Hi all.
We are considering purchasing a Mazda on the Internet. I know there are a few companies out there.
Has anyone had any experience of buying a car this way. Could save nearly £3,000 compared to dealer. But a bit sceptical ? Read more

Daughters car again which is 90 miles away but this is the result of a conversation I've just had with her. Would appreciate any second opinions.

Car is a 1.4i petrol. Has done 60,000 miles on the clutch whixh has been pretty average stuff in terms of town/motorway driving.... Read more

I've just had an almost identical experience to that of this guy: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/posts/?t=75971#m874896

Two and a half years ago I had a chip in my windscreen. This was covered by my premium with Admiral without any impact on my NCB. I contacted Admiral informing them of the chip and they sent a guy out who fixed it.... Read more

We have a 1988 Fiat Ducato hi top campervan conversion and have had problems with the engine cutting out during torrential rain. It just dies and when we pull over till the rain passes thru it starts again. Where is the rain getting in? Could it be the battery or perhaps the ht leads getting wet? Read more

Earlier this year in March, I unfortunately when driving home I made a mistake and exceeded the speed limit in a 40 mph speed limit zone and I was stopped by a Police traffic officer. I received a fixed penalty notice, with a 3 point endorsement and £60 fine. 1 week later I presented my documents at a Police station, copy of my insurance certificate and my paper and photo driving license, which I left with them for processing and for forwarding to the DVLA. At the same time I received a Police witness statement acknowledging that I had attended and for the receipt of my documentation. Several weeks later the £60 fine was debited from my credit card and my license was returned to me.

Approximately 4 weeks ago I was surprised to receive a summons to attend a magistrates court for the same offence. Given that my understanding was that this matter was closed and being surprised at this I contacted the court to query why this at reached the attention of the court. At first I was informed that the authorities had no record that I had surrendered my license and paid the fine, but subsequent investigations by the court confirmed that this was not the case and that through no fault of my own an administrative error had been made and that DVLA had not properly endorsed my license and that the fine I had paid had only been put into a holding account. I queried if this could be corrected without the need for a magistrate to hear the case, after all I had followed the correct process for surrendering my license and the £60 fine had been paid. I was informed that it was not possible to stop the court case but I should not worry as this would be considered by the magistrate and the court having investigated this would make them aware. I therefore had no option to plead guilty, after all I was guilty of speeding, but to support my case I documented the above history and I also enclosed a copy of the police witness statement confirming that I had previously submitted my documents, and my credit card online banking credit card statement to show that the fine had been correctly paid.

The case was held earlier this week. Due to work commitments, I am self employed and was working away, I did not attend, hence my guilty by post plea. Last night I returned home and a letter was waiting for me with the decision of the court. Given that I have followed the full correct procedure, an error had been acknowledged by the court administrative assistants, and through not fault of my own this had reached the court's attention I was expecting that the matter would be closed and the 3 point endorsement and already paid £60 fine would stand. Opening the letter I was shocked to learn that the 3 point endorsement had been increased to 4 points and that the £60 fine had been increased to £155 (£100 fine, £35 victim surcharge and £20 court costs)!! Where do I stand as it is obvious that an error has been made ( not by myself) and I now have to pay the increased fine by 28 October otherwise there is a threat of further legal costs and action. There is no mention that I have already paid £60 but I don't see why I have to accept the extra penalty point and increased fine. Am I able to appeal this decision, what are the implications of this? Should I be seeking legal advice? I feel totally aggrieved as I appear to be paying the price for someone else's error.This causing an incredible amount of stress and I want the get this sorted as soon as possible. I will be ringing the court when they open later this morning! Read more