September 2017
I've just removed a whole thread which was started by someone accusing a named garage of fraud.
When it was suggested, rightly, that the thread should go, the OP replied 'what about free speech?'.... Read more
Picked up a nice tidy 316i Compact, a 97 R plater on 123k. Serviced every year and garaged most of its life, and generally in nice nick all over. I'm interested though in any prudent care that's worthwhile on these once into high mileage, aside from the obvious oil changes and routine servicing. Any cam chain or other oily bits issues to tackle etc? The car drives nicely, but first gear is a touch resistant to go in when the box is cold; not to the point where it's concerning, just sufficient to require a firm input. 'Box oil change likely to be worthwhile doing? Nearside front wing is a tad bubbly around the arch and will probably be replaced, previous owner already attended to the offisde. Bit of a looming headlining issue, with it drooping in various places. Is there an easy fix for this yet!?
Any useful insights appreciated :) Read more
Get underneath and wire-brush as much rust off all the suspension bits as possible, then protect them with something. If money's tight or you prefer saving it for other things, use old engine oil. Clean brake/fuel pipes and grease or paint them.
Sounds as though an apprentice has 'serviced' the gearbox with the wrong oil. Red ATF should improve it....
Hi,
I am looking for a car to tow our small caravan (1000kgs) and also fancy an automatic and probably diesel for the extra torque.... Read more
Have you had the car and caravan on a weighbridge Bromp? MIROs are not reliable:)
I wouldn't worry about the monocoque business, Towbars are type approved for the vehicle they are fitted to.
just got our car and there is no radio code, the serial is m057984, can you help? Read more
brilliant, thank you very much
I bought a Bongo (diesel, automatic) in June. It had the whole automatic transmission replaced including reconditioned gearbox in March, with 12 months guarantee on the work, which was one of the reasons I bought it. It started leaking transmission fluid from the gearbox last week. Its now back with the original garage, but I need to know if I can reasonably expect them to fix it without charge, or does the transfer of ownership make the guarantee void? Read more
Say nothing about ownership unless asked. Then just say you brought it in for <previous owner>
Any one recommend a good water sealer as having to top up engine coolant every two weeks and not doing more than 250 miles in total during that time.
Not wanting to use any water sealent / stop leak that can cause further problems and cause unnecessary water blockages. Read more
Years back at work we used Bar's leaks on an endurance-test car which had thermocouples fitted all over - head temperature went up by 20 degrees C as a result (but fixed the radiator leak till convenient to change it)
have to top up the water resorvoir every two weeks. Can't see where I am loosing the water.
No leaks of the water loss on the ground.... Read more
edit, old thread dragged up again, note the OP never did reply, quelle surprise.
I wonder if a moderator could send OPs an email asking for a response to our collective suggestions when the outcome might prove interesting? Could it be automated after, say, five reponses along the lines of....'please let us know the outcome of your problem?' ...
Would like some advice on a small family car. Currently got a mini one,had it for around 8 years with no trouble until the gearbox went last year and had an awful experience with a garage to get it repaired. Recently had our first baby so could do with something a bit bigger. Criteria is:
Not too big (mrs struggles parking the mini so an estate is a no go)
Remotely interesting to drive
Reliable
Decent sized boot
Quiet on the motorway (can barely hear each other speak in the mini so something a bit more refined would be nice)
Do a mixture of town and motorway driving,around 8k a year,was thinking petrol,and a budget of around 7k.
The cars I have looked at are a golf plus, like the raised height and the adjustable back seat.
Honda Civic mk 8, liked the magic seats (really don't like the styling of the mk9)
Skoda rapid space back, big boot but a bit basic inside.
Kia venga, decent room inside but found the dash a bit cluttered,seemed to be buttons everywhere
Any opinion on these cars or anything I've not thought of would be most appreciated! Thanks Read more
I'd recommend you try a MK3 Ford Focus.
For around £6,000 you'd get a low mileage 2012 1.6 Ti-VCT version and I can highly recommend it. You might get a 1.6 Ecoboost in your price range but it might have higher mileage; try to steer clear of the 1.0 though as it's renowned for being unreliable!...
Aaaargh!