Hi all, been lurking around HJ for awhile now, reading forum, reviews etc.. I am currently looking to change my 08 Auris SR180 for something larger due to an immanent increase in family size. My question for anyone who may have any experience in this area is which is better Qashqai or Octavia? (FIGHT!!!!)

I am currently looking at a 11 reg Octavia vrs tdi estate 11k miles for £18k , and a Qashqai Tekna 4wd 2.0 dci 61 reg delivery mile for £22k, putting the money to one side which is best for getting bairns in and out of and for space for buggies etc?... Read more

My central locking and alarm are not working either with the remote or when using the key.

Problem started after using the internal door lock button (on the drivers door).... Read more

This is a 2.0 dti from a 52 plate vectra y20dth 160k, recently purchased but does have service history stamps with oil changes but was over due a change. Last service was 134k 14/02/08 with oil filter and fuel filter change.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GasVIdMt3Pg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JM5S5UTUqHc&NR=1

Basically the noise is very metallic sounding and only happens when revving the engine and under load, when idling the engine seems fine. I've replaced the oil filter and oil, there was about 5 litres removed. Also removed the alternator belt and the same noise was heard.

My mechanic friend thinks it may be the bottom end, but before i try and replace the whole engine i would appreciate either confirmation or any other suggestions as to what the problem could be and how i would go about fixing it.

If i do need a replacement engine how much am i looking at to buy one? and does it have to be a like for like replacement ie y20dth or would another engine also work?

Thank you, any help is much appreciated
Andy Read more

I have had my focus for a little under a year and no problems then out of the blue the engine seemed to be choaking or misfiring, the engine failure warning light stared to flash. Took it to a local garage, did the diagnostics and it turned out that the power was not getting to cylinder 1 and it was misfiring. Then found out that the spak plugs were full to the brim with water, they were emptied to find all 4 plugs rusted throughout. Luckily the mechanic managed to removed and replace the 4 plugs without further damage. 2 weeks on and its started to misfire again and the engine warning light has appeard. The mechanics though was that at some point the engine was jet washed and not cleard of the water, the engine has not been jet washed in the 11 months I have owned it. Does anyone know what is wrong with my car as the MOT is due at in November and it will fail if this problem is not sorted. Please help! Read more

I'm so shocked/bemused by my experience at my local BMW dealership yesterday I've found myself needing to share.

I have a 2005 E46 3 Series that's been left at home for a year while I toddled off to Uni with a 12yr old Hyundai I bought for £500.

Back in August the BMW's MOT lapsed, and an apparent brakelight failure meant that I couldn't take it straight for an MOT. In my absence my father had kindly called into the dealership and was quoted £20, so what the heck - we've paid more than that to get a headlamp bulb changed on our Daewoo Kalos, and I just haven't had time to sort it out myself while I wind up a research project. It was mentioned to my father by the dealership that the E46 has some sort of problem from time to time with the circuitry/bulb holder tract.

The crazy upshot? On my return to the dealership yesterday, having been told on the phone that it was just a bulb that was the problem, I was presented with a bill for £61. Obviously I queried this. I was told that they'd checked all of the circuitry. At this point I think I turned into someone off Dragons' Den and pointed out that they simply don't do that - you check the bulb first, then, if that doesn't work, THEN you look further into it. Having told them I considered this bill extortionate and that I wasn't prepared to pay it, the bill was adjusted to circa £20.

An interesting point was raised however. The service assistant said it was "BMW policy to check everything". My response was that it's my policy not to pay for unnecessary work that I haven't authorised. Am I alone in thinking this at best seems a Mr Bean approach to changing a light bulb, and at worst seems to be BMW exploiting their customers? Has anyone else come across this?? I'm part hoping it isn't BMW policy, perhaps just the dealership group.

Incidentally, Hyundai ownership provides an awfully interesting insight occasionally. Aside from it's astonishing reliability, a family-ran dealership in the same city sold me a headlight bulb and kindly fitted it for me back in January. The total cost? £1.03.

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