August 2008
I took my Ford Ka in for the annual service. I knew the front offside light had blown, and the front nearside tyre had a slow puncture. I mentioned the tyre to the garage but not the light. Anyway, on collecting the car I was told they had replaced a rear bulb, and the charge was £1. No additional labour costs. I got home, and found they had not changed the bulb that I knew had blown. I also know the rear lights were fine a few days before. And as for the tyre, it looks like they swapped the wheel with the spare.
It makes me wonder how much of the service was really done. I noticed that the brakes and steering did not have the usual just serviced feel (I can't explain that, but I always notice a difference). Oh well. So much for an official Ford dealership. Read more
SNIP - you obviously haven't read the no name/shame policy before posting.
Webmaster. Read more
I managed to read the original version before moderators jumped :)
Really shameful behavior from Audi and I'll remember the dealers involved.
Does anyone know how the "new camless Multiair design" functions in the forthcoming Alfa 149 model ??
Engines will include both petrol (including the new camless Multiair design) and diesel units ranging between 120bhp and 250bhp. Clever ?Q2? clever front differentials will be offered to maximise traction, although a rumoured four-wheel drive option seems unlikely now. >>Read more
This engine technology will be used in all Fiat Group models sooner or later. In an interview Marchionne has stated that because Fiat now have money they won't be licensing this technology, and have a patent on it, unlike the invention of the common rail diesel, which came at a time when Fiat finances were in a poor state and they had to license the idea out.
For some reason a certain manufacturer doesn't like the use of one of the brand names in domain names even if those domain names are promoting a car club which is a fan of the brand in question. I have been dragged into potentially being sued for passing off as clearly the legal profession are unable to understand what a car club is and what it is for. Luckily the one domain that they are trying to maul me over I have already transferred ownership to the other unfortunate who is getting sued for the same reason. I am no longer anything to do with the club in question. They claim a person would be 'confused' by the use of the manufacturer's name and logo. Yes, only if they were terminally stupid.
How will car clubs survive if heavy handed manufacturers prevent the use of logos or even the name of the brand in question? How confusing will it be to have 100s of car clubs with no reference to which manufacturer they refer! Another club promoting the same brand have also been collared. Since that club was formed many moons ago you'd think they would want positive promotion. Apparently what they really want is to hack off loyal owners and club members and remove their rights to even use their names. Taking to its illogical extremes are we even going to be preventing from taking their name in vain? How would be order one if we aren't allowed to use their brand name!
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Having been there last year domain names are a nightmare. We sold a domain name for a reasonably large sum to a large company with the same name. But we did not register it with that intention, it was a "pre-nominet" name and we were the registrar for the name which made the transfer interesting.
Taking Ford as an example.
Copyright does not stop me registering ford.co.uk or ford.com if Ford are stupid enough to let the registration lapse. I could then stop them from using it - but nominet may take it off me and pass it back to Ford because for domain names being the registered owner is not everything. Also Ford's copyright / registered design rights may stop me using it for any purpose related to the motor industry - but probably not for selling baby clothes or baked beans. Oddly enough JCB could stop you selling baby clothes under that name as could Caterpillar - neither related to clothing 10 years ago.
As Gordon suggests - take advice. At worst the advice will be to do as the manufacturer demands, at best you may be in a very strong position. The specific details of the case will decide which.
It has been stated in the forum that Vauxhall and Ford sell in huge numbers because majority of them are fleet buyers.
How cheaply do the fleet buyers get these cars? Why don't they offer same price to general public?
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The way that an individual gets a fleet discount is by buying a 'nearly new' car at a car supermarket.
Has anyone had experience of these Panoramic windscreens ? Are they a good idea or just a nuisance feature ?
I find it strange that you would want to introduce more glare into the car in this way, but not be able to open a sunroof ? Comments ... Read more
I have one, purchased about 2 months ago. I like it. The feeling of space it gives you is wonderful, much better than a sun roof in my experience. The sliding cover is manual on mine at least (57 registration) so there is some hassle in pulling it over when you are heading into the sun but we haven't had a lot of that lately and you can usually anticpate when you are going to need the cover. The glass is supposed to absorb more rays than normal (according to Vauxhall) but it does seem hotter inside the car on sunny days when car has been standing a while.
I have a 1985 T25 Panel Van 1.9DG petrol RHD. I had a reconditioned Pierburg 2E3 carb and had a problem where turning the mixture screw (not the idle screw) didnt seem to have any effect. After a lot of carb investigation and renewal of the heater unit, I decided to replace the Pierburg with a Weber. I have fitted the weber and have the same problem. Turning the enrichment screw is having no effect. Does anyone know of any underlying problem that can affect the mixture screws response? Also, not sure if its related, but the oil pressure warning light flashes as well Any advice appreciated.
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An air leak into the inlet side comes to mind.
The oil light will be a broken wire about six inches away from the alternator, inside the sheathed loom going to the connector above the starter.
When the engine is cold its ok ,But when it gets to normal running temp.
I get a howling noise from the sump'.
So i put on a oil pressure gauge. when the engine is cold the oil pressure is fine,
But when it gets to normal running temp. The oil pressure starts to go up as normal,
Then it gets stuck at 17000 rpm.Then when the rev's get to 1900 to 2000 rpm.
I get this noise. Then it jumps up to normal oil pressure.Then the noise gos.
Then i took off the auxllary belt off and run the engine. And the noise was still there.
Could it be the oil pressure valve, if so can i replace the valve,
with out taking the ENGINE apart.
Its had a new oil sae 5w-30 + oil filter. its done 83500.
any help pls
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Could just be the non-return valve in the oil filter, cheap to change a filter so a good place to start.
Hi Folks
Greetings from Australia!
I am considering buying a new Mondeo Turbo (a TX5 here), but as they are few and far between over here, there is little local experience.
After being bitterly disappointed in the build quality of my last 2 cars (a Mazda 6 and then a Subaru Liberty/ Legacy) am I risking fate with a Mondeo?
Allegedly I have been the lucky owner of the only known examples of BOTH these cars to have developed so many rattles and squeaks. Given the general experience, perhaps I have been unlucky, though in the Mazda's defense, some dodgy work by the dealer led to the whole dash being replaced....twice. Having had 3 Mazda's prior to this, the experience was surprising.
Am I going to be driven batty by a Mondeo? Remember that our roads can be ordinary, but at least we don't have as many speed humps.
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... the accountants have been at work
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True, cos the MkIVs also have cambelts ;)
Unsure if a 56 plate (Nov 2006) Fiesta 1.6 Ghia automatic in flat red but wth extra sunroof (has climate - not sure if this was a cost option or standard over normal a/c) and 2000 miles (yes 2k) is a good deal at £7200? Comes with 6 months tax from non-franchised dealer.
Any thoughts? Not sure how the new Fiesta will affect values of this model?
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Do you need something supermini sized, or would one-size up be okay?
If you don't mind a slightly bigger car, try an untrendy Almera 1.8 SE automatic at about half the price of that Fiesta. I have done 20,000 miles in mine and it's fine: easy to drive, firm ride but comfortable seats, high spec (rear parking sensors, climate control, all-round electric windows), autobox works well, and very reliable. Slightly higher emissions than the Fiesta (so in next tax band).
www.cargiant.co.uk has several 3-yo examples at a bit over £4,000
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"I doubt anyone has the time (or inclination) to play guessing games with someone who "might" or "might not" know something... either spit it out or keep schtumm!"
Calm down, calm down. Who got out on the wrong side of bed. Watch it, or you'll blow an "arterial" gasket.