June 2025
Hey,
Hope you are having a great day - I would love to get some advice on buying a used citreon berlingo - I am after getting a car to do some long trips in with plenty of space and the citreon berlingo looked like a good option. I noticed that there were a number of forums mentioning that the 1.6 HDi diesel is known to have some issues, especially after a significant amount of mileage if it isn't serviced correctly and timely. My price would be around the £5K mark, so I realise for the amount of money I'm spending there's always a risk of an expensive failure, but would appreciate any thoughts. If for the price I would be better off getting another car, happy to hear suggestions.... Read more
Got a text from my insurer with my quote for the next year. A rather large increase, I did a bit of research and apparently due to very complicated vehicles these days the price of repairs has skyrocketed Read more
Last year I had my car stolen by thieves who broke into the house when we were on holiday. LV were brilliant, they paid out very quickly enabling me to get a similar car on the road within ten days. All considered my renewal with LV of £690 after they paid out £14,000 is very reasonable. My highest quote on the net was over 2K.
Another nail in the coffin of the Empire. What does it mean for us.
Mods add to the is it the end Post if you think better.... Read more
Another one bites the dust, and unlikely to be the last over the next 5 years.
I used to like going to the 'motor show' at Canary Wharf 20 years ago when I was working in the area - free, and if you were lucky, you could even get a test drive. Got me pushed into the direction of Mazdas too..
I'm asking this purely out of genuine interest.
We have a fleet of new automatic Ford Transits at work. They're unreliable as hell, but that's a different story. Anyway, they are limited to 62 MPH from factory (there's a Ford sticker in the windscreen) and the sat nav confirms 62 MPH when flat out on a motorway.
When going downhill, the vans still maintain 62 MPH. How is this done? I don't ever feel the brakes come on. You'd think going downhill the speed would creep up a bit.
Cruise control in my car sometimes can't maintain the speed going downhill. Can anyone explain how Ford's limiter works? Like I say, I'm asking out of genuine interest (because I'm a geek!).
We previously had Sprinters, and they were exactly the same with regards to sticking exactly to 62 MPH.
Thank you :) Read more
Thanks for the replies! So it appears the speed limiting may involve some automatic gentle braking.
Can You Appeal a Failed Driving Test?
Before we go further in this article, we need to clear the air on if you can appeal and it’s just not a wasted effort.... Read more
Yes, you can appeal a failed test, but it won’t change the result. It only challenges how the test was conducted. If successful, you’ll get a free retest, but you still have to take the test again from scratch.
After 60plus years of no claims 4 years ago I was involved in a minor shunt when my foot slipped off the foot brake and jabbed the accelerator and i lurched forward into the rear of the car in front. Offers to deal with the matter other than through Insurance met with a refusal.
Despite the fact of my age now 88yrs, previous record and I have submitted myself to two hourly sessions of driver ability assessment as A no problem, the shunt and age, has resulted in a four fiqure premium and I dread renewal next month,... Read more
If the other driver got his car fixed what does he care how the bill is paid? Putting in a quote for insurance is akin to interrogation. Apparently modern cars are very complex and need very skilled people to fix them and EVs cost even more on average hence the hike in premiums.
Its common to see old traffic signs re minor roads but this one in Surbiton (junction of Brighton Road and Victoria Road) has remained on a major A-road for as long as I can remember. Is it the sign that time forgot since the 1950s or are similar signs still to be found everywhere? Read more
Until recently there was an old 'services' sign half a mile north of Keele services in the Central Reservation intended for traffic going south.
Included an icon for a1960's style fuel pump and a couple of other old style wot nots. ...
I’m new to this so apologies if this is the wrong place,
But I’m in the market for a c***box that’s a little nicer than a fiesta. And I’ve come across a 2010 320i and a 2011 320d.
The diesel has less mileage about 110k to the petrols 120k. The diesel is a much better spec so I’m tempted but I’ve heard horror stories about dpf and how short journeys can kill it, and occasionally I will be doing 50+ miles but day to day it’s going to be 25 min commute. Both are auto.
Same price is the diesel a terrible idea. Or am I just scaring myself.
P.s I know buying old BMWs is asking for wallet pain but I only need it to last long enough to save up for a better car 6-12 months Read more
The 320i is likely to be less problematic than the 320d but won't be as interesting to drive
But, it will come down to servicing and how the car has been driven. If the diesel has done mainly long runs and has had regular oil changes then the chances of EGR, inlet manifold, DPF and chain issues will be minimised. Those are the main areas of concern for BMW diesels. ...
Hi,
I have one tyre that has a slow puncture. I looked at the writing on the tyre in question and it says:... Read more
If attempting to change a car tyre yourself without special equipment other than tyre irons, a central pivot is a big help (though I've done it without one a long time ago)
A scaffolding screw foot, if you can score one of them, makes a good pivot clamped into the centre of the wheel hub, and can also clamp the wheel down onto a ladder, decking etc to stop the wheel counter rotating
Hi
I'm considering my next car and looking at the Mokka\Corsa 1.5D around the 2021 year. Are these plagued by the timing chain issue that affects the DV5 diesel?... Read more
The dv5 engine is used in many different vehicles. The problem is with the chain that connects the 2 camshafts . Very common for them the break , which usually destroys the engine . The chain has been upgraded from 7mm to 8 mm . Don’t think it’s an oil service problem. Previous dv 6 , 1.6 engine was not a problem.
