August 2012
Hello, wonder if anyone can help or has experienced this. I had a new front windscreen wiper unit fitted today (described as unit / rod & bracket by the garage) to my 2003 Audi A4 Avant.
I picked the car up after the (independent) garage had shut. The problems with the wipers were certainly fixed BUT I immediately noticed that, with the climate control on Auto, the windscreen blower came on and went off every 5 seconds or so (the intervals were not regular). When I switched the blower on (climate control no longer on Auto), it did not blow air to the windscreen at all.... Read more
I have just purchased a 1999 V70 with 144,000 on the clock for £880 any good advice or tips would be much appreciated. It will primarily be a dog transport car so not to worried about the interior and have been warned about keeping it serviced and oiled, seems to be in good order apart from grinding noise going into third gear. All the best, Damion. Read more
Thanks 659 - glad to have an explanation of why modern Volvos have such an awful turning circle. The old 240s turn on a sixpence - RWD of course but some FWD cars, like Skodas, are perfectly respectable in this regard. My Octavia has a better turning circle than SWMBO's Mini.
The Audi A4 I had was excellent - could that be because - if I remember right - its engine isn't transverse?
one minute the wipers and windows work the next they dont, a period of the car standing makes it either work, fuses not blown engine starts fine, not sure where to go next to be honest
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Yep, a local mechanic should be able to. A few hours as some 'stripping' may be required
I had similar problems with my mazda 6 which had ford wiring components - had to replace a couple of wiring looms...
My turbo is dead, broken, unrepairable (some component or other in the turbo itself has sheared off). I have a few questions that I really need some help on...
1. What price can I expect to pay for a new turbo and a recon turbo?
2. Is it sensible to even consider a recon turbo?
3. Where can I go for the best deal on a quality turbo?
I'm desperate and need to get something sorted ASAP - please help !
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Does the 0000 on the badge stand for the thousands it cost to repair them when out of warranty?
I know of 3 people who all have audis under 2 years old and have all suffered breakdowns and replacement of major components, I thought they were meant to be reliable! I know the people in question have had their cars repaired under warranty but IF they were out of the warranty period the bills would be very large.
It's definitely put me off ever buying one!
Thoughts? Read more
The fact that vehicles from the VAG and BMW stables are the most reliable are fast becoming a myth, they have faults and break down just as much as any other modern car. I have family, friends and colleagues who have found this out just as you have. Having paid a premium price for what they thought was better quality they are finding out the expensive way they are not. The worst part of it is the very poor customer service they get from BMW dealers in particular.
Having said all that the major components of any modern car, no matter which manufacturer, are extremely expensive. If using your own money to buy a car all the more reason to buy from a manufacturer who gives a longer warranty. There are now a few giving 5 or 7 year warranties, if you are buying with your wallet rather than the companys then that's the way to go.
I am starting to venture on to the motorways more and more frequently with my 2003 Ford Galaxy 1.9TDi. This, of course, reveals the principle drawback of the otherwise excellent vehicle - it's very noisy and not at all a relaxing place to be on drives of up to 8 hours (breaks excluded).
So, me being me, I started to consider throwing money at the problem by upgrading to a more modern, more quietly engined diesel propelled chariot. However, a thought occurred to me. What if I could reduce the noise to a comfortable level in the cabin? Is there any way to do that?... Read more
Yes, Avant, it is I. Thanks.
In Scotland, it is a well known fact that the A9 Inverness to Perth road is one of the most dangerous roads in Scotland, if not the most dangerous.
Or so the press always tell us. ... Read more
I've had that towing a caravan - the impatient drivers hopping past the queue behind me only to realise there's just as much queue in front as behind.
I most certainly was not being an impatient driver. If other drivers wanting to overtake safely and get on with the job of getting home so offends you then you should not be on the road. Do you never overtake when you are not towing. Expect you close the gap to prevent other drivers getting into the space in front of you....
I have a Mazda 2 sport which has 22k on the clock. The DSC light has come on and reading various forums, this is likely to be an expensive trip to the garage. The car is obviously out of warranty. Any advice? Read more
I have a Mazda 2 sport, 12500 miles, 4yrs 5months old (2008) which has the dreaded DSC warning light. Put in for diagnostics, told by dealer needs new ABS pump (error code C0044) at cost of £1800. Mazda and dealer only prepared to offer 10% disc each towards cost of replacement. Looking at option of sending part off to ECU testing for repair as alternative.....would this be a viable solution do you think? Part would be repaired and covered with lifetime guarantee
Hi,
I have a Saab 9-3 2.0 turbo and have a fault which has just started.... Read more
Gearbox out job I'm afraid.
Hello,
I took my car into the French equivalent of Kwik Fit (I recenttly moved to France) to get the oil changed and they have told me there is no way they can remove the oil plug to replace the oil because the plug is stuck.... Read more
"Well, an obvious temporary workaround would be to go somewhere that uses one of those suction devices that removes the old oil via the dipstick tube. It's entirely possible that it's been done this way in the past (I believe it's the norm with dealer servicing these days) and that the sump plug has not been removed for some considerable time, which may well be why it's stuck."
Ah - perhaps this why they were telling me to take it to a VW dealer then.
Browse
there is no electrical connection between the wipers and the heater system,but the plastic cover over the wipers and heater air intake system needs to be removed.it is possible that something has fallen into the intake vent and preventing the fan working correctly.hth