Well, I've had it a fortnight. Or to put it another way, for two thousand miles. It's a company car which I was given with a new job.

Spec is Tekna 150 bhp 2.0 diesel auto and includes, leather, bluetooth, six speed slusher, panoramic glass roof, xenons, keyless, dual climate, switchable/lockable 4wd and 17" alloys and headlamp washers. This one is metallic black with black trim.

I'm used to large estate cars so I was worried that it might feel a bit small. It's not too bad on that front with a good usable boot and subsequent loadspace with the seats folded.

I'm also going to be continuing to do a fair mileage so comfort takes precedence over most things and it doesn't disappoint here either. Seats are very adjustable and the steering wheel can be placed for rake and reach but I still can't quite get the position as natural as my old Mondeo. Not bad though.

I like the big glass roof. Not as much as one which opens but it still makes the cabin airy. There is an electric sunblind if required.

Its been years since I had an auto. Still not sure I like them really but it was a boon yesterday when I was stuck in a mega jam on the M6. It has the option to self shift with a sequential action if prefered. I think that will be my favoured technique on long descents especially in wintery conditions. Otherwise it picks up well enough and changes smoothly but I do dislike it shifting gear mid corners, doesn't feel right but I guess I'll get used to it.

No sports car but it bowls along briskly enough and has plenty of pull from the remarkably quiet and smooth diesel engine. Handling, as might be expected feels a little top heavy but it grips well enough. Copes well with speed humps.

The switchable 4wd is controlled from a rotary dial next to the gear selector. It has the option of running permanently 2wd or auto 4wd which allows some power to the rear wheels when the car decides it needs it. there is a third option of locking it in 4wd for very slippery conditions but even that will revert to auto 4wd when a certain road speed is reached. I hadn't really felt the need for a 4wd but who knows it might come in handy one day.

The keyless entry and ignition is amusing but strikes me as having no real benefit as indeed do the rear parking sensors. It has huge door mirrors and on a relatively compact vehicle with a high seating position has good all round visibility. Having a beepy thing to tell you what you can already see is a bit of an indulgence but again maybe they will prove useful. Clever though.

Auto lights and wipers likewise. Good toys but seem to me to be extra to requirement. Xenons are very good though. Glad I won't be funding any bulb replacements mind.

The glass roof was a bit of a worry as we use a bike rack but I found a clamp on backpack style one to fit.

Fuel consumption is only OK at 38mpg but apparently these are not famous for being frugal.

So far so good. Read more

Hi-
My Focus broke down yesterday- luckily a nice day, hadn't got too far and early afternoon so could get it towed to the garage. It had lost power on the dual carriage way, temperature gauge at max etc. It turns out there was no coolant, and I admit I haven't checked it for a while (will do from now on) though was only serviced a few months ago (no excuse I know). My garage is very good, immediately topped it up and ran it for ages. Couldn't see anything till they had it on the ramp and apparently its the core plugs leaking at back of engine? I didn't get a look. I believe they need some bits from Ford and a gasket or two. Anyway quoted around £165 if all goes to plan and the plugs prove easy enough to remove. Its booked in for Tuesday and we've not used it much, only to take son to nursery and back. But checked tonight and coolant appears to be mostly gone again (at least from expansion tank), so that's only a couple of trips to town and back- quicker loss than I'd thought.

I wont use it at all unless really necessary, and will top it up, but I was surprised it had gone again. I just need some pink coolant...

My question really is, anyone heard of this happening, is it something fixable with one of those additives (not keen to do that but £170 is £170). I'm sure I'll stick to getting it done. It has been a very reliable car apart from the two breakdowns (other time was similar symptoms but was the water pump). Read more

Hi just removed the gear box from the honda and there seems alot of play in the flywheel ! is this normal Read more

Hi - can anyone help solve my notchy gear change problem when changing from 1st-2nd on my nearly new Fiesta? Its 6 mths old. Could it just use some oil or is it something more serious? Thanks Read more

ie my dear old Galaxy is due her test on the 3rd Dec
Bought June 1998, 207, 000 miles, should good for another 50,000 or so?
She will possibly/probably need an exhaust, or moderate /extensive welding
brake pipes?
main light switch etc.
But running like a clock, & I love her to bits ( & too mean to splash out on a new motor)
I have booked her in for a "prelim" next Tue to get some idea of likely cost
just with the Vat increase next year
But the 2.5% extra on say £15,000 is only £375.00
Read more