My diesel at home is a Ford S-Max 2.0 TDCi with 6sp slushbox auto. 140bhp. It pulls a large heavy car with a surprising amount of verve and the wave of torque is marvellous coming up a hill on the motorway. I didn't buy that engine for economy or driveability; simply because the only petrol auto was a dreadful 2.3 iron lump that no-one wanted. Of course the facelifted model has far better gas engines.

I am currently away with the family and have rented a car - a Kia Rio saloon with what i believe is a 1.4 petrol engine and 4sp slushbox auto. I really want to like this car, and there are elements of it that are up there with the best including interior trim quality and design, exterior design and surprisingly the ride. What is dreadful is the performance. No kickdown of any description, and almost no power reserves. Lots noise but no oomph.... Read more

Hi all
I have a Ford Galaxy petrol 1996 2.0 with Intermittent starting problem. Please can someone help its doing my head in Breakdown guy sprayed cold start into air intake and it started so he reckons that its fuel pump but others have said it could be relay/immobiliser lights all come on and engine always turns but sometimes will fire up others it just turns over and the fuel pump doesnt hum. The red light on the door is constantly on when it wont start Thanx Gary Read more

Hi

Heard DPF removal is now an MoT failure, but only for cars 2008 onwards. Is this correct.... Read more

My current 2002 Mondeo has done the job for me. Carried kids, bikes, luggage, washing machines, sideboards etc. It is still on the original clutch and exhaust and other than the usual tyres, brake parts, etc not too much has gone wrong. Biggest repair was a fuel pump. I bought it at 3 years old.

So while it is still running and just got through it's MOT with only a tyre and a drop link needed I can't help thinking it's on borrowed time. So partly because it's got to need more repairs going forward and partly jusy because it's scruffy and I can afford to replace it without finance next year I've started thinking what next?... Read more

Since owning this car from new, on 5 occassions a fault has occurred where, when i turn off the ignition, one bank of indicators start and continue to flash.

When this fault appears, you can start the car, the flashing stops, and the car can be driven, although sometimes the cruise control does not work. The only way to stop the flashing indicators when parked though is to disconnect the battery.

If left overnight, and the battery reconnected, the problem usually clears, and may not reappear for several months.. But this latest time it has stayed in fault.

The electrics are obviuosly getting their 'knickers in a twist' due to wiring, connection or electronic controller. Is there any past evidence of this behaviour with Cmax's or Focus? It's a difficult fault for a garage to trace when not always in fault.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Rgds,
Howard Read more