December 2024
I see in the online Daily Telegraph that the deadline for hybrids in the U.K. may be extended to 2035. The allowable limit is quoted as 115 grams. I think that a lot of Toyotas will meet this, including the Corolla, but a lot of hybrids from other manufacturers won’t.
Successful lobbying by Toyota no doubt who seemed slow to enter the pure electric race in U.K. Read more
I recently read some ostensibly authoritative advice that oil filters only need changing at every second oil change. I don't think this has been debated on here and like most people I have thoughtlessly changed the filter every time I changed the oil. But I now wonder - was it really necessary? Several variables come to mind - e.g.the spectrum of engine wear from big lazy engines in small cars to small thrashy engines struggling to propel big cars. Some oil filters look much bigger than others with presumable greater filtration capacity. Also, I suppose most wear particles occur in the first few thousand miles. AFAIK there is no way of measuring when the filter is so clogged it has ceased to be functional. Anyway, at only around a fiver I shall probably continue my current practice at least until the car becomes old and worthless but for those for whom every pound counts, it might not be a false economy to adopt this recent advice. Read more
Incidentally, been struggling to remove the magnetic flywheel on this motorcycle for a while, due to the non-availability of the special removal tool.
Finally managed to improvise something, and was struck by the amount of metal inside the flywheel and in the associated starter clutch, presumably because of the magnets. ...
Looking a the maintenance/replacement process of the wet belt timing design in Purtec 1.2 engines from PSA/Stellantis.
Seems like it is a very involved procedure, plus a fairly long head seal curing time, meaning this task can't usually completed in one day. Is the same complexity applied with the bigger displacement 1.6 Purtec? Read more
The bigger 1.6 is a completely different engine and is chain driven according to what I’ve read. I believe it’s based on the Prince VTi motor shared with Mini, but hopefully they’ve sorted the timing chain issues by now. In theory a timing chain should last the life of the car if it’s regularly serviced but these are known to be weak on older versions. I’d call your nearest Citroen dealer to verify, it’s quite a rare car.
Part of me loves this, it looks great fun if you could get it for the cost price and could dodge all the taxes and tariffs slapped on imports to spoil our fun. At £3000 or less their range of “cars” looks hilarious and could be viable city transport.
Just over 4 years after I sold it I saw my old Forester yesterday, its now over ten years old and close to 90,000 miles.
Unfortunately it was in the Subaru dealer having had major gearbox surgery to rectify the issues caused by a clutch change earlier this year which was carried out by an independent garage.... Read more
I sold my car to my cousin three years ago, and now its condition is good.
The way you have worded that suggests the car wasn't in good condition when you sold it!...
Hi
After nearly 11 years, my 2014 RAV4 needs its TPMS sensors replaced, and I am pondering the best way forward - 'best' in terms of both cost and longevity, as I hope to keep the car (which I have had from new) for many more years. There seem to be three possibilities:... Read more
Only for vehicles registered before 1st Jan 2012 - after that they must have a working TPMS system
Strange my 2014 reg Yaris hasn't got them then?...
Please could I have advise on automatic gearboxes
Owning a Toyota yaris SR VVT-i semi automatic I have now learnt there are different types (this one was worse then most and was only in production for a very short amount of time apparently)... Read more
Don't forget the excellent Suzuki Baleno - with a 6 speed torque converter automatic box and the 1.0 turbo boosterjet engine
Hi, not getting a charge from the wall charger (which all looks fine).
I get the white light around the socket, then when I plug in, I get the amber light, but then it goes dark.... Read more
Intriguing. I
We are into a revamp of the already confusing system which will bring big changes to vehicles at both ends of the pollution spectrum including EVs .
Also four seater pick up like the Amarok and Ranger will be re classed as passenger cars.... Read more
Yes, dual cab pickups are now classed as cars. Seems logical though.
Anyone who wants to buy them for commercial reason can claim VAT anyway....
Hi everyone,
I know this is a topic that has been covered many times here, but I’m finding it all a bit of a minefield so hope a fresh post is okay.
I’m looking to buy my first car and have no idea where to start and don’t know anyone who knows much about cars. My requirements are:
- Automatic only
- £7k budget
- Would eventually want to use the car for commuting to work 2-3 times a week (this is a 120-mile round trip)
If helpful, I’m based in Leeds so have been looking on autotrader for cars that are available within a 50mile radius.
Please could you recommend what cars might be suitable? Thanks in advance! Read more
Just a note that a V40 D3 will most likely not be a Powershift particularly if labelled a geartronic.
A D2 1.6 will use Powershift but a D3 will have a 2.0 engine and usually either a 6 or 8 speed Aisin auto.
Browse
"2030 or 2025 are too far in the future for me to worry about at the soon to be 74 years of age."
Orb. I do hope you live long enough to see next Wednesday....