May 2020
We’ve had a number of petrol/diesel fuelled vehicles over the years. Aside from getting rid of my own car when I’ve changed jobs and received a company car, or the arrival of a dog or a baby that has created the need for more space, we’ve tended to keep cars for over 10 years.
Given that we’re all likely to be driving electric cars in the next 20 years, I’m wondering how long I can realistically keep one? With conventionally fuelled cars, I’ve tried to move them on before any ‘big bills’ have arrived and over 30 odd years, that’s worked fine. ... Read more
So the over 70's are still advised, but not compelled, to continue to stay at home as much as possible. This is a manifestly unfair generalisation, and could be construed as age discrimination. Many over 70's are fitter and healthier than overweight smokers in their 40's and 50's. Read more
Two quotations that i think are apt at this time of turmoil.
"Better to die on your feet that live on your knees" and
"Rules are made for the guidance of wise men and fools to follow"
They shall certainly influence my behaviour regarding lockdown while still mindful of my responsibilities to others. I am just turning 80.
I have two cars. Tax is due. MOT is due in July. Is it worth registering my second car as SORN, until the lock down is over?
It was my intention to sell it, but I the second car as storage for stuff.
Car is off-road in residents parking.... Read more
Same position Andrew .
i bought an A2 Tdi 90 as a project and because I’m fascinated by this unique car but now I’m finding I’m using it less and less, opting for my A4....
As this lockdown continues I'm finding things to look at and check. Fire Extinguisher, I have a dry powder 1kg in each car. They still show green on the gauge so I'm hoping they are OK. My home one is in date so that's OK. But the one in my garage expired in 2011 has no gauge. I've replaced it with another 1kg dry powder one.
So what do you do with the old one? ... Read more
TI saw in the next day's paper a photo of the burnt-out wreck coated in foam. The notorious C4 starter motor wiring harness fault had claimed another one, with luckily no human injuries.
My relatively new Renault Campus melted its wiring harness due to the fan shorting out. There I was driving around central London (pre-congestion charge) moaning about the air pollution which turned out to be mostly generated by my own burning car....
Hi I'm really new to driving so just need some advice.
Someone went into the front of my car 2 weeks back, the repair garage has picked it up (they drove it there) it was driving fine when I was using it. An hour later they called me and said the guy has just come back but your clutch has gone and they worked out how much it's going to cost me, but do I just take their word for it? The only thing is I agreed to it so I know I will probably have to pay it but is there absolutely anything I can do or not? Some people have told me they could be making it up etc, I'm so stuck on what rights I have, if there is any? Read more
I would go and see them. Determine If the clutch has failed or is simply slipping and ready for replacement. If failed you are a bit stuck for transporting the car. If not then you can drive it to another repairer if you wish. If you don't trust your current repairer that is a pity if you are stuck but if not a good recommended independent repairer will do the job properly. It is for you to actually meet them and see what you feel about them. Ask around about them for reviews, but go and meet them and you may get a feel for how they are. Good luck.
Cheers Concrete
The weather’s been grand, I’ve loads of time off and I’m surrounded by some of the UK’s best driving roads up here in Scotland. I’ve been thinking of convertibles again and getting misty eyed for my old MX5 but cost no object what was or is the best convertible car ever built? Does the classic British roadster do it for you? How about a BMW or Mercedes? To me it has to be fun above all else but there’s a convertible for every man or woman but which one was the greatest of them all in your opinion?
... Read more
Had a CLK 320, cruiser rather than sports, got an slk 250, does what you want it to. In Smode it's quite lively. The car I've always liked was the MGB cabriolet, mate had one in the 70's and I was green with envy!
walking the dog yesterday. Passed a 1983 Ford Granada . Thought there's not many of them left What made it more unusual was that it was a two litre and.. an Estate version. Rarest of the rare I would think. Still going strong....absolutely massive load space. Anyone want to guess if its the last one?
The Coupe sold for £6,400.
A 1983 Polski Fiat 126 went for over £3k!
Can i have stereo code for V047610.THANK YOU Read more
The S/N V047610 should have the code
1084.
I have no idea wether used car prices will rise or lower in the coming months but I guess which ever, it will be pro rata for your trade in. What do forum members think? Read more
PCP is not a Ponzi scheme - stop spouting your nonsense.
Agreed. ...
Are damper (shock absorber) shafts supposed to rotate when the vehicle turns?
I’m fitting new dampers and springs to my Citroen Relay Mk3 - there is a friction bearing to stop the spring rotating - but the top mount is torqued to 90Nm on to the damper shaft - the top mount contains a bush - presumably to allow for the movement at the top of the strut for the swing of the suspension arm - but nothing to stop the shaft twisting.... Read more
Thank you for your reply. I understand that the wheel moves - rotating the shock - but the top mount doesn’t - it’s bolted to the body - but the top mount is bolted to the damper shaft - so the damper shaft must also not move - the damper casing rotates around it - my question was is that normal? Am I missing a second bearing that stops the damper shaft rotating - I’ve always thought of a damper as an up-down motion - but I’m thinking now it must be designed to do both - up-down and rotate in its housing.
Apologies if this is a daft question - I’ve contacted KYB and ask this question - watched lots of YouTube videos and read a couple of workshop manuals - still none the wiser.
Most modern electric car batteries are modular- you can replace a few cells in the massive battery pack, you dont have to replace ALL the battery power. Not a job for the unskilled though...
BMW i3 and Nissan Leaf , Tesla