Area 51

I have never had this problem with edit or like buttons! I'm on FIREFOX browser and mixture of operating systems.. Have you cleared your PC cookies or on the device you have??? Got to be a local issue otherwise non of us would av em Arfur; well thats wot I reckon...

Agreed! I will leave a set with one in a work/bodyshop and keep originals with me for meaningful trips.. Just a bit of flex I try to have in case of last minute / unforeseen mincing.. Only use them "wisely"...

Cheque cashed Friday I just found out, so thats two months since posting off a renewal! I have a dupe set of plates with magnetic backing, good for displaying safely/correctly on the bodywork etc. Means I can have one set in two places in ever needed, best not run them both at the same time on two vehicles etc.

I read last year that Ashcroft is planning to have Fords on show in some larger stores (since takeover of Debenhams) and they can be purchased too.. Not heard of it being introduced anywhere yet though.. With so much being on the internet, cant see why it would not work...! As new generations come along, more and more is "online" Sold an XC60 (used) to a couple in autumn from 60mls away, didnt even drive it until after payment and I had collected them at station.. I'd expect its happening in the USA, bet Amazon have it in their plans too

It just isn't that common these days (was it ever?), never kid yourself in thinking it is! Perhaps its just this game or now we get to deal with general public day in day out... Public never cease to amaze me in airports, pack their brains in the ruddy suitcase.

Thanks again, I'm going to go the path suggested! Just get shut as is, the more advice I receive its all pointing the same way.. Get shut! I'd left in in the corner over winter as its a tricky little one to drive, a license loser buts sticks a great smile on your face! Thought spring would be a better time to see the back of it, until the smoking issue becoming a talking point this week.. Apart from this lump in the front end with problems, its a nice car ~ best for then enthusiast to get it right I'd say... TGIF ~ I'll get on to shifting the Mini tomorrow and get into something else that's worth the effort! Cheers all, thanks for looking in and the advice/experience, mucho appreciated

Thanks a lot David, confirms a few thoughts I had after hearing of the "blasting solution"... When you mention oil rings do you mean the vale seals? The same lads who had the boroscope said they thought the chains were on their way due to general age and wear and tear (noise they associate with this problem), they also told me the piston rings we good; just its carboned up and would benefit from a blast.. its a one owner petrol Cooper S, full history in PX not owing me a lot. Been sat a few months as I suspect it'll do better in spring summer once fettled, been running it the last couple of weeks now the ice as gone and BINGO, got a tail full of smoke in a car park the other afternoon after waiting a while to leave.. Had the same on over run down a couple of hills too.. Now this white/blue cloud seems to follow me if left to idle for any time... Just want it right before it goes so any billies do not get over excited at seeing the same clouds of smoke.. The lads in the garage suggested it really isnt too bad and its me being p*ssy, they think I should just retail it as is.. they feel the smoke being produce is about normal for the age/mileage/history... it is not drinking oil.. with the head off I'd opt for any other parts to be replaced whilst in there I guess Cheers

Reading with interest, sorry to hijack! but read the walnut blasting bit .. got 2010 50k Mini losing the odd bit of blue/white smoke after idle/pulling away etc.. all points to valve seals (an infamous R56), but local workshop mentioned walnut blasting "could" sort this.. was shown boroscope images of how dirty inlet valves are, two of plugs appear to be fouling more than the others.. timing belt is a little noisy too.. its slot at the workshop is up and coming but unsure how far to go to find the cure / prevent parts darts etc Would a walnut help the "relieve" the issue with valve seals, cant see it myself but am prepared to be advised otherwise... Would walnut be the same as carbon blasting?? Have a remapping guy local now offering carbon blasting...... All input greatly appreciate (as always)

Bit far for me, over 400 round trip, need to overnight with two days out of the chair if ales are involved ~ herding cats it is then..

Mans corner there Dave, pure and simple... metal top bench.. for explaining the finer points in life...

Plural I heard, there is a bunch of them there, pointy shoes too.. related the same bunch of that one will come across as BCA auctions from time to time..

Thumps up too that... Shame you cant see the V5 to find out which goat herder it was... Anyway, as you say.. aint worth in it the grand scheme of things, and youre sure to have a happy punter now .. Car Dealer porn.. should be a whole new thread... Just as the wife likes shoes and handbags... Air compressors, ball joint splitters and jump starters..

Jeeeze, you'd ideally want to shuv this up the last MOT testers arse as you rightly say Dave, then secure the thing up there with theratchet strap... bordering on bloody criminal that..

+3 Well done Mark, ones to remember this one when the idiots prevail (which can be most days) always great when a customer takes the time to say a simple thank you and put it down in words for others too see... Having a shitty day? then just pop back and read this.. and get on with it. As you said... Always happy to help customers who are not daft in the first place.. Virtual pint coming your way.. onward.. Good "team" effort all round looking at other forumites contributions... Good to be a part of it.

Could not agree more.. bugger to shift even a nice one!

So true, and there endth the lesson for Friday... Dave, stick me down for a copy of the book... you should do a daily blog.... gotta be worth any motor trader doing a night school class in winter on motor maintenance

Just following along on the thread, anyone any thoughts experience of this item in place of smaller OBD; OBD Alternative ?? I'm not wanting to fiddle about, just ensure I've got enough knowledge on the depth of a problem when it presents itself.. Got a spare laptop lying idle so was thinking I could dedicate it to this purpose.. All thoughts/advice greatly appreciated..

On stuff like this, I just send it recorded - belt and braces, its all reclaimed any way... When they say they have not got it and time pressures are on, these buggers wont help anyone.. if you have a signature to say it has arrived; usually means they have got to work with you on a solution and give some leeway.. As above, one crock of sh*t is a good summary..

Check the level of detail provided on the cheap ones, weasel words are hidden in the cheap offers! Always check a V5 against the vehicle, owners address and ASK for ID.. HPI is not fool proof.. Plenty of billies want your money and dont care what the say to get it

Sounds like a case of "couldn't find their arse with both hands in their pants"... Sent my renewal chq first week in December, confirmation in this week.. thats 8 weeks! Chq not cashed when I was online yesterday... Did you send your payment by recorded delivery? If so is it received ??

Latest ones here, coming to a phone near you soon... Here's one for the pointy shoe, tight pant wearer at BCA... BCA Emoji Wonder if we can have an upgrade on the forum too.... Could mean less time typing.. Ideal for replying to the texts from the silly billies

Receipt in today, sent first week on December! Chq not yet cashed... Laughable when they could just have use renew online with MID check for the policy as plates are on this.

Got any spare lead weights with sticky tape on the back? Always keep a few in the car for when you come across an arsehole.. stick a set on the inside of his alloy... Really give them the Eartha Kitts on the next journey.... Also they will get to know "someone" doesnt like them..

Dave, a piece of string in the banger is the solution here! Lets you vacate the scene and supervise from a safe distance... Removed a tree ((about 2 foot thick) from the river bank using this same method, never got wet feet again trying to cross the river during summer school holidaysl.. Loved chemistry.. one of the lads at school was a whizz in metalwork, by third year he had a full set of keys for each room in each of three school buildings.. Remember locking the a full class 1st year lads in the toilets.... Only found when non turned up for the next lesson.. But I digress... I'd avoid the neighbour/weed killer and sugar response.. Liable to get a laser designator on your front door = FAST! Can you not register this guy on a MILF user website?

Dont press send, sleep on it and ask in the morning is it worth it? Try and move on.. Remember you have to live there as does the family for the foreseeable, be a better person.. The time will come when you can really spoil this w*nker and his poison pen once and for all... Losing his precious "status" is the obvious.... Just keep a decent record of it all, ready to go.. Move on and get stuck into the motors, with a lot more peace of mind.. Sorry to read of the passing of your Dad; not a good time, stick your time into the business and family..