October 2023
Been a few threads on car insurance recently. The insurance on the old Focus is up for renewal - last year £114 fully comp with legal cover, 2007 Focus petrol. This year the cheapest I can find on all the usual comparison sites is £158 or 38% increase. As always, there's the usual company that clearly doesn't want my business at £1730!
38% increase. I hope this doesn't happen every year... Read more
As title.
When are these muppets going to come into the 21st century? Read more
On a related topic, I had to send them a cheque for £2.50 earlier this year with a request for information following a hit and run accident. Had they accepted my request, surely it would have cost them more than the value of the cheque to process it!
I'd expect a lowly paid staff member to be able to process cheques pretty smartly but then they'll need a security firm to collect then too. ...
Spare parts hold ups at JLR following the move to their centralised warehouse
... Read more
Blimey, are you really calling a Discovery 3 or 4 "very old" ?
I guess there is no simple answer to this
We have a 2012 BMW X1 Diesel. Its only got 80k miles on it and has full bmw service history. All good so far but we have a dilemma. My wife has a company car so this is a 2nd car.... Read more
Thanks
Re Japanese cars then, what's the mazda2 petrol like ( manual and auto) ?...
Got one of these as a holiday hire car. I didn't ask for a PHEV, just an auto, and it doesn't have a cable with it anyway.
So far, it's standard Kia. Fairly comfy seats, acres of black plastic but drives OK. The infotainment isn't brilliant, but it works and all the Aircon controls are separate. The lane assis is very intrusive but can be switched off next to the steering wheel.... Read more
The transition between petrol and electric is pretty good - but better that the Seat Leon.
That I cannot believe ......
I know I’m going to get a ‘What did you expect’ for this but here goes!
Just bought a 3mth old BMW 128ti on 19 inch wheels. Tyre noise and ride is terrible.
Had a M135i previously with the same wheels and had no issues.
Currently on Bridgestone Potenzas and I’m thinking of swapping out to Honest Johns favourite Michelin Cross Climates. Some forums suggest Pilot Sports will improve it too.
Wondering if anyone has cured a similar problem with a simple tyre swap and which tyre did you use.
Need to be fairly confident before I put my hand in my pocket. Read more
Slight thread drift…
Veloceman- how are you finding the four pot 128ti after the joys of a straight six? Do you miss the sound?
Hi,
I'm considering purchasing a small-mid sized SUV. I'm a tall chap and would like a car that's easier to get in and out off. I'm not looking for anything flash. Something simple (so not a never ending list of gizmos) and robust (isn't known for failing or released with loads of design faults).
At present, I'm considering a T-Roc, Ateca, CX-30, Xceed (although not really raised), a Golf (again, not raised but smart). I would prefer it to be raised more than a standard hatchback but should a deal come up then I may forfeit the higher driving position. The car will be 2020 or later and it will likely be an automatic.
Can I ask for your opinion on these cars. Are any of these known for having problems, design faults? Is any more recommended over the others.... Read more
Mazda (Hmm), I like the sound of the non-turbo engine
Why?...
Hi,
My 2006 Ford Focus is in need of an oil change. The cheapest price I could find is through one of those highstreet/national tyre shops at £95. Gees £95 for a filter and some oil. It wasn't too long ago those same shops were doing an oil change for £35.
Bearing the price in mind and considering I'll want to add some engine flush and use decent oil (no the cheap stuff) I feel like I will complete the oil change myself. I've watched videos online and it all seems straight forward.
My question is what is, what is the safest method to raise the car enough to get underneath it and remove the sump plug?
I've read that Car Ramps are safer (really?) and perfectly fine for those that only wish to change the oil. I've read those who may want to work on brakes should opt for a jack/stands.
What are your thoughts? Should you choose one over the other then can you recommend a particular brand/model? I'm presuming something that can lift 2 tonnes is more than robust, but I'll like your advice, please.
I imagine with two oil changes and I would've made my outlay back. Thanks. Read more
I agree that a chain strap on its own grips poorly, but an old rubber glove can improve things. I don't change oil often enough these days to need a replacement.
How many motorists know whether their car is fitted with summer tyres which are unsuitable in temperatures below 7 deg-(i.e. most of the winter months). The tyre manufacturers do not approve their tyres for these temperatures due to lack of grip & particularly in snow or ice conditions. How often we see cars in the UK sliding around with just a light sprinkling of snow. Annoyingly, many car manufacturers fit summer tyres as original equipment-any slight advantage in the summer months is more than outweighed by the dangerous disadvantage of poor grip in winter, even without snow. For the UK ,car manufacturers should be fitting 'all seasons' tyres or they should tell the customer they have summer tyres which should be changed to winter tyres for their safety. Although our winters are not as harsh as places such as Germany (where winter tyres are legislated) it doesn't need freezing conditions for summer tyres to become inefficient-7deg or less is fairly common in UK winters. Read more
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Talking of ride quality and going off topic just slightly, how do you find it on your LC?
Mine, an LC5, has air bags at the rear only, with electrically adjustable shocks all round, shocks are OE only and cost a fortune so if they fail will be replaced with standard gas dampers, thankfully causing no warning lights and owners report little loss in ride quality afterwards, the ride quality is good the vehicle soaks up our third world road surfaces....i shall keep the air suspension going as long as possible if for no other reason the wet grip is so reassuring which i'm convinced has much to do with riding on rear air....
Hi all
I went to test drive a 1.0 TSI Scala. I noticed when in traffic lights there was a slight vibration in the cabin. Once you take your foot off the clutch the stop start kick in, and the engine cuts out until you drive off. The salesman said it was due to the 3 cylinder engine. Other than that. I was impressed how the car drove, punchy and smooth. Nicer than a similar Astra. Read more
I think it could be as i have never drived a 3 cyl before.
Apart from that the car drived beautifully
Browse
Indeed, and nor was it 'only' 11-12% at its 'peak' last year.