May 2024
We've received a VARS drive off notice from a petrol station in Bristol we've never been to. We live in Devon and were in Exeter for a hospital appointment on 11th April, the date in question. So it definitely wasn't us. The CCTV photo is useless - its the same model and colour, but you can't read the number plate at all. They maintain it is us, and we're responsible for paying the fuel (only £25 but its the principle!). They won't provide a better image because of GDPR but they want us to provide photos of our car.
If we don't pay up within 14 days they start escalating fees and threatening debt collection. Help!? Read more
Hi all.
I’m looking at buying a Peugeot Boxer SWB motorhome.
The reg is M710 PAG.
Registered December 1995.
I’m trying to get some figures for MPG.
The seller has given me a figure for when he drives “conservatively.”
Other than that, I’m finding it tough to find some figures.
The engine is 2800cc, Diesel.
Can anyone help with the information?
Thanks in advance. Read more
You were right…
after many messages, i arranged a viewing, then received this…
"Hi, miscommunication between my wife and I, she did the Gumtree ad and I did marketplace. Anyway, there are some faults that need sorted out, as follows:
Gas system needs attention.
Hob burners need replaced
back door locks need replaced
Slight leak at back door
External electric plug cover broken - fully functioning
Screen washers not working
Wiper blades need replaced
Handbrake needs adjusted
Occasionally won’t start - pretty sure this because battery needs replaced.
Sorry about this, if you're still interested see you tomorrow around ten if not, no worries, just let me know either way,
Cheers"
He was honest… but forgot to mention this in the advert or the first few
messages.
Hi guys,
I’m just looking for some advice on where I stand.
I purchased a car from an Audi main dealer last August which was an “audi approved used” I’ve now come to sell the car to a company and we agreed a price but now they’ve backed out of it because of this message they sent me.
“During post sale checks The Company received data suggesting your vehicle has travelled more miles than the current odometer reading. To validate this data we arranged for your vehicle’s Engine Control Unit (ECU) to be read. The results of the ECU reading identified that your vehicle’s mileage has been tampered with”
Am I within my right to go back to Audi with this imformation? Read more
As above, what are the numbers involved.
Would the back room members agree with this list of mostly German cars which suffered mostly from emission and fuel problems.
... Read more
In the review of Best cars under £5k I agree with the choice of Honda Accord Estate 2011 on wards but in choosing the Lexus IS 2007 as a best buy both in petrol and diesel format there is no mention of the well documented problems with the diesel 2.2 engine
...
I remember driving one of these years ago and couldn’t believe the acceleration. Didn't realise it was only a puny 120 bhp.. www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404058334705?s...a Read more
I saved the 3-way test article from the 1990 "Performance Car", when I had the AX-GT and FiL had the Uno Turbo. I've spared almost all effort and expense and made a PDF from it available on my storage drive.proton.me/urls/F7F50SHH08#dTmh9z4gacWf
Hi all,
First time posting for advice here after a bad experience buying a used car from an Indy dealer. Thankfully I returned under my statutory rights for a full refund, but it has made me more wary of making a misstep on my next car.... Read more
Thanks again everyone. I think it’s becoming clear that I’ll probably sacrifice the Golf R line trim for something less exciting to avoid this pano sun roof issue Probably the sensible call!!I’d avoid it because of the fat lower profile tyre that harm ride quality. All these sporty variants Ford’s ST line, VW’s R line etc etc are all very well on smooth roads but on our pothole laden Mad Max style tarmac they’re not so comfortable. The sunroof is another unnecessarily moving component to go wrong, fine when new but a costly concern at 5yrs plus. I’d keep it simple and go for a lower spec car. Your money will go further and you’ll get a newer lower mileage car for your money which only increases your chances of reliability.
A rough character went on the rampage near my daughter's school and collided with three parked cars, one of which is our petrol Toyota Avensis estate. The rear quarter was badly dented along the light cluster.
I took it to my local body shop, which I trust, and they said it would need a replacement panel, which would cost almost £1200.... Read more
Good news: a letter from the CPS landed on the mat today; the rough character from the original post received a £300 fine and was convicted of dangerous driving (DD40) and is disqualified for 12 months, needing a retest.
We also got some damages to cover for the bumper....
My wife’s on a hen do tonight so thought I’d catch up on some old Wheeler Dealers. Just watched five old episodes and find it quite sad that none of them are still on the road despite all that love and effort. Thoughts?
... Read more
I enjoy the program - it takes me back several decades when I fixed my own cars.
They replace obviously defective mechanical bits, and I assume if they respray the car is prepared properly....
Hello guys
Iam looking to buy a used compact suv for around £8k and cannot decide between few makes and models so please advice if you are an expert or have one of the below cars
Kia Sportage (2013-2014 to 2017)
Audi Q3 or Q4
Hyundai Tuscan or other similar car.
We need a reliable car for my Mrs . Also one with good spec. I lpersonally like Kia Sportage but I’ve seen Sportage from 2014/2015 doesn’t have leather seats but they look better than older ones who though have everything. My Mrs likes Audi Q3 s but I’ve had couple of A4s before and had loads problems ??.
Read more
Either the Kia or Hyundai would be a reasonable bet reliability wise, though the base model 1.6 petrol is both slow and thirsty.
OBJECTION....
Hi, im looking for some advice.
My VW Polo 23 plate sprung a leak in the radiator a few days ago, quite substantially.
I phoned VW to see how soon I could take it in to be repaired and was told the earliest appointment they had was on the 17th June however if I used the VW assistant programme, I could get it in sooner which I did and it was taken in that day.
Fast forward 4 days and they tell me it was due to a manufacturing error because a bung wasn’t tightened enough on the radiator before it was released, my issue is - I’d not long filled my own car up with fuel however having had a curtesy car for 4 days, is it right that I should have to cover the cost of refuelling it if my own car had an issue through no fault of my own?
I could understand if I was the one to cause the issue however it’s only 7 months old (thankfully under warranty) and while I’m extremely grateful that I could be provided with a replacement, it’s also left me out of pocket for the fact I’ve had to now refuel a second car.
Is this something I should ask about or do I just leave it and refuel the curtesy car?
Thank you Read more
If the courtesy car was full when you got it, it's fair to return it full since your own car still has its fuel.


Agreed.
All they have is a photo of a car which they say is yours. Even if it is, they have no idea who was driving it (and hence who allegedly made off without payment)....