fosterman

Re-arrange this sentence, Short and curlies by us got the !!!!! as usual.

Batman, Superman, The Incredible Hulk, Robin Hood et al ain't gonna pull us out of this s*it. I still got my mortgage with Northern Rock, but fixed at 4.99 approx 3 yrs ago, thing is I fixed for 10 yrs at this rate, and I do pay every month ( because I worry about my credit report !!??!! ) I agree these times are very worrying, and stressful, however, I put a lot of the blame on media hype. I believe the media whip their audience into so much of a frenzy and then sit back and report on the panic. What angers me the most, however, is the cost of essentials - not luxuries - gas prices up, electricity prices up, food prices up, surely the government SHOULD step in, but what chance when they cream off the top anyway. PS, if its any consolation to anybody, I saw my old gal (Y381 JAE) the other day, looked ok, but who can tell anymore.

Christmas, F**k me, the missus wants a real tree this year.......but I am not allowed to pick it. This weekend is good, cos next weekend we is in Bristol, and following weekend too late. Then got to buy presents at some point. For wife, daughter (22) son (12) two foster kids (2 & 3). Heeeeeelp, where has this year gone !!!!!

Whilst not being a driver "by profession" I still take road safety as a high priority. I have on occasions towed a trailer, no comparison to an HGV, I accept, however, I take time to ensure all lights are working correctly and that the carried load is as secure as can be, with heaviest goods at the bottom and therefore unlikely to shift. I feel no matter what a court deems appropriate, the onus is on the driver to ensure the load is safe. The responsibility lies soley with the person in control of the vehicle at the time. As regards foreign truckers who have no blindspot mirrors, I have seen disgusting acts by professional drivers on both motorways (M6 & M5) and 'A' roads (East Lancashire Road) by both domestic and foreign trucks. ....And before anyone says I only drive a car, I have driven 'tranny' vans regularily, and also 7.5 tonne trucks, though not HGV, or PSV.

I started reading this thread and have to admit felt both anger and compassion ( in no particular order ). Personally, I cannot understand any following/religion/belief which does not permiss life saving techniques which are widely acceptable in this day and age, however, if that is their belief, then we must reluctantly accept it, though we do not have to understand it. However, may I be permitted to move this debate to a side debate...please bear with me on this. As my sign in suggests I (and my wife) are foster carers, we are currently looking after 2 brothers, who have been neglected by their mother and father, both of whom are alive. the brothers are part of a family of 5 children ( and mum is pregnant again ). I am not really trying to make a point, more of a paradox (if that is he right word). Just trying to provoke further thought in a similar, though perhaps parallel vein ?

Heated seats....... you what !!! Big woolly jumper....that might do it. Very surprised, nobody suggested baked beans.... .......and the penny drops, although a quickie would probably warm up all concerned ( though would need to demist as well )

The MPG debate / argument is one which always amazes me because of the numerous variables. Therefore, I will not be drawn into making any comment either positive or negative. However, I have found a site which clearly gives not one jot about mpg, try BATHURST 2007 on a search engine and have a look at the Australian V8 supercars, and be grateful its not your pocket paying their fuel bill ( and in some cases repair bill ) !!!! Enjoy.

Like the spec. Got to say, looks good in silver. Well done you, congrats !!!

Soooooo......... Remind me, what have the Romans ever done for us ??????? You lucky lucky bas**rd !!!!!!

This is of probably little consequence to the overall debate.......however, MANY years ago, I owned a "T" suffix Alfa Romeo 1.3 Ti. Whilst not being the best of cars (tin worm could be heard all day - every day), was very well balanced, this car did not have ABS, or traction control, or any other electronic gizmos, but got me out ' of trouble ' on several occasions, though probably down to me as I 'cut my teeth' on a Morris Marinaaaaaa.

Cheers Gregers, You're right, miss her already. And those silk panties mmmmm..............

Sadly, I have had to bite the bullet. I really wanted to keep my Galaxy until at least Spring of next year, but had to make a rational ? decision on the overheating problem. Having replaced almost every component in the cooling system - apart from cylinder head / gasket, came to the conclusion that probably not very sensible to attempt Winter as needing to check and top up coolant every couple of days i.e. little or no anti-freeze and therefore liable to result in damage rendering vehicle non driveable and therefore de-valuing even further. However, this is not a sorry tale as I am now the pleased owner of a fully functioning Ren***t Grand Scenic ( hence thank you to Arnold Clark who gave me a good price for a 136000 miler). If I am being honest, I am sorry to see the Galaxy go, she was comfortable, large, reasonable economical, and bl**dy quick for a diesel. I would like to thank all contributors to this site as the help has proved very worthwhile, and I hope I will still be welcome to visit 'cos I really like you guys - and gals (and Maz, hope you get well soon).

Well done to GWR. I used to listen to said station as I lived in Clevedon for 12 years or so before moving 'back home' to Wigan. Now listen to Rock FM, which seems to run a similar format to GWR, and are renown in this area for various / numerous 'pranks'

Re contacting Auto Express, why not try Autocar and even Top Gear, feel fairly certain 'Jezza', 'Hamster' & co would relish the idea of making an example of Ford. It may be light hearted - even tongue in cheek, however, if they do the job properly you just might get a positive result. Seriously, though, wishing you the best of luck 'cos I really would 'be spitting flames' by now.

May I compliment you on such a well worded letter, as after spending that kind of hard earned money I would have probably reverted to insults by now. I was almost at the point of praising my local dealer in Wigan who charged me very little for keeping my vehicle for a week, however, the end result, and at this point I have to agree with Maz (though not reluctantly) that the end result was much better performance as the timing/cam belt was not fitted correctly, however, the original problem was overheating - and this is still not resolved. Would like to thank 'Seatkid', as I think his diagnosis/prognosis is probably correct i.e. head gasket/warped head. On a serious note, please keep us informed on subject as I really hope you receive satisfaction on this matter ( or you get your money back and look elsewhere, Mitsubishi Grandis perhaps) :D

Have just returned from 2 weeks in France (St Jean de Monts) in the Vendee region. Covered approx 1200 miles at average of around 42 mpg. Had 6 up (so to speak) 3 adults & 3 children. Whilst not towing a caravan, was towing a fairly large trailer, though is fair to say did not extend beyond the extremities of the vehicle. Also, to be on safe side, was carrying some 8 litres of water due to regular overheating problems which nobody seems to be able to replicate, and therefore unable to solve ( have followed threads on this subject and made suggestions to various mechanics - usually results in sharp intakes of breath, have decided to live with it for now and carry spare water with me !!!! Not best solution, but refuse to spend more money trying to resolve issue.) On a brighter note, found towing was very easy and am very pleased with economy and comfort.

Am also in north west, not too far from Wigan. And yes.......there really is a pier (all 2' 6" of it).

Had similar problem with my 2001 1.9 tdi, explained to local (reputable) garage. Having read various threads, suggested to garage that water pump at fault, however, they proceeded to check auxilliary pump (which was clogged), then thermostat, which was 'sticking', decided to check radiator, which needed reverse clean. Finally settled on faulty water pump, and replaced offending item. Thought, after 4 weeks of inspection, problem may be resolved, however, with '6' up, went over Pennines on M62 in 6th @ 70mph, and guess what, temp hit 130. Am now thouroughly frustrated as same happened on return journey, and having spent more than I can afford to resolve problem am now somewhat perplexed as runs smooth as you like for majority of the time. Think just put up and shut up & save up for S-Max and hope no probs with that.

Hi Maz, Just caught this thread about your power. Sorry to hear you have problem. Suggest get back on phone, tell them you have young children, intermittent power, and suggest point out the dangers of errant electricity and the probability of a law suit for substandard maintenance. Failing that call the Police and tell them it is an emergency 'cos no f**ker prepared to take respnsibility and you are concerned for the welfare of your children!!!! Regards Graham.

Maz, you are a star, look forward to your list of faults/ problems to watch for. My Gal going to car doctor tomorrow to resolve regular coolant loss ??? Suspect fault in pressure cap - suffice to say am trusting 'tame' mechanic , rather than frauds. :rolleyes:

Can all these ideas/faults/thoughts be gathered up into a 'comprehensive' checklist. Failing that, there are several websites which give a fairly comprehensive insight into possible faults. .....And there are various companies who can verify vehicle condition. ......Suck your thumb, feel the wind. Best option though is view with a 'tame' mechanic, or an experienced 'Gal' 'Shaz' or 'Bammer' owner. :rolleyes:

Hi all, Regarding venue for North West meet, would a visit to Oulton Park Race Circuit be appropriate. I guess a nice letter (grovel grovel) to Mr Jonathan Palmer of Motorsport Vision might swing some extra activities for free (ha ha) or possibly at a group reduction. I know, for example, that they have a rally stage, track days and sometimes, on race days, owners clubs are invited to drive the circuit at the lunch break. Can I leave this idea with you for the moment as have to sign off to sort kids and beds. See ya, Graham.

Thought WAP was the sound of Jerry hitting Tom with the old frying pan in the face routine ???

Compliments of the season to one and all. (if you can't be good, be careful. If you can't be careful, please don't blame me !!!) Cheers !!!!

Sad to say, I worked in a bank many years ago. The attitude was the same as an business, 'screw' the customer and make as much money from them as possible, only if they complained would a refund of charges be 'entertained' i.e. a long and boring interview with the Branch Manger explaining exactly why the charges were both relevant and justified. Usually resulted in slit wrists and very great mess to clear up 'cos manager could bore the pants off of anything living - or not. ;)