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Edited by Webmaster on 21/05/2008 at 20:25
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Thanks also to rtj70 and Gordon M. I have now looked at the relevant passage online. The British seem to have taken to LH in a big way.
Edited by Webmaster on 04/12/2007 at 13:56
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I enjoyed it. I'm not sure who James Blunt is but he was entertaining as was the Hamilton interview. It was strange to hear JC, the well known hippy, repeatedly addressing LH as "man". LH is clearly popular.
Edited by Dynamic Dave on 05/12/2007 at 00:46
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LH is clearly popular.
Yes, and at present deservedly so IMHO.
SWMBO made an astute observation as we watched LH's part of the show. She reminded me how Jenson Button was "the guy next door" in his first couple of seasons and was the kind of chap the average fan could relate to, and look at him now. A typical whining prima donna F1 driver. Will Lewis go the same way given a few seasons exposure to the cash and the pressure of the modern F1 circus?
Cheers
DP
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04 Grand Scenic 1.9 dCi Dynamique
00 Mondeo 1.8TD LX
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>>Will Lewis go the same way <<
it's already starting, he and his money are moving out of Britain, twas Jensens first step to becoming a "Prima donna" moving to Monaco.
Billy
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I wouldn't call minimising one's tax bill being a 'prima donna' Eminently sensible if you ask me. Wouldn't you?
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Tis certainly sensible if you can afford to do it!, however, minimising ones tax bill in Jensons case seemed to also correspond with his transformation from "nice kid next door" to as some have described "Prima donna". Tis strange "Prima donna - ship" seems to affect wealthy sportsfolk more than most, Premiership footballers for eg are a prime example.
Billy
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I think it's more being constantly surrounded by people saying how wonderful you are. In the end, you may end up believing it. Not a problem I have!
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me how Jenson Button was "the guy next door" in his first couple of seasons and was the kind of chap the average fan could relate to and look at him now. A typical whining prima donna F1 driver. >>
There have been a few whining prima donna F1 drivers, Montoya, recently Alonso though not Button!
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No I wouldn't move to Monaco! All that counts is what you have net, not gross surely.
And LH will/does have a lot net! Badly advised in my view, because I don't believe he's personally greedy already.
I bet his advisers get a load of kick-backs on his net earnings so they want him to save tax even if he doesn't care.
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I'd want to minimise what Darling/Brown get from me on principle. I used to be quite happy to pay tax but seeing how much is wasted and how many more things are taxed these days, I go out of my way to pay the minimum.
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i had to laugh when LH said and i quote" i dont like being followed around" surely from a racing drivers point of view being followed around is the whole point isnt it? :)
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£25 mio in the bank and I would happily change my name to Prima Donna by deed poll!
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Every driver is a Prima Donna. they all have been Its goes with the sport.
JB is a bitter man. Bitter that his skills ( and he has skill) is not matched by a good car. However he has not channeled his bitterness the right way, and now just appears to be a sad tig
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< Ulla>
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Yep, unfortunately for Honda they keep pushing thier Button, but because thier cars aren't up to it nothing happens! suppose if he (J) appears to be a bit "hoity-toity" lately it's probably frustration, and to watch LH almost succeed in becoming world champ in his first season (Jensons dream) it must really gall deep down.
Billy
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Apparently an Ultima GTR has demolished the lap record on the Top Gear track, beating the Koenigseggs time by over 4.5 seconds.
But the record had to be set independantly by Ultima Cars because despite repeated offers to supply a car, Top Gear have not invited them to take part.
www.ultimasports.co.uk/laprecord.html
So its a kit car, not a "real car" (?), but I thought the TG team would be up for testing one?
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>not a "real car"
It look real enough! I expect there are politics at work...
BTW, I'd like to know how fast a quick bike could go round, even if JC does think that all bikers are gay...
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Reminds me of a classic JC one liner when he said something like "people who ride bikes fast are not neccessarily brave or skilled....... they just lack imagination ! "
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Indeed - I'd be particularly interested to see a 'World Superbiker' go around in the dry - and the wet.
LH's time and car control was just awesome (I use the word in it's true meaning!). After seeing Mansell et al (some of my F1 'heroes'!), I have developed a new level of respect for the 'boy' Hamilton. World Champion material - many times over - and he's British! Hurrah! (Sorry Jenson).
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LH's time and car control was just awesome (I use the word in it's true meaning!).
Hang on, James Blunt was only three secs slower in the same conditions!
And he's British! Hurrah too!
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>not a "real car" It look real enough! I expect there are politics at work...
I suspect it would fall foul of the "it won't go over a speed bump with that front spoiler, so it's disqualified" rule they used on the thing I can't remember the name of (Jason Plato was burnt in it).
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Jeez that's an ugly car.
No mention of a price?
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Not pretty but I'm not sure I'd go that far. And very small. Why is the video chopped up? Weird.
JH
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I think you've all missed the interesting, nay, the amazing feature of the programme.
Number_Cruncher
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The self driving BMW really was the star of the show.
I'm really looking forward to seeing that technology on road cars - removing the driver from the equation will be a serious step forward in road safety, and being able to get into a car and doing some work, or doing something useful instead of wasting time performing a mundane and nugatory task will be really great.
Number_Cruncher
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but do the indicators work?
JH
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Ha ha!
But, would they need to work? For whom would they be indicating?
Number_Cruncher
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Just started watching it tonight - Love that Vauxhall VXR8 - I want one.
Well I have to say I enjoyed it. All kinds of family stuff going on so couldn't watch it until tonight. Forgot I could fast forward until minute 42. Even James Blunt came across as a good egg, at least his military history gives him more cred than the usual plastic celebrity.
Enjoyed that stuff with the old cars.....
Edited by Pugugly {P} on 05/12/2007 at 23:17
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>>being ableto get into a car and doing some work or doing something useful instead of wasting time performing a mundane and nugatory task will be really great.
My first thought was how great it would be to climb into the car after a long day and have a nice kip while it drives me home.
Aaahhh, bliss.
Cheers
DP
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04 Grand Scenic 1.9 dCi Dynamique
00 Mondeo 1.8TD LX
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have a nice kip while it drives me home. Aaahhh bliss.
>>
I wrote a piece of fiction once that had cars in it like that. It was meant to be a sinister future fantasy about how the world had gone to pot in a way.
Funny that. It wd sort out the sheep from the goats all right (i.e. the drivers from the passengers)... no offence DP, I don't mean you although you have stuck yourself in the frame. .
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Funny that. It wd sort out the sheep from the goats all right (i.e. the drivers from the passengers)... no offence DP I don't mean you although you have stuck yourself in the frame. .
lol - none taken! :-)
I get no driving pleasure whatsoever from 25 miles of the M25 and M3 during the evening rush. A computer and GPS system would be welcome to it.
The A272 early on a Sunday morning though....that's quite different. :-)
Cheers
DP
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04 Grand Scenic 1.9 dCi Dynamique
00 Mondeo 1.8TD LX
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an ugly car.No mention of a price?
In the company website it is said that the car costs about the same as a 'top-of-the-range Cobra replica'. That wouldn't be cheap, but nor would it be in the quarter million quid plus bracket.
I don't think the Ultima is particularly ugly. Its performance seems impressive to put it mildly. The company is proud of its quality, waterproofness, etc. If I wanted a very fast car - I may be getting a bit long in the tooth for that sort of thing - I would certainly look one over.
Edited by Lud on 05/12/2007 at 23:15
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Lewis Hamilton drove the old car like the other F1 drivers. James Blount drove the current car for this piece on the show.
They are such underpowered cars there will never be huge differences in times unless driven by Wogan :-;
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I suspect it would fall foul of the "it won't go over a speed bump with that front spoiler so it's disqualified" rule >>
According to the manufacturer's website, it will go over speed humps.
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All cars will go over speed humps - it's whether they're still in one piece on the other side that matters.....
Edited by Andy P on 06/12/2007 at 10:06
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LOL, I'm sure you know very well that I meant without damage.
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Remember its at 9.00pm tonight.
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Why? There was only a repeat of Coast on at 8 so now it clashes wih one of those Mr Darcy programmes that my wife watches :-(
I'll have to watch it Monday (Tuesday?) night now when it repeats.
JH
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Some sporting types on BBC1 and that singer chap on the Royal Variety Performance clashing.
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Well I actually enjoyed it. Dewy eyed over the 330d I have to admit. The only bits I fast forwarded through was the that Star rubbish and the Daihatsu thing.
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An excellent show I reckon, very interesting watching the TG team competing the 24 hour race, a shame the Stig couldn't do anymore then he legally can.
How did they fit the fuel tank eventually?
Did they really nick an injector relay from another BMW?
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Its not what you drive, its how you drive it! :-)
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Injectors £242 + VAT don't ask me how I know.
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W>> Well I actually enjoyed it. Dewy eyed over the 330d I have to admit. Theonly bits I fast forwarded through was the that Star rubbish and the Daihatsu thing.
When it gets to S.I.A.R.P.C thats the time I go to the Fridge, make something to eat or do something like check my emails - or watch paint dry, I am so bored of that Feature however loved the 24 hour race though really great
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I Love Top Gear and always post on here that it is entertainment and just accept it as being that. But more and more now, I am watching it thinking "I bet that didn't really happen" and now starting to lose interest.
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2007 Seat Altea XL 2.0 TDI (140) Stylance
2005 Skoda Fabia vrS
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I know what you mean BobbyG, but what set this one apart was the obvious emotion at the end.
I'd love to know what they spent in parts on that car between buying it and finishing the race. Anyone like to hazard a guess what a new fuel pump and turbo costs for a 330d?
Cheers
DP
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04 Grand Scenic 1.9 dCi Dynamique
00 Mondeo 1.8TD LX
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I bet they paid at least 50%+ of purchase price, so that would be about £5500+
The problem was mentioned to be the fuel... did they continue with their fuel or diesel I wonder.
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I thought it was a decent showing overall. Could have done something more inventive with the Fiat 500 though, even May commented how irrelevant the bikers were to it.
The racing was ok, cant say that had me on the edge of my seat exactly - I do prefer their cheap car challenges to be honest.
Just a little bit too much messing around is creeping in, lets hope they change it and add some content for the next series.
Edited by Pugugly {P} on 09/12/2007 at 23:33
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I was so pleased in schoolboy fashion by the words on the doors - it will become a future classic of clip shows - that I hardly noticed the racing. They did better than one might have expected thanks to the fourth driver.
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The racing was ok cant say that had me on the edge of my seat exactly - I do prefer their cheap car challenges to be honest.
I disagree, I am fed up with their cheap car challenges, like to see something more serious, could have been more serious still if they had another 10k or so, not often Clarkson has to wipe his eyes, you could tell it was more challenging and also MUCH more rewarding for them.
After all it was also amusing, did you note what the fake sponsors names read as from the front of the car with the doors open!
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They're just so cheesy & hammy. They (the stooges) really do remind me of cool-dad types - just trying too hard all the time. Any item with the possibility of being interesting, is spoiled by the stock-characters-from-central-casting that their screen personas have become. It's oh-so unamusing to see JC (for the umpteenth time) being ham-fisted with cars and/or their mechanics & somehow thinking it's funny or endearing. They're as unpredictable in their roles as pantomime dames, as is the vacant eyed, rent-a-yelp audience.
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Not a fan, then? ;-)
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04 Grand Scenic 1.9 dCi Dynamique
00 Mondeo 1.8TD LX
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The racing was honest ok. Two key factors to tell you they had lived and worked thro genuine agro was the obvious team spirit and support that built up, and the emotion at finishing. In my book that made serious entertainment.
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< Ulla>
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The race feature also contained the biggest warning yet about 'proper' biodiesel - too much methanol wrecks the fuel pump seals - min 6 hours labour at BMW rates soon wipes out any savings in buying the fuel.
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i enjoyed it.....wonder what the Mosler team thought about Hammond's little faux pas?
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Is this episode going to be repeated this week? (It was men poking balls with sticks at the usual time today instead - I've probably missed it knowing my luck!)
Apparently the next episode (23rd) will feature some uber saloons - M3, C63 and RS4 - can't wait!
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What is with Hammond's hair these days? Is he wired to the mains or does he think the dragged backwards through a hedge look is going to catch on sometime soon?
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he looks ill according to the girls in work....
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men poking 8< snip
you know why...! :-)
Edited by Pugugly {P} on 12/12/2007 at 21:30
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Tonight's programme discussions in here ! Also there appears to be a rather good programme listed for 7.00pm with James May.
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Also there appears to be a rather good programme listed for 7.00pm with James May.
Ditto the documentary afterwards with Hammond and Evel Knieval that was much more rivetting that the predictable round of TG tomfoolery. Loved the dusty scenery and footage of the small town Bute but found K an obnoxious and peculiar individual. Hammond portrayed a geniune respect but seemed at a loss sometimes with Knieval who, despite frailty, still had his ego and arrogance on full power. Creepy but fascinating footage of the born again christian ex-minder too with his "baptisms" of the locals.
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Well as someone who normally enjoys the programme, I have to say tonight's effort was the biggest load of rubbish they have ever put on the screen.
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They should really stop this programme now while they are just about at the top.
There is nothing novel, any longer, with TG and the format is tired and tiresome at the same time. Tearing {deleted! DD} cars around a race track or airfield isn't clever or entertaining but is just soooooooooooooooo boring.
Edited by Dynamic Dave on 24/12/2007 at 12:54
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and not even a decent plug for Wroughton ;-(
I wonder why they decamped to there?
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Good show,enjoyed it,especially like the track in Spain,great scenery,nice weather and i like to see cars getting a good thrashing.
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i like to see cars getting a good thrashing.
Do you now! How juvenile - they do this practically every week on the show.
I bet you'd not do that to your own car, assuming you owned something costing that sort of money.
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Juvenile,have not been called that in a very long time,LOL.I do like to thrash my own cars,always have,even horrible old coal burners.I dont have anything exotic at present but have owned all kinds of fancy cars.I am not skilled enough to drive a car the way they do on Top Gear but i do still enjoy it.
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I enjoyed last night's programme, perhaps because I was in the right frame of mind.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
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It was boring - mostly, I enjoyed the M3 thing and the Jag. I want a BMW :-(
It really hit home last night when JC said that small powerful cars is what BMW are all about. Take away the carp that's talked about BMWs and their drivers and ultimately that is what they're about. A huge engined 3 series petrol engined, a genuine driver's car and I miss mine so.
Edited by Pugugly {P} on 24/12/2007 at 14:25
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What's Czeslovakian for...." For whom the bell tolls " ? ;-)
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Strangely enough I was listening to that Donne poem in a Christmas Service last night.......
I love the Skoda, I loved the BMW more that's all. I didn;t miss it all in the ice though. I have some car-cash left over, may start looking for a decent oldie 325 to play with. BMWlessness is bad
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A "Touring" would do most of the things the Skoda does...................... Only better perhaps ? Can you feel your wallet twitching yet ?
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Well I posted before reading some other posts here and in Tech apparently the public grieving is starting to grind. I like the Skoda its ideal. I will be looking for a "classic" 325 in the new year, decision made.
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Yeah, well my Mondeo estate is also ideal for me and I like it..........but........my accountant says it would be just about OK to look at a new car if I want. Mmmm a not too steamily priced 5 series Touring maybe ? No....the Mondy's fine.............I think............maybe ......... ;-)
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Mmmm 5 series.......in cream or white or black.
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Black with tan trim....if I was going to ....which I'm not.....that would just be a waste of ......;-)
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Its a good investment.
(see PU's interpretation of the word - Mrs PU has a rather different one)
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To drag this screaming back towards TG. Isn't that what James May calls "man maths" ?
Defined as a man's ability to justify against all reason and logic the cost of another automotive purchase. "Investment", yeah , I like that. Suspect it would also cost me a conservatory as well though !
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i enjoyed the programme...and...really don't mind it in this format, it works for me.
er indoors watches it, which is a result, but she doesn't like the bits when cars are driven around the track....but there again she won't watch BTCC, WTCC, DTM etc...because she's not a petrol head
isn't that what the programme's about........petrolheads having fun and giving two fingers to the politically correct brigade....that's my take on it anyway
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What do you think of the new Jag then ? I want one.
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What do you think of the new Jag then ? I want one.
TBH, I think the existing S type, and the X type estate look good. BUt boy when I saw that interior and its toys :-0... my goodness it was like a small boy with his first fisher price garage at christmas..... what a toy!
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< Ulla>
Edited by Dynamic Dave on 10/03/2008 at 19:21
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What do you think of the new Jag then ? I want one.
Looks far better than the old one. First thoughts that sprung to mind when the old one was shown (the front grille and inner headlights) was that it looked similar to the styling of a london taxi.
Edited by Dynamic Dave on 24/12/2007 at 21:39
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So the Roomster might not last :-)
It looks a very good car. I like it and the price and spec look good. Base model with v6 diesel with auto, leather and sat nav about £33k. A Mondeo 2.0 tdci TitaniumX auto without sat nav about £28k so close to £30k with it.... Now which would I prefer money permitting?
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I think the new Jag is top dollar. I've promised myself one and the financial director has agreed......but won't be for a year or two yet though
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I loved that interior - I am a total Thunderbirds fan see. I'm going to go to a dealer to have a proper look. Just looking you understand.
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i won't talk to you if you do that.... flaunting a new XF... i'd be too jealous
it wouldn't work anyway, you'd drive to work and everyone would think you're on the take...:-)
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Recommendation - Don't take any ID or even a Biro ! Open wallet alert................!
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Only looking !
I want to play with it !
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To drag this screaming back towards TG.
You failed!!!!
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I will be looking for a "classic" 325 in the new year decision made.
www.bmw2002.co.uk/for_sale/index.html
you know it makes sense PU. I will come and give it a polish one weekend for you as well.
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< Ulla>
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PU , be warned, when AE says he will give it a polish, he really means he will give it to his local Pole who will wash it!
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2007 Seat Altea XL 2.0 TDI (140) Stylance
2005 Skoda Fabia vrS
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You're a bad man, a very bad man....I really want that.
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I like the new Jag but am not entirely convinced by the front end or all the gadgetry inside. However it is going to make the S Type even cheaper than it already is - cracking value in petrol form, currently considering a 3.0 sport to replace my 2.0T Vectra
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all the gadgetry inside. However it is going to make the S Type even cheape>>
But is it the sort of car you'd trust if, say, you wanted to drive down to Greece (just as an example, you understand).
What would happen if you went to press the start button and that rather gimmicky auto selector tower did not rise from its cavern or those motorised vents did not open? No, whilst I quite sure I'd be happy driving it in the UK or those near European countries, any further abroad, then something less 'complicated'.
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something less 'complicated'.aren't they all complicated nowadays in that market segment....and i wouldn't want to drive to Greece in anything basic
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Well, say the new Mondeo after it had been in production for about a year or a current BMW 3 OR 5 series i-drive notwithstanding.
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Just watching Jenson Buttons lap in the old liana on a repeat and noticed that on several occasions there is a 52 plate car and a 03 plate car in the same lap. Shows that the fastest lap is not always the lap you see and made upof bits that look good and use 2 cars
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Heavens to Betsy - The Beeb faking things. Whatever next ?
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Heavens to Betsy - The Beeb faking things. Whatever next ?
And on Top Gear of all programmes!
Surely you are all mistaken, as I thought that everything I saw was all above board without smoke and mirrors.
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