[Chris]

Hmm, group 42/50. That might explain why my insurance costs so much.

[dimtimjim]

Hmm, group 42/50. That might explain why my insurance costs so much.

C'mon then, do tell.... Wha-cha-got?!

[DevilsDuck]

He has a Chinook!

[James H]

Got my components installed. Amped using an old amp from my old car.

I can't fit an aftermarket stereo because the sat-nav and climate control won't work, so I had to get a line level converter from Halfords and use these very handy wiring diagrams to determine the correct ones to splice into:


The outcome? It does this to bottles of Coke in the door pockets:

[R94N]

Only in America...(0:31)

[James H]

That reminds me I need to get my sub installed. Not bad for a pair of £50 components though!

[MK Chris]

Ooh - I am going to need to change my car soon, what do the Car Geeks suggest? Needs to be as economical as possible and cheap as possible and be able to run and run preferably, as I'm likely to be doing a fair few miles in it. Preferably five doors, I'm guessing diesel would be cheaper to run than petrol... that's about all I know.

Also, what's everyone's opinion of car auctions?

[James H]

Ooh - I am going to need to change my car soon, what do the Car Geeks suggest? Needs to be as economical as possible and cheap as possible and be able to run and run preferably, as I'm likely to be doing a fair few miles in it. Preferably five doors, I'm guessing diesel would be cheaper to run than petrol... that's about all I know.

Also, what's everyone's opinion of car auctions?

Petrol vs. Diesel depends on your mileage per year. As for car auctions, I've never dabbled personally but I've got a friend who buys from them and makes a living out of selling them on so I'd imagine if you know what you're looking for you can get a bargain!

[AndyJ]

I've got a Mondeo Titamium X, which is the 2.0 Petrol Ecoboost with the Powershift Gearbox, really nice to drive, goes like a rocket, but is quite juicy.

Mrs J has just brought a '09 plate BMW 1 series. A lovely car too, and only £30 on road tax.

As for buying cars off of auction sites - I have never done it, but I can't see the problem - if you view the car before hand then you know what you're getting. If you buy without looking, and it's not what the description stated, then you can go back to Ebay..

[dimtimjim]

Andy, i think Chris was meaning a physical auction (like BCA or Manheim) rather than the online eBay shizz. But, well done on the Mondeo ownership, they are really really great cars, so under rated. I'd like an ST mondeo as a possible next car...

Chris(Toph), need a bit more info dude, approx age of vehicle you're after, approx budget, annual mileage...

In regard to car auctions, if you know a little about cars (or know someone who does) then they are a great way to pick up a bargin. Sure, the odd duffer will be going through, but most auction vehicles are ex-lease cars so have been maintained, regardless of cost, for the duration of the hire period. Do not be affraid of these places, they can be a bit daunting the first time you go, and DO NOT plan on buying at your first auction, chances are you'll get caught up in the moment and actually over spend. Myself, or google, can recommend auction houses local to you. get in touch and ask some questions. Some auctions will be 'trade only' which'll rule you out (unless you have a garage owning friend who is already registered with said auction house).

Although, if you have very specific make/model in mind for your next car, auction may not be the best route. Auctions are best when you have a vehicle category (saloon, hatch, 4x4 etc) and budget in mind only - you'll find something to meet your needs. Visiting auctions to find that exact car/year/colour etc could be a very long drawn out process.

nice stereo vid, Ryan. Can only imagine. Back in my yoof, I had a 2000watt system (in my Nova SR 1.3 - oh yeah ladies!) and that was bad enough, literally shoook the car to bits over a 4 month period. These days I make do with a much more respectable 600watts (full Kenwood set up - USB head unit, 2-way components in front doors and rear shelf in standard mounting points, maintained the dashboard tweeters and with an amp/sub in the boot).

A sub is essential to a good stereo, not just for the boom-boom-boom-boom or waaaaarp, waaaaaarp of a hard hitting bass track, but also to fill in the blanks when listening to some Debussy or Vivaldi.

It amazes me how the kids of today think that playing music outa their phone is the best thing ever - yet the sound quality is soo bad you often lose of half the artists work below a certain frequency. Kids, eh?!

[The Deadly]

My search for a car is over. I now own a mini.

[a-moron]

Ahh, good choice. Maybe.

Old school proper mini or fiesta style wheel base with a mini body-kit dumped on top?
I'd love an old school mini in decent condition, purely because it's basically a street legal go-kart.

* they're hard to get your hands on.

Much like my wife, she's also * awesome at tig

[The Deadly]

New one. Fell in love with it on the test drive.

[a-moron]

Fell in love with it on the test drive.

Again, much like me and the missus.

[The Deadly]

She told me she loved me?????

[dimtimjim]

My search for a car is over. I now own a mini.

How long you been a hairdresser?!!! Only joshing ya, they are, annoyingly, good cars. Well done. What model is it, I assume you went with the JC Works?!

Fell in love with it on the test drive.

Again, much like me and the missus.

**snigger**

I'd love an old school mini in decent condition, purely because it's basically a street legal go-kart.

Aye, thems was the days... RIP poor Mini, you were the best.

[The Deadly]

It's not a JC works. I had a look at getting one but they were slightly over the budget it's just a Cooper S. It was nippy enough for me on the test drive though. The one I really wanted was a funny looking Mini Coupe thing with London 2012 paintwork but it was very pricey at £25,000.

[DevilsDuck]

My friend just sold his 2002 JCW!

That was an amazing car

[dimtimjim]

It's not a JC works, it's just a Cooper S.

Well, if i'm honest, thats better than I was hoping for..! The fact you've gone with a Cooper is good enough, sod them Mini One's. Well done sir, bet you're stoked!

My friend just sold his 2002 JCW!

That was an amazing car

Yes, yes they are.

[The Deadly]

Yeah really happy. I bought it through my local Honda dealer and I'd advise anyone to buy cars through them. They really look after you.

[James H]

So so so so nearly bought this today, but realised the MOT is due this month and it's probably best to hold off till after that:

[The Deadly]

Would you like to buy a 2001 Ford Escort. The handbrake doesn't work and it's a highly dangerous, unpredictable machine.

£900 or a bag of magic beans.

[James H]

Would you like to buy a 2001 Ford Escort. The handbrake doesn't work and it's a highly dangerous, unpredictable machine.

£900 or a bag of magic beans.

Fix Or Repair Daily? No thanks!

[The Deadly]

Quite unbelievably Honda gave me £200 for it. Nearly broke down with emotion when the offered me that much as its worth about £4.50

[James H]

Quite unbelievably Honda gave me £200 for it. Nearly broke down with emotion when the offered me that much as its worth about £4.50

Scrap dealer *may* have offered more, but £200 is pretty impressive! Honda probably gave you that to just scrap it anyway!