August 2012
I am trying to replace a 53 reg Ford Galaxy that has served us well, but is starting to become expensive to keep on the road.
I have looked at various modern equivalents (S Max, New Galaxy, Alhambra) but for various reasons (lack of spare wheel for example) I have not been inspired.... Read more
For reasons that I can't explain I've been thinking about getting a Defender, used with a recent plate. The issue is that it would largely be for road use.I'm led to believe that they have a large turning circle, are uncomfortable and a little jittery. Any comments would be welcome. Read more
Unthrottled :- if I still had the crappy Megane to show you I would happily prove that the pile of junk masquerading as a Megane would not better 35mpg on the urban cycle, whereas driven gently the qashqai we have now will in fact average anywhere between 37 and 42 mpg on same urban cycle. Our supplying Nissan dealer found it hard to believe too until I showed him brim to brim figures.
Yes if I drive the qashqai hard and try not to annoy following drivers by being very gentle with the throttle etc the mpg will drop to 30-34 mpg urban but I pay more than enough for fuel therefore try my best to get as many miles out of it as possible and if the guy behind me doesn't agree and wants to be driving over 30mph in a 30 speed limit whilst I'm driving at 28-30 (indicated on speedo) then let him risk himself by overtaking stupidly.
In all my 29 years of driving, the Megane was the only car I could not better the manufacturers claimed mpg.
You also don't believe I can get 30-33 mpg out of my disco 300 tdi auto but brim to brim out of £20 (give or take a few pence) I can get 110 miles.
You are quite welcome to come to Durham and I will prove this.
In response to people's concerns about when we can and can't 'name and shame' unsatisfactory products or services, we hope that the following policy will make things clear.
We are all responsible for our own posts on the Honest John forum and need to be aware of when posts may be considered defamatory or infringe another’s copyright, and thus may result in legal action being brought against us (that could include YOU).... Read more
Apparently there are vast numbers of Fords that are being stolen without keys in the UK - as the owner of 2 new newish Fords, I'm concerned! Does
anyone know for sure how criminals are doing this? Any tips to upgrade security would be welcome!
Cheers! Read more
Would a seperate Thatcham 2 Imobiliser prevent cars with keyless security being started up and driven off ?
If they want your motor they will take it, and it dont have to be driven
Hi all
I've seen a Jag S-Type locally at a very tempting price - 51 reg with 131k on the clock, being offered by a dealer who I'm guessing probably doesn't want it on the forecourt and needs to get rid. It's the 3.0 V6 auto version.
I've always quite fancied one... however, although HJ and Parkers are fairly complimentary, i've read quite a few horror stories elsewhere on the net about reliability. That said most of those are from the states - the few UK reviews I can find are more encouraging.
It's up at £999, so just about cheap enough to throw away in the event of major failure, and I cover under 10k a year so won't be needing a great deal from it. Would be happy if it lasts a couple of years. That said, I'm aware I could pick up a Mondeo/Primera/VW diesel for that money which would prove a much safer bet.
I want a Jag though :-)
Off to have a look tomorrow - just thought I would check for useful advice if anyone here has owned one!
Cheers
Read more
I'll be a "boring" backroomer and recommend a Honda solution! 82Heaven - At this age and price point you could do a lot worse than go and have a drive in a 3.0V6 Accord Coupe. They are less than a grand, very rare and are likely to last longer and cost less to run than an 11yr old S-type. Downside is they aren't quite as quick as the Jag, but still a decent turn of speed and v quiet and comfy....
Hello,
My Corsa's engine (2006 diesel 1.3) has been squeaking for the past couple of years (the noise is coming from the fan belt area). A couple of garages have had trouble diagnosing the problem, so have tried changing the fan belt (no change), the water pump bearing (no change) and the pulley to try and fix the squeak - all this just made it worse. It is there for every journey, long or short, yet one day the squeak is caused on compression of the clutch, another day it will be there only when the accelerator is pressed, another day the squeak will only be there when the engine is idle. ... Read more
Here are some symptoms if you need to change your auxiliary belt/serpentine belt/ fan belt/dynamo belt (all the same for corsa B):
-Squealing sound seems to be louder/present when you change the gear down while driving (eg. when you change to gear 2 from 3, or from 4 to 3), or ...
Problem is getting worse. When I drive over bumps or corner there is knocking under front nearside, sometimes it's back nearside! When I asked a garage that had serviced and repaired it what it was - they said ,after I had paid their bill and after they further put it up on ramp that they didn't know cause, you might think "some garage" and maybe I should find another. In the meantime I am stuck with finding the problem. It could be dangerous and needs sorting. Does anyone have any ideas. Read more
Hi finally sorted my annoying knocking noise in my c4 2006 1.6 hdi.
Was coming from under bonnet area going over bumps sounded like drop links were worn so replaced but noise still there. Done all usual checks on suspension nothing obvious....
Hi all,
I need some recommendations on vans, since I have no experience of them! My boyfriend and I need something that we can fit a bed in, plus a load of windsurfing kit. It has to be able to do the miles and get up those coastal hills. It also needs to be fairly efficient if it gets driven to work when the other car is in use (mostly motorway, but 40 mins each way). Therefore, a low-profile roof and a shorter wheel base is probably going to be best.... Read more
Perhaps not a big consideration, but a cross section of local Transit drivers have decided they are VERY thirsty, allow about 20 to 25 mpg (if lucky)
I know 2 who have changed to smaller Pegeuot/Citroen/VW stuff, one also bought a 7.5 tonner lorry cos he said it hardly used any more diesel than his overloaded Transit....
Hi guys, quick one.
... Read more
A normal code reader will only access the engine control unit.
First thing I would do is check the oil at the fill to spill level on the side of the gearbox normally bout half way up.
Second is connections has it not got traction contol ESP if a drivetrain light is on it needs got to a garage who have dealer level diagnostics or a mobile mechanic.
Regards matt
I have a 2001 Peugeot 306 hdi that has developed a starting fault.
It will start when cold but turns over more than it used to.
When it is hot it is much worse some times not starting at all.
I can get it to start with a little squirt of brake cleaner and then
it runs with no problem untill i try to start it again.
What is really strange is that I changed the fuel filter housing and
it was fine for a few days then slowly developed the fault again.
I have also changed the cam sensor.
Mervyn Read more
"I have a 2001 Peugeot 306 hdi that has developed a starting fault.
It will start when cold but turns over more than it used to.
When it is hot it is much worse some times not starting at all."...
Browse
.jpg)
"The HDi 90 versions should have plenty of power."
And I can confirm that they do. The 1.6 110 bhp petrol engine is also OK - but having had both, the HDi 90 is better. ...