NeilMH

On some of the comments about the tyres I find myself with docwra. The cars aren't priced at the top end of the market and tyres can be changed. The difference is 10% equally back and front so I wouldn't have thought that was a major safety issue - just a gearing/speedo one. I have certainly bought cars from quite well known names with less than perfect tyres. Having said that, if was running a business of this type I would see this forum as a major opportunity so I think I would respond differently and less defensively (even though provoked) - maybe even inviting feedback - maybe even a "come and see us day" or similar. I think also that selling into the "enthusiast" community, there is a tendency for potential owners to be somewhat more anal/fussy about some of the detail. Given the cars appeared to be priced sensibly I can see nothing to be gained by overstating anything (so... for example... why describe wheels as "GT Lightweight" when they are actually the V1 Touring wheels that are the heaviest of all).... but that could just have been an innocent error. It all seems a bit of a shame to me because the dealer obviously does care what people think and sadly in the selling business perception is everything.

Very good result

Congratulations on the car Louisa... you sound super enthusiastic

I think the fact that you are still pondering probably means that it's not the one for you... it doesn't matter if you are being fussy or not.

Good old Surrey. Used to live in Camberley many moons ago.

Same as the others. Normally problem is as described above. The manual says not to operate the roof under 5 degrees centigrade, I believe.

Interesting pics... looks like a good day bar the cold. Silverstone always seems pretty exposed anyway.

Another option is Rallycross, which has some low cost formulas http://www.btrda.com/Rallycross/ There are tracks all round the country where you will get loads of access to the cars and competitors and it's as much fun as you can have whilst dressed. Whatever type of events you are interested in you will get a much better idea by going along as a spectator and talking to as many people as you can.

And the GT86 has relatively low grip tyres on it - tyre choice would make a big difference.

Some good general info here http://www.motorsportads.com/rallying/how-do-i-get-my-rally-licence.htm#.USJSYKUW6So

Took the opportunity to let my son-in-law have a drive. Needless to say he returned with a smile on his face and saying things like "I want one of those"

Re co-driving have a look for Don Barrow - they used to do a very good correspondence course. It's worth getting the RAC/MSA blue book to get an idea of the car regs for each level of rallying - this might well influence what sort of car would give you the best head start. Also look at Higgins Rally School in Wales - one of the best rallying courses.

Would the Standard Vanguard not get a look in for that title?

I miss John Entwistle.