June 2012
My father has been advisd not to drive any more, as his car is 11 years old with very low mileage, we have decided to sign it over to me to use and to run Mum & Dad round as required. As his insurance was expiring today, it was all a bit rushed, I could have SORN'd it for him, but would have had to claim the outstanding RFL back (I think!).
So, I tried to insure it for me with his current insurer, as I am already using my NCD on my vehicle, it was expensive (not that expensive, but would have made poor economic sense) so, I tried LV, my current insurer, did an online quote, with no NCD available to use and received a reasonable quote, so went onto their live chat and the rep was so helpful, I explained the situation and she told me it was possible to "match" my existing NCD with them, but I would have to phone up.... Read more
How the Colonies deal with Hoons !!
Here in NZ the law allows the impoundment for 28 days of cars behaving in "boy-racer" style, with a third offence resulting in the car being crushed [ after due process of law ]. The first two cars for the crusher have just qualified and are expected to be dealt with in days. There are several young gentlemen with two bookings who will be somewhat chastened, I suspect.... Read more
Vee haf vays of making your comply comrade.
Coming soon, and seemingly welcomed, enjoy it for once the 'they' have the powers they won't be removed.
The biggest mistake GM made was not making the decision to either force SAAB to reskin GM cars and stop tinkering with mechanicals or give them a suitable budget to be a fairly independent concern. SAAB ended up stretching reskin budgets to include re-engineering (very average) GM components to their more exacting standards. This delayed the launch of SAAB models (angered GM no-end!) and introduced reliability issues, simultaneously destroying the volume-advantage of using GM platforms by introducing low-volume SAAB-only parts.
SAAB like VOLVO were never premium models – they were content over presentation motorcars bought by people who valued dependability over desirability. They enjoyed premium prices in the 'States simply because they were European. GM and Ford thought that they could compete with Audi and BMW with SAAB and VOLVO badges on their generic platforms. So we ended up with cars based on mass-market models at premium prices which the target audience (outside the US) were not prepared to pay. A real shame. SAAB only had cars in one (shrinking) segment so I think they would have gone under anyway without GM.
VOLVO should go back to their roots – make the cars simpler, cheaper but more robust than the market average - priced at mass-market levels and they might get their traditional loyal customers back.
i have a problem with the wiper linkage the link arms have rubber ends cannot see a problem but they keep comming apart so no passenger side wiper help please Read more
I have a Multipla 1.6 petrol yr 2000 which lives in France. Friend was going to take to airport for me to collect next weekend when i fly over but he noticed fan wasn't working and engine was getting hot so didn't use the car. Is this the thermostat? Or a switch or fuse. Any advice would be gratefully received as I don't want to take the car to the garage in France, as I'd end up with a bill greater than the car's worth! Read more
Hi,
I'm male, 24, just got my driving license 10 months back. I'm thinking about buying a 2000 hyundai accent 1.3 SI 3DR and need advice on how good an idea it is. My main reasons are that it is a low insurance group and is not exactly a hatchback ( & for some reason I like the looks of it ) and is cheap as well ( around 750£ ). The last MOT ( September 2011 ) had the following advisory notice :
Rear of main pipes. Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)
Rear x 2 Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)
Corroded Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated (7.1.1a)
Nearside Front brake juddering slightly (3.7.A.2b)
Offside Front brake juddering slightly (3.7.A.2b)
I checked the car out at the dealership and the engine (revved it quite a bit), gearbox, electrical's, oil etc. all seemed to be fine. The area around the engine & under the bonnet was a bit rusted though & maybe the disk brakes a bit( didn't get to have a proper look at them). The dealer has agreed to get an MOT done & passed if I pay for it so that it will be fine for an year from when I get it.
So my main question is, how bad an idea is it to get it? Would I be spending lots of money on maintainence after getting it? I will most probably have a test drive before getting it to see if it drives ok. Also, if I have to replace all the stuff written above how much would that cost me for an Hyundai accent if anyone has an idea (With/Without disc brakes, as they may need replacing as well)?
Any help is appreciated...!!
Thanks Read more
Hello Everyone,
Thanks a lot for all the suggestions. Guess I'll have a test drive to check it out further and ask the dealer to get the MOT for an year. Hopefully everything will work out....
Trying to understand the vast differences between the fuel consumption figures (and to a lesser extent the performance) of a 2.0 hdi Manual and a 163 hdi Auto. Surely the difference is not simply explained by the transmission losses and extra weight of an automatic box?
I'd love to buy the Auto/163 but cannot justify the hit that I'd take with the fuel consumption. Unless I'm missing something?... Read more
For a while SWMBO had a Citoren C2 VTS with the 1.6HDi engine, you would think it would be super frugal but this was only the case if you drove gingerly.
I imagine the short dumpy shape of the C2 didn't help (though the 1.4HDi is markedly better, no DPF mind) because it was reasonable on fuel up to about 65/70, once you got up to 80 or so economy dropped sharply, but it never gave the motorway economy figures others claimed from their C5/407's with the same engine, can only assume they were better at cutting through the air.
I am one of the expanding number of non locals to be flashed doing over 30mph on the dual carriageway that is known as Maybray Kingway...
I had never driven on that road before, and I am SO p***ed off as all the subliminal signs, (built like a motorway) plus the fact that all the single built up roads to that spot are posted as 40's, I feel like going in front of the beak, and trying to see if he/she would see reason.... Read more
"I don't speed..."
Seems like a case of Humpty Dumpty....
Hi all,
My wife is after a Mazda 3 04/05 model, but I am a bit paranoid about the expensive ECU fault that is showing-up on these cars.... Read more
If the abs ecu is unplugged,then the abs light will be on permanently.Also the speedo will not work.The only way to check for any current or stored faults is to have a diagnostic test.hth
Hello all,
There are a good few threads on the forum from people who have recurring APP circuit faults accompanied with the codes P0220/P0221 on their Peugeot/Citroen HDi's.... Read more
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Honest John speaks of them highly in the DT .