May 2025
Jaguar searches for new advertising agency after rebrand derided Read more
Thought it about time I gave a little update on our Swift, done just over 3700miles since taking delivery, averaging 65mpg, no squeaks or rattles or issues, the little 1.2 3 pot is a peach, very quite and smooth but does develop a sporty rasp higher up the rev range, childishly makes me grin! ... Read more
<< ....a new ID3 for £23k makes sense to me. >>
Although I could afford one, no 'new' car costing 5 figures makes sense to me, even allowing for inflation. I did once spend 10.5K on a newish 306 convertible, just so I could say I had owned one. Our newest vehicle cost 9K at the end of 2008, just after the credit crunch and coming up to Christmas.
Our petrol auto Honda FR-V, after 15 years of unwavering service and a thorough rinsing from two toddlers growing into big teenagers, is in need of substantial welding, making it economically unviable. Pity as the engine, gearbox, electrics are all A1.
(FYI all FR-Vs eventually rust into the suspension arches, if you're keen on one). ... Read more
No invoice for the belt is a bit concerning. If you can identify the people who put the timing belt in from the stamp give them a ring. Had the same thing iand a call confirmed the belt replacement.
My old Petrol mower is getting very difficult for old me to pull start. Any suggestions for a push button start mower or a battery one would be appreciated. Lawns approx 150 sq M Read more
I'm not sure how a robot mower is supposed to hurt a hedgehog.
My neighbour's 'professional' gardener managed to terminally damage one with a strimmer. The poor thing crept into my garden and expired....
It made me smile, It has been the longest I have kept a car for many years
Just one minor problem in that time, a coil pack at a couple of months old. Since then routine maintenance and 2 tyres.... Read more
3 cars in almost 30 yearsfor me a Mazda MX5 for 6 yeats Mazda 626 for 12 years and Hyundai I10 for 12 years. The Hyundai has had 3 clutches but still on original battery. 95000 on the clock no reason to change at the moment. Dread dealing with dealers they are such a lousy set of crooks
Agree with that dealer statement 100%
Fell in love with the A 2 when I met the club members at Kimbolton show.
Bought the TDi 90 version and things fell apart soon after . A pool of oil on the drive from a damaged oil filler and one thing after another went wrong.... Read more
Here's someone who appreciates their A2. And as for someone earlier in the thread claiming they are wheezy, there's always the 1.6 FSi 0-60 in 9.5 seconds.
Have had a really bad experience with the RAC and looking for any advice.
The short story is I have had an unsatisfactory services provided by the RAC patrol exacerbating a simple electrical problem and they then would not provide cover without receiving an £85 call out payment. Tried many attempts to resolve the matter, I have had no reply from their team as yet.
The long story is my son broke down in my vehicle and did not have breakdown cover. I am a Motor Mechanic but live 400 miles away from where he was so in the panic I called the RAC and they took a one off payment to attend. The Patrol told my son he replaced an earth strap but could not get the vehicle to start. I upgraded the policy to include free call out and nationwide recovery. I had a local auto electrician do a call out and simply replaced a fuse, got the vehicle running again in 5 minutes flat. There was still an issue with the lights and wipers not working though so I called the RAC back. They wanted to charge me to attend and if required an extra £850 for recovery?
I arranged my own recovery at a fraction of the RAC quote and got the vehicle back home. I noticed the N/S/F splash guard had been removed and placed in back of vehicle so went to put it back on. This is when I noticed the Earth strap the Patrol man had fitted was insecure and a terrible fix. I addressed this and hey presto all the lights and the wipers worked.
I understand that the cover these companies provide is actually just an insurance service so when you talk to someone they have no technical knowledge but when their 'technician' does not have any knowledge either it beggars belief!
I am well out of pocket but the question is do you think I am due a refund for what I have payed the RAC? Read more
My parents are in their 70s and drive to visit us from near Oxford to Redditch. Got a puncture out in the sticks. Both a bit frail but safe and sound and parked ok. Breakdown man came out changed the wheel and waited till they were on their way. Worth every penny of the £56 they paid for an annual policy. He also said the computer says your MOT is due.. it's checked when you call in to make sure you are covered.
Was assured that already booked in once home.
Hi Folks
My son has a 2015 Suzuki Swift 1.6 Sport. It has a full service history and has done about 56000 miles. Whilst he was visiting friends last weekend it developed difficulty selecting gears and the yellow oil light came on ( though my son is more likely notice difficulty changing gears than warning lights). ... Read more
On balance a good-ish outcome. Good cars.
As for the oil light if it’s like the one on our Vitara it just says “Oil” with a spanner symbol. Not useful wording such as “Oil service due”. Admittedly it’s yellow which normally means it’s not an immediate action but it's disconcerting when it pops up on a journey as ours did. An immediate pit-stop and re-read of the manual put us right. Like yours it lit well before the year was up.
Afternoon all.
Whilst I do like my Volvo V50, my circumstances have changed and I am thinking of getting a replacement.... Read more
Thanks everyone - really appreciate your comments.
I am now mindful just to keep the Volvo.....
Has anyone actually seen this edition yet? It is supposed to have gone on sale 16 / 05 / 25. My local super markets either still have the previous edition on the shelves or no copies. I am wondering if there is a problem. Read more
Used to buy it every month, was always an interesting read and taught me plenty over the years. Very much miss Ted Connolly’s ramblings also.
I still occasional pick up a copy when I see it, but the increasing complexity of modern cars has turned me right off. I’m just not that interested in anything built in recent years, and I’ll wager fewer people have the tools and ability to do much beyond basic servicing on anything recent on the driveway today.
I’ve filled our house with old copies of Autocar and What car magazines that I’ve bought on EBay to hark back to the good old days when cars were fun.
I generally agree, and even in their home market Toyota and Lexus play the rebadging game. It is a bit different with the export market. Apart from the North American market all Lexus is made in Japan. From experience there is a fairly substantial difference between a Corolla Saloon that left the Turkish factory to a similar sized Lexus saloon like our IS250. On the flip side the UK made Corolla is amazingly close to a Japanese made Lexus. Swings and roundabouts.