October 2004
This device was trailed in the Sunday Times on 3 October www.handsfreetechnology.co.uk/ , and is mounted on the metal posts of the driver's headrest, with a speaker next to the door and a boom-mounted microphone towards the middle of the car. Easily mounted/removed. Works off 3 x AA batteries which "could last six months". That's the good news.
The bad news is it costs £99.99 "plus p&p" (amount unspecified), will need the mobile phone to be mounted somewhere (on the dashboard?) for use, and so a wire (supplied) will need to be run from the headrest to the phone, and there is no provision for charging the phone.
If it had been a third, or even half, the price I'd probably be interested. Probably it cost $99.99 in the US, using the traditional conversion rate.
Has anyone any experience of the device? All the press comments date from early-mid 2002... Read more
I'm considering the Megane CC as an everyday car to replace my current Focus and my MGF (which is used rarely).
I know that one of the main problems with these type of cars is the roof failing (I've looked at the Car by Car), but is there anything else that is prone to go wrong with them?
Any first hand experiences gratefully recieved.
(I'm looking at the top spec diesel version specifically)
Thanks,
Phil Read more
Phil,
I treated myself to a CC earlier this year, and I'm very impressed, especially with the diesel engine. I understand there were problems with the roof mechanisms on pre June 04 models but this was now been rectified by a modification. Myself I've had no trouble whatsoever, and as long as you don't do anything stupid like overloading the boot so the roof stowage area is obstructed then I don't see what's so difficult about pressing the down or up button!
I've had no problem with the keycard either, the diesel privelege model has a hands free card which you just need to keep in your pocket.
You may find there's quite a long wait for delivery, but it's worth checking out some brokers for the best deal, eg ukcarbroker which I can reccommend.
There's a good independant website which is well worth checking out, www.meganecc.com.
Without turning into a BMW-bashing thread, has anybody ever seen a BMW X5 which isn't black? There are quite a few X5s around my office in South Kensington, and they're to be seen all over the country but has anyone ever seen one in a different colour?
I've even seen non-red Ferraris but a non-black X5 still escapes me. Can anybody out there tell me for sure they come in other colours? Read more
Ones with the number plate X5 *** make me cringe.
Pure vanity.
I have a 2004 VW Bora 1.6S which is fitted with eight speakers, four front and four rear. Only the front four are live, which is the standard specification for that model, as eight speakers come as standard only on higher specification Boras.
How easy/difficult is it to connect up the rear speakers? - don't know if they're already wired or not.
Boraman
Read more
Have you had the panels off and confirmed that there actually are speakers in there?
El Dingo.
Hi,
the bearings in my diesel injection pump have gone on my 1996 (new shape) 106 XN 1.5. I've taken it to a 'specialist' and he's quoting £450 to recondition it. This seems like quite an expensive quote considering he says it will only take him 1 day to do it. Does anyone know if this price sounds ok or not? I've tried calling a couple of other places, but they say they need to see it before they can quote me.
Does anyone know of another diesel injection specialist?
Also, i've looked into getting a replacement (from a breakers) but am struggling to get the correct type - does anyone know a breakers with a large number of 106 spares in it as the 6 or 7 I've spoken to so far have not had the part required.
Any help greatly appreciated.
Chris Read more
I would think. at that price you would get many more years of motoring.Diesels are hard to find. if car is in good nick.No probs stay with it.get repaired..unless you can find a bargain.In present state of market I doubt it?
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Was mech1
I realised today that everytime I travel over a large road bridge, the usual suspects being the Thelwall Viaduct, and the Barton Bridge, I find myself wondering whether the 2 1/2 foot (guestimate) barriers would actually prevent a vehicle from going over and into the drink should one actually hit it at speed.
Scares the life out of me when I have to cross such bridges (the Forth road bridge really scares me) and I always find myself moving into either lane 2 or 3, to keep away from the edge.
Surely the barriers should be much higher? Anyone know whether anyone has ever been unfortunate enough to go over the edge on road bridges. Read more
I can't wait to drive over the new bridge over the
Tarn gorge in France when it opens soon.
Designed by Norman Foster, the Viaduc de Millau is over 2km
long, with the roadbed 270 metres (900ft!) above the river.
My wife says she will wait for me on the other
side.
lets hope he gets the damping right. Millenium bridge mkII anyone?
HJ's Agony Column, Telegraph 2nd Oct, there was a reader's letter saying that he had had a bad puncture on his Jan 2004 Polo Twist but that the original type of Michelin was no longer available and that 'a substitute could not be paired on the same axle with an original tyre'.
There may have been information removed by the sub-editors, but whilst I could understand it if the tyre size had changed, would just a different make (ie same size and speed rating) really be a problem? Any comments from our Regulations/MOT/VW experts?
Read more
I had all four tyres fitted on my last car - except I only had three done on the first visit because they couldn't find the fourth! They ordered another of the same make and it came with a different tread pattern as it had been redesigned, not renamed. Didn't cause me any problems.
Does anyone have any opinions on using Slick 50 or similar.
Ta
AL Read more
For some of the more gullible types. you may get orders. for it;-).As I said before in another thread keep motor serviced on time. forget additives..
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Was mech1
Has anyone else seen the new advert for the new Honda diesel? Absolutley brilliant!!
www.honda.co.uk
Andy Read more
Damn you! That's 6 times in a row I've watched that clip. Methinks I'll be visiting the Honda dealer tomorrow to take a test drive. My Dad's looking at getting a new diesel, may as well test it as I'll be driving it a lot. :P
Double thread really - first one is to vent my spleen, second is a question for more mechanically minded readers.
One shopping channel wound me up again this weekend with their claims about fuel magnets and charged £25 for the privilege of owning a lump of iron which does nothing for your car! The presenter asked the 'salesman' why if the product could save you 10-30% on your fuel costs they aren't fitted as standard. Response - (i) the manufacturers are in denial about how well they work and choose to ignore them! (ii) the manufacturers are hand in glove with the petrol giants and do not want their engines to become more efficient than they already are!!
Then another channel was showing a US product which allegedly reduces friction. The test was two engines - one in a car the other on a bench. Both engines had the product put in, run for a while then the oil removed and left empty. The car was then taken on a very long run (over two hours) and it didn't seize. The second engine was a V8 on a test bed. This was running with no oil and then the water hose was cut - the engine continued running. Is the product so good, or would an engine run for hours without oil anyway? Read more
Every motor I`ve come across thats run out of oil. either wont start. or did but run really rough.I remember a Special edition Capri. Which ford released IIRC 1987.One came in for service oil drained/filter replaced. Tech forgot to fill with oil. Test drive carried out. broke down about 2 miles from garage..Result rebuild. Also know of one car that never(untill I`m asked)gets checked..when I do check its because this fiesta wont start ie run out of oil.Fill up and its fine
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Was mech1
Browse
Similar to what you describe - windscreen mounted and with an inernal battery - but only £22, and the reviews I've read seem to give it a thumbs-up: www.mobilefun.co.uk/product/1831.htm