July 2006
Saw a new S-Max while passing my local Ford dealer today and it looks quite attractive, albeit they had a new Galaxy along side and I had to wonder why the front-end looks to be the same on both models? I would have thought this would dilute the image of the S-max somewhat.
Anyway, can anyone see this being a success for Ford, or for the brave first time owner? I expect it will go the same way as the Signum in that the BMW/Merc/Audi badges are more attractive to buyers for their perceived values, so sales will be poor. On the second hand market however, I would expect the S-Max to offer a lot of value for money.
If buyers wanted to spend £20k plus on a Ford with some carrying capacity, surely they'd opt for the X type estate? Read more
How much should I be looking to pay to have one fitted? I'd want one wired up so I can put a proper trailer with lights on. I've heard of Witter and there seem to be mobile guys to come and fit that type are they OK or can you only get the big brands fitted at their place?
Read more
Many towbar electrics are connected using scotchlocks these days. They're quick and cheap and usually reliable because they're fitted in a dry area.
Soldered connections are much better, but more suited to long term industrial use. .
Problems arise with soldered connections if ever you decide to remove the towbar and wiring. Wires will have been cut, shortened, and soldered. Removal and restoration might well take as long as the installation. Scotchlocked connections can just be unclipped.
Hey ppl, I remember Mr. Big Bad Dave talking about getting off to London...
Wanted to buy him a drink cause I just left my forest near the Ukraine border and hit Warsaw.
I wonder when he'll be back ?
- - - - - - -
Free enterprise is the basis of western economy. Read more
In stoke on trent they still are!
We have an au pair who thinks he's God's gift behind the wheel a view somewhat challenged by his ability to reverse into large heavy objects, the latest being a wall which totalled the rear bumper valance.
Got a quote from the main dealer of £300 and odd for replacement part, painting and fitting. £250 from a decent indy we use.
I did a search on Find a Part, just bought a nice clean one from the local scrappy for £10 and a local body shop will spray it for £40 cash.
Being a bloke I'm thinking that's at least £200 I'm better off, what stupid gadget can I buy now with the 'savings' Read more
>>perhaps swop the au pair for a female version - better drivers, surely!
Not so sure that would be my opinion,but as certain insurance co`s seem to think so, who am I to argue:-(
--
Steve
Hi,
my Mondeo ST200, Y reg, 2001, seems to have lost the reverse lights. I have checked the bulbs and fuses, both are ok. I have also pulled up the gearstick cover to find the switch, with no joy.
Any advice on this would be much appreciated...
AdyBee.... Read more
Could you please tell me where to find the switch. In the previous reply, the gearbox was mentioned, but where abouts on the gearbox?
TIA Ady...
A basic 2 berth caravan seems to be about £10K new. Bearing in mind the technology one can buy for that money, or a lot less, plasma TVs, digital cameras, new cars with a/c and so on why are caravans so pricey? I haven't looked round one lately but they seem to be a two wheel welded chassis with brakes, suspension, and lights and a load of Ikea, MFI, Portacabin tat screwed on top. I am asking partly because my daughter bought a 7 berth static home the other day and the price rather flabbered my ghast, if you know what I mean! Read more
thanks for the drink but i dont own one,,,,,,,,,,,quite fancy one though,
Hi, I have recently purchased a Vauxhall Astra 1.7TDI (2003) with 70,000 miles on the clock. Every now & then the car seems to misfire/judder. It does not do it on every journey, I could drive 200 miles & it may only do it 3 or 4 times. On other occasions I have driven short journeys & it has juddered several times & then cured it's self again. On other occasions it has not done it once for 4 of 5 days. There does not seem to be any one thing that makes it do it allthough it possibly seems to be worse on & after motorway driving & also when the weather is hot. I have replaced the fuel filter & put injector cleaner through it but with no luck. Does anybody have any ideas as to what it may be & what I could do the cure it.
Many thanks
Russell.
Read more
Russell
Also get them to check the available vacuum level from the services half of the vac pump; should be a min of 21"Hg at idle. If these run low on oil, [and some of them drink it] that expensive vacuum pump gets trashed very quickly. The crank sensor, or the aforementioned relays, might be other "no codes" possibilities.
One (but only one) of the reasons I prefer a hatch to a saloon is because of how much easier it is to clean the inside of the rear window on a hatch. And the older I get the more I appreciate this advantage!
--
L\'escargot. Read more
so - reading this thread - am I doing something wrong?
Cos I just open the hatch and clean the window with no problems at all.
Or am I just superbly fit, lithe and tanned?
madf
Hi
My electric sunroof will only tilt upwards and will not slide back as it should. When I press the button for it to slide I can hear a "clicking" noise from the roof.
Does anybody know whats the cause of it not slidign back and could anyone recommend a repairer in the manchester vicinity please? Read more
These sunroofs normally work on an outer cable like a brake cable on a pushbike against a cog attached to an electric motor.
Last one i took to bits was in a saxo with a vinyl roof and it was made by webasto,ive got to say i failed and jiggered it and had to remove the electric motor to facilitate shutting of the roof.
Moral of storie? do as you posted find a place specialising in sunroof repairs,most likely they will also do retrims in cars that kind of thing.Make sure the roof isnt of the easily removed "cassette type" as if it is a morning easy work should have the old one out and a s/h one in .
I've got an '02 1.8 mondeo and it's leaking on my drive.
I know where the coolant/water is coming from but I don't know why.
looking from underneath the car, above the exhaust mounts at the front of the CAT are the two pipes taking the water to and from the interior of the car, and just below these two pipes is another pipe that doesn't go anywhere. It's dripping from this pipe.
I'm presuming this pipe is a run-off/vent/overflow type of thing, but what has happened to make water come out of it, and how do I stop it?
Thanx in advance for any advice given
Read more
Yup ! He he !
Browse
Portugal, that was the one. I'm obliged for the information. My Galaxy almost self-destructed at about 40,000 miles with electrical problems. The engine wouldn't stop, the doors locked and unlocked themselves, and the lights were going on and off. I was expecting to be abducted by aliens.
It turned out the box of electronics under the passenger seat was under 3" of water, through there was no sign of a leak anywhere else in the car. It was a company car - they took it away and I never saw it again.