February 2004
Why have they made it look like a Fiat Doblo at the front? Read more
My car is an imported Audi s3 (2002). It was built on the same production line as a Uk main dealer supplied car but supplied to me from a German Audi main dealer.(Full UK spec. and much more)
Why should it be that some insurance companies refuse to quote because it is a self import ?
Read more
Get the best quote you can then ask to speak to a supervisor if the person on the end of the phone tries to differentiate between your car and one supplied by a UK dealer. A lot of insurance telesales people confuse grey importing with parallel importing but in your case there should be absolutely no premium loading because the dealer you chose to buy your UK car from was located elsewhere in the EU.
I have imported hundreds of Audi's and have occasionally heard this story.
Re. the query about using cruise control on an automatic in a 30 mph zone (in a recent HJ Telegraph column).
HJ advised this was bad for the car. Can someone please tell me why? Surely CC holds it in the same gear as you would otherwise at a given speed (in an auto).
I'll stop doing it if I understand! (I would understand CC being a bad idea on a manual where it might labour the engine).
Stu. Read more
Why not?
I'm guessing, but if an auto selects highest gear at 30 and no acceleration, the revs might be a bit low? You can select your own gear in a manual - some driving authority is trying to persuade people to "Drive in third in a thirty". Sounds sensible to me.
John
Nevermind being late with the tax disc - what about overdue MOTs?
I was a week overdue with my MOT for the Discovery and only noticed because I pulled the file out to see how long I had before the MOT ran out, when I realised I had minus 8 days!
Also, some years ago I went to see a Morris Minor 1956 split screen that was advertised with 3 months MOT and asked to see the documents. Bearing in mind that the car was still being used, I was amused to see that the MOT was in fact 3 months overdue! I didn't buy the car as it was also overpriced and well butchered. It's character had been spoilt by shoddy conversions and bodged restorations.
Furhtermore the garage I spoke to today had a customer that was 9 months overdue with his MOT!
Can anyone beat this, or are there any similarly interesting stories out there?
H
Read more
Early 80s bought a 3 year old Opel Ascona (cracking motor) off my Father. After about 6 months when the rent ran out I asked him for the MOT cert so I could re tax it.
"What MOT is that son?
Whoops!
Fullchat
Just had my Discovery 200 TDi (K reg) sail through its MOT!
Apparently the emmissions were unbelievably low, and the mechanic who took it to the MOT test station and the tester both commented that it was in extremely good condition or its age.
This was quite lucky really as I was driving it up until Sunday when I realised that the MOT was a week overdue! Woops!
Well we're back on the road now in 4 wheel drive and I am one happy chappy.
H Read more
Yes Marcos, the same one I hope to use for my van in a couple of months time!
..or sooner if I get this transporter.
Hugo
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it. If it is broke, blame someone else!"
Hiya all,
I've got my fathers car at the moment. I need to get its annual service done. Rover 620 SLi 1998(R).
Whilst I was checking it over I noticed that the oil level was below the minimum (the car was on a level surface and was checked when it was cold and hot). Alarmed at it being so low I topped it up with two litres (full capacity is 3.8ltrs) which took it to halfway between the min & max.
How could the oil level be so low? There has been no noticable oil leaks. The engine has sounded ok. No oil warning lights have illuminated during driving. I'm miffed. Any ideas?
What is the oficial interval for changing the cambelts on this model? (I know HJ recommends short than manufacturers intervals). What should I expect to pay for this job on this car? I understand it is a very expensive job on the Rover 600. I have seen it advertised for £160 a few years back. Why is it so expensive to do?
--
306 2.0 SE Cabriolet Read more
I would have no problems fitting QH belts......go for it!
--
groups.msn.com/honestjohn - Pictures say a thousand words.....
I went to renew my car tax with the reminder notice and insurance doc. On the reminder you have to indicate which tax you want and sign it, there is also the option of entering the mileage of the vehicle. I duly filled out the form for 12 months tax including my current mileage (anything to reduce clocking) and handed over my £85.
The cashier handed me the new tax disc, my insurance certificate and the reminder form. I asked her if she shouldn't keep it and was told that with the new bar code technology and link to DVLA there was no need. As a result of this the mileage figure won't be recorded (was it ever before I wonder), so much for my small attempt to reduce clocking. Read more
On the subject of displaying Tax Disc I found that SWMBO
had neatly slipped the new disc behind the old one in
the disc holder.
C
That'll keep it nice and safe. You don't want it wearing out, do you? ;)
Not that I can talk, I once had my new road tax carefully displayed in the glovebox for the first two months of it's life. Only realised when an eagle eyed garage attendent wouldn't start the pump at first, as he saw it was out of date and thought I might be a drive away-er.
As an excuse, I'd bought it very early, as I was on holiday at the end of the month.
any body know where you can take your own car on a race track for a spin.
i don't mean a full on day of training or anything....just an hour or so turbing round??
cheers guys. Read more
cheers guys....found some of the airfield ones and will check out the article mentioned.
All sounds like fun!!!!!!!!! :-)
Has anyone taken off a starter motor from a Rover Metro diesel, and if so, what is the best way of doing it and what problems if any were encountered Read more
Can't say I've ever had any trouble from one!
A rarity, I know...
--
groups.msn.com/honestjohn - Pictures say a thousand words.....
M reg 1.3 VW Polo. When the vehicle is stationary (in traffic or at lights after a short or a long journey) the engine idle's at 2-3000 revs and sometimes even 4000 revs! To get it back down to normal I have to depress the accelarator in one quick short burst before it returns to normal Idle. It doesn't happen all the time only now and then. Does anyone know what the problem and cure could be? I thought it may be a problem with the accelarator cable itself..? Read more
Browse
Looks interesting. Whilst I do like the present A6 (I did nearly get one - always had a soft spot for Audi), I always thought it a bit bland at the front.
I bet the new one looks better in the flesh.