The new news 24 thread

[richardmorris]

Tom baker, city of death. 

[Wgl2019]

Full service with all new Mann filters (oil, air, fuel and cabin) and Mannol oil for the ex @Ghosty C30.... Now up to 135k miles and going strong.

Just need the inclination to do the swirl flaps now along with some associated decoking 🐈‍⬛.

This is my wife's car and she will shortly be qualifying and getting a new job which will need a bit more of a usable boot (carting occupational therapy stuff to clients homes) so may unfortunately have to end up in the for sale section soonish.

[Snake Charmer]

2 hours ago, richardmorris said:

Tom baker, city of death. 

Chod Franceaise?

[richardmorris]

7 minutes ago, Snake Charmer said:

Chod Franceaise?

Mai ouis. octobre 1979

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_of_Death 

City of Death features the Fourth Doctor (Tom Baker) and his companion Romana (Lalla Ward). Set primarily in present day Paris, the plot concerns a scheme by Count Scarlioni (Julian Glover), in reality an alien called Scaroth, to steal the Mona Lisa to finance experiments in time travel in the hope of averting the accident that killed the remainder of his race four hundred million years previously, which began the existence of life on the planet as well.

one for the death list really, as he’s 91.

[mercedade]

On 03/02/2025 at 14:06, mercedade said:

Well then

Pulling away from a junction yesterday, changed up into second gear, foot on accelerator and..... BANG.... mega chuff noise, lack of power. 

Pretty obvious that the plug on cylinder 2 had launched itself into orbit the underside of the bonnet.

I now see that this is a relatively common R53 issue. 

I may have got lucky and the plug has slowly unwound, or it may have stripped the thread. 

In the positive corner, we have the fact that for the last couple of weeks I've detected a bit of a fuel smell and a quite ticking - I'd assumed I'd be dealing with a dodgy injector somewhere (I don't drive this car a lot, so haven't rushed to get around to it), but it seems like I was probably dealing with a spark plug working itself loose. And even if it has stripped the thread, it seems common enough that repairs can be achieved more easily than with some engines. 

In the negative corner, we have the fact it exited pretty swiftly, some may say explosively, and I would expect a bit of damage to at least the top few threads. 

The plug itself was nowhere to be seen, and you can see the cap on the lead itself is pretty shredded by the experience, so as well as the plugs I'm picking up later I'll have to grab a set of HT leads too.

Exhilarating stuff

Well fuck.

Threads definitely stripped. A replacement plug wouldn't even start, let alone bite.

Internet seems reasonably confident that it's doable via helicoil or (US equivalent?) 'Time-sert'. I have to say, I'm not feeling especially thrilled about it, but is this a case of 'nothing to lose by trying'?

[Spottedlaurel]

Who cares about the redline? I find it satisfying when I can 'flatline' all the gauges on a car:

This was in the Carina E yesterday (on a section of private road, honest), which continues to do a great job for me. Seems to be running and driving even better after that long trip to Lancs and back in January. The slight 'bobbliness' when locked-up in overdrive has pretty much gone now.

Started the Laurel today, for the first time in ages. Had a slight wet patch underneath, presumably a coolant leak somewhere, but still ran well. Ventured no further than the driveway so I could pump up the tyre which always goes a bit soft and I look forward to using it once there's less salt on the road.

LS400's battery is on charge. Poor thing desperately needs a clean and to get used every so often. MoT time on it next month, I need to think about its long-term future.....

Speaking of which, the ex- @BorniteIdentity Avensis SR is back down here, due an MoT soon. Miss SL and her BF have swapped it over with his LS400 for their last few months at uni, and all being well with the Avensis's MoT I'll be custodian of it for a while. It's now up to 288, 200 miles. They were talking about going to view a P-reg RAV4 which came up for sale down here, but it seemed like a bit of a project so they'll hold their fire until the right Land Cruiser comes along.

[BorniteIdentity]

1 hour ago, Spottedlaurel said:

Who cares about the redline? I find it satisfying when I can 'flatline' all the gauges on a car:

This was in the Carina E yesterday (on a section of private road, honest), which continues to do a great job for me. Seems to be running and driving even better after that long trip to Lancs and back in January. The slight 'bobbliness' when locked-up in overdrive has pretty much gone now.

Started the Laurel today, for the first time in ages. Had a slight wet patch underneath, presumably a coolant leak somewhere, but still ran well. Ventured no further than the driveway so I could pump up the tyre which always goes a bit soft and I look forward to using it once there's less salt on the road.

LS400's battery is on charge. Poor thing desperately needs a clean and to get used every so often. MoT time on it next month, I need to think about its long-term future.....

Speaking of which, the ex- @BorniteIdentity Avensis SR is back down here, due an MoT soon. Miss SL and her BF have swapped it over with his LS400 for their last few months at uni, and all being well with the Avensis's MoT I'll be custodian of it for a while. It's now up to 288, 200 miles. They were talking about going to view a P-reg RAV4 which came up for sale down here, but it seemed like a bit of a project so they'll hold their fire until the right Land Cruiser comes along.

Every time you tag me my heart flutters! In the absence of any Toyota product on my driveway, I’m hoping to view a Corolla imminently. But if there’s a chance that the Avensis may become available I’ll bite your arm off. 

[Popsicle]

I've been offered a high mileage hero for possibly cheapish. Its pretty minging and unloved, I know the guy well who owns it, he's bought a newer Passat estate and just wants it gone with minimum hassle. No history, so no idea when the belts were last done, ditchfinders all round, but long MOT and to be fair it drives lovely.

Tyre pressures all over the shop, was easy enough to fix and reset the warning light, couple of bulbs out, just a sidelight and DRL, so nothing major, passenger wing mirror was hanging on for dear life but again was easy enough to rectify. I've put 48 hours insurance on it to see what I think about it, I don't need another car, but I do like it. 70 mpgees and £35 pa tax is pretty convincing too. Whoever bought it new ticked a lot of boxes, 3 stage heated leather, massive sunroof, electric release tow bar, its got a lot of kit on it and surprisingly it all appears to work.

£15 later at the local car wash and its even more tempting.

The DAB radio reception is poor and two of the wheels are really scabby, nothing major though, engine is quiet, compared to my van and it goes well. 

Price is up for discusion, what do you folk think its worth? For reference its a 2014 Passat estate 2.0 tdi executive bluemotion.

[Jazoli]

3 minutes ago, Popsicle said:

I've been offered a high mileage hero for possibly cheapish. Its pretty minging and unloved, I know the guy well who owns it, he's bought a newer Passat estate and just wants it gone with minimum hassle. No history, so no idea when the belts were last done, ditchfinders all round, but long MOT and to be fair it drives lovely.

Tyre pressures all over the shop, was easy enough to fix and reset the warning light, couple of bulbs out, just a sidelight and DRL, so nothing major, passenger wing mirror was hanging on for dear life but again was easy enough to rectify. I've put 48 hours insurance on it to see what I think about it, I don't need another car, but I do like it. 70 mpgees and £35 pa tax is pretty convincing too. Whoever bought it new ticked a lot of boxes, 3 stage heated leather, massive sunroof, electric release tow bar, its got a lot of kit on it and surprisingly it all appears to work.

£15 later at the local car wash and its even more tempting.

The DAB radio reception is poor and two of the wheels are really scabby, nothing major though, engine is quiet, compared to my van and it goes well. 

Price is up for discusion, what do you folk think its worth? For reference its a 2014 Passat estate 2.0 tdi executive bluemotion.

If you could get it for sub £2k you'd be doing well, although I'd bid a grand and work up! they are great cars, don't think you'll get anywhere near 70mpg though.

[beko1987]

I was bloody tempted with the passat estate for sale on here earlier this year. The belt job doesn't look too bad on them either (2.0 cr engine I think) 

[Spottedlaurel]

13 minutes ago, BorniteIdentity said:

Every time you tag me my heart flutters! In the absence of any Toyota product on my driveway, I’m hoping to view a Corolla imminently. But if there’s a chance that the Avensis may become available I’ll bite your arm off. 

Good luck on the Corolla.

I did remind of them your interest in having it back off them should they decide it's surplus to requirements one day.....

[Wgl2019]

3 minutes ago, Popsicle said:

Price

Difficult with the miles as most would shy away..... £1500 sounds like a good deal for you without taking the piss (and considering it might potentially need a grand spending to bring back to full health with belts, service, brakes etc)

[richardmorris]

2 minutes ago, Wgl2019 said:

Difficult with the miles as most would shy away..... £1500 sounds like a good deal for you without taking the piss (and considering it might potentially need a grand spending to bring back to full health with belts, service, brakes etc)

I’m a grumpy pessimist, £1000 max and £2000 in major servicing.

[autopaul]

28 minutes ago, richardmorris said:

I’m a grumpy pessimist, £1000 max and £2000 in major servicing.

Trade-in price will be £1100-1300 on one of these now with that kinda mileage.  Check for water pump leaking, heater being shit (silica bags split) dual mass noise, alternator bearings can start to seize.  Cambelts are pretty straightforward on these, just avoid gates kits.

Nice cars though and if you could get it for under 2k I'm sure it would carry on carrying on for a good while yet.

[GagaStan]

New wheels for Mr Stan 

not sure if it counts as shite, but certainly obscure enough. Nissan Note 3rd generation.

(for bonus points, the Corolla estate behind, owned by a neighbour, has 650,000km and leaves its sign everywhere it’s parked!)

[hairnet]

8 hours ago, richardmorris said:

St David's day...

no car shit just animals??

 

[richardmorris]

5 minutes ago, hairnet said:

no car shit just animals??

 

I drove to the supermarket first thing in very dense fog, did a ride with Chris hoy on zwift and decided I couldn’t be bothered to go out in the car again.

[hairnet]

man misses joke

[richardmorris]

Sorry

[Popsicle]

1 hour ago, Jazoli said:

If you could get it for sub £2k you'd be doing well, although I'd bid a grand and work up! they are great cars, don't think you'll get anywhere near 70mpg though.

 

1 hour ago, beko1987 said:

I was bloody tempted with the passat estate for sale on here earlier this year. The belt job doesn't look too bad on them either (2.0 cr engine I think) 

 

1 hour ago, Wgl2019 said:

Difficult with the miles as most would shy away..... £1500 sounds like a good deal for you without taking the piss (and considering it might potentially need a grand spending to bring back to full health with belts, service, brakes etc)

 

1 hour ago, richardmorris said:

I’m a grumpy pessimist, £1000 max and £2000 in major servicing.

 

1 hour ago, autopaul said:

Trade-in price will be £1100-1300 on one of these now with that kinda mileage.  Check for water pump leaking, heater being shit (silica bags split) dual mass noise, alternator bearings can start to seize.  Cambelts are pretty straightforward on these, just avoid gates kits.

Nice cars though and if you could get it for under 2k I'm sure it would carry on carrying on for a good while yet.

Cheers for the input guys, I was hoping for around £1.5k, discussions will take place Monday. The last cheap car I picked up from a friend was our Qashqai, it turned in to a moneypit (sorry @beko1987), I'm sure yours is a goodun.

[Popsicle]

Took the potential new to me Pisshat for a night time spin, wanted to see if the lights are any good - yep they're very good. Went the 5 miles up the A52 to the M1 to go down a junction to the A50, 50 mph average signs all the way down 🙄, set the cruise control to 51 mph and got good mpgees.

Once onto the A50 I set the cruise to 70, not good enough for the 'my diesel is a shitbox and does 70 mpg' thread, but still pretty respectable, not that I have any idea how accurate this is.

 

[PhilA]

Bought this today. 

[Popsicle]

4 minutes ago, PhilA said:

Bought this today. 

Wow - that sir is magnificent - fantastic purchase - enjoy.

[Metal Guru]

8 hours ago, Jazoli said:

If you could get it for sub £2k you'd be doing well, although I'd bid a grand and work up! they are great cars, don't think you'll get anywhere near 70mpg though.

I had a 2012 model, supposedly 62 mpg, closer to 50 in real life, which I still think is pretty good for that size of car with decent performance . 

[BorniteIdentity]

13 hours ago, Spottedlaurel said:

Good luck on the Corolla.

I did remind of them your interest in having it back off them should they decide it's surplus to requirements one day.....

Obviously the twunt sold it to someone last night. Because that’s what the human race has become. Brilliant. 

It’s a fucking sad state of affairs when the best car I own is a 42 year old sierra with half an exhaust and a door that doesn’t open. 

Fairly close to giving it all up and becoming an alcoholic who travels by penny farthing 

[EyesWeldedShut]

Mmmmmm - crispy

[RoverFolkUs]

That's the MG gone off to its new home already 

I wasn't really prepared for it to be sold and collected so quickly but the buyer has made a 12 hour round trip to get it and it's less than 24 hours since the advert went live!

No time wasting, no stupid questions, no bartering, he looked around the car and said it's as good as it looked and was just what he wanted. 

Nice sensible chap who was very much an enthusiast about them and already has another near identical but slightly ropier example himself 

Definitely a very refreshing car selling experience, couldn't have asked for any better

This does mean I've now taxed the Rover 600 and swapped the insurance over from the MG which is a nice logistical gain

[Tayne]

15 hours ago, PhilA said:

Bought this today. 

Nice.

Didn’t you already have one, is this a bigger engined model?

[Marshall2810]

Cute spoiler for serious down force on a saxo earlier today in Bolsover. 

[Split_Pin]

Had my first FTP in a while yesterday, as reported elsewhere. I went out to the shops with my wife and son and when I came back to the Saab, the battery was flat enough to provide insufficient cranking amps. I did wonder why the dashcam was going on and off (it makes a jingling sound) for a few minutes after starting for about the last week so it's likely been on its way out for a while.

My jumppack is now fucked off into some corner of the garage because it's DOA but I did have a pair of jumpleads. There was a WBAC hut nearby and I asked the guy if he could possibly help me out with some volts from one of the trade ins but he said no. Thankfully a passer by in a 208 was happy to help (thank you).

When I got home I nicked the battery off the E46 so we're good for now. I'll get a new one on payday.

Slightly concerning was the fact that when I got home, I could not turn off the headlights.  After about 5 minutes of fucking about I got them to switch off. They are a bit flaky and flicker badly when being turned off or on so I think something up there. They turned off OK today but still a bit flickery when doing so. Might be the switch but needs Tech 2 to code in a new one.

75 goes for MOT attempt 2 on Tuesday.