September 2014
Years ago - lets say 35 years ago - a typical reps car was a 1.6 Cortina L which barely got to 100mph, in fact probably didn't. Probably didn't get more than 30mpg either. It held four or five people and luggage. You could buy a 1.3 engine and a 2.0, but the 1.6 was the 'standard' engine.
These days, you can buy a similar sized Focus which holds the same number of people and amount of luggage, but the increase in performance of the engines means that a standard 1.6TDci probably can do 120 mph and 50 mpg. I bet the in gear and 0-60 performance is far superior as well. Whilst I welcome the increase in economy, is there a need for the increase in top speed? I'm not saying that we should mandate top speeds for cars, but imagine an engine was installed that could only get the car to 105mph. Would it not improve the economy dramatically to say 70mpg? ... Read more
My Audi A4 2003 saloon has started to blow bulbs on a monthly basis.
When I change the bulb(double fillament) the dashboard indicator continues to display "Stop bulb left side" until I have driven a short distance and used the brakes a couple of times.... Read more
Many thanks for all your useful guidance.
I have been usung Ring bulbs but I will try and find some quality bulbs that you recommend....
Hi,What I have done so far to narrow the issue down:
... Read more
The resistor is located in the top of the air ducting ,between the steering column and heater box.Set the heater control to recirculation at put your hand up the inlet pipe above clutch pedal.You will then be able to feel the resistor .It is a bayonet fit,so rotate it to unlock from the pipework and draw downwards to disconnect from wiring.
Hi
I currently live and work abroad. I have a foreign car and insurance policy. Last year I made a claim for a joint fault accident. I'm now coming back to the UK and am getting quotes and wonder what to do with the question about accidents in the last 3 years. Do I have to report only UK accidents? What do people do when hiring a car abroad and have an accident? Do they need to be disclosed too?
Can anyone help me? Thanks
Sean Read more
The question is usually worded "Any accidents, claims or convictions in the last x years" - that means ANYWHERE - the clue is in the words used.
i have just bought above car been nothing but trouble keeps going into transmition failure, been into ford mail dealer and they cannot find fault as error is not been stored so they say they cannot find fault, any one help please done 67,000 miles 2009 Read more
Hi all i need the radio code for a ford ka serial number m004885 Read more
try 9798
Hi
I have inherited an Audi a4 avant through work.
It's a great car - of that there's no doubt.
However, the 'cream' interior is a little 'yellow' for me and drives me nuts.
The seats are okay and cope able with but the rest of the trim (a-pillars, b-pillars, door inserts and the area around the rear view mirror ) I can't cope with.
Any idea how much this would cost to change (ball-park figures appreciated).
Also the interior roof fabric could presumably be changed (that's yellow too!)?
I appreciate this is a first world problem as I have a great car for free (!!) but I wouldn't mind some advice.
I'd attach photos if I could...
Thanks you for any advice in advance. Read more
Headlining will be a night mare to change. The rest I would just get quotes through somewhere like 247 spares.
And plenty of spare clips...if they can break, they will.
Hi all,
Would like your advice as to the C Classes I've spotted on Autotrader.... Read more
I thought they produced a 1.6 engine for a short period of time before the 1.8 cgi?
what would be the cause of this is it shocks or bushes if how do i chaing them.
thank you.Mike r Read more
It could also be a broken road spring. A common problem these days.
I'd suggest going to your local MoT only tester (ie somewhere that does no servicing or repairs) and ask them to inspect your rear suspension for you on their ramp. This may cost you 20 quid, but it's money well spent if it diagnoses the problem and saves you changing stuff by guesswork....
I am thinking about replacing the fuel filter on my 59' plate Fiesta diesel. It has covered 74000 miles and don't know if it has been replaced since new. Are there any pitfalls I need to be aware of?
Do I just replace the filter and turn over the engine until it fires?... Read more
Not sure if yours has an in tank fuel pump, it does it will self bleed, if not you will have to prime it.
I would think that at 74k its well time it was changed.
< .... a more powerful car can, in most circumstances, be safer. It allows you to overtake more quickly. It gives you another option to get out of trouble. It usually has better brakes. It usually has grippier tyres. The weak link is, as always, the driver >
Ah, this hoary old chestnut again - though the kernel is in the final sentence. A more powerful car can get you out of trouble, but also get you into trouble which lower-powered cars don't. Risk-taking drivers get into more trouble than risk-averse ones - end of story. The car just does what it is told, within its own limitations, which may be tested more by risk-taking drivers