December 2009
Something I missed out in my other thread...
Why do full size spare wheels in a Focus come with a yellow warning speed sticker? Read more
Chatting in the pub last night about Q cars... a wolf in sheeps clothing.
These days most 'performance' cars have very low profile tyres and other give away signs, and we got to thinking about what cars, in the last few years, look pretty ordinary, but go like stink!
We came up the the BMW 530/530D, Jaguar R types and (of course) the Legacy Spec B Tourer. There must be more out there, but after a few pints we could not think of any... Read more
I have to concur with the S60 fans out there.
We have an 07 plate S60 D5 manual. 185bhp, 400nm. For a short burst of acceleration, still pushes you into your (very comfy heated leather) seat.
Not blistering, but as has been said, it is a Volvo saloon. Chavved-out saxos just don't expect that kind of acceleration from a Volvo!
On the other topic hidden in here, I really like the look of the latest S80, but would prefer a V70.
Cheers,
Alex.
My new Bluemotion (supposedly more economical but in fact only 35-40 mpg) has from new occasionally had a momentary but sometimes quite sharp 'catch' in the engine power accompanied by a strange noise like a distant dog barking. This has grown gradually more frequent until in happens > 1/minute. I have a sonogram of the under-bonnet sound showing that this occurs at high turbocharger speed and involves a sudden turbo speed drop.
VW originally diagnosed this (after the garage confirmed the effect) as a faulty EGR valve. When the garage replaced this (under warranty) without any improvement they asked for the valve to be blocked off. According to the garage (unfortunately I did not test it) this stopped the effect, and VW now claim the effect is normal 'EGR bounce', a term I cannot find on the web and which I suspect they just invented!
I have driven VW Sharan diesels (2 before, I am sure they had EGR valves!) for >10 years and never experienced anything like this - has anyone heard of it?
It may be unrelated but I am also very disappointed with the fuel economy - only 35-40 mpg which is a little worse than my previous 10-year-old version and hardly justifies the 'Bluemotion' label! (& the extra price). I note that the garage say the old EGR valve was very carbonised after only 8 months. Read more
I have an Alhambra Ecomotive, so it's the same. Very occasionally we get what can only be descibed as a hiccup whilst accelerating. Checked with a friend who has the Passat with the same 140 engine and DPF. It also does the same trick. Do PD engines not like the DPF?
Drivingwise, you've got to grt that oil temperature gauge to the middle before registering good MPG, so thats at least 6 to 7 miles of relatively clear driving.
You'll hardly ever need 6th gear except on the open road to keep the revs at 2000 or over to keep the DPF regenerating.
I like it as a car but it takes some getting used to.
I don't know if this has been mentioned on here before, but I wonder who first started this rumour? -
www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/12/10/s.../
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~SQ - You're the only person to reply so far, so no need to quote the original post
It's been around a while this one - since at least 2006...
www.snopes.com/crime/mootloot/radio.asp
Yes it's that time of year again. I had all 4 glow plugs changed due to poor staring in my 52 1.8 tdci 100, 3 were faulty. it has improved the starting a bit but it's not perfect. I noticed the glow plug light is on for a very short time, a second or so, even when the temp is below freezing is that right. also after driving for a couple of hundred yards the radiator cooling fan runs could the two be connected? Read more
Hi fastbysuzuki
I suppose the starting is not that bad now. I had a new battery 18 months ago and new glow plugs last week. With the starting procedure you suggested it started second attempt on a really cold morning. Just seems pretty poor compared to some diesels I've owned. I will just have to cure the occasional lack of power and clouds of black smoke (egr?) and the car will be ok.
There`s a stretch of road near here where cars park both sides and it`s effectively one lane only, down the middle. You don`t see the car approaching until the last second, due to a bend, so it`s a split second decision whether to pull in and flash the other car through - or press straight on hoping he will wait or there may be a gap in the middle to pull into.
I`m used to pulling in and flashing people through. But over the last couple of years there has been an increasing number of drivers, male and female, `blanking` me and not holding a hand up to say thanks. Some of these are bus drivers who ought to know better.
But this morning, I let a silver MPV through and the driver mouthed the `W` word as he passed.
I wouldn`t say I`m really affected by these things (yet) but wondered if a `tipping point` would eventually be reached in society where motoring courtesy just ends and it`s a rats fighting in a sewer situation - for passage rights.
Regards to all!
oilrag
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........... but would it be three points on the license for not
having headlights on?
You're stationary, so it's not much different from being parked with just sidelights ~ or whatever the pedants will tell me they're called nowadays.
I'm not confident that I can get to SW France without a problem with the locking,alarm or immobiliser on my 1.6 auto.Can I disable the alarm and the immobiliser?Also, where can i get a handbook or download? Read more
do not attempt to interfere with imobilizer as interfering with these modules will cause them to lock out perminantely ! the earlier 5as system was a little more basic.
May be if you don't have the confidence then don't take it!
these people may help with key fobs etc www.remotekey.co.uk/cars/rover/rover-25/
I've just looked at two online car buyers who have given me an apparent good price for mine. There seem to be two on the internet, one who advetises on TV. They come and collect your vehicle then make a bank transfer as payment. Seems too good to be true.
Am I right? Anybody got any experience of them. Any advive gratefully received. Read more
Offered me £3750 on-line for the C3...got £4200 trade in on the Note.
Ted
A car for the wife to replace our trusty Clio.
Clio pros:
Cabin feels more plush.
Looks top-of-the-range on nice 16" wheels despite there being pricier Priviledge and Initiale models.
1.2 Turbo engine likely to be more flexible.
Fiesta pros:
(Slightly) more highly rated by the press.
Nice looking car and a new model so will perhaps date less quickly.
Bluetooth and voice control seems better integrated.
More convenient and friendly dealer.
Any thoughts? Read more
I agree Avant, its just that there is one in stock with privacy glass, looks OK on a dark colour I guess though this is silver.
The one x small to medium and 2x large Cheddars are not too interested in being seen I feel.
I have tried a few times this am to complete a post and part way through the site locks up - or is it just me ? Read more
Hi,
Can you report it via the problem reporting button below ?
Rob - Moderator.
Browse
It's classed as a "one spare wheel fits all model Focus's".
Saves Ford having to supply the exact size wheel/tyre to all their different models where a universal one that will get you to the nearest garage will suffice. Ford aren't the only company who do this.