October 2010
we bought a ford focus tdi on a v plate. it keeps randomley cutting out which can be very danerous. it starts straight away every time. the garage we bought it from took it back and replaced crankshaft sensor ( diagnostic machine read problems with crankshaft and fuel pump). got car back and still kept cutting out. they are now saying the ecu has gone. could the ecu relate to the readings on the diagnostic machine. anyone know ? Read more
My car was hit by another car while parked, the other driver accepted full responsibility and I contacted my insurance broker who in turn contacted there no-win/no-fee type solicitors who then appointed a garage to collect my car. Upon being driven to the garage the my car broke down. I was told that the engine had seized and that it was my responsibility to pay for the repair, I later found out that the garage was 30 miles+ from my home.
The garage have consistantly tried to make me accept the car back in an unworkable state, which I have refused, they are now threatening to crush my car in the next 14 days because I have refused to accept it back in an unworkable state.... Read more
I wouldnt say 30 miles is a long way. The car had damage to the door, it was still driveable so dont really see how thats an issue. Did YOU drive the car after the impact?
Age and mileage of the car is a factor as well as the extent of the damage. A little knock to the door is not likely to have caused a engine problem. A massive knock to the door could have knocked a hose off which could lead to overheating and seizing, but this is pretty unlikely. Something else to consider is that surely it would be in the garages interest to say the problem was caused by the accident, because they would be able to charge the insurers. If it blatantly isnt, they wouldnt be able to....
I am realy having problems get the rear doors to unlock on C5.I have tried everything, and WD 40 sprayed every where. manual key, central locking from inside, betaing with a stick,etc.
Can some one help?... Read more
I'm afraid it's probably bad news. You may be able to open the door and give it a good lubrication.
Suggestions to make the lock unlock have been smacking the door (with palm of hand to not damage bodywork) while pressing the unlock button,...
Have the above vehicle, and it has a mystery misfire only at 4k revs. Have changed all manner of common sense items as I have a donor vehicle, but all usual remedies fail. Fuel pressure, airmass meter, plugs, checked CAT, etc, etc, anyone have any similar experiences? The car is a mk2 auto, and when driving/running at anything less than 4k all is smooth and it's driving well, on increased acceleration over 4k, the engine simply pulses and this affects the auto box, changing it up and down. Read more
needs a diag check ? Does the speedo work ok ? cam sensor ?
My beloved X5 is laid up with a cylinder head problem, at the veery least. I'm just hoping that someone on this forum might be kind enough to offer advice on how best to get her going again.
Here's the story so far:... Read more
Many thanks. I'll check on those points. Was planning to remove the head so will do that as soon as I get a suitable manual. I have been recommended the TIS cd for sale on ebay. It's a straight six so just one head...
Lloyd
I ordered my hyundai ix 35 premium 2 wheel drive media pack etc in cassa white in June 2010 and im still waiting !!!! Has anyone got any idea how long this is gonna take i can get no info from my dealer hellppp Read more
This thread isn't getting anywhere, so I'm closing it.
There's an existing, long-running thread on delivery delays and another on first impression of those who have been lucky and got theirs. So far, mercifully, the standard of debate has been higher than on this thread.
I ordered a VW Polo 1.2tdi SE in July. I was told to expect a delivery date in earl November.
I was told by my dealer that the car had been built. This was later retracted and told 2 weeks ago of a further 9 week delay due to strike action in South Africa.... Read more
Just a small update. VW have confirmed that I will receive a hire car from Europcar as it's been 20 weeks since I placed my order.
Now I'm wondering whether it will be a Volkswagen from Europcar or something else....
An *0 year old friend has a new one but she has a bad back. Can the suspension be modified since she finds the ride a bit hard for her back. or would changing the tyres alter anything?
... Read more
My 55k Mazda 6 has just had it's annual service by the local Mazda dealer and since then it's overheating and the heating and air con are working sporadically. The coolant was replaced and the air con system was serviced. I've only done about 30 miles and three times the temp gauge has gone to the red line. The coolant in the tank seems cool and I've released the cap on the rad and it's boiled over loosing maybe half a pint of fluid and the temperature gauge returns to normal. The car is still under a Mazda dealer warranty and will be going back to the dealer on Friday. Otherwise the car has been brilliant. Forewarned is forearmed, any ideas chaps?. Read more
The problem was an air lock which the garage took responsibility for. All fixed now, we hope. I spoke to the service manager who will make a small refund re a wasted half day to return the car and more importantly, send me a letter re the circumstances in case of any relevent engine problems post warranty. Thanks again.
Hi all,
I currently drive a Mk2 1.8 Mondeo Zetec that I'm looking to replace for a number of reasons, but mostly because corrosion has set in and it'll be too expensive to put it through an MOT next year.
So I'm looking for a new motor and the budget is tight so want to make sure I'm not stung by buying something that I'll regret.
I drive about 10k miles a year, with the bulk of my driving being a 6 mile trip to work and back on city roads every day but a trip to my parents is a 600 mile round trip so whatever vehicle I get needs to be good around town but capable of long motorway journeys without exploding or giving me a headache.
Things I need:
- approx £3500-4000 to spend
- needs to be economical around town where most of my driving is. Ideally 40mpg+
- ideally lower than group 9 insurance (i.e. less than the current Mondeo)
- when required it may have to transport 2 adults and a child with pushchair etc.
- needs to be reliable i.e. not French or a Punto
- needs to be able to manage long motorway journeys comfortably when required.
- needs to last 4-5 years or another 40k miles approx
Cars I've considered:
Honda Jazz 1.4dsi - economical and roomy, but not sure how this will manage at normal motorway speeds (i.e. 80 rather than bang on 70)
Mitsubishi Colt 1.5dci - wife has an older Colt (1.6 16v P reg) currently and has been an unbelievably good car with no issues. Also concerned about how it handles on the motorway after reading HJ's review.
Skoda Fabia 1.4 TDI - would be looking at one with 60-70k+ miles to fit in budget so a bit concerned about expensive diesel engine faults. The 1.2 petrol seems a bit under powered for the motorway?
Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCI - plenty of these around but again not sure about long distance performance. Also a bit spa*** inside the cabin.
Ford Focus Mk1/2- petrol versions aren't that economical but am a bit wary of buying a higher mileage TDCI due to costs of diesel repairs.
Toyota Aygo - economical and not many in budget but suspect this will not be roomy enough.
Toyota Yaris - 1.3 VVT would be a good bet but not sure on the boot space.
Honda Civic - (older shape) seem reliable but HJ didn't seem to rate them that highly? Also apparently prone to rust, which I'm keen to avoid.
Peugeot/Renault - would not touch with a 10 foot pole, seem to have far too many faults.
Corsa 1.3 CDTI - boot maybe a bit small and a bit dull inside. Also common as muck.
Astra - really doesn't appeal. I drive an 05 plate 1.7 diesel at work and don't like it. Too flimsy and feels like it will fall apart.
As you can see I've considered several cars in some depth and the Jazz/Colt seems to be the favourite. I love the top end power of my Mondeo at motorway speeds but truth is it I don't need a 1.8 Zetec for 95% of my driving so will have to downsize but still want something that I could cruise for 300 miles in without feeling ill or deaf.
Any thoughts/suggestions welcome!
Read more
As I said before good cars underrated and the diesels are good also.
Browse
Is there any noises coming from the dash, like a "bing bing bing" when it cuts out?
If so when you are driving, try turning off the engine and back on again, if this then makes the accelator work it COULD be your "TPS". (Throtttle position sensor) your accelorator has a little computer in it, not a cable and this could be your problem....