October 2012
Reading Redhound's post who came home with a different car they set out to.buy.
I set out to buy something like a BMW 3 series I came home with an Mazda RX8. Uneconomical, uncomfertable on long runs, no hatch I set out to buy a cheaper second car, a Focus or similar, bought an Alfa 156 saloon... Read more
Just got my very nice, new, Fiesta Zetec S TDCI - no mention of running in in the manual...
Is that a thing of the past? I just drive it normally from the get go? Read more
"Drive it like you stole it" that's what the Ford saleman told us when we bought a new Focus 1.6 diesel. We just drove it normally from day one, never used any oil, never had a problem in the 5 years we owned it. Compared to the 6 month old trash we tried when we decided to swap it it felt like new.
Hi
I am at my wits end as i helped someone move and hired a van.... Read more
suzi, don't panic. Take a deep breath and calm down. You will not be dragged out and burned at the stake!! Firstly, write back to the insurance company and explain, briefly and succinctly-do not ramble on- that the damage was extremely minor and their client agreed to a repair paid for by you and you were waiting to receive estimates from him. As far as you were concerned the matter was in progress and would be resolved amicably. Tell them your offer still stands and also you will nominate the repairer. Also, any further discussion will not be entered into other than examining estimates and nominating a repairer. Any correspondence regarding any other matters will not be considered.
Then track down this 'person' and take pictures of the vehicle and the damage. Also pictures of him driving the vehicle would be useful. Show the damage to a couple of motor body repairers and ask for an estimate for repairs. You should now have sufficient ammunition to blow his case out of the water, and a rough idea of the cost to you. Stand your ground and make clear you have an agreement with this 'person' and will not consider any other resolution apart from the one agreed to at the time of the damage. You hold some pretty good cards in this game so don't let it get you down. You are in control once you assert your position and stick to it. Keep us informed. Cheers Concrete
Bought car second-hand - no anti-theft wheel-nut adapter, I had to get garage to replace nuts and adapter.
I have a flat, but I discover to my horror that the adapter is about 0.4mm too wide for the 17mm wheel wrench - so obviously the replacements were not original VW parts. Can't wait around for another (non-fitting!) replacement, so how can I get it to fit?... Read more
Sounds from you have said that you will need an 11/16 inch AF socket-strange, I thought all modern anti-theft wheel nuts were metric, either 17 or 19 mm.
For inf of those that have an old banger or classic
The Motor Vehicles (Tests) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2012... Read more
I run a classic, post 1960 thus will not be affected. I rebuilt it myself and have maintained it myself for the past 20 years but despite being entirely happy with what I do the annual £40 for an MOT is a cheap way of getting a pro to check that I have not missed something related to safety.
Add to that my insurers require a copy of the MOT to verify the mileage for the max 3000 miles a year policy I have....
I am almost certain I am not alone in avoiding auctions inparticular BCA and manheim with their ridiculous buyers fees.
However, my friend is after a petrol new shape mondeo. He is not fussed if its the 1.6 or the 2.0, but it has to be the new shape.... Read more
Phew 104,000 miles on a 10 plate- that is serious motoring. Has that been anywhere other than on a motorway?
I bought the Jag yesterday. Even though I am not really a Jag sort of girl, more the Polo type..I love her, she is gorgeous and drives beautifully, but I meant to buy something sensible like a VW Golf or Toyota Avensis! Anyone else on here got one and how are you finding it? I am hoping that the Ford engine and chassis might mean reasonable repair bills, though I am aware the tyres aren't cheap..MPG seems good.. please tell me I am not nuts. I have bought her for long distance house hunting/moving and room for 2 dogs in the back.. Read more
Haha I hadn't heard that 'till recently! Thanks for all the thoughts! I love her, so I am happy whatever; now I have got over the shock :)
Am i asking for problems if i let a national clutch repair chain who make their own clutches replace my clutch?
Their quote is £250 inc CSC vs £300+ from local garage (unkown clutch brand)... Read more
It'll be Borg & Beck.
Always had a good rep in my book, despite what others may say. Original fit on most high-end German cars of the time, which says something.
We ordered a new Focus through an internet broker, having been told end Oct for delivery initially - the car had still to be built. A deposit of £500 was paid on credit card. As soon as the supplying dealer contacted us it became Nov 10th. A couple of weeks ago the dealer told me the date was now showing as Nov 3. Now they can't give me a date at all, although the car is in Ford's "quality control compound" in the UK somewhere (this has been the case for 10 days).
At the time of order we were not given any formal contact (just e-mail confirmation), and I've queried this a couple of times, and they say it's normal (well I've bought a few new cars over the years and it's anything but - you get a contact to sign immediately, with T&Cs set out.). The most I've been able to squeeze out of the dealer/broker combination (after pressing the point) is a definite price and that it's guaranteed.... Read more
Hi,
Given that delayed delivery is your problem ,I wonder if ford uk customer services can provide a more definite answer than the supplying dealer . If you can get the cars vin number , ford uk should be able to give you the information
The problem lies with ford rather than the dealer .
The way that you bought the car suggests that you are involved in distance selling ,where different legislation applies ,so you could cancel the contract . You may also be able to recover your deposit from your credit card company because of the delayed delivery .its worth giving them a ring .
However ,your car is not that late ,is it worth all the hassle to cancel the contract ?
Initially I would pursue ford uk ,for a more definite delivery date .
My friend’s 2002 Mercedes C180 does not always start and, even when it does, it often cuts out without warning.
... Read more
I am not convinced that this a key/igntion switch problem.More likely to be an engine control management issue.Replacing ignition switch on these is an expensive operation and the keys come pre-coded from MB,a s/hand key is useless.A more in depth diagnosis is reqd .hth
Browse
Reminds me of when I got my fleet car in CZ.
I wanted an Octavia, the salesman was desperate to get me to take the then new model Golf. This was always going to be a difficult sell on spec, as you get a lot more for your budget on an end-of-model-life Octavia than a new model Golf(!)...