Right, what's the reservoir on the left (standing at the front looking into the engine bay) of the engine block, near the front? It's opaque, has a little dipstick in the cap, and appears to be full of oil - I'm confused because the engine oil dipstick is elsewhere, and looking at the online manual, the oil filler cap is on the engine block :S

 

It grabbed my attention while I was messing with bulbs, because the hose leading down from it looks like it's experienced some leakage at the top - looks like it just needs the jubilee clip-esque thing tightening, but I always worry about *over* tightening, plus it's more scary looking than a plain jubilee clip :/

I checked the level in there, and it seemed fine, but that was with a cold engine. And it looked pretty dirty :(

 

I'll shut up now... someone please tell me what this is, so I know which bit is likely to break next :S

That sounds like the hicas and power steering reservoir, the fliud is a redish colour.

Front left looking at the engine is where the Hicas system is located. Sounds to me like the resovoir for the power steering solution (Castrol Dexron TQ). Open it up and wipe it on a piece of white kitchen roll. It should be red/brown in colour. if it's not then you got a problem.

Ah right! No HICAS on the car, but PAS of course... and it's reddish-brown, yes... Cool, I'm confident I'd notice any serious problem with lack of fluid then :)

I'll have a go at tightening the clip & check the level properly :) The steering's not been acting up, but I guess it isn't healthy to have the stuff dribbling through the engine bay :S

 

Thanks ever so much for the answers, guys :D