January 2025
Hi
I’ve had differing opinions about this and interested in the esteemed opinions on here!
Just bought a 62 plate 65m on clock and the belt hasn’t yet been done.
Full service history though and runs beautifully
Do I just need to get the belt done asap or can I assume some warnings such as noises/low oil pressure warning as suggested on lots of websites…
Thanks for sharing your experience as to whether you’ve seen one ‘go’ without any warning!
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For the past 6 years that I owned a 2006 Ford Fiesta. A typical annual service+MOT cost has been = £250 to £350. This year however, the cost sky rocketed to a whopping £1115 on account of the car needing a new starter motor, one new engine bracket, new suspension spring on near side, headlight beam correcting, 2 new tyres+wheel alignment, oil/filter change - and the MOT itself. The car has 125000 miles on the clock. Felt a bit deflated paying over a grand for a car that's currently valued around the £550 mark. Shall I try and sell it soon while it still has a long MOT (possibly to a newly passed driver), or wait 12 months then sc*** it to cut further losses, or with all that work done on it now - might it be good for another 2 years? I do around 12K miles a year, mainly motorway. Not a petrolhead either - hence this make/model for past 6 years - and its served me well during this time. Any opinions/thoughts gratefully received. Read more
I would get a hose and old car brush and hose along the underneath as far as you can reach and in the wheel arch lips to get any mud and salt off.
Well, you could do that, but after 20 years I would guess nearly all the damage has been done ?
Focus 2002 mk1 1.6
After connecting battery back after a few weeks disconnected to save battery power. The car starts but i am getting no movement from speed and rev dials, and the miles dont show and the oil and fuel still show in the mid position . teh dash appears to not be getting power.... Read more
Possibly the warmer weather has caused the pcb in the back of the cluster to dry out a little.
I bought a Honda CRV 2021 EX from a honda dealer. The shine on the paint work is fantastic. But what I want to know is what is the best wash/wax/ceramic treamtment to maintain that amazing showroom shine? I don't want to spend hours waxing, just want a quick apply and wipe to protect and maitain the shine. I guess this is what everyone wants. But looking for good suggestions? I am in London, UK so something that is available to buy in London.
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2.5 weeks of freezing weather, snow, gritted roads - dirtiest that car has been in 18 months ownership
Yesterday ...
I am looking at a used Prius import from a garage but it doesn't flag up on any of the .gov or TFL webpages with a validated Euro class status. Does this mean that I will get pinged if I drive into a clean air zone?
I like the look of the car but if it might be an issue for driving into the city'... Read more
I am looking at a used Prius import from a garage but it doesn't flag up on any of the .gov or TFL webpages with a validated Euro class status. Does this mean that I will get pinged if I drive into a clean air zone?
I like the look of the car but if it might be an issue for driving into the city'...
In November I decided to put a set of Cross Climate's on the car as I live in rural Scotland and commute a fair bit.
Today was the first time properly using the tyres in snow. On the roads, where it counts I didn't encounter anything too adverse, but my house in 100metres down an offroad track, and this morning the car got temporarily stuck on a steepish hill. ... Read more
Yeah, it's FWD. First gear was providing too many revs on the hill, second gear felt like it had too little revs.
On reflection, maybe not 15cm but a good powdering none the less. I don't know if its the bigger wheels with wider tyres, but I expected it to be better than my previous car which had some cheaper Kuhmo all seasons. I didn't expect it to completely lose traction like it did, but I don't have huge amounts of experience in the snow.
It might have been worth starting in 3rd - modern cars, with throttle bodies, are more difficult to stall compared to older cars so the apparent lack of power in a higher gear is a good thing in those circumstances....
I’m trying to find some ideas for my next car but everything I read points towards some issue or another. The TSI Engines have timing chain and oil consumption issues, same with the Hyundai and Kia petrols, fords with wet belts, then the most reliable petrols are on the Hondas and Toyotas but they rot like hell. I don’t see the point in having a bullet proof Honda engine if the floor rots out of it. I want something that I can go to work in and then also go on holiday on without any issues. I don’t drive down motorways during the week so I reckon o would clog up a diesel. Can I have some feedback or advice please.
I’m looking at spending between 5 and 8 grand
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Give me a rough search area and I’ll have a wee nosy at what’s on sale nearby.
I can't work out which truck it is based on, but I expect BBD will enjoy this.
I can't work out which truck it is based on, but I expect BBD will enjoy this.
yeah, as Ed says, Suzuki Carry. I'm surprised that particular model was chosen though. Kei trucks (as with Kei cars) have to fit within a set of criteria, which includes a maximum vehicle length of 3.4 meters. Choosing the Carry with a (admittedly short) bonnet means the load bay has to be shorter by the length of that bonnet compared to a Kei truck with a completely flat front. Granted the young lady wasn't very tall, but even so, maximising the amount of "living space" would seem logical. ...
If I have protected no claims discount and I make a claim, do I lose a year (even thought it’s protected!).
Just noticed a family member’s renewal hasn’t effectively credited a year for the year they had a bump. Read more
Protected NCB - you keep the %age BUT invariably the Premium jumps
Of course it does, why else would they push you to pay for it?...
If you go to Formula 1 online, you can book MOT and aircon regas/clean at a decent discount, discounted servicing and other services too if you wish.
The people at our local branch are helpful and competent, so have taken advantage and booked an MOT and aircon regas whilst the offers are on.... Read more
Nice to hear positive things about a fast fit chain for a change.
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Belt failed on my Sister's 63 plate 1.0 ecoboom in 2023, slightly higher mileage which cost many £1000's to repair.So yes get belt done asap! Hers needed an engine stripdown, new cylinder head and obviously a new belt. It was a close call financially as to whether it was worth doing.