November 2002
Had to spread the good news - seems Jaguar have a winner on their hands. I've heard there were some problems with early cars, but I've had absolutely no problems and I'm delighted with it.
I got my 2003 spec 2.5 Sport in September and it just gets better and better. Handling in the wet is phenomenal and the engine is loosening up nicely.
On the downside, the mpg could be better, but thats about it!
Nice to be able to praise a 'british' product. Read more
Can anyone recommend an alarm to fit a 2001 year model Focus Zetec. If possible I'd like one that can be operated via the remote key fob, and one that is neighbour friendly - i.e. doesn't squawk loudly when arming or disarming.
Thanks in advance.
Floyd Read more
Thanks for that guys. (I couldn't reply sooner cos my internet connection has been off for the last two days)
There have been a couple of threads running recently about those who insist on using fog and driving lights on lovely clear evenings and even on nice sunny days, but where were all the lights today when they were needed?
Down here in Essex, & probably elsewhere, it has been one of those murky, rainy autumn days with loads of spray flying and rainwater laying everywhere, a day when everyone really should have lights on I think we would all agree. But not around here, this morning in the worst of it I counted 14 vehicles with no lights out of 25, and 5 of the 11 with lights on only had 'side' lights on. These cars were virtually invisible coming out of the spray. One of the really worrying things was that 4 of the vehicles without lights were HGV's, they're supposed to be driven by 'professionals' aren't they?
I just find it amazing that anyone could even consider driving in those conditions without lights, absolutely amazing.
Cockle Read more
CM
Don't you think that people "with poor eyesight" should be off
the road?
IMHO regular eyesight checks should be compulsory for the retention of
a licence.
- Yes
- Agree
Hi,
I'd like to ask if anyone knows the real difference with the 2 variations of the 1.5 DCi Diesel engine in the Clio?
There is a 65bhp and an 80bhp, but none of the 3 main dealers I've asked know where the extra HP comes from? The 80hp engine is actually more economical than the 65, which is odd?
I'm looking at buying either a Dynamique or Dynamique+ and wondered if the extra £2,000 is worth it (Extra HP, air-con, CD)?
Also, I keep hearing rumours of a 2003 model Clio, even though the current one is only a late 2001 and the Clio is going end of line next year anyway... Idea's?
Advice appreciated,
Cheers,
James Read more
And Dealers wonder we take our money either abroad or to "Car Supermarkets" :-)
James
Hi all,
prompted by Sideways tale of being national MPG champion ;-) I wonder whether any BRers have spectacular tales of best or worst MPG records. I'll kick off with my two pence worth:
Twelve years ago I took a Tdi Discovery with some engineering mates deep into the Sahara in Algeria and tootling along as we were we recorded 42 MPG. This gave a range of more than 900 miles between fill ups. We were mightily impressed considering we were three-up and had around 400 kgs of stuff in the back.
A little earlier I had a Montego turbo diesel as a young rep and used to get around 60 MPG. This would go up to 65 on a more gentle run and drop to 55 MPG when cruising around at 90 MPH.
My worst non-motorsport MPG was in my 620 Ti when on a top speed charge across Germany on the autobahns. My average 36 MPG dropped to just 18. I even stopped at a certain point to check if the fuel cap was on properly and fuel wasn't being somehow sucked out of the tank in the slipstream as I could almost see the fuel gauge dropping. Then again at an indicated 150 MPH what do you expect.
CMark Read more
Worst was about/under 8mpg - Land Rover V8 - cruising at about 90mph over 180 mile journey. Used 2 tanks of fuel!
I have the possibility of buying a 97R 318Ti 4 speed auto, leather upholstery, one senior lady owner hence 19k miles, price about £7k. What are the views on a) the price (seems about right to me, HJ has seen quite a few higher mileage ones at auction recently) b) more importantly the mechanics after 5-6 years of shortish runs, I'm normally a believer in high mileage low price and do not want to pay top dollar for a car that that's going to need brakes, tyres, battery etc, the moment I drive away. plus the fact I'd prefer a 5 speed manual. I have fond memories of an e36 318i which handled and drove fantastically well, does the Compact have the same on the road feel. Thanks, Ian Read more
I am not an expert but I think the deal looks good. Provided the service record shows regular oil changes etc I wouldn't worry about the low mileage. I expect that the car has been molly-coddled and in fact hardly used. The owner has probalby looked after the car well and accordingly is should have a lot of life left in it.
I'm looking to buy a BMW 3 series and have £8500 to spend. I've been looking at R reg 323i SE's or M reg 328i SE's both with about 60K miles.
My question is - Is it better to get a newer 323 or an older 328 - Does the extra power make that much difference? Plus the insurance on a 328 is about £100 more.
I'd appreciate comments from anyone but in particular owners of 323's or 328's.
Cheers
Jamie Read more
Hello Jamie,
Both these cars sound lovely. However, if you are not already aware, then you should note the Nikasil bore-liner issues with BMWs of this era. Do a search on "Nikasil" on this site and also look at the car by car breakdown for more information on the models and years potentially affected (certain 6 and 8 cylinder models from the 1990s basically).
Good luck with your purchase.
CavV6 and cavWeb fan.
www.cavweb.co.uk
Rover 220 Coupe N Reg 96 2.0L DOHC Engine
Problem:
Engine cuts out when the car is in traffic (idling for long time after long runs) and won't idle until temperature under the hood drops. The engine seems very hot but gauge doesn't indicate hot.
I've tried disconnecting the following to determine a problem:
Lambda Sensor
ATS
CTS
TPS
Idle control stepper motor
Changed fuel relay, HT Coil, rotor arm and lead to distributor.
Rover dealer had the car for a week and found no problem but tightened an earth connection. Problem returned the next hot day.
Really stratching my head now and would appreciate any help. Read more
Check the fuel pressure.
MG-Rover Problems? forums.mg-rover.org/
Shortly after taking delivery of 2003 Tino steering wheel lock could not be disengaged. Eventually forcefully 'broken' by dealer's visiting technician and taken for inspection. dealer's initial findings were problem 'had rectified itself' !! - but now willing disemble lock system for greasing and replacement of 2 'pins' (?).
Anyone with similar experience with recent Almera/Tino?
Read more
I am in the middle of the annual car insurance quotation round for both our cars. Since we insure our house through Sainsbury's Insurance I gave them a call about the cars. They would not give me a quote because I had made a theft claim recently (actually, it was ofr damage caused during an attempted theft). They told me it was their policy not to quote if there had been any claims for theft.
How odd. Just because my car has been broken into does not make me a worse driver or a greater risk. (or does it??).
Anyone any idea why this might be? Read more
The TV advertisement for the insirance company that promised to beat any quote you can get was "Egg Motor"!
On making enquiries a couple of months ago I found Liverpool Victoria to be very competitive; they do, of course, also underwrite Frizell's but are cheaper as L V.
I don't think that Liverpool Victoria have been in the car insurance market for very long, so are quite keen to attract new business. However, they are, of course, a very old and well established company, having been originally formed as one of the friendly societies.
Browse
Just shows what happens when dealers don't take much interest!
My guess is that a 2.4T with the sports suspension set up would have given you an altogether different experience.
I wouldn't have bothered with the 2.0T and would agree that it's underpowered.