A small update this evening.
Last night, i got a visit from next door about 9pm, saying he didnt want the Xantia TD any more, having made his mind up on a Volvo 850 gas guzzler on offer from his brother. He was also put off with the mileage (typical punter) so basically put me into a situation, as Mike was coming down this morning and had already booked his train to return back up north.
So, rather than cause an inconvience with Mike, i've decided at very short notice, to take '583 back into my ownership for the timing being. It has everything going for it, still in good shape, Mike did an excellent job of looking after her.
I wasted no time at all, and put in some sunflower oil as a special treat.
Now i can see the economics of having a diesel family car capable of running on veg oil (79ppl from Bookers) or even cheaper, on filtered WVO at around 40ppl. 40+mpg betters the Activa by a significant margin and even the Transit, which does quite well around 34-35mpg. No idea what the price of crude oil is doing, but want to keep my options open.
Its possible my Dad may take it on, and we share it as a family pool car. Or, i could convince Vicky to use it and have her driving lessons in it, then use it as her runaround, even though it is quite a 'big' car.
The latter will take a while. My driveway is long enough for all the cars and van, so for now its not a huge deal.
But it is very nice to get back behind the wheel of an XUD9 engined car. I forgot how smooth it was for an old school lump. It looks and drives no different to 6 months ago.
Although not a patch on the Activa when it comes to performance, handling and sophistication, it wins hands down with its simplicity and relaxed nature. I might even tackle an LHM change at some point, having gained a lot more confidence working on Xantia's in recent times.
It does need the clutch arm bush sorting out. I will need to confirm with Jim the technicalities of this, but it will make the clutch much smoother and lighter.
Thanks again to Mike (Superloopy1) for looking after 'my' old car, and bringing it down all the way from Newcastle. You did a great job of keeping it in shape
