I am going to have to be an idiot

[Rikki]

Thanks Chaps and Chapettes
I have been using it locally for the last couple days, ears straining for the slightest sound of anything amiss. And of course when your that focused you hear/feel everything even stuff that probably isn't there , was that a judder on the brakes? is that clutch getting a higher bite than before, what was that clunk ( the sagging undertray hitting a speed bump).

And even with over examining things and a vivid imagination I still think its a good solid motor, with only 65K on the clock and looking like she has been maintained- 850 miles may kill it- but from what she feels and drives like atm it would have to be something pretty major that develops quick. And if we get back without the use of the big yellow taxi then I know spending out the money, the week after on all the work, is a worthwhile investment ( would still have preferred to do it the other way round tho )

In answer to Keiths very valid insurance question - yes I have limited business miles on the MG and unlimited on the reasonably priced car, the only one without business miles is the series as that's on limited mileage classic insurance.

[madeupname]

I did a 370 mile return trip to Bristol not long after buying my 1.8, only an oil change before hand, and she made it without any problems. It was the next time I tried to drive it that the f/o/s coil spring went
Check your springs

[Rikki]

Originally Posted by madeupname

It was the next time I tried to drive it that the f/o/s coil spring went
Check your springs

Your really not helping next time lie to me and tell me went on for years without a spanner ever getting near it

[cusm]

As i Speak i'm on the Train to St Neots to buy a R*****T G***D S***C.
And I have to drive it back to Dundee.

I bought my CDT in London and drove it back to Dundee. that was 7 1/2 years ago. So as long as your covered for breakdown you'll be OK.

Me on the other hand WISH ME LUCK lol

[madeupname]

Originally Posted by Rikki

Your really not helping next time lie to me and tell me went on for years without a spanner ever getting near it

soz I'll try to do better next time

[vacuman]

Am I missing something here? Our roads are full of 12-20 year old cars, especially supermarket car parks, during the day. I bet the owners don't brick it every time they're planning on going more than 20 miles.

You make driving a ZT sound like it's a pre-war side-valve with cable brakes and a starting handle. Just be confident that you have it in good order and enjoy the ride. Brand new cars break down so there's no point in being worried all the time.

[Rooney]

Originally Posted by vacuman

Am I missing something here?

Yep, you're missing the part where the OP says he hasn't had time to ensure the car is right yet, and won't have time to do so before he has to go

[suzublu]

Just drive it, nowt wrong with it

[marinabrian]

Originally Posted by suzublu

Just drive it, nowt wrong with it

Err, it's grey

[Rikki]

Originally Posted by vacuman

snip.

I wouldn't say I was "bricking it" - I am posting that I am doing everything that I say shouldn't be done, taking a car, of more than a certain age , with an unknown service history on a journey without doing the very basics. Not out of choice,

Now you may be able to spend the sort of money we have just done on a 2nd car, and find yourself needing to use it without making sure its sound, and if it all goes badly wrong shrug your shoulders and walk away and get another- we are not all in that situation- if we were I would be hiring a car and not taking what to us is a fairly hefty risk/financial hit- so I am not "Bricking it" but am nervous. If it all goes badly wrong I have probably just chucked £1500+ in total down the drain