May 2003
I have bought a new Honda but as I understand it, can get it serviced at any of the SW dealers. Any opinions on which one gives value for money etc. Within reach are:
Plymouth, Dobwalls, Paignton, Newton Abbot or Exeter.
Thanks.
(Civic Type R) Read more
A friend runs a G reg. bmw 735i SE (150,000 miles & picked up for next to nothing) He has recently noticed a bald patch appearing in just one area on the outside edge of the front offside tyre. The tracking is fine & no wheel imbalance can be felt through the steering wheel. This has us both stumped. Any suggestions would be most welcome.
Paul F. Read more
Paul,
Bulges on the tread face are ususally caused by a separatation the belts. This creates a bulge which wears quickly in an isolated area, often the size of your hand. If you have this get a new one, It is at risk of fairly rapid deflation when you least want it.
a single worn patch cab be due to several other things.
Excessive skidding. This can be a surprise if a previous owner has caused it, as unless you really check the tyres well or it is vibrating the steering wheel, it tends not to show up until much later when the TWI's tread wear indicators are reached, and the tread is low.
Or tyres can be covered in Oil or brake fluid. This causes the affect area to perish and therefore rapid wear in that area. this tends to affect the entire circumference edge, as normally petrol or oil leaks in the boot where the spare is stored flat.
Incidently, remember that if you have any form of wear damage to a tread face, it will tend not to be noticed until the officer/MOT points it out.
If you have just had the tracking done, it may already have been too late to correct the damage.
Cheers Simmo
I'm thinking of buying the a new shape Mondeo Estate. It will have to be one of the early versions as I have a limit of about £7000. Don't know whether to buy the petrol or the diesel version.
Has anybody any opinions on the car itself, the different versions and where on earth would I find a new shape mondeo estate in the North West for about £7k?
Help! Read more
Cam chain should not normally need replacing on the new Ford petrol engines - should last the life of the engine.
The engines are designed by Mazda (Ford own 49% of Mazda) and are used in various Ford and Mazda vehicles around the world. I belive the cars we get in the UK are fitted with Mexican-built engines. The engine looks a real gem and will probably turn out to be one of the best ever produced by Ford.
I get the opportunity to drive many cars and I must say the new Mondeo really is a brilliant car. I think Ford made a mistake in using the Mondeo name - it bears no relation to the 'old' Mondeo at all. The new Mondeo deserves to do well on merit and is good value at Ford list prices - and the car supermarket prices mean that they are brilliant value.
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Can't locate the ECU for this car was told its in the engine bay - any Renualt mechanic's out there.
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Does any one know of web site's that hold workshop manuals in pdf format for above Read more
Just passed my driving test and i've been offered a great deal on a 850cc Daihatsu Cuore. The insurance rates are low, its an S reg and only 11,000 miles on the clock. Drawbacks? It's tiny. Anybody got any views on it and how much stick do you think I will take for it from my mates. Should I hold out for a Nissan Micra? Wont come anywhere close to this deal but its a bit bigger. Your opinions much appreciated. Read more
buy a nissan micra. I had micra's for seven years, never broke down,very reliable, very nippy. the last micra I sold was an n reg. I now have a new citroen C3, I wish I still had the micra, much better car.
Does anyone out there know of any websites (or such-like) that can be used to track an indivdual from thier reg plate???? Read more
you can obtain the details from the DVLC Swansea. You need to provide a legitimate reason.
I've got a w/2000 fiat bravo with a bonnet that's just decided it won't open using the lever inside.
Does anyone know how to easily open it from elsewhere?
All help greatfully received.
Read more
Guessing it's the cable come adrift at the bonnet end, which means some poking about from underneath, with a screwdriver against the securing plate, within the front panel to try to release it.
Did you check the cable hasn't come off at the handle inside the car?If it has, you could use pliers to open it.
Also, if it feels as if there is some resistance, indicating the cable may still be OK, try GENTLY having someone pushing & pulling on the leading edge of the bonnet, while you are working the release handle.Might just need some WD40, if this opens it.
VB
Hi Gang - My lovely other 'arf Volvette wants to learn to drive but hasn't got round to it yet. By chance, a good friend of ours has been trying to get rid of a 1996 P plate Skoda Felica Bohemia 5 door and is asking £1200. It's done 38k and has had its 40k service but the road tax is due to expire in the next month or two I believe.
Question - would such a car be a good starting point for someone with not very much money who is learning to drive and doesn't want to spend a fortune on insurance, petrol, servicing etc ?
I checked the CBC Breakdown and it mentioned heavy steering but wifey is pretty strong so I don't envisage any huge problems on that front ;-)
Anyone got any thoughts ? Any feedback much appreciated. Read more
Yes Neil, the owner said the same thing and there's certainly plenty of room to move in the engine bay. Who knows, I might even get my hands dirty and try it myself - it's about time I learned something about cars :-0
Anyone have any experience of Volkswagen Assist? My AA membership is up for renewal but as they have recently left me high and dry, and as I have VW Assist with my new car, I was thinking of dumping them.
The thing is, I know of the AA but have never used VW Assist in my 6 years as a new VW owner. Read more
I have been a member of Vw On Call since 1995 and of the few occasions I have used them they have been first class. Everytime I have used them they arrived in a dedicated VW On call vehicle within the hour, and got me mobile again within 30 minutes.
I have seen and driven a Mercedes C220 CDi classic selection at a dealer today and wondering what people thought about it, it is up for £10995, on a 2000 W plate, but has covered 100k miles. Inside and out, the car is totally immaculate, one would think i had done 25000. It was owned by a leasing company before and well looked after.
Should i consider this car, or is it too risky? Read more
Manual MB's sell OK - I know because I've sold a few without any problem. The 'must have auto' bit is for the numpties that read 'What Car'. There are lots of people out there who want the manuals - anyone towing for a start.
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Dobwalls or Plymouth are the same company. My experience, admittedly a few years ago, was excellent service but not what I would call cheap! I think the Dobwalls garage is on the recommended garage list. It is listed as a Citroen dealer but this was a few years ago and they are now back being a Honda dealer.