March 2006
{Prior to dividing this thread into separate volumes, it was one of the longest threads in the history of the Backroom (260 replies to date 06 Aug 2006). It has grown so big that I've separated it to make easier loading and reading for people still on dial up)
Volume 1 of this thread can be found HERE
Volume 2 of this thread can be found HERE
DD.
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Went for test drive in one of these today.
"6 inch stretched version"
Hmm If it's only 6 inches now, what was it before?
:-)
More on topic, I defend my description a a chav's car: this reinforces it.
In 6 months' time EVERY drug dealer will have one...
madf Read more
A report in the Auto Express states that Vauxhall are cutting the supply of cars that go to hire companies by as much as 25,000 per annum in an attempt to boost residual prices for the private car buyer.
Much as this has to be applauded, are Vauxhall going to sell an extra 25,000 cars to the private buyer? Or is this going to result in less production, possible job cuts etc.
I know that the hire companies get great deals, but surely, as a business, it is a good deal for Vauxhall to actually sell their product as well? Read more
Will this new Vauxhall ruling apply to car rental firms in the UK or throughout mainland Europe too ?
With run flat tyres being a relatively new technology around which the whole car suspension and tracking is designed & set up, does anyone know if runflats were later to be replaced with conventional pneumatic tyres, whether the manufacturers warranty and also the insurance would be invalidated.?????? Read more
Carried on for another 10 miles to work, phoned lease co,
drove down to KWIK FIT, will have one available in an
hour sir. Drove back to work, and then returned later that
afternoon when it was more convenient for me !
On a lease car you could have just called Kwik Fit mobile and you wouldn't have even had to make the 2 journeys.
Today I reversed into a car in a church carpark and scratched the front wheel arch. I don't think it's anything too major. I know I'll have to pay for repairs but was wondering (in case it all gets messy) whether I am compltely to blame as the car was parked outside of the parking bays. The car park was completely full and people were parked on the edge where you would normally use for access and turning. There was no room to turn around so I had to reverse out. The car was parked next to a corner which was tight for me to get round. Am I clutching at straws thinking that maybe the other car shouldn't be parked where it was therefore was a little to blame?
Does anyone know where could I get advice? I don't know the laws concerning this. Read more
Sorry you are fully responsible for any damage. Regards Peter
I am in the final interview stages for a new job, which I believe comes with a car allowance in lieu of a company car.
I currently have a 1997 VW Passat TDi 110 with 181,000 miles on the clock. To be honest, it's a reliable workhouse that hasn't ever let me down. But, I'm the kind of person who doesn't normally keep his car for more than three years - hence why I'm thinking of changing.
I don't want to use the car allowance to purchase a car on HP or Options, just in case I find myself without a job. Hence my thoughts turn to personal leasing.
I've spent a fair amount of time on the RAC leasing website and have found I can lease a brand new C5 1.6HDi 16v VTR coupe for £250 a month (3yrs/25,000 pa/non-maint/GAP & Early Termination Insurance Inc).
I don't think that's too unreasonable, especially as I don't have to deal with depreciation. Okay, servicing over the 75,000 miles will be down to me but I don't see that as a problem (especially as the maintenance option added £65 a month to the lease cost!)
Does anyone have any opinions on going down the lease route, and if a heavily discounted Citroen is the way forward to bring the lease cost down?
Cheers,
DB Read more
Presumably you mean a C4 coupé, not a C5?
Admittedly it's not a conditional sale like HP or a PCP, but you still end up with liability for ending the lease early with early termination penalties, or possibly restrictive terms and conditions on the early termination insurance. Without the insurance, you could actually be put in a worse position than with HP or PCP as there is no rule that says that you can hand back once you have paid 50% of the total credit price.
A new C4 VTR HDi can be had for £11k. Allowing £1,500 for the old car, that is £9,500 to finance. Over three years that works out at £288 per month. At the end of the period, you've got equity of around £4,750 in the car if you sell privately. That is roughly £198 per month net cost of purchasing that car, including interest. Also, if you were to lose your job, etc., you could sell the car which with a £1,500 deposit should always have enough value left in it to clear the loan regardless, which is all the insurance is really providing you with.
I have a T reg golf STDi 90BHP which has developed an engine cut out. It first manifested itself as a mild engine/revving vibration just on the point of coming to a standstill whilst decelerating - once the car is stationary the engine idles ok. This vibration seems worse when the engine is warm. I have had ECU electronically checked and it shows no fault codes. Fuel filter also changed. During the last couple of weeks the engine has just cut out about 5 times when driving. The revs suddenly drop and the engine cuts out. Upon restarting the ignition the engine fires again OK.
I have had acouple of local garages take a look and both say it is a problem with the fuel system.
Sometimes the car runs like a dream and other times it feels really lumpy with no power. Any ideas gratefully received Read more
Garage has diagnosed a worn dual mass fly wheel - he says that Bosch issued a warning about premature wear of this component? Does anyone have experience of this or know if it was covered by a VW recall. My car has done 68k. How much does it cost to have this fixed. Only had the car three months should I go back to the dealer? Ta
A quick question:
If a set of ignition leads with a specified resistance of 5K Ohms, all increase to 6K Ohms would this be enough to stop the engine starting when cold, but perhaps keep a hot engine running?
Thanks in advance
Read more
Just for information. The resistance of carbon leads depends on the car and the make of leads. a Pug 106 has 1.2 to 1.5 per 300mm ( ft ) and of course the resistance of the lead is proportional to it's length. Regards Peter
Deos anyone have any experience of or knowledge of either the AXR Crossbone (www.axrdistribution.com)or the luxury (!) Carbone version? I seem to remember reading a test review in one of the UK papers on the Crossbone which slated it for having scarcely any suspension and being pointless but I can't find the report online. The UK importer mentioned on the French website doesn't have anything on AXRs on its website.
Does the Morini 400 cc engine have any track record in other uses? Read more
Does the Morini 400 cc engine have any track record in
other uses?
Ride on mowers
Drink-driver, 14, flies into rage after sentencing
A 14-year-old drink-driver punched a prosecutor and threw a jug of water at magistrates as she was jailed.
Leanne Black, of Thatcham, Berkshire, flew into a rage at Newbury Youth Court after being told she faced four months behind bars for driving offences.
Before the drama, the court took the unusual step of saying Leanne could be named due to public interest.
When she was 12, she is thought to have become Britain's youngest drink-driver, and was disqualified for two years.
Read more
I think this subject has run it's course.
Most people have had their say and voiced an opinion - most of which is more related to parenting and discipline rather than motoring itself.
Also, the people concerned have already had their 15 minutes of fame elsewhere in the tabloids, etc...
so, Thread Locked.
DD.
Hi,
Does anyone have any recommendations on "any driver over 21" 17-seater minibus insurance.
Our church bus cover is up for renewal, and the premium has shot up by 70%...
r Read more
You are most kind!
Thanks very much.
rg
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"It must also take the prize for the most posts from one individual - nearly 80. Yawn.
BTW, I think the 300C is an impressive piece of kit. But really..."
Well I think the bigger prize must surely go to the individual who ACTUALLY sat down and counted the number of posts by Murphy the cat!
Yawn!
That must account for a surfeit of time surely!