June 2018
Hello,
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If a council playground has a height barrier installed that is not high vis (grey metal) and no signage indicating a height limit are you able to claim damages if driving into it with a bike on the roof? Read more
If you're going to pursue a claim and want evidence of another council installing signs on their barriers (yet people STILL hit it in cars and vans with bikes and kayaks on the roof), then there's one here:
Further to 'Mistaken Identity' - the Oxford park and ride system asks for only a partial number plate input and then displays a picture of your vehicle for you to confirm that it's the right one. Seems Oxford council are at pains to help you get it right, unlike private parking companies. Why aren't they all like this? I wonder. Read more
I also agree about the 5k for reliability being incorrect, but you have to know what you're buying! Without being too unfair on certain brands, a Japanese car such as a mid range Honda civic is likely to be ultra reliable, even as a 15 year old car....
"The German-based investigation found serious failings in Volkswagen’s manufacturing procedures with ‘monitoring duties’ being routinely breached at the Volkswagen’s powertrain development department when it came to vehicle tests."
Oh, is that what ze Gerhmans call cheating and fraud (in my opinion). That VAG accepted this ruling and (IMHO) paultry fine is, to me at least, very telling of them being a soft touvh on their own firms, and especially politically connected, powerful ones such as VAG.
What's worse is that the UK government has done even less, and that so many ordinary people are either unaware or don't care as to the scale of the (IMHO) crime, whereby VAG's overall UK sales actually have risen since the story broke.
Shameful the lot of them in my view. Read more
@ Uninvited guest In addition to the signs, I would strongly recommend a bit of reciprocal inconvenience. I find an unemotionally worded notice* anonymously stuck to the windscreen plumb in the driver's view with liberal applications of Prittstick (or your preferred glue stick) applied directly on the screen, is not only quite effective as a deterrent, but amazingly cathartic! Nothing like a bit of retribution to help reduce the stress levels. It is a pity, of course, but needs must. Good luck!
* e.g. "Your vehicle is causing an obstruction. Please park considerately" Read more
Ré block exemption.
If my experience working for Vauxhall Fleet is anything to go by, you cannot trust PDI for anything.
In my time I rejected numerous cars I had been sent to deliver, for being everything from frankeinmoters, to dangerous.
One story I tell is about a Vectra I was to deliver to B.T.; if they like it they were going to order thousands to replace their existing Ford repmobiles.
First car I was given had a dashboard in 3 different colour plastics - rejected.
Second car had a huge, melted 2"x30" strip across the dashboard - rejected.
Third car had a dislodged brake pedal switch, so the brake lights were on all the time - rejected. (This one happened a LOT).
I was thinkinghow much as motorists we are getting a bad deal, not in one particular area. You're lookign for a car that you can keep for at least 4 years and has to be economical. Im feel we're lest with little options. You cant go diesel. the goverment is against them, we have no idea what silly taxation increases will happen in the next 4 years, cities are banning them, and the MOT is tighening its grip. Petrol. Well, a lot of cars are still "older" syle petrol. Not very economical. New 1 litres are here, but we have no idea of their longevity. Fine if you have a non turbo 60bhp VW up as i do, want a bit more power? Well, then those engines are being stressed. Electric? A decent sized car is out of most people's leauge. Lots of high end electrics, a la tesla, jag etc, not so much sub 20k. Even a Zoe is exspensive, and thats small. Do we all live with a garage, driveway, or even off street parking? Nope. Hybrid? Still expensive.
As consumers we've been painted into a corner. Read more
I haven't bought new since 2006..Polo..I now run them 'til the repairs aren't economical. I wouldn't buy new now as the depreciation is too steep and as posters have put what legislation will bring no one knows. I think the thing to do is hang on until the situation is clearer.
Hi, I need some advice on potential new car. I have a budget max 16k ideally 14k. Need a diesel doing 15-20k year, automatic max 70k mileage. 5 door, descent boot space hatchback/saloon. I think an Audi /Bmw would be my preference.
My top choice is A5 hatchback 2012 onwards facelift 2.0 s line. I was thinking of alternatives eg bmw 3 Series. What would you guys suggest.
Thanks Read more
The cylinder BMW diesel engines from the same era that the 4 cylinder had problems have the same timing chain issues, in fact I think they have the exact same timing chain. They just don't come up as often because there are far fewer examples about.
additional £1,000 off exsting offers this weekend only.
local dealer reckons they are trying to clear out stock at the holding centre as they have a few big deliveries due in preperation for the 68 plate change... Read more
Seems to be a few dealership networks pushing sales this month, the Nissan/Renault/Dacia dealership that my mate works at are under pressure to hit a big quarterly target by the end of June although this may be a dealership target as opposed to a manufacturer target (he didn’t specify).
Either way, dealers willing to be a bit more flexible on margins and extras than usual which is no bad thing for the consumer with the exchange rates in their current state.
Nissan UK products (Qashqai, Juke, Leaf) should look good value in terms of price compared to rivals considering their home advantage reduces the impact of a weaker pound.
Pocket change for a company like VW. It turns out that Mercedes were getting in on the act as well.
The real repercussions are the stigmatisation of diesel engines; the public will never look at them in the same way again. Read more
And the fine gets paid to the German government........
They paid far more in the US. Our strong government don’t care. Or so it would seem.anyway, it looks like lots of companies were ‘bending’ the rules.
After spending a day test driving small SUVs my partner has ruled out the Hrv on grounds of poor ride and looks.
But we have a clear winner with the CHR which we tested in hybrid form with auto.
Great looks which are so important to my partner and wonderful ride and seating , at least for the front occupants.
Back to reality she wants to spend under 20k which pushes her towards the 1.2 T non hybrid manual.
But does Toyotas reputation for unreliable autos continue with this model?
Also I learned that production will shortly be shifted from Turkey to Japan. And have the screen cracking and handbrake problems no been resolved.
Most grateful for your views Read more
“One last thought, I know it's a Renault but the Captur seems a cheaper alternative to the CHR.
Would be most grateful for your thoughts on a four cylinder petrol version of this car ?”
There’s loads of cases of engine problems with both the 0.9 TCe and 1.2 TCe particularly the latter in the Nissan Qashqai for some reason - possibly the extra weight. The 1.5 diesel is well proven though. It’s also a class down from the Toyota, based on the supermini Clio. I’d far sooner take the Toyota here though personally I’d save the money and go for a nearly new Auris 1.2t CVT instead. It’s essentially the same car underneath but with the more mundane styling it’s vastly cheaper. The estate in particular is a great family workhorse. As for performance it’s perfectly acceptable for day to day road use unless you plan on towing, regularly carry a full load or you’re a boy racer.
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It's around the three hour job time.