March 2024

Falkirk Bairn

Backlog keeps growing since 2019

NI - All MoTs are done at Government run centres... Read more

Terry W

Makes an MOT very expensive - return fare £3-400 + waste a couple of days + probably overnight hotel.

If you know there is a waiting list simply book three months ahead of need.

Big Daz

Car loses coolant when temperature set to High, if temperature os set to say 22 then it doesn't lose coolant, have to fill expansion tank every day otherwise. Read more

Adampr

Must be a leak in the heater matrix

Eddie123

Hi, still looking to buy a car. What's your view on Mini's? Reliability? parts? Read more

Eddie123

Thank you very much. Problem is procrastinating too much as don't need a car for my job. Bus stop is outside. Will keep your suggestion in mind. Very kind of you!

csgmart

I collected my used 2018 Jaguar F-Type convertible from a Jaguar dealership on Friday and have just spotted that the rear bumper has been repainted at some point in the past and the paint is flaking off in several areas.

I pride myself on being able to spot bodywork issues but in this case I failed miserably (I'm getting on a bit now and my eyes clearly ain't what they used to be).... Read more

Andrew-T

As it's "Approved Used", just make use of the "100% Satisfaction Guarantee" which is part of that scheme. Effectively this means you can return the car within the first 30 days /1000 miles for any reason you're not satisfied and swap it for something else from their stock.

'for any reason you're not satisfied'. There are people who might want to take this literally, which could lead to unpleasant confrontations. It seems in this case an amicable compromise is being reached, so the goodwill supply has not run dry - yet....

ns23

Hi Alll
Near finalising 2020 Superb 1.5TSI DSG buy and dealer gave the below options.. worth taking up these?

1. Cash (i have) ot PCP (dealer nudging me to and says I can cancel in Month2 post purchase. Cost: 2month interest on £13k; Benefit: i get 1yr extra (total 2yr) of warranty, service, MOT over cash purchase. Any experience of any hidden costs or issues with cancelling PCP and pay full amount for car in Months2/3 post purchase?

2. 3yr extended warranty £700 or 1yr extended warranty £350. Dealer said 1yr is good enough but i think 3yr gives me 2yr pcp + 3yr. Or xan I buy extended warranty later post 2yrs?

3. Autoglyn (ir similar option) for £500 for interbal and external cosmetics protection. I think it may be worth. Have googled DiY options to cost £60 but i read it needs well ventillated and warm-ish climate to enable drying which i cannot do now in these months.

4. Also f clined tyre protect and other offers. Read more

ns23

Thanks all

Went with only the 3yr extended Marshall Warranty in top of 2yr Skoda Approved Warranty.

Steveieb

Seeing my neighbours 15 plate A5 recently returned from the car wash persuades me to agree with my paint supplier that Audi paintwork lasts course of todays motoring environment. Read more

Adampr

To ensure quality , Toyota agreed with their paint supplier to set up production in the UK to maintain their quality .

Not like Toyota to make such a schoolboy error.

honestjones

Portugal has been on my travel radar for a while, and I'm starting to think about potentially planning a trip in October next year. The beaches, the food, the history...it all sounds fantastic!

I was hoping to get some insights from folks who have been to Portugal, especially regarding local guides. I am planning to explore Lisbon on my own, as I've read it is a very walkable city. Would you recommend hiring a local guide for other cities or places outside of Lisbon? If so, how did you find yours, and what made the experience valuable?... Read more

John F

Don't miss the private museum of the aristo petrolhead (Antonio) de Medeiros e Almeida, in his upmarket house near the centre. He eventually made loads of dosh importing Morris cars, after he'd had a word with Wm Morris telling him to make them stronger to cope with Portuguese roads (he lost money having to repair the early ones!) He had no children so created a really interesting eclectic collection of stuff, especially clocks and watches.

Another museum not much promoted in the guidebooks which I found fascinating is the old power station just outside the city on the Tagus riverside. Full of huge old British boilers and German generators, it's a splendidly atmospheric mausoleum of historic power generation. There's a small modern colourful arty-f***y museum next door which is part of the visit - also amusing. Long walk or short train ride to Belem. The whole thing is called MAAT (search MAAT Lisbon). No queues at the door for these....

Gilbert Wright Hamblett

Hello all.

Saw the car advertised as a 23 Model later confirmed as first registered 22 Sept 2023. ... Read more

elekie&a/c doctor

perhaps the OP was expecting different answers. If I was spending nearly £100 k on a car , I’d want to make sure all the documents were in order .

barney100

With many people getting EVs the demand for petrol and diesel will presumably decrease. I don't know which way prices will go...any thoughts? Read more

Terry W

Based upon the outlook for the UK - the global picture may differ.

Demand for fuel (petrol and diesel) fall gradually over 20 years - new ICE sales will continue until 2035, and those sold towards the end may be running a decade or more after that. ...

mjon07

I have a 07 Astra petrol 1.8 hatchback . I was driving last week everything seemed ok .

I parked out side the house went in for about 10 mins went back into car and it was as if there was no battery in the car there was nothing no dashboard lights , no clicking ,the remote locking didn't work the battery was totally flat. I put a charger on the battery the car started and I drove off. I drove for about 30 mins with lights on there was no dimming of lights , no battery light on dash as soon as I turned the ignition off it went flat again . I have done the fuse test , cleaned the earth connection , checked no lights on , checked alternator all ok . ... Read more

Manatee

If the voltage is dropping like that there's a short, surely? But why is it not present when the car is running, and why has it not blown the main fuse?

I wonder if the voltage is being measured at the actual lead battery post?