December 2009
Hi, Im looking to go down the route of buying at an auction next spring (BCA perhaps). Does anyone know where I could access information about pricing. For example it is suggested currently that auction prices were up 10% on last year. From that then I take it someone has the information. Looking to see if I can find out the general price ranges for what cars go for - or even how much below forecourt prices at least. Looking to spend between 7-11k so would need to be worth my while taking the risk. I suppose Im looking for some kind of 'Parkers / Glasses guide ' that would apply to auction pricing. Anyone point me in the right direction????
Cheers Read more
My sister got a brand new Aygo Blue in mid Sept under the scrappage deal.
She has complained for a few weeks that its windows are misting up a lot but I thought that was just the usual issue re using air con.
But she now tells me her carpets are soaking, front and back.
I have just googled and it would appear this is a major issue with Aygos and, as far as I can see, Toyota don't have a fix for it.
I just have visions now of this car going in and out of the dealer for the next 6 months trying to fix something that Toyota don't seem to have a fix for. And her losing faith in her wee car.
Would this be grounds for rejecting the car? Can she get money back even though it is scrappage or does she need to accept another Aygo? Read more
My father was bought a 2009 model Aygo from a Toyota main dealer in Woodford, Essex. Awaiting delivery of his order he was loaned a 2009 model Aygo courtesy car. This car leaked leaving puddles in the rear footwells. The dealer was asked (in writing) to guarantee that the actual Aygo purchased did not suffer from the same fault.
A few days after delivery of the new car it rained and you guessed it....the rear footwells became damp. Regretfully the dealer refused to accept the car back and then shamefully denied that there ever was a leak effectively calling my father a liar. The sales manager and the service manager basically said that unless they could claim from Toyota they were not interested in helping even though the car was only a few days old. This is clearly against the sales of goods act, but they seemed unconcerned about our threat of taking this further....
Hi all,
Popped 150% of the minimum dose in the master van about 120 miles ago and I am currently concerned about the drastic change in the power delivery. Perhaps those with greater knowledge can advise. (all of you)
The van was chipped several years ago which smoothed the power delivery out. The torque curve starts or started at 1750 and started to drop off again at about 2200 - 2300 and the motor would pull 4th from 30 mph even when 50% loaded even up a slight incline. Now what has happened is that the torque curve starts at just below 2100 and is so sudden and steep it is quite shocking, but it peaks a very short time after. However the engine revs much more freely than it ever used to do. Whereas that original 1750 rpm start was brilliant there is virtually nothing now below 2000 rpm and if below that figure and on an incline then a change down is needed. Never been known before.
The blurb on the bottle states that the full effect of the additive will be felt after a 200 mile 'cleaning period'. But I never thought that this could alter the engine characteristics so much.
Any thoughts/advice please.
Best regards...........Martin Read more
My car's Owners Guide specifically warns against using fuel additives.
Hi All,
Last night, 40mph, jumped right out in front of me. Killed the poor thing outright and I really feel bad about it, but it has also cracked the bottom of the bumper/spoiler on my 1 year old SAAB Aero.
Going to nip down a local body shop and hoping they will do a repair for not too much, but if it needs a whole new bumper I suspect it will be an insurance job even with my excess of £400.
Just wondering, should I be a good boy and inform my insurance company, or wait till I have seen the body shop?
Regards.
FTF
Read more
Lots of dead badgers round us..The live ones steal peanuts from the bird feeders : stainless steel ones are essential : wire ones get chewed up.
Not as bad as deer. Or sheep. Or cows. All of which appear on country roads from time to time.
Hi All,
I have a 2005 E90 320i - I have had a small oil leak where I can see oil collect on the metal plate that sticks out under the cylinder head, I can also see oil at the back of the cylinder, when I run a tissue around the back.
I have had the profile gasket replaced, and the problem went away for about a week , but now its back!? - Small collection of oil on the metal plate an oil on tissue when run around the back of the cylinder head.
Its very hard to pin point exactly where its from, but checking from the top to bottom it seems to start at the cylinder head.
My problem is - I called BMW in Europe and UK and they tell me they never really have to sell or replace the complete cylinder head (plastic housing). My mechanic has suggested it could be warped but to be honest the oil leak seems lower down and this part is about £250 without labour!
Anyone able to help or had the same problem.
Thanks in advance
Smithie
{Correct year entered into header} Read more
I thought the same, never mind. Hopefully others with this problem can read about this and be helped out.
Regards
Tailgate is jammed shut (although I can open it from inside the car) The tailgate warning light is illuminated on the dash - Car is 6 years old purchased used from the main Honda Dealer in Chiswick London - full service history at main dealer and less than 65000 miles.
What chances have I got on a goodwill claim from Honda UK ?? My research shows that the electronic tailgate give problems on this car ( it was modified on the 2005Y versions) I'm also told I could be in for a several hundred pounds costs via the main dealer.
Any information greatly appreciated ......... Thanks Read more
Not sure if yours is the same problem but two days ago my tailgate refused to move under its own power or lock - i had to do a twenty mile trip with it unlatched . I sorted the problem by doing the following:
Under the bonnet there should be a dedicated fuse box about 2 inches square mounted directly aft of the main fuse box on the deisel model. It should have a couple of tailgate motifs on it. Take the top off and remove and check the two fuses and the larger box fuse. Mine were all ok but removing them seems to reset the controller - It all works OK now....
I have searched endless days for a cheaper front driver side wheel hub for my vectra breeze 55 plate, our car has done just over 30,000 miles and the wheel bearing has gone and just before christmas it a crisis, the garage is quoting nearly 300 as you cant just replace the bearings it has to be the complete hub, sensor etc, this is turning into a nightmare, i have heard endlessly that 30,000 miles for a wheel bearing to go is unusual, phoned vauxhall and basically tough which i expected. Any idea where there is a good chance i could get the wheel hub cheaper and would get a mate to replace it anything rather than the prices im being quoted at the moment :( Read more
Just out of interest why can't you fit a bearing?
It's a sealed hub. Vx have been doing this for quite a while now. IIRC, the rear hub on a Vectra-B is a sealed unit, as is the front hub on an Astra-G and likewise you can't just change the bearings on them either.
www.autovaux.co.uk/LoadPortal.aspx?cnum=161&tabid=...7
Wheel Hub Except IDS up to 2004 = £63.91 (+vat, p&p)
Wheel Hub - To 2004 with IDS, 2005 on All models = £105.00 (+vat, p&p)
It's that time again - the letter from Direct Line dropped through the letter box and, surprise surprise, it's gone up. So, a quick check around and up pops Swiftcover - nearly £200 cheaper.
Question is, are they any good or are they "cheap and cheerful" but rubbish? Read more
I had swift cover once. never again.
...
I have not used T-Cut for years but read once that it should not be used on modern finishes without further treatment, since it cuts through the protective lacquer of modern cars (mine has non-metallic paintwork). What follow-up treatment is required please? Read more
P.S. Thanks, Andrew-T. Meths does work, but not easily.
A curiousity based question rather than anything please. I've recently aquired a car equipped with a DPF. Can't say I've noticed its presence other than that unlike any previous diesel car I've had it doesn't seem to smoke even briefly under load/high revs. I do use it for regular long trips which I understand suits the DPF process but I was just wondering how I would know if it was functioning properly ? Does the burn cycle manifest itself in any noticeable way ? Also, what are the symptoms of a faulty DPF ? Poor running or mpg or what ?
Just curious as I say, nothing appears to be untoward with mine, just wanted to get the expert advice of the BR in the hope that I never need it....if you see what I mean.... Read more
On my Mk4 Mondeo Auto, the inside of the tailpipe is clean, i.e. no soot, so I know mine's working.
There's also no smoking whatsoever on acceleration (as mentioned above).
.
Keith
Browse
It can be a number of things
Traders who after having a proper look around the car, having a quite word with their mates on site and cancel the purchase without any financial penalty (most likely)...