BicycleRepairMan

Last time I signed off here, I was just in the middle of a divorce and had lost my house. As I had no internet access at my parents, I said "goodbye for now". Well, I've definitely lost the house and everything in it, (still at my parents, which, at 43, feels very strange), but I do have internet now. And I've found a lovely lady. Take note divorced chaps - there are some good women out there, don't give up on them and fight getting bitter! (Drink bitter, by all means, but beware of alcohol taking over - I've seen a few divorced guys go that way after losing everything). Anyway, kids are great and I've just come back from touring Scotland with my daughter - who at nearly 17 still wanted to go away with her old man, so I'm pretty lucky really. I'm selling my Scooby - if I join up as a full member I can advertise it here - is that correct? How much would be reasonable to ask for it? It's done 52K miles, just been serviced and has long T and T. Will the Prodrive package add to the value over a standard car? What is the meaning of life? Good to be back - what has Andy been up to?

Sadly, it appears that I am breaking up with my wife, so I may not have ready access to a computer with decent 'net access for an unknown period. I just wanted to let SIDC folks know what a helpful and good bunch you all are, and I will miss you all, but I hope not for too long. Especial mention to Scooby Andy who is like a friend already.

I received an excellent quote and very good service from www.subaru-insured.co.uk

You've done it again, Blue Boy. Really funny.

<< my brother got s202 on friday and has been scaring the life out of me in the passenger seat ever since the sound from this car is amazing lucky for me i got too scare the life out of him when he let me take it for a 60 mile run the acceleration in every gear is just unbelivable only problem is i only just got a new wrx and feel like i wasted my money when there are cars as good as s202 for similar money on second hand market i guess i will just have too leave my car at home and go everywhere in the passenger seat in s202 >> I agree with the others that the WRX should be a better day to day car - mind I have not driven an S202! The problem with any argument along those lines is that a Focus diesel would be more practical still. None of us run Imprezas to be exactly practical, (just slightly more practical than an old 911 or 328 for instance), but we're back to heart over head again. Incidentally I get quite breathless reading your pieces as they have no punctuation and I keep waiting for a pause to come but it does not and then I realise that I haven't exhaled or inhaled for a rather long time if you see what I mean by reading this sentence. If you drive like you write, you must be very quick.

These are truly excellent. I actually did LOL, (but not PMSL because that would be messy). Here's a true example from a student's essay a teacher told me of: "Nowadays, birth certificates prove you really were born."

That is terrible. You must not blame yourself. These things have happened to people in all cars from beat up bangers upwards. What you are suffering is a sort of survivor's guilt - because it happened to her and not to you. It might be a good idea for you to contact Victim Support (the police will put you in touch); they could be a real help for both of you.

'Morning Andy.

I was talking to another local businessman the other day who has his own recovery business (and a rally Scooby), who told me that he only recovers Imprezas after high speed accidents - and they are well "monged" as he put it. The implication is clearly that they don't let go until travelling very fast (and presumably that Impreza drivers "push the envelope" to use management-speak). Having started to press my new car a little harder recently (in a entirely responsible sort of way you understand) the feed back I'm getting from the Scooby is that it needs to be driven in classic style - that is, brake hard in a straight line, turn in - isn't this phenomenal - then immediately onto the throttle to balance the car through the bend. The amount of power I can use very early is extraordinary. So, it's like a 911 - don't get caught on a trailing throttle or brakes when trying hard.

<< Hope your well and not having to work too hard. >> Thanks Andy - and a Happy New Year too. Of course I'm working too hard - I'm self employed aren't I? But really enjoying Scooby ownership - went round a greasy roundabout on the A69 at a speed that would have had the Alfa (bless it) almost understeering off and it hardly twitched. Haven't forgotton those eggs you have for sale - I will be up to see you soon I hope. Tax return time now though.

But why a NEW Jeep? Surely an old but nice Fiat Panda 4 x 4 would have been fun and interesting for your good lady and you could have kept the Scooby. A rally spec Scooby would be great, but a bit compromised as an everyday road car. Or does your wife cycle.....?

As far as I know, the car should be fine on 95 RON fuel (ie ordinary unleaded). I'll ask my friend John, who is an engineer at Nissan and was in Japan for 2 months showing them how to do it. Unfortunately he is in Spain for Nissan at the moment, so it may be a while before I get you an answer. I use 97/98 RON in all decent cars now and avoid supermarket petrol.

0 years and £0 fine. Does this make me boring? (I do eat mince pies on Christmas Day however. Rock and roll!).

Why did you have to sell your Scooby? Especially as you are a Regional Organiser. Should we start a collection fund to get you a new one?

Thanks for that Andy - sorry I wasn't on the forum last night. I will pass this on to my friend (actually my business partner). I saw the great tractor last night and it seems remarkably clean for its age considering it is the same age as me!