CitroJim's AX, C3 Picasso, Cycling and Running Tales

[Gibbo2286]

Focus isn't a bad car, so long as it hasn't dissolved. About as exciting as a grey pair of trousers, but there's a reason that they're everywhere. ...which makes getting parts trivial.

Funny you say that, nephew was originally keen on a cheap "cosmetically challenged" Focus a painter/decorator was trying to offload. I showed him how to check the MOT history online and he discovered it was totally rotten on the underside and changed his mind PDQ.

I've got a nice tidy one of those on Ebay at the moment, I bought it in May to get me around while I fixed the C5 timing belt failure. It's a 2002 1.8i Ghia in black with 83k on the clock.

It's on at £850 but open to offers.

I'm not a Ford man but I've been quite impressed with this, feels a bit Golf like on the ride and handles like it on rails.

[MikeT]

I've got a nice tidy one of those on Ebay at the moment, I bought it in May to get me around while I fixed the C5 timing belt failure. It's a 2002 1.8i Ghia in black with 83k on the clock.

It's on at £850 but open to offers.

I'm not a Ford man but I've been quite impressed with this, feels a bit Golf like on the ride and handles like it on rails.

He bought the other Focus he saw advertised, 85k miles too, said it was a housewife's runabout and drives real nice. That's all I know at this moment, what matters is he's no longer fretting about being carless.

[Zelandeth]

Focus does handle well. Not as well as the Puma or Ka, but better than most other cars in the segment I reckon - and without the spine shattering ride that the German rivals seem to insist on. I should point out that my experience there doesn't extend anywhere beyond a 53 plate example, as that's the most recent I've driven.

I'd agree with the earlier comment about the Rover 75 being the best thing to come out of Longbridge since the Mini as well. It was one of the reasons I was so sad to see Rover go under when they did, as it really felt like they'd just come out with a product that really gave them a fighting chance to turn things around. Sadly it was obviously not to be. Given my wishes at the moment to simplify my fleet a bit, it's certainly not a car I'll be dismissing from the potential shopping list.

Really elegant car I reckon as well, though definitely colour sensitive. Best for me is a dark metallic colour (midnight blue or BRG immediately spring to mind), and specced such that you've got the chromed door handles and the stripe along the side.

[CitroJim]

Following a most unsavoury and disturbing incident during a potential sale transaction, the Activa is now staying with me for the foreseeable future.

The incident in question is not up for any further discussion. It happened, end of.

[MikeT]

Good to see you posting again so soon after the unfortunate event Jim. I didn't want to add to the noise but was very concerned with what I read and quietly wished you a speedy recovery.

[CitroJim]

Thanks Mike, that's appreciated

Recovery is far from complete but things are looking a lot better today after a lot of restorative running and cycling

[van ordinaire]

Welcome back - as if that needed to be told that. (or, indeed, it was necessary)

[CitroJim]

Enjoyed an excellent Monday with Alasdair and his V6 Activa We spent a lot of time going right through his hydraulic system looking for any issues. We found a problem but not yet a solution... We'll no doubt both discuss it in due course in the appropriate place...

I must say it was good to get the overalls on and the spanners, the ELIT and the oscilloscope out It still enjoy it!

We (I) checked the hydraulic line pressure using my patent pressure gauge... To use this gauge one has to disconnect the main 4.5mm pipe leaving the pressure regulator and tee in the gauge...

Guess who neglected to depressureise the system before disconnecting the pipe?

Yep, that'll be right!

The resultant douche-vert was spectacular

In the event, the pressures were spot on.. Cut-out at around 170 bar and cut-in at around 150 and very little leakage...

I'm now bloody glad I've decided to keep my own Activa - good job I did too as it was very valuable to compare and check against when going through Alasdair's...

I realise I need an Activa in my life

[lexi]

The thing is Jim, when you feel poorly, it can make you throw things up in the air. These are things you cannot handle in the moment you find yourself in. Once you get back a bit to where you are and are recovering, you can get back to your old habits of fettling the cars. An Activa is a good car and hobby for you. I think so!

[demag]

Agreed!

[CitroJim]

Agreed!

And seconded!

[Stickyfinger]

Do not worry Jim.....the rain washed all the LHM out from under the wheel arch

Keep spotting "Large" ladies now and my head images are giving me nightmares.....................owwwer

[CitroJim]

Do not worry Jim.....the rain washed all the LHM out from under the wheel arch

Ditto my driveway Not a trace now as it rained glass stair-rods all day here yesterday...

Keep spotting "Large" ladies now and my head images are giving me nightmares.....................owwwer

I have exactly the same issue!!!!

[demag]

Jim when you retire I'll pop down and have a cup of tea with you!

[CitroJim]

Jim when you retire I'll pop down and have a cup of tea with you!

Yes please Dave You will be very, very welcome!