February 2005
In my never ending search for a replacement car, I have found two likely contenders. Both would suit. Your thoughts appreciated about which would be the better buy. (Thinking about residuals, running costs, etc) Both are from non-franchised dealers.
1. 2003 03 BMW 318SE Touring. 42000m, FBMWSH, £13799
2. 2003 53 Audi A3 (new shape) 1.6 Sport, 19500m, FASH, £13995
I could put up with the two doors in the Audi and both still have over a years warranty left. I'm all of a dither....... Read more
Looking for something at auction with balance of manufaturers warranty. Would prefer an sri diesel but probably can't afford it so will probably get a 1.8ls petrol. Anyway what can I expect to pay at auction, I thought with the intro of the new number plate that there will be a glut of these at auction.
Cheers. Read more
Does brake fluid have a shelf life? I've got a bottle in the garage that I used on the rear brake of the bike 2 1/2 years ago, now got to overhall the front calipers and I am going to change the fluid as well. Safe to use, or should I buy new?
Thanks in advance. Read more
Junk DOT 3 or DOT 4 that's been opened.
DOT 5 is silicone-based without the hygroscopic problem but can pose a problem to seals in certain circumstances unless the brake systems are designed for it.
Basically the stuff is cheap enough. Chuck it and get fresh fluid.
1.6 8 valve 'club'
anybody know what the timing belt change interval is, and what a ballpark figure should be for the job ?
ta
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40,000 miles or 4 years MAX! About 1.5 hours labour and insist on new auxiliary belt, water pump, thermostat and belt tensioner.As a guide I currently charge around £175 inclusive and change the antifreeze as well (£35 ph).
Andrew
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Simplicate and add lightness!!
Might even be an omen;-)
tinyurl.com/68zpa
Happy Motoring Phil I Read more
Looks like an ancient canine!
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Roger. (Costa del Sol, España)
Last night I had the dubious privelege of driving my son's Fiesta (1995/96,000ml/1.1L) home in near freezing conditions. Since I last drove it, the heater had packed up and I noticed that the temerature gauge wasn't registering. Are these things likely to be connected, and where should I first start looking? As he is setting off back to the Smoke today, I need to get cracking. Any suggestions (other than 'scrap it!') will be gratefully received. Many thanks. Waino Read more
We replaced the thermostat late Friday pm - and this seems to have done the trick. As suggested, there were 2 pipes to the domed cover, but we managed to move the whole thing slightly to one side for access without actually uncoupling the pipes. The electrical plug was uncoupled which made access slightly easier. I also got cold feet and used a thin smear of Hylomar on the joint when re-assembling. A couple of points which may be useful to anyone else attempting this for the first time:
1. A friend emphasised the importance of cleaning away ALL traces of the old gasket as any remains could lead to breakage of the cast components when tightening up the bolts. The remains of the old gasket were well compacted onto the mating surfaces and did need some attention.
2. The old thermostat had been 'welded' into place by a few spots of corrosion and it took a couple of sharp blows with a hammer and old screwdriver to shift it.
Again, thanks for your comments. Waino
Hi Everyone
okay, so it's a girl question, please take a deep breath :)
I own a 306 TD and the question is... (and no i dont have a manual before anyone says it!, but i will buy one for next time! :)
Turned on the car last night and a red light appeared just below the coil light!, the car did start okay but im wondering what the red light was! (i should really know the answer to this!)
It was a wavy line with a line down the middle.
I've searched online but i cant find any online guides to what the lights all mean.
Can anyone help me please :)
Thanks
Carol Read more
I had this problem with my wifes XTDT, the stealership looked at me all funny when I tried to explain it. Turns out there was a leak in the radiator thus low coolant. New radiator later and no funny squigly lined red light.
Another technical insight into what happens when cars are under-used, this one being from
www.mb-w126-club.de/
"Cars that have been stored for a long time or that have driven many short stretches are prone of having defective or leaking exhaust systems or flanges. This is caused by the residue of sulphur, one of the ingredients of fuel. In every engine and exhaust system that is left to cool down, condensation will form. This condensation disappears when the engine is in use again. If the engine does not get hot enough to remove the condensation, the sulphur residue will chemically react with the condensation water to form an acid. This acid will corrode the exhaust system." Read more
Brake disks, drums, calipers, brake pistons, clutch,fuel systems, also can corrode if the car stands too long.
i am considering buying a skoda octavia ambiente hatchback and would like to hear of any problems / recalls on the vehicles in question.
would also welcome any helful advise re whether to go for 1.6 or 2.0 petrol or 1.9turbo diesel.
any information / web addresses appreciated Read more
In fact, re the badge - go for inverse snobbery:
"Well of course, you know its the Audi A3 / Bora / Toledo / Golf (Pick which one), but with a much bigger boot and loads cheaper"!!!!!
Hi people,
Just need a very quick bit of advice. Does anyone know the interval that Ford recommend for changing the cambelt on the old Focus 1.8 TDi engine?
My brother is going to look at a 60,000 mile W reg one tommorow and I can't remember when the belt is due for change.
Blue Read more
Looks like 100,000 Blue officially, that info based on info from Ford themselves: www.etis.ford.com/fordservice/serviceScheduleForm....o
PP
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The Audi A3 three door will be facelifted during the spring to match the 5 door. The A3 with a 1.6 may struggle - I test drove an A2 with the same engine and it felt very sluggish.