February 2005

Question Creaking Mondeo
Paul Robinson

Today our 2000 Mondeo (old shape) has started 'creaking' from the front passenger side suspension area, when going 'round left hand bends. What's that most likely to be? Read more

carl233

As a safety measure just check the front springs and ensure that they are not broken or show any serious signs of rust.

It is very common for these to break on all MK1 (93-96) and MK2 (96-01) vehicles. If the truth were told they are not upto the job of holding the weight of such a heavy car.

frostbite

Insurance companies always ask you this, but where do they draw the line?

I am certain they want to know about the hot cam or chip, but what about the alloys or tow bar, or even the spoiler?

Also, where do you stand if the last owner has fitted something you don't know about because he didn't mention it, then it is 'discovered' following an accident? Read more

Badger

Something that has long puzzled me. Makes it an even more compelling reason for not risking being hit by one.

boamy

I own a '92 1.8 Golf which occasionally refuses to tick over until it is warmed up. This problem only happens intermittently. I estimate once a week. For the rest of the week it starts and runs fine and I use it for a 50 mile commute daily without any problems.

Any suggestions gratefully received.

Read more

storme

yes it will still start,,,it just wont get any extra fuelling...

in answer the the other question,,,then it sounds like the warm up valve!!!
which takes over after the cold start valve says ,,,it is now too warm for me to operate,,now its your turn,,,

warm up valve is a bit bit tricky,,,,try disconnecting it,,,see how it helps you...but dont worry,,it will not screw anything up,,all they do it say how much the mixture should be...

basically the same as your right foot...in a round about way..

Vansboy

After giving Nissan £5,000,000 grant, to build their new model, in UK, our government insisted they also, re-name it.

In Japan it's called the Nissan Note - over here, it'll be known as Nissan......... TONE!!!!!!!!!!!!

& I'm serious!!

VB Read more

patently

LOL!

Matt

Sorry - I put this in the Technical section so have moved it here. {In which case, to avoid repetition, the one in Tech Matters has subsequently been deleted. DD}

I'm finally considering changing my beloved E30 BMW for an Audi Coupe Quattro 20V or a VW Corrado - not the original quattro but the rounder one from '89-'91. I would be very grateful for any opinions on these cars from those who have owned or driven them as I cannot make up my mind.

I am keen to have the quattro as I live in the country and would like the surefootedness it offers. Is the engine/drivetrain reliable and what are they like to drive etc? Would one of these with 150k miles be a crazy purchase or are they tough enough to take the miles. Is the Quattro really worth it or should I just go for the fwd coupe?

If I go for the Corrado (and cannot afford the running costs of the wonderful VR6) is the G60 reliable enough to consider and how does it compare to the Audi on performance/handling etc.

Any help would be much appreciated,

Cheers. Read more

J Bonington Jagworth

Either would be good to drive - both are on my short list. I still have an '89 Audi 90 which is extremely comfortable and durable - the coupe version has same amount of room in it, although fewer doors, of course. I'd rather have the 5-cylinder Audi engine than the G60, but the VR6 would be tempting. The Audi makes a wonderful sound, though.

Do keep us posted!

allan doc

My honda civic 1.5L r plate has a problem with the heater. When i turn it on, you can here the fan turning, but there is little air coming out the vents? Does anybody know what could be causing this? could it be the pollen filter that is blocked? Read more

Aprilia

could it be the
pollen filter that is blocked?


Yes, most likely.
Citroënian {P}

Go on then.

last line -

And because of that the placard-waving, ignorant anti-4x4 brigade will inevitably hate it all the more



What about the well placard free, informed anti-4x4 brigade? We hate them too.
--
Lee
Having a Fabialous time. Read more
J Bonington Jagworth

"The scrapheap one that snapped"

I thought they both broke? Still, they were pretty impressive considering the production timescale, and surprising evenly matched, considering one had tractor tyres and the other ordinary road wheels!

Chas{P}

A few observations from the research to point out, having done this type of research for 6 years in my previous job.

The Warranty Direct comparison was done on lower replacement frequency parts where there is a known high disparity on prices. If it was done on parts with a much higher replacement frequency then, I know, the disparity would be a lot less. Higher volume parts, such as filters and brake parts are where all the sales revenue is so that?s where all the pricing effort goes in matching the competition.

Meaningful parts price research is based upon these basics:
Selection of high volume models
Selection of high replacement frequency parts
Prices obtained from a representative selection of outlets for an equivalent quality and content part

Good to read but you are hardly shopping round for an air conditioning compressor each year are you?

Discuss
Read more

madf

It's simple economics. You want a fast moving part? It's stocked by loads of people , made by several and competitive . And if it's held in stock it is sold quickly. So the costs of holding stock is very low.

You want a rare infrequently used part? The manufacturer makes it in smll batches. He holds stock. The outlets which hold stock sell it rarely. Costs of manaufacture and holding stock are high.

UK propety prices are v high. So overheads are v high. So infrequently sold parts are going to cost more.

Accessory shops usually have low overheads (simple stocking systems ) and often just order parts for you. So if you can wait they'll be cheaper. Main dealers have fancy premises and well trained (?) staff/receptionists/telephonists and managers to pay - all overheads!

If you can use the internet /ebay. Much cheaper 80% of the time...



madf


arnold2

Long story on my Corolla 1.4, out of warranty gearbox had to be rebuilt after the bearings failed; the repair is now out of warranty, and I am getting problems putting the box into reverse (jumped out of reverse after selecting it & moving this morning). Any idea what's causing this ? Read more

arnold2

Lots ! 143K miles - reverse sometimes takes me pressing the clutch 2 or 3 times in & out to get it to engage...

JamZ

...anyone know how much I can expect to pay for a new bumper on a hyundai getz? :-( Read more

storme

i once paid £150 for a ford sierra bumper,,that was in 1990..

but i have seen some on www.nicedeals.co.uk starting from £35

and i looked on ebay for ya,,but there werent any :(