The fuel gauge and temperature gauge on my 1984 Capri 2.8i are being perverse -- jointly. They are on the right-hand side of the dial cluster; they register maximum unpredictably, when I know there's not much fuel in the tank and that the engine temperature is normal. The battery and oil-pressure gauges on the left-hand side of the main dials (rev counter and speedometer) appear to work normally, as do the main dials themselves.

There's no predicting this problem: sometimes they indicate sensible levels on start-up and then go doolally during the journey, usually returning to normal behaviour at some point thereafter; at other times they are wrong at the start and then adjust later, the adjustment being gradual rather than sudden. The deviation from normal always happens to them both at the same time.

Any clues, anyone? Read more

Just passing time looking at the e-bay motors section recently and I am amazed at the prices being asked (and sometimes achieved) for the old style Mini. Not the 60's/70's Cooper/1275 models I hasten to add, but the 1.0 litre BL built cars from the 80's, most of which have long since died from terminal rust.

One punter was after £1500 for his rusty 1985 mayfair model!

Are they starting to appreciate in value I wonder? Read more

I want to upgrade the present radio/cassete of a 2001 Mazda 323 1.6GXI to CD/radio/tape or perhaps just CD/radio.
It is an odd shape almost square.
Where can I get such equipment.
No obvious removal holes either.
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I wasna fu but just had plenty. Read more

Ive just got back from an 8 day break in Europe and I went from Dover-Boulogne using the new Speedferries service.
Thoroughly pleasant experience and I wouldn't hesitate to use them again.
Check in was painless, plenty of booths open. The vessel itself was larger than I expected, with all the facilities you would expect, bar, food,(no hot meals) and French duty shop. All of which with less choice than a ferry but more than adequate for a 50minute crossing.
Boulogne isn't quite as convenient as Calais and we got a bit lost trying to get out, but it wasn't too bad, and getting back into the port was very easy since the port was signposted very well at every junction.
All this for £65 return, so you cant go wrong (P&O wanted £240, Eurotunnel £300)
My only "gripe" (and its a slight one) is the fact that they only go every 3 hours or so which means potential long waits, although having said that Boulogne had a nice cafe waiting room and excellent toilet facilities. Read more

In the process of looking for a replacement for my 406 I have contacted a number of dealerships, something I have not done for some years now as I am not a frequent changer.

I saw a medium-sized estate, ex-demonstrator, and arranged a test-drive. Nice car, good quality, price a bit high but could probably be improved, and almost exactly what I wanted. However, it took the dealership over 2 days to dream up a part-exchange figure for the 406 and, when it came, it was just laughable. Even on a conservative estimate it would end up on someone's forecourt at a price £1500-2000 more, surely enough for those in disposal chain? No attempt to close a deal, no attempt to negotiate or persuade, just nothing. Take it or leave it.

Then I contacted an internet dealer specializing in nearly-new. Would they like to quote for a couple of models? As a cash buyer as I would be selling privately first of all. That was over 10 days ago, and apart from a curt one-line email they have not attempted to make contact, and have stated in writing that they are too busy to phone me. They seem averse to phoning when it's convenient for ME rather then for them. They are busy? Well, I have news for them - I'm also busy (as we all are) but there is one significant difference - it's the word 'customer'. Another one of the list.

Then I contacted a large motoring association I belong to, who have a scheme for both new and nearly-new cars. The latter come with inspection, credit-checks, home delivery and so on. I provided the deails nearly 10 days ago, and was promised contact by a dealer in Doncaster within 48 hours maximum. Nothing happened. The association phoned after 3 days, to enquire about progress, and when I told them there wasn't any they promised to arrange contact 'immediately'. That was a week ago - and still nothing.

This says to me that a lot of firms dealing in cars, new and used, must be making so much money that they have no need to go chasing after business. As someone who is self-employed I chase EVERY lead, whether or not it looks worthwhile at the outset. A valuable lesson for those in the motor trade I suggest.

As for the eventual replacement? A friend of my son's specializes in nearly-new Mondeos he obtains at auction. He's been in this line of business for a long time and makes a reasonable living from it. The typical prices he quotes are obviously way below anything a dealer could come up with, and he would like my business. The real pleasure, apart from a good car at sensible price? I can cut out all dealerships at a stroke. This has to be a real bonus for such a complacent bunch of no-hopers. Read more