January 2021
Feel very stupid but think I’ve bought a wrong’un!
Even though the advert didn’t mention service history, I purchased a 4 year old very low mileage Mercedes car (formerly a fleet lease car) from a dealer at end of November who claimed that the service records were online but had to wait til I got V5 to prove ownership before requesting details from manufacturer...... but surprise surprise they claim there is nothing on their database.
Assumed therefore that vehicle serviced independently so asked dealer to investigate and find service details but now being given the runaround!
Spoke with a Mercedes dealership who cannot give previous owner details due to Data Protection Act but they alarmingly informed me that there are 2 safety recalls outstanding which is worrying!
Gone past the 30 days so asking you legal eagles .....what should or can I do please!?
Thanks in advance Read more
Technology! I found this article reported from Somerset which will amuse some, unless perhaps you are following close behind. Read more
Whaddya mean "All"?
I'm pretty sure I would have noticed that. Might have missed it on one or two, if it never triggered. ...
I've a 2007 outlander with the vw bsy engine.
Is it possible to change the dual mass flywheel for a single mass, if so which one would I need.... Read more
First vehicle to use Dmf was,in fact,petrol!
www.theguardian.com/money/2021/jan/09/car-owners-t...n
Car owners in the UK have been told to make sure they do not miss their MOT, even if they are not currently able to use their vehicle.... Read more
There is a lot of debate about people with "conditions" having the jab. An example, Here Pregnant women not advised to have it, in Canada where niece is a Doctor (and also pregnant with twins) was advised to have it.
Best to avoid introducing any strange and complex substances during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy when the embryo is busy forming its specialised cells in the process of becoming a foetus. Oldest antenatal advice can be found in the bible - Judges 13, verses 7 and 14.
See for yourself, Americans do seem to have different experiences than we do with brands like Honda, click on one in the list and you will see a breakdown of the complaints
www.carcomplaints.com/worst_vehicles/ Read more
Clearly funded by GM who don’t feature despite poor quality product development governed by bean counters over engineers. I doubt highly that an old Honda Accord or Civic would be less reliable than an old GM equivalent. As always US news sources always have a backer and ulterior motive.
If I recall correctly, Aussie motoring pundit John Cadogan called this out in a video of his about 1-2 years ago. Unfortunately I can't remember specifically which video it was (despite doing a search) - it may well have been a segment of a video rather than specifically about this GM 'spin' exercise.
Wee conversation at work regarding past motoring ownership brought a sad realisation to me. I’ve never really owned a car that I truly loved. I’ve always been a bit of a car guy but I’ve put common sense and reliability ahead of pleasure on almost every car shopping list. Even when I was a teenager I aimed for sensible cars over hot hatches and the like. Possibly the Mk II MX5 1800 I owned for a couple of years came closest for outright fun but I was able to sell it on without shedding a tear.
With this in mind I started thinking about potential less sensible and potentially less reliable replacements for old “Terrance” the Toyota now that family car duties have been handed over to “Venus” the very capable Volvo. Wife to blame for car naming btw.
The Toyota has been utterly dependable and drives without fault. The body is rust free and the underside looks like a three year old car despite the salt crusted roads here in Ayrshire. It is an outstanding cheap family hack, but ultimately pretty dull.
So, what do I buy that’ll correct this past omission? What can I buy that I’ll truly love and cherish? I’ve sadly missed the boat regarding hot hatches as today’s electric steering rack equipped versions are utterly devoid of feel. They’re quick but numb. I’ve driven modern Golf GTi’s, Focus ST’s, Civic Type R’s and fast Audi’s and BMW’s yet found none very memorable. Fast yes, but fun no.
Assuming a budget of under £8,000, what can I buy that’ll give me the fizz down the trouser front I’ve missed out on? It no longer has family duties beyond transporting junior to school on my way to work and my commute lasts a total of 5 minutes (yes I am a lazy sod) so it has to be petrol and economy isn’t important. I do need it to be reliable so the irrational dream of an early Alfa 156 Twin Spark or GTV is out of the window.
I want something different. It doesn’t need to be an out and out fun car but it does need to be something I want to drive just for the pleasure of it, something I want to stand in the garage and admire nightly with a tinnie or two. Now this is a complex subject with me as I like such a verity of cars from 80’s Saab 900’s through hot Peugeot’s, Fast Fords from the late 90’s and naughties to Japanese coupes like the MX6, Celica and Prelude.
I’m in no rush as old Terrance is as ever unfailingly loyal and there’s a waiting list for him when I finally do succumb to stupidity and sell in favour of heart over head. But what to buy... Read more
Going back to Volvo, just found this fantastic looking (SA import) 121 on carandclassic.co.uk,
C129734...
Evening
Is it possible to get the code for my car radio recently purchased a new run about but the radio is locked.
Its serial number is
V036189
Many thanks Read more
Thank you
Appreciate it
Cheers
Whilst looking for a spare wheel and tools for my car the above website appeared. I can’t find any reviews for it. The prices do look a bit too cheap - I assume it’s a scam. I sent a message to PayPal, as it’s listed as a payment method, they just directed MR to their buyer protection.
Mark Read more
Unsecure site as well. Avoid
Just wondering if anyone can provide any advice on the difference between these two cars in terms of ongoing maintenance and repair costs since whilst I prefer the A4 I've been reading a lot saying that it's not that reliable and I'm looking at a roundabout 2017 A4 Avant or Vauxhall Passat and much as I like the Audi I know nothing about cars and I'm a bit worried that even going to independent garages I'm going to get hit for ongoing expensive repairs with the Audi..... would appreciate anyone's views on this that has knowledge of Audi running costs Read more
2017 Audi A4 has a longitudinal engine and gearbox layout, 2017 VW passat is transverse. Based on different platforms, considerably different in many areas including suspension.
Audi dealers are likely to charge significantly higher labour rates than VW, to support their upmarket placing in the VAG group....
My elderly parents (in there 70's ) brought a second hand 65 plate dacia sandero 0.9 petrol in late august from a dealer. I did a bit of research and reviews suggested the dealer seemed ok but a bit of habit not supplying or honouring warranties. They went ahead and brought the car but despite me telling them to make sure he gave them a warranty he just said that .the invoice was the warranty.
... Read more
Thanks all im hoping he will fix it and happy days.
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Browse
Until about 1983 the firm I worked for had an on-site garage which maintained the small fleet of company cars.
Because we supplied parts to BMC / British Leyland, most cars were from their ranges. .Austin 1100, then Marina/ Ital/ Princess/ Montego/ Maestro for Sales Engineers and others who needed to visit customers and suppliers. Directors had Triumph 2.5 PI or Rover 3.5 V8. ...