August 2024
Hi all, I have recently got my driving licence and started looking for a car to buy. I am not fussy about new or used car. I would really appreciate your advice and suggestions. I work remotely so, the car will not be used for commuting to work. I aim to use it after hours for shopping, road trips, holidays within the GB. I haven't got children, or pets.
Thank you for all your suggestions... Read more
I recently had to buy a new set of four security wheel bolts as one had been lost. I ordered them off Amazon expecting to have to change all four bolts, but the new ones were identical to the originals. There does not seem to be any point in having security bolts if the profiles are so common.
Also, the meshing between the bolts and the socket is nowhere near as positive as a normal hex bolt and prone to slip, further devaluing these things. Read more
Lads at my local garage always use a breaker bar to loosen locking wheel nuts / bolts - a few extra seconds work saves destroying the removal key & opening up a load of hassle.
All wheel nuts / bolts spun on finger tight then torque wrench to the correct tightness. A lot of new customers if watching seem surprised when a torque wrench is used. ...
Just trying to make sure I’m not being ripped off, but my coolant is leaking and Mercedes main dealer have phoned to say the thermostat needs replacing (unusual for a car only having done 45k miles they said) anyway the quote for a replacement including VAT and Labour is £700.
Does this sound right or extortionate?
TIA Kat Read more
Our local BMW dealer is pushing £300 per hour , down here in the south.
Hey all, thanks in advance for your time.
Have a 2017 GLA 220D 4Matic and I've got an issue (among many others with the car) that's driving me mad.... Read more
Could it be play in the suspension, perhaps as a result of/associated with corrosion? I'm thinking when you come to rest the suspension is unloaded and "recoils" a bit, with associated crunchies, though I dunno how likey this is.
Hi,
I'm looking to help my mum get a basic reliable car. Problem is she absolutely can't handle anything other than a torque converter that will always hold on a hill. I'm trying to find her something 2020-on, under £15, crossover/SUV, petrol, and reliable but everything seems to be dual clutch. Are there any newer cars with torque converters or do I have to look at something a bit older?... Read more
My 21 reg 1.4 Suzuki Vitara has a conventional tc gearbox and is a delight to drive.
Hi.
My 2009 Honda CR-V needs four tires, 225/65 R17, for its MOT.
Cheapest I can get them is £300 for 4.
There are some people close by selling 4 wheels with tires & tread for £100.
One set is from a Zafira.
If they are 5-stud and 17”, will they be OK on my CR-V?
And will all 17” 5-stud wheels fit?
If anyone has any other advice, I’ll happily take it.
The tires I have now are 225/65 R17.
Thanks. Read more
Hi - I got the four tires. Took a punt. Was a 140 mile round trip - knocked the seller down to £90. Took them to a tire fitter and paid £50 to have them fitted. The fitter said I’d got a bargain as they looked goods Went on well. £140, 3 gallons of fuel and about 3 hours for four Nankang Winter tires fitted. Now I just need the rest of the MOT work done.
Result, well done, enjoy the softer ride on winter spec.
And thanks for updating the thread, too often here people ask for and get advice and then vanish.
At the beginning of July I had the battery changed on my Fiat 500 (with Halfords Autocentre). Since then my bluetooth, phone connection(s) and start/stop have all stopped working and my mileage won't stop flashing.
On Google's recommendation I disconnected the battery, left for 10/20 mins, and reconnected. Nothing! So, I took it back to the autocentre that changed the battery - they were stumped as to what the issue was and advised that perhaps it was a different issue that coincidentally occurred at the same time I had the battery changed. Not so sure, I took the car to a different Halfords Autocentre for a second opinion - they tried allsorts but the problems still remained. They advised I contacted Fiat. On contacting Fiat, I was told it wasn't coincidental that this has happened but it is in fact very odd. However, understandably, they need to look at the car to be able to figure out the issue. It's going to cost me £72 for the privilege though! That is before any work is done. ... Read more
If the mileage display is flashing , it’s usually a problem with one of the electronic modules. Very common on the 500 for the Bluetooth module to fail . Electronic systems can crash after a battery disconnect. Can’t see you being able to blame anyone. If it is the Bluetooth module failure, they are repairable.
I bought a car in Somerset from a trader, ive had it for 4 months and the engine light just stayed on after buying it so returned the car to the trader he then reset it, but the engine light came on again, took it to a garage they checked it over some issues with sensors, so then engine light went off ok , but a couple of days later back on, then the car stopped whilst driving it, had to try ignition, came back on, but that was concerning, so took it to garage again, they drive it round and did the same thing, but this time did not start up at all. The timing chain has gone, so the engines had it. I believe i am covered for 6 months from purchase to have a full refund? Read more
I will do,thank you, its seriously had it, will cost more than cars worth to repair it, but will do that, or a full refund.
When checking the condition of cars prior to purchase, I always investigate MOT history. Advisories are always interesting.
Just seen a VW Tiguan that passed its MOT with an advisory of 2 nails in rear tyre -2023 and one nail in rear tyre for its 2024 test( pass).
Now then-surely that should have been an instant fail? Read more
"Tyres over ten years old at the time of the test must be failed if they are on any front-steered axle".
Expect to see bottom protecting MoT testers adding "Tyres getting old" to the list together with:...
Hi all,
Wonder if anyone on this forum has had any dealings with carautionbuyingservice.co.uk's Mr Simon Frikking?... Read more
The website is operated by Car Auction Buying Services Limited, whose only Director is Simon Firkins.
Established in 2001, it has called up share capital of £1.00 according to it's second year accounts, the latest available, registered at Companies House. How much are you going to give it to buy a car for you? Probably a bit more than that!!?...
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Another vote for a Toyota Corolla. Suzuki swace is almost identical, but has a shorter warranty.