommendations as to where to go to get it repaired.

Posted by: Turin Machine Jun 17 2014, 02:50 PM

Hi Ron,
I've used ncr at arnhem rd a coupla times, always been delighted with their work. Friend took her Porsche in and was similary pleased.

Posted by: Exhausted Jun 17 2014, 05:12 PM

I find a couple of strips of duct tape work well. Certainly cheaper.

Posted by: motormad Jun 18 2014, 12:29 AM

I've seen some shocking work from NCR.

My bodyshop of choice is Lemass Automotive, they've done much of the work on my Golf... they're in Rickmansworth however... locally you can use Fraiser at Headley but they can be pricey... other option is Berkshire Bodyshop, would be my fallback choice, generally really quite cheap and overall the quality is quite good, got an eye for things like that.

Posted by: JeffG Jun 18 2014, 09:07 AM

I would second Berkshire Bodyshop in Hambridge Road. They have done good work for me.

Posted by: x2lls Jun 18 2014, 10:49 AM

I know of a good bricky who could help you out!!

Posted by: motormad Jun 19 2014, 10:34 AM

Aha!

I detailed my car recently and put a glass coating on it called Cquartz.

At the weekend a rather portly woman, whom I could only presume was unable to see me due to her excessively sized cheeks, continued straight at a roundabout when I turned right. I stopped and she continued to drive straight and cut across my front bumper leaving me with this damage. She was completely unapologetic and couldn't care less. Silly betch.



However, the coating took the brunt of the impact meaning I was able to polish up the bumper and re-apply some protection with only a minor mark remaining, which was touched up with a touch up stick. Just shows what you can "polish out" so to speak.

Posted by: Turin Machine Jun 19 2014, 12:10 PM

Hope you took her reg and reported her. That sort of behaviour deserves to be punished.

Posted by: motormad Jun 19 2014, 12:43 PM

Not really worth it for the sake of a little bit of paint

She gave me fake details, however I insisted on seeing her ID and getting her name and I know where she lives.

Posted by: Turin Machine Jun 19 2014, 01:47 PM

Ah, the old "I know where she lives" option. Fancy giving false details, that's probably something the insurance co would be interested in. I hate people like that. Scum.

Posted by: Andy Capp Jun 19 2014, 03:09 PM

If she has any.

Posted by: MontyPython Jun 19 2014, 04:21 PM

I would suggest a call to the police - is it not an offence to give false details?

Posted by: Turin Machine Jun 19 2014, 04:31 PM

Indeedy

Posted by: Exhausted Jun 19 2014, 08:28 PM

I agree with MM that it would be pointless trying to deal through insurance companies as they will probably treat it as knock for knock and you may end up with a strike on your own insurance record. It happens.

Posted by: motormad Jul 10 2014, 08:24 AM

Anyone free this Sunday that has nothing better to do is welcome to pop along to our DMC Open Day up at New Greenham Business park


All the details are here.

https://www.facebook.com/events/222081244663306

Posted by: Nothing Much Jul 26 2014, 01:58 PM

Following on from Andy Capp's comments earlier this year.
The Woolhampton camera caught me by surprise many years ago.
Just an idle day out to Lacock. I seemed to have got away with it.
I hope that has been the case AC. Not getting away with it of course,but just working out the detail.

I have now had to deal with a similar matter with insurance renewal due soon.
I was jaw dropped as they say,and the fine girl at the end of an English telephone line
was genuinely "commiserational" at my distress.
OK London street parked insurance for a Bavarian smoker is expensive.

It was doubled at the click of the mouse.
I would rather spend time in HMP Ford......................with MPs
My question is to the effect that I think I have been declined insurance. You have to declare that.
She said with a smile you could look elsewhere.
The Direct Debit goes out in August.
obumce

Posted by: Nothing Much Jul 26 2014, 06:55 PM

Quiet day on the middle lane. MM.
Exhausted,and Turin and Biker

Posted by: Andy Capp Jul 26 2014, 11:14 PM

1 mile an hour slower and I wouldn't have set the lights off. However, amongst the patronising s*ht that I have been sent, I have been told to pay £100.00, or go to court, the karnts.

Posted by: Exhausted Jul 27 2014, 01:09 PM

Have you been done for speeding before as most cases of first offence, close to the limit, are offered a speed awareness course. This is not free and one has to go to Basingstoke to do it but it does mean No Points. Good deal as points affect insurance.

Posted by: Andy Capp Jul 27 2014, 04:21 PM

Speed awareness ain't free; around hundred nicker as it happens.

Posted by: Exhausted Jul 27 2014, 06:41 PM

I said that, but it is points free. I assume then that you were offered but declined.

Posted by: Nothing Much Jul 27 2014, 07:11 PM

The long game is that car insurance does not pay back a lot.
That is from an insurance actuary who drives an Audi Rs5.
His desk does spaceships and oil fields. Not the bleedin' middle lane!
ce.

Posted by: Biker1 Jul 28 2014, 10:57 AM

Trouble is speeding is an easier offence to identify, what with modern technology, so it is the main catch for bad driving.
Other, often much more serious, offences are not so easily caught.
Things such as mobile phone use, cutting up, bad lane discipline, pulling out in front of, driving too close, doing things that distract from driving - the list goes on, are rarely if ever prosecuted.
I wonder if statistics exist to show the percentage of accidents where excessive speed over the limit was the main cause?
Speeding is an easily detectable, but not always the worst, offence so it attracts the most fines and convictions.
We have to live with that AC.

Posted by: Andy Capp Jul 28 2014, 10:58 AM

I have been offered speed awareness, but that costs the same as a fine, so hence the 'pay hundred nicker' comment.

Posted by: Andy Capp Jul 28 2014, 11:03 AM

Completely agree. It is a symptom of digital policing. The chances are, that if I was pulled over by a person, they might have just ticked me off - I don't have a driving history and am not known to them. Last year the fine was £60.00, but it has soared to £100.00. This is a painful amount (and disproportionately affects the less well off). I'm angry at myself, but I am also angry at the severity of the punishment; for the sake of 1 mph.

Posted by: Biker1 Jul 28 2014, 11:12 AM

I think not long ago I heard of a person who was convicted of death by careless driving and received an £85 fine, £60 costs and a community service order!
Bit disproportionate eh?

Posted by: motormad Jul 29 2014, 02:02 PM

I got £100 fine for having no front number plate.

There's a laugh

Posted by: Nothing Much Jul 31 2014, 03:18 PM

Definately a hanging offence MM.
Speed hump trouble was it.?

Well I have just resolved my car insurance troubles and along with Zac Goldsmith MP
I shall be joining the middle lane.

3 points are more or less expected especially SP50.They are thought to be gone after 3years.
Insurance wants to know about 5 years history and as was said "Awareness" counts on your renewal.
So that point seems unfair.. I only have 1 offence officially.

A quite exhausting day on the PC and phone produced a nice quote From "General Accident".
It was a bit more than Tesco Bank.But we have to maintain standards
£700.00 renewal was doubled when I mentioned the points.
Whoopee £500.00 from today
I shall watch that beat up Ford Focus on the M11 more carefully.

It was a strange experience to be on the hard shoulder moments after listening to Radio2 quiz.
The cop was on his phone and asked if I had my shotguns with me.
Well my voice went up an octave. "What"? I squeaked.
So there is a bank robber with my name or car.Blimey
ce

Posted by: motormad Jul 31 2014, 03:46 PM

£700 for a renewel?

Why so expensive?

I paid £659 for my car, with 1 accident, 5 years no claims, and all my modifications (including Stage 2 remap and other engine parts) with like for like and being covered to drive other cars!

Posted by: Nothing Much Jul 31 2014, 04:36 PM

Afraid to say it was an N1 postcode...which really is a rubbish exclusion these days.
Apart from the oddball who scratched every car,not a lot of crime for cars happens in my area.
Especially when they are old as well.Nobody nicks radios anymore.

Just a big car.In fact the renewal quote had gone down a few bob.
Just to name the miscreants..Direct Line.

The policeman who spoke nicely as I quivered on the hard shoulder did mention the fact that although I had been driving perfectly well,and in a gentle fashion and accepted that I had not committed any other driving offence, did say that you can't rely on the other motorists not making mistakes. Which I thought was fair.
So I am chastened.
ce

Posted by: motormad Aug 1 2014, 10:52 AM

Ahh, yeah - The n1 postcode... with the 1 being the highest cost of insurance

Sounds like a reasonable bobber.

I am on first name terms with a police man. Know him from his high performance car he drives.

Posted by: Nothing Much Aug 1 2014, 12:08 PM

I am relieved it is all over, so I went out and bought a new laser printer with my profit/saving.
I have always found policemen to be remarkably tolerant, not many dealings though really.
ce

Posted by: JeffG Sep 29 2014, 06:20 PM

Resurrecting this thread with a question for the motoring nuts (= gurus, of course).

Saw a van today offering expert detailing on its side panel. Now I've seen it mentioned in this thread before but haven't a clue what detailing means. Could someone explain please?

Posted by: Andy Capp Sep 29 2014, 06:26 PM

Detailing is a restoration of the coachwork, often exceeding the finish of the original. It may also apply to the interior too.

Posted by: Turin Machine Sep 30 2014, 12:34 PM

And while I'm at it, may I take the opportunity to thank the nice person who backed into my Audi in the car park of the Craven Arms the other week. A note on the windscreen would have been nice but never mind.

Posted by: Andy Capp Sep 30 2014, 02:10 PM

That would have been too costly.

Posted by: motormad Sep 30 2014, 02:23 PM

Would be careful with that
Detailing is basically paint enhancement... see the picture below for a typical level of restoration from an enhancement detail.

It's not hard to do but it is very easy to mess up.. the amount of cars that I see from other detailers or from bodyshops... it's scary.

This was an Audi Main dealer!!!!

https://flic.kr/p/pfb3E3https://flic.kr/p/pfb3E3 by https://www.flickr.com/people/75872667@N06/, on Flickr

And here's after corrective work (and still to "refine" meaning use an even finer polish to really bring out the gloss and clarity)

https://flic.kr/p/oXHT28https://flic.kr/p/oXHT28 by https://www.flickr.com/people/75872667@N06/, on Flickr

Posted by: Exhausted Sep 30 2014, 09:58 PM

The Jeans could do with a little detailing perhaps.

Posted by: motormad Oct 1 2014, 10:22 AM

Lol my mrs came to keep me company for the 16 hours i spent on it (In one bloody day!!) so came prepared to get messy lol

Posted by: spartacus Oct 3 2014, 07:15 AM

Recommendations for a decent hand car wash place in Newbury would be appreciated. I know motormad will say do it yourself but I'm finding time is very limited and now it's getting towards autumn winter it's too dark in the evening when I get home.

I'm after somewhere that's reasonably priced of course but somewhere where they do a great job.

Posted by: JeffG Oct 3 2014, 08:43 AM

Sainsbury's car park?

Posted by: motormad Oct 3 2014, 10:05 AM

Detail My Car can offer a safe wash, some protection in the form of a decent Si02 based sealant and an interior hoover from around £40 depending on size of car, obviously an A3 or a Golf would be around £45 but a big 4x4 would be more like £55 and would take 90 minutes to 2 hours, probably best to book in rather than just turn up as well.

If you want to use Sainsburys with their little gritty buckets, dirty rags which they drop on the floor and put on your car for £5 then that's up to you.

Posted by: MontyPython Oct 3 2014, 10:24 AM

I found the one at the top of Newtown road opposite the cafe good.

£7 for a wash, and other options up to full valet. The also give you a card a la Coffee Shops so you get your 10th wash free.

Posted by: Exhausted Oct 3 2014, 10:25 PM

The boys on the Sterling Estate turn out a good job. Most people want to just get the dirt off their car and spending a fortune on car paintwork is really only for the expensive quality cars to maintain their value, or for show cars. For example mm, 16 hours at £40.00 an hour maybe twice a year on a Vauxhall used as a family car would not be a worthwhile objective.

Me, I let the rain sort mine out or pop it in for a £10.00 wash and vac twice a year and it still drives well but I do keep the mechanics up together and always fit good quality new tyres.

Posted by: HJD Oct 5 2014, 08:18 AM

Looks like you will be able to get this done at Tesco's as well soon, & they will even be using recycled oil free water as well !!

Posted by: Exhausted Oct 5 2014, 07:44 PM

Fortunately it rained Saturday so that saved me a tenner.

Posted by: MontyPython Oct 6 2014, 09:28 AM

....and again today. All this car cleaning we will start comparing you to MM

Posted by: motormad Oct 7 2014, 08:26 AM

Normally we are not charging on a per hour basis, you'd charge for the service at an agreed price and the hours are put in to get it... normally around 15-20 hours.

You'd be surprised how many people we get who have "normal" cars... Vauxhall Astras, Ford Focuses...etc.. the mainstay are larger executive saloons like BMWs and Audis and Range Rovers.

But the thing is you can "clean" your car well and inflict a lot of scratches and marring on the paint... If you take a new car and wash it properly then it would never need the level of correctional work (and the cost) that I see regularly.
Likewise if you were to make the investment once you'll be able to jet your car off once a week and wash it, with the right products and methods, once a month, and it would stay looking good for a long time.

I've seen TFR staining on aluminum trim which simply cannot be restored, parts need to be replaced at huge costs... £200 in this case..

Ultimately, your car and your choice but it can effect the resale price if someone who is into such things comes to buy your vehicle.

Posted by: Turin Machine Oct 7 2014, 09:59 AM

When my car goes for service I have a large card I place on the dash that states "do not clean" keeping it looking nice is almost a hobby for me.

Posted by: On the edge Oct 7 2014, 03:47 PM

It's probably just me, but my car just gets me from A to B and moves what kit I need. I run them into the ground, or at least until maintenance starts to get expensive. .That means cleaning is only necessary rarely and I don't get upset by dings it dents from others. It's just a machine, it does its job.

Posted by: spartacus Oct 7 2014, 06:29 PM

That's quite some commitment of your time. Boy oh boy....what else could you be doing for 16 hours rather than just getting a shiney thing even more shiney....

....and at the end of it, all it takes is one squirt from a passing bird and your efforts are for nought...





I've got a couple of cars in the family, but my daily user is my favourite and I've had it around 12 years now from new. It's never let me down and has gone from being the family car, to the car the kids learnt to drive in, to dad's commuter, to the workhorse and general four wheeled wheelbarrow for taking garden rubbish and all sorts of other crap up to the dump.. It's tidy but I see it as just an A-B method and don't get too precious about it.

However I do still get annoyed at the people who see it as just an old car and think that gives them the right to bang their car doors open onto it.. If I see that's happened I make sure I'm just as careless when I get into my car and return the favour.

I'll keep the old girl till she gasps her last then push her to the scrappy. I know it's just a machine......

Posted by: Exhausted Oct 7 2014, 06:47 PM

People who want to buy a used car who are into things like paintwork and chrome might pay a bit more than the average 'Joe' who wants a good used car. Retaining value is not what the shiny car people like yourself are about I would suggest as the investment will never be recovered, the market place is too small.

Me, I'm like OTE, it is a functional piece of machinery which needs to be maintained and can be driven without trouble and as long as the casual observer can see what the original colour was, that will do me. Now if it was a genuine classic with retained value and even value which appreciates because of the rarity then keeping the paintwork and the mechanics pristine goes with the ownership. That though is not a car for everyday use and is probably a work of art. That has a similarity with the art world. A Picasso or a Degas would merit continual love and attention. The 'Blue Lady' from Dunelm, might look nice on the wall of your new living room but when you get fed up with it, you chuck it in the neighbour's skip or knock it out at a car boot sale.

Just in passing, it never ceases to amaze me what appears in any skip I rent and leave by the roadside.

Posted by: Turin Machine Oct 8 2014, 11:20 AM

And again, why is there no 'like' button on this forum?

Posted by: Ron Oct 8 2014, 05:10 PM

Anyone know a good vehicle electrician in Newbury?

Posted by: Exhausted Oct 9 2014, 06:34 PM

I have no recommendations but it sort of depends what your problem is and the age of the car. MGB, Beetle or camper, bits of wire and low tech bits. Late model Volkswagen, masses of computerised doo dahs that need a code reader to understand what might be going on.

Former, any old garage or diy man with an ohmmeter, the latter a garage with high tech tools.

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 11 2014, 09:19 PM

Is FK Autos in Hambridge Road still going?
They may be able to put you in touch with one.

Such as (including miles from Newbury.)

Robert Wells Auto Electrical 5.6 mi
L & P Europe Ltd 7.6 mi
AMJ Auto Services 8.9 mi
Burghfield Starter and Alternator Centre 11 mi
E M F Auto Electrics 11.3 mi
R J Auto Electrics 11.8 mi
C K Auto Services Ltd 14.1 mi
Andy Clark Auto Electrics 14.3 mi
Security Audio and Visual Vehicle Installations (SAVVI) 14.6 mi
R.A. Engineering 14.8 mi
Thames Valley Electro Diesel Ltd 14.9 mi
Savvi 15.6 mi
Autolec Services 16.7 mi
Loran Auto Electrician 17.2 mi
AD 2000 Auto Diagnostics 18.9 m

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 12 2014, 09:58 AM

So they can push their car there then!

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 12 2014, 02:19 PM

No Andy, I think the process is, if your car is immobile you call them and they come to you!
May be a lucrative business in the future, what with us all driving electric cars!!

Posted by: On the edge Oct 12 2014, 06:20 PM

With a bit of good design, it could be much cheaper. Motor bust; simply swap out with replacement and send bust one back for repair or recycle?

Posted by: Turin Machine Oct 12 2014, 06:32 PM

Sure, that'll work.

Posted by: motormad Oct 13 2014, 11:14 PM

Millers Garage are pretty good... sorted out a recurring ABS/ESP problem on my old Golf...
Speak to Shaun or Michael

Posted by: Claude Oct 28 2014, 06:02 PM

Does anyone have any IronX? I'm in urgent need...

Posted by: Turin Machine Oct 29 2014, 11:15 AM

Halfords, or, there is this wonderful new invention called the inter web (I think).

Posted by: James_Trinder Oct 30 2014, 12:46 PM

Don't forget Motorists' Discount Centres.

Posted by: Andy Capp Oct 30 2014, 01:15 PM

Or Euro Car Parts.

Posted by: Biker1 Oct 30 2014, 04:22 PM

Or Motor Parts Direct.

Posted by: Claude Oct 30 2014, 09:20 PM

Unfortunately I don't think any of those outlets sell the specific product I required, and I wasn't able to place a web order for delivery within 12 hours, however, I did manage to source some locally. Thanks for your help.

Posted by: motormad Oct 30 2014, 11:19 PM

We can supply you with Iron X (you know where I help out at the company at the event we met at).
Glad you got some but in the future we can get most things in as we are Carpro finest authorized so just pop in, normally it's on the shelf or if you had the requirement then order in advance.
Also I have an unopened 1L bottle in my drawers (risky business keeping it inside my bedroom) and you'd be welcome to use a bit

Posted by: Claude Nov 1 2014, 12:25 AM

Thanks chap, it was actually Nick who saved the day in the end. I popped down late and he had some in stock, which was good news. I left him & JW to it on the Mazda CX7 after I left. It came up nicely!

Posted by: Biker1 Nov 1 2014, 04:50 PM

Go on then..............what's Iron X do?
(I daren't Google it!!!)

Posted by: Andy Capp Nov 1 2014, 08:17 PM

All round life improver really.

Posted by: motormad Nov 2 2014, 01:13 AM

Ah that's cool.
I've not been there for a couple of weeks (nor at the day job either), personal issues so signed off. Missed out on some cool things



Biker, Iron X basically dissolves Iron into a soluble (rinse-able) solution. So for example in the corners of the spokes on your wheels you may find there are little black/dark orange dots which won't come out with normal washing, often this is just ingrained brake dust and you can use Iron X to remove it, also suitable for use on paintwork to remove Iron based fallout (such as rail dust etc) which can embedd itself within the vehicle surface.

*not my image*



The purple is the result from the solution when it turns the Iron into a liquid form, which was previously embedded into the paint surface and would not be removable

Posted by: JeffG Nov 2 2014, 11:45 AM

I thought you meant something else even more risky

Posted by: motormad Nov 17 2014, 01:22 PM

That's in the other drawers...

Posted by: Strafin Nov 18 2014, 03:50 PM

Just been catching up as I havent been on for a while - were you doing 31 mph then? That does seem a little harsh.

Posted by: Claude Nov 24 2014, 12:29 PM

Today was nice & chilly and was the catalyst for me fitting my winter tyres. Winter didn't really happen last year so I never really got to test their performance to the extent I was hoping, however, I'm prepared for this year...

Does anyone else use winter tyres?

Posted by: Andy Capp Nov 24 2014, 01:06 PM

Nah, I just drive slower.

Posted by: MontyPython Nov 24 2014, 07:04 PM

The Germans do!

Posted by: Turin Machine Nov 24 2014, 11:48 PM

Nope, know I should but never get round to it. Ideally would need to fit a set of 17's to keep the rolling radius and that's loadsa money.

Posted by: Biker1 Nov 25 2014, 09:34 AM

Posted by: motormad Nov 25 2014, 02:53 PM

The one year I did, we hardly had any snow or even much in the way of ice.. haven't bothered since! Got on fine a few years ago lol

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/312349_127020494133292_800112709_n.jpg?oh=29a424396bcfd7538f12ea9712e46717&oe=54D60542&__gda__=1427098515_9fcdba25e7e442df415709b37a135387

Posted by: Claude Nov 26 2014, 09:39 AM

Or not at all, as the case may be (tongue in cheek).


My standard wheels are 18s and the lowest I could drop to fit over the brakes is 17s, but I saw a set of used 18s I liked so I've gone for them to run as dedicated winter wheels.

It's a big initial outlay but I bought them in an attempt to keep things as safe as possible for my young family on a pre-booked family holiday several hundred miles away between Christmas and New Year. Plus given I only cover 4,000 miles a year I'm hoping they'll last several seasons.


Cracking pic!

Posted by: Andy Capp Nov 26 2014, 11:04 AM

I wuz pinched in August!

Posted by: Mugwump00 Nov 29 2014, 01:06 PM

Hello - can anyone recommend where in the area I can get alloy wheels refurbed (well), and with new tyres, preferably as easily as possibly in the shortest number of steps?

One is particularly pitted and will need a quality refinishing.

Many thanks

Posted by: Turin Machine Nov 29 2014, 07:01 PM

My Alloys in Basingstoke did a cracking job on mine, full strip, refurb, and they came back better than new.

Posted by: gel Nov 29 2014, 08:22 PM

or
http://www.revive-uk.com/services/alloy-wheels/

Posted by: motormad Dec 1 2014, 10:48 AM

I'd avoid mobile refinishers. Simply cannot get the same quality as a proper job as they keep tyres on and what not. Have seen a lot of refurbishments in that manner which either dull over time or chip/flake off with rough patches in the corners of spokes where there's no lacquer.

I'd recommend MyAlloys personally.

Posted by: motormad Apr 8 2015, 10:29 AM

Spring time is here, we've had 3 days of consistent sunshine! Washing the car at the weekend wasn't a waste of time after all