alanb007

I agree with previous posts. I got stopped on the M5 while being a tad naughty. I was totally suprised when he just asked me to watch my speed in future and walked back to his car. I gave him no grief and no crap - and got no ticket. Courtesy costs nothing - being a prat can cost a lot! For those sensible Police Officers out there - thankyou

Each to their own, but in my view, if you are on the road, it's a Police magnet! Yuk!

I agree. When he came over to me and asked for my licence, I was totally compliant and did bleat or whinge or give him a hard time. I was ready to take it on the chin. I wonder if he did a licence check before he pulled me over as I had (still have) a clean licence? Whatever the situation, he was definitely one of the better ones Alanb

Guys, thanks for the comments. I am sitting at home having a Crown Lager knowing how lucky I was. When I passed a few cars, I must have got to 130, but only for a short while. I was sure I was toast when I was pulled over. I have to admit that today I was a wimp and stuck to the speed limit wherever I went. I could never live it down (with the family) if I had a lucky escape, ignored the warning and then bought a ticket to the Policemans Ball! Alanb

I was driving out West along the M5 last night and was pulled over by the Police. I had going along at about 120kph with a bit of a squirt to get pas some traffic. I had been checking my mirror and noticed a car was keeping up with me, so I started to slow down. 5 seconds later the flashing lights started. I pulled over and waited for the bad news. The Highway Patrol guy told me that everything was being recorded, both video and audio and then told me how long he had been following me and also gave me what speed I had got up to. He took my licence and then looked in the car to see I had my family with me. He then said "drive carefully, stick to the speed limit and look after your family" He then walked back to the patrol car. No ticket, no fine, just a friendly bollocking. So, dude, thankyou for how you treated me! I did not expect it and probably did not deserve it, but greatly appreciated nonetheless. All Police are not the same, which was proven for me last night. He may be an member of this site and if so - dude, I owe you a beer! Thanks!!

I have just had the 75,000 km service as well. Mine came to just over $1100 dollars, but this included new rotors for the Premium brakes (obviously pads as well) By the time I got to to this distance, the rotors were really worn down, I thought the pads were supposed to wear out before the rotors??? I know that I could have sourced and fitted the parts more cheaply by doing the work myself, but I don't have much time at the minute, so I paid the money. I am not complaining as I know what Ford charge, but just giving my experience of 75,000 km service For your bill, I would expect to see some major bits getting replaced Hope this helps

Well, got a call from Woolworths today and they will make sure I don't pay any excess, which is good news. So those fellow members that suggested I should not be out of pocket are quite correct - onya boys! So, now I am just waiting to get the car back. Should be ready by Friday. Can't wait to get back in it and have a cruise. I guess I had better be carefull with double demerits this long weekend. Alanb

Thanks for the thoughts guys. The grate did not hit the sump. If you look at the photograph, you will see "splash marks" where the sump bottomed out on the concrete. Also, with other pictures I took, there is no oil on the grate (which I would expect with the hole being so big) Only the drivers side wheel went into the channel. I have added a photograph from under the car when it was at the smash repairers waiting for the assessors to check it out. You will see that the hole in the sump matches where the splash marks are. Also, I had a look at the sump at Ford. The hole only tells part of the story, there are also some serious cracks in the area. So, in my view, its consistent with hitting the concrete, not the grate. I should get ti back this week - I miss the power! alanb

Nope, she is absolutely bog standard. I would hate to think what would have happened if it was lower!

The title says it all. As you will see from the piccie, the grate at the exit from the Servo was not in place correctly. The first thing I knew about it was when the car dropped and then a God awfull noise. I reversed back and then saw the oil, so I switched the engine off quick smart! All of the oil was on the driveway in a matter of seconds! Now its with the insurance company - $500 excess to kick the claim off and they tell me that there is very little chance of getting anything out of the Servo. To say I am unimpressed is an understatement. Alanb007

210 kph on the main straight at Eastern Creek on a track day. It was good fun as I did not have to look out for boys in blue! The limitation was the driver, not the car!