October 2001
I thought that the DVLC had a computer that listed who owned cars, what cars were registered, and which cars were taxed.
I suppose that these new road tax cameras are to "catch" unregistered untaxed cars driven by unlicenced drivers. Read more
Which company called "Tune-Up" are you?
Prepared to give a contact No online? Read more
Dave,
Did you use Andrew's Tune-Up service?
How did you get on?
S.
I am thinking of buying a 98 mark 4 LS 400 with around 50 or 60k miles. What experiences are there out there; what is the cost of servicing (repairs?) at lexus dealers? What is the real mpg? Read more
I've run a 1995 LS400 for two and a half years covering around 45k miles .
18m.p.g.is my average,however the servicing at a Lexus approved Toyota dealer is working out cheaper than on my previous B.M.W.5 2.5TDS.serviced
by a B.M.W.dealer.
I have 1998 C class Mercedes estate 1800, auto, which is great - except that while my wife was driving in France there was sudden electric failure covering windscreen cleaner, turn flashers, and door s were unlocked. A friend with an E class said a similar thing happened to him. With my own car it was the second time it has happened - but without any attention all is now ok.... any ideas or has anyone else the same problem? thanks RW Read more
test
Drove up the M1 this afternoon for the first time in ages - Normally use M40. I couldn't believe how close some HGV drivers were behind each other. As close as 6-8ft at 50-60 mph. The danger is obvious but I can only assume this 'slip streaming' must save fuel: or what?
Bob H Read more
It probably wouldn't make a blind bit of difference to HGVs tailgating, but I like the French system of having long white lines to divide lanes, and signs at the side which basically say "Keep two lines between you and the vehicle in front for safety". Not universal, but certainly used on the Autoroutes around Calais.
According to today's Bristol Evening Post, the Advertising Standards Authority has confirmed that it is OK for Diamond to advertise that women are safer drivers than men.
Someone had evidently complained that this was untrue.
Maybe this should be on HJ's news page? Although, of course, it's not really news at all ... Read more
My wife is as good or better than me on an open road, but has a tendency to knock bumpers or mirrors on posts when parking.
However, she can be a dab hand at putting a car in a tight spot, due to her experience in traffic counting.
I suppose it's all down to horses for courses and being better at the things of which you had the most practice at.
Anyone have any particular teething probs with the new 1.8 Dynamique Laguna? I've heard complaints of interior speaks and rattles and problem with the rds radio tuning. Any others? Read more
See car by car breakdown on this site, but if there are more problems please e-mail them to letters@honestjohn.co.uk and I'll include them.
This applies to all 600 cars in the car by car breakdown, not just the Laguna II.
HJ
Despite wise words from those who know better I'm gonna give it a go with the Helicoil next Monday.
The heads' a gonner anyway. I'm sure a seeping gasket would be more obvious than a bit of rust on all 4 plugs so I'm gonna assume that *is* ok.
If the guy fails/wrecks the head I'm down 45 quid. If It succeds I've bought some time - possibly the lifetime of the car before I have to change the head.
If the swarf/floating helicoil kills the engine itself...
Well, I'm hoping aliminium filings against steel valves/pistons etc won't do that...
Anyone with a better plan in the meantime speak up!!!! Read more
Dave, you should not get the filings in the engine if the cutter is well enough greased to retain them. Good luck. We've just had a Metro sump plug done.
Mike
i was wondering which one of these cars is the better choice, the new shape ford mondeo, the vauxhall vectra, the VW passat. i was looking at leasing one of the above. Read more
There will be a photo of the new 2002 Vectra on the site news tomorrow. It's embargoed until the 12th. Looks much better than the Signum concept we all thought was going to be the next Vectra.
HJ
I am thinking of buying a Jeep Cherokee or Mitsubishi Challenger at auction. Either will be a 2.5 Turbo Diesel and both represent better value, and hopefully reliablility, than rivals such as the Freelander. I drove the Challenger in the USA (V6) and thought it was a solid car. Has anyone any experience of either? Read more
Hes being kind,he really means agricultural.
Browse
I think they've caught on to cloned plates. Any 'official' number plate maker is now required to see proof of ownership of the car before they will make up the plates. There is some confusion as to whether this is new law or forthcoming law, but some plate-makers are applying the rule now.
HJ