February 2013
My automatic transmission needs a complete reconditioning. The gear box was dismantled at a specialist transmission place and they reported that the fluid was black, burnt, smelly & low. A full exam showed the direct clutch had failed due to loss of hydraulic pressue through the direct clutch teflon sealing rings. The warranty company sent their own inspectors to write a report and this says there was no mechanical failure and it was expected wear & tear on a vehicle of this age - enabling the warranty company to get out of paying for any repairs. But they also said they were unable to examine the fluid as it had already been drained. Did the fact that the fluid was black & smelly and at a low level make any difference? ie did this cause the subsequent damage to the transmission? Or would general wear and tear on the transmission cause the fluid to degenerate? How long does it take for fluid to get like this and damage the transmission?
I only had the car for under 2 months! Read more
We purchased a used approved Volvo XC60 from a Volvo main dealer 10 months ago. The car had covered 14,600 miles. We thought buying from a main dealer would give us protection should any mechanical failures occur. The car has a 3 year of 60'000 mile manufacturers warranty which expires this September. 2 weeks ago we discovered the clutch was starting to slip (at 24'000 miles) and reported to our local dealer who advised that it was a grey area and that inspection would cost £600 if the damage to the clutch friction plates was deemed to be through abuse ie poor driving.
I took the issue up with Volvo uk who are simply not interested in helping to resolve the issue under their warranty.
To make matters worse we only discovered a few months after ownership that the vehicle had been registered to a British army personnel abroad in Germany and that it had been brought back and then registered on British plates. In 20 years driving neither my wife or I have had any clutch issues with any vehicle we have previously owned. The volvo dealer salesman at no point during the sale made us aware of the vehicles unusual previous history.
Where do I stand regarding this issue? Should I seek legal advice or just get the vehicle repaired at my own cost and put it down to bad experience?
Many thanks Read more
The ownership history isn't that unusual and in fact used to be very common when there were more personnel in Germany. All manufacturers actually have special schemes to do it.
As for the clutch, if you do get it done make sure you retain the clutch plate and check if it is physically worn. If it has actually worn out then you may not have much recourse but it might be because fluid is leaking onto it or similar in which case you should persue Volvo for the costs.
Looking through my service bill (main dealer) and find the labour charge for replacing 2 sidelamp bulbs (dim so possible MOT fail) was £36.
Can this really be right????... Read more
Several years ago, my wife asked "how much to change a headlight bulb (Focus)?" at a Ford main dealer; the service receptionist quoted £35.
Next day, I took the car over to our local independent who normally services the car. It was a Saturday morning and, unbeknown to me, neither the workshop nor the stores were open, but I had my own spare bulb and one of the lads who was working on his own car came and changed the bulb. It took him barely 2 minutes and he wouldn't accept anything for doing it. I thrust a fiver into his hand and told him to get a drink. He insisted that he'd do it for nothing next time....
rain water is going in just behind the rear windows and coming out of the side pannels and going under the rear seat , can any body help please ? Read more
I didn't recommend The Works at random. i use it in my work - it's the Mutts Nuts!
Hello,... Read more
I find phone and card payment methods very convenient. Not having to think about having the correct money to hand allows a little more flex.
I first came across phone payment in York and wish it were more widespread, apart from the initial setting up, it is probably less hassle than paying cash (don't have to queue in the rain!). Cards too, obviate the need for cash and are useful abroad. Despite my wanderings, I am still not as familiar with euro shrapnel and find it awkward....
The Big Three car manufacturers in Detroit have made it back onto their feet. Even GM, which lapsed into bankruptcy, is turning a profit. Yet the city of origin - Detroit - needs more of a push. What should the Motor City do? When have you wanted more details concerning a pre-owned or new auto and turned to an internet search on “loan for your car?” Your search is over, the info you want is at CarDealExpert.com! Wish to know more details on Car Deal Expert? Visit.
Financial similarities... Read more
whats the best way to finance a new car
going to part x car for deposit is it best to finace the car with there personal leasing plan... Read more
I've used personal contract purchase (PCP) for some time and I find it works well for me. Dealers are keen to sell these, as they get commission, and it's worth asking a dealer to do the sums for you this way and see how good a deal you can get (discount on the new car balancing a good PX offer).
hi ive got a problem with my 307 1.6 hdi .it starts but wont rev up when cold .ive change the pedal a few months ago but this problem is different ,the triangle is on the dash, and the display flashes[ ecu fault .]most the time the car will clear after this problem but now it takes longer before it does .there was only one fault code[ glow plug fault ] .any advise would help ,thanks ray . Read more
A good friend on mines VW Polo was recently crashed into when parked on the street during snowy conditions. The other parties insurance company have said that the car is a write off but due to the fact it has been in another accident previously they have only offered the very low sum of £5,500. Which won't make a dent in the remaining HP owed and would leave a significant shortfall. The previous accident was fixed to a high standard by VW themselves although this was done by a mechanic friend at a reduced price so we aren't sure what information was put through the books. Can anyone please advise on the best course of action as my friend was going to return the car shortly as it will have reached the half way mark in the finance agreement as she can no longer afford the HP and this situation has devastated her.
Thanks for your help. Read more
(another accident previously they have only offered the very low sum of £5,500.) )
Hi chris,
I think the issue in this case may be the previous accident .If your car was registered as an uneconomic repair .(write off) before it was repaired by vw or your friend ,that would have a huge effect on your cars value .The effect of a car being on the HPI register as a repaired cat c or d ,is to reduce a cars value by a minimum of 33% and possibly as much as 50% .Possibly that's why you are being offered such a low figure .
However if your cars not registered as a cat c or cat d ,even if its been involved in a previous accident that won't have the same effect . You need to check the HPI register .
Basically an insurance company has to compensate you to the extent that your no worse off after the accident .
Finally the 50 % payment ,that allows you to return a car to the finance company ,now applies to very few finance agreements ,you need to check .In addition the will only accept the car back in a reasonable condition .They will reject it if its not .
84 miles according to the EPA, most people will get between 75 and 110 miles, not bad for most people, and a lot cheaper than a lesser spec VW Golf 2.0 TDI DSG, it's much much cheaper to drive on electricity too than diesel and will probably give much less trouble as there isn't much to go wrong with an e.v, it's certainly prooved itself ultra reliable since it first came out in 2011, there were a few battery issues but in Arizona where it's hot and won't effect us.
I drove the Leaf a few months ago and I was very very impressed, the power delivery is amazingly superior to any engine. When it's time to say goodbye to the Prius, I will without doubt be getting a Leaf. Read more
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Presume we're talking auto box here??
Most auto boxes need to have their fluid changed at prescribed intervals. Black fluid is a sure sign the fluid has been in there way too long and has been overheated due to this and the level being low. This is almost certainly an issue with poor servicing....