Chris Skelton

Every time I come on the site, I get the message 'Our site uses cookies to improve your experience...' etc.. This isn't true. It doesn't 'improve my experience of the site'. It merely allows my useage to be harvested, plus it sends me adverts related to (what some algorrythm THINKS) I'm interested in. . Test it. Look up some stupid thing on eBay, - say Dustbins - and you'll find references to Dustbins appearing at the side of sites you visit. Doesn't work on me - I tend to vow never to buy stuff advertised this way. But it IS annoying, (and uses up FAR too much of your computer)

I found that the weak point of jump leads is the clips themselves, which are often made of rather weak pressed metal that can easily break. I found a set of strong clips (welding? I wonder now!) and adapted the cables to fit (had to hammer the clamps on tight). There's a vid on Youtube somewhere about supercapacitors as a battery substitute......you learn stuff every day!

Pics of front plate only available after being t-boned! Impressed into chest?

You'll find a few comments on line re Kwikfit! Costco often do offers on Michelins and fit them well. Can certainly recommend Chris Mullins in Gloucester for proper fitting-plus, of course, our own Tony Bones.

I have an led light in my house that's been on for 22 years, (plus who knows how long before we moved here!) Behind a perspex fascia/screen, so no melting! They don't get hot. (See post above).

Better than most people's houses! You could live in it!

'Close Encounters...' redux? Was there a bright light in the sky and a whooshing noise overhead? Usually the electrics pack up when affected by a UFO- you're lucky!

I remember seeing cars from him on t'bay (badly photographed!) Good luck.

No milk about yesterday-snow on minor roads. (-:

OK. Now get on to the pros + cons of being 82 and the inevitable decay of faculties - denied, usually. (Experience of parents and friends!) Though I don't agree with Rayaan on youth aimed cars....old folk still are young inside often! We remember the groovy 60s! I'm still wondering whether to get a 'last car' before stopping driving. Comfort is paramount (no NOT seat comfort, though that helps!) but UKs roads are suffering from Tory Austerity effects so fat tyres and Citroenesque suspension?

Just found this comment on line! James Hannah 1 year ago (edited) They never stopped making the car. It's hugely popular in Australia...the dealerships are full of them...very popular with tradesmen. The 4.5 litre v8 diesel is a better option, far more economical. One thing to be wary of, is that they all leave the factory faulty. The rear wheel track is narrower than the front. When they changed the style at the front to incorporate the new engines the wheel track had to be widened. To save money, they didn't alter the rear axle. A company called Multi Drive in Australia manufacture a kit to repair this fault, so that the vehicle is safer and more efficient off road. But....try this instead? 

LPG it? After my Sunday 80 mile jaunt, on Britain's wonderful roads (Thanks, Tory austerity) I'm reverting to thinking a 4 X 4 is ideal (had a Cherokee 94-01) And probably they have less electronic gizmos to fail. Japan does throw up some gems, it seems. I'd want an Auto Land Cruiser though.

Agree with comment about the buttons (on Lex). Recently looking in depth at Phaetons, which have so many electronic bits (to fail at some point-expensively. Running my hi-fi on the 'K.I.S.S. principle, the idea of a simple car appeals. I don't 'need' electronic adjustable/heated/cooled seating (except on Mar 1st this year in snow!!-I can use a hot water bottle to sit against!), just a wiper, lights, maybe air-con if it's reliable, as a luxury. I can open my own boot without a motor...... A friend had a Peugeot 607 written off because they couldn't fix.....the computer that operated .....the WIPERS!

A contrast to the days when, for example, Citroen made the AX + BX light as possible. Now cars are over-padded and could roll off a cliff unscathed. My recent post on Phaetons...I think they weigh a lot as well, even without hybrid.

You're right. (Tempting fate here...) our Miele must get used 5 days a week. Cars SHOULD be just that, a means of transport; -but we get into the 'image' thing -or, in the case of Lex/Phaeton, the pursuit of 'perfection. I'm still looking for a low mile, auto 2010 Cube, in the logic area-so why am I seduced by a limo? After 37 years of always having a 'treat' car, I guess! At least I've (finally) decided I'm too old for a Mehari (unless I move to Med coast.....)

My hi-fi principle is KISS (Keep it simple,stupid) and the Phaeton is certainly the opposite of that! Just the (massaging/cooled/heated) seats adjust in myriad ways -all those motors. If you've got a rainy hour to kill, watch this tour of the car! www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3TPHwP5ZPw So MANY buttons/features! But, at the same time, if it was that bad, the word would be out? (We boys DO like our flashing lights/gadgets?)

Now try going the length of Spain, from Santander to Sanlucar de Barrameda.....or even start at St Malo. You're right about maintenance, Phil. These are heavy cars, and power assistance hides the forces taken to steer them, plus.....those wheels alone are heavy! All need supporting on litle bits of washers!

As 'under the radar' as LS 400s? These cars seem to have been created in much the same way as the ethos that started the LS - to make the best car ever! The Phaeton has same base as a Bentley (albeit a VW Bentley?) and certainly looks good in an understated way -as does the LS, I guess. They seem to have the same level of attention given to all the little details (though no self-closing doors!) Anyone had one? (Yes, I know.....I said I'd given up on big cars.....)

Want leg room? try a Citroen CX limo-so big in the back it had a footrest! As to S-west Lex. New to me! Where...must look up. Gas+Go in Swindon were good but now don't do Lex.

I recall reviews of the Honda NSX said it was a supercar you could go shopping in. On Britain's crowded/cramped roads, I'd think the Lex is a bit awkward?(Size wise)..... designed for US, really?

Make him work to save up the cash? Getting given stuff induces carelessness. Heard a neighbour's kid utter 'Oh, my Dad will just buy me another' once........

My memories of owning (several) Citroen DS23s echoes that; superb comfort plus-as you say- no need to wory about 'speed bumps'! I never got comfortable with the XM I sold last year, despite it being probably the best condition one left in UK! (Maybe that was a part of it? Perfect paint brings paranoia!) The DS has such squishy seats plus about 2cms of foam beneath the carpet (in the Pallas version). Was only watching a recording of that Car rebuild TV show, when Mike-the-wide-boy found a DS in France to rebuild -a DSuper5 this time. But things, in terms of build quality, have moved on of course. The LS400 was pretty close, comfort-wise, and much better, engine and build wise. But didn't match in looks, to me! What does? Thanks, Steve, for the write-up offer; I do have a few, though I've usually given my stash of mag reviews away these days.

I sent a message to a neighbour about roof gutters. the next track on 'Shuffleplay' was.....'Some day it feels like rain' by Aaron Neville! Life CAN be strange.

On run-flat tyres? Surely not! How about the mysteriously low mile, gold wheel one there?

I switched to a Ser 4 because it had Traction control, (after serious wiggle in rain in Ser 3 car!)