June 2006

borasport20

f.y.i. - I have sung the praises of 'more than' breakdown cover before now, but here's a word of warning - if you ever use the web site to get a quote for motor insurance, don't let them have your phone number.

I requested a quote over the net the other week, but haven't done anything about it as it isn't due to the end of the month.

I've had three calls from morethan in the past 24 hours pestering me to go ahead with their insurance, which is just annoying enough to make me look elsewhere

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Stuartli

I've never had follow up phone calls, but if I use a website that garners details from various insurance companies I do get e-mails for two or three years afterwards...:-)
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by

David Horn

If an insurance company chooses not to insure me because I'm under 21, is this age discrimination?

PS - yes, I'm still searching for a bearable quote, CIS has stopped offering "Any driver" policies. Read more

L'escargot

CIS
has stopped offering "Any driver" policies.


I've been with CIS for 40 years and although they did "any driver" policies (which I've got) the premium was always higher for under 25s.
--
L\'escargot.
Miko

Hi, I am after a 2nd car for light use (approx 4000 mile per year) with about £3000 to spend. I'd like something different and it doesn't need to be too practical, although it needs to be reliable. I was thinking about an Alfa GTV, or perhaps even a Porsche 944. Are either cars reliable for everyday driving? would I be making a big mistake? anyone have any suggestions? Sanity check required and appreciated.... thankyou. Read more

Pugugly {P}

Took a relative's Puma out this morning, It is a seriously fine little motor, won't let go grip, a thundering engine (once I blew out the cobwebs) and super, super gearchange. Buy one it doesn't drive like a fwd at all.

Big Bad Dave

An editor at the magazine I work for asked me this question for an article he is writing.

How much would I have to pay for a brand new top of the range Nissan Skyline in the UK. Would it have to be imported? Any other information?

I didn?t even know they still made them.

Cheers, Dave Read more

trancer

The new Skyline is already out and it doesn't have 4WD or twin turbos. You may be confusing the GTR or V-spec model with the garden variety Skyline.

apm

Hi all,

My GF's 2000V BMW 318Ci flashed warning lights a couple of days ago (ABS, TC and brake- manual says be cautious, but can keep driving). GF worried- books into local indy for a check tomorrow (sat). Check fluid- all ok. Lights have not re-appeared. Do we go for the check, or can this be put down to a ghost in the machine? Reluctant to turn up for the mechanic to say he (she?) can't find anything wrong, that'll be £100 please for pluggin in his (her?) machine.

Any opinions? My default position is- if there was a problem, the lights would stay on. So, wait until that happens. On the other hand, I don't want the GF at risk. The drive of the car (inc brakes) hasn't changed.

All advice welcomed!

TIA,

Alex.


--
Dr Alex Mears
MG BGT 1971
If you are in a hole stop digging...unless
you are a miner. Read more

adverse camber

Cant help but you might want to keep an eye on the Ross Tech web site. They are the people who make VAG-COM which does full vw/audi diagnostics through your PC. They are developing a bmw/mini version of their software to be called BIM-COM. For a couple of hundred quid it will be well worth getting to save on diagnostic costs.

helicopter

I followed a car this morning with not only the obligatory England flag but also it had red cross white background stickers in the rear saying 'Support England' and 'England Forever'. From the front mirror hung red and white fluffy dice.

A chav in a Corsa you ask ? Hairy bummed builders on their way to the site - no?

It was a suit in a new Mercedes C180 .

But what truly English mainstream car is left that you reckon he could have been driving to show real support for his country ?


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Tomo

Come on England and to the devil with the greeting Peoples' Republic of North Britain correction Scotland (where I have been persecuted for 78 years).

At least I shall exercise Toad (motoring connection!).

cheddar

Planning at some point to change the coolant and brake fluid on the Mondeo, Clio and Kawasaki ZRX, a few questions:

1/ According to Haynes Ford original fit coolant is OK "for the life of the car", I have had it from new so I know it has not been changed for an inferior type or diluted, any thoughts?

2/ Renault and Kawasaki conveniently both specify ethylene-glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors suitable for steel/alluminium, what is the best coolant? Halfords own?

3/ The Mondeo requires brake fluid to Ford spec ESD-M6C57-A, Haynes also say Super DOT 4, will any Super DOT 4 fluid meet this Ford standard?

4/ Haynes state DOT 4 for the Clio, I assume I can use Super DOT 4?


Many thanks. Read more

Roger Jones

This thread may be of interest:

www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=40705&...f

Daz

Hi, my wife's Corsa horn has stopped working, bought a relay from a scrappy which has made no difference, checked all fuses just to be sure.

Any ideas please MOT due next week - help! Read more

Daz

thanks for the info, even with moving the bumper brackets there is not enough space for me to work in so I will need to remove the whole damn thing.

Wire appears to have snapped off, I'm wondering if I ought to get another connector with a section of wiring and then use connector blocks to the original wires?

kijhub

Hi
been a longtime lurker on this great site quite regularly nipping in when have time for 10 mins or so, to catch up on whats being said.
wonder if any members can help me out with this one....
am having a few problems getting a quote for a 2.3d nissan vanette(window`d version with extra passenger seats,the combi version,manufacturers model)as insurers not recognising it as a car(understandably)yet van insurers wont quote as not strictly speaking a van.......... is for private use and would imagine similar scenario would exist with the very few other similar models available.
Has anyone had similar experiences theyve overcome or can recommend a company that would view this vehicle more favourably.
vehicle itself I know isnt exactly the bees knees but i can ignore its shortcomings as its ok for the purpose i want
thanks in anticipation

kijhub Read more

Stuartli

Just been checking and notice that Cornhill does such insurance (disabled carrying vans), but would point out that vehicles such as the Kangoo, Berlingo etc are, in reality, adapted vans and insurance is obviously available.
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by

bbroomlea{P}

Mate at work has a 206 1.1 on a 52 plate with just less than 40K on the clock and within the last 12 months had big bills. He has owned the car from new (50 miles on delivery) and had it serviced every 12 months.

In the last year he has had to replace the coil packs at great expense and the injectors. Last week the gear selector fell in the gearbox and had a bill for over £300 for a recon box and now it has started to overheat. Closer inspection showed no oil on the dipstick and needed 2 litres of water to get it to a level in the expansion tank so another big bill looming (personally think its the headgasket as it burns oil at high revs and white smoke(steam) even when its warm).

His car has been nothing but bother and was wondering whether this was a friday afternoon car - he is keen to know as he thinks regardless of the £1000+ spent on servicing this would have happened anyway and therefore a waste of money. Its being chopped in soon for something similar but has put him ( and me) off something French.

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bbroomlea{P}

just a quick update, the radiator and waterpump need replacing which has obviously caused the waterloss and overheating.

Looking likely its took the HG as well due to oil consumption and the amount of steam its still producing (even in this weather!)

Hes getting the waterpump and rad done and getting rid in a couple of months and moving on to a new warrior!