October 2007
I recently checked the oil on this diesel car and thought it needed a top up as the level was just above the lower red mark an the stick. I must have put about half a pint in and now the oil high light occasionally comes on when cruising. It stays on for about 30 secs then goes and sometimes does the same a few miles later. Any one else had this? Read more
A friend has just brought a V reg 1.8T Sharan with 90k on the clock. I was checking it over for him and noticed that there was a thick layer of "mayonnaise" on top of the coolant in the expansion tank. However there was no sign of any under the oil filler cap, and the oil has not been changed that recently by the look of it.
First thought is a blown head gasket, but other than a tendancy to get hot a bit quick (it does not overheat) it drives fine. Any other ideas?
Also any maintenance tips for this motor? It has unknown service history for the last 2 years so I guess the cambelt and water pump is near the top of the list.
TIA
Joe
SLT Read more
If its of any consequence ,ive got a well used 1.8T with 205,000klms on the clock, and its still very perky . It has an LPG Conversion which helps to keep the costs down . It doesnt have the roof bars which i miss and could make use off . The only slight problem is the gas deposit tank is inside the boot at the back, so no loading washing machines etc in the rear door . I find the vehicle is so well designed and comfortable with no shortage of power.
Living in a sunny part of Portugal , the interior roofing fabric looses its grip and sags in places.
. I would like to know the trick in getting some fabric glue behind the material without cutting an access hole? Maybe a syringe with fabric glue,??
I would reccomend this type of vehicle as a versatile sporty family vehicle ,great in town and on long runs with excellent handling qualities on curvy mountain roads .
Glad you got that Mayonaise problem solved. (Was it Heinze 57?)
. I got worried when i lost coolant thinking the worst but there is a fairly complex plastcic Branch junction pipe somewhere near the thermostat with wires to it that had a distorted flange with age ,so it needed replaced.
Was just looking on autotrader for a possible cheap replacement for my corolla, and noticed that MkII primeras seem ludicrously cheap - the 96-99 version.
There were quite a lot of very nice condition, not outrageous mileaged cars with high spec for £1000 - 1500.
Any idea why ?
I had one for a while when they were new and they were an excellent car - quick, reliable, handled well, spacious, very high spec, excellent quality.
Why are they valued so low by the 2nd hand market compared to avensis/accords ?
Is it there are problems with them now they are getting older, or just as usual in this country a snob badge thing ?t
SLT including filing into the drop down classifications Read more
>>>BTW, I hope Mrs QM doesn't read this forum
Luckily she doesn't!
She is in what one might call "good condition for years and miles, with a full service history". However she was a sporting and good firm handler some years ago.
Don't you think Audi's A8 needs replacement...?
Recently facelifted (for the second time), it looks just like smaller A6. Everybody goes for the S-class these days. New 7-series due for next year, but what about new A8 ?
- - - - - - -
Free enterprise is the basis of western democracy. Read more
Interior better than competitors ? You're joking... OK, better than the 7 Series, but S-Class ? Besides, nothing can match Merc's airmatic suspension, if you ask me. Air in A8 seems too firm, whereas in the 7 Series it's just not available.
- - - - - - -
Free enterprise is the basis of western democracy.
Could anyone with the latest 1.8 engine tell me if the car is quiet at motorway speeds, what mpg does it deliver at motorway speeds and are there any reliability issues? thanks for all replies.
SLT Read more
I have the earlier Vectra C 1.8 with 122 BHP. At legal speeds on the motorway you can barely hear the engine - it's mainly road/wind noise that you hear. It's one of the quietest cars I've ever been in. My average fuel consumption is 36 MPG.
The 1.8 engine is great around town and cruising on the motorway. With such a big heavy car it does not accelerate quickly unless pushed hard but if your driving style is focused on getting there smoothly rather than sportily it's a good engine.
I imagine that the 1.8 VVTI with an extra 18 HP will accellerate a little more quickly but most variable valve engines like high revs so I doubt that there will be much more low end 'grunt'
Sorry if this has already been covered, but couldnt see it anywhere.
I have just noticed that VW are offering to price match any servicing outfit who will carryout the same work using VW parts. Apparently all you have to do is provide a w ritten quote and they will match it.
Has anyone looked at or used this, or is it a bit of an empty offer in that it would be difficut to get a quote in writing etc etc? Read more
If people are fool enough to swallow this then they don't deserve the wisdom of an independent. It is interesting that apart from BMW there are more independent specialist for VAG cars than any other make (I stand to be corrected)
The majority of these have gained experience in large numbers at VAG dealers and in the case of a local to me have a former workshop manager and two technicians in there building but here lies the difference they will use genuine or oem only and will fix you car based on the fact that if you are happy you will gow back.
Where as one VW garage I know has a daily target on servicing sales, part sales, air-con sales etc this all adds up to a £35K turnover target to meet. But the building they work out of did cost £4.5 million !!
Back to the independent who has 3 wage bills to meet and a lot lower overhead.
I am currently driving around in a 1997 SEAT Toledo SXE but lately a weird problem has surfaced.
The red security light on the radio comes on and the radio ceases to function unless the A/C is on full cold. So I presume the radio is overheating and shutting down as a safety precaution.
Never happened before in 2 years of ownership.
Anyone any idea what's going on?
SLT and moved over from Discussion. Read more
My son is looking at buying one of these cars. I seem to remember that the 1.9 turbo diesel engine had a series of con rod failures at some time. Can anybody remember what registration letter this affected. Thank you. Read more
"Spate of conrod failures on......................"
Well, I'm a tease, have a look at the link below which reveals all and more !
HJ would tell you to look there first.
www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=295&
Before taking BiL's car down the dealer, any views on my theory. The car still runs on its original pair of keys (nearly seven years old now). Would the age of the key battery (both OE) potentially cause immobiliser failure to engage. The keys are designed to re-charge as the car is driven. The car has been used the last few days with the "spare" key without the problem cropping up at all. Read more
That computes - not been upstairs yet to dig the invoice out.
Can anyone solve an argument. I thought the 1.4 diesel was a Toyota engine, perhaps shared with the Mini. One of my friends insists it is a Peugeot-Ford one. There is a pint on it.
Does the 1.6 engine in the Focus (which is Peugeot-Ford) have the horrible EELYOS or whatever additive.
SLT
Read more
Mark 2 Yaris diesel uses the uprated Corolla one. 75bhp in Mark1
I understand Mark1 can be chipped to 100bhp.
madf
Browse
I would let some out again. It won't do it any good to be running whilst overfilled.
Ron
1995 C280 Elegance (for comfort)
1995 Corsa Swing (for daily commute)
2005 206CC Allure (for fun)