June 2003
Have recently given daughter the wife's old Fiesta Azura (M Reg). Daughter is complaining of a problem which we've had at least thrice before, and I wondered of anyone here has any ideas.
When you release the clutch there is a twang noise (like a spring, but more plasticky) and the clutch appears to "catch" on something momentarily.
I wondered if the mat had ridden up behind the pedal, which it had, but moving it made no difference.
"My little man" has "fixed" it twice, so have the Ford dealers (once). I think it's a cheap plastic part that they replace. But it seems to go again shortly afterwards.
The only other thing I noticed was a little "travel" on the clutch - when you start to press it, there is no resistance for teh first little bit - but I think all cars are like that, aren't they?
The car is a low miler. Has anyone come across this, if so is it an easy fix for an incompetent and what parts would I need? Read more
Is there anyone out there familiar with the workings of Bosch ECU's, such as the 00-280-000-710/732/756/759 please. These units have a number of available substitution ( limp-home ) values and I seek futher information on these.
Thank you, petel@clara.co.uk Read more
Or Middlesex Tuning in Ruislip
I am looking to buy a cheap car on the continent. Does anyone know of the exisitence of European car supermarkets? If so do you have a website, phone number or anyother way of contacting them?
Thanks Read more
Spain is an EU member so there will be no import tax on a vehicle bought in the EU. Similarly, the Belgian car will be sold VAT free and Spanish VAT paid upon registration, just as in the UK.
Belgium does have relatively cheap cars with nothing other than 21% VAT to pay, but the only reason for a country to be attractive to people buying to import into another country is that the tax free prices are low.
I don't believe that there are any other car taxes to pay in Spain, but if they are, they would apply equally to a Spanish bought car. In Denmark and the Netherlands, there is an additional tax to be paid because it is a car, which can be claimed back by people exporting the car, but not in Belgium.
If you don't speak French, my advice would be to go to one of the dealers near a ferry port with a link to the UK as they are most likely to speak English and know about the export procedure.
By the way, I know it's only a typo but I like the 'impot tax' thing... :-)
I wonder if any backroomers would like to comment on a car cahange that I am considering.I owm a 13month old Honda Jazz with 20,000 miles.I mailnly use it for motorway commuting(120 miles twice a week).My father in law has a Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Club 2001(y) on a motability plan with one year to run.At the moment the Astra has just 4000 miles on it.
Would it be sensible to arrage to buy the Astra from Motability and sell the Jazz privetely.Obviously their price would have to be good.On the Jazz I would have 1500 left on finance in a year.
Thanks a lot
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You've had the Jazz from new and it's one of the most reliable cars in the world. If you stick with it and observe the service intervals it should give you 10+ years honourable service at 20k a year.
1993 car, rear drums, fully fettled 400 miles ago at reputable independent garage. Recently returned after 10 days away, started car, wheel(s) stuck. Ha, I thought, pads stuck on after week of rain; rocked car, tried again, moved 5 yards and bang! - o/s rear wheel locked solid. Jacked up wheel, turned it several times both ways, drove a few miles, no problem.
Next day, same thing. Ha, I thought, lining come loose and jamming (wheel is free in reverse but jams going forwards). Car to garage on low-loader today, but (drum off) no visible problem.
Any ideas out there? Read more
Had the brake fixed now. Problem apparently due to rust inside drum causing piston not to release on one side. Technician says car is quite rusty underneath, but body almost pristine - I suspect previous girly owner (who had fat alloys fitted) used to go to carwash too often.
Has anyone experience of a VW goodwill gesture?
Long story, but my wife's new Polo after 600 miles, suffered a gear box failure and a broken driver's seat. The car was off the road for 3 weeks waiting for spares.
VW have 'offered' a goodwill gesture (not money!). They are talking about (would you believe!) a 'fun day' or possible free servicing or accessories. Annoyingly she has taken out a 3 year service plan (including breakdown recovery) with VW and can't think of any accessories. So far there has been no mention of the value of such a gesture.
Comments would be appreciated. Read more
Very similar to Rover then.
Suggest you go for a CD Autochanger as mentioned before?
.....or a set of 'phat' alloys? ;-)
Hello Ladies/Gents
Just booked my year 2000 Pug 106 1.1 in for its major 40000 mile service. I was a little taken aback when the lady mentioned that this would cost 320 quid including parts and labour!!!!!!!!!...anyone had a major service done on a similar model, I would love to know how much you paid.
This is at a Peugeot main dealer in Westbury Wiltshire,
cheers Ben Read more
Ben,
Find out where your local Peugeot Express fit place is. As your car is three years old they will service it much cheaper. They will use Peugeot parts and the people who deal with the service are Peugeot trained technicians. They will do other work too such as clutches etc. So they may also do cambelts.
I know that there are two in Bristol. Check their website to see if there is one nearer.
306 2.0 SE Cabriolet
..they do cause one to rethink the concept of public transportation!
tinyurl.com/dcij
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Growler
A few years ago there was a Phillipine village tourist attraction on Romney Marsh (yes, really) on one of the old air bases. Often saw their Jeepney bowling around the Kent Countryside (not easy to say politely). Distinctive vehicle!Interesting place to visit though - wonder if it's still there.
Terry
Just come back from taking Mrs V out on her first driving lesson - yes I've still got my hair 'cos the gal done good !
Anyway I drove the car to the local park and we did some basic manoeuvres in the empty car park. Just as we were about to leave a car appeared and a woman got out with her dog. Nothing unusual there but then I noticed it was a neighbour of mine who lives not more than 200 yards away from a pedestrian entrance to the same park. Evidently, rather than walk 200 yards (exercising her beloved mutt in the process) she'd driven at least 4 times further. Lazy or what ?
Anyone got any other examples of lazy motorists ? Read more
Wait till they complain how the exhaust hasn't lasted very long.
Hi
Can any body tell me if Ford will use Peugeot HDI diesel engines in its cars?
Thanks Read more
My understanding is that Ford will use the second generation HDi engines (badged Duratorq), where the 2 litre will put out 130 BHP, and there will be a 1.6 90/110 BHP. Not sure of the current fate of the 2.2. Use of the 1.4 will continue, although not sure if Ford will start using the 16V version.
I remembered I probably read the above on here, and so i did.....
www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/index.htm?news_id=1006
Richard
Browse
Hmm, I'm neither flexible nor thin. Maybe it's a job for Dougie then.