jim

I rationalise my love of fast cars against my concern for the environment by treating the Z more as a toy than a commuting tool. I travel by train to the office and only use the car when I have to for work. In fact, I often use the option of a hire car, since they are usually smaller, sometimes diesel, and therefore produce less carbon. The agency encourage this practice anyway. So, since I do less than 5000 miles per annum in the Z, I reckon my footprint is a bit smaller than that of many other people who drive lower CO2 cars, but who do mileages between 10,000 and 15,000 per annum.

It's not actually about the daily complexities of weather, but rather about the long term trend towards higher average temperatures across the latitudes over long periods of time. Science has been getting very good at doing that lately, and the recent detailed analysis of the ice-core samples from Antarcrica enabled the IPCC to come to the conclusions that they did with high levels of certainty. Nothing is ever totally certain when you predict into the future, but the scientific consensus on this is unusually high, despite what some of the media might like us to think. Incidentally, although Al Gore may not spell out the background science in the film, he does have penty to back up his claims in the presentations he gives, and he is supported by an increasing number of organisations across the world in this regard. In the UK, the University of Cambridge Programme for Business and Industry recently invited around 100 people from across the country, including some from education, the media, local and national government, NGOs and a variety of businesses and industries to a 2-day seminar session with Al Gore. He was challenged on a number of counts by some of the delegates, but was strongly supported by all of the scientists, including the current director of the British Antarctic Survey. For a politician, he has a surprisingly good grasp of the science, and he responded very well to the challenges.

Oh dear, not more of this dire programme. This is an example of very bad TV journalism - I have never seen so many scientists misquoted or evidence twisted to suit the opposite message. I believe that 2 eminent UK scientists are considering legal action against C4. For a more balanced view, take a look at the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change website for a much more informed, scientific and balanced view. http://www.ipcc.ch/ In particular, look at the Working Group I Report "The Physical Science Basis" and read the summary for policymakers. It paints a pretty convincing picture for me, and I have been studying aspects of meteorology and climate all my working life. The time for casting doubts has passed, and we should be seriously considering action to reduce the impacts now.

My front disks are a bit worn. How much for suitable replacements for them?

That may be true, but I have test driven both types back to back, and I can't say that I noticed any real difference in performance overall, except that the gear changes are so fast and smooth on the tiptronic that it is hard to beat on a manual for us mere mortals.

+1

Tiptronic only available on JDM imports. I have one and I love it - the change is very smooth and the manual change gives you total control when you need it. That was the main reason I went down the import route, and I have never regretted it.

Pop the lid on the large cubby towards the rear of the central armrest. On the front edge of the cubby is a push-in switch.

Hey - I just checked mine out, and it's the same. Well done for solving that puzzle. Mind you, it's not a very bright illumination - no wonder it took us so long to find out.

mordax. Great to see another member from Scotland. I envy you your location, except when the midges arrive in the summer. I had several excellent trips to Skye when I was much younger, but haven't been over since they built the bridge.

Sorry Stew - that was me on my way back home - finished up on Friday morning. Whoever it was must have thought I was daft - waving at him from a layby across the dual carriageway, And I wasn't even in the Zed - it was a hire car for work! Oh, I was staying for a few nights in the Britannia Hotel in Bucksburn - nothing but off-shore guys in there most of the time!

Heading north past Stonehaven on the A90 around 1.15 this afternoon. Was that you?

That's not a Zed boot.

I went back to Admiral this year, Chris - best price for me at £285 all in, no need for tracker.

Jim, My ideal would be to do a West coast of Scotland route. Did one of the bikes once, 1500 miles in 3 days! Was class...... the roads up there are just the best. Ah to dream, would need a few people up for a weekend job with a couple of b&b stops! Keep talking it up and maybe somebody with a bit of spare time could be persuaded to organise something. I agree about some of the roads around the west coast. I travel across Scotland for work and it can be a real pleasure. However, there are some stretches that are in such bad condition that I often choose to use a hire car than risk my Zed on the potholes etc.

Congratulations to all concerned for what must have been an immensely enjoyable day. What a sight it must have been for the bystanders as 30 Zeds went past! We'll have to try to organise something in Scotland this year, guys.

Mine has a heated windscreen - the switch is the same as you are describing. Oh, and the jack socket is definitely an immobiliser, Tim.

Wish I could join you guys - it looks like being a great day! Enjoy!! Looking forward to seeing lots of photos - don't disappoint us.

In an earlier post on this thread I reported that I had been unable to get a quote on my import from Admiral (I was with them for a few years before), so I went with Highway for £365. This year, Highway wanted over £400, so I got a few quotes, and ended up back with Admiral for £285, fully comp, business use, fully protected NCB etc.

So sorry to hear such sad news - condolences to Phil and his family.

Yep - I would appreciate it if you could PM me with details of your pal in Carluke. Your car is looking really good - hope the weather stays dry for a day or two yet.

Is it yours?

What was the difference? Softer? Harder?

My view as well - put the PIAAs on my wife's car recently and they have been great. Rain-X is good but it needs renewed about once a month to have the best effect and it is quite hard work to apply properly.

These look good. Mine are at the paint shop at the moment - hoping to get them on at the weekend. How easy are they to fit?