August 2003
Just a thought - with the advent of the pre-programmed "safety devices" would it be a good idea for these to be installed in trucks and buses and be programmed to include such things as low bridges etc. For motorists they could also be programmed to warn of accident blackspots and other features such as filling stations. Presumably you could then tell it what you wanted notifying of. If such extra safety / convenience features were included it would then be difficult for the DFT to argue that this type of kit should be banned. Read more
Have had my superb Lexus 200 for nearly two years, but now miss front wheel drive (for extra traction in dodgy weather) and hatchback/5th door (for convenience) with split rear seats set up for occasional awkward loads. HJ refers to "uncorrupted" steering (also with most Mercedes and BMW models) and, of course, the rear wheel drive set up gives a beautifully balanced car. But advantages of engine over driving wheels seem (to me) to outweigh cons ..
I know it's down to personal preference, but I'll be very interested in comments from BRs on this wonderfully informative site.
El Hacko Read more
Buy a Subaru. 4WD is undoubtedly best and safest too. Better grip, corners like on rails, better in the wet etc etc
Probably should have asked this question before I bought my new motor.
Is it advisable to regularly clean the underside and wheel wells with for example, spray with clean water from garden hose.
Or is it best to just leave them be?
Regards,
Alf Read more
Indeed - and if you're clever, use some planks or sand-ladders ladders, and park on the lawn, you can do the grass as well with the run-off!
I have a 3 year old Mercedes S320 from new (Jan/Feb 2000) with just over 20,000 miles on the clock with original 18inch 5 spoke alloys and P-Zero tyres with all the options except Command. It has full service history from the Mercedes Benz dealer. Although I love the car, due to personal reasons, it is for sale now and would be grateful if you could let me know what would be a realistic price for a quick sale either from a dealer (Mercedes or third party?) or private sale.
In its place, I am thinking of getting either the new Volvo S40 saloon or Citroen C5 HDi Exclusive or a secondhand Mercedes C or E class with a budget of £12,000. What would you suggest is the best option?
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I suspect the good offers on the 1.6 S40 are largely
because this engine variant is the poorest seller and they want
to shift stock before the new model is introduced.
As I said!
It seems to be the trend that people don't tend to buy the smallest engine in a car line-up. They are often lacking on equipment/spec as well and it seems that manufacturers get a stockpile of these cars (Mondeo 1.6 prev model, Vectra 1.6 prev model, current 1.4 Focus, Volvo S/V40 1.6 etc etc etc) because fleet never take these cars generally and with cheap loans the public would rather pay a few more quid a month for the next engine and spec up. They are often the ones that good deals will be had on during run out.
Couple this with cars getting ever larger and you find each time a new model is introduced you lose the bottom engine.
Cavalier 1.4 > Vectra 1.6 > New Vectra 1.8
Sierra 1.3 > Mondeo 1.6 > New Mondeo 1.8
This begs the question why is the 1.6 a poor seller?
As above. No different with outgoing Mondeo and Vectra 1.6's.
I find the 1.8 is barely adequate to move quite a
heavy car at a respectable speed, The 1.6 I test drove
had to be worked through the gears and the engine worked
hard to make reasonable progress.
It does the job no problems. If you want to set the road alight you'd never consider a 1.6 car of this size anyway!
We have a Fiesta TDCI that after 2/3months from new developed an intermitant problem that manifests itself as either a short term lack of power, short term rough running or a total engine cut out.
The supplying dealer has failed to sort the problem and does not seem able to apply logic to the diagnosis of the problem. Ford customer assitance does\'nt and the Ford technical helpline suggested a wiring/earth fault unique to the car or a fuel leak in the high pressure distribution.
Has any body else had a similar problem with Fiesta 1.4 TDCI?
Judging by the Mondeo/Focus TDCI problem threads this looks like a similar problem set but I do not know if the designs use the same control scheme as this engine is shared with PSA.
Help!
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The dealer has acknowledged the problem, IIRC Ford operates on the basis that if they aren't able to fix the fault after 3 attempts you get a new car/engine.
I'm surprised that they haven't been able to pick up the fault using ECU diagnostics but if the fault is a one off it's possible.
Advise your dealer in writing that they have been unable to resolve the problem and you wish the problem rectified.
Ask for the problem to be escalated to Ford Customer Assistance or whatever the next level of support is.
If they can't resolve the problem in a reasonable time frame, ask for a replacement car.
Keep all the paperwork!
Best of luck
Puncture in Wales.
Does that mean it's all going flat?
I had that Ann Robinson in my car once...
Car is Peugeot 406 diesel estate 1999 model year.
I have an intermittent problem with the Central Door locking. I can use the plip on the key fob to lock/unlock but 5 mins later it won't work at all. It was re-programmed a while ago by the local Pug agent but it was still intermittent then. The key in the door will lock/unlock every time but if its raining I want to be able to open it from a distance. Anyone tell me where I can check the connectors on the pick up/where is it located? or any Ideas what to go for first. Its driving me bonkers!!!
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These are the views of Robin the Technician with 35 years in the trade. I fix, therefore I am... Read more
On my 306, its located in the overhead driver/passenger light panel in the roof. Might be worth unclipping to see if its ther on the 406.
Hi all
I went to my local shop last night and saw what looked like a jag xjs outside. I thought that it had a nice bodykit on and lights. I get a bit closer and it somehow looks a bit different, but not too much. Closer still and it has Lister on the side and boot. I always liked the xjs, but this one was magnificent.
Does anyone know anything about these beautiful cars?
I found a picture of one here
www.racecar.co.uk/rgcclassicjaguar/currentstock/li...m
Jonathan Read more
I was a passenger in a 7.0 litre Lister Le Mans driven around the Castle Coombe circuit by the then Lister MD Lawerence ? I can vouch for the over 500 bhp as I recall bing pushed backed into my seat at the fourth to fifth gear change at an indicated 160 mph in the wet. The driver then apologised for an inadequate demonstration of the the cars acceleration! I also remember the interior quietness of the Le Mans which was the same as a standard XJS.
Hi all!
The last couple of months Greece has been the only country (as I've heard, at least) in which BP and Shell distribute their new fuels: "BP Ultimate" and "Shell V-power Racing 99+".
BP Ultimate is 100 octane, and supposed to be environment friendly, plus cleans valves, valve seats, etc. Average price ~0.9 euro.
Shell VPR 99+ is, as name suggests, more than 99 octane (but less than 100!) and is also supposed to clean the engine, etc. Average price is ~1.0 euro.
I'm currently burning a load of BP Ultimate and after four days I can tell the following:
1. Funny smell when engine cold
2. Car (Renault Clio 1.4 16v) slightly more responsive
3. Apparently increased economy. No measuring yet, just that while driving the usual way, the fuel needle moves more slowly.
What surprised me is that with plain Shell V-power (98 octane unleaded) my Clio was more responsive than with BP Ultimate! But then again, maybe it was just a feeling...
Great economy with Shell V-power too.
Vagelis. Read more
You don't need a lead replacement additive. Check out the P6 Rover owners club forum for a discussion on this. The only reason Rover V8s needed LRP is for the higher octane, they are perfectly happy without lead for the lubrication, always have been.
All,
I have managed to find a recovered boot lid for a daewoo lanos at a massive discount to Daewoo's list price for a new panel. The recovered panel is, however, green, and I need it in silver. Does anyone know of any reasons why I shouldn't take this approach over the cost of a new panel?
Thanks Read more
Assuming you're going to get it painted all over, and the cost for painting isn't more on the used one, I'd say go for the second hand part - assuming of course that there are no blemishes, dents, etc.
Make sure it's painted both sides before fitting, or people will assume, rightly or wrongly, that your car's been rear ended.
Browse
I\'ve found the website of the Kane Car Pilot I was talking about earlier if anyone is interested.
www.kanegear.com
I don\'t know if that will come up as a hyperlink, maybe Mark could alter it for me if its doesn\'t. Thanks
Jonathan