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• Ford Mondeo II (1996 - 2000) - 1997 1.8D runs weak & lumpy, and is also hesitant 12 Jul 2008 (Forum)
  Comrades, just bought my first Modeo, 1800 diesek LX R reg 151K on the clock, no service hisory. Runs as weak and as lumpy as a lump thing, and on a 70mph road, is constantly hesitant, I am aware of the petrol/ diesel differece , last 4 cars have been self bought diesels, and cannot believe that I bought such a good looking dog, hence lost my mind.
• Vauxhall Vectra C (2002 - 2008) - 2004 CDTi 120 Power Loss 22 Feb 2008 (Forum)
  Hello I am experiencing a intermitent fault with my 117k Vectra. Yesterday started the car after a short run and 30min interval but struggled to achieve enough power to reverse or pull away. Stopped engine re-started and it juddered into life with a far bit of black smoke/ and rough running but still virtually no power.
• MG Forest Run 3/6/07 1 Jun 2007 (Forum)
  Sammy Millers Motorcycle Museum near New Milton is hosting a rally for over 200 MG's this Sunday (June 3) with everything from a 1937 model up to the latest model. You would be able to chat to all the owners! They are then taking part in a New Forest run, ending up at Exbury. For those who are worried about the Lyndhurst problem you do not need to go via Lyndhurst to either destination. The event raises money for the local air ambulance service and the Hampshire Children's Friendship League.
• Micra throttle body question please. 6 May 2007 (Forum)
  Back to main dealer who pulled the plug off the Mass Oxygen Sensor and taped it out of the way. Car now running fine. Question is, are there any possible implications of running with this item disconnected, engine damage, increased fuel consumption, etc, etc ? Thank you
• Vauxhall Meriva 1.7 CDTi - running temp 30 Dec 2006 (Forum)
  If I switch off for 30 mins, there appears to be very little heat retained and the temp gauge goes to the bottom. 3. The temp gauge show running around 80-85 C. Of course, this is a guide not too accurate It could be that the temp sensor is the "wrong side" of the thermostat, and I think the thermostat is electronically controlled Is anyone else having similar experiences please?
• Fines for idling engines 11 Jul 2006 (Forum)
  One of the councils up here are running adverts on the radio saying the usual, how bad it is for the environment etc if you leave your car engine running whilst parked up, so you will now be fined if caught doing this. But how bad exactly is it?
• Getting 13 months MOT 3 Jun 2005 (Forum)
  I knew that you could present your car for a MOT, a calender month prior to the expiry date and have the new MOT run for 12 months from that expiry date (assuming you present the current MOT and make the request). Therefore you could have effectively have valid MOT(s) for 13 months. However, if you have more than a calender month to run, you don't get ANY "grace", the new MOT will simply run from the test date.
• High Vs Low Mileage Cars 11 May 2005 (Forum)
  Is it different for Japanese cars compared to say Vauxhall/Ford? Also which is better to buy....High Mileage cars that have been run fully warmed up mainly on the motorway or Low Mileage ones used on the shopping run????? I think that Low Mileage cars are better cos they have a proportionally less wear on the running gear of the car therefore delaying bills such as Cambelt,Bearings,Gaitors,CV joints,Shocks not to mention starter motors/alternators.
• Sat Nav - a definitive solution? 9 Aug 2004 (Forum)
  Can the backroom recommend to me the ideal Sat Nav system. It must: 1. Be portable from car to car. 2. Run European maps. 3. Run good software. It should ideally: 1. Have a facility for re-routing round traffic jams. It would be amusing if it: 1. Included saf e t ycamera sites. I guess it wants a portable PC.
• Omega poor running 24 Oct 2003 (Forum)
  I have a problem with my Omega 2.5 V6 Auto which my local dealer can't sort. When the car is cold it runs fine, but when warm things go down hill. I am getting a slight missfire when the engine is under load, ie when putting foot down or going up hills(which is most the time in the peak district!). This the gearbox then also cant make it's mind up what gear to be in (3rd or 4th).
• BMW 320d - abnormal running mode 20 Dec 2002 (Forum)
  My local BMW dealer was likewise mystified, and failed both to reproduce the effect or suggest a reason. In all other respects the car has started and run totally reliably.
• Golf Engine Harshness ( Rough ) 15 Oct 2002 (Forum)
  After a local VW agent rebuilt the gearbox due to failed diff cluster bearings the noticed the throttle body to manifold rubber gasket was slit and changed same. Since this the engine feels a little rough both cold i.e. in choke mode and when running at normal temps the engine continues to feel slightly harse when on the cruise. The garage had rechecked the engine and run some diagnostics but no fault found. I've run a tank of loaded injection cleaner and different fuels.
• Ford Escort - not start 9 Oct 2002 (Forum)
  It has developed a fault, that after more then a journey of 5 miles, when engine temperature has been achieved, if you stop, the car will not start for 10 minutes to 1 hour plus. The car never cuts out whilst driving, runs perfectly. When trying to start the car, the engine will turn for as long as the battery would last. When it does start, tyhe car fires up and runs perfectly, no miss-fire, nothing wrong. When the car will not start the fuel pump is definatley not running.
• Cheap to run cars 30 Mar 2001 (Forum)
  When I have tried smaller more economical cars (Fiesta, Skoda, Renault 19) I have certainly spent less on petrol but have ended up spending much more on repairs. What cars do you recommend that could be purchased for little money, could run for 20,000 in a year without wearing out (as my smaller cars have always seemed to) and return in excess of 35mpg? I'd also like to be able to pick up spares/service parts easily and cheaply.
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  Will a plug-in hybrid save me money if I use it as an EV? 17 Jan 2023 (Ask HJ)
  I have an MG HS PHEV. With energy prices being as high as they are right now, is it best to use it on electric power on a daily basis or will it be cheaper...
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  Can you recommend a small van to convert into a micro camper? 21 Jun 2022 (Ask HJ)
  What is the best affordable to run reliable micro van to convert into micro camper?
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  Can you recommend a reliable, small car for £2000? 19 Nov 2020 (Ask HJ)
  Can you recommend a reliable, cheap to run, small car, please? Cheap on parts if needed. Around £2000. Thank you.
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  I do 25,000 miles a year as a taxi driver - should I switch from a diesel to a hybrid car? 14 Sep 2018 (Ask HJ)
  I currently drive a diesel Toyota Verso as a tax. Would I be better off with with a hybrid Toyota Auris Estate? I do lots of short runs and about three...
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  What do you think about FTC fuel pellets? 13 Feb 2018 (Ask HJ)
  I've seen FTC, an apparent miracle additive that improves fuel economy and lowers emissions, advertised. The reviews are very favourable. I've never seen...
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  How can I use the air con in a way that won't reduce fuel economy? 9 Jul 2017 (Ask HJ)
  I know that a/c reduces fuel economy, but what would achieve better fuel economy - to set a higher temperature and higher fan speed or to set a lower temperature...