February 2004
Focus DIY. Carplan antifreeze £2.99 for 2L. Halfords own is twice the price Read more
There were some nostalgic remarks about this writer in a thread a week or two ago. For those who do not see The Independent, today that paper produced its first Motoring section on a Tuesday instead of Saturday, including a column from LJK. About how to drive an auto if you are used to a manual. Can't tell whether he is to be a regular - you'll have to wait till next week. Read more
I've enjoyed a number of lunches and dinners when LJK was present - he's a very deep thinking, highly intelligent man whose observations on all aspects of motoring should be taken permanently on board by anyone interested in the subject.
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
In the main column this week I see there's an answer to the problem one motorist had with his Vectra Auto holding on to first gear - mine ('97 2.0 Auto) has done that intermittently for ages and I've just lived with it. If anyone else has had a similar problem it would be very interesting.........
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I don't know if it was the first one ever to come up, but they said it was the first one they'd seen, at BCA Enfield today. British registered, October 03 on a 53 plate, 1100 miles only, anyone want to have a guess what the top bid was? Read more
Blimey! If it was a UK car, they've only released GT's as yet. £26,500 plus compulsory Rays alloys +£1000.
I was thinking of buying one, but I hadn't seen one in the flesh till recently, the GT is overpriced, plus I thought it might go the way of every other Nissan sportcar and depreciate like a stone. Suprised it didn't do a good bit more though.
My 99 Mondeo Zetec(1.8) started a light rattle apparently within the exhaust system. My local Ford dealer says it needs a new cat at an all-in cost of £279.How does the price sound and should a 4 year old car with 67K on the clock need a new cat? Read more
I'd try the fast fit guys also - The sound is a rattle a bit like gravel / broken glass in the cat.
I had an Escort cat replaced at Kwik Fit a couple of years ago. At the time I believe they were owned by Ford ( not now though )so they were far and away the best price.
Price supplied and fitted with one year warranty £168. The replacement failed after three months , I never did find out why.
It was replaced under warranty without a problem.
Mrs V is having driving lessons with an instructor and I am taking her out for additional practice as and when we have time. When approaching lights, junctions etc. she tends to put her foot on the clutch and 'coast' to a stop. I feel uncomfortable with this but she insists her instructor says doing so is ok. Is this correct ? Read more
I think Carole might get more help if a mod either lifted this or cut and pasted this into a new thread in the 'technical' department.
Right...after only 2 days with the car on autotrader and narrowing the canvassers from the interested people, the M3 is now sold.
The question now is...what to replace it with? Budget is around £20-25k and hes had a few ideas on what to buy which have included the following:
BMW M5
Porsche Boxster
Audi TT 225 Coupe (not the convertible - too "girly")
Mercedes SLK 320
BMW M Roadster/Coupe
Basically, he wants something which is a similar age to the M3 (1997) or younger, which still has the performance, can seat 2 people or more and has street cred. It should also be german as he isnt a big fan of jap vehicles.
At present, i think his favourite is the M5, but there doesnt seem to be a great selection on the market. Where is the best place to buy one of these cars? We have checked out autotrader and it hasnt given a great choice.
Thanks for your help and we look forward to receiving your advice/opinions! Read more
So how much did you sell the M3 for in the end?
It's been a while since I bought a used car, so do I still get a good discount for having a wad of hard cash on the forecourt? What should I expect to get off a BMW 320D at 13495 (BMW dealership)?
Since everybody else is talking about pomme frites, what are the benefits of chipping these diesels?
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Got a credit card that offers cash back? May be a way to get something at least and then pay off before the interest kicks in.
Just be careful with a card buy-even debit cards can attract a 2% surcharge. I was annoyed when my dealer told me I could pay for my car by card, so I juggle money around so I can take some cash back from my CC company, but when I come to pay the dealer says "yes, you can pay with a card, but we will charge you 2%". You could have told me at the time, you slimey devil.
As an aside, if you did buy a car with a credit card then would it offer any better protection i.e. as if you had bought a dodgy TV and the CC company take the case on for you?
Hi, My 306 has developed a continuous clicking noise which is coming from the around the front wheels/gearbox area. I cant hear it when the accelerator is being pressed but it is loud when gilding either in or out of gear.
The garage have no idea what could be causing it and advised to continue to drive it until it breaks down! Nice eh!
Does anyone have any ideas? Read more
Ive checked the tyres and god I wish it was a nail as its starting to drive me mad.
Ive now noticed that the noise only occures when going forward?
I have a Ford Mondeo 1.8 Hatchback 1997 P reg.
At the last service in Dec 2003 I reported a starting problem. The starter motor and solenoid was found to be faulty and a new one fitted. It did not solve the problem.
Despite several return visits and tests, including an electrical test, the garage cannot find the cause.
When I start the car at random one of three things happens:-
1. It starts normally first time.
2. It causes a grinding noise under the bonnet near what used to be called the distributor (Of course this appears to be a sealed unit)
3. Silence (Nothing happens at all)
Up to now the car has eventually started and it runs normally with no problem at all.
At the suggestion of Honest John I have changed the leads but this has not solved the problem.
Can anyone help.
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Thanks very much for your help
t.seager
Browse
Well I tend to buy AutoGlymn screenwash which comes in a small 1 litre bottle that is totally re-sealable, when it ran out I just filled it with water and little bit of screenwash from anther bottle and kept it in the boot, it worked very well when I ran out of fluid mid-journey. Just pulled in, filled up and could then see again :-)
Blue