December 2005
are bmw over engineered to much they seem to brag about ther engines and there build quality i think lexus are better cars better built and the engines are bullet proof i heard that they use mineral oil in some of there cars is vvti better than bmws valvetronic or both just as good anyone everdriven a lexus or owned one are they superb to drive
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Hi there people. I own a 1.4 cl vw golf j reg. and it has done 106000 miles. I bought when it had 88000 on the clock.
Has anyone got a car that has done maybe 150,000 200,000 miles still with the engine? How many miles will an engine do if its serviced regularly. I get the oil changed every 6000 miles, and do diesels last longer than petrol engined cars?
{Puntuation added to make easier reading. DD} Read more
"There have always been cars capable of large mileages"
Especially if you change the oil regularly, which, of course, used to be de rigeur (especially if you had a chauffeur).
I note from HJs letters this week that someone who went though a red light to allow an emergency vehicle through - this was a while back and they were "caught" - points + fine, they appealed, and the appeal failed. Seems the law won't look favourably if you do this- even if it is safe. As someone who has found myself having to do this more than I care to remember of late, I will certainly not move through a red for an emergency vehicle...Which will be v interesting where I live, as they have just remodelled to towns main road in and out to be so narrow that there is no lateral room to manouver. A+S Constabulary and other emergency services may have a wait on their hands. Would others risk their driving record and wallet?
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Those West Midlands' Officers standing at the traffic lights (see carjacking thread) might serve an useful purpose after all !
Bazzabear I agree with you on moral and ethical grounds, trouble is (and I can evidence this) Police in particular are so trigger happy with blues and twos you may be running the risk of gaining a fine and some point for the sake of a dead sheep in the road. (not hypothetical by the way)
Hi
I have got a problem with a astra 1.6 16valve ecotec,which is as follows: the battery light has come on and also at the same time i lost the power steering, please can someone help.
Cheers BIGMAN Read more
HI
sorted it out yesterday and it was the alternator thanks to the people who replied to my thread
CHEERS Richard
While coming home on the motorway yesterday, my 2001, 320D touring's rear wiper & wash stopped working. The wiper arm is stuck in the vertical position and I can't see much behind me with this weather. I've checked fuses and contacts on rear lid, all ok. She's in for a service next week and I'd really like to get it fixed before having to pay bmw for the privelege. I've looked for relays but can't find them. Any help is very gratefully recieved. Mike. Read more
Thanks for your answer, but would both have seized at the same time do you think ( wiper AND washer pump)?
{To avoid any repetition of answers, please reply to the other thread started by mikert, which is here:-
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=37366 - DD}
Where are all these cars? I've not seen one in the UK. Back in France I've seen quite a few but no as many as I thought. Read more
I think it has a hint of disability motoring to it, no disrespect but why have a car with electric sliding doors if you are fit and able?
The Panda is a cracking small car, I have one and it drives far better than the recently replaced Punto. The doors are that small that it is no problem getting in and out in car parks eliminating the solution suggested by the 1007. Fiat should market it more actively but perhaps there is less of a market in the UK for city cars when Superminis are not that greater in price. Not sure how long the KA can continue in it's tenth year in that sector.
I suppose the 1007 will quietly slip away out of production to join the Vel Satis et al as collectors items for the future.
Sorry.
I need to absolve myself.
I was following a Polo before which kept easing off and slowing down and then speeding up again so I kept an even greater distance.
We got to the junction with the East Lancs road (traffic light camera enforced) and began to turn right when he decided to slam the brakes on mid junction thus forcing me to do so too. I was in disbelief thinking he was looking for another turn off or were lost so I gave a quick tap on the horn. Nothing. So I looked around to (bearing in mind we were smack bang in the middle of a very fast dual carriageway) when I saw a Police van with the blues on. He went past and then the Polo (and I) moved again.
I flashed my lights to apologise but doubt whether he saw.
So, I am sorry. Lesson Learnt: - Never be so quick to beep your horn again ;-)
There - I feel better now.
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Did the Uni run on saturday to bring dear daughter home for Christmas. Life will not be same for obout a month!!
That aside some observations from the trip which is mostly motorway/dual carriageway.
Only saw one police vehicle (marked)
Traffic was much much lighter than expected for the Saturday before Christmas.
Never saw one accident.
Never had one hairy moment.
The camara vans were out in force on the bridges over the M4.
As time was not an issue, I did an 'experiment' on speed
against fuel consumption. Using the tip computer I monitored consumption over 2 30 mile m/way stretches. one at max 60 mph
and the other at 'normal' speed. The difference was surprising.
At 60 Mph the average was 41 MPG -- not bad for a big loaded V6 petrol auto estate. At normal speed the average fell to 29 mpg --- 12 mpg less and a huge endorsement for the 'reduce speed limits to save fuel' lobbys.
I know this sounds a sad thing to have done but as I said, time was not an issue and traffic was light and I suppose I was a bit bored! Although trust me driving a 140MPH esate car a 60 mph on a quiet motorway for 30 miles is even more boring than very boring and takes incredible self control.
The main point I'm making though is my surprise at how much you can save by slowing down a bit. Not saying I agree but looks like it's true
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"anyone who has a car that uses less fuel as its driven faster.."
I seem to remember that one of the early Lotuses claimed better economy at 70 than 50 - presumably something to do with throttle settings and torque characteristics, so doubtless special circumstances rather than an upending of Physics!
I just wanted to thank HJ for his excellent work on this website. His up to date and detailed reviews are really useful when considering a new car. Two weeks into owning a Kia Rio III and my wife is well chuffed. If it wasn't for HJ's review I dont think I would have considered this car and would have ended up with the competent but boring Mazda 2 or the very good but very expensive Jazz. We have the 1.5 CRDI Rio and are really pleased with the build quality, handling and above all value for money. Read more
You only visit every few days! Shame on you :)
I made the classic mistake today. Came up to a T junction with a give way sign wanting to turn left. Stream of cars coming from my right so resigned to a longish wait. About the fifth car in the stream flashed his headlamps so I thought "What a kind gentleman, he's letting me out". You've all guessed the rest; he was of course flashing his lights in greeting to a friend coming the other way. I moved out, fortunately there was nothing more than curses and rude gestures from him. Perhaps it really is time we all obeyed the rules about headlamp flashing! Read more
I suggested switching off dips not sidelights/parking lights. Is this illegal
if you have pulled over and stopped/parked?
No, of course you are right, I misread. It's a bit academic - no one's likely to be around to book for a 2-second infringement. Probably "parking" in a passing place is itself an offence.


>>are bmw over engineered to much they seem to brag about ther engines and there build quality i think lexus are better cars better built and the engines are bullet proof>>
Whilst you are still presumably dreaming of the day you will be able/allowed to drive around on four wheels, perhaps you should compare your statement above with the following quote from another of your thread postings...:-)
"well i totally agree with you lexus are asuperb car well engineered. build quality second to none infact i think it just as good asd mercedes benz or bmw."
Even more puzzling in the first quote is the query as to whether BMWs are over engineered and then pointing out that a Lexus is "better built"...:-))
Over engineered over engineering?
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