May 2024

Steveieb

Yet another discussion on this well aired subject.

But things are changing in that many people are relying on the cover provided by their banks and this has put a huge strain on the companies that associate with the banks.... Read more

Stackman II

I recently had cause to use the AA recovery service.

This is provided as a benefit from my bank account. Phoned the number on the back of my bank card and was advised to use the App/webpage to report the breakdown....

craig-pd130

I was driving towards Stockport the other day, and noticed a 2015-ish DBS Volante stranded in lane 3 of a 4-lane approach road to a big roundabout. The driver was at the side of the road on his phone, presumably summoning help.

When I returned the same way nearly three hours later, the car was still stranded in the same position, this time with two police cars diverting traffic around it.... Read more

Bromptonaut

Many recovery trucks carry a pair of plastic skids which go under locked wheels, allowing the vehicle to be winched on.

We were watching the local Police tow a car left in a Disabled space in Tenerife. They had the front wheels off the ground and some skates under the rears. ...

Karie

I have been living in a small village for a couple of years and am looking to replace my karoq. My area is prone to flooding, I have to go down very small single track lanes to get my child to school and back (over a bridge which floods more and more regularly), we often have to park in fields for events and we are always being pushed or towed off.

I am now searching for my next vehicle. I do 12,000 miles a year, 20 miles commute 3 times a week and several motorway trips all over to friends etc. I like the boot space of the karoq as we often go camping, cycling etc. (previous car was a BMW 330 x drive which I loved for everything apart from the boot).... Read more

focussed

"This only applies to vehicles with diff locks (or at least limited slip diffs). Without a diff lock the benefits of 4x4 are lost - you could end up with three wheels spinning!"

How could end up with that scenario? Unlilkely....

Redcar01

I have above bmw that I get my intermittently no heating or have to turn temp up to 24 to get a bit of heat , apart from taking to garage any ideas what it can be please or what I can do to diagnose the issue. The engine does not overheat and the temp stays in the middle. Coolant is ok have to top up a small amount between min an max sometimes.

Thanks Read more

Redcar01

Yes I have BMW Extended Warranty so it just cost my excess , luckily or I wouldn't have had it fixed.

Tom Macleod

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

SLO76

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.
Andrew-T

Sitting in garden this morning reading paper, suddenly noticed a steady hum. Not plane, or approaching train. A minute later hundreds of insects appeared above the lawn - bigger than mozzies, smaller than bees - stayed for about half a minute and moved on, presumably on the gentle breeze. Soon after that there appeared a strong smell, best described as cat-pee, which also cleared after about a minute. Don't recall having this experience before - any ideas ? Read more

Owen Carter

sweat bees or hoverflies, most likely.

JonestHon

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

JonestHon

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....

Halmerend

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

galileo

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....

p yelland

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

Orb>>

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....

Jayne Nelly

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

Calum38

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.