October 2009

Scenic driver Tim

Hi

Looking for some honest judgement and advice from those in the know.

I have a 2002 petrol automatic 1.8 Renault Scenic (5 door expression+ with 70000 miles). It has the well discussed problem where the brake servo hisses (needing a replacement of the sealed unit costing 200+ and 5 hours of labour to fix). The brake discs are worn and it needs some minor work that I can do myself - one worn tyre, some bulbs need replacing etc).

I was using the car regularly but no longer need it. Until now I haven't been able to afford the repair work so the MOT and tax have been allowed to expire - the car is on a SORN.

Anyway. the question is - if I sell the car now in its' current condition, how much am I likely to receive, and should I sell privately or to a dealer? I think that if I pay for service, MOT and repairs to get the car fully roadworthy it will cost at least 800, and then if I'm very lucky I might be able to sell it for around 1400.

My limited knowledge makes it hard to judge whether to just sell...or repair and sell.

Thanks

Tim Read more

Scenic driver Tim

Sounds like good advice - thanks to all.

FotheringtonThomas

Tonight, I will be moving a small (6'6 x 3'2 approx.) slate-bedded billiard table (it's got folding legs), using a 5' x 3' trailer. For a load like this, which is rather heavy and brittle, are there any useful precautions against breakage I can take? I was going to rest it on 4x2s lengthways on the trailer, and strap it there. Read more

FotheringtonThomas

Well, that was rather fraught. It was loaded up upside-down on a few 4x2s with some rolled-up carpet on top, where the legs join on, and strapped down. The trailer has seen better days, and some of the sides disintegrated, so there's another job to do. I went the long way, to avoid bumpy roads, took it easy, and all was well. Table now installed. Great! On the way back the car was noticeably more responsive when overtaking.

J1mbo

Hi all, I passed in '96 and always driven a manual. My new car is an auto, i have a paper license. Do I need to do anything?Could'nt find the answer on the dvla site.

Cheers.

James Read more

Big Bad Dave

Congratulations J1mbo.

Welcome to the civilized world.

dojocasino

I've had my 2000 Fiesta on sale in Autotrader for about three weeks now. I've already had one Nigerian scam email about it, and without wishing to sound racist, a lot of phone calls from dodgy-sounding people with poor English.

If you look around online you'll find a lot of guides for what to look out for when buying a second-hand car, but very little if you're looking to sell one. This is my first time selling a car and I'm not sure what I should be wary of. I had a phone call just this morning from someone who wanted to see the car, but after giving him my address didn't specify a time when he'd be visiting. Should I be worried?

Something that's particularly vague to me is the issue of test drives... do I need to ask people for their insurance documents before I can let them test it, because I don't think my insurance covers that.

Thanks for any advice! Read more

OldSock

Just a question regarding insurance:

Notwithstanding damage to the seller's car, what if a potential (insuranceless, licenceless?) buyer causes serious damage or harm to someone else. Can the seller be sued or prosecuted for allowing the test pilot to drive?

davecooper

There is a roundabout near to me on a dual carriageway. The road joins and leaves as dual carriageway, the exit effectively being a right turn at 270 degrees. I was always led to believe that you can take any lane around this type of roundabout but you must exit in the lane you joined. The vast majority of people move to the right hand lane to negotiate the roundabout, cutting back to the left hand lane as they exit. Unfortunately if you use the left hand lane, you end up getting cut up on the exit and some people are not slow in letting you know that you obviously haven?t read the highway code! Damned if you do?? Perhaps arrows or a dividing line on the road might help. Read more

b308

You see the "no other turning" type quite often on new roads where they plan another road which will lead to a new housing or industrial estate which has yet to be built...

In the case I refered to there is another road, and actually the roundabout is the most sensible and safest road layout for the junction... even the road markings are correct... its just that people ignore 'em!

perro

A slide show of motoring related pictures - from around the world.
Click the url below, then click the symbol in the bottom R/H corner of image to enlarge to full screen, then click the play symbol.

www.flickr.com/photos/43576259@N04/?saved=1 Read more

John R @ home {P}

The Motorcycle with it's front wheel in the boot is a Honda VF750 SC .
I used to have one, it was one of the worst bikes I've ever had the misfortune to own.
Slightest bit of drizzle and it would not start!!! No Kick Start and too heavy to bump.
No wonder that one was being towed...

John R

Javalin

Hiya

A few quick sensor component locations questions for the AGG engine:

1) The two sensors on top of the oil filter housing - pressure and temp, or just 2 x pressure sensors?

2) On the right hand side of the block (as you look from the front of the car) is a one wire temp sensor of some sort. What is it measuring Oil temp? Another Coolant temp Sensor?

3) On the intake manifold there is another one wire sensor on the right hand side (opposide end to where the hose goes to the air box) (again from the front) what does that measure? (Air temp / volume is in the air box)

Many thanks,

James Read more

Victorbox

Anyone had any experience of these vehicle batteries - quality and longevity?

www.schnapp.co.il/e/index.asp Read more

phpete

had one for starting a perkins 4203 diesel engine.replaced it after 6 years although it was still able to start the engine without any problem .would buy another but the local motor factor dosn`t stock them anymore.

zookeeper

my photo licence apparently runs out in 2011, i didnt get it until 2003...i thought it was supposed to last ten years? help please Read more

mattbod

Another stealth jobbie like passports?

max99

Hey,

Im currently at Uni and i'm 20, and got a years no claims, im looking to buy a new car as my old one died!

I've narrowed the search down to either:

A Mini Cooper S (2002-2005) or a Golf GT FSI(bit newer 04-05)

Now need advice on which to get, my thoughts are as follows

The Mini is quicker, and has been said to be lot of fun to drive and I like the look of the S. Im worried about comfort (hard ride) and if i'll enjoy driving it.

The golf is more standard, a 2.0 engine but actually has a good MPG, less fun i think, slower, but more practical.

What do you think I should go for.

Note: Insurance and Tax and very similar for both for me

Thanks
Max

Read more

max99

In regards to student loan, thats not a problem, i've paid most of it off.

Really looking for something 3 door, sporty, and that won't depreciate loads.

Anyone any ideas on depreciation of a 2005 golf, or 2003/4 mini cooper s?