November 2008
I might need to replace my son's 1.4 8v Megane due to electrical problems (hopefully now solved, but time will tell!). Reliability is key as he's not mechaically-minded. I've read recent threads about various japanese cars, but going through the CBC guide I notice that the Focus in general seems pretty reliable. I don't want to go above insurance group 4 so that limits the Foci that are suitable to the 1.4. My specific question is as above - is the 1.4 reliable and trouble free, and how would it compare in performance terms to the Megane? It's going to have to be an early one (98-00) so I realise it won't be in the first flush of youth....but the Megane is 1996 so it's a step in the right direction! Read more
Hello Folks,
I've just been reading a motoring magazine in which it suggested that VW/Audi FSI/TFSI engines should be run on high octane fuel. It claims that using regular unleaded will cause running or starting problems. Anyone got any ideas on this. I always thought it was only high performance cars that benefited from this?.
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After posting this question on here I have been using the Super unleaded. I have not done any particularly accurate fuel consumption tests - but there is a noticable rise in fuel economy when running on the higher rated fuel, if i had to put a figure on it i would say about an extra 50 miles per tank. thus the extra cost is offset by this, and hopefully i'll still have an engine after 3 years!.
Just replaced the lower UJ on a Fiesta 'classic'. Now as I steer, I feel a slight jump where the two UJs seem to not have enough room to turn. The inner steering shaft moves up against the bearing spring a couple of mm inside the column. Do the two UJs need to be in any specific alignment to each other? Apart from the hex end on the steering shaft, there is no restriction on lower UJ fitting. Read more
Lot of fog this morning, so thought I'd spot cars which still have two rear fogs as I cycled to work. Top of the list of design brainlessness - Range Rover Sport; right next to the brake lights. I suppose it's so large it wouldn't notice someone ploughing into the back because they didn't notice the brake lights come on. Also, new Peugeot, although these are quite well separated from the brake lights. Also Mini.
Why does stupidity persist? Is it because these cars are assembled in intellectually challenged English factories?
Anyway, that's three from me - please add to create an HJ blacklist! Read more
The Americans "invented" the third brake light as it was visible through the back windows of cars in a line of traffic, and has been proved to reduce rear end collisions. Red indicators, which the Americans have had for decades, aren't as annoying at night as white flashing indicators due to poor orange bulbs or , worse still, indicators set into the centre of brake lights. What a brilliant piece of design work that is!
M5 Northbound yesterday
Saw 3 grey Audi A8s with blue lights (looked like temporary ones) some had alternate flashing headlights. Travelling where possible up the outside land at well over 70 where they could.
Did not look like police and no marked car with them.
Probably someone important and the emergency was that they had an appointment. Now if speed kills . . . . . . . . . . .
George Orwell was right Read more
I think this thread has discussed all it will. And is getting too personal. So it is locked.
Rob, Moderator
Scratching my head on this one. I own a 2007 Fiat Grande Punto 1.9 Multi Jet Elegenza. Recently a taxi driver decided to pull out in front of me on a dual carraige way, meaning I drove into the side of him, his fault. My car has been repaired, new bumper, wings, bonnet, radiator, washer bottle etc etc. Any how I have now noticed that my average fuel consumption has gone from being about 42mpg down to 35mpg after the crash. The only thing I can think is that when the accident happened all the coolant from the engine leaked out of the pipe that connects to the intercooler. I have noticed a coolant leak since its been repaired, they took it back and re-connected something, but it is still giving bad MPG figuresand also the turbo is nosier now as well. Can anyone advise me please. Read more
Its booked in for Monday to be looked at, I wan to tgo in, and point them in the right direction as Fiat dealers can be notoriosuly bad. It has been back to the repair garage who said something wasnt connected properly which may of lead to the poor mpg. I got it back on the 13 Nov and took it on numerous runs.
Washers keep packing up, change the fuse under the bonnet, fine for a week or so, then pack up again. Is this a 'known' problem?, assume its a connection thing but am I wrong?, suppose the washer pump needs replacing? how easy is it to change the pump?, any clues gladly received.
CBG
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I have been told my axle on my Toyota Yaris is bent beyond repair and will need replacing and have been quoted one thousand pound for a second hand replacement part. This sounds expensive to me. Is this the going rate? Read more
Contact the breakers yourself.
If that is parts and labour to fit it than think about what you are buying - a complete axke with all the brakes and everything fitted will be much faster to changeover than the bare axle.
Having fitted rear disc barkes onto several of my own cars over the last 20 years I always negotiated for the complete rear axle with these brakes fitted as it came with all the right fittings and could be switched over quickly.
Does anyone know if the spark plugs are long life-and if so what is the recommended life of them? Also does the gearbox oil need the level checking at services? If so how is it done and what is the correct oil please?
Many thanks. Read more
First Q, what are the auto versions like? Anyone driven one?
Second Q, ive read several reports of poor customer service - how much truth is there in this? Is it Fiat or just individual dealers?
I ask because someone mentioned the 5 year warranty on these now and since its Fiat backed ( better than a dealer one I think ), I thought it was worth a look atleast - do they really discount them as heavily as most 'target price' claims suggest? Read more
Yes the Blue&Me is a brilliant system and has been on Fiats for years, even on the Panda as an option.
If you haven't yet done it you can now download this....
www.fiat.co.uk/ecodrive/#ecodrive/download
Eco drive, you download it and plug it into your Blue&Me and then it records all driving data and suggests improvements to your driving style to improve your economy. All free aswell (currently available for GPuntos and 500s only)
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Well, to be fair, the Megan is a reasonable drive (HJ seems to think so in the CBC breakdown, and I find it quite fun) - it will spin along at 70 easily once it gets there, and generally handles and drives well. It's also pretty safe (4 star NCAP, low death rate).
Yes I have. It came up at more than group 5 I'm positive (tried Thatcham and HJ). But he is still a student as well, so not counted as a good risk (although he is a competent and safe driver).
When he's got a job & is earning money more like!