September 2016
Hi All
Wondering if anyone out there can help with a recent issue thats developed with my Focus.... Read more
This was in the IEEE Spectrum Online newsletter, I hope they dont mind me repeating it.
Someone has developed a GPS program that is capable of locating your car within 100 mm and is compatible with the computer running your car - older BRs grind their teeth at the description 'infotainment system'. That is accurate enough to keep your car in the middle of the lane even during a snowstorm. Read more
Even with the best maps things go wrong.
New high voltage cable to support 500/1000 new homes passed...
Good day to one and all. Just returned from another caravan sojurn and catching up with events on the forum. I need some of your collective advice.
My youngest son and his wife are flying into Stansted on a late evening flight within the next few weeks. I have never picked up from Stansted previously so I am a novice and don't want to be either ripped off for parking or fined via a camera for transgressing some spurious marked zone.... Read more
For those who want to watch plane arrive there is quite a bit of informal parking on lane running along NW perimeter of airfield - Belmer Road. Used mainly by spotters as you can get through hedge and up to perimeter security fence. Security and Essex Police tolerate this and even seem to have some informal 'planewatch' arrangement where enthusiasts can report abnormal activity.
Many airports and RAF bases have official "viewing areas" easier to control if everyone in the same place and still allows secret operations elsewhere on the base
So I went to test drive this car last week and I'm very keen, but!!! I have read all the negative press on the twin charger set up and it worrys me. The car dealer is offering 2 year extended warranty on the car but I don't want to buy a donkey. The car has 42k on the clock and is in great condition but is there anything I should be looking for inparticular. Like I say I'm am keen but will this car last another 3 years/ 30k Read more
There are no doubt plenty of twin charge TSi's out there that are giving reliable service but there are also plenty that have been nothing but a money pit for the owners.
If you can be 100% certain its a well cared for example that has been drive by a responsible owner and has never been chipped with the 2 year warranty it may be worth further consideration....
My usage is changing and i am soon to be driving to devon via M4/M5 twice monthly, making a total mileage of 700. In addition to this i do around 400 miles comprising monthly around town, (most short journeys) and when i am in Devon longer distances on country and hilly roads.
I do not want to buy a large vehicle, and am viewing small hatchbacks such as yaris, Kia Rio. I think from my research and questions, that my best bet would be a diesel but a Toyota salesman, thought a hybrid would do well (although of course he wanted to sell it to me). ... Read more
On balance I think that one of the new breed of economical petrol engines should suit your needs best.
You also need to bear seat comfort in mind for your long trips. The smallest city cars will struggle and so will you: the Yaris and Rio as suggested are good ones for your shortlist, but add the Skoda Fabia, SEAT Ibiza or Leon and VW Polo to the list, preferably with the 1.2 TSI engine....
Our Volvo v70 has been in the bodyshop for over two months ...don't ask me how. I put a SORN declaration on it but in the meantime the MOT has expired so when I eventually get it back this week I need to know the way to get the car on the road. Read more
No MOT is only a minor offence - a small fine and no points on your licence. As long as the car is roadworthy, of course.
But as others have said, make sure the car is insured. ANd best if the trip is just to a pre-booked MOT
Have been looking at smallish 7 seaters. Really like the Zafira tourer fro a variety of reasons. All the reviews suggest the 1.6 Diesel engine is the pick, and the claimed fuel economy is about 8mpg better than any of the other engines in the range. The 1.6 just made Jeremy clarksons top ten cars of the last year.
They recently released the 2017 version and it looks significantly uglier than the current model and they seem to have pulled the 1.6 engine. Anyone have any idea why they have pulled what I thought was their flagship engine from the Zafira - is there any method behind this madness? Read more
A somewhat amusing observation....
..Despite being a JOINT venture it always seems that Fiat are responsible for all the perceived shortcomings of these engines. Unless of course you happen to be a fan of all things Italian in which case it seems GM are wholely to blame for everything....
I curently regularly fit two childseats in the back of our trusted A3-but a new requirement is that an adult needs accompany them and sit in the middle( with a belt).
Am thinking of changing cars--over and above the child car seat fittings which are fine and common sense-what are the essential and legal technical specs I should be looking that will fit this "adult in the middle with a belt" need please?... Read more
Thanks everybody--really helpful. Good options
Seen this on a few threads. Even newer cars mentioned that either have to be revved hard to pull away or otherwise will stall. Credit to Land Rover, my V reg manual TD5 has anti-stall. The TD5 engine is not the most torquey low down, possibly because of the disco gear ratios as it might be better in the defender. But this system means if you slowly release the clutch without giving any throttle, the computer will not allow it to stall. You can also start the car in gear if you wish and it wont stall either. Here's a youtube clip demonstrating it with a 12 ton lorry on the back. Doesn't even need a driver!
I have tested it on very steep hills with a Range Rover classic on the trailer, the car does not need throttle, it somehow gives just enough power to stop it stalling. Revs don't seem to increase either, just moves on tickover. Very clever system. ... Read more
And another example
Specifically in the used market. They are seemingly reliable, most have decent spec. So why don't they hold resale value in the same way that a (Insert Japanese brand here) does?
Is it just a mindset that Koreans can't build cars, in the same way as we used to view the Japanese? Read more
The Genesis is a seriously smart looking vehicle with a lovely v6 (pity we won't get the Tau V8). I think Genesis range focuses much more on comfort instead of the jarring ride of most luxury competitors, although the suspension setup might be stiffer for British tastes vs the USA. Going to be a terrific used buy in years to come!
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The belt interval on this engine is 150k / 10 years - failure is very rare.
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