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• New long term car 7 Dec 2008 (Forum)
  I've just returned from living in France where I've been running an Opel Omega 2.5 diesel for the last 8 years - it's been stunningly reliable - over 300k km with only oil and filters (lots of them). I'm going to be doing something like 600 miles/week so will need something comfortable yet relatively economical. I will be doing my own servicing and would really prefer a camchain engine (or something where the belt is as easy and quick to change as my Transit!).
• Mercedes Benz E-Class W124 (1985 - 2000) - 94 2.2 Fuel mpg gone down despite new air mass sen 13 Aug 2008 (Forum)
  Recently I have has a new air mass sensor, new lambda sensor, new spark plugs, new air filter, new catalytic converter, oil change fitted. This has reduced the emissions however the mpg is worse than before, about 12 mpg. (I have based my calculations on £4.50 per gallon, if this is not correct can someone please tell me.)
• Ford Focus (1998 - 2004) - 2000 1.6 would a blowing exhaust cause??? 20 Jul 2008 (Forum)
  hi, i am a real novice when it comes to cars. i have just changed oil & filter, air filter, re set gap on spark plugs, and checked HT leads for Arc-ing. car idles fine on rev counter and runs fine, however when idleing it appears to miss every 4-5 seconds (counter does not move), causing the whole car to vibrate, it also sounds like pop pop sound from the centre exhaust box, i noticed the other day that this seemed to be blowing, however it was only replaced in december.
• Volkswagen Golf V (2004 - 2008) - VW Golf servicing 15 May 2008 (Forum)
  My main question is does a garage need to have all the high tech diagnostic equipment to be able to perform a thorough service on the car or is it just a matter of finding a competent mechanic who replaces the oil, filters and whatever other bits need changing and tops up fluid levels? Thanks is advance for any advice you can give.
• Vauxhall Cavalier (1988 - 1995) - 95 2.0 ecotec - judder at low revs 10 Apr 2008 (Forum)
  hi, problem with judder at low revs especially when lifting foot off accelerator.Have done the usual ie,cleaned all breather pipes from rocker cover & crankcase,changed rocker cover gasket due to excess oil covering spark plugs & fitted new ht leads & plugs.No engine light coming on & drives really well at high speeds .Had the car 3 years now & it has 140k on it,fitted new idler control valve last year when experiencing erratic idling.Maybe its getting past its sell by date but its a workhorse any ideas would be greatly appreciated many thanks
• Vauxhall Zafira A (1999 - 2005) - 2.0 DTi - Poor starter in the morning 16 Mar 2008 (Forum)
  Hi i have a Vuaxhall Zafira 2.0dti comfort which ive just serviced it never had trouble starting before but now first thing in the morning it takes about 5 minutes to start ive changed the air filter, oil diesel and glow plugs which i have made no diffrence any one got any ideas. I did the glow plugs a few days after because it would not start and when put on the computer the only error was glow plug error this as since gone but sill will not start.
• Vauxhall Cavalier (1988 - 1995) - Stalling Problems 12 Feb 2008 (Forum)
  It started about a month ago and the problem has got worse, now the car stalls every 2 minutes on all gears and revs. I have changed the air filters and the oil filter however the problem remains. The air filters where extremely dirty and a diesel expert has said that I may have some air problems. Could someone help. as I don't want to take the car to a garage and spend more than it's worth.
• Vauxhall Astra H (2004 - 2009) - 2.0T (170) Engine Roughness 10 Oct 2007 (Forum)
  They then told me it was a characteristic of that engine. I referred it to another dealer who said that the car had the wrong oil in it, though it was correct as per the handbook. They said that Vauxhall now recommended the 5/20 for the Turbo engines. However, this change has been no difference either. Anyone else had a problem like this?
• vw polo 1.6 glx auto gearbox problem 29 May 2007 (Forum)
  Hi.i spent all my money on a 1996 polo auto 4 weeks ago and ive been ripped off by a trader in enfield as the gearbox was leaking oil and not engaging properly after only doing 50 miles.i took the car to vw and they have taken out the gearbox and found that the torque converter has been welded up and they cannot take it apart to change the seals without wrecking the box.does anybody out there have any tips on repairing this problem or have/no anybody who has a gearbox for sale.i know if you go to a dealer everything has to be done by the book but im desperate and im low on funds now so any tips will be very much apreciated.thankyou.
• Aftersales service 31 Mar 2007 (Forum)
  Amazing how these little touches make you feel better about your car. They've organised a one month check to change the oil and give it the once over. I've not had to lift a finger. Now I appreciate a tin of biscuits isn't such a big deal, but I thought it was a nice little touch. Fingers crossed this quality of service continues during the time I own the car.
• Accord Diesel Service 17 Feb 2007 (Forum)
  I was asked if |I wanted an emissions service for it - £19.99 + vat, and a brake check with the wheels off - extra again. I refused these, on impulse, as I have paid quite a bit for a service which has basically been an oil change. I'm amazed that a service does not include removing the wheels for a service for a Honda. When my Omega was serviced I was always asked for the key for the wheels. I haven't done a huge mileage - 17,000 - and that has been long journeys, mainly to France each year.
• Mazda 323 - 1.6 Noisy engine at startup 29 Jun 2006 (Forum)
  I'm not too worried about it but it sounds like a set of castanets! Any recommendations of having an engine flush when the oil is next changed? Would an engine flush sort these kind of issues? Otherwise, I guess it's down to the local Mazda dealer one morning, leave it there all day and return in the afternoon and fire it up.
• Endura e, filthy tappets 5 May 2006 (Forum)
  Just did an engine flush, oil and filter change yesterday. After that we took the rocker cover off and set the valve clearances. The rocker gear looked horrible. Black and cokey. I didn't expect it to look like new (it has done 96k) but I wasn't expecting that.
• General: longevity of a turbo (in an MB) 27 Apr 2006 (Forum)
  It is clear from what I've read so far that, although such devices are essentially "fit & forget", regular and rigorous general engine servicing and oil changes are essential to getting the most out of them; the record looks pretty good in the case in question. Any clues on replacement cost would also be welcome, as well as views on the wisdom of installing a reconditioned system (in an exchange deal) instead of a brand new replacement.
• VW Polo 1.6CL Engine Problem 25 Feb 2006 (Forum)
  All of a sudden, the engine felt like it was braking, then as quickly as it happend, it went back to normal. Made it back to Brighton from there no problems - temperatures fine, water level fine, oil fine. Then last night driving along Brighton sea front, 30mph, 3rd gear, about 2800rpm, and the same thing happend. Any ideas what it could be? The brakes are due a change, but I would be seriously suspicious if they have some kind of warning system on them that activates them for a millisecond (which is the feeling it gives).
• Vectra Di Clutch Judder 12 Jul 2004 (Forum)
  I'm just wondering what could be causing this. Could it be the clutch on its way out? Someone else has mentioned it could be a small oil leak which has led to the take off judder. Any help advise greatly appreciated Thanks in advance
• '93 Polo Crunchy Gears 2 Jul 2004 (Forum)
  It had not done it for about a week until yesterday in the same scenario. All other gears are OK, if a little noisier than other polos. Had the gearbox oil changed 5000 miles ago for 75w/90. (total milage 101000) What could this be? Something expensive like a worn clutch or 'box or is it just a cable out of adjustment? Roberson
• MGB Overdrive and pinking problem 22 Jun 2004 (Forum)
  When hot overdrive fumps in on overrun and light acceleration.Reverse becomes inoperable. The overdrive is engaged in all gears and it kicks in wihtout moving the switch. The gearbox oil has been changed. The car only covers less than 2000 miles a year. Any advice greatly appreciated. Cheers Peter
• Lexus GS300 2nd hand 11 Dec 2003 (Forum)
  He is one of the best practical engineers I have ever worked with and know that he has looked after it well, oil changes at 5000 miles etc. Question is; what is it worth and what problems can I expect. All the best folks Bill
• Longevity - How long do you keep yours ? 25 Nov 2003 (Forum)
  A quick trawl of neighbours and relatives reveals that most of them are rich enough to buy a new car every couple of yrs or so and chop it in, or they're on company cars - ditto. Why on earth would they bother treating the car with kid gloves , changing oil, coolant, brake fluid etc. Of course this may well be done for them under warranty etc. So, how long do you keep yours ? And do you look after it to prolong its life for you, or for someone else in the future ??