December 2008
hiya,
i have a problem with my tddi focus it has started a knocking noise from the engine and blowing out a bluish smoke from the exhaust is this a common fault as i have no idea where to start. ive been told it may be the big ends gone is there anyway i can confirm this?
cheers
john Read more
Just had invitation to renew from January 2009. Two vehicles, both Honda, nothing out of the very ordinary. Price rise 7.7% over last year, 15% since 2007. No change in our circumstances. Is this sort of rise to be expected?
I will shop around to a limited extent, but thus far the price has been competitive. I'm reluctant to use comparison sites as they leak details, resulting in pesky sales calls. If the rise is not too out of kilter I'll probably end up staying with the current insurer. It would be helpful if other BR's recently renewing, could comment. Read more
The Norwich Union renewal came in at a small increase at the begining of December. A quick call to the renewal line with 'I would like to renew but..........' resulted in an immediate reduction of about 15%.
So they kept the business.
Not the cheapest but continuity does make life easier.
p
M40 is 10 miles further, and has only 3 lanes. IIRC the M1 roadworks are pretty much sorted.
IME Christmas Eve is a good day to travel, and I'd hope not to see any traffic.
What do others think?
Read more
Kind of you all to ask. A40 was clear up until a 2 mile solid section before the roadworks where there's a 20 limit. So I diverted through Acton/Ealing. I don't know how clever it was, in retrospect (or even at the time) but I was at home drinking tea within 3h 45 minutes of leaving the office.
Sticky around Maidenhead, but according to the radio that had only just happened as the rush hour started.
Note for next year - leave at 2.30.
I never actually saw the sign for the turn off up the toll road, sorry, AE, I was going to take it just for you, but the first sign I saw was at Cannock - and I thought it was a bit late by then... the reason I never take it is because I'm inclined to use the M1/A50.
Coming back, on the other hand, early yesterday evening, 20 miles of very slow-moving traffic on the M6 from Knutsford to Stoke, so I took the A50, as usual, through Knutsford, Holmes Chapel etc., and then took it (or the A500) all the way to the M1. Easy journey.
Daughter who lives away has lost her VRD. She has collected the relevant form from the Post Office in order to obtain a replacement, but needs to fill in the vehicles chassis number.
Please can anyone inform me where she will find this info on the body of the car, and I can then tell her where to look.
Thanks in advance Read more
Either:
I don't know if anyone else is having problems but I always have the "keep me logged in on this computer" option and I normally don't have to log in at all. Over the last few days I have to log in every time.
I don't delete cookies, the machine is on all the time and I'm the only one using it so something weird is happening. Have there been any changes on the forum? Read more
The problem of the login details not being remembered should now be fixed. You will need to make sure the check box is selected when you next login and then it should be back to as it was before.
Apologies for the inconvenience this has called all of us - including me.
Why is it that when you come to a stop in a queue at a set of traffic lights, the queue will shuffle along when the lights haven't changed. Usually when you've applied the handbrake and selected neutral. What does moving forward a few inches actually achieve? Is it to block side roads or keep clear markings on the road? Just wondering... Read more
Yes but automatics are directly responsible for global warming and deep vein thrombosis aren't they? Not very eco-friendly. In fact some manual 4x4s emit fewer pollutants than conventional cars with auto boxes. I think they should be banned and the owners forced to grow trees instead.
;-)
I know there is no congestion charge on Boxing Day but do THEY allow us to park or even park foc on Boxing Day in the evening - Aldwych area. Can't find it on any of the obvious websites. Anyone know? Thanks. Read more
Well, for the Westminster part of the Aldwych area you want this:
www.westminster.gov.uk/transportandstreets/parking...m
which also says:
The table below sets out the parking guidelines for the Christmas period 2008
Parking type 25th Dec 26th Dec 1st Jan
Paid for Parking* Free parking Free parking Free parking
Single Yellow Lines Free parking Free parking Free parking
Resident Permit only Bays Not enforced Some areas enforced Some areas enforced
- So ok to park on single yellows and pay & display/meter bays. Don't park on resbays.
Can any one tell me if a diesel engine benefits from adding Millers power sport 4 fuel treatment to it.
Cheers
Made non-model specific, Rob Read more
Discussed at length, over the years! Consensus seems to be that it doesn't/can/t do any harm. Some people think that it is good stuff and the cost of buying and adding it to your tank is less that the price difference, per litre, between oridinary and Ultimate diesel at the pumps.
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=27451&...f
My dad is seriously considering a new Jazz as his retirement present, but after looking at the brochure he's a bit disappointed that you can't mix and match a few of the options.
He's driven the third and top tier models and really likes the third tier as it has 15 inch alloys. But he likes the top tier has it has auto climate control, but it also has the large wheels and a glass roof - he thought the larger wheels gave a harsher ride. 16 inch tyres tend to be more expensive too. The top tier also has auto lights and wipers which he doesn't hanker for. So if he wants the auto climate he needs to find a lot more money to pay for lots of things he doesn't want and live with a harsher ride. IIRC insurance is more too.
Seemingly no option for a spare wheel is also a major disappointment to him and may be a deal breaker.
Servicing for 5 years for £550 is one aspect he is interested in.
I've noticed Honda also do this with the more expensive models - give a few levels of trim and very few options. So if you want one particular extra you have to buy a higher spce model.
Have they ever done 'menu' pricing or is this more usual with German marques? Read more
Interesting that HJ found a full-size spare wheel in the test car. So Honda can do it if they try.
Hi all,
Was looking new a couple of weeks ago, the gf job is looking a little insecure so we have decided to go for a second hand car rather than a new/nearly new.
Looking for:
-Small car
-Low insurance (we are 24&23 so want to keep the cost down)
-Economic
-Cheap to run etc.
I am thinking of a 2002-2004 model with 40-60 on the clock. At the moment I am thinking it will be the choice out of the following.. Ka, Fiesta, Panda, Punto, 206 as they would match the above.
Anyone want to throw any more into the mix or have any general advice, it would be appreciated.
Regards
Ben Read more
Ben, get the Panda! If you can live with that dash. I drive a '99 Focus Ghia which is brilliant. You could get a newer '00/'01 Focus for your money.
Anyway, all this talk of the Almera's got me interested...
At Cargiant, you can get a '55 plate 1.5 SVE with 26,000 miles for £4,699
For that, you get:
Climate Control, Sun Roof (electric), Satellite Navigation, 16" Alloy wheels, Radio with CD-Player, Parking Sensors, Electric Windows (front and rear), Electric Mirrors, Central Locking, Power-Steering, ABS brakes, Airbags (multiple), Multi Function Steering Wheel, Rear Head-Rests
Incredible!
It's not going to impress any pretty girls or boys on the pavement though.
Contrast with:
VW Golf '55 1.6 FSi 5Dr 6-Speed £7,999
It's unlikely that the Almera will suffer any more faults (probably far fewer) and you don't get CC, sunroof, satnav or sensors.
You'd need to be pretty image-conscious to get the Golf, wouldn't you?
Browse
.jpg)
do i remove the hose that goes from the intercooler?