DaveyTed

Know how you feel. I loved my little Jimny. Often regret selling it until I remember how little room was in it but how much petrol I put in it.

Agreed but not much consolation if you hit something unsighted because of the chunky pillars. Th Zafira pillars are a lot chunkier than most.

I've been reading this thread with interest as I bought a new 1.6 petrol just over a year ago. No problems so far in 10,000 miles. Excellent value for money paid with plenty of room although typical gutless petrol engine would struggle with a full load. Main problem, we find, is poor visibilty due to thick pillars eitherside of windscreen and at front of doors; very easy to miss cars approaching at an angle like when joining a roundabout. Most of the road tests pick up on this but silly me took no notice. Also the indicator stalk has a mind of its own.

Re "Twistedsanity"'s comment regarding ground clearance - the published spec for a new Shogun shows less ground clearance than the Subaru. Regarding parts & servicing prices; Subaru prices are something that is putting me off but then I can buy a lot if not spending £500 on road tax! Also as Dead-eyed duck mentions the number of Subaru dealers is diminishing which is of concern. Maybe because, as I understand from a former dealer, they are obliged to accept an allocation of cars with little chance of selling some models in particular areas. Thanks for all your replies - food for thought.

Thanks for all the comments - most confusing! I wonder if some comments are reflecting the pre 2008 Forester which was basically a 4wd estate car. The 2013 model has 220mm ground clearance which is very little less than a pick-up - 5mm less than Isuzu for example. Yes, agreed, I would have difficulty finding the spark plugs as I'm looking at a diesel.

Harnser, I totally see where you're coming from regarding a pick-up but I don't need one for where I want to go plus I need something my wife can use on occasions. I cannot see her trying to park a pick-up in a crowded supermarket or hospital carpark. Apart from that running costs for a pick-up are far higher re insurance and fuel. There seem plenty of folk on the forum who find Honda CRVs and RAV4s adequate for their needs. I assume you consider all SUV/4x4 s grossly overpriced since the Subaru sits around the middle of their pricing. I've always considered pick-ups overpriced for what you get with basic 4x4 systems which cannot, in many cases, be used on road due to lack of centre diff. But everyone to their own needs. Regards Dave

Thanks robbiep It's the latest version which appeared in 2013. Whilst the reviews don't seem very favourable neither do the reviews on most SUVs. They all seem to find fault because they compare them to "normal" cars when road testing on tarmac.

Have seen a 2013 pre-registered diesel sitting in a main dealers at a very attractive price. Looks good and drives well but has anyone got any longer term experience. Thanks

Most car insurance replaces the car if stolen or written off in first year. Take out gap insurance, if you want, when a new car is 12 months old.

Have you got a "Buy it now" price

Be very careful about the "decat". It will fail the MOT if noticeable and removal will invalidate your insurance. That's the advice I have been given.

What about Ballistol - good on anything.

Overall gun lengths are given on Hatsan's website. Remember the new guns have extended chokes and a 28in semi is roughly the length of a 30in O/U.

My experience with Essex Ford, Thurrock: Whatever car you take in for service seems to get Ford spec oil.

Speedometers can legally over-read by up to 10% but must not under-read. So no excuses! Speed readings on satnavs are pretty accurate.

I don't know if it applies to all .38 blank/starting pistols but the Olympic one is definitely banned because it can easily be converted to live firing: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/under-starters-orders-the-latest-weapon-to-be-outlawed-1947204.html

If it's a double cab, with the rear seats fitted, it is classified as a dual purpose vehicle and subject to car speed limits. However, I understand that you cannot park anything larger than a car or car derived van on any road without lights unless in a marked parking bay. Something else for pick-up owners to be aware of; although I've yet to hear of it being enforced. This is according to the FTA Yearbook of Road Transport Law.

I find it frightening how little drivers know of the highway code reading from this thread. Please buy a copy or look at it online before posting - this post is providing good ammunition for refresher testing.

I read the header and wondered what the dog had done to upset you.

As above, ideally decent wood as it's to replace a damaged one on an otherwise unmarked grade 5. Thanks, Dave

Interesting because Chapel Farm is produced by Dodson & Horrell as is Chudleys.

Have you thought about using Ballistol? - safe to use on anything.

Sold Thanks DaveL for transferring the money so quick.

Improved cylinder please. PM me and I'll send you a cheque. Regards

Hoggs Green King overtrousers, size large. Brand new with tags. For details: http://www.hoggs.co.uk/prodcut_details.php?catid=72&product_id=159 £20 posted or £17 collected near Basildon, Essex