Ekona

I think a lot of people really like me, and want to buy me a drink whenever I go past. At least, that's what I assume, as they keep making coffee bean signs with their hands. Everyone is so friendly when you drive a BMW with a loud exhaust!

So which updates do you turn down? All of them? Some of their updates have very little detail, I don't see how you could possibly pick and choose which ones are okay with any kind of knowledge or reason. If you don't trust the MS testing, why use Windows at all?

How many people actually turn down the updates? I mean, I knocked back the Skype one today, but in all honesty if it was installed it really wouldn't bother me that much.

Focus estate. Cheap as chips to run, good to drive, will come in under budget.

Supercharging will keep a much more NA-like feel, turbocharging massively changes the characteristics as you lose that delicate throttle control and progressive power. You do get a much bigger thump though, plus it's a more efficient way of adding power.

You could do sub 8 in an NA Zed, you just need the right suspension, tyres and driver skill.

You have no idea, I've spent thousands over the last few years

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washing-and-drying/drying-towels/monster-microfibre-purple-monster-edgeless-xl/prod_1297.html I currently use this one, bought originally as I needed to make up the postage, but it's actually served me very well and it's a good price too. I'll try something else at some point, but for now I'd happily recommend these.

Pressure washer. Good excuse to upgrade to a Kranzle now matey!

So, divorce tomorrow then?

Nothing wrong with a hotpoint washing machine! Mine cleans my clothes just fine and sometimes I get a free floor wash too Ironically I have a Hotpoint washer dryer too I'm a cheapskate when it comes to things like that though I do have a Dyson Cinetiq though, which I love dearly

You don't NEED a solicitor. Whether you'd want one is up to you: Personally, I wouldn't bother, just be contrite and state the facts. If the extra stress and time (off work, don't forget!) is worth less than the fine amount, then fight it. If it's not, then pay up and move on.

I'd assumed he was insured TP, as you'd be crazy (and in legal trouble) to let someone drive your car if they weren't!

That's because they're very good. I cannot understand why people refuse to buy the best thing simply because they're common, that's always seemed daft to me. It's like buying a Hoover vacuum cleaner instead of a Dyson, or a Hotpoint washing machine instead of a Bosch one.

Not a bad idea, when were you thinking? I'd suggest that if we're going to meet anywhere, then at the CBW would be the best place and time since everyone who is anyone will be there. During the race doesn't always work as people can get quite particular about their routines, and everyone will be drunk as a skunk on Sunday Or could meet in town on Friday night, if people are going to the parade?

I'd pay the original demand and move on. Life is too short for stress like this, it's really not worth it.

What a faff.

Never heard of them. That doesn't mean a lot, though. So what are they doing to the engine? What liners? Full engine rebuild doesn't really say much on these things, could be anything.

Indeed, and what exactly are they doing for under that £5k? Nikasil or ductile liners?

BIN THE WATER BLADE NOW All that does is catch the bits of grit you missed and scratch your paint with them. Seriously, do not use on anything other than a work's vehicle you don't care about. The drying towels are okay, I found they lose their drying potential very quickly though compared with the other, more fluffier ones I've got.

That's why I told you to get the checks done BEFORE you buy the car, not after! At least your warranty covers most of it though, still a fairly big chunk to suck up yourself though. I agree, 10% is crap, but at least the knowledge is out there now and the buyer can protect himself for a relatively low cost before purchase.

WIth permanent front fogs too!

The Porsche made me feel better than everyone else, but really it's the BMW that comes with it's own lane on the motorway and that really cemented my place at the top of the car food chain All I need is an SUV and I'm pretty much set for life.

Did you? Also, the percentage figures of bore scoring/IMS on the M96/M97 engines are between about 5-10%. If you buy with high mileage then the IMS is unlikely to go (if they're going to go, they usually go between 40k and 80k), and the boroscope inspection is easy to do so you can rule out bore scoring. Fitting the 3rd rad and a low temp stat along with correct warm up and cool down procedures then makes it incredibly unlikely the engine will go pop. A Porsche is an incredible car to own, there's so much more to it than just straight line speed. The Boxster/Cayman has a delicacy of feel that only an Elise can better at that price, and a 911 is a whole new thing to learn and appreciate with the weight distribution. An FI Zed is great, especially with the supporting mods, but I'd rather go slower and have more fun. You can exploit an NA 350 much more than you can an FI one, and unless you're doing a lot of high power tracks (Silverstone, Spa, Monza etc) then the difference is more on the driver than anything. A good driver in a VX220 will leave an average driver in a 400bhp Zed for dead on track.

Dangerous attitude... Exactly. I don't think I'm better than a lot of other people on the road, I KNOW I'm better than ALL the other people on the road!