September 2022
So I'm looking to get a car - budget around £8k, I'm basically looking for the smoothest ride possible because I've got a head nerve problem. Are there any smallish/medium size cars models that have decent suspension?
I'm in love with the old MK1 Ford fiestas and VW Golfs but I'm not sure they'll be that smooth, is modding the suspension an option in these cars at all?
Any input to either question is incredibly welcome,
Ellie Read more
I recently got caught out by a nice little earner run by one of the leading car hire firms. I knew in advance that the standard limited mileage might not be quite enough to cover my three days' hire, but it was likely to be roughly the same as paying the extra for a flat rate. So far so good.
I also knew that amongst the hundreds of add-ons, there would be a "Premium Location Fee" for the privilege of picking up the car from an airport, rather than miles away in a muddy field, and with the home comforts of a freezing Portakabin to sign all the forms in.... Read more
Thanks. Curiosity quelled!
It's too late to edit now, so I'll leave it!
Hi, I'd really appreciate any advice on the following situation...
I'm looking at a (petrol) 2013 Mazda 2 with 95,000 on the clock, £3000 which I will really struggle to find (mostly borrow) but my own 2004 Mazda 2 is now taking more money than is sensible to spend on it at its age. The new car has not been MOTd since July 2021 - it seems to have been traded in and then bought from the dealer by the independent garage I am now thinking of buying it from, so their guess is it's been 'in trade' meanwhile. ... Read more
For 3000 you would be much better looking for a private seller who is not factoring in a profit. That car would have been bought from an auction for a lot less. Also you should also consider other similar size cars such as the Toyota Yaris which also has a very good reputation.
Just wondering what people's responses would be. If you had the choice between average spec c. 2002 Focus and a Fiesta, both in similarly good condition and same mileage, what would you choose? Read more
If you had the choice between average spec c. 2002 Focus and a Fiesta, both in similarly good condition and same mileage,
3 years ago we helped the wifes uncle replace his 2003 Fiesta. He had owned it from new and had covered under 34,000 miles in those 16 years. It had been serviced every year and when cleaned the bodywork actually looked OK....
The introduction of Bradford's clean air zone (CAZ) is an important step in reducing air pollution levels in the city. New geometry dash regulations mean drivers of old, polluting trucks, minibuses and taxis will have to pay to get downtown. Read more
So the UK is still near the lower levels for deaths and injuries on the roads of Europe. A better comparison would be with Germany, France, Italy and Spain. Read more
Amazing in the UK. You can be fined for eating an apple whilst driving, but if you are trying to use a touchscreen, that is OK.
Our Micra had a bulb out in the 3rd brake light, never noticed it. Garage fixed it FOC.
Lucky you, I had one LED fail on my high level brake light, resulting in an MOT advisory. The next year, the whole damn thing had failed. MOT station told me it was a pass as it didn't exist............................................................................................
Can anyone tell me what the minimum rear brake thickness is for a Hyundai i20 2010 ??? Read more
Minimum pad thickness for MoT is 1.5mm or to wear indicator. Suggested to change when 3mm left.
Hi all.
I'm on the lookout for a new car. This will probably be the biggest stand alone purchase I've made in my life so far so after much deliberation, I'm settling on the idea that either a Mazda3 or Auris would hold me in good stead, as I'm after reliability more than anything else (especially reading through helpful recommendations on this sub).... Read more
Thanks for all your observations, things I genuinely would've missed. It appears the Torque TQ021 is the budget tyre from Asda, about £51.
Surely a budget tyre from Asda should be called the Smart Price TQ21?...
I can confirm both Skidpan's and BBD's observations by virtue of my own (old) 2005 build Mazda3 originally having 205/55 R16s fitted and changing the tyres and alloy wheels 4 years ago (due to replace the tyres anyway + corrosion/leakage issues with the then 12yo alloys) to 15in with 195/65 R15 tyres fitted.
I already knew that the ride was a good deal softer (but seemingly without noticeable penalty on handling) because a former workplace pool car was the same model but a lower-spec TS to my TS2 fitted with the same 15in tyres mine now has....