March 2009

John Sheridan

Got a quote off these people today for a new Fiesta Zetec and they gave me a good part-ex offer on my existing car.

Looks like I'm going to go-ahead with them but has anyone dealt with them before who can provide feedback good or bad?

Assuming I do buy a car from them what part of the V5C should they have? Read more

kuky12

I am considering purchasing a car from Nationwide Cars. They are advertising a really low price on a Renault Grand Scenic.

Does anyone have any experience or feedback on them?...

cansaintsstayup

Hi fellow 306 fans. My 2.0 Hdi has developed a chirping noise from the heater fan motor when running at low speed - it's a bit like I've got a cricket under the dash - I imagine it's the bearing running dry. I had the same thing on a 205 some years back and just lived with it! This car is generally quieter than the old 205 and this type of noise is more noticeable. The noise is more prevalent when cornering - shaft being forced hard to one side due to centrifugal forces I guess. Has any one else experienced this and found a simple cure - say a spray of WD40 in the right place?
Many thanks in anticipation of your responses. Read more

cansaintsstayup

Thanks Andrew-T, I'll have a go at it over the weekend perhaps.

gramar

I'm looking for some advice. I have a thing about the 350/500 classic 4 speed (non electric start) Bullet and have lusted after one for some time. I've own over 40 bikes since 1972 from 50cc-850cc and ridden many others up to 1340cc. However I keep coming back to the Bullet. It's quirkiness and simple charm just appeals more than any other bike currently on the market. All I need is a simple, cheap runabout for local journeys and an occasional longer trip. I have ridden both models and much prefer the 350. I've been two years in the wilderness (read bikeless) and am itching to get back.

Does anyone own a bullet? If so would you recommend one or not? What's good/bad about them? Read more

Harleyman

If its old-word charm and simplicity you want, go buy an 883 Harley Sportster. Proven design, good residuals, reasonably well put together and any number to be had on e-bay for three grand.

Couple of bits of advice on the model; avoid the earlier Ironheads unless you're an experienced mechanic, nothing intrinsically wrong with them but they do need more attention than the modern ones. I know 'cos I've owned them for 20 years! Also avoid the earlier 4-speed Evos (easily spotted 'cos they're chain drive) as the gearbox isn't as robust as the later 5-speeds. And don't be fooled into thinking that more shiny bits equals higher cost.

Mr X

You might wonder why the govt don't see sense over this issue.
tinyurl.com/cphuvf
One answer- Insurance Premium Tax. Levied at 5% on the premium paid, any wonder that the higher the motor insurance premium we pay, the happier they are.
Age has to be a factor in assessing a risk in these circumstances. Read more

woodster

MrX - I was going to do a stupid sarcastic entry about 'stereo typing' and thought better of it on account of having to spell everything twice, or backwards or in mirror image.

Surely assessing risk on account of occupation is no different to assessing risk on any other basis? The insurers have learnt where the most likely risk comes from, albeit it may not apply in individual cases. Unfortunately the insurer wouldn't be able to conduct realistic business having to follow everyone to assess driving ability or lifestyle habits. Age is simply another risk factor.

rooba63

Just been pondering the best and worst car I've owned over the past 20 years.
Spookily, the best car was a Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec, bought new in 2002, which, at 110,000 miles is still going strong - and is even on the original brake shoes. My wife drives it every day and it's still going strong.
Worst car is my current, Focus, a 1.8tdci which has just had a new clutch/flywheel at only 18 months old and 18,000 miles.
It's amazing how Ford appears to be going backwards in terms of reliability and quality. And don't even get me started on the dealer network!
Perhaps this partly explains the blue oval's current problems.
Am I unique in buying a new model of a car that's much worse than its predecessor? Read more

boxsterboy

I was considering buying an S-Max 6 months ago. Didn't in the end, but one of the initial worries was how good (or bad) the dealers would be.

The eventual deal-breaker was the lack of any spare wheel.

after_burners

hi, ive just been cleaning my car only to find the carpet in the passenger side rear is really wet. Ive had a look around but cannot find why. the carpet under the rear seat is dry as is the front passenger side so its only seems to be in this area.

anyone got any ideas please Read more

after_burners

well i think i sorted it. i believe it was down to the rubber tube that carries the wiring from the car to the tail gate sealed that and its rained all day and no wet capets :)

thanks for all the advice

peter973

Lubricating front brake sliders with rubber seals
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My car has just been through MOT, one of front brakes was binding.

When I checked it, one of sliders was stuck which I have freed & lubricated with some spray 3 in 1 oil & spray grease or castrol LM Grease.

I decided to lubricate both sliders & main piston.

The sliders are covered with flexible rubber seals.

Should this be ok, as I have now seen there is Castrol Red Rubber Grease ????

When I pulled back rubber seals to lubricate underneath, didn't look like a red grease had been used.
Then again they probably haven't been lubricated for last 20 years since car was made.

I don't particularly want to redo this, cleaning out old grease, oilling/greasing with rubber grease.
. Read more

L'escargot

It's very important to ensure that any grease used on rubber is compatible with the type of rubber. You can check compatibility here tinyurl.com/an23tv provided that you know the rubber type. Unfortunately since I retired my failing memory seems to have made me forget all the knowledge I used to use on a daily basis on this subject!

nisnote

my drivers side mirrors on my 55 reg Nissan makes a grating noise when closing/opening even when fully opened,if i put switch to off position it stops.could it just be a loose connection? how do i get access to motor? Read more

meltonlad

im thinking of buying a kia shuma but why are they so cheap ?? any reviews or comments peeps.. are they a good car for the money ? have you had one ?? Read more

mss1tw

US market...It's only in Europe that you can place rickety technology in a dress
and expect it to sell.


Erm...not sure where to start with that! Are we thinking of the same 'U.S.'?
Niallster

Well my uncle has actually bought this vehicle so its too late if there are any major problems.

Details:

Hyundai Elantra CRTD CDX 04 plate 47k miles. One previous owner full Hyundai service history mileage warranted. Immaculate condition.

Paid £3,500 cash money.

Comments on vehicle, price paid and any other issues welcome. Read more

Niallster

Whilst I appreciate the comments so far I was hoping for a few more practical ones like known problems things to watch that sort of touch.