NeilMH

Yes - those are exactly what I would expect. I happened to look at recent ones ones Pistonheads, albeit I was looking at lower mileage cars than any of those.

I wouldn't have raised it were it not for the fact that I am seeing cars that are £1,500 to £2,000 more than I had expected. I may just be out of touch. I thought the "sunshine" impact was a few hundred quid?

Looking good How about going for a family theme with orange and black (a la Mini)?

The Jag is the same system and equally effective

Finally someone gets what I mean Sent from the golf club... I'm so happy (without truly understanding what I've just done - I must instinctively be on the same wavelength as you - which is, in itself, worrying)

Just be careful that they do the proper analysis and don't just throw switches and sensors at it. If you could get to Oxted it would be worth trying Abbey Motorsport. Whilst they don't necessarily specialise in rooves, they are very good at problem analysis and won't just put bits on that aren't needed. There is often a simple explanation. Or there may be a nearer 350Z specialist?

I'm glad I bought mine in the winter and sold in the summer then

I guess I just hadn't realised the optimism impact was quite so much.

Maybe it's because I'm old and therefore have an historical perspective but...0-60 in 5.6/5.7 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph isn't exactly slow. However, one thing I do agree with isn't the Zed doesn't "seem" that fast - I have no idea why it's so deceptive. I can't be bothered to look up the figures but I would suspect that most "normal" hot hatches can't match those figures but often feel fast. Pat Doran's Hydrex sponsored Rallycross Supercar was properly fast (but slightly less practical) and marginally more expensive.

Yes...but this seems a bit more than I had noticed in the past....or maybe I just didn't see it as clearly

It may just be some sort of summer effect but.... Studying the general trend of current Pistonheads ads, it seems to be that prices have hardened a bit?

That's an unusual one. So, if I understand correctly you have: - pressed the overhead safety pad (the knurled section) and released the catch - foot on the brake throughout - engine on (not imperative but helps) - initial process starts - windows then seat movement then nothing? Presumably you have tried doing this several times in a row? And in hot weather (this makes it easier for the hydraulics and material)? In which case I would guess at a switch or sensor. Hoping that someone with more knowledge than me will come along in a minute. Try not to do anything to manually force any movement in the meantime.

I think the Audi A2 was the Martin Peters of cars (if you get my somewhat ancient point). Re Caterham I had a similar experience at Bedford in a monsoon, when the tracks had only just re-opened (that was a Supersport I think). They would be very sensitive to tyres as well. I used to use both of mine in the winter but you do have to get used to the idea that everything happens very quickly even at low speeds (if that makes any sense). If I recall the Top Gear Stig cold weather lap I am not sure he ever had the wheels pointing in the direction of travel

Alize

Well done Nothing wrong with a non-GT. I liked my cloth seats (and lighter too without the extra paraphernalia)

This is probably a silly question but have you remembered to put your foot on the brake?

Interesting about the F40. Sometimes it becomes de-rigeur to say something is wonderful, irrespective. Have a really soft spot for original Minis. A mate of mine has the twin charged engine in an A3 and it is an incredible thing (the engine that is). Dave - it sounds from this that you may have discovered the secret of eternal life? If you have please PM me. If you haven't then I have some incredibly bad news for you. In the time I have written this you will have got older (sadly so have I)

This is thread is bringing back many memories - e.g. Renault Fuego and Zephyr 6 I am not sure I've seen a bad review about a Skoda Fabia VRS?

Interesting stuff Datsun Cherry - the basis for the Alfa Romeo Arna if I remember correctly. Anyone admit to having one? I hadn't expected anyone not to like the Focus ST (albeit I haven't driven one myself). Lexx your comments about the S-Max shows how something that can just come out of left field and surprise you.

You have just reminded me (and it has nothing to do with this thread) that I once fitted a Peco exhaust to a Standard 10 No performance improvement was detected

Sunbeam Rapier - now you're talking. My budget only ran to a Hillman Minx

The heading says it all really. Please nominate cars that exceeded, fell short of or well met your expectations one way or another. This, as you can imagine, is not a factual thing....it's more to do with what was in your mind beforehand. Also it might be that you drove a rogue (or saintly) example? I will kick off: Better - Alfa 145 QV (in UK Green Cloverleaf). Everyone had said "all Alfas are now rubbish". The engine was a gem, the handling was much better than I expected (albeit with some body roll) and it never broke down. A great 2 years. Worse - Z3M Roadster. I had been told that the M version addressed the issues with the standard Z3. One of the most disappointing drives - almost devoid of feel. Didn't finish the test drive. Bought 350Z. Met (bad) - My Dad bought an FSO Polonez. No further narrative necessary. Met (good) - Caterham 7