September 2020

barney100

I have a cabrio with a dark blue hood and already a small patch of green algae has appeared. Last soft top was covered in the stuff and the dealers blasted it off with a pressure washer...presumably on low power. Any products that work? Read more

Manatee

I have a thin, silvered Mazda one that secures with 'sausages' under the boot lid, velcro straps on the door handles and mirrors, and traps under the wipers. It didn't look as if it would last but it has done two winters and is still good. I also have a Cabrioshield, the premium one, which I haven't used much (I got it used from another owner). That's really heavy material and has fastenings into the door edges, boot lid and mirrors, and fits very well.

I had a good one from Moss Europe in a non-woven fabric they call Duravent that was good, gave it away after I sold the car, but they don't cater for many up to date models.

catsdad

Using the Mazda today I have noticed a mid pitched “mechanical” whirring noise from the alternator when the ignition is switched to the first position. When I then turn the ignition further the car starts without a problem and with the engine noise it’s impossible to tell if the whirring noise has gone or not. Checking a second time there was also a second noise that sounded more “electronic” also from the alternator. Again this prior to the engine starting.

There a lot of stuff online about noisy running alternators but nothing very clear about noises before start. I will book it into the garage next week but it may be a few days before they can look at it as I know they have a lot on. We will try to avoid using it meantime but am I worrying unnecessarily, do all ageing alternators make noises and it’s just that I have never noticed before?... Read more

Andrew-T

Maybe the garage has googled too ? :-)

AlhambraDriver

My 2015MY ( built Dec2014) Santa Fe auto has just started exhibiting a lumpy down change from 2nd to 1st gear as I slow down and stop. All other up and down shifts are OK. The car has covered 106000km with a full supplying dealer service history ( serviced every 7500km). I’ve owned it from new and it’s 6 months out of warranty. Read more

AlhambraDriver

Thanks RT. The transmission doesn’t have a dip stick, but the fluid was changed in March this year.

E..

Some advice needed please - I have a private reg which was bought for me which is very sentimental anyways I went to dealer and traded in my car made aware I had never done this always sorted by my husband anyways they knew I had a private plate and asked me to fill in a v319 and sent together with payment and asked if car ever been sorned (it appears may have been previously on garage forecourt bought from) bottom line I received an email from company buying the car from the auction it went to advising plate in my name and they got my details from info in car (car went to auction) and basically they cannot so do anything with the car due to me having registration And hence why they could contact me - just to keep me right if this ok - 1. Car should not have sold with my plates on 2. My info should not have been left in car 3. Although dealer saying sale on hold there is a chance I could loose my plate ? Just need some advice garage have said it will be sorted and I will have my reg plate Read more

Doc

You must have your V778 (Retention Certificate) and new log book before you sell your vehicle - otherwise you’ll lose the right to use the private number....

mikert

Hi Forum,

Have just returned home from buying a 2013 GTC, 60 miles from home.... Read more

mikert

Update, Insurance company have replied to say they're OK, so end of problem for me.

Thanks for all help & advise

Forum DPF
barney100

Much done subject but how do backroom diesel owners keep their DPFs clean? Read more

SLO76

Regular run at 40mph or above for 20-30 miles. Forget additives and carbon cleaning, none of it really works.

BPL

Hi,

My clutch pedal very intermittently drops to near the floor. I can just about release the clutch to change gear when this happens. I have a Sachs single plate clutch for 7 years after the DMF gave out.. Usually the signs that this is going to happen are a partial drop of the pedal and when pressing the accelerator in gear while driving causes it to rise up a bit. Previous back street garage claimed to have sorted it about 3 times by replacing master cylinder, messing with linkage etc but I was never entirely convinced. Nothing untoward is visible under the steering column. Currently everything is working fine. I did wonder about engine mounts or braces being loose? I've put so many parts into this car (including a BlueFin remap to 190bhp) I am loathed to dump it but the thought of a new clutch which current garage is suggesting might be necessary might be the bail of straw that breaks the camels back.... Read more

BPL

Update - went wrong again same issue.

Fix was to pump the clutch 100s of times every time I used the car and so far it has been fine. I also avoid the known bad habit of resting my foot on the clutch. Here's hoping.

Metropolis.

I’m so glad this was saved!

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.retromotor.co.uk/news/r.../ Read more

Trilogy.

The best description I've heard of BL/ARG is it was a dysfunctional family with some talented children. Unfortunately some children had little talent.

threeberry

I am up to speed on the standard advice being 'buyer beware' / 'walk away' etc so I don't require priming on what you're getting into when considering a Cat N/S car, and in all probability won't be buying one. I'd just like to get a better understanding of why the Cat N/S market is so heavily discounted.

... Read more

S40 Man

Some of this depends on the age/value of the car at the time. A new expensive car could have more serious damage , but still be economically repairable. An old banger might only need some superficial damage to be written off.

lleiro

Hi fellow motorists.

Diesel witch hunt is soon approaching to greater London and will have to soon part way with my high mpg capable and reliable 2006 Touran 1.9 Tdi which I drove as far as Florence.... Read more

nellyjak

I would certainly add the Toyota Avensis touring estate.