January 2009

scarborough15

Hi, I have a 53 Plate Mondeo 2.0ltr TDCI LX. Just before christmas I lost about 6 mpg and the car didn't feel as fast when accelrating, it then started to kick out a bit of smoke more than normal. Again after a while it started to kangaroo along but not all the time. It would sit and 30mph for a few miles then start to jump alomg but stop if I put my foot down. This got worse and worse and the garage I use couldn't find a fault as nothing came up on the computer. I ran it for another week and then took it back and they discovered the EGR valve was knackered so they replaced it and gave me the car back.

It was fine for about 10 miles then the kangaroo was back, acceleration still not good, black smoke has gone. It's back at the garage but they don't seem to know what to do next.

Any ideas?? Read more

spikeyhead {p}

Take it to a diesel specialist.

These are probably the best diesel engines there are when they're running well, however to achieve that the fuel system is far too complex for the average mechanic to comprehend.

doctorchris

This wiper blade sharpener is a spoof on a very funny website
tiny.cc/aEZv3
Imagine my surprise to find a genuine wiper blade sharpener on a serious website
tiny.cc/HNrBK
Does anyone believe that the genuine product would be of any use?
By the way, check out some of those other products on KaleCoAuto, there are some really useful ideas! Read more

Old Navy

Lidl car stuff on Monday.

L'escargot

In the 1 to 5 rating questions which number is the best ~ 1 or 5?

{Already asked :- www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=71111 } Read more

FocusDriver

Er 5. Like any star-rating system. You can tell by reading the review of one-star cars and comparing it to that of a 5-star rated car.

hla

Looking to change my 2002 Civic Max, 100,000 miles and getting a bit rattly, for something 2-3 years old and similar size/economy. Hate the new Civics so it won't one of those! Considering a Jazz or Nissan Note, any other contenders I should be considering that will be reliable, economical and will cope with 3 adults and 2 grandchildren on short trips and 2 adults only for longer journeys.

Thanks

Hugh Read more

hla

As a short driver I find the rear visibility in the old Civic pretty poor so for me it's yet another reason not to consider the new one. Was given a lift in a Nissan Note today and was very impressed with the build quality - must get a test drive.

Hugh

Maceman

Had a problem with my Espace, which the garage said was due a spark plug blowing out.

Invoice as follows:

"Investigate noisy running fault. Replace spark plugs.

Labour: 1 hour @ £45

Set of plugs: £9.40

Fuel line cleaner: £9.60

Total: £64 + vat"

My question - is "fuel line cleaner" a legtimate cost???

I didn't ask for it, in fact garage did all work without quoting or getting the go ahead from me.

It's not a huge bill and I'm pleased the car's fixed, but I don't want to take my car to someone who adds unnecessary charges to my bill.

Any opinions?


Read more

jc2

As I said above,the dealer will charge £10 for 5p. of snake oil-that's why he add's it!

ojjah

This is my first car! I have no idea what some of the lights mean on the dashboard and it didn't come with a manual - where can I find out , I have tried searching on line but no info!
Thanks Read more

redviper

Hi

have you tried ringing Renault for a manual /downloading one of the website (if available)? manuals can probably be found on fleabay

other than that I think they are more or less self explanatory
Thanks

ojjah

Hello
I only have one key for my M reg Automatic Clio but I am having problems with the central locking.
The 'plip' button on the key doesn't work which isn't a real problem but the main problem is that the car opens it self! I have to check the car on way to work and way home from work to make sure that it is locked (more often than not it is open and I have to manually lock the door)
The central locking works manually - so if I lock the drivers door the other doors lock but I am not sure if the problem is because someone else in my street has the same code, but it has happened elsewhere so I assume the central locking is broken and just unlocks at random
What can I do!? Also I need another key - can I only get this from a Renault dealer and I assume this will be expensive? Car only cheap! Read more

ojjah

It does yes! Actually water comes from there sometimes so I will check that out!
Many thanks!

Victorbox

Assuming GM survives, it looks like Vauxhall brand won't be swallowed up into Opel. www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/236904/

Read more

Bilboman

The inevitable consequence of badge engineering combined with globalisation.
The sprawling BLMC empire brought inefficiency and years of in-fighting between brands (Rover vs Triumph, Austin vs Morris, Wolseley v Riley) whilst the 80s saw Vanden Plas and MG become trim levels on other cars rather than marques in their own right.
In the USA the Plymouth and Oldsmobile brands are long gone and Opel/Vauxhall cross the pond as Saturns. Saab has become "just" another GM brand in an already overcrowded market place; it just happens to be from Sweden rather than Michigan. The individualism and innovation of years ago has been lost; heated seats and headlamp washers don't cause a ripple any more - the centre console ignition key and dashboard lights down-to-speedo-only are the only USPs of this great marque.

Mapmaker

Am I being really thick, or does the survey - when asking us to rate items between 1 and 5 - not tell us whether 1 is bad or good?

Also needs an n/a section too.
Read more

Focus1.8TDCi

1-5

confusedofwiltshire

Hi, first time of posting, so hopefully ive followed the rules. Does anyone know how to remove the instrument cluster in the above vehicle? I was driving past an MOD establishment when I lost all instruments, car continued to run, but had no instrument panel and radio died, after about 30 seconds, it all came back to life, but the mileage had shot up to 150,000 miles and the fuel and temperature guages no longer work. Did speak to the MOD and asked if they were testing EMP weapon or something, they said "what EMP weapon" and got quite shirty, so im looking at buying a replacement panel and popping it in, but there doesnt appear to be any obvious means of removal. Any help appreciated. Read more

Altea Ego

1/ check out autotrader/exchange and mart/the internet for mileage clokcing services - You really really dont want to take out the dash

2/whereabouts was the MOD establishment