May 2011
Have enjoyed my 150 for seven years. Now 140k miles. Quick and economical. Serviced ever 10k. But the engine is knackered. Has had all sorts of intermittent judders all of which self -resolved with no faults found on diagnostics. New clutch at 120k and dmf at 130k - was running fine a that time. Engine now sounds gruesome. On my independent mechanic's advice got local dealer to have a look. dealer recommends not running it at all to avoid catastrophic failure. They reckon needs new pistons, cam shaft, conrods, the lot. The car is immaculate otherwise. My mechanic is a lifelong vw mechanic now running his own garage, is trustworthy and is willing to do the work but am worried about huge cost without the certainty of a sound engine.
So do I repair the engine or see if I can get a recon with a decent warranty. If I go for the recon option where do I look? Or are there specialists who will rebuild my engine and give me a warranty?... Read more
Hi there
I have just bought a Clio and was told it would need new radio codes inputted so I can use it again. I have managed to get the codes, however I have no way to input them. I have been advised that when the radio is on 0000 should appear on the radio display above, but it does not so I cannot input the codes. ... Read more
Pollen Filter's cover of my VW Polo, 1600cc, 1999, has been missing. Thus I can not fix pollen filter. When it rains, water come through inside the car. I can not find the cover/seal for the pollen filter. Could you please tell me where can I find it and how much its cost? Read more
I'm fed up spending out on repair bills for my Focus so the time has come to replace it. I need an Auto so Mrs Thrust can drive it.
I like the low down grunt of diesels so am looking at diesel at the moment but I have yet to make a final decision having read some of the petrol v Diesel threads on here.... Read more
Very interesting. Thanks.
I'd like to know if anyone has any feedback on third party Gap Insurance firms? I am interested in taking out Gap Insurance as I am buying a new car at the VAT off price through a broker, and since the order it's value has risen by £1135 to replace. The companies i'm considering at the moment are Surf and Protect and car2cover.co.uk. I'm looking for an underwritten replacement cover scheme from a reputable broker, does anyone have any experiences or recommendations? Read more
It is definitely worth having if you buy a car on finance as the insurer will only return the book value whereas the loan settlement figure is likely to be signinficantly more, particularly in year one. I have had a case where a person (involved in the motor trade) was faced with a demand for an £8000 shortfall payable in 14 days because of the gap between the figures. - I will be taking out half of the cost on finance which is another reason I am interested in the policy. I was curious why the 'big' companies didn't seem to be more involved with it though? I would rather have taken out the insurance from Aviva or Barclays for instance than a smaller underwritten company but they seem to be out of the market at the moment.
Hi all, Does anyone know of any companies that cover old cars more than 15yrs old I want cover for more than two months.. I am planning to drive to Spain but am having problems getting breakdown cover Read more
Quoteline Direct provide annual cover in the UK and Europe for vehicles under 16 years old for £59.
Hi all,I am very confused can you help pl,ease? Have just purchased a fiat punto 1.2 8 valve and it was registered in September 2003. Is this car a MK 2 or 3 My main concern is that I am told by different people that I should have a red master key with it, and if I have not got one I could be in trouble one day starting my car. I only have one blue key . Could someone please give me some information about this model regarding keys .Is this model supplied with a red key? I can only lock the car with the key there is no fob. I hope I have not purchased a Lemon!!!! Read more
Hi again thanks for your help and continued support. My ke has the markings and number 2 on. As the car was registered sept 03 I take it that it is a MK3.Once again thanks
Hi wondered if any backroomers have a suggestion for suitable car that will be insured by my 17 year old son.The problem is he is six foot five and still growing and he is a keen golfer so needs to carry clubs around to events that he is playing at so he needs a roomy car. He is just starting to learn to drive so he is a provisional licence holder but he will have me and my wife as named drivers on his policy. Budget up to £2000 for car and obviously insurance well god only knows. Small town toddler cars Clio, Fiesta, Polo ect he will not fit into but I was wondering about a Mondeo,Astra Estate, Focus ect or even a Pick-up type vehicle, any ideas or experiances would be helpful. Read more
Thanks for help Co op insurance plus black box sounds good idea, not looked at VW fox but will check it out.
Next week I head off on a short tour of Provence. I have prebooked accomodation in Valence at the start and Anncey at the end of the of the tour, with five nights in between with nothing planned.
What I would ask of Backroomers is good roads to drive, places to visit, or places to avoid, from the vast pool of knowlege out there.... Read more
Hello All,
My ford escort has started to overheat and the fan isnt kicking in. I have checked the water and it was empty so have refilled and eventually the water gets to boiling hot but the fan is still not kicking in. i cant find the fuse for the fan so not sure if it has one?... Read more
I have checked the water and it was empty so have refilled
Ah, so that's all right then!...
Tragic!
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