September 2007
I'm replacing the front CV joints in the axle, and the book calls for a molybdenum disulphide grease. This doesn't seem to be so easy to get hold of, off the shelf, any more.
Does anyone know of an modern alternative?
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Hi would the lambda sensor on my Audi affect the running of the car and what would the symptons be if anyone could let me know ,any feed back will be gratefull thanks for your time,messa......
s Read more
When my Lambda went on an Almera, I got the engine management light on, hesitant throttle response and very high fuel consumption (the exhaust smelt strongly of petrol).
hi i have a 1988 r reg 1.6 polo and i've blown a piston, would a 1.4 polo engine fit in my car? thanks
s Read more
I still find is astounding that there are 50 different variations under the bonnet of one model. Makes me a bit smug that I bought a 1.4 Almera - if you've seen one, you've seen them all!
Surely there's not THAT many 1.6 Polos around (most would've been 1.4 surely) - finding one with the same eng code and year of manufacture will be a hell of a job.
Been discussed on here before but an interesting story today on the what car website...
I'll be signing up...
www.whatcar.co.uk/news-article.aspx?NA=227687
Lee Read more
Beyond or before? Wouldn't it be safer to be behind the direction/position or 'upwind' of
any possible impact to avoid flying debris (or worse)?
I think this advice is written with the lowest common denominator in mind again.
If the official advice was to stand 50 yards behind the vehicle on the grass banking or 50 yard in front if you can't get off the hard shoulder some numpty would get themselves killed by standing on the hard shoulder 50 yards behind the vehicle.
Hi. Recently bought a mini, but having some problems. One of my xenon headlights doesn't always work. BMW have put in new bulbs, a new control unit and are now saying I need a whole new headlight. I've already spent nearly £300 and they now want another £300. Any suggestions on what else it could be as I think they're just guessing.
Also can I put on normal tyres or do they have to be run-flats. Getting different advice everywhere?
Please help, I'm a woman in distress
s Read more
I'd demand my £300 back or ask them to fix it for the £300 you already paid.
Why pay for diagnosis if they don't diagnose?
In my experience, the dealer will usually refund the whole amount.
just read this:
news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/6981252.stm
how on earth does one combat this? A hidden immobiliser switch and claim the car is faulty and won't start? or just hand over the keys then call the insurance after the police? Obviously not everyone can have the luxury of locking two cars away in a garage.
Link to the original threads:-
Vol 1.www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=55381
Vol 2. www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?f=2&t=55...0
PU Read more
Cars like the Focus STi and Audi A3 .............
.... are probably accessable by the majority of the working population
Not in my part of the country. You must live in an affluent area.
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L\'escargot.
Just would like to know what you guys think of Mazda TD/diesel engines of late 90s which they had in 626 and 98 onwards 323.
Parkers and wisebuyers guide have got good things to say about them, pretty good MPG, decent 0 - 60 speed etc.. and according to Parkers they're 16 valves.
Would like to know what you guys think of them, are they able to put up lots of miles like VWs or Pug diesels, how good they're to drive and stuffs like that.
Thanks. Read more
Yes I really like Mazdas! :)
I had a V plate 323 which was petrol and it was a good car allround. Good to drive and very reliable so I'm looking for a diesel one now :)
Took car in for replacement Master Cylinder today. Garage then 'phoned to say as its the Isuzu type engine, they have to go to main dealers for replacement at £185 plus VAT & fitting - car is '93 1.5 Diesel on £135K, so hardly worth that!
Rang around a few local breakers this pm looking for 2nd-hand MC, and as soon as I mentioned Isuzu type engine, they all more or less said Rocking horse poo would be easier to find!
Then rang nationally advertised Vauxhall breakers, who assured me they have them on shelf for overnight delivery at around £40, and couldn't understand why the problem getting one. The chap there said the MC is the same regardless whether Isuzu or Corsa Vauxhall engine. I've now ordered one to fit myself, but can someone please confirm who is right here? Is the garage pulling a fast one or is the item the same for both engines? I would have thought it should be, as its only the engine itself that differs and the ancilliary stuff should be pretty standard, but until cylinder it arrives tomorrow I can't be 100% sure.
Any advice please? Read more
The kits from Vauxhall are remarkably expensive - not worth the bother IMO.
Number_Cruncher
In HJ's update to the Hyundai I-30 test he states that...
"..Do the sums and at £2,000 cheaper than the 1.6 CRDI and £200 less fuel cost per 10,000 miles it?s going to take 100,000 miles to make up the difference in purchase price..."
In other words at present fuel prices, the increased fuel consumption of the petrol car is offset by its lower purchase price such that until you get to 100,000 the actual saving to you if you buy the diesel is nil. OK I can accept that, but...
If you bought one one each, and drive them identically for say 50,000 over three years, would you get more money for the diesel and would this not overcome the difference in the purchase price? If the answer is no, would you pay £2,000 for a car that may have more enjoyable driving characteristics, or would you buy a different model entirely on that basis.? Read more
"Xantia Hdi-I like the way they drive too."
They are a much under-rated car Richard - we have had ours for for 4 years now (bought second hand)and it has now done 95k. It still feels good to us, a superbly reponsive engine, brilliant ride and good handling for "normal" driving. It also has all the "bits and bobs" - leather, climate control, sunroof,electric seats etc. Like yours, ours does 50mpg and even does over 35mpg towing a caravan. OK, a few things go wrong (new electro valve at £75, and some bushes on front suspension this year) but otherwise it's normal wear and tear. I suppose it costs about £200 - £300 per year in servicing and MOT costs and if necessary I could save on that by changing oil, filters, pads etc myself. Ours is still on original spheres - don't know how that works!
Such a pity Cit didn't just keep updating it rather than going to the ugly C5. I think they still look good.
Incidentally, I did a search for a "low" mileage one recently - there are not many about - hope you got a good'un!
Phil
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Phil
My C-Max needs two front tyres, as they're approaching the level of the tyre wear indicators. It's only done 14,500 miles, but that's a different issue...
I rang a local tyre supplier, and asked about Conti premium contact 2's, as they've been recommended on here. The supplier said the contis were good, but Vredestein were better and cheaper. I'd never heard of the make before, but they're high rated by a leading car magazine.
Anyone on here used that brand of tyre? Read more
I once had a Vredestein tyre fitted to my Mazda 323 to replace a punctured tyre. Although the tyre was cheaper than others it did create more road noise than the original Bridgestone.
Evidently the rubber on the Vredestein tryes is harder, thus causing more road noise. It wasn't excessive noise but was noticeable!
Nothing wrong with the tyre quality - I believe they're of Dutch manufacture - but if you drive along with the stereo at full volume it won't even concern you!
I got one of the big tubs of Moly grease from Halfords. On the same shelf as the tubs of normal lithium and copper grease.