October 2009
owners handbook only states where the fuses are, notwhich is which! What one is for the cig lighter? And do the wipers and washer pump work off the same fuse? Wipers work but washers dont! Cheers Read more
my rad boils over and spews from the top, it isnt damaged and the cap is on fine. Should i bleed it first before worrying about the water pump? does this happen a lot on this E39 model? it had been driving fine, lots of history and a recent new head, 145k, help! Read more
These engines run a high pressure system and condition of the rad cap is of paramount importance. If its weak it will let the system boil up as yours is doing. First port of call then bleed the system. As you rev the engine you will notice the big hoses can be felt to actually swell slightly with the pressure, if not the pump may have lost its impeller but you will not have much of a heater either.
Hello
I am after a bit of advice on trading my car up. I currently have a 04 plate Vectra 1.9CDTi (150). I do 80 miles a day on my commute, and the car gives me about 47-48mpg.
While it's served me well, it now has 136k on the clock and is starting to have a few issues. Nothing too major yet, but I don't want to tempt fate and have decided to trade up to something else.
I'm 6' 4" so I need something reasonably roomy, and I don't like Golfs or Focuses. It needs to be at least as economical as mine really.
My question is 2 part. a) What would forum members recommend? and b) what might I expect to get on p/x for my current car? I know the latter is hard without seeing it, but I'm just after a guideline really. Is 2-2.5k realistic? It is the "elite" model with leather trim, climate etc, has brand new MOT and 6 mths tax, and is pretty clean and tidy inside and out. On the downside, the rear brake discs need changed (just done the fronts), the air-con fan is squealing, and the service history can best be described as "partial" (20k, 40k, 55k, 100k, 120k, 135k, not main dealer). It's had timing belt, radiator and EGR valve all replaced this year.
I'm looking to spend around 7k or so cash, plus the trade in. Currently considering Passat 2.0, Civic or Accord 2.2, Alfa 159 1.9 (if I could find one), or another Vectra or mondeo. All diesels obviously. Have I missed something obvious?
Whatever I buy, I'll be looking for around 40k miles, with the idea of selling on after 3 years with less than 100k on the clock. Planning to put a WarrantyWise or similar warranty on for the full 3 years, as sick and tired of getting hit with unexpected bills. My driving is all dual carriageway and country roads.
Your thoughts (very much!) appreciated
Thanks
Joe Read more
I am into my second year with a 1.9 Octavia (company car) which now has 42k on it. Only 2 services so far and no additional work at all except 2 front tyres at 25k, no faults at all. Only issues which took it off the road were 2 minor accidents and I can't blame the car for them. Averaging around 55mpg with a 60 mile a day commute. Over 60 on a run driven gently.
Had a 2.2 Accord Tourer for four years before that, 125k miles and far from faultless (posts on here somewhere), as Gordon relates at 120k it felt as new (apart from the drivers seat) - the Skoda is far better on reliability so far (touch wood). The Honda averaged 50mpg - nice drive but looking back was it really worth the extra I paid for it?? Looking forward I am more likley to replace the Octavia with another Octavia than a second Honda. And the Octavia boot swallows what we used to put in the Honda when we went to France.
Another question to all you much more intelligent than me people...How do you remove the top part of the centre console armrest? I know you can buy the part seperate from Ford but cant seem to see how to remove it. I just fancy getting it trimmed in leather.
As always any help will be gratefully received.
Stevie Read more
Hi,
I have a 1.8t, and one of the steel fuel pipes failed in the engine bay. Long story short it wasn't pretty and even though it sprayed all over the exhaust area it didn't go up.
My garage (which had recently serviced it) repaired it using a piece of rubber fuel hose as a joiner between the (now cut) 2 sections of fuel pipe.
Now I notice it leaks on startup especially, when the fuel pump presurrizes the system.
Even with a pair of hoseclips either end it still leaks. I guess this method is not going to work. Should I get the fuel system pressure checked in case it is too high? I noticed the note of the fuel pump changed about 2 months before this happened.
If I remember right the replacement complete hoses are sold by VW as a pack and you replace all of them. How much work is required to replace all the hose? the tank or fuel pump doesn't have to be disturbed... or?
The hoses are about 250 quid or so I think?
Any advice or guesstimates on what's involved?
Thanks
Martin Read more
Hi lads,
any ideas on the cost of replacing the fuel lines, labour and parts?
Hello All,
I've just renewed our insurance and came across something that is a bit of a suprise to me. The Wife uses the car to drive to and from one place of work. she will however once in a while drive the car to a course or seminar (Possibly twice a year) when i told the insurance company this they replied that i needed Business insurance (At a cost of about an extra 20 pounds). I've paid this as i don't believe there's any point trying to save a few quid on insurance by being economical with the truth and then finding out they won't pay up in the case of an accident.
Having looked at a few other insurance companies they all seem to be doing the same.
How many people out there are aware of this I wonder. I've been driving for 13 years and always been very careful with insurance - yet this is the first i've heard of it.
Is this a new thing or have I just been buying the wrong insurance for the last few years? Read more
I'm an opt-out former company car driver and I've certainly read of cases where the insurance company won't pay out.
Be careful on the place of work thing - some companies specify "usual" or "regular", so if you go anywhere else you could be in difficulty.
I know this is PR, but it's interesting nontheless: tinyurl.com/yhf7xc4
Anyone had one, did you find it useful abroad outside the EU or did your UK do you fine if required to produce? Read more
I agree with AE. Why risk problems for such a small outlay?
I had one for driving Saudi, Brunei and Libya and always obtained mine from Green Flag.
www.greenflag.com/downloads/idp_app_form_green.pdf
The good old PO can supply them but only at selected sites.
www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/apply-for-a...l
The RAC site says
" Counterfeit/illegal IDPs are available via the internet.
Motorists are reminded to ensure that IDPs are only purchased from officially
delegated organisations, e.g. RAC or AA in the UK."
I am not good at posting links
it was a BBC item
94? offences
Little wonder our motor insurances are getting expensive Read more
What can I say?
Never have been able to pass a gutter without stepping in it.
Has anyone been to one of the presentations that the Bloodhound SSC team are doing around the country. This is the car that aims to crack the 1000mph barrier. Went along last night and was pretty impressed by what I heard. Lots of big numbers including using an 800bhp race engine just to power the pump for the auxiliary rocket motor. Primary propulsion will be from a development version of the Eurofighter Typhoon jet engine.
Aussies and Yanks are going for it as well but my money would be on this Richard Noble fronted team again. Read more
I know Andy Green and he isn't bonkers, he is fearless. There is a difference!
On bad road surfaces there is a rattling from the boot area which I am sure relates to the roof arms/hinges of the roof. No rattles when folded. My dealer tells me this is normal. Another owner I have asked tells me he has no noise. Any ideas please. Read more
There are repair packs of parts available, if you can identify which parts are rattling.
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It's in the fusebox behind the glovebox, it's a yellow 15 as I remember and it's a beggar to get out without the correct tool. Go into your garage and ask them if they can do it as a quick favour.