February 2003
A mate of mine has a Clio 1.2 Grande, absolutely immaculate, 37k on the clock. I'm not sure if it's had the 36k service yet though. It's a 2000X, one of the last pre facelift, with the usual spec, but no side airbags or ABS. It has the 8-valve, D-type engine with 60 bhp and, unfortunately, is in a loud metallic green.
Does £4400 sound about right in a private sale? Parkers says just under £4k but there's nothing in AutoTrader for that. Read more
For my new compnay car I'm considering either a Focus 115 TDCI or Mondeo 130 TDCI. Nothwithstanding the injector problems I note from several posts that the Mondeo does not appear to be very economical. What kind of MPG are people getting from these models? I also understand that for 2003 MY the Mondeo will be fitted with a six speed box - I assume this is aimed at improving economy.
Thanks Read more
Kurnal
The fuel tests are carried out by the OEMs themselves to legislatively prescribed test regimes. All legislative requirements are on a self certification basis. The VCA, however, will witness a certain proportion of testing (often with little notice) to ensure testing is above board.
Having had a hired Focus TDCi for 4 weeks for company business about 2 months ago, along with all the other petrol Foci I've had for odd days I really cannot understand what everyone is raving about. I've just taken a new job this week, with which I've been provided a new Focus 1.8 Zetec. I have no choice of car - so I've elected to sign up to use it for company business only and hence pay no tax and keep my own car.
The mileometer on my Mk2 Golf has stopped working and although it sounds like a good thing, it's not ideal! Anyone know of a likely problem and am I really going to have to take out the steering wheel and dash to get to it?
Cheers Read more
Aaah : does sound like a cog somewhere, then:
Taking the instruments out is a bit of a wrestling match, I did mine two weeks ago (Mfa was dead)you need to take your radio out, heater controls, and all of your switches to access all of the securing screws, there are 8 I think.
What model is your golf?
If you want a replacement speedo you could have mine (speedo works, it's just the Mfa that doesn't) for the cost of postage.
Email me directly if you want to discuss this further
Tim
Today I\'ve just had the worst motoring experience of my life and it was with a main franchised Skoda dealer.
They\'d offered me a good price to buy a Fabia off me. We agreed on a price, signed the paperwork incluidng V5 forms etc. He then gave me a cheque payable to Mr. ???? No first name, so \"please write me another with my full name\". Fine, he said and the second had my surname spelt incorrectly.
On the 3rd time of asking he said he was no longer interested! [snip, snip, snip] So I had a V5 doc in 2 parts with the dealer\'s stamp and signature on it. What should I do with this I asked? Just cross it out mate he replied. Brilliant!
I now have 4 weeks before my new car is ready (fortunately I\'ve gone for a new MINI not another Skoda) to sort this mess out.
I have a completed invoice from him as well which I may use to formally complain to Skoda. But what should I do with the V5? No one\'s going to be interested in buying a car with someone else\'s stamp all over it!
Comments welcome,
Rick. Read more
I wouldn't hold your breath for a breach of contract. The transaction was perfectly legit up to and including when he wrote a cheque with Mr ????? on it. In fact this happened to SWMBO when she sold the hated Disco. back to the nice people at the LR delaership....and she's an accountant. It was in her dainty little fist before you could say "I'll never buy another".
Cleared through the Bank within a couple of days no questions asked and it was for a 5 figure sum. Maybe you didn't ask nicely enough....correct me if I'm wrong they were buying a car from you, does that not make them the customer ??
Best of luck with the Mini.
Hi, Can someone give me a quick refresher on replacing the ignition barrel on a Mk2 Golf? Do i have to drill a hole in the housing & then push a spring in? It's been a while & I can't quite remember!
Cheers Read more
thanks, i've got the manual. I got as far as taking off the steering wheel, stalks, etc. Problem arose when i tried to get the "lock washer" off! I think this is the outer collar that is splined on the inner steering shaft. Tried getting it off, without any joy. Anyone know how to do this?
I wonder if anyone has any thoughts on Granville oil,it is
available in trade wharehouses,cash and carry outlets etc
for £6.95 + vat for 5 litres,this is the Granville platinum range. Spec is API SJ/ACEA A3/B3 so it would appear to have
a reasonable pedigree,any comments on using it on new vehicle.
Regards
Crofty Read more
Why is everyone so cagey about giving them out.
I turned up *in* the car, and was told to come back with ID.
If someones made a clean getaway in your car do you *really* care if they listen you your radio?
--
These are my own opinions, and not necessarily those of all Toads. Read more
And in the same way this stupid stupid postcoded number plate
thing is plain daft.
All that hassle with ID etc...the "boys" have sorted a workaround
already.
Exactly!
Then theres disc locks for bikes. Don't deter theives, do cause bikes to be dropped...
--
These are my own opinions, and not necessarily those of all Toads.
Does anyone know if it's possible to disable the passenger air bag on a 2002 shogun TDiD swb?
Having looked through the archive this matter has been raised on more then one occasion with other cars but none for a shogun. The reason for asking is that I am picking up the car end of this week and although asking the garage to disable it I would like to check that has been disabled before I put the little fella on the front seat (2 months old, rear facing seat)
Thanks! Read more
The child should be in the back seat.
This is the safest location and causes least distraction to the driver.
Hi all,
I have a 1400 vauxhall corsa, recently i have noticed a heavy petrol smell in the exhaust fumes, but was assured by a neighbour mechanic that it was probably just the cold weather. The fault indicator on the dash recently came on and off but only through speeds between 50 and 60 mph. It failed its MoT on saturday and I have now worked out that the Lambda sensor is constantly in open loop. This is to be replaced tomorow - my concern relates to the catalytic converter. Is this likely to have been damaged by the excessively rich mixture in the engine? If so is replacement the only option - anyone have any idea of price for something like that?
thanks in advance,
Damien. Read more
Thanks guys,
That has put my mind to rest some what - the only reason I was concerned was I had read that unburnt fuel can sometimes burn in the cat due to the high temp in there and hence cause the damage - but ive not had any experience with this sort of thing before so I thought id ask around rather than go soley with what I read on the net.
Thanks again for your help!
Damien.
The off-side rear door of my car will not open and the car needs to have an MOT soon - this week. I have just spoken to an MOT testing centre where I was told that all doors must open yet the MOT site (www.ukmot.com/checklist/motcheck/motcheck_body.htm)
says that both front doors must be capable of being opened from the inside and outside and all doors must latch securely. ie does not mention rear doors at all.
Any advice from someone with first hand experience. I know, I could always ask at another centre but this one is very handy. I will of course get the door fixed but the MOT is pressing.
Also, the door was OK yesterday afternoon but would not open this morning. When I use the central locking controller the door lock on the offending door does not pop-up. When I try to open the door from inside it steadfastly remains locked. ANy ideas as to what has happened? NB it is a 1998 Passat. Read more
So supposing you weld the rear doors and say it is a converted COUPE? Are there any construction specifications which would prevent you from calling the car a Coupe?
*view Backroomer photos and ADD your own at:
groups.msn.com/honestjohn/shoebox.msnw
Browse
Thanks David.
We've had the car in the family from new. First three years serviced at the main dealer and since then by our local garage.
Funnily enough they (nor I) have never mentioned the cambelt. Will have a word with them.
Thanks again.
Tony