January 2024
Thank you David Ross for your latest feature. "4 out of 10" turn off 'Safety Features'
Who recalls the 'Austin Maestro' 1982 onwards, including the outstanding MG Maestro. With all those 'novel features' that the press said would never catch on. Some of the electronic safety features were soon 'turned off' by owners in those days.... Read more
The old Focus has been making a grinding and droning noise from the offside front, I think the long Christmas drive finished it off. I've been quoted £445 for both front wheel bearings (I work on the basis the other side won't be far behind). This is a local independent garage and the FAG bearing kits are £80 each.
I'm happy to pay the going rate but don't like being done. Seems a bit steep to me but I'm probably out of touch!... Read more
When I had a wheel bearing go way back in 71 it had welded itself to the stub axle and that needed replaced also.
When I click the boot on the key fob, it blows the fuse, in the kitchen, I have replaced the fuse numerous times.
I can open the boot manually from inside to get it open, but this also blows the fuse.
Any ideas? Read more
I thought the 'cooking room' word had been put in the swear filter.
Hi, I have an issue with a local garage.
My 320i petrol had a cylinder 3 misfire so I changed the coil
and plug but no joy, took it to a garage who changed the injector and I still had a misfire.
Took it to a bigger garage who initially did diagnostics and said I should change all 4 injectors, I was dubious but they said 99% sure. They changed them and still missing so they had to borrow a diagnostic machine from someone else, they said it was the ECU then, I was told it would be sent away and it would be £80, and then if I agree to the price of the repair that £80 would be refunded. That seemed fair. We never got a call, I called the garage 20 times in total trying to find out a price or get an update. Today after 4 months they’ve said it’s finished and the price is over £1000. I bought the injectors myself so I expected 2/3 hours for them. Plus diagnostic. They’ve said the ecu is £600, it was a straight forward clone, I’ve called two online places today who have quoted £120 and £150 for an ECU clone, I gave them my VIN and REG so the price is for the same job.
Where do I stand? Under consumer law if a price wasn’t agreed then I only have to pay a reasonable price, which I would argue is £200-£250, not £600.
If the garage called when the ECU was sent off and said it’s £600, I would have paid the £80, got it back and sent it the guys online and got it done for £120.
Thanks
Read more
Bit concerned it’s taken 4 months to fix . Perhaps there’s more to the story than what we’re being told .
Apart from the steering wheel being on the "wrong side" It's in good condition, No rust, garaged since new, low mileage, always serviced, Plenty of mechanical parts available in Baghdad.
It belongs to Youngrovergorl and is the first car her dad bought her.... Read more
It will also need recommissioning. All rubber will have perished so new tyres and any flexible hoses. New battery of course and a change of all fluids. Might be best to get that sort of work done over there. I would expect it to be a lot cheaper there.
It is being used weekly. Sister driving it ...
I'm currently reviewing my next car purchase where I'd like to continue with a small hatchback size. I love the quality and efficiency of the post 2020 Yaris Hybrid, the creativity of Honda Jazz Hybrid, and the branding/looks of the Mini's (not Countryman!). I quite liked the looks of the EV Zoe and possible ID4, but it seems the latest Yaris power train is capable to compete against these? What are your thoughts?
My reasoning for these cars I'm reviewing are I drive around two under 12's for school runs and activities, 80% is urban short distant driving. Hence for parking I'd like a small car, but I would love a little more space than the Yaris Hybrid offers in the back, and could do without the headache of EV charging. However should I give them more serious thought if the kids get some space in the back?! ??... Read more
I'm currently reviewing my next car purchase where I'd like to continue with a small hatchback size. I love the quality and efficiency of the post 2020 Yaris Hybrid, the creativity of Honda Jazz Hybrid, and the branding/looks of the Mini's (not Countryman!). I quite liked the looks of the EV Zoe and possible ID4, but it seems the latest Yaris power train is capable to compete against these? What are your thoughts?
My reasoning for these cars I'm reviewing are I drive around two under 12's for school runs and activities, 80% is urban short distant driving. Hence for parking I'd like a small car, but I would love a little more space than the Yaris Hybrid offers in the back, and could do without the headache of EV charging. However should I give them more serious thought if the kids get some space in the back?! ??...
Now I've sold my van, no longer needed the space, I need and telescopic muti purpose step ladder to fit in a C-Max. Does anyone have experience of any of these?
Sterk, Werner and HOMCOM. Links below.... Read more
This is a telescopic ladder, the others are folding steps. www.screwfix.com/c/storage-ladders/telescopic-ladd...r
Hi all,
Would you replace a set of budget/no name but new tyres on a second hand vehicle purchase? How much of an issue is it these days? I assume all tyres on the market must be relatively safe, but is this the case?... Read more
Give them a go. If they are awful then change them, but they might not be. Some of the "premium" tyres can command higher prices due to branding but aren't always that great.
Quite, and one must always remember that a tyre that suits car X might not be as suited to car Y....
Browse
Thankfully our cars are too old to have this feature, not as it matters so much because almost everything has power steering these days and wrenching the wheel round for maneuvers and tight turns is a thing of the past.