May 2004
Hi all, been browsing HJ site for a while but i've only just signed up as i need lots of advice!
I passed my driving test last week :) and i'm after a new car now.
I was wondering if anyone has used/knows anything about these online car brokers?
They are called ukcarbroker.co.uk and motorprovider.co.uk.
Its just that i'm extremely wary of buying a car online from a company i know nothing about.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated as i have'nt a clue and i don't want burnt fingers!
Thanks.
Lee. Read more
I'm just about to start browsing the web to plan a nine day motorcycling holiday in Sweden during July, for the wife and I.
Before I start, has any backroomer got experience of making this trip, and any recommendations to make, please?
The obvious one is weighing up the potential extra cost of a ferry to Sweden - that has the advantage of more time on Sweden's excellent, empty roads, in beautiful scenery - with taking a cross channel ferry or the Eurotunnel, and riding up.
I work for a Swedish company, and spend much of my time in Sweden, so sources of advice for things to see and do is no problem. It's the mechanics of getting there and back with a bike, in the most cost effective manner, that I would appreciate knowledge of, please. Read more
Thanks for all the assistance.
Decision now made!
... The motorbike stays at home, and I couldn't find anyone in Sweden who would rent me a bike beyond a BMW dealership who said "subject to someone not wanting a test ride"! :-((
SWMBO was not at all keen on even travelling one way up through mainland Europe, which meant travelling by ferry both ways. Despite much effort, we could not secure travel on the exact days we wanted (because the ferries don't sail), and both of our days away from work are non-negotiable for various reasons.
This would have given a shortened holiday, for which we would have paid the princely sum of £847 in ferry costs alone! (travelling on days when we can't would have reduced the cost below £400)
So, what are we doing?
Flying Ryanair to Skavsta, and then taking the bus to my Swedish office, where we will collect the pool car that I've reserved, and drive that for the holiday. Yes, travelling during the period where Sweden plc shuts up shop for six weeks has its advantages!
Total travel cost to us is £70 for Stansted parking, £150 for two air fairs including all fees, £30 for two return bus tickets, plus petrol!
Now we just need to book a summer like the last one!
Typically 6 weeks after the warranty expires (nothing went wrong in the warranty period) the window mechanism failed on the passenger door.
VW replaced the broken plastic bracket that holds the glass with a metal bracket (excelllent) and charged me the best part of £140 for the privelidge.
Surely this is a design fault, does anybody think that it is worth pursuing with VAG customer service? Read more
the passenger window on my mk3 won't operate from the driver's side control. Will from passenger's. I've replaced the driver's side switch unit. No effect. What to look at next please people?
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www.bayingbasset.com
When our new system reached about xx03xxx, it seemed to me that there were an awful lot of X and Z in the last three positions, which we are told are 'random'. A brief survey on the M6 suggested that X and Z appeared about 50% more than the expected 1-in-8 probability. Anyone else noticed this? And if it is genuine, why? Read more
I got AKxxANG for my girlfriend and it was well worth the cost as she is really chuffed with it. Not only does she have the shortened form of her name in there, AK are also her initials, so it's twice as special to her.
Getting a slight judder at 85 in the Mondeo, and havent noticed anything obviously wrong with the suspension, so have decided to have the wheels balanced and tracking checked.
Does anyone here recommend anywhere in Newcastle, and which are the best of the national tyre chains? National , Kwik Fit etc etc Read more
I thought wheel balancing in Newcastle was when someone was making off with a pair of your wheels, one under each arm.... :-)
Before you call me a Southern so and so, my in-laws are Geordies living in Hebburn and I love the place!
Cockle
Hi all. As I am currently doing only 5000 miles a year I am thinking of chopping in my Mondeo for something smaller/cheaper to run, the above model seems the most suitable considering my budget (the part ex value of my Mondeo, around £2k.)
Any owners with opinions out there? Yes I know it will take a fortnight to get to 60mph but as I spent most of my limited miles in 30 zones this does not worry me, and I'm sick of getting sub 25mpg out of my car! TIA for any replies. Read more
I've got absolutely no idea. I've asked myself the same thing over and over again. She just traded in her 7k mile 02 plate one for a brand new 04 plate becuase she wanted a different colour, despite having had quite a few customer service issues with the previous one.
I had my gearbox oil level checked yesterday, and instead of unscrewing the check plug the mechanic (cough) started unscrewing one of the bolts on the plate thats attached to the gearbox where the drive shaft enters. What is this plate for, and what is it attached to? and will it be ok as long as he tightened it back up again? Thanks in advance. Read more
I used to have a set of Thule roof bars to fit my Seat Ibiza. (Still have the bars but not the car!). They used the 'proper' anchor points on the roof - under the black plastic slide thingies. They were quick to take on and off - didn't mark the roof and felt secure.
I now have a Leon - so ordered myself a set of Thule roof bars over the net. Went to put them on last night and got cold feet... I didn't like these points;
1. they don't fit in the 'proper' place.
2. You have to peel back the rubbers from the bodywork, then
3. You have to force in the foot of the bars - it's slightly rubberised metal - but I was sure I'd scratch the car.
So they're going back - credit to the internet site they've said fine send 'em back.
Consequently I oredred a Seat set - cost lots more! but if I can fit without scratching or mmessing up my door seals I'll be happier. Read more
Oooh! <--- Expression of surprise
Thule's own website used to confirm they were OE manufacturers for VAG. Now it simply says they work closely with them.
Muchos grovellos for the duff info.
ND
I\'ve read on here that the rear suspension on the Vectra (mine\'s a year 2000 - X reg) is adjustable. My nearside tyre on the rear wore on the outer edge, suggesting either the tracking is toeing out or the camber angle is incorrect.
Anyway, I\'ve had new tyres fitted to the front and the old ones donated to the rears to replace the worn ones. I have noticed the same thing starting to happen to the rear tyre again.
Two tyre garages have told me that the rear suspension is non adjustable.
No accident damage (that I\'m aware of) and has only recently started happening.
Any ideas - suggestions??
Read more
Sounds like you have found the prob DD
www.forbes.com/newswire/2004/05/11/rtr1366766.html
"... stock value of $120 billion exceeds the combined worth of the U.S. "Big Three" -- General Motors, Ford and DaimlerChrysler AG"
What are the others doing wrong??? Read more
Don't find the "corruption" of the steering a problem, and any negative (but controllable) effect of fwd is more than offset by the extra grip/handling in wet or even worse weather conditions. I have quite steep driveway and rwd can be tricky at all but dry times. Summing up: for me, a car with fwd (or, of course, 4wd) just feels safer at ALL times.
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Lee - Dont take offence. I think people are trying to say that for an inexperienced driver this car can get you into trouble quickly, very quickly. As long as you appreciate that, realise the huge potential of this vehicle, and the limitations of your experience you will be fine.
I suggest you take it out on a track day at some stage after its run in. (still take care tho mate - you wont be insured if you total it)
I have saved you a spot on the "trash renault thread" but fully expect you wont need it. Enjoy