February 2020
Bloke came round to do a bit of work in his ancient MX5. Looks ok I said, I've had it 16 years says he, passes the mot every time. That's what regular servicing does says I, never had it serviced he says, only done 10,000 miles in it so it dosen't need it. Not even an oil change. Read more
....it's worth checking in advance that the dealer will have the car charged.
You'd think that would be obvious - but not to the salesman I met this morning at a BMW dealer just outside Bristol (I won't name them but you could call the name slightly unfortunate).... Read more
Yes - you just don't set the lever to B.
Why keep moaning about the shortcomings of the diesel engine? Who buys a diesel nowadays? Diesel is dying out for passenger cars, so if you want this car buy the petrol version.
Some of us applaud Citroen's emphasis on comfort, rather than ability to corner fast. What puts me off Citroens is their over reliance on touchscreens and "tech", especially given the reputation for unreliable elecrics on French cars.Having to navigate a touchscreen menu whilst driving, when all you want to do is adjust the heater settings for example, is dangerous.
Finally, why was the review constantly interrupted by pointless annoying pop video clips? Read more
To the chap who doesnt like electronic handbrakes, good luck with that for there are very few newer cars that dont come with one of these!
"Hood ornaments"? Are these over 50's Americans? Im 63 and I can only say I really dont miss any of those 5. The only thing I miss is electric folding mirrors and easy to hard wire in ancillaries. Read more
Well if you think run flats dont give a poor ride you must be used to having cars with a Crap ride
Need a new windscreen after stone damage but don't want to repeat my last experience with a major supplier.
I specifically requested an OE screen but they sent a Chinese copy.
Also having it fitted at their depot seems to not be an option any more , so it's on the drive if you have no garage. Also concerned that the sealant won't set in cold or damp temperatures.
Grateful your advice Read more
I don't use the large suppliers at all, and i don't normally claim on the insurance either.
If you look and ask around there will be a small independent screen chap in your area, he'll work at bodyshops, used car lots, and often fits commercial vehicle screens too, its one of these chaps i use, you might be pleasantly surprised just how cheap a screen can be when not supplied by one of the heavy advertisers....
So, The saga continues.
Have looked (and had) offers for a selection of new cars.... Read more
The Niro and Sportage seem to be much the same size. I wonder why Kia sell both, but they clearly know what they're doing as both sell well - no doubt to subtly different markets.
They are, but you can say the same about most manufacturers, especially when it comes to the big money earners, SUV/crossover!....
What actually IS an SUV? Is there a spoecific demarcation point between one and a 'crossover' car, or an MPV? Why not stop there and ban all vans, lorries and buses too?
Bunch of nanny state idiots. It's HOW you drive that most affects what happens, not what you drive. Read more
Its still going to hurt if you get hit by a Range Rover or a Focus
Manual steering locks normally attract little or no premium discount because they rely on you fitting it rather than an automatic electronic system. Obviously there could be circumstances where you don't fit it but still enjoy the discount and they would still have to pay out because manual steering locks are not a standard policy condition. Read more
I can confirm that hitting a rock with your exhaust downpipe makes a 3-cylinder 993 cc engine sound quite muscular.
It was almost a pity to fix it, but the footwell was getting a bit hot.
Re "Small Torque", the most reliable torque converter automatic supermini most people have never heard of is the Daihatsu Sirion. It is a Toyota Yaris with a different body, and ceased to be imported in 2010.
My wife bought one new in 2009 and ran it for seven trouble free years. Read more
German vehicles;
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Hi
Posting this on behalf of my father in law who is considering changing his current 16 plate C4 Picasso with @ 53,000 miles, full dealer history for one of the above, or keeping the current car. He does around 18 - 21,000 miles per annum, so will be looking at the Diesel auto.... Read more
I'm sure he won't have any regrets
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“ The toothed side cannot slip, so the crankshaft pulley will almost instantly strip the teeth. One of the best designs is our old Xreg Focus 1.6 Zetec”
Agree. This is an example of a very well designed engine. It’s sweet revving, smooth, very robust and puts little pressure on the timing belt. I often recommend them.
“Last time I looked (around 140,000) there was no sign of wear.”
Until you actually remove it and flex it when you’d see loads of tears and splits. I’ve always retained the belts from every one I’ve replaced and despite almost all showing no major deterioration while in place you can see the wear which is sometimes severe when you have the belt in your hands and can flex it. I’ll bet the belt in your 19yr old Focus will be very worn.
That said the car has done well, largely down to luck and your regular under bonnet checks. I do the same to intercept problems before they occur but I also replace timing belt on schedule. I find the cost offset by the extra money I get for the cars when I sell them on with a full documented service history.