August 2015

RJF

I purchased a second-hand car from a garage in my local area. The vehicle was described as in excellent condition.Visually it is immaculate. The day after I bought it, it did not start. Called AA next morning and diagnosed battery issue and also emission of white smoke. Went back to the garage and they installed new battery and dismissed white smoke. Less than a week later, coolant light on dashboard appears and checked coolant container which was below minimum. Telephoned garage who advised topping up and keep eye on levels. Two days later - car would not start - eventually started and white smoke billowed from exhaust pipes - we thought car was on fire with the amount of white smoke. Brought the car home and garage said get it to them at weekend. I refused to drive and they towed it to their garage. They kept it for 2 days and said they had fixed it. 2 days later, car would not start. AA came out and diagnosed Head Gasket - and towed it to garage where it has been since 31st July. They could not diagnose problem so I instructed independent assessor. He stated this problem was progressive and serious issues may have resulted in the leak in head gasket. I have requested a full refund and garage refusing - want to repair and return. I have contacted citizens advice who have logged my complaint. I have now instructed legal representation as they have rejected my formal request for a refund. I had alerted them on each occasion a problem arose and submitted photographic evidence. Three occasions they have had opportunity to repair the car but the engine is laying in pieces in a specialist garage up the road from them. Under the Sales of Goods Act this car is not fit for purpose or intended use. I have been informed that I have grounds for success in claiming a refund. Has anyone else had an experience like this? Also have three small children and have been left with no car as they have none to lend me since 31st July. Also undergoing treatment for cancer as diagnosed in July. They are aware of this. I am assuming that they would like the warranty company to take care of the problem as if it is repaired and sold onto another party, this major problem with the car would have to be disclosed. They have £9000 of my money and out of the 30 days of owning the car, I have only had it in my possession for 14 days, of which 12 I have actually driven it. Any help sincerely appreciated. Read more

nortones2

But the garage didn't manage to fix a fault via supposedy routine operation. Three chances and they screwed up. They didn't have the required skills, or possibly intent, to remedy the fault. Not the buyers problem. They fell short under contract law. It would be interesting to see the reasoning of the Ombudsman if there are any details available.

csgmart

I am aware that the petrol engine versions of the Ingenium engine won't be available for a while but I'm interested in reading up on how it will compare to the currently offered 2.0 petrol engines in the XE (which are Ford based).

Having spent some time trawling through many different sites I wondered if anyone (HJ?) had some details as all I can find are the specs for the diesel versions.... Read more

csgmart

I believe that the Ingenium technology can be applied to both petrol and iesel engines, but so far we've seen only the Ingenium diesel engine in the XE and now the Discovery Sport.

Correct....

GazKaz

Hi everyone

I have to replace my console bushes on my Golf and I need to use the VW Tool T10096 locating pins to lock the subframe in position whilst I change the bushes.

Does anyone know where I could get these locating pins from. Cheapest place I can find is around £35 for the pins. Seems a little steep for what is basically 4 bolts!

Does anyone have these locating pins they wish to sell maybe?

Cheers in advance.

Gary. Read more

Ben 10

Following this case it appears the Courts in Scotland are not going to prosecute the driver even though he allegedly lied to the DVLA and his employers about his medical history.

There could be a private prosecution by relatives of those that died or even by the DVLA, but this is yet to be confirmed in England by the CPS or DVLA.

Well as a PCV and LGV licence holder that had to declare medical conditions in return for the privelage of being allowed to drive these vehicles for a living, I think the DVLA should have him prosecuted. If those conditions were too serious enough for the DVLA, I would not have been given a licence.

I knew the rules when I applied and I abided by those. The rules of declaration are there for a reason. To protect other road users and pedestrians from those that could fall ill at the wheel. This guy allegedly ignored those rules so should have to pay the penalty. The incident was serious enough for 6 people to lose their lives, and I think the DVLA should be serious enough to prosecute for the alleged lies provided to obtain a licence.

If nothing is done, then it gives everyone applying for professional licences carte blanche to do what they like and get away with it. If you are not fit to undertake a particular occupation due to medical conditions, tough. The rules are in place for good reason. Read more

RT

I heard on the news that the family of one of the victims, which was a fatality, has informed the inquest that they intend to initiate a private prosecution against Harry Clark, the refuse lorry driver involved in the incident.

This is a shrewd move as it puts the driver into a very difficult position. If he testifies he has little option under oath but to admit he omitted vital information, effectively lying. If he remains silent then the inquest can draw whatever conclusions they may from his stance, given the evidence they have, that can only be to his detriment. He is damned if he does and damned if he doesn't. Rightly so IMHO. What he did, and the resultant consequences, make his actions unforgivable to any family. Also it should make him culpable in the eyes af the law. I hope he does the right thing, although from his previous behaviour I don't think he has the strength of character to do so. If he tells the whole truth it serves to lift the whole proceedings from a 'witch hunt' into a factual account which serves justice and allows families to move on. He should be punished either way, either via private prosecution or public. Pity the relevant authorities did not have the courage to fight for the families rights and uphold the cause of justice. It is shame all round that we now expect little else from officialdom....

ishpala

Hi,

... Read more

BMW Enthusiast

I wouldn't even think about buying a Kia or Hyundai with any form of automatic transmission. You will only get about 60% of the official MPG if you're lucky. Also these gearboxes are too new and reliability hasn't been proven.

nobody likes to be told that t

hello! Can anyone tell me the exact size of a wheel but for a 2001 merc sprinter pls. I've just discovered 19mm doesn't quite fit because they're German so imperial or something. Thank you! Read more

nobody likes to be told that t

thankyou muchly! :-)

lucytown

hi i cant open any of the links to get a free radio code can anyone help my serial number is m409867 its a ford focus thanks Read more

Galaxy

You could try 9698

gbJaMiDo

Hello,

Was after a second opinion. I have just imported an Opel GT 2008 Model. The import has gone well and I have all the docs, its got its UK number plate and is good to go.... Read more

Manatee

I think the fact that it is on their database as an Opel GT not a VX220 would lessen my concern greatly; it's their decsion as to how they rate it and if they want to treat it as a VX220 from that point of view it shouldn't concern you in terms of whether or not you are covered.

You can have a look at what they have submitted to the insurance database yourself too...it gives the make and model....

BTALLY97

This morning I went to put my van on ramps to fit a new exhaust the van started but didn't rev right away I always give it heat and foot to the floor it didn't pick up right away but got there eventually I turned it off to put the ramps under to back on then got back in and now it won't start not even fireing? Read more

hardway

Ah engine size /type?

I list three from 1.6 to 2.0 petrol and diesel.

Comment
PaulMatthews

I bought my Nextbase Duo from Maplins...after a week card error kept coming up, also most mornings when it powered up the screen image would be over exposed & required un plugging from the supply then plugging back in again to rectify it for that day only....after exchanging the unit 10 times I finally called Nextbase..after explaining the problems it seemed the card error was due to it needing the software updating! The card error problem went away but the units clock kept jumping....they finally replaced the unit for yet another one, which they had tested...it now works perfectly except for the screen over exposing first start of the day every day...I've got used to unplugging the supply to reset it all the time.....Nextbase couldn't fault the unit I sent back....but then they would say that wouldn't they.....I like the unit but would have prefered it to work faultlessly, they never followed the problem up....not sure if they really care...would I buy another one...only if I couldn't find an alternative twin camera unit. Read more

regarding the Nextbase Duo car cam after 12 months more or less small problems it started acting up turning itself off i tried everthing to rectify this problem factory reset that worked for a bit then problem came back, tried new power leads that again seemed to work but 2 days later it started shutting down on its own , went to maplin for advice they were

useless saying the internal battery does not last long and thats the problem . i then had the power leads tested and all ok so the problem is with the unit itself , so now i have a camera costing under 200 pounds that is useless to use , would i buy another nextbase the answer is No , i am going to buy a Transend pro 230 better value and good night vision ...