Ekona

At least you guys get a dipstick, the 911 doesn't even have one

I went through a phase of impossible-wrapping my brothers presents. First year I used a roll of cling film, the next I did cling film and duct tape, then I topped it all by wrapping it normally then putting it inside a huge cardboard box which I filled with expanding foam

I'm not sure what you mean by that? We all know the government lies about many things, however in this case they're not saying for one minute that you cannot put A or B cars back on the road. http://www.honestjoh.../2010-10/cat-b/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Car_check http://www.pistonhea...c.asp?t=1339786 The second link may be from wiki so usually of dubious fact, but that's ripped straight from the DVLA/VOSA website. Honest John agrees, there is no legal reason you cannot put a Cat A or B on the roads. It doesn't matter what category the insurer apply to it, it remains your car and a VIC is enough to get a V5 issued, then just an MOT gets you back on the road. The PH link has knowledgeable folks discussing it there too. If you still need further proof, feel free to contact the DVLA and VOSA. It's illegal for a scrappy to sell you a Cat A or B, but not illegal for you to buy and do as you please. I used to think the same as you did tbh, but then a mate of mine clued me up as he was looking into buying a Cat B MX5. Just because an insurer marks a car as A or B, doesn't stop the car being yours and if there is no payout, you are free to do what you wish with the car. No different from C or D, it's just that it's very rare to find as insurers only usually classify stuff as A or B if there's practically zero chance of a repair ever being made. Doesn't mean they don't make mistakes sometimes though Anyway, enough thread derailment, I just thought it might be worth looking out for utter bargain Cat Bs for Tarmac too.

I love my two decent 11" frying pans I'm the chef in our house though, no way I'd trust something as vital as food to Jo!

How about voodoo? It might be voodoo. Never discount voodoo!

Cats A & B can be put back on the road, just like C & D. Just needs VIC and MOT, same as Cat C. Doesn't have to be crushed if A or B, the owner can still retain the vehicle after the insurer has made the call on the categorisation. Might open the market up a little? Just a thought.

If you're lacking confidence in the wet, then I certainly wouldn't mix tyres. You may well find that a new pair of matching rears solves your issues: That said, I found the VUS lacking in ultimate grip but very communicative, so it was easy to play with the balance.

Possible, but unlikely. I haven't seen an oil filter break up for years, but then I don't know too many people who would run anything that cheap on their cars (including repmobiles serviced by backstreet garage).

Depends how worn the rears are. If they're that bad (3mm or less) and the fronts brand new then you'll be in oversteer territory. Depends on your own comfort level, I guess.

Consider cat A & B as well? If so, I'll keep an eye out for you mate

In short, no. Well, that said, how cheap are 453s? False economy though, as the extra wear you'll get from the MPSS negate the extra cost.

Excess soot around the exhaust pipes is another sign, but nowhere near as conclusive as checking the oil level.

No idea, but you'd be barking mad to pay too much.

There are of course exceptions, and something like yours proves that as the mileage alone ensures all gremlins should be well gone by now. 90k in 9 years is twice my personal 5K p/a limit (my maffs is awesoem innit), so I'd consider yours if I were in the market.

Y'know, when you stop worrying about what the finished article looks like 'cos someone's only going to rip it all off in a few days anyway, it's a very cathartic experience Everyone else all organised and sorted I take it?

I'd be amazed if most of these failures were down to anything other than either wrong fuel or more likely lack of oil. The Zed has been around too long now and the DE lump even longer, so if there was an inherent fault then it would likely have shown its face by now.

I doubt it'll ever be finally sorted, EA's not that kind of company. It's still fun, even with the glitches. I bought Lego Marvel today. I did have it preordered for release date, and then found out it was half price if you bought it on the launch date, but then it got postponed a week. Kept my pre-order though but never went back to pick it up. Popped into Game today and saw they still had it up for half price if you buy an Xbone, so asked the question if I could now finally buy it for half price and after a bit of paper shuffling they agreed

I refuse to join in with a thread like this until such a time upon when the sun doth rise somewhere in this wonderful world of ours on the twenty-fifth day of the twelfth month, and tidings of gladness and merriment may legitimately be spread without fear that the apocalypse rocks up on Xmas Eve and then we're all pretty much f*cked.

Comparisons between Forzas.

There could be all sorts of hidden gremlins hiding. Modern cars are designed to be used, when they're not you end up with bits seizing and snapping and breaking and electrical probs via condensation etc. Each to their own, of course, but I wouldn't consider a car that had done less than 5K a year average. Certainly wouldn't pay a premium of anything below that.

I don't think I'd want a car that old with that few miles on. Just over 2K miles a year, that's just asking for issues if you start using it more regularly! Take your time mate, no rush and there's plenty out there for choice, be well worth it when you do get one

I'd be more worried about incidental costs rather than general running costs. Fuel, tax, insurance, you can figure that out and budget for that easily enough. What about when you need a set of tyres all round at £800? Or brakes? Or the engine lunches itself and that's £1500 thank you sir? If you've got the slushfund all set then I say go for it, the Zed is an incredibly rewarding car, but if not then the price might be too high to pay.

As close to the limiter as you can get.

Tbh, and please don't take this the wrong way as everyone manages their finances differently, but spending a third of your pay packet on fuel is borderline insanity.

I was close then! To be fair I've not had to do it in over three years