Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

Either way it's horrible - they handle badly with 150bhp, they certainly don't need to be going any faster!

My Mk1 Octavia VRS estate has started making a sound a bit like a sad, wailing ghost. Sounds like it's coming from the back left wheel and it's apparent when I'm driving straight or ever so slightly to the left.

Applying the brakes seems to stop it, as does turning ever so slightly right.

It also moos a bit when reversing, which is apparently a common issue.

I had this a few years back and ended up needing the rear caliper changed, I had thought it was a wheel bearing but apparently not. Is this rear caliper thing a known issue? Anything I can do to avoid it/fix it without replacing the caliper again? Oh and pads were changed at last service (9 months or so ago), but discs were not.

From memory when I was thinking about those: alternator charging, clutch wear, water in footwells, tracking. An 80k van could be coming up to a timing belt pretty soonish. Don't they have fly-by-wire throttles? Seems a bit overly complex. Probably plenty more info if you look up Transit Connect problems.

Is it a landrover or some of the body bits?

The chassis is easily modified, wonder why they picked that engine and gearbox as the v8 out of the xkr fits and you can modify the suspension to the jag stuff. With the electronics you don't need the articulation any more.

spotted this classic Lincoln continental it was pristine and about as long as canal barge!

Average, at best. Would not spend that much money on one. Definitely the best of the Fords, but the 1.4 tsi get golf is the leader so far.

Gutted by the c class. I wanted it to be as good as I expected but the interior was underwhelming and full of poo soft plastic.
159 on saturdAy ,but I suspect I will end up with a golf(boring!).

have you considered personal contract hire? http://www.contracthireandleasing.com/

£500 a month seems to get you into some fairly interesting machinery.

I wasn't thinking that much; 300 a month, or say 4k a year and you're in a new vehicle that (probably) has no/low VED, latest safety aids and no worrying about mechanicals

£190 a month got me my Golf on personal contract hire. It's not exactly fast but it'll hit 70mpg and has a motherfuckenradar.

Im basing that figure on what (it feels like) I spend to keep a 19 year old Volvo running.

but you have an invested emotional attachment to that heap..

True. And if I replace absolutely everything then I will have a new car, eventually.

If I was offered a NOS wiring harness I'd take it.

ah, triggers broom...is still a broom

That's rather the point, I bought a Dyson and it was plastic crap.

Once they get to twenty years old, you'll probably have to replace most parts over the course of time anyway. None of these cars were ever designed to last this long.

Especially if you're putting twice the amount of power through certain standard parts.

Just had a look at that - thanks.

As appealing as it is to own a new car, I wouldn't use it enough to warrant spending that much money.

I am happy getting around in the b and only want to buy another car because the enemy isn't comfortable driving it. If I had my way, there'd be an '02 track car and another little convertible in the garage...

850's are being scrapped at a very high rate now- they are a "£500, good tyres" type of car when you see them for sale. Give it a few years and they'll be genuinely rare I think. Which means buying "heritage" parts direct from Volvo Sweden.

Yep, but I'm thinking that 8k on a golf gt that we keep for 10 years is £800 a year.

This isn't the main car for me.

VW dealer rang me yesterday and told me that my unconfirmed delivery date of my Golf R has changed from mid July, to early september. I ordered it middle of March. That will be around 7 months, which is taking the piss in my opinion. General level of service from VW has been really shit so far to boot. You'd think you'd get a half decent service if your spending £33k on a car.

I'm considering sacking it off and getting something else. Will I have any hope of getting my £500 deposit back if i do so, or is that long gone?

I've found a well specced 14 plate BMW M135i at a local specialist car dealer, with 8k on the clock for £25k. Has a 5 year/50k servicing pack with it too. Going to go and have a look tomorrow.

What are the opinions of 135i vs R? I was really looking forward to 4wd. Somehow the 3l bmw manages better real life mpg than the 2l vw from what i can see online, which would be good.
It's even more low-key than the golf as well, which is great in my opinion. The one im looking at has been factory de-badged as well, so no markings to excite local boy racers to drive up my ass all the time.

Also, 8k cheaper. cant turn your nose up at that.

It will be interesting to see how modern cars turn into classics and if there turns out to be a real market for them.

Supercars aside, I don't think 20 year old cars are going to be as appealing, given the electrics involved in maintaining them and the way they go wrong.

A nice choice to have!

Bmw for me

Likewise - 135i over the R for me as well.

Means you have a few quid spare for winter wheels and tyres which will get you everywhere a 4wd golf on high performance summer tyres would go. I'd go with the 135.

For that sort of money I would get a decent touring with 50k on it...