May 2025
I vaguely remember a post on here documenting the problem with hybrid cars from Honda and Toyota refusing to start after being left unused for two or three days.
But Toyota dealers in particular identifying a flat auxiliary battery, recharging it and sending the customer on their way possibly for the fault to reoccur.... Read more
We’ve had an accident in the family wagon, a 2022 model in sliver. The rear nearside door was replaced and the rear nearside wing repaired and repainted. After a week I noticed that in certain sunlight the repaired section is a slightly shade of silver, more matt, than the original paintwork of the front door and wing. I’ve contacted my insurer and the repair company have asked me to bring the car in ( “ it might need a polish” ). I’m not keen on doing this as I would imagine they’ll do anything to avoid a respray and once they’ve got control of the car they can do what they like with their buffers, pads and heaven know what. I’m concerned that they may well degrade the original paint to match their repair. Has anybody had a similar experience? Any advice would be much appreciated. Read more
My body shop who I use regularly for minor repairs mixes the paint himself on site rather than buying from a paint supplier.
The results are very noticeable and they are able to match the paint to perfection....
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.
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%
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.
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.
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.
A reminder to us all regarding the danger of falling asleep at the wheel.
I've never fallen asleep at the wheel although I have experienced being very tired while driving.
One thing I do experience sometimes is feeling tired shortly after the beginning of a long journey. I think that's a psychosomatic reaction to the thought of hours ahead behind the wheel.
Sad news today about the fire at the Heritage Centre and the tragic loss of two fire fighters .
Apparently the fire started after an explosion. ... Read more
Good advice MCB
The tragedy is the loss of life to the Fire Service team and member of the public who were involved . ...
I wonder if anyone has any words of wisdom with my issue with my insurance renewal which has more than doubled. A car with a cloned plate hit me last year and the claim has gone down as a fault claim because the insurance company have nobody to claim against. Consequently my no claims discount has gone from 10 years to 4.
My ongoing debate with the insurance company is that they have an ‘uninsured driver promise’ which they won’t invoke because they cannot say for sure that they offending driver was uninsured because they don’t have his details.... Read more
I haven't heard back directly from the ombudsman yet, but I have heard from Hastings today that they have reviewed my claim and have decided they were wrong. So the uninsured driver promise has been applied, the claim has been changed to a non-fault and my 9+ years of no claims has been reinstated.
I now need to work out my renewal, which is due on the 6th June. I had lined up a policy with Aviva, but I now need to look again with my improved situation. Hopefully I can get the price down a bit. ...
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I got chucked out of there, perhaps edlithgow and I should start some type of club?