July 2009
Been billed for a job that has not been done, how do I complain.
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I'm looking at used Focii, both petrol engines. I'd be perfectly happy with a 1.6 manual, but for similar-ish money I can get a 2.0 automatic. Will the 2-litre offer vastly better performance, or will it be sapped by the auto box? Presumably the 2.0 will also be considerably thirstier?
Car would be a second car, for rural runarounds - say 10k miles/year tops.
Any suggestions for preference?
I recall the 1.6 automatic Focuses that I used to rent on a regular basis - gutless! Presumably the 2.0 is far better... Read more
My daughters Micra recently started spluttering and cutting out occasionally...tho it always starts after this has happened.
On inspection I noticed that the fuel pump was humming in the accesory key position ie: first position.......it also stays humming and doesnt stop.
Turning the key to the on position :ie all warming lights on gives a similar result??????
I have checked and changed the pump relay and the fuel filter.
Is this a fuel pump on its last legs and causing the cutting out?
Also why is the pump running in the accesory position?
Has me stumped so any advice most appreciated. Read more
cheers Micky!
Hi guys
My beloved Ford KA3 got rear ended and need some suggestions for a replacement but bigger vehicle? I have a budget of £5k and with a baby on the way want low running costs (Tax, Tyres, Servicing, Repairs) but with a bit more space for "stuff".
Any thoughts from any happy trade ins?
Currently thinking Ford Fiesta or Mazda2 (expensive parts?)? Some thing reliable with the same nippiness as the KA (dont need a hugely powerful beast - just more of the same but bigger)?
Or might I have missed a trick?
So appreciate this!
Regards
marcus Read more
wow the cars get bigger by the post
(it started as a baby carrying car slightly larger than a ka remember)
have you considered a large panel sprinter van marcusmac?
cars are so last year with babies,
dorling.......... ;-)
I've been looking at replacing my sensible family car with a 2 year old (or thereabouts) luxury car - its my version of a 40year old sports car but I'm too sensible for my own good - I've looked at all of the obvious things and am starting to scratch my head - I've got £20k to spend but can push it.
I drive 20 miles each day to work through city traffic and have the occasional long drive to France on holiday. My insurance is really low and I don't really car about road tax etc.
I seem to be favouring the Honda Legend but am easily swayed by suggestions.
I would be really grateful for any thoughts! Read more
OP..........Go and have a look at a Jaguar XJ, lovely car.
I am soon going to be a driver and i am looking for a good car, but with me being 6ft2in i am a little bit worried about finding a good car that will fit someone of my size.
Any suggestions Read more
I am 6 foot 4" tall and drive a Vauxhall Vectra(07 plate).Theres loads of leg room in the front and when i push my seat back theres still good legroom in the back.Couple that with a boot the size of LasVegas,cheap to buy and run and comes with all the toys as standard .ie cruise control,electric windows,audio buttons on the steering wheel,remote central locking, 6 air bags and a 5 star NCAP rating as well.
My driving insructor friend changes his car every 3 years. His '06 Golf Tdi GT 140 has just been replaced with 161k fault free miles, and still looks immaculate.
Its replacement is an A3 2.0 Tdi 140 in white, although no heated leather seats this time. He tells me that his pupils are delighted, and already, within 48 hours, has 5 new pupils! Can anyone spot a nicer Driving School car on our roads? Read more
In my opinion changing cars every 36 weeks is a waste of money and maybe if they kept them longer then they could pass savings onto the students. Most learners will not get a brand new car when they pass their test, most will get a used car with some minor issues and shall we say "its own personality" so they'll have to learn to live with that.
But i think you're being a little harsh on learners, i never curbed any learner car and nor did i shag the clutch. I was one of those strange learners who would get a hill start right the very first time but normal driving i wasnt very good at lol
what are the best ways to get rid of fine scratches, make your car shine. tried various products but most dont produce the look, what the clame on the product. also are there any good tips or methods to get good finishes on paint work. Read more
Alternatives to Scratch X include Turtle Wax Safe Cut and Autoglym Paint Renovater.
Any of them will do the job for light scratches and swirl marks, if enough elbow grease is used!
I also found the other day such compounds were invaluable for getting dried paint (was on the road and splashed up...) off the bodywork!
what is the best and cheapest way to get leather interior for a ford fiesta mk 7?
any websites tht i should look at. Read more
If you are going for leather seats, you really need seat heaters too. A leather seat on a frosty winter's morn is not a pleasant experience!
Thinking of p/x my Ford Mondeo Titanium for a C-MAX is there anyone on the forum who could recommend a model and whether petrol or diesel any advise would be most appreciated Read more
I've run a 2L TDCi on a 54 plate from new for 76000 miles now.
Technical points:
It was the first car on the same platform as the current Focus - not the earlier Mk1
Most of the petrol engines carried over though. As is 1.8L diesel.
1.6 & 2L diesels from the Peugeot-Citroen Partnership - the 2L is not really related to the unit in the old Mondeo. Think the fuel system is from Siemens-VDO (now part of Continental).
Personal experience - I've had two significant problems attributable to the car- thermostat failure at 2k, and crankshaft position sensor at 65k
Common problems are EGR valve (especially older models (pre-55) but that seems to largely sorted now. Some complaints about fuel economy, some complaints about DMF clutch failure - again perhaps relating to cars used in town a lot.
Good points:
Performance from engine - 2000rpm on motorways in 6th and effortless A-road overtaking
Handling/ride compromise is good, ride is towards firm
Economy - Can consistently get over 50mpg (brim to brim, computer says 55-60) on quite a long commute on A-roads and motorways. Does drop off significantly if you do a lot of urban work, or find yourself always "running late".
Driving position & controls - comfortable, sensible, nice big buttons and high mounted stereo so you're not squinting towards the footwell to change the station
Take the seats out and it's a van. Excellent for bicycles too.
Would dispute earlier point about tyres. I've just had a Michelin Primacy HP taken off after more than 30000 miles, entirely on the front of the car. Back tyres have tended to be magnetic, but earlier Contis lasted 23k front and 42k rear.
There's at least 3 Focus and C-Max related websites where you can share experiences and ask for help.
Bad Points:
Road/tyre noise seems a bit higher than some other cars
Zetec seats stain easily with water
Few rattles and squeaks - head unit/dash, scuttle panel
Dealers have struggled a bit
Very bland looking - although facelift helped a bit
Wiper blades are monstrously expensive from dealers and not widely available from Halfords. Shop around (ebay).
Overall:
Generally happy with mine but have found it a difficult car to get passionate about - an Alfa it ain't. My general recommendation is to get a 1.6 petrol (cheap, widely available) if it's going to live the urban liife, 2L diesel if you want a motorway cruiser, and a 1.6 diesel may be the best compromise choice.
Browse
The 1.6 ti-vct is the one to have. Bit of extra punch at about 4000rpm when the valve timing changes. Lighter than the 2.0. The 1.6 is a great balance for the chassis.