I have recently aquired the above vehicle. Its ok. However, the diagnosis/excess of pollution light is on. It has been on continuusly for the 150 miles i have driven it.

I wonder if people could suggest the best strategy for resolving this problem?

The car has some history, 4 stamps at 10, 20, 38, 50k. 30 and 40k service were carried out coincidentally according to the servicing agent as it was so late for the 30k service.

Service book with the car makes no comment as to when the plugs in the AUQ engine are due to be replaced. I am wondering whether they are the original set and worn out, as the car runs ok except for the slightly lumpy idle when cold. It is just like i have experienced on other cars with worn out plugs or leads.

Before i purchase a set of NGK plugs which will cost me £30 all in, i wish to inspect those in the car. However there is a plastic cover over the engine impeeding my path- how do i remove this? The large screw heads holding it down have a very large cross head pattern. Do i need to purchase a special tool to remove them or will something else surfice?

I had hoped to purchase a manual for this car but Haynes do not plan to produce one for the Leon- i presume as it is so similar to th golf. However, the golf manual only overs cars up untill 2000- will this be sufficient for my 02 leon?

Any comments or suggestions will be greatly received. Read more

I've heard about these....a particle filter fitted to the exhaust system of a Diesel car.

More than just a catalyst, it is a form of particle filter (How it works, I don't know!) I'm sure a google search will tell all.

I know it is the source of many warranty claims, often in excess of £2000! When it fails or malfunctions, there is often no option but to replace it when the dashboard light comes on.

Images of it fitted to the car can be seen here, just out of interest.

groups.msn.com/honestjohn/interestingshots.msnw?Pa...2 Read more

Is it just me or am I not the only one who tries to squeeze the last drop of petrol out of the tank before refilling? You know the warning light has been on the last 20 miles but you drive past the next petrol station as you know there is another a few miles further on...

I know it is a silly and possibly hazardous thing to do but it seems to be a habit harking back to my younger years when cash was tight that I cannot get out of!

Saying that I have only run out once many years ago, perhaps I need to run out in the middle of nowhere and suffer the subsequent hassle to give me the kick up the backside I need.

Anyone else out there like this? Read more

Ignoring the imprezza, the rest of the Subaru range seem to depreciate heavily due to high parts cost, petrol, and insurance. I'm thinking about the last model legacy in particular. Auction prices are extremely low...HJ had a 51 2.0 saloon at 4.5k not long ago, and Brightwells have sold an sturbo x plate forrester for £5k. But the prices at retail seem to be way above this for older cars, do these people find a suitable gullible soul to sell to or do they sit there for months before going at a much more reasonable level. I'm looking at a private sale W 2.0GL Estate Legacy, 77k, FSSH, I reckon £3200-£3500 given recent auction figures I don't believe in my experience private sales pull in much more than auction plus a few hundred. It's up for £4250. Any views on pricing, as despite the above I fancy a roomy 4wd estate? Read more

I wonder, if I describe three car badges to all you knowledgable folk, you can identify them for me?
1. A circular badge, inside of which there appears a representation of a castle on what appears to be a "white cliff" (Dover?) with a sailing vessel on a wavy lined sea.
2. A rectangle, with the height being longer than the width. The interior of the rectangle is coloured blue, white and blue in vertical sections. There are two characters superimposed on these vertical elements, one running horizontally and one vertically. They look asiatic or far eastern in style.
3. A horizontally extended representation of an eagle, not dissimilar to the old eagle of the third reich and somewhat art deco in style, but in blue.

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Roger. (Costa del Sol, España) Read more