May 2012
I recently read on the chevrolet forum about a man who bought an ex-demo car from a main dealer with low mileage and the "change oil light" was on, and he was asking how to get rid of it. It was suggested that he took the car back to the dealer, as this is an indication of possible oil contamination. (failed regeneration on too many short demo runs) I have read nothing more on the subject, so assume sorted, but talking to my local dealer the other day, they had an aveo 1.3vcdi demo and the warning light came on and has stayed on, so is now being dealt with.
My question is who would buy any dpf fitted car now used as there is no way to check if there are potential problems lurking! Is the only way to be sure of no problems only to buy new or to stick to petrol? my choice now seems to be coming down to an aveo 1.2 or 1.4 petrol or the cruze 1.6 petrol hatchback.... Read more
Yesterday whilst the other half was wandering around Grand Designs Live, I spent the time test driving four electric and hybrid cars; a Chevolet Volt (also sold in the UK as the Vauxhall Ampera), a Honda CR-Z hybrid, a Peugeot 508 RXH hybrid, and a Nissan Leaf.... Read more
For the same reason that airlines don't like talking about the absolute cost of kerosene-only the percentage rise in the cost of crude! If you enjoy a big tax break, you don't want to rock the boat.
I know the conventional wisdom is that unless you do >10,000 miles, you're better off with a petrol car, especially for short runs. However, I'm after an MPV like a scenic, if the initial car cost is the same, then all I can see are savings by getting a diesel, especially if I go for one without a DPF (or FAP as the french call them).
Are there any disadvantages to a diesel for daily short town runs, usually with 3-4 people in the car, and the occasional bi-monthly motorway run? Read more
We've now ruled out a scenic as it has under floor storage and our car seat has a base with a leg, so we're probably going to go for a megane 1.5 DCI diesel.
Recently after about 10 miles of traveling, my engine warning light comes on along with the coil light. I have had my car serviced regulaly since purchacing it in 2007. Any ideas would be appreciated. Read more
Is this a Ford or PSA 2.2? If Ford it may not have a DPF - my Jag had the Ford engine, but it was only the 2.2 Autos which received the DPF treatment in about 2007.
My first port of call would be a look at the EGR valve. 20 minute job to remove and have a look at. A code read will also identify if this is the problem,
I went to a trusted garage to get the aircon regased on my girlfriends car and been told the condenser is leaking and needs changing. I have moved house and no longer live near this garage.
I saw a few on sale for about £50 and would want to do it myself. Is that a big job to do? Will I need special removal tools or any sort? Read more
This is the easy model to do.But you will need to get the front of the car up in the air as the condensor comes out from below.No special tools reqd,but you will need a torx socket if the pipe mounting studs need to be removed.Don't forget there may still be gas pressure in the system which requires reclaiming into a recovery/charge station.hth
injection doc can you tell me if i can fit 2ltr cams to my 1.8 and if so will it make any difference to power ??? ... Read more
I seem to remember that fitting the 2,0/130ps intake manifold/throttle body was the simplest/most effective mod.
hi all can any 1 tell me if i can fit 2ltr cams to my 1.8 and if so will it make any difference to power ???
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I've never posted before but would really appreciate some advice/opinions on what has happened to my beloved X-reg Ford Fiesta 1.3 Finesse.
I booked in to Mr Clutch to get the clutch & hydraulic bearing replaced - it was taken in this morning. At lunchtime I had a call to say they had replaced the clutch OK, but would also need to replace a hydraulic line as the 'system wasn't re-pressurising due to a leak' (or similar.) It sounded legit so I agreed to it for an extra £55.... Read more
Not sure about the lights - I didn't see the dashboard when the mechanic tried the key.
Thanks for the response, I'd just like to go prepared tomorrow morning with some idea about what the problem is (petrified of being taken for a mug...)...
2005 Dispatch has a flat spot when accelerating in slow moving traffic. When this happens i get a quick plume of white smoke as the flat spot goes. Have changed fuel filter and added injector cleaner. No flat spot when changing gear in fast moving traffic. Any ideas please. Thank you Read more
..will give that a try sometime this weekend, i'm a plumber so no shortage of pipes and equipment. Thanks
Exactly so, it's the old Horses for Courses syndrome, if you are a high mileage company car driver then obviously at the moment diesel is the way to go. However when these hit the second hand market I wouldn't want to risk my money on having to replace the DPF then the DMF and then a DSG style gearbox. I wouldn't be surprised if the second hand values of cars fitted with these systems will nose dive soon as the cost to change these items will be a huge chunk of its value. Most modern petrol engines are now quite economical, certainly smoother and quieter to drive and fuel cost difference per litre is getting to be an issue too.