August 2020
hi I have a zafira b 2011 1.7cdti . I have recently changed driveshaft droplinks and track rod ends ... after a few days I developed a knocking noise that has now developed into knocking over every bump and while turning. Either wheel or direction causes a knock .. i changed the wishbones and antiroll bar bushes and it didn't fix the knocking..im at a loss to what it could be Read more
Its a hot day and my wife is sitting in the shade trying not to be upset. Her birthday present, 18 years ago has just been towed away on its final journey. Ihave kept detailed records and it was OK to 65k miles but after that began to cost a small fortune each year with repair mainly of the electronic variety.
The final straw at 99k miles was a failed ECU which added to other niggling faults made repair uneconomical. The question we are both left with is that our mileage does not justify the cost of a new car but just how reliable are BMWs, Audis and Mercs as they get older?This is the only car in over 50 years of driving that has ever failed to complete a journey.... Read more
I am getting fed up with cyclists peddling as fast or even faster than cars. For a motorist trying to overtake a fast cyclist, this is often no joke ,especially in rural areas where some easily exceed 30 or even 40mph with their erratic sports peddling. It's also seriously dangerous when they zoom silently through villages and hamlets having little or no regard to residential pedestrians, school /playground entrances etc. At least speeding cyclists in towns and cities are sometimes reined in by limits such as speed cameras, traffic lights, crossings or dedicated cycle paths.... Read more
It used to be relaxing walking the canal towpath, now you need eyes in the back of your head to spot cyclists bearing down on you and quickly decide whether to jump into he nettles and brambles or take a dip - not sure some of these could stop if you didn't clear the way. Bicycle bells don't seem popular round here.
The new cycle priority roundabout has cost some £2.3million and is based on models in Holland. The inner ring is for vehicles and an outer ring for Jeremy Vine should he move here. The rule is vehicles give way to bikes. I hope this does not induce a degree of confidence in cyclists as they are still extremely vulnerable on our roads. I trust that bikes will go round clockwise as will vehicles which would be OK for bikes entering from the left, but what happens when vehicles have bikes crossing them to their right as the bike seeks to exit their lane on the roundabout? Time will tell how well it works but speeding bikes and cars seems like an accident waiting to happen. Other problems could be cyclists not going the correct way around and being difficult to see in the dark. Bikes and vehicles do not mix well together and neither do bikes and pedestrians. Read more
The biggest issue with any roadworks is no one can give you a definitive answer as to what is actually under the ground until you start digging.
Even quite minor roadworks can require substantial works to non Council property. Gas, electric, data, waste, drains and all utilities will only give a best estimate based on the info they have on their records....
Wasn't that Tiny Tim?
Unless it’s particularly nice and has sentimental value I’d leave it alone.
A welcome note of realism. Thanks
I'd guess that'd be true here too, although mechanics are cheaper....
I'm in the market for a 'new' car after putting up with my Mercedes E250 CDI Estate for nearly 10 years and another bill on Friday for £300 for new suspension springs after a B service the week, bringing repair and service costs to a total of £6,000, or £600 a year or over 60p a mile (and that doesn't include depreciation, fuel, insurance or road tax!)
I've looked at buying a 19/69 facelift BMW 520d M Sport Touring for £25k, but because the original list price was £44k, the VED will be £475 a year for 5 years, which I'm not willing to pay for the small number of miles I do.... Read more
Spent a large part of my morning plugging possible suitable vehicles for sale registration numbers in to this site, only to find that all of you on here were correct - you cannot realistically buy any 'premium' vehicle that isn't older than 2017 MY without the additional VED rate applying.
Might keep mine for another 10 years and spend an extra £300 a year on repairs instead of coughing up the extra tax!...
My daughter bought a used car from our local Toyota dealer in 9th July, got the updated V5 in the post today, so there are obviously some signs of life in the DVLA's offices .... Read more
Ten year driving licence renewal, gave up with the DVLA website which kept bouncing me out.
Monday 3 August - Visit to the post office, opted for the £21.50 service where they take the photo & upload direct to DVLA. Process took 10 mins....
Hi guys,
First time poster. After a long-time hiatus I'm looking to get back into driving, and I'm attracted by the new 208.... Read more
Personally I find it quite hard to see what the 208's USP is. If you want 'fun to drive' go for a Fiesta. If you want a feeling of quality, ease of driving and controls just where you want them, try a VW Polo or Audi A1. If you want all of the above plus value for money, it's the Skoda Fabia with the 1.0 110 bhp engine. If you're going to keep the car for many years, choose a Toyota, Kia or Hyundai with a long warranty.
....
Hi,
My son has suggested he hit a rather nasty full road width speed bump and which point his dash lit up like a Christmas tree. It then didn't happen again for a few days but from today the car has given the following symptoms... Read more
Not convinced it will be a fault with the Bcm . You could try a s/hand unit , but you may find some functions won’t work . This part controls wipers , locking , indicators , front and rear heated windows etc. I would be looking at the engine control module multi plug connector. Only problem here is that it is a real pita to remove . It’s secured to the module by a shear bolt . Very awkward to remove .
P0443 is "Purge Control Valve Circuit"... Read more
Fuel cap needs to be a good fit for sure, but don’t think this is your problem. You need to get the electrical circuit checked from the purge valve to the engine control unit . Hopefully a good diagnostic tester will be able to activate the system . Also check any pipe work from the engine to fuel tank .
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They're an emotional choice. I bought a BMW some time ago to sample the smooth straight six engine and rear drive handling. And very nice it was too, but the car around the engine seemed to age quickly, and the problems it had were mostly electronic. It was easy to fix with the number of specialists around, but these days I just want a car that works all the time, even when it's old, and Japanese cars have spoilt me in that regard.