July 2007

Dipstick

Not that they really need one, and anyway, I don't even own one.

But I'd quite like to.

I rang their customer support number today to ask them about the Accord and whether there was any prospect of it getting the darned road noise down enough to persuade me to buy it.

They could not have been more helpful. Happy to admit that road noise had been raised as an issue with the Accord, and we went through all sorts of wheel changing possibilities and options, especially given the 08 model (brochures just out) is slightly revamped over the ones in the showrooms now, apparently.


That kind of experience warms me to the brand more than a minor price cut, to be honest.



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mal

>>>>>On their web site they openly publish the negative comments as well as the positive from owners<<<<<<

Can you give me the link to the comments please, I have had a look on the site and I can't find them.

wolfmeister

I know this seems to be a well covered topic, but am still tearing my hair out with this.

Anyway I have replaced the engine fitting the existing diesel pump. All seemed fine first few days then the white smoke returns. My mate who changed the engine reckons could be overfuelling or just worn.

Don't know what to do, have the which came with the engine, but don't think it is the same.
Anyone have any ideas what it could be air leak, diesel pump or just in need of some adjustment?

many thanks for your time
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smokescreen

I had this issue, and was told it was a normal thing... changed to bosch glowplugs and bye bye to that problem!

Kingpin

I was looking at the Focus 1.6 auto with the 4 speed auto gearbox, wondered if anyone had any experiences of these, probably 2001 models. I think the Zetec engine was designed by Yamaha plus the auto box is a Mazda design so it sounds a winning combination.
The alternative is the Astra 1.6 8 valve with auto box - plenty of these around but I suspect they are less nippy than the Focus and have heard of problems with the auto box selector switch.

Ta Read more

local yokel

SWMBO has a 51 just pre facelift (car, not wife) 1.6 Focus Auto. Great car, only had to replace one rear wheel bearing (standard at around 50k).

Slightly wheezy with four plus luggage, but feels solid, goes on rails round most corners, and not too tacky inside.

Bought it for £5k cash from local Ford dealer two years ago, it's ex Motability, as many are.

cabsmanuk

I am going to fit new glowplugs to my 1995 306 Tdi but the one on the left (drivers side) looks like it is not too easy to get at because of the injector pump. Is there a special tool or odd shaped spanner I need?

keep upright Read more

autumnboy

Richards link only applies if you've a Bosch Fuel system.

Otherwise you do not need to remove the Intercooler. It can be done with a deep socket and the right extension bars. I've done it on my ZX, which has the same engines if you have a Lucas/CAV system.



daltonman

Hi all,

the daltonman household are leaving wintry Cumbria and driving to the (hopefully) warmer regions of France in a couple of weeks time.

As we're travelling with another family, in our separate cars, we were thinking of taking our walkie-talkies (the small, cheapo kind with 8 selectable channels - I'm sure you all know the kind I mean) with us so that the two cars can keep in touch with one another as we go on day-trips etc (only passengers will be doing the talking of course).

My question is - are these walkie-talkies legal to use in France?

I'm pretty sure they are, but it's best to find out now rather than feel the long arm of the law....


cheers in advance.
daltonman

slight tweak to subject line - PU Read more

Xileno {P}

Sounds like an urban myth to me. I would like to see evidence. Have used them for many years car-to-car when travelling in convoy (including in France).

shirike

I just recently bought this car and there's a few issues I need to deal with.

The first issue is relatively easy as the car just needs a thorough service so I will be changing all fluids, replacing all filters and swapping out the spark plugs.

The second issue is more troublesome - the car fails to start first time from a cold start or a warm start (i.e after a short stop) however it always starts second attempt.

After ignition is turned there's a coughing sound followed by the sound of something winding down.

I simply turn ignition off then back on and it starts - what could this be?
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cornishnutter

It could be a problem with you starter motor, that is probably what makes the "Winding Down" noise you hear, it could just be that your battery is slightly flat.

Take a voltmetter and put it accross the battery, it should be at least 11 volts.

This is only a suggestion so I could be wrong.

Jonwm {P}

I wander if anyone is in the force and uses these.

Reason i ask is i see all the "traffic Cop" type programmes and often see them alerted to No insurance , Tax and MOT alerts, i was wondering about company cars that are covered by bonds or block insurance, would these keep ringing the alarms everytime you pass one?

My old firm had a "bond" as it was a transport company and all cars were just under that, surely on ANPR thsi would flag as no insurance held?

Any info for my random question appreciated!

Jon Read more

Pugugly {P}

They paid up quite quickly......in fairness, but they were totally in the wrong and they knew it.

flunky

To celebrate the Battle of the Boyne, which occurred in 1690, Loyalists are going to set fire to a load of tyres:

www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news....0

Quite an impressive erection, but surely there is nothing more noxious than the smell of tyre smoke
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milkyjoe

May well be true but not the place to air it....... unfortunately the replies which were less of a problem but still non motoring in nature were the victim of the surgery to remove the post - PU

Question Test
Morpheus

This is a test, if it works, I am ok, if not then I need technical help as when I make a post, it doesn't appear anywhere....

M Read more

Dynamic Dave

How long did you take to compose the message? The system automatically logs you out after approx 15 to 20 mins of inactivity. By having an open window and typing your reply counts as being inactive.

For info on how to prevent losing replies:-

www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=7895

movilogo

If a car costs £100 retail (just assume), how much is usually manufacturing cost, manfuactuer's profit, dealer's profit etc?

Well, it would differ a lot between Lamborgini and Ford but just inquisitive for an overall picture.

Thanx Read more

Bill Payer

I'm not familiar with Canadian pricing, but pricing in the US is always quoted without tax, registration etc etc. But those things only add between about $2500 and $5000 the price of the car.

As others have pointed out, if you compare like for like - say BMW or Mercedes models - then the US versions start at a higher entry point. Neither will offer 4cyl engine in the US. The entry level 3 series is the 328i (3 litre engine) and its base price is $33,000 (oh, and that includes all maintenance for 4 yrs too). Comparing the UK price and spec, the US one is significantly cheaper. They tend to be somewhat better equipped too, although I think that's as much to do with limiting choice so the dealers can carry stock without it being the wrong model. US buyers expect cars to be available from stock.

I know there?s a lot of panic about falling SUV sales as the manufacturers were making a lot of money out of those ? at the height of the demand it was said that Ford was making $10,000 on every Explorer sold. Of course it doesn?t actually cost much more to make an SUV than it does to make a saloon car ? the process is the same, just needs a little bit more steel etc.