July 2008
I'm really trying to figure out what is essential and what we think is essential but in fact isn't!
An example is auto lights- I thought they were useless before I had them standard on my A3- they have been very useful, especially in Switzerland's numerous tunnels.
But now i realise that paying extra for them might not be worth it- I mean it's only turning a switch on isn't- plus the wipers are far too sensitive too.
Which options would you consider useful? Read more
I'm not talking from a fetish point of view you understand but for car seats. ;)
I have never understood why it's so desirable to have leather seats in a car. In hot weather they are too hot when you sit on them and in winter too cold. After a year they start to look creased and stretched. Whereas with cloth seats you don't have the problems with extreems of temperature and with an occasional vac they still look like new years later.
Andyfr Read more
I've always wondered this myself. Having had quality cars for over 15 years now either as company cars or more lately opt-out cars, I never go for leather for many of the reasons already mentioned. The only compromise I would make was in my old Saab 93SS which I sold a few years ago, this had leather trimmed seats, with Alcantara in the middlle of the seat squabs and backs. This is ideal really as it means you get the benefit of the leather trim without sliding all over the place, or being scalded in hot weather.
Seen recently. Lad had gone 8,000 miles from new and oil had `run out`. Never checked and of course, "NOT MY FAULT".
I think the maker was being blamed...... the Manufacturer, maybe.. but the typical 2008 British "Its not my fault".
(actually, not even put like that.. as though "own Fault" even as a concept could not exist, with the words "not my fault" not actually written and blame being passed on directly as though its a *RIGHT* that someone else is responsible.)
Where did this `no personal accountability` come from? Its on motoring forums, on the TV and in Rags, where typically citizens are standing there astounded and outraged, that despite past criminal behaviour, they cannot be personally`wiped clean` in a teflon esq, (or virginity restoration) way and be able to have any career they WANT.
At its worst, it seems almost like the incumbent occupies an `Outer Limits` reality and I wonder how they survive day to day life
It seems to have been on motoring forums recently too, in varying levels, sometimes full on and often just a hint of it, however five years ago its much less evident.
Its starting to irritate and I`m picking up all the little hints of this underlying failure to accept personal accountability, while before they went over my head.
I`m tempted to move to France, buy a big pile in the middle of nowhere and live a rural life with no contact with the UK and the English speaking world, especially the news.
Sure a little tongue in cheek, (maybe) but just how do you continue to tolerate the continuing development of self seeking behaviour in UK society AND to read all about it on motoring forums? Its penetrated there and its on the roads.......
So belatedly to a question
What have you seen recently regarding motoring along the lines of outrage at possibly being held responsible for one`s own actions, when its obvious that no one else could possibly be responsible?
Examples from elsewhere... and can you tolerate it ;) Read more
Sounds to me like he may be having some guidance from a proper Dad, which seems to be missing in many cases.
I think you've hit the nail on the head here with a lot of modern problems
Saw this item yesterday...........
www.sundaymail.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2008/07/20.../ Read more
And why did it take him 2 years to take "immediate steps".......?
Does anyone know how to change an ABS computer within a 97 VW Polo? I've found the part but they want to charge me a small fortune to fix. Know I'll need to get the car re-booted but any ideas how easy it is to do myself?
Cheers Read more
The abs light keeps coming on and off in the car. I've had the sensory replaced (which the car keeps saying there is a fault with) and it's still doing in.
I was told by the garage that when the computer unit is tapped, it causes the light to go on and off so they though there was a loose connection somewhere inside the unit.
Any ideas?
I should probably have changed my car quite a while ago. I have even posted on here recently about some possible replacements. My car is by no means a collectors item. It is a relatively humble six year old, 150k Mondeo Ghia X diesel Estate.
I do a fairly high mileage and rely heavily on my car for business purposes. Despite the current vagaries of the economy, things have not been too bad in our little niche market and I could I suppose reasonably easily replace it or even trade up a bit if I wanted.
My mini dilemma is that I really like my car. Like a favourite pair of old jeans or a battered old pair of shoes it just sort of fits me. Thankfully, it has thus far been totally reliable. Two headlamp bulbs have been the only non-scheduled items in its life so far. I would really like to just keep it for as long as possible. Not specifically to save money, although that element can't hurt of course. Only downside I can see is that one day I suppose it will let me down but I guess it wouldn't owe me a lot if it did. I'm actually so irrationally and inexplicably fond of it that I would probably just get it fixed anyway.
Strange really, as I have been lucky enough to own, or otherwise have the use of, some supposedly much nicer cars over the years but I seem to have developed a soft spot for this one.
Anyone else have (or indeed has had) an "ordinary" car they never want to part with ? Read more
Anyone else have (or indeed has had) an "ordinary" car they never want to part
with ?
No. I can't get sentimental about cars.
My front discs and pads are due change soon, are there any that are better than others, I remember someone recommending some exotic brand as being superb but I've forgotten the name.
Thanks.
Read more
As long as the brakes are good enough to stop the car (up to and including the point of making the abs cut in) then no matter what make you fit, they wont stop you any better.
The difference in quality is life of the components (wear), resistance to heat (fade), price, availability, fashion etc.
Stick to Ford, Mintex, Ferodo, Delphi, or other well known brands and you wont go far wrong.
I'm about to renew my car insurance. I've used the usual comparison sites but the cheapest ones don't get very good reviews, can anyone recommend a good value for money insurance company preferably based on personal experience. THANKS. Read more
First direct are guaranteeing to beat your renewal quote by 10% providing it is over a certain amount. I played them off my current insurer and got a reduction of 20%.
Duplicate post also running in Discussion. Replies here have been moved over there to avoid repetition of replies on both sides of the forum. DD. Read more
my renault espace alize has an annoying vibration when pulling away in 1st gear. Have recently changed driveshaft assemblies, gearbox, and nearside hub and bearing. Has been sugggested it could be engine mounts.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Woodruff Read more
I am currently having the same problem with my 1995/M TD Espace. I've just had a replacement engine installed. and the exhaust was not refitted correctly.
Its as simple as that, I presume you've checked your exhaust?
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Hi Sony,
I have a mini too, good choice!!
I have lots of options as saved up hard to get a car i would have for a longer time.
I get cold easily so i have heated seats, they are fantastic. I had a beetle before and they were temp controlled where as the mini just gets hot and stays hot.
HOWEVER the biggest thing that is most useful is the HEATED FRONT SCREEN. To me this is a must have. I HATE scraping the screen and getting freezing hands. literally 30 seconds and i can drive away. Best thing EVER!!
I would not probably go for climate control again unless you go out alot on long journeys. if it comes with a package then fine but i wouldnt pay extra for it.
ALSO go for the chome line interior. You would not believe the differnce it makes. When i got mine it was £80. all the dials and pockets and stuf get a chrome rim round them and it really finished it off.
Tinted rear windows is handy as you cant get much in the boot.
Boot monted cd changer takes up alot of room, better to get either one in the front OR single cd player.
If swmbo is a racer get the boot net!!! v handy!! lol!