Clarisworkz

[quote user="ErnieY"] but yours is presumably much older, (mid 80's possibly but then why mention 1996 emission standards ?) so you'll almost certainly have to get it passed by the DRIRE and that could range from virtually routine to next to impossible, tending firmly towards the latter if it is indeed a rare model. I stand by my advice then, forget it, what price sentimentality [blink] [/quote] This is my car. It's a 1996 Mazda 121 ... And I do appreciate your advice, so please don't think I'm dismissing it. [:)] Because it's an imported model here in Australia, and it came off the same manufacturing line as the European version, I will check out every aspect of homogolation and see if it does come up to french regulations. [quote user="P2"] Says Ernie who brought over his MGB [:D][/quote] LOL, that made me laugh. I'm sure a modern car would pass DRIRE then [:D] [quote user="Sunday Driver"] Simple answer is to write to Mazda France with a copy of your Australian registration document and ask them for an attestation de conformité. It'll cost you around 120€ but at least it'll tell you which elements of the car (if any) do not conform to French regulations.  From that, you can work out the likely cost of making the car compliant[/quote] Thanks for that info too SD. I will contact Mazda Australia and get this "attestation de conformité" done through them, as they would have better resources to do it with their french counterparts. [quote]You can then decide whether or not it's going to be worth shipping it halfway round the world.....[;-)][/quote] It's strange what people want to take with them isn't it? As Ernie said, it's sentimental, and you really can't put a price on that. I could arrive in France and buy a used 121, but it wouldn't be the same. It's not my 121. I've had my little buggy for 13 years now (from new) and have always looked after it. I want to turn it into a classic (like an MGB). It's currently being worked on now, paint job and some mechanical stuff (new clutch and re-syncing the gearbox) and I'm sure it won't be too expensive to get it up to french specs.  At best, DRIRE will pass it and I'll drive it on special occasions. At worst, It'll sit somewhere on the grounds of my home (longere) and be a conversation piece. [:D] Or I'll turn it into a racecar and challenge Fiat Unos ... [:-))]    

[quote user="P2"]A little confused. Firstly you call an ex smoker a hypocrite and later you state that things change.[/quote] I did state that things change, but I wasn't referring to people who give up smoking. I meant the french culture of smoking. The change was forced on them, like it was on us here in Australia.  Sure people change too, whether it be quitting the smokes or giving up booze. [quote]but it would seem that in your book smokers should not become ex-smokers and if they do they should keep quiet about it[/quote] This might be just my way of thinking, but if I did quit (which I will eventually) smoking, it would be for my benefit, no-one else's. And I certainly wouldn't enforce my views on other smokers because I suddenly am a no-smoker. For me to say to a smoker, "Oh put that disgusting thing out" or condemn them for puffing away is hypocritical. I detest alcohol, it's not my thing. But I don't put people down because they drink it. Unless they're drink drivers and then I think any sane person would criticise that. So yes, I think reformed smokers should be happy they quit and just get on with living. [quote user="UlsterRugby1999"]What is hypocritical about disliking something and stating it[/quote] Absolutely nothing wrong with disliking something and saying so. It was the way you said it. You implied that because you have stopped smoking, that everyone should damn well do it or be condemned for it, and you must admit that's exactly what it reads as. But it is your opinion. You have the right to state it, even if others including myself, think it's hypocritical. [:)] [quote]you must admit that there are many who dont and believe that its their right to blow smoke into the faces of, or over the meals or drinks of, those who dont[/quote] I do admit there are people like that. I come across them here in Perth all the time. It's why I don't do it to people. I do have that consideration. But yes, ignorant smokers do exist, and yes, it isn't very nice. I've had smoke blown over me whilst eating outside al fresco. I didn't like it, so I moved to another table. Now I dislike those people, not for being smokers, but for being ignorant. But this argument can go on forever, you know like Ford vs GM, or Intel vs AMD, or smokers vs non-smokers [blink], so I think the original topic was "Is it legal to smoke outside a cafe in France" ... The answer is Yes. For now. [:)]    

[quote user="ErnieY"] You can bring what you like into France, getting it registered is a whole different matter though and I imagine an Australian vehicle could be somewhat problematical and on a par with say USA imports.[/quote] Shouldn't be too much of a problem then, as Australian Vehicle Compliances are based on the strict European Emissions standards (since 1996). [quote]My advice, don't bother, the steering wheel is on the wrong side anyway [:)][/quote] So are UK Vehicles. [:)] We're the same country really, we're just better at Cricket  [;-)] It's just my car is a very rare model of the Mazda 121, and I've had it for so long. I'd like to keep it as a second car, seeing as I'm planning on buying a Peugeot 407SW as my main car in France anyway. It's a sentimental thing. Thanks for the info Ernie [:D]

[quote user="Nick Trollope"] and comply with French rules  (beambenders, warning triangle, reflective jacket) [/quote] Dumb question probably, but may I ask what a Beambender is? Is this a safety device like the triangle and jacket? As an add-on, can an Australian Compliant Vehicle be brought into France? In case anyone does know [:)]

[quote user="UlsterRugby1999"]As someone who smoked between 35 and 45 fags a day, I must say that I loathe the filfthy things ... I detest the smell of them, and I now see the awful mentality of SOME smokers who, in a very small minority, complain because we dont want smoke next to near us[/quote] What's worse than a smoker? ... A reformed smoker. That's just hypocritical of you to say what you said. Did YOU care when you were smoking and people complained about it? I doubt it. Don't forget you also had that awful mentality when you lit up. You just kept puffing away and didn't think about it, and now you have the temerity to whine when someone smokes near you. What a hypocrite! [blink] [quote]Who is the selfish ONE then........[/quote] That would be you. So 10 points for quitting, but minus several million points for condemning those who still smoke. For the record, I smoke, but I also care enough NOT to smoke around people, especially those who are eating. So I don't light up after a meal, even at Al Fresco cafes where it is legal to do so. I always wait until I'm well away from people in general. So some smokers do have a sense of proprietry. [:-))] I was actually surprised to learn France had enacted the no smoking law in Restaurants, cafes etc. Smoking in a french cafe etc was the norm not so long ago. It was part of the french culture. But things change, and I'm sure many people eating inside can now appreciate their food a lot more. [8-|] [quote user="Jonzjob"] You know what they say Ulster? There's nowt worse than a convert!! [:D][/quote] I actually missed this ... so yes, my post reflects what Jonzjob said ... [Www]    

[quote user="Daniel5791"]Hi all, Here things I think are really quite ok, and the only thing that will put us in the toilet is if we panic and lose the plot. We seem to be good at talking ourselves into recession because it's fashionable to do so! :) Our government has just given us all nearly $1000 AUD each to spend and be happy, so that should keep our casinos busy for another few weeks! ;) [/quote] Grrr ... I didn't get any money off Krudd (our Prime Minister) [:(] ... I think we are okay too, but any problems in France will sort themselves out eventually I think. Economies worldwide go up and down and France is no different. It's a very strong country and part of the EU, which is (my understanding) very strong economically. [quote]This bothers me personally as I still have dreams of my little farmhouse in the countryside being almost self sufficient with my dogs and  a little work on the side doing anything that appeals.[/quote] This is the same plan as I have. To buy a few acres in Central Brittany (it's a lovely area, so green and lots of trees) and build a small cottage and be almost self-sufficient, and have a couple of cats [:P] I'm fully self-funded so I'm actually retiring to France and not seeking work, so that isn't a problem for me. But I think you need to get a term deposit and start putting away money and getting whatever interest rate you can and get it growing. I do believe you need a minimum income of at least 460 euros per month to reside in France, if you are a étranger (foreigner). Someone on here should be able to clarify that, but I think that's the figure or close to it. I think you should be okay if you have enough funds to live comfortably for at least a year or until you settle in, and find some work. As 5-element said in his post, "There are plenty of people with Bac+5 who cannot find work even packing carrots.", then you will definitely have to plan ahead (now all I need is for 5-element to explain to me what a Bac-5 is). [:D]    Btw, where in Australia are you? I'm in Western Australia ...      

This song is very meaningful to me. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bCb3GUHRd8 - The Sweet - The Lies In Your Eyes. A provocative hard-hitting song with great harmonies. I still love this song some 33 years after I first heard it back in 1976 [:)]  

A cop riding a cow eh? ... Well that's a moo point and I'm udderly shocked. I think it's all bull really [:D]