August 2017
Hi All,
I have recently bought a 2001 1.6 Ford Focus and thanks to the advice on this site I have managed to fix the air con (resister pack) the speedo (speed sensor) and given it a basic service.... Read more
I currently run a Mondeo Zetex 130 tdci and it's OK.
But given increasinf age and decreasing agility I am thinking about my next car having a higher drivers seat. Also a hatch.... Read more
You should consider the hyundai ix20 or kia venga. They fit the requirements you have mentioned, including the sunroof on higher spec models. Not sure whether or not it is only with leather.
Are any problems likely with the 1.6 diesel engine in a Cmax with good maintenance records, currently at 80+K miles? Thanks Read more
This is known as the diesel of doom! This engine is used in Peugeot and Citroen models and unless you know the service history, it's particularly likely to have problems if regular oil changes( with the correct oil) have been missed.
Tread carefully and if not run away!
OK, I am in deep depression as my beloved Peogeot 'Brian' has had to be retired. I have done a glorious 260,000 miles in the old chap, without any issues. He is serviced every 9k on the button and most miles are motorway.
A few weeks ago as I pulled into my road I knew something was up straight away when he refused to accelerate away in 2nd....I feared the worst.... Read more
The EGR valve is probably sticking open which would be the cause of your poor performance. As said in the previous post, the EGR valve is very difficult to get to. It will involve dropping the subframe and supporting the engine. If you are going to do the job then clean out all the air intake system and EGR pipe. I would replace the EGR valve as a matter of cause rather than clean it, simply because it's so inaccessable.
Are there any insurance experts in the forum that could help me please.
I've had a damage only accident involving one other car. I've informed my insurance company and given all details. The damage to my car is minor and easily repairable, I can do this. The damage to his car is less than expected and he is happy to get it fixed locally at my expense. My insurance company is happy that we fix the vehicles ourselves at no cost to them ( of course). But would this be beneficial to me ?
My question is: having informed my insurance company of the accident is there any benefit paying for his repair or will I be loaded just the same? Read more
Every time you renew or change, the question is asked "any accidents, claims or convictions" so you have to say yes whether it's a claim or not.
Human nature is such that cheap repair will often be paid for with no claim or declaration - but that doesn't make it right.
Hi Folks,
I'm pondering replacing my trusty avensis with an awd estate. Safety and reliability are high on the requirements.
I've been looking at xc70s 2015 onwards and possibly a mondeo vignale (I know I know) but discounts of 20% are available.
I've discounted the skoda superb due to the weird load area. I had considered a Subaru but the dealer network is spa*** to say least.
I'd be interested to get people's thoughts if possible?
Many thanks Read more
Again thanks guys all great information. I really appreciate hearing people's experiences.
I really do like the Subaru brand however I do about 15k a year and getting the car to Chard for a service feels like a pain.
Agree with all about the Ford depreciation issue. I guess it's like the falling dagger in share dealing , at what point is it sensible to step in. As I've said there is about a fifth to have off list price.
We were approached by a smiling Policewoman the other week in Dover docks (just by outbound passport control) who informed us that "It is an offence to have any unattached animal in a car."
SWMBO was sitting in the back seat with Blodwen on a lead.... Read more
Can I just ask is the dog making the call, or receiving it.
Both, in both cars, they're barking mad!
Professional Geordie thinks he's an entertainer. Read more
Personally I don't think its such good value, as the £18.5k starting price for the 1 ltr SE (not quick at 0-60 in 11sec) is, for example, £1500 more than the similarly-specced (manual A/C admitedly) Mazda3 SE 1.5 petrol hatch, and the much quicker 2 ltr SE-L Nav (0-60 in 8.8sec on the saloon, which has a boot space nearer in size to the Civic than the hatch) with climate control and lots of other goodies is a list price of £19.5k, but unlike with the Honda (probably little dealer discounts and only one well-priced deal [18% off] with the brokers, but it ties you into a 9.5% APR PCP deal, meaning you pay a lot more), you can get many deals from brokers for around 20% off the Mazda3 WITHOUT having to pay extra for a tied-in PCP deal (just a standard 'upfront cash' purchase).
The Mazda3 is better handling (and had the 'amazing' multi-link rear suspension 13 years ago, as it does in my 11yo 3) and rides fine on the 16in tyres of the SE and SE-L variants (not so much on the 18in-shod Sport). I'm sure the Civic in 1.5T guise is quicker (especially on mid-speed acceleration) in everyday driving than the Mazda3 2.0, a bit like the Golf in 1.4 TSi format (even the 122PS version), but to get that extra performance and roughly the same interior/toys you have to spend (including discounts) probably £5-7k more, which to me a hell of a lot for a bit more poke and a 0-60 time of 0.5 sec less....
Regarding PCP's on used cars I'm often struggling to talk people out of what is in reality poor value for money.
For example. An old customer of mine seeking a replacement for her 2007 Ford Fiesta asked me to recommend something suitable and I found a very nice 16 plate Fiesta 1.25 (82PS) Zetec at our local main dealer for £8598. Going through the Arnold Clark finance options available and on a 48mth PCP with a £300 deposit and borrowing £8298 for example it works out at £147.28 a month with a final payment or guaranteed value of £3424. Total payments £10,647.16. APR 8.91%
Now taking my advice she could take a loan from Sainsbury's bank. Borrowing £8298 again but over 60mths it'll cost £148.95 and total payments £8937 @ 3% APR, saving £1,710.16!
Now I'll hear people say that the term is longer and they'll only want to keep the car for 4yrs but with the personal loan there's less left on it after 4yrs than there is on the PCP meaning you can sell/trade-in the car and have more money for your next deposit or she could keep it and continue to pay the monthly amount. Either way it's a huge saving.
PCP's and dealer finance only work when there's a manufacturer subsidy in place. A zero percent deal or ultra low APR deal but even then you've got to watch you're not overpaying for the car itself with discounts often cut or unavailable if you take the subsidised finance. Sometimes you can score both on a new car but with used cars PCP's never make sense and will cost you dearly.
My customer is a happy bunny. She got her new car with a £200 discount I had to draw teeth to extract (not known for discounts is old Arnold) but the car was priced well enough to start with and the £200 extra she got for her old car from me along with the saving on her finance puts her at £2110.16 ahead of where she could've been! Read more
If you think about it, car companies would be in favour of banning the resale of cars - unless its their own three year old models through approved used dealerships or some such. They probably hate the fact a car which was £50,000 just ten years ago can be picked up in a home traders back garden for £3,000 today.
Browse
The window switch worked out to be ok, so deeper dive led me to this post.
Lubricated the armeture runs with WD, sprayed electriacl contacts I could get to with contact cleaner then t***ted the motor with a hammer a few times while using the switch. Its been working now for a week. If it fails again I will drop the motor and give it a proper clean out....