Chris2cv

I've been using the Clio during the week ever since the last post. In a rather shocking development, I've moved in with my girlfriend! She hates the Clio as it "makes her sick" (which I think is more to do with her playing with her phone while I am driving!) so I use that for commuting, then the Stepway at weekends when she is with me. It has been going well, only very rarely doing the random indicating. It sometimes takes a couple of goes to start, but has always started. 
Yesterday was my last commute in it though. We are inside the new extended ULEZ, so I can't justify paying that. It's a shame as it has been a great little car for nearly 21 years now, but it had to go. Of course, being me, I haven't sold it. I haven't scrapped it either. My parents are in the process (still!) of renovating a house to retire to, down by the coast, so today I drove the Clio down to their place. It's going to live here and be their runabout to save mileage on their car, and I'll use it when I'm here - as long as I can persuade my girlfriend! 
I'm not really happy about it. I'm glad that it's still in the family, but I worry that it will end up spending most of it's time "resting" like the 2cv. I don't want it being a mobile garden ornament. I was getting 60mpg on the way down (better than the Stepway gets!) and it is in the cheapest tax rate as it is low emissions! It always sails through the emissions part of the MOT but I am apparently driving a badly polluting car! I also worry that there is nothing to stop the goalposts moving and the Stepway suddenly being too dirty for London. It's one thing with a 20+ year old car, but they keep saying "diesel over 6 years old" and Stepway is 5 and a half! I hope that it actually means 6 years old now, so 7 years old next year, but taxes rarely work like that! A colleague "knows someone" who can apparently change tax classes on the log book, so that his old car is ok. He offered to do mine, but this sounds very dodgy to me.
 
 
In other news, all good with the Stepway, no repeat of the camera incident and in regular use at weekends.  I started the 2cv a few weeks ago. Can't use it as I just haven't had time to sort the suspension, so it has no MOT. Dad has now offered to take it in for me. I'm happy to pay, I'm just not anywhere near the car when the garage is open!
 

Just over a month later and there has been a bit more progress! 
The Clio has been back on the road for a fortnight now. I won't say it's a hundred percent, there are still the occasional indicator flashes when I close the window, but ULEZ is going to kill it soon anyway!
The Stepway continues to rack up the miles and is still doing well. One weird thing happened a couple of weeks ago, when the reverse camera (on a Dacia!) didn't come on. The screen told me that the camera was broken or disconnected and it just stayed on a black screen. I couldn't change the radio station or use sat nav. Got rather concerned as I had a big trip coming up, but was on my way to a concert, so just had to park and hope for the best. When I returned a few hours later, it all worked perfectly! Hopefully just a strange one off. 
Still no progress with the 2cv. Life just seems really hectic lately. Maybe if we made some actual plans it would help! But, life is good. Off to the "father in law's" birthday party on Saturday, guess that means that we are fully public now!

Not much has happened recently, but Dave has finally come to sort the Clio out! (Only 4 months late!) Dad saw him, as I was at work, and apparently the light switch that I bought is wrong. Sadly I can't really do much about that now, as I've had it for months. At least it was cheap. The weird thing is, I've had one text from Dave saying that he'll get the right part for me, but Dad seems to think that I know all about what is happening, when he probably talked to Dave the entire time that he was there. (Like the time that he did a really bad impression of my then 2cv mechanic. To him.) 
The battery was flat, as I expected, but after a long charge, it eventually started and I drove it today, for the first time this year! It drove absolutely fine. No constantly flashing indicator! Also no plastics on the steering column, as they are all on the passenger seat, but it's progress of sorts.
The Stepway remains in regular use. Dave wants to do the cambelt which was due last month, but I've said that I'm not having two (technically 4) vehicles off the road, so the Clio needs to be fixed before I'll consider it. 
The 2cv remains in it's garage, waiting for me to sort the shock absorbers. I've made a degree of progress, but just seem to be really busy all the time. Started and ran absolutely fine a few weeks ago.
On the personal front, we've gone public! I think that virtually everyone already knew that we were together, but we aren't pretending otherwise any more. It's nice and everyone has been really supportive, but I think that we really needed the chance to get ourselves established before we started getting any interrogation. We've booked a holiday together! I'm really happy. If it means that the cars have to take a back seat for a while, then I'm afraid that's just the way it is.
 

Not much has happened recently, but Dave has finally come to sort the Clio out! (Only 4 months late!) Dad saw him, as I was at work, and apparently the light switch that I bought is wrong. Sadly I can't really do much about that now, as I've had it for months. At least it was cheap. The weird thing is, I've had one text from Dave saying that he'll get the right part for me, but Dad seems to think that I know all about what is happening, when he probably talked to Dave the entire time that he was there. (Like the time that he did a really bad impression of my then 2cv mechanic. To him.) 
The battery was flat, as I expected, but after a long charge, it eventually started and I drove it today, for the first time this year! It drove absolutely fine. No constantly flashing indicator! Also no plastics on the steering column, as they are all on the passenger seat, but it's progress of sorts.
The Stepway remains in regular use. Dave wants to do the cambelt which was due last month, but I've said that I'm not having two (technically 4) vehicles off the road, so the Clio needs to be fixed before I'll consider it. 
The 2cv remains in it's garage, waiting for me to sort the shock absorbers. I've made a degree of progress, but just seem to be really busy all the time. Started and ran absolutely fine a few weeks ago.
On the personal front, we've gone public! I think that virtually everyone already knew that we were together, but we aren't pretending otherwise any more. It's nice and everyone has been really supportive, but I think that we really needed the chance to get ourselves established before we started getting any interrogation. We've booked a holiday together! I'm really happy. If it means that the cars have to take a back seat for a while, then I'm afraid that's just the way it is.
 

Not much has happened recently, but Dave has finally come to sort the Clio out! (Only 4 months late!) Dad saw him, as I was at work, and apparently the light switch that I bought is wrong. Sadly I can't really do much about that now, as I've had it for months. At least it was cheap. The weird thing is, I've had one text from Dave saying that he'll get the right part for me, but Dad seems to think that I know all about what is happening, when he probably talked to Dave the entire time that he was there. (Like the time that he did a really bad impression of my then 2cv mechanic. To him.) 
The battery was flat, as I expected, but after a long charge, it eventually started and I drove it today, for the first time this year! It drove absolutely fine. No constantly flashing indicator! Also no plastics on the steering column, as they are all on the passenger seat, but it's progress of sorts.
The Stepway remains in regular use. Dave wants to do the cambelt which was due last month, but I've said that I'm not having two (technically 4) vehicles off the road, so the Clio needs to be fixed before I'll consider it. 
The 2cv remains in it's garage, waiting for me to sort the shock absorbers. I've made a degree of progress, but just seem to be really busy all the time. Started and ran absolutely fine a few weeks ago.
On the personal front, we've gone public! I think that virtually everyone already knew that we were together, but we aren't pretending otherwise any more. It's nice and everyone has been really supportive, but I think that we really needed the chance to get ourselves established before we started getting any interrogation. We've booked a holiday together! I'm really happy. If it means that the cars have to take a back seat for a while, then I'm afraid that's just the way it is.
 

I'm surprised that we've not really heard much about what happened with Freddie. It would seem that it must have been pretty bad, and I hope that he is healing well.
I was a big fan of Top Gear for many years, back into the early 90's. It got a lot more entertaining during the Clarkson era. something that I'd make the effort to watch (often several times) rather than the rather dull show that came before. If I, as a proper petrolhead found it dull, there wasn't really much hope of drawing in "normal" people.  The Clarkson era was not as informative or useful, but it was fun escapism.
I was gutted when it got cancelled, (although obviously I understood the reason!) but I gradually accepted the new looks as they came. I like Chris Harris, he knows his stuff and he helped to give a bit for the car fans as well as the general entertainment. I understood that Freddie was the daredevil and could be quite entertaining. I didn't really take to Paddy, but to be fair his Eddie Kidd tribute seemed really genuine even if he was quite irritating at other times. I can't say that I'm gutted to see it being put "on pause" this time. I've watched virtually every recent show, but it's just not felt as special. Something that I'd probably watch if I was in, not something that I'd rush home to watch. It did get a lot better, but teams take time to gel and if it does come back (without Freddie?) then would they have to start the process again?
But who should present it?  I've heard Clarkson rule himself out, but I don't think that he was ever in the frame anyway. I liked him back in the day, but things have moved on. I've heard (possibly wrongly) that Freddie won't come back. I'd keep Chris, but I'd like a team that actually knows about cars. Yes, entertaining and maybe silly too sometimes, but knowledgible too.   

Still no progress with the fleet, so I'm using the Stepway more than usual. I'm determined to sort at least two of the vehicles out next month - I'm away this weekend and only actually in on Monday night next week, so there is no point planning anything next week. I'd really like to know what is happening with the ULEZ, as the Clio is due a cambelt and service, but if I have to sell it by August, is there really any point?  It is not really going to affect the value and I'd have to be really unlucky for it to go in the couple of thousand miles that I'll do in that time. Similarly, the Stepway is also due a cambelt and service (nice expensive year!) but is a 5 year old diesel, so IF the 6 year thing is rolling, I may need to get rid of that next year. 
I understand that pollution is a problem. I understand that the Clio is old and not as clean as modern cars, but it easily passes the emissions every year and it only really does quite a low mileage as she doesn't like it. I just don't see the sense in selling it for a very low price, which will probably result in somebody running it into the ground and it being scrapped before long, when with a little maintenance it will probably be good for quite a few more years. But I can't justify £13 (or whatever) each day just to commute. It makes some sense between the north and south circulars, but the new area is absolutely vast and includes much quieter and even country roads. It is surely going to mean large numbers of perfectly good cars being scrapped just because they are old. But, in two years time, I'll be able to bring the 2cv in! How does that make sense. On top of that, how am I supposed to afford a new car? No point buying another "old" car if I'm still going to have to pay ULEZ.
 
On the personal thing. She messaged me one evening "Chris, you lied to me!" Oh crap, I thought. What have I done now?  "I'm sure that I haven't" I replied. I've been really careful to always be honest with her.  "Yes, you did. In the car yesterday".  I wracked my brain, trying to think what I could possibly have said to upset her. Silence for a while.
"You said that my singing was nice. I've just recorded myself and it's the worst noise that I have ever heard!"  It was all a wind up! (Her voice is fine) It's nice that we can have silliness like this, but not good for my nerves! 

Just a minor update.
I was thinking this morning. "The MOT on the Stepway is due in mid March, I'd better check when exactly". Quick check with the DVLA. Due on 14th February! "Oh crap!". It's filthy and full of junk. But, I do work for a garage! Quick chat with the workshop controller, and the 3 week waiting list was swerved. Passed, but brakes and tyres will need attention soon.
Otherwise, not much happening. My friend Dave is supposedly sorting the Clio but always seems to be too busy, and has left it in bits for about a month now.
The 2cv remains in it's garage, but I got in touch with an old friend last week (not Dave!) who is going to come and sort the shocks out. Just need to tie up when we can both be there at the same time.
In my personal life, things are pretty good. She took me to meet her sister and family on Sunday, and keeps not very subtly mentioning marriage! I don't think that we are anywhere near that yet, (definitely not ruling it out though!)  but it's nice that things seem to be more long term now. She wants us to have a summer holiday together etc. Don't get me wrong, I want it too, she is an incredible woman, I'm just wary of things going wrong again. I mean, it's Valentines. She isn't interested in all that, but we are both at a loose end, in our own homes tonight. I don't know. Time will tell.
 

@High Jetter asked on the Single and Sad thread, but it didn't really seem like the right place to answer. I realised that I hadn't actually said much about my new job! So, after 20 years at the old company, I've moved on.  It's not that different, I'm doing a very similar job (selling parts for cars at a dealership), but it's with different people in a new place. I have known my new boss and colleague for many years, and we get on well. I already know many of the customers and the main operating system.  I'm having to learn two new parts catalogues (two franchises!) and two order systems, which has been a rather steep learning curve, but so far so good!
Everyone has been friendly so far and I'm slowly finding my feet. Hopefully all will be ok.

I've not posted here recently. I've dropped in from time to time and I did read the advice that was kindly given above. Thank you for that. 
The job finished yesterday. It's been pretty awful really. My boss was rather conveniently on holiday for the final week, so I was left alone to clear all of the stock and dismantle the shelving, stripping the place back to basically a bare shell. That's rather tough when - bad as the job has been at times - it's been a big part of my life for nearly half of my life. The vast mountains of crap in every corner, the huge amounts of dust and filth being disturbed and breathed in, the lack of any support.
But, it's done now. Over. Gone.
The directors came in to see me. They actually spoke to me (they have not spoken to me in 5 years or more) and thanked me! No bonus or anything obviously, but trust me I've done alright out of the clear out! They have put in writing that the redundancy money is safe and held over to the new job. I'm still less than confident that I'm making the right decision here, but I've made it now and I don't think there is any going back. Wish me luck!
On top of this, I met a woman back in January, we got together and it has been a very dramatic few months. That's a story for another thread. A story where there are also a LOT of red flags and friends telling me that I'm doing the wrong thing. But sometimes you have to take the gamble. 
Oh, the cars are fine!
 

Still no progress with the fleet, so I'm using the Stepway more than usual. I'm determined to sort at least two of the vehicles out next month - I'm away this weekend and only actually in on Monday night next week, so there is no point planning anything next week. I'd really like to know what is happening with the ULEZ, as the Clio is due a cambelt and service, but if I have to sell it by August, is there really any point?  It is not really going to affect the value and I'd have to be really unlucky for it to go in the couple of thousand miles that I'll do in that time. Similarly, the Stepway is also due a cambelt and service (nice expensive year!) but is a 5 year old diesel, so IF the 6 year thing is rolling, I may need to get rid of that next year. 
I understand that pollution is a problem. I understand that the Clio is old and not as clean as modern cars, but it easily passes the emissions every year and it only really does quite a low mileage as she doesn't like it. I just don't see the sense in selling it for a very low price, which will probably result in somebody running it into the ground and it being scrapped before long, when with a little maintenance it will probably be good for quite a few more years. But I can't justify £13 (or whatever) each day just to commute. It makes some sense between the north and south circulars, but the new area is absolutely vast and includes much quieter and even country roads. It is surely going to mean large numbers of perfectly good cars being scrapped just because they are old. But, in two years time, I'll be able to bring the 2cv in! How does that make sense. On top of that, how am I supposed to afford a new car? No point buying another "old" car if I'm still going to have to pay ULEZ.
 
On the personal thing. She messaged me one evening "Chris, you lied to me!" Oh crap, I thought. What have I done now?  "I'm sure that I haven't" I replied. I've been really careful to always be honest with her.  "Yes, you did. In the car yesterday".  I wracked my brain, trying to think what I could possibly have said to upset her. Silence for a while.
"You said that my singing was nice. I've just recorded myself and it's the worst noise that I have ever heard!"  It was all a wind up! (Her voice is fine) It's nice that we can have silliness like this, but not good for my nerves! 

Strange times for my fleet.   No change with the moped. It’s still sitting, broken in the garage. I barely go in there, and then remember that it’s still there. “I must do something with that”.   The 2cv is fine as far as I know, but it lives with my parents and I just haven’t had time to get down there for a few months. In truly bizarre news, I’ve got a girlfriend now, and we are spending most weekends together, so travelling down to change the shock absorbers has just kept slipping out of reach. Soon. Probably.   The Stepway is doing fine. Being used more regularly lately, as she doesn’t like the Clio. It’s still “an old man’s car”, but she seems to prefer it. Only recent problem was a headlight bulb. I noticed that it was out on the way to work. Not a problem, I work for a garage! So, I looked up the bulb while I was at work. It’s an H4. We don’t sell them. Never mind, I’ve got some in that pile that I “acquired” when I was made redundant. So I get home. Can’t park anywhere near, so I block next door. Who obviously needs to go out then. Obviously, it's dark and minus 2 degrees while I'm doing this Nip up to find my stash. It’s under the spare bed. Pull everything out. It’s not under the spare bed. Put it all back. Look around. It’s on the table behind me! Take it out to the car. Take the old one out.  It’s an H7. Back upstairs with the H4 to find an H7. Back down again with the H7. Fit that. Surprisingly easy. Test it. Nothing. Check contacts. Nothing. Check switch.  I’ve changed the wrong sodding bulb!  Change the correct bulb, which is obviously in a much tighter, sharper space.  Test.  All good. Woo and indeed hoo!   The Clio is the most concerning. It’s had an intermittent fault with the indicator since August, where the right indicator will randomly come on and not stop. I’ve cleaned all the contacts, tried a spare rear light that I had in my stash, checked all the bulbs. Nothing. It will be fine for weeks, but then randomly do it again for a day or so before stopping again. I’ve bought a new switch, but the instructions said about “disconnect the airbag”, which panicked me a bit, so I haven’t done that yet. Still commuting in it, except during the current snow.  Went straight through it’s MOT though! It wasn’t flashing then! I have asked several mechanics to look at it. Nobody has.    More concerning is the coming ULEZ. It won’t comply and I can’t justify that sort of money every day. I could give it to my brother, who lives outside the zone, or it could live with my parents – although they are not keen on that idea! – but I’ve had it for 20 years. I don’t want to get rid of it, but I don’t really have much choice. It’s worth very little, but it’s been a great little car. I’ll be sorry to lose it. 

The ULEZ is based on European emissions regulations e.g Euro 4,5 etc. Euro 6, which is still current, started with vehicles from 2015. The ULEZ is not based on the age of the vehicle or anything like that. Your Sandero will be good for many years yet I expect, as any Euro 6 diesel is totally compliant for ULEZ, as it should be, as this is what new cars sold today are rated at. 
The EU wants Euro 7 in 2025 but the manufacturers are not keen, investing craploads of money in lowering ICE engine emissions seems a bit pointless if they can’t sell them at all beyond 2030 or maybe 2035. 

Still no progress with the fleet, so I'm using the Stepway more than usual. I'm determined to sort at least two of the vehicles out next month - I'm away this weekend and only actually in on Monday night next week, so there is no point planning anything next week. I'd really like to know what is happening with the ULEZ, as the Clio is due a cambelt and service, but if I have to sell it by August, is there really any point?  It is not really going to affect the value and I'd have to be really unlucky for it to go in the couple of thousand miles that I'll do in that time. Similarly, the Stepway is also due a cambelt and service (nice expensive year!) but is a 5 year old diesel, so IF the 6 year thing is rolling, I may need to get rid of that next year. 
I understand that pollution is a problem. I understand that the Clio is old and not as clean as modern cars, but it easily passes the emissions every year and it only really does quite a low mileage as she doesn't like it. I just don't see the sense in selling it for a very low price, which will probably result in somebody running it into the ground and it being scrapped before long, when with a little maintenance it will probably be good for quite a few more years. But I can't justify £13 (or whatever) each day just to commute. It makes some sense between the north and south circulars, but the new area is absolutely vast and includes much quieter and even country roads. It is surely going to mean large numbers of perfectly good cars being scrapped just because they are old. But, in two years time, I'll be able to bring the 2cv in! How does that make sense. On top of that, how am I supposed to afford a new car? No point buying another "old" car if I'm still going to have to pay ULEZ.
 
On the personal thing. She messaged me one evening "Chris, you lied to me!" Oh crap, I thought. What have I done now?  "I'm sure that I haven't" I replied. I've been really careful to always be honest with her.  "Yes, you did. In the car yesterday".  I wracked my brain, trying to think what I could possibly have said to upset her. Silence for a while.
"You said that my singing was nice. I've just recorded myself and it's the worst noise that I have ever heard!"  It was all a wind up! (Her voice is fine) It's nice that we can have silliness like this, but not good for my nerves! 

Just a minor update.
I was thinking this morning. "The MOT on the Stepway is due in mid March, I'd better check when exactly". Quick check with the DVLA. Due on 14th February! "Oh crap!". It's filthy and full of junk. But, I do work for a garage! Quick chat with the workshop controller, and the 3 week waiting list was swerved. Passed, but brakes and tyres will need attention soon.
Otherwise, not much happening. My friend Dave is supposedly sorting the Clio but always seems to be too busy, and has left it in bits for about a month now.
The 2cv remains in it's garage, but I got in touch with an old friend last week (not Dave!) who is going to come and sort the shocks out. Just need to tie up when we can both be there at the same time.
In my personal life, things are pretty good. She took me to meet her sister and family on Sunday, and keeps not very subtly mentioning marriage! I don't think that we are anywhere near that yet, (definitely not ruling it out though!)  but it's nice that things seem to be more long term now. She wants us to have a summer holiday together etc. Don't get me wrong, I want it too, she is an incredible woman, I'm just wary of things going wrong again. I mean, it's Valentines. She isn't interested in all that, but we are both at a loose end, in our own homes tonight. I don't know. Time will tell.
 

sad to hear the clio might be going. they're good little motors (if a bit prone to random acts of wtf are you doing you daft car)

Still no progress with the fleet, so I'm using the Stepway more than usual. I'm determined to sort at least two of the vehicles out next month - I'm away this weekend and only actually in on Monday night next week, so there is no point planning anything next week. I'd really like to know what is happening with the ULEZ, as the Clio is due a cambelt and service, but if I have to sell it by August, is there really any point?  It is not really going to affect the value and I'd have to be really unlucky for it to go in the couple of thousand miles that I'll do in that time. Similarly, the Stepway is also due a cambelt and service (nice expensive year!) but is a 5 year old diesel, so IF the 6 year thing is rolling, I may need to get rid of that next year. 
I understand that pollution is a problem. I understand that the Clio is old and not as clean as modern cars, but it easily passes the emissions every year and it only really does quite a low mileage as she doesn't like it. I just don't see the sense in selling it for a very low price, which will probably result in somebody running it into the ground and it being scrapped before long, when with a little maintenance it will probably be good for quite a few more years. But I can't justify £13 (or whatever) each day just to commute. It makes some sense between the north and south circulars, but the new area is absolutely vast and includes much quieter and even country roads. It is surely going to mean large numbers of perfectly good cars being scrapped just because they are old. But, in two years time, I'll be able to bring the 2cv in! How does that make sense. On top of that, how am I supposed to afford a new car? No point buying another "old" car if I'm still going to have to pay ULEZ.
 
On the personal thing. She messaged me one evening "Chris, you lied to me!" Oh crap, I thought. What have I done now?  "I'm sure that I haven't" I replied. I've been really careful to always be honest with her.  "Yes, you did. In the car yesterday".  I wracked my brain, trying to think what I could possibly have said to upset her. Silence for a while.
"You said that my singing was nice. I've just recorded myself and it's the worst noise that I have ever heard!"  It was all a wind up! (Her voice is fine) It's nice that we can have silliness like this, but not good for my nerves! 

Still no progress with the fleet, so I'm using the Stepway more than usual. I'm determined to sort at least two of the vehicles out next month - I'm away this weekend and only actually in on Monday night next week, so there is no point planning anything next week. I'd really like to know what is happening with the ULEZ, as the Clio is due a cambelt and service, but if I have to sell it by August, is there really any point?  It is not really going to affect the value and I'd have to be really unlucky for it to go in the couple of thousand miles that I'll do in that time. Similarly, the Stepway is also due a cambelt and service (nice expensive year!) but is a 5 year old diesel, so IF the 6 year thing is rolling, I may need to get rid of that next year. 
I understand that pollution is a problem. I understand that the Clio is old and not as clean as modern cars, but it easily passes the emissions every year and it only really does quite a low mileage as she doesn't like it. I just don't see the sense in selling it for a very low price, which will probably result in somebody running it into the ground and it being scrapped before long, when with a little maintenance it will probably be good for quite a few more years. But I can't justify £13 (or whatever) each day just to commute. It makes some sense between the north and south circulars, but the new area is absolutely vast and includes much quieter and even country roads. It is surely going to mean large numbers of perfectly good cars being scrapped just because they are old. But, in two years time, I'll be able to bring the 2cv in! How does that make sense. On top of that, how am I supposed to afford a new car? No point buying another "old" car if I'm still going to have to pay ULEZ.
 
On the personal thing. She messaged me one evening "Chris, you lied to me!" Oh crap, I thought. What have I done now?  "I'm sure that I haven't" I replied. I've been really careful to always be honest with her.  "Yes, you did. In the car yesterday".  I wracked my brain, trying to think what I could possibly have said to upset her. Silence for a while.
"You said that my singing was nice. I've just recorded myself and it's the worst noise that I have ever heard!"  It was all a wind up! (Her voice is fine) It's nice that we can have silliness like this, but not good for my nerves! 

Just a minor update.
I was thinking this morning. "The MOT on the Stepway is due in mid March, I'd better check when exactly". Quick check with the DVLA. Due on 14th February! "Oh crap!". It's filthy and full of junk. But, I do work for a garage! Quick chat with the workshop controller, and the 3 week waiting list was swerved. Passed, but brakes and tyres will need attention soon.
Otherwise, not much happening. My friend Dave is supposedly sorting the Clio but always seems to be too busy, and has left it in bits for about a month now.
The 2cv remains in it's garage, but I got in touch with an old friend last week (not Dave!) who is going to come and sort the shocks out. Just need to tie up when we can both be there at the same time.
In my personal life, things are pretty good. She took me to meet her sister and family on Sunday, and keeps not very subtly mentioning marriage! I don't think that we are anywhere near that yet, (definitely not ruling it out though!)  but it's nice that things seem to be more long term now. She wants us to have a summer holiday together etc. Don't get me wrong, I want it too, she is an incredible woman, I'm just wary of things going wrong again. I mean, it's Valentines. She isn't interested in all that, but we are both at a loose end, in our own homes tonight. I don't know. Time will tell.
 

Just a minor update.
I was thinking this morning. "The MOT on the Stepway is due in mid March, I'd better check when exactly". Quick check with the DVLA. Due on 14th February! "Oh crap!". It's filthy and full of junk. But, I do work for a garage! Quick chat with the workshop controller, and the 3 week waiting list was swerved. Passed, but brakes and tyres will need attention soon.
Otherwise, not much happening. My friend Dave is supposedly sorting the Clio but always seems to be too busy, and has left it in bits for about a month now.
The 2cv remains in it's garage, but I got in touch with an old friend last week (not Dave!) who is going to come and sort the shocks out. Just need to tie up when we can both be there at the same time.
In my personal life, things are pretty good. She took me to meet her sister and family on Sunday, and keeps not very subtly mentioning marriage! I don't think that we are anywhere near that yet, (definitely not ruling it out though!)  but it's nice that things seem to be more long term now. She wants us to have a summer holiday together etc. Don't get me wrong, I want it too, she is an incredible woman, I'm just wary of things going wrong again. I mean, it's Valentines. She isn't interested in all that, but we are both at a loose end, in our own homes tonight. I don't know. Time will tell.
 

Don't over think the job Chris. It's likely to make you spoil a good thing. The worst rarely happens you know 👍

Just a minor update.
I was thinking this morning. "The MOT on the Stepway is due in mid March, I'd better check when exactly". Quick check with the DVLA. Due on 14th February! "Oh crap!". It's filthy and full of junk. But, I do work for a garage! Quick chat with the workshop controller, and the 3 week waiting list was swerved. Passed, but brakes and tyres will need attention soon.
Otherwise, not much happening. My friend Dave is supposedly sorting the Clio but always seems to be too busy, and has left it in bits for about a month now.
The 2cv remains in it's garage, but I got in touch with an old friend last week (not Dave!) who is going to come and sort the shocks out. Just need to tie up when we can both be there at the same time.
In my personal life, things are pretty good. She took me to meet her sister and family on Sunday, and keeps not very subtly mentioning marriage! I don't think that we are anywhere near that yet, (definitely not ruling it out though!)  but it's nice that things seem to be more long term now. She wants us to have a summer holiday together etc. Don't get me wrong, I want it too, she is an incredible woman, I'm just wary of things going wrong again. I mean, it's Valentines. She isn't interested in all that, but we are both at a loose end, in our own homes tonight. I don't know. Time will tell.
 

Did my annual training on Friday . The guy training us mentioned this and urged us to fill out the questionaire. I have two email addresses, one for the authorised examiner and one for the nominated tester. I filled out one Friday night. Told them if the two year mot comes in I will close the business as we have no other income stream.They ask for reasons why you think it is a bad idea. I quoted last months national average figures, tyes, brakes and suspension all figure highly although lights are about 45%. Most of these are easy to check so I said most people don't care about the safety of their vehicle.Advisory items rarely get seen to and are only done when they actually fail. Early on they asked about first MOT going to 4 years . To which I replied that I had failed many first mots on tyres and brakes. Then much further down the questonaire they admit one in ten cars fail their first mot on brakes or tyres . So extending that won't work as what would it be , one in five ?. They go on about light goods vehicles and the fact they do thousands of miles a year. I said it should be like hgv's where they have safety inspections and an mot every year. Safety inspections every 10k miles maybe. The 40 year exemption was mentioned so I said it should stay as the owners of such vehicles were enthusiasts who enjoy looking after and maintaining their cars.
In conclusion I said if the mot was extended then it would need to be more involved, should be allowed to remove items such as wheels and undertrays. If it is more involved then the cost should go up . I suggested double the price now and no discounts. I also suggested more traffic police to do roadside safety checks.Yet again I mentioned people not caring about the safety on their cars. 
 

After around three grand a year got added to household costs, I for one am overjoyed at saving £20 a year.
*Tugs forelock*

Like other posters, I see enough bald tyres at Asda, and spent long enough in the trade, to know 97% of people treat a car like a mobile phone or domestic appliance - it's just expected to work without any maintenance or checks.
We need annual tests as a minimum