Bockaaarck

Just saw this and that shoudld be a good mile cruncher. That's the plan old friend, it's comfy, reasonable amount of poke, should hopefully keep me scooting along for a while.......besides, got the tape measure out earlier, XJS wouldn't fit in the garage

The Merc I was looking at was a W124, last of the really solid ones. 1992 J Reg 260E, 56,000 miles, full service history, the works. Very smart looking car. As it is I just bought what for me will do the job. 2002 Seat Toledo, 2.3 V5, full serice history (13 stamps in 78,000 miles (a touch over what I wanted), meticulous previous owner. All the books, climate control, half leather seats, electric seats, new CD/ stereo, new sat nav, traction control, 170bhp. Drove as sweet as a nut, full service and full valer to be carried out before I pick her up, MOT up to Feb 2014 - £1600. Could have got something cheaper but such a tidy looking motor and the history is so good it just fitted the bill. Going to have to start looking at tuning options

More good suggestions, thanks Dblock. Just seen a Toledo V5 (2.3 V5 170 bhp) which might tick enough of the boxes, MX-5 is also very tempting as long as its comfortable enough for me. I shall continue searching!

Another option is to look for things happening locally which may, surprisingly be of interest to you. Now I'm not suggesting that you go to the pub and booze your nights away but they are often a good staring point for getting involved in other things. Near us there's a great pub called the Raven for example. They have fortnightly story readings, stuff that people have written themselves, stuff from other authors. They also have discussion groups, like open forums for all sorts of issues. Fortunately they do mean pies and a good pint as well. It's often a great atmosphere in there with all sorts of people (you and old) you might not normally meet. Getting out of your comfort zone is perhaps a good idea. Get to the gym, search out some local societies which may interest you ( Volunteer groups, The Lions etc, local Archeological society, College engine tuning course etc, etc) If your situation allows getting a cat or dog may be an option, they can be fantastic companions and have health benefits. Have you considered taking up photography for example, even if initially its for your own pleasure. How about making a commitment to take one interesting photo a day and forming it in to some kind of challenge for yourself over 12 months to get something different each time, that will get you out and about, you'll never know who you'll meet

I had heard that the 2.7 Hyundai coupe wasn't as quick as one might think Dblock. That in itself isn't a major issue to be honest but the fuel economy might be. As I'm going to be doing a hefty amount of miles it's got to have a reasonable sized engine 2 litre plus. I believe there were some concerns about the early Ford TDCI engines, so I'm a little wary of the Mondeo and Focus diesel units. The X Type diesel is tempting Chris, wonder if its the same TDCI as in the Mondeo?

Nice links ph 7, the 500 SEC is hilarious, god that would be epic! Have to say I did notice the 540I, very tempted by that as a solid commuter barge. The 525 is very tidy as well, another good recommendation. The BMW you've picked up looks pretty good Ian, be interested to see what you're going to do with it mod wise

Mmm maybe an RX-8...

Mmm fuel is consideration Will but I also need something which will handle the miles. I know the old Mercs are supposed to be pretty rock solid but the age concerns me. Sensible head says get a Mondeo / Focus, "Man Maths" head says "Get an V12 XJS it will be amazing, don't worry about it..."

Guys, I'm in the market for a reasonably powered, fairly reliable, comfortable drive as a commuting 'bus'. I've been having a nose around the last few weeks as my little Audi is just starting to go beyond its better days. I don't want to spend a fortune ( £1 - £3000) as its a commuting car I'm after but I do want something that will scoot along reasonably and that can potentially handle mileage of 20 - 30,000 a year, so its current mileage needs to sit within the 50 - 70,000 mile range. I've looked at Mondeo's, Focus, Primera's and older BMW's (3 series around yr 2000) as well as considering the Hyundai Coupe (2.7 V6 is potentially a 'goer') as motors that would fit the bill. However, there is a lovely looking W124 Mercedes 260E near me which has done around 55K and it is really tempting me. Its at the top of my budget and it is 20+ years old. I'm struggling to find anything else that 'gives me the fizz' so to speak. What are your thoughts chaps, anything I should watch out for in terms of the Hyundai, the Merc or anything else?

I always used to look back on similar circumstances when I was experiencing something horrible or really difficult and think "Well, that was crap, but I managed to get through it ok...". Now when those kind of things happen now I just think "Mmm oh well, such is life..." and just crack on. You're a long time dead my friend and I can appreciate it's sometimes very difficult to see the wood for the trees. I just think what's the worst that can happen and then remind myself that I'm still fortunate enough to have a roof over my head, a wife, family and friends who care for me and anything on top of that is a bonus. It can be very hard sometimes, I'm working with a guy whose really been downtrodden, under pressure, bullied at work etc. There were concerns about his healthy and mental well being, I've spent a bit of time with him, supporting him, listening to him, appreciating him for what he does, his abilities and skills. He's bloody good at what he does, works really hard and is conscientious, but nobody believed in him, told him he was capable, made him feel valued. Its been a real pleasure to see him grow more confident, have more self belief and understand that he is respected, valued, cared for and appreciated. What's happening in your situation sounds difficult and it seems to be taking its toll on you. Just remember, that sometimes life can have a funny way of taking you right to the edge, just to see how much you can take. Then remember that there are others there who you can fall back on, chat to, have a mug of tea with, moan about stuff with, have a pint and a laugh with but most of all those who care about you and know what you're going through. Try and find a bit of time to let people know how you're feeling, you'll probably be surprised to find that they are feeling the same sort of things. Then you can work together at dealing with, managing and slowly overcoming these challenging times and moving on to a brighter future

Man, you guys with these 'lightweight' daily commutes

Well I say..."ding-dong"

Nice looking GM spotted turning off the roundabout on the Alcester Road by Morrisons. Got a friendly wave from the chap driving

Spotted about 8am this morning heading southbound on the M40, around Banbury area, looked lovely

Rich has been dealing with quite a few things over the last year or so, health related bits etc. He's never really moaned or groaned about things despite all the stuff he's been managing. All the best to you matey, hope to see you back up and running soon

Spotted on the roundabout off junction 15 on the M40 about 8:10am. Turning toward Stratford Upon Avon from the roundabout off the junction

Spotted this morning heading southbound on the M40 around the Warwick services about 8am on outside line, youngish chap driving.

Many happy returns indeed Mike, have a fantastic birthday

Spotted at 7pm on the Aylesbury road just as I was getting close to the turn off to Haddenham. Beautifully shiney, fantastic looking Azure 350Z with a teeny-weeny (well smallish) front plate. Wondered if it was Marzman possibly as the wheels along with the rest of the car looked very much like his

Spotted about 6pm this evening around junction 8a heading toward Birmingham

Spotted about half five near the Watwick services on M40, heading toward Stratford / Birmingham in the outside lane

Fantastic news, well done to everyone for dipping in to their pockets!

All the very best to you and the better half Jay. Hope you have an amazing day!

Jeez Ian that's terrible, I can't believe it! I can just imagine how gutted and pi**ed off you must be feeling. I really hope hope you can get Suzy sorted with the minimum hassle and pain.

Hope you've had a fantastic day Chris, all the very best to you