mick43

(hope not a re-post..... search engine gave too many replies to this query) My Rays are painted/laquered, except the outer rim. This is now rather dull and dirty following winter roads. There's a perfect line/demarcation between protected and unprotected rimof wheel, so I don't think it's wear and tear ? - so, is this standard or has previous owner polished rim for special effect ? - what would you recommend to buff up again (autosolvo or similar) followed by a wheel wax/protector ? Thanks in advance...

As per previous thread I booked my car in for a P3 service at Glyn Hopkin Colchester. This is my local main dealer, and no previous reports on forum giving +ve or -ve feedback. Total price was as quoted @ £339.19. No additional work was required, other than noticing space saver spare was just under required pressure (probably because it recently did ~180 miles due to rear puncture) so a good spot and advisory to keep an eye on it. Service was as per P3 requirements, ie. new oil/filter, brake fluid, coolant, air cleaner. They also used engine flush, fuel additive etc which was previously advised and quoted within price. Work was completed in specified time and so I went to collect. Settled account and asked to complete customer survey which I said I would do once I inspected car. Also told car had been cleaned - which surprised me as I had washed car at weekend and was still looking good. From what I could see all service work carried out ok, protective cover still on drivers seat and carpet protector still in place, there was no oily hand/finger prints. One small issue was a small puddle (several drips) of coolant (size of 10p) next to rad cap. BUT "cleaned car" was a joke. Unfortunately this must of consisted of blasting with the pressure washer by the back door and then allowing to dry, complete with dried on stains etc etc. Sevice reception chap came out and asked me if everything was ok ? I showed him poor wash of car, and pointed out that the car was now dirtier than when it arrived, for which he apologised and said he would take back to team. I opened bonnet and showed him splashed coolent, he again apologised and then cleaned and wiped up the offending coolant. So in summary, I would go back again as very convenient as long as they didn't clean the car. Why they allow the end result that the customer sees to be so bad is beyond me. The service guy was very good, and I'll be confident he would ensure a better service next time. I was open and honest and told them from the outset that I was a bit anal regarding my Zed, which was fully understood and appreciated. I felt a bit more confident that at least some of the staff were petrol heads as well when I spotted a racing 350z screen saver I'm thinking in hindsight I should be grateful they didn't dry the car - I dread to think what they would have used

will do

All in cost, parts & VAT for P3 is £339. Was £309 @ Dartford (who were recommended on forum, but I save a lot time by going local). I did ring DMS, but my call was diverted a couple of times and then went to an answer m/c. Obviously I called at a busy time, and/or there were tele problems ? I thought I'd give my local main dealer a try as:- - there wasn't a bad review for Colchester - it's a lot closer and convenient - price was similar to DMS - does help with service history, and if there was any major failure while mileage low all realtively small points I know.. plus if I'm lucky their guy will be equally as good as a mate of mine who is a mechanic at a VW dealer - so I know they aren't all bad, but maybe in the minority. We will see. Fingers crossed.

Booked for next week so will report back on experience. I searched forum and couldn't find any previous reviews, so I hope will be ok. I have choice of using own oil or their standard 5/40 semi synth (Havolene). Not sure if I should treat it to superior brand or not (eg. Mobil 1 semi Synth that's on offer at Halfords - or better ?). Years ago I had an Astra GTE that was driven hard for 150k miles and never missed a beat or had any engine problems. I used standard Vauxhall oil which had same spec as premium brands, so I'm thinking Nissan stock will be ok, as that's what the first 9k miles did anyway. My car has only done 25k miles, but is 4 years old in March. (had thought of using speacilaist - but didn't get a reply).

- needs a stubby

awesome - top drving - respect (shame one porker drivers pride let his driving skill (compared to yours) stop him from moving over sooner).

I'm almost embarassed to give my usual average of ~28 !! Sprited driving when I can... but lots of B roads at slow average unless I'm out early

we could make it four as Ipswich is only 40 mins from me (but mine is gun metal - which some of the pics look like )

just wondering what the concensus is when introducing your car

top post... my lights were very poor on dip. went to friendly MOT station and used the units they use to check lights are adjusted correctly during MOT test. whilst they were within limits, they were on the very lowest setting (of the accepted range) - wound them up to the upper level and wow what a difference at night I can actually see now why people rate the zenon units.

she's looking super fit on sky's project runway

I'm in North Essex and work on occassions at Martlesham. I've been watching posts on recommended dealers for my forth coming service, the nearest thus far is in Dartford - so I'll give them try. Only ~1hr if you time the journey to miss traffic.

thanks all - guessed it was me - I'll take heed of the sound advice given - many thanks (I managed to get it all off ok by doing a panel at a time - yep I put wax on the whole car giving it time to dry I'd agree I'm a novice with these products....)

I blame you lot really.... Thought I'd go for a more professional wash and wax after reading stuff on forum so:- Washed car with Poorboys car wash, dryed with drying towel. Left over night (in garage) and then waxed using 'Collinite Super Double Coat' car wax using a sponge applicator !! (I'm normally a wash it, add Mer when car still wet and polish off using best old T-shirts). Collinite instructions: 'allow to dry to a haze and then polish off'. Allowed to dry and then found wax is stuck to paint, impossible to clean off without re-applying more wax and then polishing off when not dry. So did I do something wrong, or is this product not as good as it claims... I did notice paint seemed 'dry' and rough as applying wax... maybe not sufficient wax on car to start with ?? thanks....

thanks chaps good to know it's not a poor design... and just me finding comfy position and advice how to achieve it

I've yet to find a comfy driving position in std leather seat that doesn't give me back ache after 45mins I'm a medium build average Joe at 5' 10" Any one else find the same problem and find a good way/process to adjust seat ? Probably due to having too much adjustment

many thanks chaps much appreciated... (yes I noticed cover on Diff - which stopped me lifting from there.. thanks)

I was in Friday's 1230 show.... where the Noble had same problem. I though the grass track minis were amazing - twin bike engines in the back and wheeling down the straight !!

Where should I use trolley jack to jack car please ? (I have searched all areas - which means I'm rubbish at searching or could be included in FAQ ? or it's an obvious answer if you know and/or not paranoid about bending something). many thanks in advance.

yep very boring... my overestimate - was just under 180 miles one way (journey back) Brum to Frinton (east coast) but via dropping friend off en route as well in Cambridge. Otherwise would have been 170.

Good news - 35.8mpg (must be close to record ?) over ~190 mile distance. Bad news - Due to space saver spare fitted thanks to rear puncture Run on cruise control at 60mph - veeery frustrating 370 also appeared in show with host of new fast cars in arena - looked good from distance.

please tell me:- 1. easiest route, connection etc to hard wire, & 2. are you doing anything to increase signal strength ? (when I place TomTom in cubby I often lose signal). thanks

cars look great - and not a 'stubby' aerial in sight Edit: note to self - read others comments before being a smart arse

Just letting you know I would have attended but booked elsewhere. Look fwd to another one in 2009... (really want to see your motor in the flesh)