Nicebiscuit

Sorry, but that's no excuse. Have they lowered their labour rate to account for their ignorance? I doubt it. When you pay top dollar franchised rates you expect them to know the car and the service schedule inside out before they start working on your car. If they can't even get their head round what's required, would you trust them to actually do any more involved repair work? (Yours sounds ok - at least they were honest) Unfortunately a shiny showroom and manufacturers logo above the door is no guide. I was once told that my Ford needed a new water pump when I took it in with a minor coolant leak. Trouble is, I'm not quite that stupid. I know which side of the engine the water pump is - and the leak was the other side... Another honest dealer diagnosed and replaced the split hose in 10 mins whilst I waited. I'm glad the OP is doing something about it. Generally we need to call these people out. They are charging a lot of money to unsuspecting people, not to mention dragging the decent guys through the mud with them.

Torque perhaps? The Saab I ran until a few weeks ago was putting out 275bhp or thereabouts, but it was the fat wodge of torque that made it such a formidable A-road 3rd gear weapon.

I think they're hideous, but they're definitely very good cars. Just wish they'd lose the awful cod retro styling. The only retro car that really works for me is the 500.

It's the same with any brand. There's good and bad. I do wonder why the manufacturers don't do more though. I'm not particularly loyal to one marque or another, but I basically select from the ones where I know there's either a decent local dealer or specialist. I can't be the only one... You'd think there'd be value in maintaining more consistent standards.

650 miles.... Nearly there...

Jury's out on the shark fin. FM reception is a bit pants to be honest. Possibly a case of form over function...

Hmmm. Perhaps you have to flash the headlamps twice and tune to Radio 2?

I don't even have shoes... :-D

I don't doubt it for a minute. It's all very impressive. It is going to look fantastic when done though.

Everything I do of that kind is done very slowly... I may start a poor-boys project thread though. To give normal people hope. You know.... Perhaps giving guidance on the best air freshener and road atlases :-D But since you ask - most likely wheels, black bits and probably some audio in due course (simply because I want DAB and can get a whole head unit for the price of upgrading) My inspiration is this...

Everything that's chromey would be better black... Am thinking about it...

I really am. More than I expected to be honest. It feels like a much older car. In a good way. Like a brand new classic. Round of applause to the Japanese for building it.

I wouldn't know I was in a sporty car if there wasn't some fake carbon fibre somewhere.... Innit?

No. I have to press a button on the key. Can't say it's a huge hardship. :-D

I have done over 400. I'm doing my best... Anglesey tomorrow 4 up. :-D

Did you ever consider simply manufacturing a wide body shell from scratch? Might have been easier [emoji6]

It'd look good lower, but I don't think it needs it looks wise. I guess 'as is' it's basically the same as the Aero set up.

Medium term where I might go with it is this... A few years back I saw an Elise in this colour scheme and just loved it. Coincidentally I followed an identical one this morning and the shade of red is pretty much identical to my car. Bright red, black detailing... Wouldn't take much - the right wheels - lose the chrome, do something to the rear lights... Watch this space (slowly)

Cheers for the advice etc. it was never in doubt after the test drive, but I've got my affairs in order and placed an order. :-) I should stand out here as billy-no-options, as going for bog standard primo in red. If they did the Japanese spec one with steel wheels here I'd have probably had that. ;-) I'm a bit of a curmudgeon when it comes to toys in cars - basically so long as it has air con and will connect to my iPod - don't care about anything else. Anyway - give me a fortnight and I can join in properly...

That is interesting - so only half an inch wider than standard and a few mm further out. Makes a big difference to the stance though.

Odd thing but on my drivers door only one of my window switches appears to illuminate. Is that normal or a fault?

Aha - I think that's it. Disabled that yesterday when my son was mucking with the window. Clever - thanks.

Nice! What's the width and offset on those?

This is awesome. Whilst I love the works colour scheme, for maximum effect you should paint it beige, put it on steel wheels with only three wheel trims and put a tartan picnic blanket on the parcel shelf...