Lol

It's difficult to drive fast all the time, when you are jumping kerbs and dirt tracking across muddy fields.

Well, I picked the car up yesterday from Middlesbrough and drove it 300 miles home. It is in much better condition than I ever imagined it would be. The interior is perfect with no marks at all. The only evidence of something being fitted is 2 screw holes on the inside of the glovebox, but they dont show from outside. The body is in good condition apart from the damage to the front spoiler but I knew about that anyway, and there are a few stone chips on the bonnet. The side repeater is hanging out too as the housing clip is broken. There is some light kerb damage to the wheels too and the bolt covers are missing from the front wheel bolts.

Ive got a full printout from the police detailing all work carried out, it appears to be on variable servicing which I will change to fixed as I will be doing all work myself (how do I get it re-programmed?)

I think I had better get the cambelt changed as there is no evidence of it being done and its now on 90000 miles. How much is that likely to cost if I get an independent to do it? Anyone changed it themselves? I have never paid anyone to change a belt, I have alays done them myself, but now I'm getting older I find that I cant be arsed to crawl around on the garage floor.

I was told there was no owners book with it but I found it in the glovebox along with the gumph for the Scorpion Cat 1 alarm thats fitted. Bonus.

It drove very well on the way back, the pulling to the left was sorted by checking the tyre pressures. I'm sure its been asked 100 times but what pressure should they be. I'm on 32 front 30 rear at the mo.

The compooter showed that I averaged 39mpg over 300 miles, so I'm well happy with that. my 318is only ever did 32ish if I was lucky.

I think I am noticing a slight hesitation at low revs when pulling away, almost like its holding back for a few seconds. Does that sound familiar to anyone? I havent checked the coil packs yet, what are the troublesome ones?

Just got to get its taxation class changed now as its still on Police rate, ie free!

Pics to follow once I have cleaned it.

The hesitation is porbably just turbo lag - that is normal.

Cambelt - wouldnt try to do it yourself, allow at least £150 to have it done

Your choice of tyre pressures are fine.

Glad you're pleased with it!

Pressures should be printed on inside of fuel flap. Glad you are pleased with your new car, enjoy

Excellent.

Think most people have cambelt done at about 60k although I think skodas recommended change is a lot higher.

Can I ask which force owned it?

I've now read the advert and see that it was Cleveland. I suspect it was a driver training car used to teach standard and advanced courses.

I bought a Volvo T5 which had been used for this and it never gave me a moments problem.

Looks like a nice motor. Well done.

hesitation could also be ASR cutting back a little power to prevent wheel slip?