January 2008
The Alfa GT has a remarkably big loadspace if you fold the seats down. Go on ....you know you want to ! Read more
I had a look at, though not a drive of, a very nice 3.0 V6 SE today.
The J gate auto does not seem to have a "Tiptronic" type function, it is either fully auto or, when the lever is moved around to the hook of the J, manual selection of 2, 3, or 4 only, i.e. no option to flick up and down the ratios like the BMW system I am familiar with. Likewise Audi where you move the lever to one side and a flick changes up or down.
Any experinces of the Jag system in use?
Reckon I would prefer the manual.
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Extra engine braking in 5th? The lower the gear the more engine braking.
The X-Type J gate has options of holding 2nd, 3rd and 4th though I assume it is a 5 speed auto?
I know the new 2.2d auto is 6 speed though that is totally different and has a Tiptronic function.
Just been reading some other car forums yes i do!! & there is loads of folk jacking cars up to replace pads,shoes,cv joints etc without using AXLE STANDS!!
Please for the sake of £15.00 and two extra minutes please use this, a few years ago my stupid mate jacked up the escort to replace his pads & got comfy with legs under car, the jack slipped and nearly lost his private bits!! the disc was an inch away luckly just a few bruises but those legs can get squashed.. take care. Read more
The front subframe on my astra as a place where the stand goes no problem most cars do have a safe place or on the chassis, i do find on some cars that seem to be lower you have to lift the wing up and kick the jack under to clear.
On a 1999 Primera the drivers seat leather has a small rip in it. Its about 3" long on the side of the seat. (From getting in and out the car).
Is there anything product that could fix this without looking to tacky?
Thanks for any help. Read more
Did you have it sewn back in with catgut? :)
can you help please? immobiliser has become permanently on can not start car
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Then the question arises of why it has become "permanently on?"
I have been checking out various websites with interest as to what the new shape Honda Accord 2008-9 will look like.
If you print in " new shape Honda Accord 2008" and click on " Honda Accord 2008 Car of the Year Contender-motor ( www.motortrend.com).
Also under the same heading on the Google page, click on " Spy Photos 2008 Honda Accord ( jalopnik.com).
Also " new Honda Accord '08" under the same Google heading as before (clubzone.com).
" is this the 2008 Honda Accord?" (mobilemag.com) ( under the same Google heading in the search as before.
I just wonder if anyone has an idea which website has the true new shaped Honda Accord? I see that the car is extremely popular in the USA. The Motor Trend one seemed the most likely to me. They have made that back seat wider and more comfortable which was necessary for the middle adult sitting in the back. Read more
Sorry I meant, it will be interesting to see the new Honda Accord in the showroom. They are putting an interesting diesel engine into it.
With all these cars ( including the new Audi A4), it is a pity they don't improve the comfort of the middle rear seat. One is always sitting back against an armrest. Apart from that, I was impressed with the interior of the new Audi A4.
In my tussle with local council over speed humps they have asked me to provide them with evidence and detailed reports of the additional damage caused, together with the financial costs. Statistical evidence of suggested impact on emergency vehicles was also requested. Can any body help please. Read more
Even Aprilia, who is often rational, thinks speed humps are all right if you go over them at a reasonable speed, say 15 mph.
Who says that is a reasonable speed except when you can see uncontrolled nippers running all over the road? There's nothing reasonable about it. It is an enforced crawl, pointless and a pain in the bum.
Most of these things are in roads and streets that have very little pedestrian traffic let alone schools. A reasonable speed is the fastest you can get over them without bottoming the car. Surely not even Aprilia will claim that such treatment isn't going to pound the suspension bushes and ball joints? Yet the alternative is to join the depressed procession of half-asleep mimsers, just give it best. Really I despair of some people. What a bummer this subject is.
The Panda 4x4 has rear discs and I will want to replace the pads soon. Not sure which piston retraction tool will fit this car and wonder if anyone has any knowledge of this. Read more
Rear disc brake problems arise because the rear brake does a lot less work than the front. Hence the pistons move a lot less and can seize, the discs receive much less abrasion and irreversible corrosion builds up. My Panda 4x4 won't have these problems because it's a relatively heavy car used for a lot of urban motoring so that the rear brakes are in use a lot. This is borne out by the fact that the rear pads have worn out nearly as quickly as the front.
Trying to apply heavy braking in a safe environment on a regular basis to prevent problems is the best approach. If you do want to remove the callipers and move the pistons then you will need a tool to wind them in. Don't forget, if you have ABS you should open the bleed nipple when retracting the piston as forcing brake fluid back through the system can damage it. Some also advise clamping the hose when doing this, though I don't think this is necessary and would rather avoid putting a clamp on these hoses unless essential.
Do (any) modern cars, when rolling down hill with the drivers foot off the accelerator, supply *no* fuel at all to the engine ?
I know electric things like the Prius had that feature where it would stop the engine if it detected it wasn't need, and start it again when the pedal was depressed.... but I've heard that modern petrol cars will now use no petrol when the car is just rolling.
Is that true ?
What is the most fuel efficient way to drive down a steep hill ? 'Drive' down it, or roll down it, with the clutch depressed, or not ?
Cheers !
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Thanks for the replies, all. Makes for an interesting read.
I had the good fortune to be sent to a week?s conference in Buenos Aires last week.
I thought the back room might like to hear something of the differences in the driving experience.
Despite the economic crash the ?car fleet? is pretty new and largely European in nature with a sprinkling of ancient Peugeots and Ford Falcons still on the road.
Trucks are a different matter with anything from US extra long semis to 40 foot flat beds hauled by modified pick up trucks. Some trucks are in terrible states with half shredded tyres, shattered windscreens and plywood ?extensions? common place.
Driving style is very different and would be considered appalling by us.
If there is a single left turn lane they think nothing of squeezing in either side to make three lanes to make sure they make the turn on the next light.
Under taking and weaving on the autopista are often seen, with inches of clearance when cutting back in.
When the road narrows they jostle for position right up the last second.
At city intersections cars and trucks often block the entire junction if their exit is not clear (No yellow box junctions).
However ? there is no aggression, no coming together, no beeping of horns. They just make room for each other at the pinch point and get on with it or sit back a smile if they can?t get past.
If this happened in the UK we would have horns, ?shutting out? the other guy and crashes or even fights as a result.
It was an eye opener and I have to say I rather enjoyed it. But then I was a passenger and not having to drive that way.
Off motoring ? BA is a great place. Safe by South American standards (Cops everywhere) and the best steaks I?ve ever had.
Even better it was 28 deg C and the pretty girls were out ;-).
I?ll be looking for an excuse to go again.
Dan
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my daughter who is presently living in peru, emailed last week and said she had nearly been knocked down twice by busses running red lights. Must say i agree about naples it must be close to the worst their is.
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Get a Brera. mmmmmmmm!! :)
(I would have if 'er indoors would agree to me selling the kids)