Davie's french attraction.

[lexi]

Is your Hilux the 3ltre job? Decent ones are about 11 grand for 10 and 11 plates. Sore on fuel I suppose. What like to drive? Are your legs not raised a bit when on the pedals? Can you slip in and out the seats without bending?

It's the 3 litre auto box. It wont better 30mpg, but it doesn't really drop below 28. I'm happy with that for the type of vehicle and a slush box. I find the driving position near enough perfect for me. Yes the seat is closer to the floor than a normal car but it certainly doesn't feel funny in any way. Also with my bad back, getting in and out of any vehicle is the most important thing for me. I find the hilux again near the perfect height for me, and theres no big bolsters on the seats to make it awkward. However I am 6 feet tall and most cars need the seat right back, so a higher car is better for me. My one on 115000 miles drives really well. Obviously not going to be as smooth or comfy as the likes of a c5, but for what it is it's ok. The ride is comparable to any car I've had, apart from hydraulic citroens, it's a bit noisy under acceleration but ok when cruising. Speed bumps, potholes etc can be forgotten about. I love the feeling of space, height, safety I get driving it. Just not very practical in places due to its size, doesn't like supermarket car parks lol. I know that the age, mileage of my one they are reaching 10 to 11 grand, my one is not worth that as it's a cat N write off due to the damage on it, which I have been running over a year now with no problem. The damage consists of a split front bumper and scratches all down one side. I also have no service history, but I do know it was owned by a mechanic at a local quarry/transport firm, so probably been well serviced. I would have no worries about driving it the length of the country, even towing a big trailer. In short I love it, and if you can stomach the mpg I would heartily recommend one.

Thanks for details Davie.

[daviemck2006]

I forgot to say that if the hilux was a Landcruiser Amazon, basically the same thing but a car, it would probably be £550 for road tax, but being a commercial truck the hilux is £265 for tax. Or it would be if I had to pay it, I have it registered as disabled. If you get disabled tax on one car, might as well nominate the more expensive one!

[daviemck2006]

I finally have found someone to do the welding on the 205. It will be being made a start on next weekend. The guy seems to think it won't take too long to do it and will have it all done in the weekend.

[Dormouse]

I finally have found someone to do the welding on the 205. It will be being made a start on next weekend. The guy seems to think it won't take too long to do it and will have it all done in the weekend.

Will watch out for this one. Pics please if you can

[daviemck2006]

It doesn't seem so bad as first thought. One sill to replace, a bit in each inner wing, but not near the strut tops, both front jacking points and a little bit at the end of the chassis legs. I should be jacking it up tomorrow, and removing the battery and washer bottle for access. The bumper and headlights are already off.

[Dormouse]

I actually have a great affection for the 1.6 GTi. Not got the overall grunt of the 1.9 but just as fluent and taut. Very fond memories of a white 205 GTi 1.6.

[daviemck2006]

Here is pics of the bits needing the sparkly stick. Drivers side still and little bit on inner rail. Both inner wings. 3 bits on floor which could be worse from underneath. The front panel is just surface and will clean with a wire brush and cure rust. The welder man will be here this weekend. Hopefully I will get some primer on before I have to go to hospital on Tuesday morning for an operation on my right hand which will put me out of commission for doing stuff for a few weeks.

[Dormouse]

Experience says your floors are worse than they look. Don't skimp on steel for repairs. Bite the bullet now and you have the basis for a really solid, useable Pug. So looking forward to watching from the sidelines for a change.

[daviemck2006]

Experience says your floors are worse than they look. Don't skimp on steel for repairs. Bite the bullet now and you have the basis for a really solid, useable Pug. So looking forward to watching from the sidelines for a change.

Yeah, I fully expect when he starts cutting the holes will get a lot bigger. That's usually what happens. I want all the cancer cut out and replaced, not just a bodge it through a test job. It's only the sill that will need painted, the car should respond well to a machine polish. It will not be a show stopper, I'm aiming for a solid, tidy runner to use and enjoy.

[Michel]

I actually have a great affection for the 1.6 GTi. Not got the overall grunt of the 1.9 but just as fluent and taut. Very fond memories of a white 205 GTi 1.6.

I always thought the 1.6GTi was better too! Much sweeter engine, less weighty on the front too. I had a 1.6 as I couldn’t afford the insurance for the 1.9 back then. When I could afford it, and wanted a 1.9, I test drove one and was quite disappointed

[daviemck2006]

This one started life as a 1.6 but it now has a 1.9 engine on a 1.6 gearbox. So it likely wont be so rev happy, the pistons are the same as far as I know, the 1.9 has a longer throw crankshaft to get the extra capacity. The guy who did a runner with the car has "lost" two of the 14" pepperpots. It was wearing 2 14" and two 15" when he got it with two 14" in the boot. They have disappeared. So theres 215" on it and 2 15" in my shed and 4 lightly used 195/50x15 tyres in my shed so the 15s will be put on it

[daviemck2006]

The welding fellow has started. Poked a few more holes in it which will get welded up. He is old skool, if a job is worth doing it is worth doing well. I'm happy with that attitude where the welding is concerned.

[Dormouse]

Touching wood (my head) and fingers crossed.

[mickthemaverick]

Careful you don't get a splinter Dormouse!! (You started it!!)

[Dormouse]

has been known