The new news 24 thread

[richardmorris]

On 28/03/2026 at 14:58, richardmorris said:

Insurance being a pain, online at Peter best doesn’t like the numberplate. I’ve got a quote for the model but I’ll need to speak to someone and they’re closed until Monday. 

Insurance now done. £90 plus their arrangement fee. 

[wesacosa]

On 28/03/2026 at 12:19, wesacosa said:

Favorit MOT day

Ashamed to report it's not been driven since the last one.  Cursory run around the block yesterday revealed my bean tin repair* on the silencer last year needed further attention, the rear wiper blade had seen better days, it needed a brake light bulb and the rear offside lights were not working (although this was fixed with a hefty tap of the dash by the fuse board as it usually does)

Another poor night's sleep and stress followed.  It's not so much the MOT that stresses me out but the jumping into an old car I've not driven in a year and heading out on the crazy awful roads in South London. I'm always ok once I set off but it's the lead up to it that stresses me out. Especially as I've probably only done 50 miles in it since it dumped its coolant in 2024 so still have worries about any HG issues since then

Anyway, all back now and MoT passed. I'd hoped it would pass as I've pretty much done all the brakes/suspension/bushes/bearing since I got it.  The rear nearside sill is looking like it might not have too many more MOTs in it before needs some sparkly stick action but it passed muster this time.

So what next ...

Well I don't know.  Aside from MOTs I've probably not done more than 50 miles since the blasted ULEZ extension came in. The poor thing just sits there looking sorry for itself.  I did look to sell it a couple of times but given that most of the favorits that survive are mint low mileage cherished ex-giffer cars I'm not sure there's gonna be much call for what is surely now the shonkiest one left on the road 

anyway, that's one for another day.   Hopefully I can get on top of all this worry and stress using these old cars too. This time was admittedly better than the last couple of MOT days on the old Panda and the Favorit so maybe making progress.  After all the worst that can happen is I conk out in the Blackwall tunnel and I'm sure they'd have me towed out pretty quickly 

So it seems that my answer to how to find motivation to drive the two working modern classic cars I have and sort out the Estelle and the Westfield which don't work is actually to line up a viewing for another car (yes I know I'm stupid). To be fair its not something I actively went looking for, It sort of came looking for me.  Its a car I have always wanted in the right colour and spec and seems mechanically sorted and should be useable straight away but body/paint wise its a definite 10-footer. Its a price which in today's market is probably about right for a sorted but visually rough one but its still not exactly pennies.

 I've really struggled for motivation with my cars in the last few years so I think this could be one last desperate attempt to get my mojo back or realise its time to jack it all in and start basket weaving.

Viewing arranged for wednesday

[junkyarddog]

Time for a top up 😁

 

 

[Stinkwheel]

Very Important news this 

[HMC]

Im not a namer of cars 

but my kids have named the black minor boris…

[richardmorris]

1 hour ago, HMC said:

Im not a namer of cars 

but my kids have named the black minor boris…

Is it sexually incompetent with a drink habit too?

[stuboy]

Crew came back saying battery charging malfunction on display,  ok let me look.. oh the auxiliary belt has left the chat and tensioner gone tits up and jammed..

[barefoot]

15 hours ago, HMC said:

but my kids have named the black minor boris…

Send the fuckers to a boarding school, preferably one with a reputation for violence and bullying.

[jim89]

17 hours ago, junkyarddog said:

Time for a top up 😁

 

 

Calendar shot shurely?

[juular]

18 hours ago, junkyarddog said:

Time for a top up 😁

 

 

[davehedgehog31]

Time for a collection retrospective, the below took place over Sunday and Monday just passed.

Miss Hedgehog had been looking for a seven seater and I'd put the feelers out on here, I subsequently saw a 7 seater on these very pages that was entirely inappropriate for her use-case, but I fancied it myself....

Said car was in the Merseyside area so through discussions with the seller a plan was hatched, it was going for MOT on Friday the 27th and such was the confidence in a pass that we arranged Monday the 30th for collection. Alongside this I had another forum member with the horn for my 207.

In a mutual beneficial arrangement I drove the 207 down to Carlisle where I met the lucky new owner, who I'm sure will reveal themselves in good time. This has been a great car which I have owned since 2024, a good innings for me. Glad it is staying in the fold. 

I boarded the 15:25 from Carlisle to Liverpool Lime Street. Christ almighty man, this was an absolute trial. I have always found Transpennine Express to be absolutely tripe and this journey was no exception, thankfully the train was on time but this was where the positives ended. The train was packed to the gunnels and red hot, between this and a total absence of train staff, tensions were high and passengers were nearly coming to blows. I could not wait to get off this fucker... 

With Liverpool achieved I headed to my salubrious overnight lodgings, the Hampton by Hilton. At £43 a night with breakfast this was not to be sniffed at. 





I headed out for a wander round Liverpool, taking in the scene of disgraced pedophile weatherman Fred Talbot's big map. I wonder if it had a little Epstein Island. 



The real excitement kicked off at 10am yesterday, I was kindly picked up in my resplendent new steed by top seller @taxi paul and headed back to his place to complete formalities. Digital monies changed hands, a coffee was had and much shite talked.

I set off about half 11 and headed North, taking my first (and only) stop at Carnforth Services where my new bus is pictured below.

It's Paul's long term Toyota Alphard in 2.4 AWD petrol form. The 250 miles home were some of the comfiest I've enjoyed behind the wheel and this is a great car for covering big distances, as long as you pass a petrol station enroute. 

Pictured squished into my driveway below and the generous rear accommodation:

More Alphard coverage to come, but I'm really happy with my purchase. Can't praise @taxi paul highly enough, a fantastic seller and a gentleman. Paul took the time to show me how everything works and even stuck a full tank of fuel in, which there was absolutely no expectation of. A 10/10 A++ seller, would buy old motor from again.

Even though it was one in, one out, the monolithic size and trumpy running costs do leave me feeling a bit over burdened with cars and I should probably move something else on. I think my Bini will probably be for sale soon, there was an interested party on these pages who I'll run it past for first refusal if it is going 😄

[Cookiesouwest]

Im a numpty.

Ordered this to allow me to remove and repair my OSR light and still use the car.

I went by the picture. Probably should have read the description lol

They did check with me after payment. Told then to send it anyway.

 

[Cookiesouwest]

2 hours ago, Cookiesouwest said:

Im a numpty.

Ordered this to allow me to remove and repair my OSR light and still use the car.

I went by the picture. Probably should have read the description lol

They did check with me after payment. Told then to send it anyway.

 

Just had a message. They cant find the part on the shelf, so definately wont be sending it.

Did do immediate refund.

Plus ive found another osr unit, so thats been ordered.

[taxi paul]

7 hours ago, davehedgehog31 said:

Time for a collection retrospective, the below took place over Sunday and Monday just passed.

Miss Hedgehog had been looking for a seven seater and I'd put the feelers out on here, I subsequently saw a 7 seater on these very pages that was entirely inappropriate for her use-case, but I fancied it myself....

Said car was in the Merseyside area so through discussions with the seller a plan was hatched, it was going for MOT on Friday the 27th and such was the confidence in a pass that we arranged Monday the 30th for collection. Alongside this I had another forum member with the horn for my 207.

In a mutual beneficial arrangement I drove the 207 down to Carlisle where I met the lucky new owner, who I'm sure will reveal themselves in good time. This has been a great car which I have owned since 2024, a good innings for me. Glad it is staying in the fold. 

I boarded the 15:25 from Carlisle to Liverpool Lime Street. Christ almighty man, this was an absolute trial. I have always found Transpennine Express to be absolutely tripe and this journey was no exception, thankfully the train was on time but this was where the positives ended. The train was packed to the gunnels and red hot, between this and a total absence of train staff, tensions were high and passengers were nearly coming to blows. I could not wait to get off this fucker... 

With Liverpool achieved I headed to my salubrious overnight lodgings, the Hampton by Hilton. At £43 a night with breakfast this was not to be sniffed at. 





I headed out for a wander round Liverpool, taking in the scene of disgraced pedophile weatherman Fred Talbot's big map. I wonder if it had a little Epstein Island. 



The real excitement kicked off at 10am yesterday, I was kindly picked up in my resplendent new steed by top seller @taxi paul and headed back to his place to complete formalities. Digital monies changed hands, a coffee was had and much shite talked.

I set off about half 11 and headed North, taking my first (and only) stop at Carnforth Services where my new bus is pictured below.

It's Paul's long term Toyota Alphard in 2.4 AWD petrol form. The 250 miles home were some of the comfiest I've enjoyed behind the wheel and this is a great car for covering big distances, as long as you pass a petrol station enroute. 

Pictured squished into my driveway below and the generous rear accommodation:

More Alphard coverage to come, but I'm really happy with my purchase. Can't praise @taxi paul highly enough, a fantastic seller and a gentleman. Paul took the time to show me how everything works and even stuck a full tank of fuel in, which there was absolutely no expectation of. A 10/10 A++ seller, would buy old motor from again.

Even though it was one in, one out, the monolithic size and trumpy running costs do leave me feeling a bit over burdened with cars and I should probably move something else on. I think my Bini will probably be for sale soon, there was an interested party on these pages who I'll run it past for first refusal if it is going 😄

It was a pleasure to meet your good self. Thank you for making it so easy to change online details , I have no idea. It really is comfy. Don't forget to tape the  shift lock button, if taking the panel off.  Hopefully you had some petrol left, it likes petrol !!

I meant to say . keep a silver wheel has a full size spare in the boot. Save using the comedy polo looking space saver.

life in the old bus yet. 😄

[stuboy]

Saw another dream car from the dealer nearby.. looked it up and advert showed previous owners shite pics... phwoar..

 

 

[EyesWeldedShut]

No advisories, good start to the month ....

[Spottedlaurel]

14 hours ago, stuboy said:

Saw another dream car from the dealer nearby.. looked it up and advert showed previous owners shite pics... phwoar..

Mk1 Prelude and Datsun Stanza 🤩

[Spottedlaurel]

Hopefully not an April Fool (I didn't get the message until after midday), the new-to-me LS400 is apparently ready for collection - will do that on the way home. It's been in my name since last November and I first collected it in late January but so far I've only done about 20 miles in it. Fingers crossed all the issues are now resolved and I can start enjoying it, although I suspect it'll take a while to build up confidence in it....

[wesacosa]

On 30/03/2026 at 14:14, wesacosa said:

I've really struggled for motivation with my cars in the last few years so I think this could be one last desperate attempt to get my mojo back or realise its time to jack it all in and start basket weaving.

Viewing arranged for wednesday

Deposit left 

[High Jetter]

5 hours ago, Spottedlaurel said:

Mk1 Prelude and Datsun Stanza 🤩

Nice - not seen one of those Passats for ages too, and is that a beige Princess coming into shot at the back?

[stuboy]

Popped to another base but saw this beaut of bmw K1 bike... dunno but people raved about them back in the late 80s early 90s... 

[JJ0063]

Picked up a new van for Mrs JJ today. Her Berlingo is a bit small and she wants something she can sleep in if ever travelling to dog shows (not fully converting this, just a rock n roll bed and window)

ex demo plus 1 owner for the last 9 years, has lots of optional extras being ex demo plus it’s a 330 model so can carry a decent amount along with having a detachable tow bar. 
 

Done some miles at 170k but full stamped history. Paid £3250 plus vat. Put it through my business so can at least save some tax.

Wants a good clean but it’s a lovely drive and being the 2.2 it’s chain and no adblue.

Now got Easter weekend to prep the Berlingo for sale!

[Split_Pin]

I've had an update on the 75 and its not good news.

The front subframe needs replacing but the guy can't get hold of one. I was initially a bit surprised by this as they made hundreds and thousands of the things and there's still loads of cars for sale. But right enough, there's only one on ebay, its £200 and ropey. He also said he already bought one from ebay but when it arrived it was just as bad as mine! He used to have 5 or 6 parts 75s dotted about but thw supply has dried up and there was only 1 there when I visited a year ago.

I've put a post up on the FB pages in the vain hope somebody has something serviceable.

Overall its not looking good though I'm afraid.

[richardmorris]

[High Jetter]

1 hour ago, Split_Pin said:

I've put a post up on the FB pages in the vain hope somebody has something serviceable.

Have you also posted on the 75&ZT forum?

[Split_Pin]

31 minutes ago, High Jetter said:

Have you also posted on the 75&ZT forum?

I can't post on there any longer because I refused to pay them ten pounds.

[IronStar]

2 hours ago, Split_Pin said:

I've had an update on the 75 and its not good news.

The front subframe needs replacing but the guy can't get hold of one. I was initially a bit surprised by this as they made hundreds and thousands of the things and there's still loads of cars for sale. But right enough, there's only one on ebay, its £200 and ropey. He also said he already bought one from ebay but when it arrived it was just as bad as mine! He used to have 5 or 6 parts 75s dotted about but thw supply has dried up and there was only 1 there when I visited a year ago.

I've put a post up on the FB pages in the vain hope somebody has something serviceable.

Overall its not looking good though I'm afraid.

Surely there's a serviceable one out there that will last you for ages after being properly cleaned up and treated. You just may have to wait for a bit until it shows up? As you said, they made hundreds of thousands, there has to be a decent one. 

[High Jetter]

1 hour ago, Split_Pin said:

I can't post on there any longer because I refused to pay them ten pounds.

I'm not sure when my sub runs out - I can try posting there if you like?

[Split_Pin]

I was offered one at £350 plus postage which the Rover guy says is crazy money. He wants to find a cheaper one, said it might take a few weeks though. I can live with that. It would be nice to have the car back before the summer though.

[Split_Pin]

39 minutes ago, High Jetter said:

I'm not sure when my sub runs out - I can try posting there if you like?

No harm in doing so, cheers!