I went to see a mint condition 98 Alerma today, it was 90 minutes way by public transport so it took me a long long time to get there. When I arrived the car was out ready for my viewing it had P reg plates on it and it was of a different trim. Clearly a different car, I asked if this was the same car as it was in the add and he said yes.

I spent 1 minute looking at the car and in that time discovered that the milleage had increase by 4000 and one of the sills was completly rotten and within 30cm of a seat belt pescribed area yet it had 10 months MOT on it.

I calmly told him the car has excessive rust and is not in surburb condition he then said what do you expect for £800. I just left and I could have got into a big argument about the trades descriptions act.

Anyway I am annoyed as my day has been wasted.

This is not my only experience like this but it is the worst, I now have no trust in motor dealers as a lot of them seem like crooks, I assume this just because I am looking at the lower end of the market but what is the point on not being clear in adverts? The add on autotrader shows the same type of car but it has R plates on it, there is no rust on the car in the add and it clearly did not state the car in the pic was just for illustration purposes.

Is this sort of experience typical? Read more

Am into my 2nd (real) mid-life crisis. Having got one out of the way in November 2006 (heart attack = Saab Convertible). I have now been diagnosed with a degenerative neurological condition. A big thank you, Dr Parkinson, for giving it a name!

Courtesy of DVLA, it is likely that my driving days will be numbered eventually, and I want to go out with a bang rather than a whimper. Looking to spend £15k + trade in on my C4 Picasso on something sporty and comfortable and even quite practical for day to day use. I don't mind having to get on hands and knees to get out of it, as long as I can get IN it!

1st thoughts err towards an SLK or even a Cayman. That's the heart speaking. The other voice; emanating from my head, says some form of 6 cyl exec' i.e. BMW 3 series or Merc' CLK or an Audi. Pray to God my backside has no say in it then heaven knows what we will end up with. Got to be auto, leather.

Choices, choices. Read more

I think good, wouldnt have a car without it. Maybe because most of my driving is done north of Carlisle in light traffic compared to the more manic parts of the UK. Read more

Posted before about a passat TDI with power problems. I want to take out the MAF Sensor and clean it, but have read that it is a very sensative part and needs to be cleaned with the right stuff. I've come across a specialist product produced by a company called CRC, but they are based in America. Anyone know of a similar product in the uk, or a good alternative ? Read more

A friend of mine has an H reg Bluebird 1.8. Has been owned by his Grandad since brand new, and has full history. Low mileage and in very sounds condition for its year. My friend has had it for 6 months now.

Sadly, yesterday it was diagnosed by the RAC as having blown its head gasket. It had overheated and wouldn't start again. Once the RAC started the engine, tons of white smoke was being emitted from the exhaust, so I think their diagnosis is the right one.

Knowing the good history and general good condition of the car, it might make more sense to repair it than spend the repair money on an unknown replacement car.

So my question is this. Is there anything else that will likely need replacing (thermostat etc), and how big and time consuming a job is this on a Bluebird? Could this breakdown have caused any wider problems which might make repair unwise?

We will be getting some quotes from local garages shortly, but I'd like to be at least a little wise on the likely cost before starting to call around. My initial thought is about 500 pounds. Right ball park?

Any help appreciated. Read more