April 2005

Thommo

Mods please feel free to remove this if you think its too much.

Advert on classified section 'full service history mainly by me'. Err... not sure thats how these things work.

But motorway miles, one female owner and good reason for sale... Read more

mfarrow

Ah, I guess that's my cue to go back to sleep! ...

:-)

Susan Parker {P}

I have a few queries that I am hoping you knowledgeable men may be able to help with.
I have a Renault Laguna dCi 2003 model that is soon to turn 100K. Although it has been very reliable and cheap to run I fancy a change. So I went down to my local Renault dealer to have a look at the new Laguna dCi. I was impressed with what I saw - although the outside is basically the same, the interior is redesigned and it felt more solid. But I can't decide on colour or whether to get leather interior or not.

My first query is do these things matter for resale? I fancy a silver Laguna again but am not sure if the cost of leather is offset by higher resale value.

My second query is am I better trying to sell my Laguna privately? It's high mileage so I am not expecting much for it.

Thirdly, are certain colours better than others at holding value? My Uncle used to buy beige Mercedes with manual gearboxes because he said no one else wanted them. But he used to run his cars until they died.

Thanks to all who may reply. Read more

Susan Parker {P}

My Laguna is a Dynamique. Didn't get into discussing a trade-in price with the salesman at this stage, was just looking. My brother has expressed an interest in taking on my Laguna so I may be able to go to the dealer for a cash sale.

I am not expecting to get much for my Laguna, with almost 100K on the clock the value will be hit hard. Maybe 4K? It's a shame because the car is immaculate and has FSH by Renault. It's been a good loyal servant. Interior is like new since only I travel in it and I've had one of those wooden bead covers on my seat - excellent for long journeys. There are a few stone chips on the windscreen and front bumper but generally the exterior is spotless, no dents or scratches. Woman driver see, careful ;-)

As for leather, no I don't need it but I thought it might make a change. I spend a lot of time in my car. Might be a bit uncomfortable in hot weather though.

As for colour, the dealer had a new shape dCi in a sort of dark blue metallic which looked nice.

I bought a copy of Diesel Car magazine since they have tested the new Laguna. Looks like there's a 170 bhp version in the pipeline so maybe once I've put 100K on the new Laguna I will get one of those.

Thanks to all. Will let you know how I get on.

Carmad 10000

Hi,

I am due to start a new job soon and am looking to buy a device which will play all my MP3's that will work with my company car. Being a demonstrator, we are not allowed to put anything aftermarket in them - i.e. handsfree kits, aftermarket radios etc.. so it puts me in a dilema

A friend of mine has an IPOD with something called an ITRIP - which plugs into the IPOD. This thing then transmits a radio signal which can then be tuned in on your car's radio so you can listen to the music.

It seems like a good idea - has anyone used one? or are there any alternatives I have overlooked? i.e. non IPOD which will do the same thing, if not better?

Any advice greatly appreciated!

Chris Read more

Garethj

No, you can replace the battery on an ipod, it takes about 20 minutes though and voids the warranty. There are battery kits available with full instructions

pdc {P}

I've been working a contract back in my home town of Stoke for 2 weeks now. This evening was the 10th night that I have done the journey back home to Manchester. It was also the 6th night that the M6 has been closed at somepoint between J15 and J19.

I gave up using the M6 on the 3rd night, and use the A50 instead.

I've worked all over the North West over the past 5 years, and all of my contracts have required motorway driving. I have never known a stretch to have so many accidents.

Read more

Happy Blue!

They built the second Thelwall Viaduct and itr was finished in about 1998. Just before the Commonwealth Games in Manchester they noticed the roller bearings were already failing. So we had another almost five years of contraflows, SPECS, and jams. The repairs took longer than the original build I think.
--
Espada III - well if you have a family and need a Lamborghini, what else do you drive?

Lad

When buying optional extras after a car has been purchased, do dealers give discounts when asked? Just wondered whether its the same as asking for a discount when buying a car.

Cheers Read more

DavidHM

What's the extra? It may make more sense to have it as a change to the factory order, e.g., alloy wheels or an upgraded stereo are usually much cheaper as an upgrade (though still profitable) than as standalone parts.

Other things (e.g., a tow bar) may only be available as dealer fit accessories, or through an independent.

John Bullen

Dear All,

Are Hego and Lambda sensors the same thing? Read more

mfarrow

HEGO - Heated Exhaust Gas Oxygen (sensor).

VTiredeyes

bme se coupe for a day or 2.
looking everywhere, but cant find.
dont want to borrow one of a bmw garage, as it will be one of there demos, ie: a 54 or 05 plate.
im looking at a 51 up to a 03 plate ones.
and they dont want to lend me one thats for sale.
any idea's people? Read more

patently

I think you will be very lucky to find a dealer
prepared to release any BMW on a 24 hour extended test
drive.


I've managed this - but they were new demonstrators, not used stock, and I was an established customer with a 33 month old BMW...

Equally, I knew a former receptionist for the BMW dealer in central Liverpool. When asked for any form of unaccompaned test drive (24 hours, 24 minutes, or 24 seconds!) the sales staff would just laugh.
y2k+4

Got me a 1.6 51-reg Focus now. Loving it, but there's a rattle/knocking sound at cold start-up, (goes quiet after a couple of miles). I was wondering if anyone had any possible ideas on what this might be? I've been reliably informed it's not the fanbelt (despite the guy who sold it, insisting it was - dodgy dealers...). Read more

mjm

Does the oil pressure light go out straight away when the engine starts?
When were the oil and filter last changed?
Was a genuine oe quality oil filter fitted?

It may be rattling due to the oil draining from the filter when the car is left. Try starting the engine, going for a short run, stopping the engine and immeadiately re-starting it. If it does,t rattle on re-start, it points to the oil filter draining.

audi80tdi

Hi all,
Just seen a 2000 V reg Proton Satria GTi for sael. its got 100000 on the clock with a FSH.
Just a couple of question

*Are these cars any good???they certainly look good!
*Are they as fast as other hot hatches...egs Saxo VTS, golf gti etc.
*Hows the Handling

Also what should this car be worth?

Any comments appreciated! Read more

frazerjp

I read somewhere a few years that they're better to drive then the Golf GTI!
*I have a poster in my room with one on!*
--
Its not what you drive, its how you drive it! :-)

The Bear

I wondered what Driving tips others remember that have helped them survive on the road and are worth sharing.

Someone once said to me, " If signals are the language of the road, why do so many people drive along talking to themselves ". Read more

DSLRed

wow - that's catchy!!.