martin_allen

Cheers for the sensible (and no so sensible) replies. FYI the mrs had a hip replacement a few years ago so a lot of these things are difficult for her. The majority of the time we have at night goes on making more baby food (we don't buy jars of mush) and doing all the washing etc to make sure the wee one has clothes. I am out 7:30 until 7:30 most days and with the mrs on nights I tend to think I would like to spend as much time together as a family. Thought this might be an idea (someone to scrub the oven etc!) I suppose though, the stuff that really takes the time up we'd still do ourselves though so probably not an option. 5t.

Not for the car a domestic one, bit of hoovering once a week, that sort of thing? If so, whats the going rate and how much do you try to get done? I don't want to be a lush but between me working all week and the mrs working at weekends one of us is always looking after the wee one and running the vac while he's in bed just doesn't seem right. 5t.

Heh like a hangover "self inflicted"? Yep looks cool and sunny. Being a mountain type road good days to drive it might be few and far between over the next few months so making hay while the sun shines as it were. 5t.

Mods, move to events if you want but this is all unofficial so didn't seem right to post there. Looks like it might be a dry weekend so thinking about a run through the Trossachs to Loch Katrine via Carron Valley and Aberfoyle. Anyone fancy a scoot out? Its not going to be a mad one, the wee boy will be on board but if it is dry it should still allow 'spirited' (within legal and cars limits) driving. If so let me know. Probably take a couple of hours out of the day, would look at leaving from one point about 10:30 i think (have to time everything round the wee man's feeds). 5t.

Paul, sorry to see you go chap. All the best with the biz. If you do want any help with any charity stuff in future though i'm sure we'd be up for helping out. And you can't beat a bit of HHGTTG (apart from the film which was pants) 5t.

Are you sure about that chap? That implies he had permission to drive it like which of course he didn't... Of course if, as stated you simply left the keys in case he alarm went off or because you knew they would be safe then that would be different wouldn't it? That would mean the car really was TWOC'd and thus has to be paid out on. Gutting though, was a lovely machine. 5t.

We have the Young Sport too. Great seat, we liked it for the head protection and the fact it fits both cars (Scoob and Ford Fusion). Only issue is that it hardly reclines at all which is a bit of a shame. It's enough but not great. Mrs actually picked it not me! 5t.

Fantastic chaps thanks. Last time i had to get a screen was on my XR3i years and years ago. They asked if it was insurance or not (wasn't autoglass) and because it wasn't an insurance job it was £200. Apparently the cost to the insurance would have been £350 so it is goos scam. Seem to have a double crack as i hoped it could be repaired but their is a thick chip then just a few mil below a longer crack that is deffo bigger than a 2p so i think it is a new window. Luckily i do have cover so £60 excess but still don't want a leaky window or scratches (more of) putting all over the car by some ham fisted nugget. 5t.

50k service at Grieves was £300 with SIDC discount

thanks chaps. I was thinking franchise... only as good as the local operator. It might need to be done in the evening so i don't want someone doing damage i can't see especially if they have to replace the screen 5t.

got a rock thrown up at the window today and big (well 2p size) crack in the windscreen. Before i call autoglass for a new one (on the insurance) has anybody had any dealings with them locally? Anything to watch out for? Also, anyone better? 5t

Vote for Grieves on this. Had mine done there and they checked but didn't replace the tensioners which is good work i think. Brakes will be expensive there though. Perhaps better off looking for a refurb kit from Godspeed or something.... 5t.

Excellent day, good to catch up with a few people too. Have to get a central meet organised soon. Excellent work by Gus to take part in this. Good feedback too. Heard a few people say it was a great way to get the club noticed. Big thanks to all those who helped out with the wee man at vaious points in the day! 5t.

I had an okish experience with them. I got an ok deal on the car and was allowed a test drive no issue. The car was meant to be serviced etc before i picked it up. When i arrived i checked the oil (black) and the filter (also filthy) the claim was it was only serviced "if it needed it" not as i collected it which i don't feel was in the spirit of things but the price was a good one. The excuse was it had beed serviced (by them) just 2k previously. Now i know these cars can dirty the oil quite fast but a 40k service should not have left the oil and filter looking like that after so few miles. Also claimed it didn't need a cambelt until 60k and as soon as i checked the manual i found that was actually 50k... Went to Grieves for that and got a great price too. There was also a mark on thw windscreen which i claimed wasn't there during the test drive but apparently was... no come back on that really. They phone occasionally. Last time they were going to get back to me with a settlement figure but didn't... so - ease of purchase - great, sorted out the private plate etc (it had one on and needed to come off although that wasn't explained until after i'd agreed to buy it) also great price. Servicing and after sales though... not so sure about. Might have just been an off day for them of course. They have always been polite and helpful I just feel a few things were missing/not explained properly at the time. 5t.

Won't matter will it? Stolen with the key so BlackJax (at least the one i had) won't work. It was only if you got out and then drove off. The car would stall after about 200 yard. The idea being if you get jacked you get out, they drive far enough away to be safe but not too far as the car has stopped on them... Far too many of these though. Boy on Scoobynet had them round twice in two weeks although they've failed to take the car so far. Hope you get this back ok. I doubt it but i hope you do. 5t.

would agree, has to be something to do with a sensor packing in or the oil change. Good news if it isn't rattling though. Can't be an engine issue. Have you drained the oil off a bit? Remember 'just over full' when cold = 'a hell of a lot over full' once the car is hot. 5t.

Guys, first chance i've had to pick this up. Been mad at work. If i say 'DBS' that should be a clue... Anyway, sounds like they aren't wind in pistons which is what i was worried about so that's grand! Now just need some decent brakes for the right money..... heh. 5t.

No one able to say at all?

Bumpy... seriously, that easy on a newage??? 5t.

Thanks Den. Its the newage wagon in the pic so not sure if that makes a difference but i doubt it will be much... 5t.

Huzzah! passed the MOT. Bad news, worn rear disks and pads so need to swap them over. Apparently it isn't too tricky, i'd be willing to give it a crack... however i'd like a guide to doing it first beofre i commit! anyone got such a document? Also if it is a deffo 'dinnae go there' please say! heh 5t.

Sorry to hear it chap. With a full tank of juice, to be honest, i hope you don't get it back and get a good payout from the insurance instead. 5t.

Congrats all. Havign recently gone through it i know what you are up against now heh. 5t.

Thought it might be a tad early. I don;t get home until back of 7. will have to start early if it happens again, some good runs down there in summer! 5t.

What would be the plan for going through? Meet up as normal and go as a convoy but arrive late or just go straight to Glasgow? I'm not sure we'll make it either way, the wee man in charge has made me reticent to commit to anything at the moment! 5t.