metcars

I've done a few hundred miles in my old banger C-max and its not put a foot wrong. I think it will benefit from a gearbox oil change and a set of plugs but anyway. So today I'm in traffic (as usual) and I get a whiff of coolant. Hmm.. pull over and lift the bonnet, can't see anything leaking out. Obviously, I have to use the ignition key to unlock the bonnet so the engine is off when I checked. Carry on my journey, feeling the carpet and mentally pricing up heater radiators. Got home and checked under the bonnet again and there's a jet of steam coming out of the header tank, a crack about 10mm right next to the pipe connectors. Managed to pick one up from a breakers this afternoon (£10) and I'll be putting it on in the morning.

I'm in!

Wow, a 2 litre Focus! Well done that man. I've always found them really hard work.

For a while I had an old astra auto estate with 130k, it was unstoppable! I don't want to tie up money, I much prefer to use my 'stack' for buying stock. I'm not bothered about impressing the neighbours either.

She's gone, because of elderly parents and a wheelchair to consider I've upgraded to a '04 cmax as my 'smoker'. It came from the block, I bid £195 and its mine. 122k, history and ticket, 3 owners, silver and working air. Bad side, a bit whiney around 35mph but not too bad (banana skins), horribly undergeared, and almost no driving dynamics, but better than the bus

It would be interesting to see the reply if you accepted the offer? I was watching a comedian on Youtube who decided to reply to the African prince spam. Hilarious!

A few years back I bought an '03 vitara soft top with a bad gearbox. We had a box all lined up ready to go in, and was all set until we saw the rust underneath! Shame as it was spot on otherwise. Even then I got my cash back when I pushed it back through the block. I like all these little offroaders, especially Mitsubishi Pinin, but there not for the feint hearted.

Good news, as said above there is a healthy market for these soft roaders. Sell these to my "posh horsey ladies that lunch" But, watch out for rust.

Needs must when the devil drives! and the devil tends to driver cars over 10yrs and/or under £1k

But not everyone wants or can afford a nearly new car. If dealers are effectively squeezed out of stocking them because of buyers unrealistic expectations what then?

Sawdust

Who said it was the box? If it's cutting out when drive is selected it's more likely going to be idle valve/throttle body/vacuum related? Probably disturbed when the box was swapped.

It's 17yrs old, what sort of "reversing experience" does she expect?

I must admit that where 'landmarks' are concerned I tend to give them a break for a week or so rather than advertise them continually

Borrowed a van off my brother in law for a day and some guy hit the rear corner! This morning a Focus of mine has an ominous puddle of liquid on the floor mat under the clutch pedal

I agree sit tight. Christmas time is so difficult. Some guys never stop selling and some guys 'dry up'. Christmas isn't over until everyones had their January pay slips!

Depends, usually get invoiced, but car auctions will add the delivery costs to your invoice when you pay for your cars.

I was waiting for that!

The words I always dread. I absolutely hate buying cars for family/friends, it always goes wrong for me. My sister is after replacing her ageing Fiesta and I know she's 'warming up' to ask me to look around for her. Not looking forward to that!

.... and after all that guess what turned up in the post this morning from Manheim?

I had just had one delivered by Manheim last week. About 60 miles and cost £70+vat for a plate driver. Bought thursday night and delivered 'early bells' monday morning.

And its back this morning. Not bad?

There are a few car radio forums where they'll get you a code if you grovel hard enough. There are also a few pieces of software knocking about on the internet (not as much as there used to be). Google is your friend

I used to spend a lot of time at the 'Chelmsford VRO' but it was always worthwhile. VRO RIP!

I've just sent off for one today, so the clocks ticking!