pixor

I highly recommend Synology NAS products. I have a DS414 with 2 * 3TB WD Reds and an older 2TB and 1TB drive. It has a hybrid RAID which lets you mix drive sizes, hot swap drives and is powerful enough to run cloud sharing over the internet and torrent downloading, with dual Ethernet ports. Best of all, it just works and doesn't need any fiddling with.

As a former RX-8 owner, and member of the owner's club, I can speak from experience - most of what you hear about RX-8's is ill-informed myth. Mine (and my friend's) were totally reliable. They are well-engineered and built. They handle fantastically, and are the best driver's car I've had. The gearbox is fast and accurate, and the limited slip diff helps with excellent grip. The rotary engine is fantastic and the revs are addictive. Fuel economy - not really any worse than anything else of that age with equivalent power. I had an E39 BMW 530i after the RX-8, and it had similar fuel economy. Oil - the rotary engine is designed to use a small amount of oil during normal running for lubrication. This is different from most other engines, where using oil is a sign of problems. The reason I changed car was because I injured my back, and need an auto now. If I were to buy one second hand, I would look for a full Mazda service history and all the usual signs of cherished ownership - regular servicing, no dings, no mods. Also, there are 2 models. Get the high power one, the low power model is lacking. You can't get more motoring fun for the money.

Never use a brush on paintwork - it scratches. I used to do 'amateur' detailing, and would recommend what's been said here. I.e. Jet wash off first, then use the 2 bucket method with a wash mitt. I used a clay bar twice a year followed by a wax. The clay bar removes the build up of grit and tar, but it did do a lot of miles in full Scottish winters, so it made a noticeable difference. Of course, now I have a young family, I have to fit it in in 15 minutes once a month (I'm talking about car washing)

My old BMW E39 530i always steamed. It was an old 3.0 petrol straight 6 (so not terribly efficient), and I did live in Scotland (so always cold and raining). Nothing to worry about!

I got an xbone, and my reaction is - it's alright. A better xbox 360 (graphics, etc), but the system software needs more work, mostly around playing with friends. dead Rising 3 is fun, and Forza is good.

Looks really good in that colour. Dare I say Audi-ish?

I always found the Skoda dealer in Uphall to be excellent - they always worked hard to keep me happy - http://www.westendskoda.com .

Looks cracking, but not for me as I'm the shy type

Ah, yes, the cold. I lived in Scotland and loved my heated seats and winter tyres. Over here, it's all about the aircon - it hit 47 centigrade where I live last summer. Not pleasant for someone more used to coping with snow and ice!

Hi Folks, I left the Uk 18 months ago, and sold my excellent mk2 Octy L&K dsg estate. It really was a shame to let it go, but importing was way too expensive. I've been jealously eyeing up all the mk3s you guys have been buying, and wondering why Skoda Australia is so far behind? Anyway, they've just announced the mk3 over here, and I am waiting for the vrs to get added to the models on sale (I guess you lot are getting first dibs ). I'm looking forward to getting in one - Skoda aren't that well known here, and currently don't offer much cost reduction over VW. I think they are about to change that and reduce their prices, by the sound of it. Just wanted to say hi again, from down under.

Sold!

Sold!

I'll go to £225. Cheers!

My brother will probably get them as a goodbye present

I've lowered the price and put in the pcd etc. They will be on sale until March 4th. Cheers!