May 2017

Firmbutfair

This is more of an apology than a complaint. I have recently submitted my real mpg figures to the HJ database for my car, whilst logged into my HJ account only to note a considerable delay (e.g. more than 10 hours on 9 April 2017) between submission and the data being updated for my model. On at least 2 occasions this year, I have logged out and then re-logged in and re-submitted my data in the belief that maybe my log in had 'timed out' and the data discarded. On checking my profile much later, I can see both submissions listed so I must apologise for my impatience.

As a general question, it would be good to know whether duplicate entries to the real mpg database are flagged to an administrator at HJ such that only one is actually added to the figures from which the overall running average is calculated. ... Read more

Firmbutfair

Many thanks for your reassurance Steve and the associated observations and feedback re the data and seasonal trends etc. Once again - HJ and the team doing an excellent job keeping the motorist fully informed. Thank You all.

Brit_in_Germany

Business drying up with the telephone cold calling? Read more

Avant

Done, although this thread has some sort of a rarity value, with 'Microsoft' and 'support' in the same sentence.

Colin Palmer

After over a year of diagnosis with endless back and forwarding to the dealers workshop they have said I need a new engine. I have the Network Q Lifetime Warranty that was given to the first registered owners some years ago. The warranty compant (TWG) are sending their inspectors to clarify the diagnosis and make a decission weather the new engine is covered under this warranty. TWG have said they will only inspect the engine with the head taken off and they wont pay for this, neither will they pay for the engine to be put together if the claim is unsuccessful. The dealer is asking me for the OK to take the engine apart. The mileage is 77,000 and during the year the dealer has replaced the DPF, the EGR valve and one injector. I have only paid for the cost of the DPF, £1,000. Should I give the OK to take the head off for inspect even though I may be left with and engine in bits and liable for the cost. The dealer said they will cover the cost of taking the head off, but not putting it back. Thank you. Colin Palmer

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Bradleigh harris

Hi, I hope this some how finds its way to you.

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onedaymyfriend

Evening guys, I've recently passed my test and inherited the wife's 2008 Mazda 2. Unfortunately the car's developed an intermittent chirping/cricket like sound that's driving me mad. It only happens at approx 30mph, 40mph and 50mph. Between those speeeds and over 50 there's no noise until I start slowing down whether by using the brake or just coming g off the accelerator, then the noise comes back as the needle passes 50, 40 and 30mph. Discs and pads were replaced approx. 1k miles ago. Any advice would be sooo much appreciated. D Read more

hardway

No offense but given your lack of experience I'd say take to a garage.

Sounds like you can re-create the fault so is should be diagnosable.

WelshAl

Have owned the Focus for last 9 years and been fortunate to find a good local garage to maintain it. A real fun nippy car ideal for running up and down through the winding roads of Wales.

I want to replace it now with a bigger 4 or awd vehicle to use most days but also for trips to Scotland in the winter and hopefully cruising in Europe next year taking in the Alps/Pyranees and using slightly more off the beaten track roads and surfaces, hence the idea of a SUV. It's mainly for me and the wife i.e. 2 people in the car and I am looking for something where you sit higher up and is comfortable for long trips.... Read more

badbusdriver

What you have found here is the fundamental flaws in SUV's, that which most people gloss over as it is the image they want!.

I think, like SLO, you do some more thinking about whether or not you actually need an SUV, because going by what you've described, I think you don't. ...

scot22

I thought I understood that TS! stood for turbo supercharged. However, after spending an idle 10 minutes browsing the internet ; I read on the Sunday Times motoring page that it actually stands for two things - supercharged or stratified injection. The writer said there were problems with supercharged but not stratified. I don't rely on one source of information so have come to the forum. There are many here I trust.

Being a luddite or, depending on your viewpoint, a traditionalist I do not properly know the difference. I would appreciate a simple explanation and a comment on any strengths or weaknesses, particularly in relation to engine size. Read more

SLO76

"Improve things please - don't just add gimmicks."

Yup, bring back the days when you could buy a totally basic high quality motor that would last for decades without irritating faults. As much as run of the mill motors are generally better reliability wise and regards rust protection today than ever the same can't be said about many premium products which are now over complex and prone to expensive issues past 7 or 8yrs old.

In the 80's you could buy a Mercedes 123 or 124 series E class with nothing in it at all aside from power steering and an engine. It was about quality not useless gadgetry. Sadly Merc, BM, Audi and Volvo don't offer anything like it today and despite the bulk of punters wanting all the toys there are still folks like myself who would rather see money spent on quality than toys. I'm sure the taxi trade would agree.

Tony Hall

I have a Ford Fiesta with a 4500 RDS Eon. Took out the battery and need the code as I've lost mine . The serial number is M026596

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Tony Hall

The code worked, thank you.

thecloser

A warning light has just appeared on my dash display. It is a red icon indicating that the air bag/front seatbelt pretensioner system could be malfunctioning. The car is due for its MOT next week. Will the warning display be a 'fail'? Thanks in advance for any help. Read more

thecloser

Thought so. Thanks.

bazza

It's time to let go of my Octavia 1.9, I've had enough of the increasing gearbox/diff noise and 3 wheel bearings and tyre changes later later it's only getting worse!. Currently on 86000, I was intending to keep it another 2 or 3 years but I don't think it will make it without a new box and expensive work.

Narrowed choice down to 2014/15 petrol hatches of the following. Mazda 3 2.0 120bhp, Civic 1.8, Auris 1.2T. Won't consider VAG again, even though nice to drive. Simply don't trust the engineering in the long run. Will keep for 5 years or so. ... Read more

bazza

If it was a brand new purchase the Leon or Leon ST would be on the list, as I'm sure you're right that it's a great engine to drive. However, my recent experience of VAg as they age is not good, hence why I've discounted them. My view is that the Japanese makes on average are more robust long term. But I agree, VAGs tend to be a nice drive when new. I may be yet tempted. Part of this is that i will retire/semi-retire v soon, hence don't want monthly payments hanging round my neck and a view to long term ownership.

Other mention Focus and Astra. Yes, we already have a 1.6 Focus, 6 years old and it's been fine. It is an option, if i can avoid the impressive but fragile 1.0, which is difficult. Astras - I don't know much about, have had several over the years but their reliability ratings appear woeful recently. ...

frankly

Not just poor customer service but appear to try every trick to make you contact them, and no 0800 number, "we are receiving exceptional high calls" etc after listening to a robot voice for endless options.... No refund when cancelling early. Up to £49.95 cancellation fee. I would not recommend this company.

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Engineer Andy

<< I've been with Esure for over 15 years and been lucky enough (touch wood) to have never had the need to make a claim. >>

I thought Esure didn't take customers with a claim history? What do they do if you make a claim, when renewal time comes round?...