ViViTation

I was charged £10 earlier this week to fit my tyre to my newly refurbished wheel, including new valve with the new rubber bit (whatever it's called) and balance at Just Tyres in Huddersfield. I watched them do the work and they observed notable care to ensure there were no nicks and scratches. Can't imagine doing such a speedy and effective job myself with whatever DIY equipment might be available.

Good news indeed. It's a fiddly job according to my mechanic who replaced my rad last October. Getting rid of the air pockets seemed to be the main hassle.

Is there much advantage in using super unleaded in (your Celica here)?

I bought mine from a garage without a test drive. Car was fundamentally sound. Just needed lots of spending on ancillaries. Could've turned out less good I suppose. Car purchasing can be such a lottery. Looks like the best decision you made was to walk away.

Well I've had this motor since beginning of August. £2.5k inclusive of purchase, servicing, repairs, upgraded parts and labour. Commuting or thrashing or loading up with mountain bike and camping gear. Relatively easy and cheap to fix and maintain. Delightful little car. Love it!

... and new rear discs and pads; just seen really great deal on well known auction site

... and winter tyres

My 15 mile round trip commute will continue to be done by pushbike whenever it's dry so my 140 will be doing service mainly in poor weather throughout winter. A gentle throttle will be the order of the day.

I've got an '04 Gen 7; prettiest car I've ever owned and the only car I've ever had that (totally non-petrol headed) women universally comment on in a favourable manner without prompting.