Hi,

As anyone encountered the issues involved with the theft of car keys?

Last nite, some lowlife broke into a friends house, stealing a few items. At the same time then stole the spare car key, and spare bike key.

The bike was parked round the side, however the theives were unable to start the bike (even with the key) and attempted to hotwire unsucessfully. In the process they caused some damaged to the bike in general (i.e appear to have lost temper with it, and took it out on the bike). The bike (50cc) is insured TPFP.

The car was not there, but they have taken the spare key and the red key (ie fiat code system). As a result there is a risk for a later theft of the car.

Naturally the police have been informed (who just advised not to leave the car outside) - the vehicle is now secured at a friend garage a number of miles away.

Would the claims relating to keys come the home insurance(as the police claimed), or seperatly under home/bike/car insurance (thus incurring 3 excesses, 3 increase in premiums etc)

I suspect that the contents would naturally come under the contents insurance, the damage to the bike under the TPFT policy (attempted theft), and the cost to secure the car under a seperate "keycare" policy.

What is the solution to secure the car? I understand that the locks cannot be changed without changing the Engine Management computer. The door locks could be changed (and keep the ignition locks) - but it is nearly impossible to sell a used fiat without a red key! Anyone come across this problem? Read more

There have been a few threads recently that have created some debate of how the driving habits of some other road users annoy fellow back roomers. I didn't agree with all the opinions but I was happy to enter into the debate and state my views, even if I was a little blunt.

Without wishing to sound sanctemonious (I don't know if I can even spell it), I would be interested to hear others' views.

I am human just like any other driver and, yes I have almost certainly committed all of the sins covered in these threads at least once and I am not proud of it.

It's easy to get wound up with other road users' actions from time to time, especially with all the other stresses in life. I'm far from perfect in this. However what I found is that on the odd occasion that I have not had a stressful day I have reacted totally differently to the seemingly bizarr actions of some other road users, including, tailgating, pulling out right in front of me and generally driving with complete oblivion to their surroundings.

Indeed, it is when I haven't been stressed that I have surprised myself at how patient I have been. After taking evasive action and swearing, I am now trying to ease up on the 'follow through behaviour'.

After all, the chances are if the other driver has made a mistake, as we all do, there is no point in loosing your rag. If he's an idiot - so what. If he's driving aggresively or reacting to some percieved or real action from you, the safest option may be to slow up and allow him to overtake.

Has anyone else tried this? Have your family begged you to ease up behind the wheel? Do you just feel better by letting go?

I hope this will create a productive discussion. Let's have your pet hates and how you react to them. Read more

Hi - car usually starts first time but for the past two days the following has happened:

Turn ignition - click, whirr - and CD player ejects CD!!
Try again - click whirr
Try again this time pressing accelerator - click whirr
And again - click whirr
Finally try again - this time flooring the accelerator right into the carpet - car starts fine - in fact if I then turn it off straightaway I can immediately restart it no bother..

Anyway - I got the battery checked out (car is about 5.5 yrs old) and it was a bit ropey so I got a new one and I'll see if that fixes the problem - question is do the starting probs sound battery related - why would flooring the accelerator help? Fuel starvation?

Cheers Read more

Hi,
I am building a GTM K3 kitcar based on a 1992 GTI metro. I need to get it through the SVA test (a kind of super MOT). As part of this, there is an emission test. The standard of this varies depending on the age of the engine. Allegedly with my age of car, Austin-Rover were using stuck on engine numbers. (I have found a stuck on gearbox number which bears this out). Mine has come unstuck. This means that the SVA testers are unable to identify the engine as the one in the V5 documentation, which means that I have to take a catalyst based test.

Does anybody know if there are any ways of identifying the age of the engine apart from the stuck on number. Mine has an alloy injection unit plus a steel sump. If it is possible to identify the age of the engine via its spec, does anybody have a suggestion someone who could write an authoritative letter or of any sources of authoritative information. (Basically anythng that would convince a VIA inspector)

Thanks,

Chris Bell

Read more

According to a Italian news source VW group have been in negotiations with Fiat over the sale of Fiat's assets.
First Alfa Romeo will be added to the already existing Ferrari/Maserati brand.
The interesting bit is that VW Group would have up to 49% Stake in this new Italian group.
The big stumbling block is GM who already have a stake in Fiat with furthers options in the future.
Lets hope this VW Group deal is pulled off. Audi have done wonders with the new Lambo and no doubt would give the other top three Italian brands the future they deserve.
Read more