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• a cunning plan? 13 Jun 2006 (Forum)
  She does, however, totally want air con in both cars. So, question 1: Shortlist for £1k bangers: volvo 850, v40, 940, toyota carina E, honda accord, nissan almera, primera, QX, mazda 626, MB old E class. Sound ok? Other suggestions? Chances of the AC working in cars this age? Question 2: will sporty japs be much cheaper in oct/nov?
• LPG/bi-fuel Cars 11 Apr 2006 (Forum)
  I found a few companies on the internet that specialize in LPG cars, but all their stock seems rather overpriced for what it is. I know that Volvo make such cars, but they are too large and too pricey for my needs. So, does anybody else make them, or shall I have to buy one and have it converted? I was on the Continent recently and over there many manifacturers sell bi-fuel cars, but not in the UK, it does seem.
• Almera 12v socket not working 6 Apr 2006 (Forum)
  No luck, so my mobile conked out while I was away. Grrrrr! :( It's a standard charger, bought from Tesco, worked fine in other cars (VW, Volvo etc): it has two springy things on its shank, and a pin wot sticks out at the end. When I remove the cigarette lighter and poke the plug into the socket, it won't go all the way in, and the little red light on the charger doesn't shine.
• Alloy cylinder head material 9 Jan 2006 (Forum)
  Thinking back in time however, Dad's 1998 S80, 1979 244, and 1972 144, all exhibited the same 'white powder' surface corrosion that my V70 does. The only exception has been Mum's (Renault 1.7 powered) 1989 440. So, what do Volvo do, or not do with its engine alloys, please?
• Which non-SUV 4x4/AWD? 4 Nov 2005 (Forum)
  I don't need an estate, but I'd consider one. So would the likes of a Subaru Legacy or a AWD Audi/Volvo be capable off making sure I don't get stuck? Or should I be looking at a proper 4x4? I could go up to around 15-20k for the right car, which would preferably be nearly new and low mileage. Prefer petrol and must do 0-60 in around 10 secs or better.
• Medium to Large Estate Car 3 Nov 2005 (Forum)
  It goes against every moan i have come out with about mums dropping off at school, their 1 kid in their espace. So please help. My missus hates volvos, so i have no chance getting one of those, no matter how much sense it makes. Not a big fan of fords or vauxhalls, or french. Would prefer a Japanese if poss. Budget is about £5k - £6k. Diesel would be good but economical petrol better.
• Jazz SE or Sport? 15 Oct 2005 (Forum)
  My folks want a new smaller car to go with our Volvo V40 and went round a Toyota dealer to look at a Yaris and a Honda dealer to look at a Jazz. They were very impressed by the interior versatility of the Jazz, so they went out for test drive in it, and given they wanted an auto, a blessing in London traffic, it was the 1.4 SE CVT version they test drove.
• Judging a book by the cover 23 Apr 2005 (Forum)
  I have a late middle aged, very mild mannered, friend and colleague in one of the Swedish offices of my employer. In his intergalactic mileage Volvo 740 GLT, he chauffeured me to the coach station at the start of my journey home to the UK yesterday evening; Smooth, gentle, laid back, unhurried, mechanically sympathetic, softly spoken. All are accurate.
• Any tips on breaking in a rebuilt engine 20 Apr 2005 (Forum)
  I'm having the engine in my Volvo rebored due to piston slap when cold, and am fitting new big ends, and crank mains too. Standard sizes all, because I detected virtually no wear in the bearings, although obviously I'm going with new +0.37mm oversize pistons (+0.015") Any tips on break in?
• Bike racks/carriers 24 Oct 2004 (Forum)
  There seem to be only 3 options: - remove the front wheels and handlebars and carry inside the car (possible if we\'ve not got too much luggage). - use a rear facing rack (used one once before on my Volvo 940 estate and hated it as it made access to the rear very awkward) - Use a top mounted rack (these always look extremely precarious to me - especially on taller vehicles like mine - however the bikes are the lightweight \'A\' frame?
• Auction report - Perth, Australia 18 Feb 2004 (Forum)
  Examples of prices were: Oct 01 Toyota Camry Conquest, 21,766 kilometres, 3.0lt, 1.8lt, auto, air, silver AU$19,000 Dec 00 Toyota Corolla Ascent saloon, 54481 kilometres,1.8, white, auto, air AU$16,000 Sept 02 Holden Commodore Executive VY saloon, 3.8 V6, 65,000 kilometres, mica, auto, air, ABS AU$21,500 Jan 01 Landrover Discovery, auto turbo 2.5, 74,000 kilometres, air AU$33,000 (that surprised me) My son bought a Oct 01 Holden Commodore, 3.8, auto, air, abs, white, 28,000 kilometres for AU$20,250 All these cars had books and guaranteed clear title. Amongst the roughies at the end was a private vendor Volvo 850 station wagon, auto 133,599 kilometres. It got $15,000. That is about right for here but very different from the UK.
• Hyundai Trajet impressions. 14 Feb 2004 (Forum)
  Trusty Volvo is getting long in the tooth and as the family expands (along with my waistline) I've started looking for a cheapish and reliable alternative. I'm not really interested in kudos, bells and whistles, high speeds, and complex gadgets and don't think any of the current crop of affordable estates (excepting the Omega which I have concerns about) provide the space I'll require for moving people (up to 7) and 'stuff'.
• 9K sportish saloon required - any ideas 1 Sep 2003 (Forum)
  Mondeos are out, albeit they are fine cars, they just don’t give me the feel good factor to look at. Saabs, Volvos Toyota and are off the list, wife thinks I am not ready for pipe and slippers yet (history would suggest an unchangeable attitude) Any suggetsions anyone, thanks
• company car options 8 Oct 2002 (Forum)
  The job image means it couldn't be a banger and would need some image so I have been looking at BMW, Audi, Merc, VW, Saab, Volvo, Honda etc. I would prefer 5 doors or an estate but that's not crucial and I have about £5,000 capital I can afford to spend up front. I have been to the local auction to check out what you can get for the money.
• Astra automatics - any probs? 20 Jan 2002 (Forum)
  Most of the nearly-new ones seem to be 1.6 8 valve engines (as opposed to most manuals seemingly being 16-valve) I know that manual Astra's get good reviews for performance, handling, ride etc., but will the 2-pedal ones be OK? A few years ago, I had a Volvo 340 Variomatic which, seriously with its 1.4 engine, performed very well - regularly used to leave manual-box 2 litre cars. Of course, GM are not into CVT just yet so will the 4-speed 'box cope?
• Mazda 3 - £12-15k reliable and comfortable daily 11 Sep 2024 (Forum)
  My main concern is whether any sort of driving enjoyment for the times I'm not commuting are too far removed Lexus CT200h, IS300h: unfortunately these cost more to insure, plus I personally don't like how dated the interiors or the infotainment systems are Volvo V60: unsure how likely to find anything worthwhile in budget, also unsure how reliability compares What are your thoughts on these options? Are there any other options I should consider?
• 1986 Daihatsu Skywing - Stuck Passenger Side Inertial Reel Belt 21 Nov 2021 (Forum)
  SURPRISE) Fiddle with a protective flap (NA. MG Owners Club) Release the Child Seat Lever (NA. Volvo Owners Club. SURPRISE!) Hit it with a hammer. Buy a new one. So looks like I'll be taking it apart. Oo-er! Any tips to avoid that "I've got this really big spring and I can't put it back" sinking feeling?
• Vectra 3.2 auto estate - want a cheap fast estate 12 Nov 2018 (Forum)
    Presently in a Saab convertible and it's the devil's job getting baby seats in the back! Are Audis, Mercs, BMWs overpriced?  I've never bought them. I had a Volvo once and I find them a bit cramped, should I give them another go?  Who have I missed out... Skoda? Oh yeah then there's Honda, Toyota and that crowd. Another Saab... friend of mine has an auto Saab and it's the thirstiest car I've ever seen.
• Which car has SWMBO chosen? 13 Dec 2016 (Forum)
   What we need now for a second car is: - Small, nippy, easy to park and fun to drive on local journeys (mostly between 4 and 10 miles each way) but also with a big enough engine with sufficient oomph to hit the A303 and motorways (she is still doing some Reading-based work although most is from home) - Up to £20,000 - Petrol, manual - 5 doors (this is a friendly village community and people give each other lifts, and she doesn't like driving my automatic Volvo) -  Satnav, lumbar support, heated front seats and a spare wheel, although we don't mind if these are options. She's made a choice - any guesses as to what we've ordered?
• BMW 3 Series Touring (99-05) - Car for High Mileage Commuting 9 Apr 2014 (Forum)
  I'm looking to spend approx £4k so whatever I get will already have done a fair mileage. other cars on my radar are - Honda Accord, Skoda Octavia, Volvo V40   I would really appreciate any comments and advice as to if the 320d would fit the bill well for my needs. particularly relating to reliability, running costs, and in comparison with the likes of a 1.9tdi Octavia.