Zummertor

Seems a bit ambitiously priced to me, maybe a good haggle will work in this buyers market.

Back it up and don't do too many changes at once. If "scared" then hide and shake in the corner What is the worst that can happen ?

A little useful bit of software is called Tunebite and the associated modules. Can do a lot of useful little things for those with phones that can play music / videos etc. For example if you wish to load your various music / video tracks from various protected sources you could be able to play them on your mobile N96 or other. Quick comment on N96 it is aimed at TV / Video market IMO and the UK doesn't have the TV broadcasts to make the most of the product but the video playback is pretty good so you can do lots with it. If you have an S60 device like N96 then there are plenty of game downloads and other amusing / useful software you can get, go chase searches on s60 blog and sites like mpbus.net (not official). Suggest you pre-load Maps from PC on Nokia devices to avoid the download costs over phone network. You can always browse sites but definition and cost of data can make that not the most suitable for all. Enjoy your new toy !

Auctions: Sometimes reserves but may be a little haggle at end can close that if close. If your first go watch one before you chase what you want, remember there are always more cars out there. Hard to check all details but worth getting online account for a couple of weeks if hunting something in particular as you'll see a lot more details. Goes without saying you will get cars with 1 key and or no docs, will go cheaper of course. Hard to do thorough check in the time given, definitely look for key items. You'll spot if you watch a few trusted regulars, they will subtly push price up as all auctions can for newbies. Stick to your price another will be along. Be quick and visible if under your price. Get money sorted before.

Lots of comments already but a few comments to bear in mind. Financing of a lease takes into account all costs anticipated for the time duration you'll have the car. Options will usually over the time of the car be fully paid by you unless they are considered valuable to the future value of the car not just its saleability. Financing through any means other than a direct loan will cover anticipated depreciation among other items. Manufacturers financing arms are very rarely their own business, they usually contract with a more recognised finance company or two to run that part of the business. Deals can be had where a manufacturer needs to shift stock. They are still after the difference in cost between now and in the future, if they are shifting stock now they know second price in future will be much lower as well, still pick models carefully. Base models and high spec models don't always hold value as well as mid or well spec'd one up from bottom of range models, these may have better (lower) lease costs. Mileage is key, commit to low and you will get caned later in incrementals. Picking too low doesn't really help on mileage because the car is not actually worth a lot more in the future (check depreciation tables). Cost of money being low now may make the overall finance buy v lease a slightly different equation, of course there is risk to consider. No right or wrong way. finance companies rarely make mistakes on car leases unless vehicle running costs turn out to be higher than expected ( I can think of 1 car that caused a few problems a while ago). Time for a quick spreadie Sarnie, run your cost of money against Lease with typical depreciation costs and then make you choice.

Good post Got to agree, this is a great forum for the car and the friendliness /helpfulness of those on it, and you are one of the top ones. Not experienced your cakes yet as I always seem to be in the wrong country.

So very sorry to not have replied earlier but I've been away where I had no ability to connect to internet. My very best wishes and positive thoughts to Phil and the family, so very happy for you that it is turning to be more positive outcome. All the very best !

Couldn't see this one in search so hope not a repost. The 3,150 m long Lefortovo tunnel in Russia, is the longest in-city tunnel in all the world. It is nicknamed 'The Tunnel of Death'. See for yourself why. There is a river running over the tunnel, and water leaks through in some areas. When the temperature reaches nearly 0°C (like it does during the Winter in Russia), the road freezes and becomes VERY slippery. The result is the attached video which were taken during a single day with the tunnel surveillance camera. Congratulations to the dual-carriage bus driver - imagine the passengers in the back! http://www.metacafe.com/watch/71801/lefortovo_tunnel_of_death/

Was looking around for something to do in the new year and was recommended this, not sure what to make of that but OMG

Skipping CDs can be a problem when actually nothing specifically wrong other than a design fault. The way in which the read head and enclosure is designed make condensation a real problem on the Bose aka Clarion CD player. In what I would call normal usage i.e. leaving CD in player and using from cold you get skipping it may actually be a condensation problem because of design. What I've found is that different weather conditions can cause condensation build up to cause skipping. If you leave player without CDs of about 7-10 mins of car running then insert CD you may get no issue thereafter, not what i'd call normal service from a CD player in a car but possibly not worth paying for a CD replacement if out of warranty. btw it doesn't seem to change with music tastes

My imagination is a bit vivid so best no to there Gone cold and dark now but will check again in the morning, I thought no drone as was guessing bearings first then certain movement in wheel but not a real noise to go with it. Will try again in the morning with better light and the chance of someone else to look from other side or v.v. If bearing I'd have expected a sound but nothing specific(getting old might not help) not a lot of play but enough to be not normal. Will go play again but noticeably different for other rear (leaving an opening here ) If not bearings is there any likely replacement of a part e.g. ball joint / droplink that would warrant thinking about a little change ?

What have I missed

Doing the regular check over and noticed a little play in the rear left wheel when jiggling (guess you can accept that as a technical term). I had no one else around but thought I saw a little movement in the upper ball joint. Any opinions / thoughts on what I should check and options this might open up ?

None down here but then no surprise to anyone. Temperature dropping but I think a little too warm still. Seems none anywhere.

CONGRATULATIONS HAPPY BIRTHDAY