July 2003
As I've mentioned I have a Honda CRV ES auto with all the bits.
I love it, but it's coming up for 6 years old and has had a very mucky winter.
Just had it serviced and MOT'd so it's mechanically sound, but now I'd like it valetted (interior isn't too bad really - thanks to other half have got mats on top of mats where the kids sit, and it's immaculate) What I want is a good scrub underneath, polishing up, waxing whatever, and something to smarten up the wheels, black bumpers and trim and the alloys need some attention too. So I want the bits I can see looking smarter, and the bits I can't cleaning too.
Added to that something seems to have backed over the bonnet - two small pitted dents, down to the metal quite far in on the top of the bonnet, ne either side - as if a truck with an overhang has reversed too far (odd I know, but as they seem symetrical I don't think it can be large stone chips) Have been quoted £250 just to do these by the garage I use now (not main dealer)
I've decided to hang on to the car (done 42,000+ so it's worth more to me than to sell on) so what should I be thinking of spending on it, and what's worth doing, and where should I start looking?
Pleeeeeease? Read more
3 weeks ago I was caught doing 102 on the M74 motorway. I was told that I would hear from the relevant authorities in 6 to 8 weeks.
When should I go and see a solicitor? I want to get one to try and avoid a ban.
The police who stopped me said that my driving was safe and that visibility and road conditions (very light traffic) were excellent. It was a one-off speed (not averaged over a distance).
They couldn't say whether I would get a fixed penalty or be taken to court, but I have a feeling that because I was over the magical 99mph I'm going to be looking at a ban. I currently have no points on my licence.
Any idea what I'll get?
Read more
>>when
many people need the car for work (not just commuting) and
run the risk of maybe losing their job if without it,
that in itself should be a deterrent.
>>
Fair point, there are those whose job actually involves driving rather than commuting, and obviously a ban would not be good for them. So yes, it should be a deterrent, but the number of people confessing on here seems to prove that it isn't.
95 Probe 2.0. Smokes badly on startup after being left for a while. Plugs 2 and 4 black. Took plug 2 out after engine had been run and blueish smoke came out of plug hole. I think it's valve stem seals?
Does anyone have knowledge if it can be done without head coming off, and using compressed air?
Cheers and thanks for reading the ramblings above from a senile old man :) Read more
Could anyone point me in the right direction for a book or web site that can explaine how to get the best results when doing some minor body work repairs. I have some small rust patches i want rid of and need to srtip it down, treat it and re paint. These really are just touch up sized but i want to do the best job i can.
Cheers
Peter Groom Read more
Local libraries usually have a couple of copies. There's some fairly useful information in it for those who haven't done any/much bodywork.
Hi
I have a 1.8 R Vauxhall Vectra, which has a problem with its revvs.
When Ive been driving for a little while (especially around town) the revvs start behaving a little erratically, surging from 1000 up to 2000 and back down again over about 3 second cycles. Additionally, when i depress the clutch to change gear for instance, even though ive taken my foot off the gas, the revs still lift a little before dropping (if this is relevant).
Ive chercked all the air sensor connections on the intakes, cleaned the Idle control valve and breather pipe with carb cleaner (twice), replaced the air filter and yelled at it loudly.
What can I try now as im running out of ideas and patience.
Im sure this isnt doing much for my economy, but 2 old ladies were not a little bit concerned yesterday as i sat at a crossing with my engine roaring at them!!
Any help much appreciated
Peter Groom Read more
When fitting new IAC valve (best prices usually from Autovaux 01924 376003), or cleaning old one, also ensure throttle housing and butterfly are clean, and unblock the crankcase breather port at base of throttle housing (enters manifold either on N/S or at front. Throttle Position Sensor and base idle setting may also require adjustment if they have previously been "got at" !
Regards, Adam
I'm new to this board, but looking back I gather that Fiat - the wisdom (or otherwise) of purchasing one, is a really hot topic when it gets going.
I'm on a search for a small car for my 19 yr old daughter who's learning to drive. Lots more cars to investigate, but we both like the look of some nearly new or demonstrator Puntos.
My husband is dead set against - then again he wont be driving it.
I've read about the finanical background of the company, the possibility of unhelpful dealerships and the build quality of some of the cars, which people say can be a gamble.
For someone like me, looking to make a sensible purchase rather than one driven by the heart - what really is the bottom line on the Punto (say year 2000 +) ?
Daughter and I are tempted, but feel from what we've read and heard, that we might be reckless if we go ahead - any thoughts? Read more
Just to let you know that the young man in question who is dissatisfied with his parents' gift of a Punto, is only upset because it doesn't go as fast as his mates' cars!
BOYS!!!!!
Hi
I have a 1986 Golf. The problem is that everytime I accelerate the car, (without moving the steering wheel) the car moves to the right (steering wheel even moves slightly, if holding it loosely). When I take my foot off the accelerator it drives straight again. This can be mostly felt during motorway driving. I have had the tracking adjusted (camber included), new tyres, and changed all the rubber bushes on the wishbones.
I have also checked that the brake calipers are not gripping, and they\'re fine.
Can anyone help. I\'m completely stuck?
Many thanks
Peter Read more
Check the rear axle beam bushes have not collapsed this may well be your problem. Peter
Ive just seen a car in superb condition, apparently,and am thinking of having a trial in it. It's an October 2000 model with 88k on the clock.Is there any advice on what I should be looking for or problems that regularly crop up. I've looked at H J's car by car break down but it doesn't give me what I want. Also any ideas on realistic fuel consumption. Thanks Read more
In terms of fuel consumption my 2.5 V6 manual estate manages around 22mpg on the school run; 35 mpg light footed motorway cruising.
In terms of the various Omega 'issues' then i suppose the executive syummary is as follows:-
Be very, very sure the cambelt has been changed every 40K. (water pump and tensioners too for extra peace of mind)
HT leads seem to last about 100k; budget 175 quid plus fitting for genuine vaux. parts; about half price from Autovaux.
Dodgy idle speed control valves are common on Ecotecs, although mine has been fine (touch wood)
Other than that IMHO it's a typical big, complicated modern car, and very good value second hand.
Any tips for hiring cars in this state? I have Hired before in the 'States but never in Florida. As such, with it being such a holiday venue was wondering whether to pre-book or just hire when we land in Miami.
I don't need anything too big but it has to be cool (SWMBO stipulation), what are the going rates for sept/oct?. Not a soft top. Any suggestions?
Also, cautionary tale, last year I hired a car in France using a prepaid voucher from a large rental company. 3 months later I was charged again for the hire by the rental desk in France. Turns out that one part of this company had gone bankrupt (the one that issued the prepaid vouchers) and so when the voucher was cashed by the rental desk it bounced, so they charged me again. (they had my credit card number for the excess.) After a few 'phone calls it turns out they were in their rights to do this. Everything turned out nice in the end but took a while to sort. Hope that makes sense.
Patrick. Read more
Small bit of advice but if you rent from the majors - check their web sites first and join whatever frequent renter program they offer. Normally free and if you quote your number when you rent there are some nice benefits.
I commute from UK to Spain each week and rent a car with AVIS. I have joined their 'club' and now my documents are normally ready for me on arrival, I can jump the queue and get seen to first (quickly) and I normally get given at least a one-car upgrade free if they have cars available. Cannot fault their service so agree with people voting for the majors. Hertz offers something similar too.
I had recently had Steelmate rear parking sensors fitted to my VW Bora. Whilst it is effective most of the time it is also extremely sensitive, sometimes beeping for no apparent reason when in reverse. The shop/ fitter explained that uneven surfaces can effect the sensor , even a curb can trigger it! ( albeit only briefly). Another scenario is if I am reversing up a hill the sensor seems to detect the road! again beeping only briefly. Is this typical of parking sensors? Can the sensitivity be adjusted. I haven't paid the fitter yet because in my opinion this is not satisfactory so it isn't a huge problem but slighty annoying.
Regards
David Read more
Think about it. Backing down my drive at an angle to the road - the road is going to look like an object within the sensors range. Similarly an undulation is going to give a reflection. You could make the system less sensitive, but then there is the risk of it not responding to weak reflections for narrow objects like metal posts!
Browse
Hootie,
have a look at
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?f=2&t=12...h
If you haven't polished the car for a while and in order to get a great quality finish you'll probably need to prepare the paint first. Autoglym have a product for just about everything, (Halfords will stock all you need). After washing the car, remove all road tar, tree sap and and bugs. Intensive Tar Remover plus Super Resin Polish should remove most blemishes. If not you may need to try the Paint Renovator but don't if you don't have to. Then one or two coats of Extra Gloss Protection and back to new again! For my alloys I use Wonder Wheels - don't leave it on too long before rinsing off. Bumper Black will restore the bumpers. Interior Shampoo or Leather Cleaner for your upholstery. £50 and the best part of a day of your time should see you through. Lousy weather looming for the middle of next week so no time like the present!
You could clear out any muck under the wheel arches and underneath with a power wash but some people here warn against it so maybe just a thorough hosing and brushing of the bits you can easily reach. The underside will be well protected anyway so shouldn't need too much attention.
£250 for the bonnet work sounds a bit pricey but I'm no expert; it might be worth trying Chips Away for a price.