TomB

16v, Might I recommend this if you can scrape together a tenner or so? http://tinyurl.com/dtz9m I knew the sum total of b*gger & all about engines and I had a similar problem to you. My lass found this book in a charity shop for a couple of quid, and it's been a most useful resource. I'm not saying that it turns you into an overnight mechanic, however, it does mean that you can understand what someone's talking about when they mention specific parts. It helped me out no end. Good luck with it all, Tom

ZippyVR6, I drive one for my pizza delivery, and I love it. It's a hoot to drive (except when it's icy) and weighs almost nothing. Walesy, I was reading your advert with interest, but I'm afraid your golf is a little out of my price range, as I can't afford to spend more than about £500. I'm truly on the road of bangernomics at the moment, and loving it. :) Best of luck with the sale though.

I'm planning on buying a n/a diesel AX...

That's good to see, expecially power wise. I have to say that I seem to get better power out of the chip fat than I do out of mineral diesel (although it's difficult to tell in such a slow barge :) ).

J106, a red valver (I think) driving up Water Lane in Leeds yesterday, and an N reg Dark Coloured VR heading out of York this afternoon on Monton Road about 4.30 as I was coming back from filling up with chip fat.

Unlucky old boy, but at least you're OK. Chin up, and don't forget to reject the first three offers from the insurance co. :-)

PS Railways, TomB. Funny how a little bad (or hot!) weather causes problems. However, on the other side of the coin, was impressed the day I went to work in Glasgow from here on one of the coldest mornings of the century in late December 1995. Air temperature here (a third of the way along the Edinburgh-Glasgow line) was about minus 14C. Train arrived OK and got to Glasgow no problem. No heating, though!. In Glasgow city centre it was like being in Moscow or Warsaw. The snow on the ground was so cold on the pavements it was like walking through dry, grey flour. A record temperature of minus 20C was recorded at the city's airport that morning. Some trains had to be cancelled because the automatic doors would not work in the low temperatures. Always impressed that my trains made the run, though. Ah...the (dis)advantages of Continuous Welded Rail :roll: Still, it is getting better (slowly). All we need to to now is get the rolling stock out of the hands of the banks (amongst other things). [wanders off muttering darkly about the evils of rail privatisation] :)

craigowl, I agree completely. Happy days going up a hill in my Beetle past all the people with not a clue to share between them... Cheers, Tom P.S 2CV perchance?

For a heavy old bus, the Audi's not too bad. No slipping/sliding problems at all so far (apart from the deliberate ones) but that's probably more to do with it being slow and diseasel than anything else. :-)

I'm afraid I'm mostly with Ronan on this one. There are a lot of knowledgeable people on BarryBoys, however, there are also a lot of people that know bugger all about cars. Worse is the fact that everyone is poised to jump on everyone else for the slightest mistake. I used to post on there but found the atmosphere too nasty /off topic There is a guy I deliver Pizza to that has a £20K Saxo (apparently). £8K on the car and £12K on mods including 4x5" Exhausts (only 1 of which is connected) and Lambo-style doors. Not my cup of tea I have to say...

I don't think it was Audi, but there was definately a diesel Le Mans car there in 2004 and a bio-ethanol one to boot. Neither lasted the full 24 hours though.

Just a reminder of what not to do to your pride and joy... (let your mate drive it)

With the rev counter going mental , is that just when you turn the key? If so it could be an ignition switch failure. A good way to check is to remove the plug from the starter motor and run an insulated wire directly from there to the positive terminal of the battery. If it starts with no problems, then it sounds like an ignition switch failure. Not expensive (about £15 for parts), but does involve a certain amount of contortion and swearing :-) There's a guide on How To on the forum. Good luck, Tom

That's not good man, but remember what they say, revenge is a dish best served cold. It also means that the finger of blame for whatever incident befalls the culprit(s) is less likely to be pointed at you...

It's a 66litre tank, so costs about £50 to fill (slightly less if you have a chip fat dealer nearby :-) ). However, the MPG on the AAZ (75hp) sucks the sweat from the balls of a dead man. I get about 40mpg and the official book figure is about 43mpg. The 1Z engine (90hp) returns 54mpg (book figure) and is the better all round by all accounts (like the fact the glow plugs aren't located under the fuel pump...). It's a heavy car though at 1300KGs... Comfort wise though it's good, and boot is enough to swallow 2 dead bodies with ease :-) I take 3 other people and all of our kit fencing every Wednesdayin comfort, something that never happened in the 'rado (too many complaints from the back seats). Cheers, Tom

Yup, it was a Beemer driver as well :-)

Having recently sold mine and replaced with an Audi 80, I'll drop in my 2p. I do miss the handling, looks and performance, but I don't miss the paranoia of leaving it parked on the street, driving it too hard, things breaking or the fuel bills. Despite not commuting, I am saving money (see sig) and while I'd love a 'rado in some ways, in other ways my wallet and my sense of mental welbeing are thanking me. :-) Good luck with it, Tom

I bought my 150K mile L reg 1.9TD for £600 about a month ago. I'd go for the 90HP version though (1Z engine code I think), and not the 75HP AAZ one as there's a remarkable difference in perfomance and economy. According to my handbook the 90HP one gets 54MPG and the 75HP on 43MPG. The handling's suprisingly good once you get used to the body roll and the boot will swallow at least 2 bodies. Ticks along nicely, but it won't win any beauty or perfomance prizes. It does cost buttons to run though (even at 38-odd mpg), especially if you can find a local chippy and get their oil... Galvanised body as mentioned, but it can go around the arches (as mine is). Check the turbo for play on the bearings as well, and if you do get one, let me know if turbo whistle's normal :-) If you want any photos or info from the owner's handbook let me know. Cheers, Tom

Sorry, I haven't had the chance to go out there, I've been crazy busy of late. I've got a couple of days off coming up so I'll try and get down there (as I need a new tyre anyway and they sell 'em for £15/corner). Will keep you posted, Tom

Testament to VW's build quality that it still resembles a car! Good job the Rover coming the other way stopped though or we would have hit them (although they then drove off without checking we were OK).

Welcome on board. Nice nugget. was the photo taken at CCGB Castle Howard?

Well this was what happened to my 2l 16v in August last year. The moral of the story is never let your mate drive your pride and joy... I had two bruises, and he had a cut on his ear despite a full up and over roll down the hill. The pics by the side of the road are as it landed. Take care y'all, Tom

A mate's got a GTI6 Rallye and TBH I got my arse handed to me on a plate in my 16v every time unless it was REALLY twisty. I'd definately go for a VR or a heavily fettled G60 if it's something more beautiful you're looking for. In terms of speed and drivability though there wouldn't seem to be a great deal in it. Good luck, Tom

5th Gear every time. Tiff, Plato and VBH can all drive for a start, and there's a good 'everyman' perspective from t'other chap. I watch both but I find myself going off Top Gear more and more. There's something about Clarkson's screen persona that really grates on me and makes me start shouting at the TV. \2p

Welcome to the forum man. Tom