car was running rough after a couple of weeks it died, have changed the cam sensor still not working, took spark plug out whilist got someone to start the engine, got one spark and then no more sparks any ideas. regards dave Read more

Morning all,

Hope someone may be able to clear something up for me. I bought a 2006 Focus TDCi 1.6 last year with a full service history - mileage at purchase was 95k is now at 105k. Have had the requisite nightmare with DPF, clearly didn't do enough homework here, and, after the car went into limp mode, I have just been advised by an independent garage that the Eloys fluid is empty and will cost me about £250-00 for a complete refill. They also mentioned that it should have been done as part of the 72k service.

So, I dutifully contact the Ford garage where all servicing has been undertaken and they advise me that the additive was not topped up as this is an 'optional component' of the service. Looking at the service schedule this does not seem to be the case. The garage are insistent and have agreed to provide confirmation in writing. Can anyone confirm whether or not this is the case?

The DPF was not been changed either at 72k, can anyone confirm whether this is something that I will HAVE to have done and, if so, whether I'm better off just getting it back on the road with tis 'top up' and getting shot of it. The guy who has the car at the moment thinks the top up should ensure all is OK until the end of the car's life

Sorry to waffle but any help would be greatly appreciated. Read more

I have had my car insurance cancelled because I did not provide an upto date photo copy of my driving licence. I have the old paper drivers licence and submitted a photocopy copy as per ththe request of the insurance company. it has my old address on it. They sent out automated requests for a new licence and i told them that I was in the procces of apply for a new one with my current address. I recied an answermachone message stating that If I did not call them before 5 that day my insurance would be cancell. No emai, no letter. no moble phone call. I missed the answer machine message, I called them next day and the insurance had already been cancelled and that they couldn't do anythig about it.

My policy was paid upfront and in full by credit card. They did not state that they required paperwork when I paid for the policy over ther phone. The request only came after in the documentation. I have never had an issue like this in 24 years of motoring and my licence is completely clean.... Read more

Hi guys

After having not really used my sunroof through the cold British winter, I tried to use it in the spring of 2011. Although the motor was clearly attempting to open the roof, something seemed to have ceased or similar.

Was taken to MINI dealer in the spring who did a brief diagnostic and, for want of a better description, did a partial lubrication of some of the mechanism. I was told that this would not solve the problem but may help a little. It did not. I was also told that I should have used the sunroof a few times through the (snowy) winter.

I took the car in again today (July 2011) for them to do an extensive diagnostic. The result of this is that the Customer Services girl said I need a new frame and motor. I queried what exactly was wrong and she did not give a satisfactory technical explanation, although I have now read on paperwork that the motor and rook cables had both seized.

I was quoted nearly £2000 to replace both!

This was then reduced to £1200 (70% of parts cost paid by BMW / MINI).

Upon protesting the girl said she'd talk to her manager and phoned back less than two minutes later asking if I'd pay £500.

Does anyone know if they are actually taking me for a ride? Could I expect MINI to pay for the whole lot?

Car is a 2007 model and in good condition, but I feel these parts are not fit for purpose if they seize up after just four years requiring such major replacements. Read more

Hi guys,

I have a 53 plate Laguna 1.9 dci estate with 90k on the clock.... Read more