May 2007
***** This thread is now closed, please CLICK HERE to go to Volume 130 *****
In this thread you may ask any computer related question for which you need help, advice, suggestions or whatever.
Usual rules apply,
No motoring related discussion,
No politics,
No Speeding, speed cameras, traffic calming
No arguments or slanging matches
Nothing which we think is not following the spirit of the thread
Nothing that risks the future of this site (please see the small print for details www.honestjohn.co.uk/credits/index.htm )
Any of the above will be deleted. If the thread becomes difficult to maintain it will simply be removed.
There is a wealth of knowledge in here, much of which is not motoring related, but most of which is useful.
This is Volume 129. Previous Volumes will not be deleted.
A list of previous volumes can be found here:-
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=20892
PLEASE NOTE:
When posting a NEW question, please "Reply to" the first message in this thread, i.e. this one. This keeps each question in it's own separate segment and stops each new question from getting mixed up in amongst existing questions. Also please remember to change the subject header.
Read more
My parking sensors are intermittant. Does anyone know where the control box is hidden so I can check the connections?
Many thanks Read more
Just got a new job and need to buy a car to get there (and hopefully back). I've got 5Kish to spend and I'll be travelling 90 miles a day, I'm 6'1" tall and quite hefty. Firm won't pay mileage allowance so I'm on my own.
Any suggestions? Read more
I'm not forgetting. I'm basing it on my experience driving a Ka on a 95 mile round commute. I find it reasonably civilised and enjoyable. I gather that the C1 is a bit noisy, but that the Panda is not too bad.
Like most things in car choice, it's a personal thing, so I guess the OP will need to test drive them to see what he thinks.
I have sold a car on ebay (old banger, £200) to a guy from Poland, who's taking it back to Poland on a car transporter.
Do I just mark it as 'permanent export' (section 11) says 'I declare that the vehicle will be exported on the date shown opposite.' It also says you should retain section 1-8 for the registration authorities in the exported-to country (i.e. Poland). But that would be in my name, not his.
Technically I have no way of verifying that, because I will have given the car to him.
I can't fill in, section 10 is for a sale to a UK-based new keeper.
What's the correct procedure? Read more
If you do not know his name and address put "not known".
Just purchased a 1994 Renault clio for my daughter as a first car.
The problem she has is that when she brakes the brake lights light up as they should but the front sidelights also light up ?
Any ideas what could be causing this ?
Also how to check or fix it... Read more
Many thanks Screwloose.
One bulb was the correct 21/5w
one was a plain 21w
All sorted and working know...
I have a 2003 Citroen Dispatch (a recent purchase). I'm giving it a service, but I cannot work out how to change the fuel filter. It's Hdi engine with Bosch injection.
Can anyone describe how to get the canister open please? Read more
Sorry, person who bought my HDi...I thought I was doing the right thing.
Great design, Peugeot.....
Hello All.
How much is labor for changing a gear selector linkage kit?
I have found the kit as £42 from vauxhallparts
but need a few pointers
Is it outside of the gearbox?
I have (in my younger years) changed a rear trailing arm on my v reg mini.
I am 36 can I do this safely for my dear old mom?
Thanks all.
Read more
it was the gear selector linkage. the plastic had worn.
very common problem so im told, so common they started to fit metal ones onto 04 plates and newer.
must have been a design fault, or "feature"
fixed by The Griffin Center in Brierley hill, west mids
£100 all in with vauxhall original part (new metal one)
My son who is a bricklayer wishes to rent a van, preferably a Ford Connect, paying on a monthly basis with maintenance included. He would also like unlimited mileage if possible. He doesn't want to buy the vehicle i.e.lease purchase etc but just wants to rent one for a three year period. The van will get dirty and possibly "mucked up" as he will be carrying materials. He is not registered for Vat. Would appreciate advice please on the best way forward on this one. Thanks. Read more
You could get a rental based on ZERO residual value however this is a could as it would depend o him being able to prove he hasa good credit status and that may be difficult if he is self employed and has no accounts etc. A lawyer/dcoctor/dentist would be OK
Are there any snags in using these? For a new Fiat Grande Punto diesel I am contemplating, Drive The Deal, which seems to be the one favoured by HJ, offers a mouthwatering 16% or so off. The same rate applied to extras, although the choice of them is limited. According to what they say, the car might well be supplied by my local dealer. Showroom salesmen must know about such savings - so maybe I should ask them for 16% off to start with? Read more
Yes, if the physical dealer can get close to the internet price, I would rather use him. At least you know where to go to moan if delivery is delayed or there are other problems.
Inspired by Flying Red's thread, and not wanting to hijack it.
I know several people who, on or near retirement, have bought a car to "see them out" - in other words they're not planning a replacement cycle and hoping it will last as long as they do.
Is there a car/marque, that you could buy now, that you could reasonably expect to be economic to maintain for 10 -15 years? Or is it rather a case of just buying the most likely to be reliable and hoping it fails later rather than sooner? What would you buy?
Read more
I guess for a "keeper", the key would be something reliable, not rust-prone and simple -- as few toys as possible, and nothing that could potentially cripple the car if it did break down the line.
I suspect this is why a lot of people end up buying things like the Daihatsu Sirion, in my experience living down the road from an OAP bungalow block, the Daihatsus seem to run and run.
Thing is though, if you know you need to make a car last 15-20 years, you'll look after it. Even old rotboxes like the original Metro can be made to have a ridiculously long life if treated properly.
The only question mark being, if you bought something like a Daewoo Kalos, would the parts be readily available in 15 years time. Other than that, as nick1975 says I'd be surprised if any new car treated properly didn't last.


Turns out that my XP firewall was switched off after all.
Thanks Stuartli & Dalglish for the info.