October 2003
I recently had my belt,idlers & tensioner changed on my Vectra (yes I know but I\'ve had this car 2 years and its been great, really ) I know Vx had lots of problems with the tensioners supposedly being plastic, but I noticed that the new tensioner was metal, is this an update or were they all like this originaly. I also saw that the idlers were still plastic. Read more
Going to lokk at an 82 Series III station wagon tonight SWB diesel f/wheeling hubs, overdrive.
Any particular tips for where to hit it on the chassis? Any visible tell tales for bulkhead nasties? Read more
Love the pics I'm glad my wife isn't around.
Anyway that couldn't happen to mine - it's got a safari roof so that would protect it, right?
What is the criteria that Police forces adopt when choosing a Motorway Patrol car?
The reason I ask is, I would imagine cost would be high on the list; I've seen a lot of Range Rovers, Discos, the odd Nissan Patrol, Terrano II, Isuzu Trooper and on one occasion even a Merc ML - What is the justification for running a 4X4 as a motorway patrol car over say a Vx 3.0 Omega estate or a Volvo T5 V70 for example?
I would imagine both the latter would be much better high speed pursuit vehicles and be able to carry pretty much the same equipment/load as most of the above mentioned 4X4's and be equally capable at a motorway RTA and I'd imagine that they may be cheaper to run too.
Even if cost isn't a deciding factor, the only advantage of a 4X4 that I can see in this context would be the greater visibility, the off road capability simply wouldn't come into the equation. The disadvantages of a large 4X4, such as the reduced acceleration, lower top speed, poorer high speed manoeuvrability and stability would factor far greater and even if the running costs were indeed lower than a suitable estate car, still (in my mind at least) it would not justify their use in this context.
Am I not seeing the whole picture here?
Chad.
PS. I'm not on a 4X4/SUV bashing exercise - the police must have reason for choosing 4X4s as motorway patrol cars, I'd just like to know it! Read more
You need to make the distinction between motorway patrol cars, which are likely to be 4x4s for all the reasons mentioned above, and motorway pursuit cars, with specially trained high speed pursuit drivers......
I thought (maybe incorrectly) that they would be one and the same....scenario: Patrol doing 60mph in the slow lane, some loony screams past doing over a ton in the fast lane ...what does the Patrol do - just call it in and continue or give chase?
Chad.
Strange fault a couple of nights ago.Turned on my headlights. dash etc illuminated but the climate control did not.Thought it may have been a loose wire, but then noticed that the ambient temp wasn't displayed just 2 x ** on the screen. Later on when I used the car again fault had cleared and climate control illuminated. Any suggestions??? Read more
1997 A4 TDi 110......great car, no problems yet!
I have the Pierburg MAF and not the troublesome Bosch one!
Climate control works fine aswell.....fingers crossed.
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groups.msn.com/honestjohn - Pictures say a thousand words.....
Does anybody know what the Inland Revenue approved mileage rate is from somebody claiming fuel while using a company car upto 2000cc on business ?
I know using your own car is 40p up to 10,000 miles and 25p thereafter, but I can't find a reference to a rate for using company cars I'd expect it to be around 14/15p.
And yes, I have tried the IR site and their telephones. Read more
given that the question was asked 4 years ago I suspect the answer isnt so important.
what is it with all this thread resurection ?
Whilst travelling on one of Lincolnshire's lesser A-roads the other day, I performed an overtake which I'd like feedback on, as I can't decide - in retrospect - whether it was safe or indeed legal.........
The road is single-carriageway NSL, fairly twisty with few straight sections. Came up behind a 'convoy' of a campervan being followed by two cars at about 40mph. After following these three for a mile or so, it became clear that the two behind were not going to attempt to overtake the happy camper - but were following too close to prevent overtaking them one at a time without 'barging in'.
Then, the shallow downward slope of the land allowed a good, uninterrupted view of the road ahead, showing it to be clear (and devoid of hazards) - albeit through two bends, a 90 degree left followed by a 90 degree right. After performing the usual overtaking checks, I proceeded to pass all three vehicles through both bends, giving a short horn toot at each passing.
So was this an advisable manoeuvre? Was it legal (the centre line was a normal broken single white)? The lie of the land allowed a perfect view ahead, and I knew I would have no trouble passing before the approach of oncoming traffic - which I could see. Did I drive 'assertively' - or recklessly?
Cheers,
David
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Reckon you did the right thing LHM.
But why don't others, who don't wish to overtake, allow those that do, to 'leapfrog' them easily?
Morning all,
My 1998 car is starting to look a little tired now - in particular the plastic trim. It has quite a few plastic bodywork components, including door handles, bumper inserts, wheelarch trims, skirts etc. These are all becoming faded and generally making the car look tatty. In the past (long time ago) I used to use Armorall, but find it is messy to use, doesn't last very long and causes streaking on the paintwork if it rains. Therefore any recommendations regarding an alternative would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Jon Read more
I bought a can of Simoniz 'Back to Black' a month or so ago. I works very well - pricey, though. In the past I've used plain old WD40 - surprisingly effective and doesn't leave any residue.
Graeme
Hi guys,
I'm new to this site and new to driving having just passed my test (2nd try). I need a car for uni and was wondering what to buy. Don't have much money to spend, so it's got to be cheap to buy and run.
I was thinking about a Metro or one of those Kias perhaps. They seem to be cheap n cheerful.
Bit worried about driving too. How do you cope with all the aggression out there? Looking forward to the freedom a car will give me though...
Thanks and bye 4 now......
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Emma - perfect sensible decision. I am pleasntly surprised because I wrongly imagined that nothing would persuade you to delay buying. It is good to know that my pension will one day be funded by future graduates such as you (and PoloGirl).
Apparently, ou are the youngest in the backroom. I hope you will not abandon it now that you have decided to postpone buying. Remember there is the "I have a Question" thread for any non-motoring questions. Enjoy your time in Edinburgh.
Does any body have any idea of the real world fuel consumption of the new 307 HDI engine.
Thanks Read more
With a 90hp 2.0l Hdi in a 206 I get mid to high 50s mpg all the time. From a full tank (11 Gals) I got 600 miles with an indicated 75 miles 'to empty', but this is a lighter car than a 307. The 90 hp engine produces maximum torque @ 1900 rpm and I am told this is the rpm to use for max economy. This equates to 60 mph which is OK most of the time but boring in a 70 limit!
Here in the US we (or the commercials) pronounce it ?knee-sawn? and ?hun-day?. But I have heard you guys pronounce them ?niss-an? and ?high-oon-die?. I think you guys say it more correctly than we do. No? Read more
I call mine all sorts of things after a bad round.
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Hmmmmm I think I would have pushed her to persue the claim - but as you say it may well have been a protracted issue....costing more in the long run.
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groups.msn.com/honestjohn - Pictures say a thousand words.....