Hello all,
Our spare car is a 1998 Peugeot 106 1.5D. It is low mileage and in excellent condition, so we have no intention of selling. However, my daugher who uses the car occasionally finds the unassisted steering too heavy. Is it possible to retrofit powersteering from a later car?
Any advice gratefully received?

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Servelan - I read often but post occasionally Read more

Hi, Perhaps someone can shed some light on this sporadic starting problem with a 2002 Volkswagen Polo 1.4 SE (petrol), BBY engine code, manual box. The car is driven by a pensioner with a corresponding short shopping trip/low annual mileage driving profile. In total, the car has only covered about 5,000 miles since new (1 owner).

Here?s the problem: Occasionally when you turn the ignition key, the instrument panel warning lights illuminate as normal but nothing else happens. The starter motor doesn?t turn and the solenoid doesn?t even ?click? and after several attempts the engine finally starts without further ado. The battery has been replaced recently, however I don?t think this is a battery related problem as once the engine starts, everything runs fine (no low charge/alternator warning lamp, nice bright dipped beams etc.) The problem first occurred about 2 years ago and, like I said, is sporadic.

The local Volkswagen dealer checked the fault memory when fitting a new battery recently, however this did not show up any malfunctions. I know that there is an issue with the ignition barrel switch on the previous Polo 6N, however no such fault on the 9N as far as I?m aware. If the problem doesn?t lie with the ignition switch, I suspect the starter motor or a bad earth somewhere. Could there be a bad segment on the starter motor commutator which is sticking when it stops on that particular segment (Russian roulette principle)?

The owner doesn?t mind forking out for a new/exchange starter motor or ignition barrel switch if that is indeed the cause of the problem ? however it could be something a lot simpler and cheaper to fix.

I?d be grateful for any advice you could offer.
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Do Halford's price match or at least discount?

I am going to buy a stereo within the next week and I can get the stereo from quite a few online dealers for £229.99 delivered. Halfords charge £299.99.

I am fully aware that a bricks and motar set-up costs more to run but £70 is a large price difference at this price point.

To be honest, I would rather deal with a B&M store and am prepared to pay more for it but not that difference.

If anybody knows if they will discount, please let me know.

PS - I'll ask them in-store even if there policy is 'No Discounts' but I'd just like a heads-up. Thanks. Read more

Time to choose a new company car. Not due to change until October 22nd (time to sort out the rust and scratches then) but have to have an order in by 22nd August.

One car I liked was the new Mondeo TDCi Titanium (not out as a model just yet) but the monthly costs are high on the new Mondeo via Leaseplan. A Ghia 2.0 TDCi around £95pm more than say an Avensis 2.2D T4. Before tax of course. Assume the Titanium around the same cost as the Ghia as the list price is the same.

Two other models I am considering are:

- Toyota Avensis 2.2D T4 or TR (latter more expensive!)
- Mazda 6 2.0D 143 TS2

Briefly drove an Avensis on local roads and it was okay. But bland inside and out and wife not so keen from the brochure pictures. I have drive a petrol Mazda 6 and liked it and better to look at inside and out IMHO compared to the Avensis. But a lot lower spec for the money.

I realise both the Avensis and 6 are replaced next year but my car due to be replaced on 22 October.

I did a search for Avensis on here and found a couple of threads. But not many so either few of us have an Avensis or no grumbles? Try a search for a Mondeo TDCi instead!

So opinions on the Avensis and 6 welcome. A company car so CO2 and list price important. Alternative suggestions welcome but do not want it to cost more than the Mondeo if possible and that is taxed at 18% for Benefit in Kind (Euro IV pre 2006).

Marques available are:

- Chevrolet (right!)
- Ford
- Jaguar
- Land Rover
- Lexus
- Mazda
- Saab
- Vauxhall
- Volvo

Obviously a limit on what I can get as max, e.g. the only Lexus I could get is an IS220d at an additional cost compared to now of £104pm.

Cheers

Rob Read more

Can anyone please advise whether the 05 Wagon R with the Vaux 1.2MPI engine has a warning light which appears when the vehicle thinks a service is due?
Thank you. Read more