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@Julie Hall - Peak District AO Greta wants a word:

@CosKev have you written up your conversion from bike engine to Ford V6, I'm sure many would be interested in it and would be impressed to see the quality of your work etc. Perhaps start a thread here: https://forum.wscc.co.uk/forum/forum/103-build-diaries/

@Julie Hall - Peak District AO great write up😎 286bhp🤓 PS, its a 3ltr

Well. I´m coming from here: Finally decided to buy the aforementioned Beemer from the "BMW" used car scheme, being an approved car has 12 months BMW warranty and you are being sold the car from the main sales team rather than the "used cars" team. The lady was really helpful with me, and while I was doing the test drive, she has told me that she would run some numbers about the package they offer with a new car that would be applicable to this car too, and also the finance possibilities. Told her beforehand, "don´t bother, I´m covered I want the car, and is the only product I want from you". (I haven´t even tried to knock off the price). Car was spot on, for my standards could have been in the "new" showroom, and I would have believed it, therefore I have decided to go for it. When I´ve said that, she has come back with the sales director, offering me the finance again, and 2k worth in package deals for covering refurbed wheels and tyres, and stone chips. My answer has been, "don’t lose your time, I´m in the automotive trade and none of what you are offering me is even half appealing. The only product I want from you it’s the car". From here, everything is gone south. He has asked me if I own a house, I told him yes, I do. Asked me then... "I imagine you have it mortgaged, why won’t you do the same with the car? " -"Yeah, sorry mate, I own the house outright and I did it that way since the beginning. Please, don’t lose your time, I want the car, period". Then he started with Gap covers for the finance. "Because if you crash, We will cover the gap between the value of the car and the insurance value." "Yes thanks I don´t want it." "Why not?" "Because I don’t want it." "Do you have insurance in the house?" "Yes I do." "Then you have the contents insured, why don’t insure the gap in the car." "Because I don´t want it." "Is due the price? I can take a look for it for you..." "Yeah sorry, the starting price is 2000 quid, don´t think you will go to ZERO so just let me pay the deposit and tell me when to collect the car." "Do you know the average claim content in a house is about 1000 quid only... why wouldn´t you insure the car?" "Well mate, sorry, I do have insured individual items worth about the same of the car, and a claim on the contents of my house will buy this car several times, so, sorry still not a good example." Then he is questioned my lifestyle on buying things outright, and being poorly covered. I had to end the conversation asking him to leave, as he was risking the sale of the car. I felt really bad from an stranger asking me personal questions that I shouldn’t have to answer (and I regret doing it but I´ve tried to be polite at the moment), questioning my choices, and then my lifestyle. He is been polite and calm all the time, but the nature of the questions and the conversation was completely OUT OF ORDER. Especially when I told him after hearing their offers that the only product I was bothered about was THE CAR! And If it wasn´t because I really wanted the car, I would have walked away from the dealership after the second personal and totally unappropriated question. The worst of it is that he is appointed another half an hour when I´m back on Tuesday to collect the car to discuss several alternatives, and I DONT REALLY WANT TO. This stupid interview is building up on me during the day and now I´m infuriated to have answered some very personal questions that I shouldn’t discuss with strangers, so more than likely on Tuesday I´ll just tell him to **** OFF, give me the car straight away. Is it that normal? Of course, I´ll be asked by BMW UK how the service was as a part of the package and I will share my views about the aforementioned individual, but... again, Is that normal? Is that the way the current salespeople try to sell product to the average population making them feel like garbage so you end buying to feel beeter or what? I would appreciate your views about this on the matter. I´ve never bought a new car in my life, and is the first time I will own a road car worth more than a couple of grands... I´m interest to know if that is the normal business nowadays, and if so, how no-one has punched a salesperson in the face before.

@IanK (Bagpuss) no I haven't done one,should have but I always forget to take pics as I'm going along Will have a look how many pics I actually took and perhaps do something now the winters on way.

Had a brilliant day yesterday. Left at 5.30am to make my way to Middlesborough for breakfast with @Gary Taylor - Scotland AO. Toby carverys are excellent for breakfast. From here it was a visit to @Paul Aspden for a cup of tea, so big thanks to Paul and his Mrs for making us so welcome. We then made our way over to Grosmont to have a mooch around the engine sheds. A few parts where open that where not normally accessible to the public so we had a brilliant time there. Next on the agenda was a visit to a couple of underground bunkers but one had to many prying eyes so we decided against that one. Nice to see a few original artefacts in the one we entered that had not yet been looted. We then made our way to Flamborough for a looksee around the caves. Lastly it was back over to Scarborough for a chippy tea overlooking the sea. It was a fantastic day and a big thank you goes to Gary for making the 800mile round trip. Here is a little video of Grosmont. Sorry its a bit shaky as it was done on my phone.

Yep, good for me and Kirsty. +2 Thank you

Today we showed our true naughtyness didn't we? to our full capacity. It was actually a table for 11 because Tango man joined us for brunch. I would pass up a team of rugby players to meet the cute little orange chap. (Andy took this photo with my camera and I was totally unaware that Tango Man was on it. When I first saw it on the computer screen all Glen heard was a shriek of delight and squeals of laughter as I came running to show him it) Top class entertainment.

The reality is that there is not as much profit in the actual car sale as there used to be so they try, desperately, to get you on finance as they get a kick back from the finance company. They also get commission for gap insurance and things like the paint protection they buy in for £30 or £40 and try and sell to to you for hundreds.

Well. Bought the Beemer. To be delivered hopefully on tuesday. 340I touring. We've felt in love with each other.

Got my Xtr2 road legal!

Saturday looks the better day of the weekend. Meet at 10am in Ashbourne on Saturday 21st. Doughnuts? Dig out your fairy lights, Santa costumes, elf costumes and heating acoutrements for 2019 Peak district Santa run Meet at halfords at Ashbourne at 10am to leave at 10.30. The route (which you don't need to remember.. just stick your fingers in your ears when the directions are given ...then follow the elf 😂) will be through the peak district with a warm lunch around 1pm . What can you expect? 1Jumping in you car at home and driving away le mans style in case your neighbours see you and think you've lost your marbles. 2.Arriving at Ashbourne to meet your fellow westfield 'marbleless' owners...and eat doughnuts 3. Followed by the best few hours of your year spent waving at kids and families and generally feeling good. Arriving home in the dark and not caring about how you look Photos of the the previous years lunacy.... good for the soul santa runs below

Anybody up for a social gathering to see in the festive season? I have a table reserved at the 'Lord Ted' on Saturday 30th November at 7pm - a carvery on the west side of Newark just off the A46 for easy access. NG24 4SW Full menu plus a carvery of various sizes. Take a look at https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/nottinghamshire/lord-ted/menu/main-menu Pay for you own and anybody welcome. Need to know numbers asap even if it is only a 'maybe'. Firm numbers beginning of November. Disclaimer - eaten there once and it was good. No idea what it will be like again but assume as it is a big chain that it will be ok!!

Hi Folks for our usual pre Christmas get together I’ve booked the “ Glover Arms” , Crieff road , Perth. On Sunday the 1st December at 1pm, bring your wife’s , partners and as the weather will be questionable Westies are optional if you can let me know who’s coming I can confirm numbers with the Glover Arms Gary Brian Rab Brad & Diane Jim & Jean Michael Jonathon Dave Bob & Lorna

Due to change of circumstances I have reluctantly decided to sell my Westfield – I am spending a lot of my time abroad and in consequence am not getting a chance to use the car. 2016 / 16 plate – Westfield SEiW, with 2.0 litre Zetec using Omex throttle bodies, built using all new components supplied by Westfield as a full Factory FW Special Edition kit. The car has completed 4,400 miles since completion and passing the IVA in July 2016. The full kit was supplied by Westfield in October 2015 and built between then and April 2016. I recorded the full build and you can look read through this in the Tech Talk section. 100’s of photographs of all stages of the build are also available. Specification: Full kit supplied by Westfield with all new parts comprising of: FW Bodywork - Westfield Orange Gel Coat New crate 2 Ltr Zetec engine Omex 600 ECU 4-point harnesses 5 speed Ford MT75 gearbox Team Dynamics Pro Race anthracite colour wheels with Toyo 195/50/15 T1R’s 4 pot Westfield (Hi-Spec) High performance brake kit - 3rd generation Standard Westfield carpet set Heater and Screen In addition to the standard kit the following upgrades and optional extras were included: Wide track front wishbone kit Westfield Sports Turbo Seats with matching orange piping Carbon effect front cycle wings All panelling powder coated Contoured dash with cubby hole – with white faced instruments Long range fuel tank MSA Roll Bar made by Caged Laser Engineering, with high level brake light Carbon fibre roll bar covers Flush fitting Aerocatch locks on bonnet and boot Carbon effect rear diffuser Carbon effect rear arch protectors Underbody and cavities treated with Dynatrol Cigarette lighter power point Carbon fibre chassis foot rail protector Amber Valley ‘Custer’ air horn (139 decibel) Electrically adjustable mirrors Removable, Momo Model 27 (290mm diameter) steering wheel with the excellent Works Bell quick release boss Toad Scorpion immobiliser Westfield half hood ‘Soft bits for Sevens’ half doors with wind deflectors ‘Soft bits for Sevens’ hood bag to replace standard Westfield bag – securely fits to MSA roll bar Westfield side screens – not fitted Walker St Clare cockpit weather cover The car has also benefitted from a comprehensive suspension set up by Luke at Playskool for use in a touring configuration and the engine has been set up on rolling road by Evotune in Durham. The car is in immaculate condition and meticulously maintained. It has only ever been used in good weather, never been on a track and garaged between use. A lovely car in need of a good home! PRICE: £16,500

There is not 1 statement in that sentence that is correct. What do we sell if not cars? Fresh air? What if you don't want finance? Fine. Unless it's a car supermarket trying to flog silly high rates, 90% of the time there's no back door money there anyway. If you're clever, buying on a PCP more often than not saves you more money than paying cash anyway and the dealerships not guaranteed any commission either. So why wouldn't you? Your last statement amazes and infuriates me. If a buyer defaults its got absolutly nothing to do with a dealership. The finance company deal with it, the dealership may never even find out if their finance rep never tells them. Why on earth would a garage get a kick back if somebody falls on hard times and sadly comes unstuck? Yes there are some awful salespeople out there, as there is in any profession, iv met those idiots on sales courses and would not employ one. I also meet them flogging sofas in dfs and electronics in john lewis.

Aah yes Bathurst, i remember it well Resplendent in my Westfield cap. You have to be careful with your hire car.

Calm down ladies 🤣

Foxtrot Oscar.....

I disagree. Most pensioners manage to get out in their cars at weekend

It's a yes from us! We are in the area anyway that weekend so it seems perfect!

Duke videos are still selling recordings of the Bathurst 1000. I think between me and my brother we have them all... https://www.dukevideo.com/Touring-Car/Bathurst-and-Australian-Touring-Cars

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-49865406 Truth or bias? My question to journalists is where are the stories that start or include "leaving the EU COULD be good for..." I only ever seem to see negatively biased "reports". And the second part of that is stories are written ..."could be disastrous for..." yet it seems to be that "could be" gets re-interpreted by the reader as "will be" in many cases, and I am sure journos and editors know this. I like nuance, mostly because I (try to) look for it and understand it. I'm betting the vast majority of tabloid readers may not have the same awareness when reading these "reports".

It’s a possible from us? Either got to drive hour an half home or get travel lodge/ premier inn. Cheers Andy & Becky

I went around a lot of dealerships of different manufacturers before my 125d purchase. Unfortunately there are many dealerships like that, the worst I had was Seat Blackburn where the obnoxious salesman wanted to agree potential finance deals before I could look at any cars! Even though I said I wouldn't be financing. The best was BMW Bowker Blackburn, they were brilliant prior and following purchase and I didn't even buy from them! But they are still a family run group, and it felt a nicer environment just walking through the door before even talking to anyone. Salesman at BMW Stafford was non pushy and pleasant. He told me there were several add on packages he had to offer, but didn't oversell them accepting immediately when I said I wasn't interested. All the Sales director did was ask if I was happy with everything. The new car salesman at Bowker told me that unfortunate most 'salesmen' at the large group dealerships have very high targets but don't even have to sell as most customers go in wanting a car and just pay the monthly finance. They don't care if the car loses 18k in 2 years.

Sounds like a good idea Jeff. Where can we meet ? Ponderosa?

It is down to the commission based package the sales people get. I am always clear, give me the best offer, they get one chance then I walk. Last car we bought was a mini cooper, did that sales man did his bit and then sales manager came out to show him how it was done. The guy was like co co the clown and wasn't interested in listening. As I got up to walk away he was now looking stupid and only the intervention of the Dealer Principle stopped me walking. I understand they have a job but the sales courses seem to suggest if the person isn't sold something then the sales person is useless and that makes them desperate.

I bought a 6 month old Skoda a year or two ago, from a main Skoda dealer. It was ex-Skoda UK management fleet, and I didn't have such hassle. Personally, I'd tell them not to bother, and go to another main dealer. Not sure about BMW, but most of the main dealer networks have a scheme whereby you can go to any dealer and buy one of their low mileage warrantied vehicles regardless of where the vehicle is based. They'll do a dealer swap, and get the vehicle of your choice moved to where you want the deal to be done. For slightly older vehicles, I've used Available Car Dot Com, and again no such high pressure nonsense.

None of the above... Stratstone if I'm right

Similar experience on my recent BMW purchase, extended warranties, protective 'special' covering of leather and a bit of polish, finance etc, etc. That wasn't a main dealer and the car was a couple of years old. I just paid a deposit after agreeing the trade in and said i would return a week later to collect. In fact i cancelled the extended warranty 3 days before collection, as it was just so full of exemptions (a quick google is well worth doing!) that it really wasn't worth the paper it was written on! Pleased with the car, but the buying experience was not so clever. Andy

Same thing happened to us @ Mazda Bolton just wouldn't take no for an answer , in the end we were about to walk away when he just gave us the finance deal with no extras . Tony

Not normal. Just say you don't want any and sign their form to say you have been offered and declined ... takes 2 minutes. I think there is some FCA crap about some of the insurance. No need to give any reason or have any discussion. They are on commission and hard sell nothing more

Straight at it, Trevor Trouble bombed all my photo's, clearly it was going to be a naughty day, even though I just could not get my hands on the steering wheels, there were 2 to have a go at today as well. Dancing in Ashbourne for the panorama shot And finally I got my photo 8 cars and 9 people, all the girls have gone now the temperatures have dropped. Martin, Andy, Scott, Trevor, Andrew, Ian, Kev and us all met at Ashbourne and after a warm in M&S we set off up t'North. Twisting and turning along the sweeping bends of the rather wet tarmac, I mixed it up a bit by turning right in Bakewell for a change, we soon arrived at the Yondermann cafe. There were lots of bikes - good - but that meant the cafe was actually full. Right, outside then lads, nobody protested, so outside we sat. BillyPee joined us too. Trevor and Ian guarding their steering wheels Some very large breakfasts came out, which we ate while enjoying the lovely countryside views Andy has a bit of a reputation for being able to eat, he did an eggcellent job of living up to it The Yondermann Car Park Next, we went along slightly drier tarmac with more of those sweeping bends, until we got to Flash nr Buxton, which is the highest village in the UK at 1519ft. It gets it's fair share of rain up there and the cafe is in the proverbial a... hole of nowhere, so once we turned off the village road the tarmac became rather wet. We arrived at Gradbach Mill Cafe and parked up. It is outside seating only and unsurprisingly there was no-one there. It closes for the season at the end of October so I was keen to squeeze a visit in here. I was cold when we got there and as I was queuing I was shivering, so it was lucky that I saw the notice offering hot water bottles and blankets, of course I took the opportunity. The cake arrived, lotus biscotti, nutella and victoria sponge cake, oh my. Andy, remember him? eats a lot! that's him, well he had to have a hot chocolate with marshmellows as well as cake, as well as a 3 egg breakfast earlier 😁 The jam was very jammy, I know, I tried it! We all soon polished the lot off. Look at them, guarding those steering wheels still I see. We can't drive past a mill without photographing it though can we? Here we are, proud drivers of our beautiful cars. Thank you to Glen, our only passenger today, for taking the photo. I remembered Nigels advice and got down on the floor to take my photo Ian's photo will be much better than mine though, so good that he had to have a lie down after taking it We were all ready to say goodbye and head off home, until Kev revealed that the Peak District group now has another Duratec. Duratecs are kind of powerful enough, but this one is a 3.5l, V6 out of a Jaguar S Type. Kev had replaced his bike engine with this 200 and umpty (someone correct me please) bhp monster. The engine bay was just all engine. As we set off I found that I had a flat battery, well 2 actually, my left and my right heated glove had now given up. I read the instructions when I got home and it says the first charge is 12 hours, not the half hour that I gave them this morning, oops. It has been a fun day, with lots of giggles, great roads and great company. It was dark when we finally came in after cleaning all that mud off the car, outside from 8.30am - 6.30pm happy days xxxxxx

Thanks for another great day cruising around the Peaks and Staffordshire. Great route and the scenery was amazing so was the food. Great company and the mud pack on the cars body work has wonders 🤣

Good Q & A session:

Joe arrived pretty late, so we thought it would be best to let him sleep until we had to leave. This meant that his first experience of the Westfield was 5 minutes after waking up. We were also staying in the old town, so it was on cobbles. I can imagine how trhat must have been for him! We had a 90 minute drive to the start of our hike. Joe commented several times that the westie was a lot more comfortable than he had been anticipating (glad it wasn't just in my head!). The hike was up to Raisko Praskalo, the biggest waterfall in Bulgaria at 124m. Given that this was initially planned as a "hiking and driving" trip, it caught me a little off guard that this was my first proper hike, but it was refreshing to get out for a decent walk. Sometimes you need some people in the photo to give some perspective of just how steep the hill was: Although it was a bit cloudy higher up, I was pretty thankful that it wasn't too windy. If this tree is anything to go by, we were pretty fortunate! When we got to the waterfall though, unfortunately we were well and truly in the clouds. At best I think we could make out 24 of the 124m of waterfall! We weren't too disappointed though, the rest of the views were spectacular, and the rain had held off, so a good day all in all! Fortunately we were able to camp at the bottom of the trail, so when we finished the hike we treated ourselves to a well earned meal before bed!

I have just tried these heated cycle gloves for driving my Westfield today. They have a 2 year warranty. It is easy to toggle between power modes by simply pressing the red button. They came with 2 rechargeable batteries that are 7.2V 200mAh Li-polymer batteries that provide 5-6 hours run time. On max power they heat to 50-55 degreesC for 2-2.5hrs. Primaloft Gold insulation provides the thermal insulation and breathability while being thin enough to maintain the dexterity for driving (or cycling too). The batteries are charged through a USB cable, a full charge taking 6 hours and sit neatly in a pocket on your wrist, weighing 70g each.The gloves are waterproof. It has been 13 degrees ambient temperature today, not the coldest of days, so I have started off on level 3 and turned them off as I got hot. Can't wait to try them when it gets really cold, so far I am impressed. They were purchased from Cotswold Outdoor in Bakewell where the sales manager emailed me a receipt to back up the paper one, saying 'just bring them back within 3 years if you have any problem and we will replace them' (the box says SEALSKINZ 2 year guarantee). They replaced my broken compass last year without delay, so I will give them a top rating for customer service. Showing the battery attachment Charging the batteries They come in a box, when did anyone last buy gloves that come in a box