The-Acre

Just lately I've started using the parking brake every day. I know its not really needed with an auto but I think it must help to keep it moving. Glad you got it sorted (and for surprisingly little! Phil

Looks the biz! Makes me realise how much I need to do mine. The only thing I do regularly (apart from normal wash and wax) is to "feed" the leather seats, maybe this coming weekend....

Just so that you know how bad it can be if the drain holes are blocked, mine was flooded in one evening to the point where it set the alarm off!

My first guess would be sun roof, a very common area for leaks. Have you checked your drain holes? Phil

I remember watching the whole series of 24 on DVD, I can't imagine how annoying that would have been watching it with all the adverts. And why do the adverts come on so loud anyway, too much in your face for my liking. And as Ganesh says, it means we can spend more time on family etc.

We did away with TV about 15 years ago due to falling asleep every night after watching rubbish! Now we only watch things like BBC iplayer or DVD's. It's very liberating actually. And whenever we go on holiday and they have a TV we remind ourselves of why we did it. Phil

Hi John, Welcome to LOC. Phil

You'll have to pardon my ignorance when it comes to wheels. I like the ones you have but I've just put new tyres on my standard wheels, does that mean I can't use my tyres, if I can that's fine.

Very nice! I like the tints, is that a standard thing or retro? I'm seriously looking at getting mine done but as I've been told it looks like a pimps car I'm not sure now! Phil

Very good price indeed!

One evil could be overlooked, but two may require exorcism. I just remembered, when I called the AA after putting the wrong fuel in, although they said it would cost around £240 to have it drained, they said I would get a discount as a member!! Eventually they gave in, towed it to my workshop where a mechanic did it for £30! Which makes me think, did they just try to sell me another service I didn't want, knowing that it is their responsibility to tow me as a member if that's what I wanted. The AA in league with the company that does the roadside draining me thinks.

It looks like one of the mechanics tools to me.

Hi Graham, welcome to LOC. Phil

Talking of loyalty, about 5 years ago I opened a new business account with the Bank of Scotland, they told me how wonderful they are compared to Barclays who I'd been with for over 20 years with no problems. BOS gave me a business overdraft (which they charged me for) but after using it for a year they questioned why I was using it so much! I said why does it matter as long as you get your interest? When it came up for renewal I had to fight to get it reinstated. They told me they only had my best interests at heart. I said no you don't, they said yes we do, I said no you don't, they said yes we do. We agreed to differ but I know I'm right. Going back to Martin Lewis who I mentioned, he said "The banks are your enemy" I certainly proved that one right. Sadly that seems to be the case with so many big organisations now, they used to serve, now they just take and give as little as possible in return. Now that I've got that off my chest it's back to that bottle of Rioja!

Now it's getting complicated! As I said Mike, if it bugs you take it back, if it doesn't bother you that much I wouldn't worry. If you keep it for a few years it probably won't affect its resale value. My LS (although older) has had some paintwork done but the colour match is excellent and it really doesn't bother me, I expect it after 14 years, it's still a lovely car and looks fab. Phil

If it bugs you, as it clearly does, take it back. It's not like you've bought some old banger off ebay. Repainting wouldn't bother me, but not feeling as good as the original paint might.

I couldn't agree more, they're certainly not loyal to you! Last year I put petrol in my diesel car and had to fight to get the AA to tow my car to my workshop, they wanted to charge me around £240 to have it drained at the side of the road, after 29 years of membership!!

Time to stop being too British then? I just did the same thing with my house insurance and it came down.

I've been with the AA for 30 years and only needed them three times. We have full cover and this year the renewal was £170. After looking at the money saving expert's web site, Martin Lewis says you can haggle with the AA so I did. After saying I would leave and go over to the RAC they reduced my premium to £117. When I asked why they don't do this automatically, especially for long term members the lady said "we do it but don't advertise it" That's £53 saved just for asking. So if yours is up for renewal, haggle! Phil

Thanks.

Can I ask how much you paid for the parts? Phil

Congratulations! Lets have the photos when the time comes, they'll be far more interesting than cars!! Phil

Hi Paul. Welcome to LOC. I can't answer your question but I'm sure the answer will be forthcoming shortly! Phil

Does any one have a decent set of wheels for sale. I don't want to spend out on new, and as I'm not sure I like the original wheels enough to refurb them I wouldn't mind replacing them with something a bit more modern looking. Phil

Well done you, you don't do things in half measure do you!!