June 2003

Blue {P}

Well, I've finally got some pics taken, and for those who are still even the slightest bit interested, here is the new baby in all of her glory. :-)

The pics are quite high res so if you're using dial up they may take a while to download, but the pics should shrink to fit the Internet Explorer window once fully downloaded.

members.lycos.co.uk/blueoval/Fiestapics/Front.JPG

members.lycos.co.uk/blueoval/Fiestapics/Rear.JPG

members.lycos.co.uk/blueoval/Fiestapics/Interior.J...G

Also, I hadn't gotten around to mentioning, I have had my first accident in the new car on monday. I was rear ended (no smutty comments please :) at the same roundabout as last time, fortunately it's only put a little scuff in the bumper. That's very lucky 'cos I strongly suspect that the guy who hit me lied about his address, and I don't think he had insurance! :O

Blue Read more

CM

OK Blue it shall be but think that BO is more distinctive!

Nomad

Hi,
I'm having major problems and need references to any problems with lost, destroyed records at DVLA. I have placed a quote in anther topic as it closly resembled mine but there is no reference material.
My problem now dates over some 15-6 years!
I know a reference must exist some where to a fire at Swansea DVLC, as it was then known in the mid 80's. DVLA steadfastly refute this, though I know I read it in the papers at the time it was a kinda 'Buried' story).
I passed my test, I was issued a licence, I was summoned for failing to produce and charged TWICE with'Driving without A Full Licence'. I was found NOT GUILTY!
Yet still they refuse liability...any , any help would be so greatly appreciated....

Thanks in advance Read more

TrevP

Nomad -
I am confused. You are insisting that

"Law Courts have also said that I am entitle to it by finding me 'Not Guilty' on two seperate occasions. "

Erm, no.

Not Guilty means there was insufficient proof or reasonable doubt.

How can the DVLA know that your records were in a fire (that did or did not happen?)

I would take sensible advice and do re-test.

Jase

Hello Chaps,

I posted a similar plea a couple of weeks ago but it came to nothing because the dealer sold the car! Now its really happening and I'm finally test driving a Leon Cupra tomorrow.

Leon is an August 2001 'Y' Reg (pre-coils problems therefore I think??). 11000 miles, one owner, FSH, metallic silver. Dealer says its immaculate. We'll be seeing it "pre-valeted" because its only arriving at the garage tomorrow when the owner collects his new Cupra-R. Lucky him. I've got first look at it before he puts it on the forecourt.

I'm asking the same question. What should be my target cost to change?

Remember, Wrong Car is 1998 Ford Ka3 in metallic silver. 15K miles. Top Notch condition. Glasses trade in guide indicates £3.3K. Dealer has echoed this when indicating a part-ex via email.

I was thinking cost to change of Ka + £8K to include 12months road tax was about right?

Am I being weak?

Please help me.


How are birds supposed to know its a sanctuary? Read more

Jase

But the big question is ... how much did you pay?
If you don't mind sharing that is.


Its the big question isn't it!

We paid £8100 on top of the Ka. He spotted that we'd had the nearside door repaired on the Ka (not particularly well) and its nearly 5 yrs old now.

The "deal" included a new set of P6000 front tyres and transfer of our private number plate to the Leon. It already had flaps and a set of proper fitted mats so I couln't barter that! The fuel gauge said it had just under half a tank left in it. Remember it comes with the full Seat used car treatment and has warranty until August 2004.

I think we did OK. Not an A grade, but perhaps a B-? what do people think? Please be frank as the car was a stunner and I am happy.

Question Suspension Lean
BT1

I am wondering why my '92 Golf TDi MK3 has developed a lean to the drivers side. Measuring the height of the bodywork from the top of the wheel whilst the car is parked on a level surface, the near side wheel arch is about 1 inch higher off the ground than the offside. Therefore looking at the car from the front, the car appears to slope to the drivers side.

I am thinking that the springs are weakening on the drivers side.

Any ideas?

(The front shocks and rear bushes have just been replaced. Everything else seems OK.)
Read more

BT1

Cheers Gen

I changed the struts 2 months ago. VAG springs are £37.5 inc VAT. Am considering whether I should change them before I finally get the tracking and camber angle set professionally.

TTFN

kaytee

hi, we are looking for a car that looks ok but is practical too. we've got about £10,000 to spend, n a clapped out old alpha to p/e(keep tellin the old man we'll get nothin' 4 it).can't decide what to go for. any help greatly received thanx. Read more

DavidHM

The Leon Cupra is an absolute dream of a car. You might not find too many for £10k but it's well put together, drives well, is reasonably econmical (35 mpg ish unless you thrash it), very fast, and made out of bits of Audi by Belgians pretending to be Spanish.

If you want any more recommendation, Honest John drives one himself. Only downside is that some cars have been known to suffer ignition coil failures and the parts can be difficult to get hold of - and the high insurance.

£10k should get you your pick of three year olds and maybe a few two year olds with slightly above average (30-40k) mileage, particularly if you don't limit your search to the franchise network.

There aren't really any Hyundai Coupés in your price bracket. At £10k they're likely to be the last of the old shape from a franchise - they're a bit outdated at that money. Below £5k they're a good used buy - the five year olds also look better, and new, they've got the looks if not the image.

An MX5 is a great car but doesn't sound like it will be practical enough for you.

tac

hi all you picasso owners outhere . ive got a 1800 petrol its 18 months old , and from day qne the gearbox has been noisy on overun . its been in to the dealers a couple of times and they just say its normal and theres nothing that can be done . just wondered if anyones had the same problem . also the car pinks when pullihg away when the weathers hot .
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Ben79

I\'d look in www.citroenpicasso.org.uk
I think it is a fairly rare problem you have.
Gearbox: probably best to change the oil.
Pinking: try Optimax or a different petrol station.

Ben
On my 3rd Citroen. Saxo, Xsara, C5.

Pete

I have a number of black plastic trim parts on a ten year old car. The insides of these parts are like new, the outsides ( age and exposure to the elements ) have developed a white bloom which will not wash off.

Can anyone suggest a process or product ( other than the "Back To Black" type ) that will stop the bloom and hopefully, restore the black plastic surface ?

Thank you, petel@clara.co.uk Read more

Rudedog

As before, Autoglym Bumper Care is great, it also removes the white overspill from body polish/wax and lasts along time before you have to reaply.

Philflies

Vauxhall Astra 1.4i 1997 P-reg.
It's basically misfiring on idle and the revs are wandering up and down too.
There's no other problems at all whilst driving or giving it any amount of throttle, infact the engine is running very smooth (it's only done 41,000).

On a cold startup it's less of a problem as the choke (auto) keeps the revs slightly higher than the normal warm idle.

I've taken it to two garages and they swear blind there's not a problem! You can see/feel/hear the problem! The engine misfire's about every 2 seconds or so then the revs drop right down and then increase again briefly.

Any idea's advice welcome

Thanks

Phil Read more

greaser pv

I'd go with the air-leak theory too.There is a black ( vacuum-operated ) valve located at the back of the engine under a black cover, this can fall apart, click it back together. Let us know the out-come.

dreamingbear

I'm a Yank about to buy my first car in England and I'm surprised at how short the warranties are. In the US, warranties of 70-100,00 miles are not unusual. Also Quaker State Oil offers a free 250,000 warranty if your oil is changed (using theirs) every 4000 miles. You can even do the changing yourself if you save the Zebra codes. Is there an equivalent on the UK?

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Technoprat {P}

A Renault Dauphine? That gives your age away! I had one of those - it had the nasty habit of turning upside down unexpectedly going round corners at anything over about 22 mph.

Forum Which one?
Ravster

Yippee - I've sold my imported Golf and am looking at buying a sports car.

Had planned on the TT but decided against it.

Two other options come to mind:

mazda rx 8

nissan 350 z

They're both corkers to look at but I've heard some negative things about the Mazda (albeit from the Nissan salesman). Reviews on both cars have been quite fair/impressive but I've yet to see them in the flesh and or test drive them

Any thoughts? Read more

Ravster

Hi Canon Fodder

You're right the 350z is gorgeous but I wouldn't be able to live with it on a day to day basis - as a second car it'd be ideal but iI don't have the luxury of being able to afford both (hopefully the lottery can help!)