i have a 2000 1.4 16v golf that keeps on cutting out when i am slowing down this doesnt always happen thought it seems to only be at the times when i have the clutch down and turning round a corner is it my bad driving or is this a problem with the car if it is a problem can someone advise what this problem could be and how i could remedy it
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Hi

We have a renault scenic where the heater/air con light comes on ok (so the fuse is ok) but the heater fans don't work - any ideas? Read more

Our 2003 53 Reg Mondeo TDCI (115bhp) recently cut out just after refuelling. It had run enevenly just before refuelling.The engine would restart but only run for a second or two. The AA did a diagnostic check, which seemed to indicate a fuel pump problem. The patrolman cancelled the fault code & eventually started the engine. He followed the car to our local Ford dealer where they confirmed it was a fuel pump fault.
By now the car had run perfectly for 20 miles. They said they could not check anything as the fault had been cleared & the car was now running perfectly.
The Ford service people suggested the fuel level had been low & that sensors had detected air in the system which cut out the fuel pump to protect it - either that or dirty diesel (The tank was actually one third full on refuelling.) Although the car now runs OK, I read an answer in your column (15th Sept) about a BWW diesel with intermittent fuel pump problems (stalling) which you suggested could have been due to bad earths on the fuel tank lifter pump or its relay. Could this have been responsible, or as you say would it not have shown up on the diagnostics. Our car has also occasionally stalled on pulling off ever since we purchased it at 6 months old, even with resonable revs - The head-honcho at our Ford dealership merely says that they are prone to this!
Any thoughts?

{Post reformatted to remove all the >>>'s - DD}
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I recently received a letter from a company which claim to hold records of the code etched on my car windows, as well as the radio code and ignition key number.
The vehicle in question was recently bought by myself (2nd. hand),and these details were probably given to them by the previous owner.
They are asking for a one-off payment of £20 to re-register the information in my name.
Since I already hold these details ,and take a dim view of unnecessary insurance anyway, my instincts tell me I would be wasting my twenty quid. What do the B/R`s think? Read more

I have just reached 40 and am wondering if I am having a mid-life crisis.

As some of you may know from my previous posts, I had decided to buy a year old Honda Accord diesel for my next car, but I now realise I have a problem. I have become obsessed about buying an MG ZT, the old shape with twin headlamps on each side, in trophy blue with the big spoiler. I think they just look stunning and there is nothing else like them on the road. I have driven the 2.5 V6 - what a great engine, all that sound and power above 3k revs!! And there seem to be good examples out there for ~£6k, which is half what I was expecting to pay for the Accord.

Am I crazy? My head says go for the Accord, but my heart says the ZT. I'm also thinking that, if I don't do this soon, there won't be any left, whereas I can always go and buy an Accord.

If I go for the ZT, I have a number of concerns :

a) Parts - how real is the problem of parts supply? Are there any parts which are just not available, and which if I didn't find, could take my car off the road?

b) Which engine should I go for? Attracted by the better fuel efficiency of the 1.8T, but I believe these engines have the higher chance of head gasket failure. Is this right? Is the 2.5 V6 the better engine, or does it also suffer from head gasket failure?

c) How reliable should the old shape be? What's the quality like? Do they suffer from squeaks and rattles? Should I opt for the new shape car if this would be more reliable?

d) What's a realistic mpg for the 2.5 V6 if I drive with a fairly light foot? Also, how much are the tyres and how long do they last?

e) When should the cambelt be changed and how much does this cost?

I accept that the running costs of the MG are likely to be higher than those of the Accord, but the depreciation (and initial outlay) should be less. Is the old shape car likely to be a future classic?

Finally, does anyone know of an MG specialist in the Wokingham, Berkshire area who I could get in contact with?

Sorry for all these questions, but I should be grateful for any advice.

Regards
Primera Man
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