We have been looking at a lot of cars over the past couple of weeks and we have to say there are some spectacularly unimpressive vehicles out there. We know we are fussy, but our customers know we are not going to offer just anything and we have a reputation to live up to. One car which really appeals this week is a 2004 04 Toyota MR2 1.8 Roadster in metallic black with red leather interior. We are negotiating and hope to have it on our premises by the weekend.

       This is the real McCoy, a  head turner, which puts one in mind of a Porsche Boxster from the driver's point of view, without the outlay and running costs. Crisp performance from its mid engine, superb poise and road manners and precise steering unencumbered by the penalty of having the weight of the power unit and transmission to dull it down. This has been a second car for a retired couple and will give the next owner thousands of miles of enjoyment. The mileage now is a mere 23,600 and we invite enquiries.

        Stockport Council Enforcement Officer Alan Whitefield spoke at the recent Marple Business Forum meeting and announced that several member businesses have achieved the Bronze Award (currently the only level available) for recycling, reusing, waste disposal, litter and graffiti awareness and general housekeeping. This is HLG's second year of involvement with the scheme and we are pleased to accept. Being the HLG Team, of course, we are raring to go with the next stage and Alan is going to let us know when the criteria are announced for the silver standard. 

        There is a lot to be said for fresh air motoring at this time of the year. We have a selection of  MX5 models to choose from - an '03 03 1.8 Sport in Splash Green metallic with black leather, an '05 05 1.8 Sport in silver with black leather, 73,000 miles, one a yellow 2001 Y reg, and two shades of green, with a black 03 03 1.8 due in on Saturday, 78,000 miles and a price tag of £4,795.  By the way, we have been asked to find a home for an original Mazda hard top in black, new price approx £1500, this one in v. good condition £500.      

        There don't seem to be enough hours in the day at the moment... we are looking at cars, deciding which ones we want and rejecting an awful lot of them as just not cutting the mustard. Our regulars know that we have a knack of finding the right examples - they may not realise how many vehicles are turned down for retail sale, but we think this is healthy and you know you can rely on us for value. We are approachable people who do business in a relaxed, "corner shop" manner, where our customers mean more to us than merely entries on a computer. Our cars are chosen for quality, background and value. We want you to make the right choice and to feel able to recommend your friends without hesitation. Our informal style would not suit some dealerships, who need to "move the metal" at all costs, but our customers seem to like it and we think this, after all, is what matters.

       By the way, when did you last check your oil, water and tyres? If you haven't done this recently, please do it today. It seems there are drivers who are not carrying out this regular but vital chore. We have heard of one survey which concludes that up to 70% of drivers ignore these rudimentary checks, some of whom even rely on the oil warning light coming on as an indication of time to top up!! This is a dangerous practice - the light comes on as a result of the oil pressure having dropped, meaning the damage may already have been done. If you don't want to do these checks yourself, pop in and we'll do them for you. It is a fallacy that modern engines don't use oil - some do, some don't, but regular checks will keep you on the straight and narrow. Tyre pressures affect handling, braking fuel consumption and soft tyres will wear quicker than well maintained ones. A quick look round most car parks will show you cars with at least one soft tyre, which is an accident waiting to happen. Please check your lights at least once a week, too. How often do you see the car in front with only one brake light?  Now we have mentioned it, you'll notice a frightening number. We have even come across one model of car which is very difficult to start if the brake lights aren't working! Strange, but true...'phone Peter if you have had this problem, or want to know which car we are referring to. Get someone to check both brake lights with you, then do the same with their car, or if you are passing HLG, we'll be happy to oblige. Rant over, but this is "back to basics" stuff, folks. Safe driving.