August 2012
A dodgy O ring caused the diesel filter in my Octavia to leak for a couple of days, which contaminated the Auxiliary belt (which frayed and was replaced). Do I need to worry about the timing belt, or is it well enough covered? It is not due for a change for 20k. Read more
Recommendations please where to buy replacement key fob - South East Somerset area - happy to buy online
Thank you Read more
You can get a replacement key fob if you have an original probably at Timpsons, most high streets, otherwise see HJ's advice section. If you haven't got an original it may well be main dealer job.
Hi
I've noticed some folk posting some nice advice on route for X to Y and thought it'd be great to draw on peoples exerience to help us plan a route. We're looking to head to Italy after having driven a couple times around the Nerburg Ring. After Italy head to France, stop in Bergerac for a day or so.... Read more
That mpg isn't actually that bad for that car!
Switzerland is insanely expensive - I have some friends who work on the Large Hadron Collider and they live in France instead, and just drive in....
As Most of you already know, I won't elaborate too much, but here goes.
A Cruze is basically an Astra on the same platform.... Read more
Buy from factors in Poland -- it's what I did when I owned a Daewoo.
Chevrolets common there, and parts from there are cheaper than Vauxhall are over here even when delivery is factored in.
Hi HJ, occasionally when I turn the key to start the car, I get a hestitation almost as though the car battery is flat, try again and it fires up straight away - any ideas? Read more
Perhaps the battery is at fault?Have you had it tested?
I was overtaking a lorry on M25 when it burst a back tyre. The debris hit my car. The lorry stopped, I stopped. We exchanged details. My car didn't look too badly damaged, but on taking it for estimates it was said it needed a new bumper (which I could see was damaged) then additionally, new wing and headlight because some of the clips had been torn off latter, making it difficult to re-clip a new front bumper. I have fully comp., insurance, but can't claim from the lorry's insurance apparently as he wasn't negligent. 1. this seems unreasonable. If my car was resp;onsible for a blow-out and the debris hit another vehicle, I would expect to pay for damage. Even atsan "act of God level" - you would think that there should be a 50/50 claim basis, meaning we pay half each. My car is a write off as parts and labour come to more than value of the car. If I make any sort of claim from my insurance, it will put up my insurance premium considerably. Is there anyway I can challenge this decision? The claim went to Uninsured Loss Recovery via my Insurance Company. Even if I accept a write-off figure, I will not be able to afford to buy another car. Any ideas? Can I get a cut price repair service anywhere? Just about gutted. It's hard to believe that the injured party has to pick up the tab. Read more
I have used the following procedure several times when I needed to convince whoever it was that I meant business.
Go to http://hmctscourtfinder.justice.gov.uk/courtfinder/forms/n001-eng.pdf...
I do about 40/50miles per day. Looking for a spacious sort of small family car. I am unsure which one of the above to go for.
... Read more
I've owned a 2009 Mazda 3, 1.6 petrol from new, and have never received any better that 34 MPG. I'm not an over careful driver, but the car seems very underpowered. I can only get roughly 380 miles from a tank. I think this is fairly poor consumption and something that has bothered me since I received the car.
The Mazda is a great car to drive, never any problems with it - but it sees me trading it in against a focus or fiesta diesel for fuel economy mainly. Oh, meant to say - I did read reviews that that diesels were not much better for MPG, or else I would be sticking to Mazda. Good Luck.
I am a huge fan of sliding rear doors on cars and think they are a great idea but can not agree with HJ when he says "it offers the best access of any small car".
For easy access you need to be able to slide in and out. HJ looks like a high jumper viewed side on as he curves around the leading edge of the door.... Read more
They're designed for small people. It's a pocket rocket. :-)
An acquaintance (I'll call John) wanted to buy my second hand van but wanted to pay in installments. Four months later he hasn't paid a penny and I can no longer find him. The van broke down two weeks after he took it home, it went to a garage to be fixed but John couldn't afford the bill. The garage won't give it back to me even though I have offered to pay the bill. I understand that I am the registered keeper but not the owner in the eyes of the law. Someone at the garage admitted that the garage owner intends to keep the van for a few more months then it becomes his by default and he can sell it on - and pocket the cash! How can I get my van back? Read more
Thanks for your informative reply - I'll let you know how it goes!
Pepper
I received a letter from Town and City parking saying that i was being fined for car parking in Scotland.
This is clearly incorrect as i have never been to Scotland.... Read more
This particular section of PoFA does not apply in Scotland - most Transport stuff is devolved.
In any event the OP, never mind the alledged infringement, were well before these bits of PoFA came into effect; the PoFA discussion is a bit of thread drift.
Browse
Thanks for that - will get it checked out on Monday. Tempted to just do the timing belt now for peace of mind.