November 2004
Do they have dummies seated in the back of cars during crash testing? I was wondering what injuries would be caused by someone's head being in contact with the roof of a car during a crash, as many modern saloons have very low rooflines at the back. I have sat in the rear in many current cars and found that my head was in contact with the roof, to the extent that I couldn't lean back on the headrests. Read more
My car has done 165000 miles I haven't had it from new but have the old receipts. I acquired it at 98000 miles. Beside the things that come up on MOT I was just wondering what could start packing up soon. I've only had to replace the alternator, water pump, radiator and drive shafts. I don't think even the clutch has been replaced. How about oil pump or injector pump, how long could they last? Read more
I think the fuel filter should be changed around every 10000.Some might say this is a bit too soon, but the part is just a few quid and easy to change. I tend to do it about every other oil change.
I never find any water, or crud in the fuel filter housing when i do change it though so maybe 10k is a bit premature.Oil never stays in more than 6000 however.
Its up to you!
When I start the car and set off the car is fine and the turbo boosts as normal, until the SERV and Injection lamps illuminate.
The car then goes into limp home mode and is so slow its not funny!.
The fault is not with the turbo unit but seems to be electrical??
Hope someone knows the cause of this annoying problem.
Regards To All
Lee Read more
The Dti and the DCI are not that similar. The Dci has its own unique little foibles.
Got a Fiesta 1997 1.25 Zetec, it drives OK but there is a knocking sound even when standing under acceleration. It sounds like a big end problem, so I thought I would just replace the bearings. However autodata has a note on this engine saying
"CAUTION: Measurement of bearing clearance is not possible by normal methods and should not be attempted, as this will result in damage to the cylinder block and crankshaft. If the bearing bolts have been loosened the entire engine cylinder block and crankshaft must be replaced"
Ford won't supply any parts for this engine, but will swap the bottom end for £400, but that means 11 hours work. A complete engine is £1100.
As this same warning appears on a number of mondeo engines, i was wondering if anyone knows exactly what the problem is, how to get around it, names of any parts suppliers etc.
Any information or knowledge about someone who might know about it would be appreciated.
Thanks for your help.
Read more
Seen quite a few of these engines with growly bottom ends, seems to be a result of sticking to manufacturers service intervals. 10k between services is far too long in my opinion. My own personal regime is oil change every 3k then flush, oil and filter every 6k with quality semi synthetic. Oh, and on the 1.25/1.4 Zetec cam belt no later than 80k. Changed two now at less than 40k and the tensioners were definately 'iffy'. Whether they would have run the distance who knows?, probably, but I didnt want to run the risk. Easy job with the right kit.
Andrew
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Simplicate and add lightness!!
I appreciate that if you travel in the cotswolds this may not be that uncommon, but today I drove through the centre of Cheltenham for the first time.
That is all. Read more
"How else would you describe changing an alternator on a '97 Astra?"
That argues for the removal of all swear filtering, IMHO...
Someone I know is thinking of buying a Kia Magentis (after long-running and harrowing problems with a Jag X-type). He's had a short drive in one and thinks there OK.
I note that they seem to be well regarded in the US (sold as a Kia Optima) - anyone have any experience of them over the longer term. Any ideas how they differ from the Hyundai Sonata (other than the latter gets a 5-year warranty and higher price)? Read more
the 2.0 is quite ok - most at home on the motorway.
i lvoe using the magentis for mtorway driving, my favourite car for doing it out of our pool.
i can choose form shuma 2, accent, matrix, mazda 6, elantra and mondeo.
yet the magentis seems to effortlesly hover along the motorway - and it has bags of leg space.
ive heard of people picking them up for 7grand - which is unbeatable value - - real top car.
Lie all kia and hyundais it rusts.
The one outside is on 52 plate with 56k, only 1 fault which was before 2,000 miles when the drivers seat was creaking excessivly - easily fixed.
The only real problem seems to be rust which has caused a bit of uglyness under the bonnet and as a earlier user mentioned - wheel arches show the bubbling effect.
paintwork will always be a concern buying korean - however, the magentis i would reccomend.
Coming home this lunchtime (Whoppee Friday afternoon off) along the A31 Hogs Back, the hazard board was lit up warning of fog - poor visibility.
Since I could see Heathrow terminal 5 (about 30 miles?) out of the side window (note to self - must keep eyes on road) it's hard too see how it could be much better.
This is an accident blackspot in the rush hour - but a lot of drivers won't pay much heed next time around - when there might really be fog.
Does anyone know if fog detectors are automatic - or does it require human input to switch them on and off?
Read more
>>Coming home this lunchtime (Whoppee Friday afternoon off)
>>along the A31 Hogs Back
I too was on the Hogs Back this afternoon (eastwards) but later (after dark). Car with on-board pillocks joins at Tongham with lights out. I overtake with suitable audible warnings and one or two flashes to try to impart the message that they are somehow different from the rest of us.
Pillocks Inc. respond with much leaning on horn, flashing of headlights (yep, they do actually work but unfortunately don't stay on), then perform an exaggerated overtaking manoeuvre and lots of verbal, and they sped on their way.
I wonder whether they ever got the message. Pointless hazard if ever there was one.
Oz (as was)
My girlfriend has a problem with her 1.4 LX peugeot 206 (02 reg). The engine suddenly lost power on the motorway last night and the engine warning light came on.
She pulled off the motorway, switched the engine off, tried it again after 5 minutes and the engine was fine and the warning light had gone off.
I have read that this is a common problem with 206s. Does anyone know what it could be or have any experience of the same happening ?
Any help/advice would be appreciated. Thanks Read more
Firstly as the car is still under warranty, get it to the dealer and get them to read the fault codes,
I work in a peugeot dealer and see this on a daily basis, id guess it to be plugs coils and extensions which you will get done under warranty
Cheers
Ross
Currently an RAC member having joined through a discount offer. I travel a lot between Aberdeen and Oxford and learned by chance that RAC members get 20% discount at Moto Services(excluding petrol)and Little Chef. I was not aware that RAC members were entitled to discount anywhere. RAC certainly do not publicise this fact. Does anybody know of any other discounts available to RAC members ? Read more
If anyone has any queries go to www.rac.co.uk
Hi all
i have a rover 75 club se cdt estate 51 plate registered dec01
it has 100'000 miles on, frsh.
cream in colour and not leather.
what could i put it in the autotrader for?
the cheapest cdt like mine is £6999. thats on a national search
for cdt estate. there are 4 on a national search under £7000
its in good condition, 1 stone chip on bonnet.
i am hoping a taxi driver would like it !
i was thinking about putting in autotrader for £6100
any idea's? Read more
cheers for that.
there is not 1 which is less than £6950
there are 5 in the whole country.
just phoned the gold mettalic up, it has 110K miles.
and its a y plate.
so mine for £5995 would a good price.
cheers for that ColinM
how would i go about selling it, but asking them to pick up in dec. that is when my new car will be ready?
i do around 4K miles a month.
Browse
I quite agree that it is not possible to cover every aspect of accident risk in testing, but straightforward situations can be dealt with, e.g front and rear impact. These will cause whiplash injuries and if the head is jammed against the roof, the leverage on the neck will be immense.