September 2011
I changed the glow plugs on my 1.9d and it starts right up but seems to run better, smoother, quicker.... is that my imagination?... Read more
By this I mean the tom tom Garmi types. the new android mobile 'phones have google sat nav on them and I have to say they are really a match or better than the traditonal ones. The screens aren't as large but I prefer the phone system. Read more
Look out for some sat nav software called Sygic. It works for multiple OS's and most smart phones. It's not to pricey and all the maps are stored locally on the phone, so no data charges and no loss of maps due to poor reception.
Its also very easy to use, and very well intergrated with the phones contact/address book.
Hi all
I need a secondhand car. I don't want to spend much more than about £5000 because I drive 80 miles a day so it's not worth it. But, I need something very reliable in all weather and which does 55+ mpg (diesel obviously). It is 80% motorway driving too, the mpg needs to be possible at realistic speeds (70-75mph).
Any ideas? Read more
Thanks for the help! I've just found an 07 volvo V50 for sale in my local garage. Might give that a try...really dificult finding any decent diesels out there right now :(
I suppose everyone has the same idea - saving money!...
Hi i have a daihatsu terios and i seem to get a loud clunking noise when i release the clutch pedal when driving. If i release the clutch slowly it does not make the noise or if i press the accelerator while i am releasing the clutch it does not make the noise. When i am driving if i release the accelerator pedal and re apply it i will also get the clunking noise now matter how gently i reapply it. The noise seems to have gotten worse over the last couple of weeks. it feels like it is coming from just below my feet, but from standing outside the car it sound like its coming from below the engine possible rear engine maybe on the passenger side but its hard to tell.... Read more
It could be due to a loose/broken/worn engine mounting or a defective DMF if it has one.
Hello,
We're downsizing from a Mondeo estate and Renault Grand Scenic to two new cars, one will probably be a Galaxy (we need a 7/8 seater) and the other is going to be a smaller car.... Read more
The new-shape Civic has a horrendous lack of rear visibility which is bad enough to be dangerous.) Yes Avant, another car where style overrides practicality and so another motorcycle killer, potenially.
...
Centre piece in John's advice this week was about hiring RVs (as they call them over there). It was five years ago, but we used a company called Road Bear and were very pleased with them. They change their vehicles each year and their customer service was very good - lifts to and from depot/hotel, and very understanding when we had a small collision in Las Vegas. The RV sustained a tiny scratch, but we heard nothing else; maybe they recovered it from the Frenchman whose rental got in our way.
Word of warning, though; I wanted a big, rock star Winny, not some mutated Transit van. Which is fine, until you realise what driving a 31 foot bus is like, on roads that are not any wider than over here. With your backside 6 feet off the ground and no experience of driving anything that size.... Read more
Havent been with that company but when we came to the US, we bought a 33 ft RV and tow car and toured for 2 years. Went to every state bar 5. Its easy to drive....on a basic car licence too, (which is scary). Drove over 30,000 miles in total and one thing you soon realise, the USA is huge. But "gas" was $1.25 a gallon then just as well as our Holiday Rambler did 7 miles a gal from its huge 5.7 litre V8 454 chevy engine. The RV weiged 6.5 tons! and the tow car another 1 1/2!
I have started considering a new car, but as I prefer to have non metallic paint, I find my colour choice is limited in some cases to WHITE.
This is yet another con of manufacturers, getting an extra £400-700 out of the poor motorist, also I do not want air con, yet in many cases I have no choice, another £500, So thats £1000 that could be in my pocket rather than theirs.... Read more
£19,000 for a new Vauxhall.....strewth. I've not paid that in total for my last three cars over the last 10 years and the current ones worth £4000.
Having just returned from a holiday in Italy I thought I would pass comment on the hire car I had. With Lancia's return to the UK I was interested to be given a Lancia Musa for two weeks. It appears that this is basically a Fiat Idea with Lancia's corporate nose and badges. It was fitted with the 1.3 multijet diesel in I think 95 or 75 hp form, sorry can't be more specific.
In short the car was a disappointment. The interior quality was on a par with my last citroen, a 2005 c4, The ride wasn't great and in my opinion the car is ugly, although some may disagree. It struck me that if Lancia wishes to return to the uk successfully they are going to have to up there game.
I've left the engine to last, I guess mindful of the capacity it was never going to set the world on fire, I would want something with more power. I did find it incredibly unrefined, it sounded more like a tractor from inside the cabin. On the plus side it did prove economical.
I wonder if these engines are devoid of all the seemingly bad features of dmf, dpf etc and are closer to the old style of diesels and as such are a better long term bet?
Read more
I recently bought a 1.9tdi match 2007 5 door car and am loving it. It has, however, had a respray on the passenger side doors. I've tried to find out why but no one seems to know! It's not written off (Cat c/d etc) but has obviously had a repair. A VW mechanic said the outer door skins have probably been replaced and sprayed to match the rest of the car. But is there a way to know if the rest of the doors innards eg any safety reinforcement bars etc, are intact? Does it have any strengthening? Everything seems pretty well aligned but I'm just concerned about internal damage.
Is there any place I can take this car to get it inspected to see if it's structurally sound? It drives well and the rest of the car is spotless but it would be good to have a professional opinion! Read more
Thanks Robin,
I managed to get a second opinion and it just looks like whoever did the respray didn't fit the panel properly ie didn't make the most of the built in adjustment on these types of doors! Will ask my insurers though, worth a go to see if they have any information....
I was asked to email proof of insurance in advance of vehicle collection - is this usual practice?
I assume it is for registration and road tax purposes.
Do I send certificate section only, or full schedule that has address and occupation details etc? Read more
Thanks everyone.
I'll email the dealer a copy of the certificate.
It will run "better, smoother, quicker" during the post-heat period if the original plugs were defective.
On this engine as with many other diesels, the post heat period varies with temperature and can be up to 3 minutes or so when the ambient temperature is very low....