September 2023
With news that the new mini will only be available in auto format does this herald the end of the road for the manual gearbox ?
A latecomer to auto driving, I’ve taken to it 100% maybe down to having one coupled to a V6 diesel engine which gives effortless performance. Read more
I am replying to a question from Mr Richard Sylvester on the 7th of September in which he asked about the manufacturer recall due to cambelt failures.
My car had to have the cambelt and many associated parts replaced under the Citroen manufacturer under warranty. I will say that they had to rebuild a lot of the engine and replace many of the internal parts to make sure the cambelt particles which had started to disintegrate were flushed out. This work cost them £2000 in parts and about £1200 in labour. Unless all of that work is done properly I would not advise buying one without that documented history. I should say also that the later models were not recalled but I don't know what the cut off chassis numbers are. Read more
I wouldn't be encouraging anyone to buy a 1.2 Purec*** powered vehicle.
Even with the multiple belt revisions ( generation 4 belt was last I heard a couple of years back ) I'm sure more new headaches for owners will manifest in the near future. ...
Mazda diesels are infamous for problems with the diesel emissions systems leading to on some occasions huge repair costs.
Even Toyota have had problems with their Yaris diesels so what chance does any other manufacturer stand?... Read more
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Latest SMMT figures for August have been published and Ford Puma is holding on as the most registered car in both August and year to date. Closely pursued by Tesla Model Y (23 units behind for the month).
Ford have three models in the top ten, Vauxhall have two, Tesla have two, Hyundai, Volkswagen and Audi one apiece.
Petrol still the largest market share at 40.6%, EV next at 20.1%, Mild Hybrid at 15.1%, Full Hybrid at 10%, PHEV at 7.7% and the balance made up of diesel and diesel Mild Hybrid.
The total market is ~7.5% below pre-pandemic levels.
Full data here - media.smmt.co.uk/download/925/august-2023/13209/sm...x
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I wonder what its battery SOH is like?
According to the Spanish Carwow site, VAG will definitely ditch the SEAT brand in 2025. Existing models will be rebranded Cupra until they expire, and the Cupra brand will remain as a slightly niche electric/high performance marque. More at www.cupraofficial.co.uk
I hope Cupra does better than Rover did! Read more
<< They're only really getting rid of the Seat brand to replace it with the Cupra brand. Having decided that Seat was 'the sporty one' then set up a 'sporty' sub-brand, I suppose it was inevitable. >>
Are SEATs still built in Spain ? Might there be an idea to close a plant there ?...
Hello,
I came to you fine people about 6yrs ago for advice on buying some used cars. They fit our purpose at the time, getting a Hyundai i30 & ix20 which have served us pretty well.... Read more
More that they were bought for specific things really. i30 was used by me to commute a fair chunk daily. ix20 was purchased as just about to have a baby, so a slightly higher car aided with getting in/out.
It probably is more want to change, rather than need...
Hello to everybody,, I’m after some advice if there’s any mk6 fiesta specialists on here particularly on the 1.4 tdci fj6 engine,, I’m trying to time the engine from scratch, the heads been off and cam out without locking pins and top dead center, it’s all back together only I’m getting mixed opinions on the crank pulley regards where top dead center is, some say it’s number 1 piston top of its stroke and some say it’s when all the piston level up together half way up the bore, can anyone shed any information on this would be gratefully appreciated thanks. Read more
There's a timing hole in the crank sensor pick up which should be at 12o'clock and allow a pin to fit into a hole in the block. Camshaft has a timing hole - about 2 o'clock. There's a timing hole in the pump too, but not sure how much this matters. The hole in the back plate into the flywheel is not for timing. Plenty of vids on you tube doing belt changes on these engines. I did hear tell that if the head has been off the hydraulic tappets can lose prime, and you get no apparent compression to begin with - it may be necessary to tow start it as the starter may not spin it fast enough to get the oil pressure up.
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Hi I have a 2017 C Class 200 sport 32000 miles. The electric steering motor failed, I am told I need a new steering rack. I have an extended warranty from Mercedes, would one expect this item to be covered as the car was serviced by Mercedes dealership from new when I bought it. The power steering just failed with no warning when I was driving the car in traffic!!
I note on the web that there have been many recalls with Mercedes electric power steering, so is there a general fault with the design? Read more
Most modern cars have electric power steering, wether it be a powered rack or column. Failures are going to occur over various makers . Can’t say that Mercedes are any better or worse than others . Hopefully it’s covered on the MB warranty, it’s an expensive repair.
Hey ,I'm quite unsure when it comes to things like this so looking for some advice.
I currently have my car of finance and I have seen another car I am really interested in. The car in question. I have been in touch with the garage and they have told me that they don't do part exchange so wouldn't look at my car. . Now I know selling my car will leave me with some outstanding finance. Ideally I wouldn't like to dip into my savings to pay off the rest in full. Is there anything I can do in this situation as I really don't want to miss out on the other car.... Read more
Having savings or not has nothing at all to do with this , I just said I would like to dip my savings to pay off the excess as that savings is for others things so barer of bad new u ain't but barer of pointless news yes
If you don't want advice, my advice, don't ask for it! :-)
Hey,
I've got a 1.4 mokka X 2017 petrol... Read more
Is there evidence of coolant 'blow off' anywhere, for example around the pressure cap.
Any dripping under the car or suggestion of liquids accumulating in the under tray....
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