September 2015
I have a 2004 2.0 petrol Mazda6 with 146k on the clock. It's running fine with good economy but I wonder whether it needs the shims changing. My previous cars have had hydraulic tappets. I can't find much info. Read more
Hi Alan,
... Read more
Does both the £700 and the 3.5 hours seem high for this job?...
Whatto HJ
Got a weird one here. Clicking noise from front o/s driveshaft CV joint - typical clicking of a worn CV. On closer inspection however, it's a brand new driveshaft.... Read more
Due to a change of circumstances I may have to consider seling my 3 series and am not sure of the best way to do it. In terms of what I need going forward it's something that meets:
Long term ownership/reliability.
Family saloon/Hatch size
Relatively cheap to run.
Auto Diesel.
My 3 series is a 64 plate and is (at least on webuyany...com) around £19.5k and I am looking at cars around the 12 - 14/15 mark. So far I have found:
Avensis 2.2 DCAT on an 13 plate w/30k miles.
Avensis T Spirit on a 10 plate with 24k miles (bit old but does look very nice and Toyota SH)
Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Zetec 63 30k miles
Auris 1.4 D4D 14 plate with 10 miles (may be a bit small, not sure)
Focus 2.0 TDCi Titanium 14 plate with 25k miles
I am swayed towards the Avensis even though it's as dull as dishwater but having previously had one I know they tend to be mega relaiable. I have considered an Octavia but am dissuaded by some of the W and DSG reliability issues. Would the 10 plate Avensis be a risk?
Any others to consider?
The main question however is how to trade down. Is a private sale/webuy.com the best way and then haggle with cash or do dealers actually take cars pf higher value and give you whatever their estimate of the difference? I have n prior experience of doing this at all so suspect that latter may be the least favourable option.
Thanks very much. Read more
Let us know how your next move works out.
Hi, I want to suggest you best bookmakers south afrrica and it has changed my experience of online sports betting in South Africa. The site offers a wide range of sports and betting options tailored to the local audience. I was most impressed by the user-friendly interface and fast payouts. The site provides a seamless betting process, making it my primary platform for online sports betting in South Africa. Highly recommended! Read more
We moved down to London earlier this year and believe me driving in London is competitive to put it lightly!!
For example, when approaching a set of traffic lights that are red I would slow down gradually. But I see many cars accelerating then braking harshly at the last moment before the lights, even when they know the lights are red.
When waiting to get out from a side road that is near to a pedestrian crossing - if the crossing is red, drivers won't let you out. Instead they'll block your way, even when it says keep clear.
The other day I was turning right at a cross roads Controlled by traffic lights. It was the Woodstock cross roads near Sutton. I was coming from the direction of Cheam, in the lane to turn right to go towards Sutton. A white van overtook me on the left and turned right. Very dangerous! The sheer way in which van drivers drive here is reckless!
Tolworth roundabout is another good one. Controlled by traffic lights but the amount of cars that jump the light is amazing. Once one side goes red the next side goes green so it is so so dangerous.
Lastly I was in Croydon the other week, just pulled out of the Jet garage near the A23 and in stationary traffic needing to get in the right lane, signalled right and a Black Nissan came from nowhere on the right and started honking their horn at me. Guess what, they didn't let me go into the right lane. But where did they end up, you would have thought they'd got to Gatwick. But no, they were just a cars length in front. It's amazing the way they drive around here.
It is not long since I passed my test but driving around here is becoming a challenge! Read more
You have my sympathy, I used to regularly drive through central London to visit relatives some 30-odd years ago; it was not as bad then but still not a pleasant and relaxing experience compared to the rest of the UK.
I would suggest you contact the Institue of Advanced Motorists - they will arrange for one of their observers to accompany you in your own car and coach you, with a view to taking the advanced test. (Total cost about £138?)...
I rented a car from Belfast City Airport for a week. I did the booking through the internet. The website advertised the Skoda Octavia, and because I'm familar with the '05 model I plumped for that. But, the website had the caveat, 'or equal', and when I picked the car up I was given a Vauxhall Insignia. The car was quite different to anything I am used to in that it had 'bells and whistles' galore. IE,
The engine stopped at the first traffic light. I knew what that meant, so I wasn't worried.... Read more
Off to Belfast end October.
Not bothering with Car rental.....
My brake pipes are plastic coated, but in some places the coating is damaged and the pipes have turned white with corrosion.
... Read more
I doubt they are aluminium, You'll probably find they are steel with some plating or galvanised coating. You could brush some CL grease or rust proofing wax on them to stop further corrosion.
Thanks. So the white deposit is actually corroded zinc galvanising? I'll try to put something on to stop or slow down the corrosion....
Slight connection with motoring. I usually enjoy having a sweet on longer journies. Usually a peppermint but the other day had Fox's glacier fruit sweets. Loved the taste but found it left my mouth a little dry.
Just wondered if people had any favourites. No, this is not motivated by advertising ! just exhanging ideas.... Read more
Lonnie Donnegan has had his question answered.
I drive a 63 reg Peugeot Partner Tepee 1.6e-Hdi Auto and am experiencing an intermittent squeak.
It is quite faint, but appears to be coming from somewhere around the front wheels.
It is audible when travelling at around 7-10 mph in first gear when in slow moving traffic, but not at any other time/speed nor is it every time.
Would anyone be able to help me identify the cause?
Many thanks. Read more
The squeak does indeed disappear when braking.
A relief to know it's not serious.
Will get the brakes checked over.
Many thanks!
No there's no tappet noise. I seem to remember in years gone by it was a service job at say, 60k. I guess the metallurgy and lubrication are better these days! I do give it regular oil changes so I guess that helps.