March 2003
I see in todays Telegraph that the factory making the Zil has ceased production.
I always fancied a look at one, but have never seen one advertised anywhere.
Apparently, they are 'knocking out' the last few made for just £79,000 (as opposed to the £300K+ list price) so get your order in quickly! Read more
Hi friends mum-in-law's Punto Selecta 60 is showing an intermittent problem with the auto transmission. The red warning light illuminates for no obvious reason. She follows the handbook advice - stops, switches off/on and usually the light stays off but sometimes remains on until she repeats this process. She had the car looked at and 'repaired' for this same problem (cost £120) 2-3 months ago but the problem has started again. She's in her 70's, knows less about cars than even I do and I don't want her to get ripped off so can anyone shed any light on what this might be. Thanks again. Read more
Hi Pete - in answer to your questions, the garage is a Fiat dealer and I presume they have Fiat diagnostics. MIL asked to have the problem sorted and service done at same time. Very interesting to hear about the possible causes, I'll suggest she gets a second opinion before agreeing to any new work by the dealer. I've seen one or two garages listed in the Good Garage Directory which mention auto-box repairs so I'll suggest she calls one of them to see what they have to say. Thanks again, will keep you better informed this time !
hi all, it looks like im going to have to replace the windscreen on my volvo soon due to a large chip in the line of vision does any one have any views on replacement screens, is it best to stick out for a genuine volvo item or are people like autoglasses screens just as good? any one care to recomend a company to use bearing in mind all the horror stories regarding damage being done to the window aperture and resulting rust problems etc Read more
Autoglass are more expensive if you are paying for it yourself. National Windscreens are a lot cheaper but I think going to an independent screen fitter might get you a better result. I have heard of a few problems that people have had with autoglass in particular with screens being fitted incorrectly.
teabelly
On way back from picking up my new vehicle (OK then - a new wheelbarrow from B&Q!) followed one of those new Rollers - reg RR 03 ONE. Maybe not unusual for those of you in the metropolis but here in rural Leics it won't be a frequent sight. Didn't look as big and ugly in the flesh as in photos I've seen - smart in black but already a little grubby after the rain!
By the way, my new barrow is very smart too in green with blue handles. Just taking it for a test drive and will keep you posted about how it handles and its economy (when run in and loosened up of course)
Read more
Very vaguely on the subject of mega-limos, does anyone think the new Maybach has a touch of the new Vectra headlights about it, or do I need a lie down in a darkened room for a bit?
I was done for speeding last Saturday - doing 43 in a 30. The road was wide (two lanes in each direction and about to turn into a 40). What annoys me is that I see countless examples of truly dangerous driving every year and this is such revenue boosting by the police. They were just over the brow of a hill and must have clocked just about everyone. Saturday morning - light traffic. I'm not a perfect driver but I feel this kind of tactic needs fighting. Any ideas out there. Read more
Pulling the threads together
Is it me or am I just imagining it.
My Honda Civic 1.6 se VTEC has now done 20000 in 2 years and it seems to be running great.
When it was new it seemed to suffer from engine roar which gradually receded after a few thousand miles, it also was not as smooth as it is now.
In fact I have lately been tempted to take it into the nether regions of the tachometer just to see what it will realy do but that would realy be out of character for me as rarely go over 60mph, that is apart from giving it an Italian tune up which for me means doing 70mph on a good stretch and geting the engine hot.
Read more
Today just for the hell of it I decided to \"open up\" the throttle and take the rev counter needle up the scale a bit.
This as some will know is totally uncharacteristic of my style of driving as I normally never put my foot down or break speed limits.
Guess what- I actually enjoyed it.I never realised how much power the VTEC engine has, I could actually feel the VTEC cutting in especially in 3rd gear, just as well i didn\'t go for the VTI or I might have turned into a latent boy racer!!.
Anyway after filling up with fuel and noticing the increase in consumption I have decided to revert back to my normal sedate style of driving.
Fun while it lasted though.
I recently checked out the CBC breakdown and looked up some Hyundai cars. Compared to some (even many !) marques they don't seem to suffer too badly. Is this true or are they worse than they look on paper ?
Also I believe they now come with a comprehensive 5 year warranty which begs a question - could Hyundai afford to offer such a warranty if their cars were unreliable or fell to bits after a few months ?
Anyone got any feedback or experiences with this marque ? Read more
There is nowt so plastiky as the interior of the Y reg Disco I owned - the dash looked as if it had been lifted from a "D" plate Mondeo with an airbag nailed to it. All things a relative - would I waste 26 to 28k on a Disco...Don't blinking think so - so a Santa Fe might be vfm as well as being better made.
Does anyone know how much torque the Megane 8v 1.6 engine puts out? I know its 90bhp - but I can't find the torque figure anywhere.
In anticipation.
Robert Read more
Apparently 1 ft lb = 1.356 Nm, so I guess we agree.
Many thanks for all the hard work HJ. Best regards. Read more
For recalls in this country here's the VIA's searchable database:
www.via.gov.uk/apps/recalls/default.asp
Has anyone any experience of fitting a Kenlowe hotstart on a Ford Focus. Feedback very welcome.
In anticipation
Robert Read more
Hi Roger,
I would be very very interested in taking a look if at all possible.
In anticipation of off forum contact.
Robert
robert.h.harvey@btinternet.com
Browse
You never know with insurance companies; I insured my old Tatra with General Accident (as they were at the time) because they insured the Czech embassy cars in London. The chap on the phone had never heard of them, but it was on his screen when he typed it in. Looking on the positive side, as the cars hadn't been involved in any accidents in the UK the premium was quite low!