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• Vauxhall Zafira A (1999 - 2005) - 01 1.6 - error codes 11 Jan 2008 (Forum)
  The engine management warning light came on ( constant, not flashing ) during a long hot drive back from S France last summer. No noticable problem though and the garage hooked it up when we had it MOTd , returning the error codes 0136 circuit high voltage 0335 Incorrect RPM signal. No immediate problem, they said, and reset the light.
• Number plates - improved security 2 Jun 2007 (Forum)
  Car dealers are generally able to produce their own as required and I wouldn't suggest any malpractice here, but it could be a potentially weak area. In France if I understand correctly they are physically riveted to the car body, not just held on by two piddly self tapping screws as in the UK. Are we behind the game compared with other countries, or compared with what we should be doing?
• Are we patriotic about cars? 17 Mar 2007 (Forum)
  If you go to any European countries, you'll mostly see local brand cars! Example: France - Citroen, Peugeot, Renault Germany - Mercedes, Audi, VW etc. Sweden - Volvo, Saab (Merc & Audi pretty well too) Spain - Seat (and Skoda too) Czech Rep - Skoda Netherlands - mostly European cars even USA - Ford, GM etc.
• Ford 1.9 TDI Galaxy 2 Oct 2006 (Forum)
  Hi there, I have a1998 S reg Ford Galaxy 1.9 TDI and have a bit of a problem! When you start it from cold it takes about 10 mins, plumes out whitish smoke...
• Rubbernecking 19 Aug 2006 (Forum)
  This of course created the mandatory traffic jam as people had a good look at other peoples' misfortune. Why can't we do what sometimes happens in France? I once or twice have come across the scene of an accident but the authorities have erected blinds all around the accident thus giving no opportunity to rubber neck. Sure there is a small tail back as people have to slow down as invariably a lane has been blocked off, but a moderate and safe speed is maintained.
• 2004 Vectra headlight adjustment 27 Jul 2006 (Forum)
  A colleague is off to France for a couple of days and needs his headlight beam adjusted accordingly. It has the projector style lenses, which I assumed would have a lever to switch the beam across, but I can't see it. The book says to visit a Vauxhall dealer to have the beams adjusted, but I'm sure all they'll do is stick a screwdriver in somewhere and twist something to flip the beam across.
• Lexus IS200 with 90,000 miles 4 Mar 2006 (Forum)
  I'm fantasising and looking at an IS200, year 2000, 90K miles, for 6,000 pounds with an one year warranty (being sold at a main dealer, near where I live in France)). Looks like a good deal, and insurance is reasonable (550 Euros fully comp.) From a mechanical point of view, is this a sound long-term buy?? I know they're generally a recommended buy, but I'd like a nice car that I may keep for many years.
• Accord water leak into boot 8 Dec 2005 (Forum)
  Should I lift the seal again and put some silicone sealant under it (might be hard to get hold of as I'm in France) or is there something I've missed? Thanks in advance...
• 406 slight vibration 4 Sep 2005 (Forum)
  On my recent auction purchased 406,I have just done 1500 miles on a round trip into France,and unfortunately,the rear horizontal link bars had to be replaced while I was there,as the old ones had expired.The idea was to get back to Britain and have the bars replaced here.Anyhow..... The car still has a slight vibration to it,insofar as it lasts about 3 seconds,and repeats every,say,5 seconds at speed in excess of 60mph.
• Car Servicing in Calais 10 Aug 2005 (Forum)
  Hi Room Living near the port of Dover I have decided the time has come to take the Mercedes Benz 320CDI over to the MB dealer in France and save myself a packet on servicing fees. I hear that you can save up to 70% by using an approved main dealer whist maintaining your service record and warranty. When you factor in the 35% saving on disel and the wine and cheese the boat trip is paid for and im a happy bunny Does anyone know of any catch?
• Regulations for Driving on the Continent 19 Apr 2004 (Forum)
  The didn't mention the usual stuff about red triangles, spare bulbs and first aid kits but the following might be of interest. 1. In Spain, if you need spectacles for driving, you must carry a spare pair with you. 2. In France it is illegal to contact the emergency services by mobile phone - only the roadside emergency phones will do. I don't think this would stop mt ringing 112 or whatever for an ambulance or from a crash scene.
• Cheapest 10day European breakdown cover? 26 Jan 2004 (Forum)
  Although there have been other threads on this subject, the front runners change their prices for this sort of cover fairly regularly so thought I would air the question again. I need to obtain cover (more for peace of mind) for 10 days motoring in France in February (the annual ski dash to the Alps). My usual breakdon cover is with Britannia, but the European cover through them is a right hotchpotch, being underwritten by an insurance company and not really filling me with confidence.
• Posh Renaults 9 Nov 2003 (Forum)
  When in France a month or two back, I saw lots of the new look (well they're new to me anyway) Renaults. Meganes of course and the occasional Scenic or Espace. ... and those with strange names ... is it Avantime and Vel Sartis?
• Exhaust Life (Diesels) 15 Aug 2003 (Forum)
  Corroded through the inlet pipe of the (rear) silencer box behind the tapered seal onto the intermediate pipe. Repaired by excellent local garage while on holiday in France. BX systems usually seem go at the joins as well. As a supplementary is there any potential harm, apart from being nicked for excess noise, in running the car without a silencer, not thinking of long distances but probably had to do 25 kilometres to finish journey and get to garage for repair.
• European Breakdown Cover - A cautionary tale 28 Mar 2013 (Forum)
  I would point out that on that basis any breakdown cover where you went over to France to buy wine cheaper or buy anything would, according to this bizarre logic, render the recovery cover invalid. Meanwhile I have a car sitting 500 miles down in France and on paper i have a client who has responsibility for getting the truck back.
• What has the EU ever done for us? 13 Jul 2017 (Forum)
  Recent propaganda from various EU figures shows their true nature and hostility to Britain. I think much of this is historic: France has never got over losing the Napoleonic War, resents the fact we rescued them from Nazi occupation (at considerable cost to us), De Gaulle showed no gratitude for all our help, France continued to supply Argentina with Exocet misslies and aircraft spares during the Falklands war, (their idea of  solidarity with a fellow EU member).
• Audi A4 Allroad - First Time Buyers help 11 Mar 2012 (Forum)
  Hi All Long story short. I am an American living in France, and I could really use some help I need to buy our first car. As my US permit is not valid here, I cannot legal drive yet in France so my wife is going to handle the chauffering details until I get my French Drivers license.
• MG MG ZT (2001 - 2005) - 03 2.0 (135)fuel lift pump 8 Jul 2008 (Forum)
  Six months later cut out again whilst in the outside lane of the M6 doing 70 mph having already done a journey of 140 miles half an hour later it righted itself and started.Very frightening again for lady driving it ! Ran for three more days perfectly, enabling us to journey into France,Where the same thing happened, all power lost at speed. Transported to main dealer near Caen Waited 2 hours for someone to look at it by which time it started no trouble and we continued on our way,yet again!
• Honda Accord Tourer (2003 - 2008) - iCTDI a Long term review 7 Oct 2007 (Forum)
  It doesn't tramline on Pirelli P6000 Powergy tyres. The alternator blew at 20k miles, boiling the battery and ruining a holiday in France when the recovery company and Honda France were completely unable to sort it for nearly two weeks. Honda UK were brilliant - they intervened all guns blazing and got us sorted out, so due credit to them.
• What should I get next? 29 Apr 2006 (Forum)
  Easier to clean etc. 4. Must be either a hatchback or estate. 5. Must be able to cruise at 80 mph with ease. (in France, not UK Mr.Officer). Maybe a six speed box would be useful. 6. Must have good seats since three times a year I do 650 miles a day when visiting family in France. 7. I am only interested in buying new or ex demo and keep for two years and 18K miles. 8.