El Dingo

Bonk. (It's like a bump, but nicer.) So it's in the news now. If you want to have your voice heard, and not just sit there and take a shafting, why not sign the petition? Quote: Remove the unfair and unjust retrospective Vehicle Execise Duty levy (back to 2001 year vehicles) as announced in the Budget on 12/3/08 (17187 signatures) Unquote.

Believe it or not, try Marks and Spencer.

I woud imagine that owners of such vehicles would want to sign a petition to have this unfair tax hike removed. The petiton can be found at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk

(I saw the funniest thing the other day... a A4 2.0 TDI cabriolet!!!) :angry2: Oops, sorry Adrian. Just don't let her read the forum. Easy! ;)

Good job and a (very) good price too. I assume that you didn't get leather at that price?

He he he... I love these little petrol v. diesel get-togethers! Being serious and sensible for a minute, if all you are worried about is cost, then you have to do your own sums. It would be silly to believe that diesels are always the most sensible in every case. Sorry Tim - you are well respected on this forum, and are clearly a very knowlegable chap, but on this issue you're wrong. Our total life costs for the 2.3 Galaxy were still far cheaper than a diesel would have been, mainly because the initial purchase price was so low compared to a TDi version, coupled with a decent resale value (to another low-milage mum). For the high-milage Chairman of BT (that's BJ to you and me) a diesel makes sound financial sense. The fact is that the bottom end of the used market prefers 'simpler' machinery and tends to avoid turbo diesels. Just like SeatKid said, new technology diesels are much more prone to suffering expensive failures - fine if you have a warranty. I can't say it too many times! Do your sums! (If in trouble with sums, ask Nik to help.) And petrols are so much nicer to drive! (Although I do like the Volvo D5). And don't forget to read the latest article on nano-particulates emmitted by diesels. (I saw the funniest thing the other day... a A4 2.0 TDI cabriolet!!!) :angry2:

This reply might be a bit late, but here goes: 1. All the cars are kept in a pound before the auction, so arrive early and look around. 2. Use your eyes - see who is who. It's not just the auctioneer running the show. 3. Know the enemy - dealers, etc. Work out who they are and see what they are bidding for. Then you'll know who is the MPV specialist... 4. Don't sit in the stalls opposite the auctioneer (where they exist) - it marks you out as a rookie from the start. 5. The cars are started up before being driven through, so when you see something that takes your eye be there, look and listen when the engine is started. You can talk to the driver (although some don't talk) and this might be useful if you think about it... 6. Don't buy at the first visit. 7. Set a limit and don't exceed it. 8. On a later visit, when you see something you like and want to bid, watch out! There are many tricks for upping the bids, including the auctioneers taking bids from someone who just happens to be conveniently out of your line of sight, stooges, dogs, indeed even things that don't move. If you stand directly below the auctioneer, you'll be able to indentify where those bids are coming from. 9. Try not to get into a bidding war - bid sparingly. Use a single obvious signal, and keep using the same signal. He can see you, even if you think he can't (or he deliberately delays), so don't panic. 10. Breathe! Just some ideas... Have fun.

This is telling for the Government. Remember 'Mondeo Man'? Living in Basildon, Essex, whichever way Mondeo Man votes will decide the result of a General Election. This has been investigated by the Political Studies Group at Mudchester University, who have determined that there is another, similarly empowered character living in Eastbourne, known as 'Zaffy Boy'. I'll be watching Zaffy Boys posts on Ford Galaxy Forums with interest during the run up to the next General Election. Indeed, he has already had quite an effect on the local elections from just this (quoted) post.

From the Daily Telegraph - Thursday 1st May

A tax grab disguised as an incentive to people to drive more environmentally friendly cars. Ill thought out and ineffective for it's supposed purpose. A dying administration that will grab anything it can. Just look at the 10p tax shambles. The government has just knocked thousands off the value of some cars - including ordinary family wagons like the Galaxy. This is nothing short of social engineering, and smacks of the politics of envy. Need I go on? :D

I missed you too. Tried hard, but missed. :P

Hi JKS. I note that you've posted two totally different cars, with entirely different budgets... Have you decided on your budget, and what you want from a car? Low fuel consumption? High mileage or no mileage? Keep forever or trade in in two years? The Mk2 and Mk3 are really very different cars. Why not have a test drive in both and see what you like?

Nik, you need to PM me that essay by tomorrow 4pm or you're in detention. "I feel like the inside of a ping-pong ball, because..." in no more than 8,192 words.

Naughty Nik. Don't offend! (Note to self - place in detention after class. 100 lines.) ;)

Who was the offender?

I'll leave VR6 to reply to this one... :D

I know a lady who had a good hard Yank once. (Cue joke...)

Definitely! Insurance can only get more expensive, so well done MB. (Zaffy Boy, why do you have a geodesic dome as an avatar?)

FFS, why do people go to Ebay for VAG-COM? They do have a web site... http://www.ross-tech.com/index.html (If you are in Berkshire soon I have VAG-COM.)

At least it's not green. I think the S60 is a nice looking car. It has it's faults, but then so do many others. Enjoy.

Is it the D5? That gets a Dingo seal of approval - nice engine. ;)

Here's a Seat - you can haggle this to seat.pdf

That's 11+ years old... but at least he has to give a warranty, as he's a trader.

You might pick up a high milage poverty spec. 2.0 petrol Mk 2 for that money. Be VERY careful though.

Chorus: I don't think you ready for this jelly i don't think you ready for this jelly I don't think you ready for this Is my body to bootylicious for ya baby I don't think you ready for this jelly i don't think you ready for this jelly I don't think you ready for this Is my body to bootylicious for ya babe Baby can you handle this, baby can you handle this baby can you handle this I don't think you can handle this wooooo