March 2025
So after a lot of consideration and what seemed a lot of research/thought/discussion I went for a high mileage 2014 Toyota Prius UK model (£0 road tax along with cheaper insurance than an import). This was purchased from a dealer for an added "security" peace of mind via credit card (consumer rights protection?) and their 3 month warranty on engine/mechanical and 6 months on the battery. Came with a reconditioned battery the day before (invoice to prove it).
I went about looking for a car trying to avoid a lot of pitfalls that you hear and learn in life. I'm very mechanically inclined however the hybrid territory was new and a bit frightening to begin with. Mechanically the car seems to be sound have no quibbles (for now).... Read more
A friend has seen an i20 with the GDI engine. 2016 with 70k miles.
There are reports of some serious failures with this engine. Best avoided? Read more
Friend has moved away from i20 as the boot isn't big enough. Is now considering Sportage which is obviously larger. Also looked at CX3 where the boot is just about big enough. For reliability, I'm inclined towards the Mazda (petrol) even though it's approaching 10 years/100k.
CX3 is fine if your friend doesn't expect to carry rear passengers on a regular basis. They may well be reliable, but they are very cramped in the back....
My sister is learning to drive - she's passed her theory test and is having lessons with an instructor. She is thinking of buying a car now to get more experience behind the wheel before she takes her driving test, and has asked if I would supervise her. I have never done this before, but found some very useful stuff at:
A driving offense by learner then supervisor would be looked at for aiding abetting counseling procuring the offense. Sect 44 (?] Mags Court Act
From memory...
Been pondering fitting a ten panel solar array plus battery system at the old ponderosa. Lowest price I’ve got to date with a 5kwh battery is £10,995, or £12,500 with 10kwh battery. The estimate savings are around £900 a year which means the system will take over 14yrs to pay for itself on the assumption that I use the subsidised 0% mortgage for renewables/insulation offered by my building society which gives you 5yrs interest free, then switches to the svr.
As an investment it’s not brilliant, and that’s on the assumption that the battery pack has a substantially longer lifespan than this and that zero maintenance is required. I’ve tried to find a V2H (vehicle to home) charger that would allow us to use SWMBO’s car to store cheap lekky overnight then power the house when she’s home. None are available in the UK at the moment as far as I can see, but they do exist and should be available shortly. This if priced sensibly make for a better investment.
Anyhoo, mind wanderings as usual. Has anyone installed solar and/or battery storage, and how has it worked out? Read more
i would check out costco.they offer packages including a battery. sure to be good value. you should have done it in 2011
It was almost a pleasure to see an unmarked police car stop a speeding e bike fast food delivery biker who went through a red light and deal with him.
Saw it going past one way and returning 20 mins later getting another rider to deliver his order while police confiscated his ride.... Read more
I think the employers (Just Eat etc) should be responsible in ensuring all their staff and their mode of transport comply with the relevant regulations.I think you'll find they're all self-employed, so the delivery companies have no responsibility. I also understand the delivery riders can give the job to someone else, further separating responsibility.
Self employed my a***!...
I was having a look at some Toyota Priuses mainly ones that have been PCO licensed and used as Taxis/Uber etc by private sellers.
Went to test drive two by one seller and could tell there was something wrong as both were pulling to one side. He tried to fob it off on an uneven road surface, know he was full of it as when my wheel alignment was off it done the same thing. Most likely some suspension issue/shoddy repair work. All the MOTs on it were clean 0 advisories ever.... Read more
My budget doesn't stretch that far for the newer models and not a fan of finance etc. would rather own the car outright. Carwows lowest Prius is ~£12k.
Auris shares the same engine drivetrain as Prius, more likely to find one that hasn't been a taxi in budget....
Have been advised on this forum on a previous thread to consider a Ford C-Max but avoid the 1.0L EcoBoost and anything with Powershift auto.
I am looking at 2012+, under 90k miles, petrol, manuals.... Read more
I suspect it's the bean counters at work rather than the lack of engineering ability. Continual downward pressure on costs, to make things cheaper, lighter etc.
Except that designing a belt in oil system must be more expensive than a dry belt. I still can't see it as anything other than a method of creating extra income during the life of the car....
I am trying to book my daughter's first driving test and discovering what a crazy system it is. On the DVSA site you wait a long time and then it throws you off. Can anyone recommend a company that provides an honest service for booking first driving tests? She has a driving instructor but he only does driving, not test booking. Thank you. Read more
Grandson was 17 in December.
Applied for a test in February and got a date - June IIRC...
Hello
There's a possibility I might get to buy a 52-plate VW Polo that has been in my family from new. I went to look for the relevant HJ review but for some reason the 2002-2005 Polo is the one version which doesn't appear to have one. Have I missed something or did this version get missed? Thanks. Read more
Thanks for your replies. If the car becomes available I will check all the important things listed in the reviews.
Hello - I hope someone can help me with this question please. My Wife's car was running on the driveway and then just stopped. Dashboard dead when trying to turn it over, and no electrical functions anywhere. Full tank of fuel, oil ok and nothing obviously visible. Tried to jump it and nothing either. My garage has found that the main fuse had blown and the wiring leading off it had melted and fused together. The garage has said that it is a "catastrophic electrical failure", and it is likely going to cost the value of the car to repair. We have comprehensive insurance - does the melting and subsequent short class as a fire? Read more
Thanks for the replies - very helpful. My garage aren't elec. specialists but have said it could take them 3/4 days to evaluate the issue only to find then that lots of remedial work / parts replacement may be necessary and then no guarantees that works once repaired. going to find an elec. specialist to see what they deduce.
The VIN should be at the bottom of the windscreen, on the door frame and under the driver's seat. Ignore the stickers on the doors.