April 2006
Does a re-test require the whole test to be done again, or is it just the areas of failure that are tested again? Read more
Mrs M-M went off to look at a car yesterday armed with a list of the usual questions:
Model, Age, Mileage, Tax, MOT, service, etc.
The woman owner happily provided all the details: 1.6 Focus Zetec, 2002, 35k OTC, Tax/Mot due in July etc.
The Mrs immediately noticed it looked a bit shabby and then asked about the service history. "Oh I haven't had it serviced" she replied. Not quite understanding what she meant but presuming it was just due a service, the Mrs then asked when it was last serviced.
"Oh I haven't had it serviced" came the reply!! Ever!!
Needless to say we won't be making an offer.
I still can't quite believe anyone would buy a brand new car, own it for 4 years and either not bother or possibly even not realise it'll need servicing!
The mind boggles!
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Just bumped into a guy at the car wash driving a reasonable condition J reg VW Golf GTD (Mk2). He has owned it from new and it has done over 200,000 miles and sounded very smooth even for a petrol.
Servicing? Oil change and other checks every 5,000 miles.
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Espada III - well if you have a family and need a Lamborghini, what else do you drive?
Are you sent a reminder for the first (or any subsequent) MOT, or is it up to you to remember? Because I bought my car secondhand the MOT date is not the same as the tax renewal date.
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L\'escargot. Read more
There's a reminder sticker on the back of the new computerised MOT form for you to stick somewhere!.
Hi all,
The girlfriend has a 1997 Fiat Cinciquento (sp?) and it has and alarm on (3rd party i think) which all of a sudden has started going off randomly, even when it is supposedly switched off and when you are driving.
I thought it might be the battery but it was new about 6 months ago, so has anyone else got any ideas what it could be?!
Thanks Read more
Thanks for the advice!
I have now noticed that the alarm only seems to be going off when the alarm is switched off.
Could it be an almost dead battery in the remote setting it off?
Anyone on here got (or know someone who has) an Aygo?
I'm thinking about getting a small car with excellent fuel economy and Aygo seems to fit the bill. I like the look of the car and also Toyota's reputation for reliability.
So please post any comments you have.
Thanks. Read more
on tonight's (tues 6th June) Top Gear they are doing a
feature on the AYGO>>
I don't think this will be a useful buyers guide unless you're planning to play football with it ...
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IanS
Hi can anyone recommend a good auto locksmith in the shropshire area? Or slightly further afield? Many Thanks Read more
If you are in need of a auto locksmith then you need to follow a few steps. You can call your family or friends and ask them for a recommendation to a reliable locksmith. If you've got some time, you can also look for locksmiths on the internet. You can easily find a locksmith in the shropshire area or any location by searching on the internet.
Hi all, new here and hope you can help. I bought a Mondeo Zetec 2003 and have just realised the airbag light does not come on when I start the car. Does this mean I have no airbags? Is there anyone out there with any ideas on how to resolve this without a trip to the dealers? I Have checked the fuse and that's ok. Read more
Does the light not come on at all? If so then it will have to go into the dealer to go on there diagnostic system. It may just be that the bulb for the display has gone, but it really needs to be checked out, as at the minute you don't know if the system is working or not.
Thinking about it, a good independant Ford specialist should have the correct diagnostic system.
Generally speaking, are used cars cheaper in Scotland compared to, say, the Midlands or the South? Read more
I understand that cars in Scotland are generally dearer. I've been told this by several people including a guy who bought a car off me who travelled from the North of Glasgow to me in West Berks to pick the car up. I think as a rule of thumb, when you get to outlying areas of the UK there is more of a captive market and less competetion, henc higher prices.
i am looking for a new car and would like a golf. i have seen 2 which i like the look of. 1st is a 1997 mk3 1.9 tdi and the other a 1997 mk3 1.8se. The tdi has 110k on the clock and the SE has 89k. both same price at £1750 ono. Is this to pricey for them? What is the best one? anything to look out for Read more
TDI every time. As much torque as a VR6 and 56mpg. I have a 1997 Vento that has done 160K and never failed (135k by myself). Just Cat 3 written off, it's off for a new MOT soon. I may be selling later.
Personally I'd try and find a Vento rather than a Golf. they drive better, cost less and can carry much more. And yes, I've had both in mk3 form. Just avoid white :-) Not high on the image stakes, but 1250 should find a good one.
regards,
daren
Popped into my local Alfa dealer on Saturday for a closer look at the Brera.
Staff very friendly and happy for myself and 13 year old son to kick the tyres etc. Had a great half hour or so and putting aside the usual Alfa "concerns" I reckon that Alfa must have the most desirable range of new cars available under 25k.
Brera is very good looker with more space than I had expected. However, overall I prefer the lines of the GT coupe. Anyone out there lucky enough to own one?
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IanS
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That'd be me then! And mine was run on main dealer servicing, could be even cheaper if you can use an indie. I'd buy another in the blink of an eye, if I had a big chunk of money to go into a car! A guy over on Pistonheads has just bought his first one & wondered why he didn't do it years ago.
At the mo I'll live with a 3K Porsche that's cost me 25PPM over 22K Miles this year. Although their have been several 166s on E Bay recently for low money, but that'll have to wait until work gives me a petrol card, as I fancy a V6.
Browse
I have just confirmed with the garage (main dealer) that carried out the test that, because I took the car away to get repairs done, then I will be charged the full fee. I only went there to take advantage of a special offer, so I have gained nothing in the end. I just couldn't afford to pay their rates for spares and labour, on a 12 year old car.