Hi All
I have an \'89 Ford Sierra 2000E with automatic transmission - until recently super reliable but now have problem with automatic transmission fluid leaking. When the car is fully warmed up the ATF leaks at an alarming rate out of a small opening on the underside of the starter motor. As long as I keep topping up the ATF the car runs fine but obviously this is only a very short term solution. The starter motor is about 2 years old and works fine.

I don\'t want to replace the starter motor only to find that it isn\'t the root of the problem. Any suggetions?? I am not a great mechanic though I understand the basics and can follow instructions competantly.

I\'d appreciate any feedback from those more knowledgable than myself.

Cheers

Adrian Read more

Or a mix of all three ?? ......Forgive me for feeling rather smug. My run-out model (Oct 97) 2.0l top-of-the-range Toyota Carina CDX has just sailed thru its latest MOT. At 81K miles it's still on original clutch,gearbox,exhaust,battery, pads and shoes (yes really). I had it new from a supersite for £12K. In 6 yrs it's had three Mobil 1 oil changes (DIY) per year, a cambelt change at 54K and is on its third set of Michelin tyres. It's had one new headlamp bulb, a new backlight of the dash clock, and a few sets of wipers.Apart from the cambelt change and MOTs, it's never been near a garage. Nothing has dropped off or gone wrong. My oil changes (French supermarket Mobil 1 @ £19 a tub and filters £3 apiece) I reckon have cost me £400 over 6 yrs. The cambelt change cost £120. Wiper blades and bulbs, say £40. The car has all the bells & whistles and has carted a family of five plus assorted trailers all over Europe. The local taxi firm would gladly still give me £2K+ for it. Cheap motoring or what ? An "old man's car", acceleration akin to a London bus, and a design out of date maybe ! But what a car ! So, B/roomers, have I just been lucky ??? Read more

An acquaintance has traded in their N plate Escort 1.6 with 70,000 miles on thc clock and bought a new base model Ka, 53 plater. Reason being that the "Escort was using too much fuel". Annual mileage was under 10,000 miles I would say.

Surely, the cost to change would far outweigh the saving in petrol costs over many years to come - even allowing for the most generous discounts and trade-in allowances?

I think he's crackers.

Discuss. Read more

Dear all and H.J. H.J. always recommends the manual and says stay away from the auto landcruiser. WHY? I have several colleagues with this vehicle and they all swear by, not at, the auto. Any thoughts please.

Regards. Read more

Hi,

I am considering buying a new Charade EL 3 door (seriously good value at only £5995 and so much standard kit).

Do any of you know if it is chain cam or cam belt (I really hope it is the former!).

Also, do any of you own one or know anyone who does? How are they getting on with it? My hope is that they are giving reliable, dependable service like most Japanese cars.

Many thanks in anticipation,

Rob E. Read more