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• Vauxhall Vectra C (2002 - 2008) - 05 1.9CDTi EML on but goes when engine started. 26 Aug 2008 (Forum)
  I switched off and disconnected the compressor but later when I went to start the car the "spanner light" came on with the ignition turned on. The engine started, the light went out and the engine appeared to be okay. I went out for a drive and it runs fine, not in limp home, no smoking just driving the same as usual. However switching off the engine then turning the ignition back on causes the EML light to come on again until the engine is started.
• Mazda MX5 (2005 - ) - Buy in winter? 19 Aug 2008 (Forum)
  A friend and myself have often considered going 50/50 and buying a convertible...It would be my daily driver (I only drive 5k miles pa according to my last MOT certificate) and a fun weekend car for her...she drives 40k + pa in her company Passat TDi. Given all the recent talk about falling car values, should we look to buy now or wait until the depths of winter?
• Citroen Xantia (1993 - 2000) - 1996 1.8 16v - error code number 31 21 Jul 2008 (Forum)
  My xantia is using to much fuel, i had it on a cit diagnostic tool and came up with code no 31- this has about ten items which could be the fault- from ignition system to wiring to air filter and spark plugs (which I have changed recently- so these are ok). one of the other options was lambda sensor. The car drives absolutely fine, the last mot shows emissions fine- however the garage think based on the list of potential items on code 31 and the fact the car drives perfect the most likely fault item is the lambda sensor, does anyone have any experience or ideas regarding this code or lambda sensor theory?
• Citroen Berlingo Multispace II (2008 - ) - HJ's road test has arrived! 18 Jun 2008 (Forum)
  I was somewhat surprised at the comment "So instead of being quite good for a van, it actually is car-like to drive with a fine blend of ride and handling that belie its utilitarian looks." Personally, I thought that the old Berlingo was pretty car-like to drive with a fine blend of ride and handling. I'd be very interested in a test which actually drove and compared the old and new Berlingos back to back.
• Beating the manufacturers quoted MPG 23 May 2008 (Forum)
  An IAM driver and a fleet manager both achieved around 56mpg, while a Silverstone instructor briefed to drive aggressively managed only 18mpg!" I've seen many people on this forum complain that their car doesn't return the quoted MPG figures, I think the above backs up the arguement that those people are not getting good mpg becuase they have a poor driving style for economy.
• Nissan Almera (2000 - 2006) - 1.5 2003 whining noise and clatter 7 May 2008 (Forum)
  Hi My Almera has a whining noise when the engine is running which increases with engine speed, its there when idling and when Im driving. I just bought the car a week ago. Its not a high pitched whine, more like the noise you get on an electrically powered tube train or something similar. There doesnt appear to be any loss of performance and the car drives ok otherwise.
• Vauxhall Zafira B (2005 - ) - Deals on new ones - any advice 4 May 2008 (Forum)
  Anyway - looking for a large family car as have 2 kids, plus have a dog, and we do tend to go away for long weekends and holidays in the car - need something with a big boot. I also like the high driving position so the Zafira fits the bill I believe. Also - an estate does also but not the high driving position. Anyway - seems to be some great deals on Zafiras - seen one, new 1.9 diesel , breeze version for £12995 (new recommended price its 18k) plus £1000 part ex and interest free credit.
• Freewheeling 16 Apr 2008 (Forum)
  Those of you with teeth as long as mine may remember cars (mostly Rovers, IIRC) that had a 'freewheel' option, which was effectively a one-way clutch that allowed the engine to drive the wheels, but not the reverse. This meant no engine braking, but allowed the car to coast whenever you took your foot off the throttle. This was for economy purposes, so I wonder it hasn't been resurrected now we are supposed to be worrying about our carbon output.
• Volkswagen Golf II (1983 - 1992) - 1990 1.3 - Smoke from oil filler cap 27 Mar 2008 (Forum)
  There is a bit of a smell I get through the heater, but this might be down to an oil leak in the engine compartment (I can't remember the name of the part it is coming from, but I was told by an MOT testrer it is not dangerous and just to keep an eye on the oil level which hasn't gone down.) It does not worry me too much driving around town, but I'm due to be doing some motorway driving so am a bit paranoid.
• Excluding HGVs from the outside lane 4 Feb 2008 (Forum)
  This week I drove across Denmark where HGVs are banned from the outside lane in daylight, no problems what so ever in 3 hours of motorway driving. The same is true of the A5 in Germany where the same rules apply and is one of the busiest motorways in Europe. If the rest of Europe has proved it works then I think it is time for us to adopt it
• Flooded roads in the West Country ! 13 Jan 2008 (Forum)
  I turned around at one point, it looked too deep to me though others were trying it, not sure if they got through. The intake is not too low on the Mondeo, nevertheless I drive very slowly through the water so as to avoid a bow wave, I also drive along the crown of the road where it is most shallow and to avoid vehicles coming the other way pushing a bow wave ahead of them.
• Tricky insurance question (driving abroad) 29 Nov 2007 (Forum)
  Ok can't seem to find an answer to this. I'm popping over to England to buy a car BUT I will be leaving for Sweden the next day and want brake down cover. So...
• Peugeot 307 (2001 - 2007) - HDi disappointing fuel economy 2 Oct 2007 (Forum)
  I far as I am aware it is exactly the same engine (though 5 years newer - so should be better?) in a smaller car so why would my fuel consumption be so much worse? Generally my driving style/speed remains unchanged - though I would say that the 307 is much livelier so I probably accelerate more briskly, but as I say, 90% of my driving time is spent pootling down the M4 at 70-80mph - exactly as before.
• Stretch Limo Operator fined. 2 Sep 2007 (Forum)
  He also got 31 points on his driving licence. A stretched limo with eight or less passenger seats is normally licensed by local authorities as a Private Hire Vehicle. With more than eight passenger seats it is classed as a Public Service Vehicle, will need a COIF and will be licensed by the Traffic Commissioners.
• Turbo Health 1 Sep 2007 (Forum)
  My turbo seems to "spool" up from around 1.6krpm with max torque delivered between 2k and 2.5krpm with max power delivered at 3.6krpm. After 3k miles i find i mainly drive between 1.8 and 2.4k rpm with the occasional burst up to max power. Can i assume that driving within this range my turbo is constantly in use; if so should i be concerned about this if i am to keep the turbo in good shape for years to come?
• Insurance and Tax on my Dads car 15 Jul 2007 (Forum)
  However she can't always make it to the hospital hence me driving most weeks. I've phoned up my insurance company who are happy to insure the car we me as the clearly named driver as long as I have the keeper's permission and it has a valid MOT . The premium wasn't to bad at £200 (more than the car is probably worth!!).
• '93 Polo 1.0 - Hesitation under throttle 28 Jun 2007 (Forum)
  Hello, I wonder if someone can help me with a problem I am having with my VW Polo (L-Reg, 1993, 1.05cc, Petrol Engine): When driving from cold my car hesitates when accelerating, it almost stalls, however it's fine after driving for 5-10 minutes or so when it's warmed up. This is what I have tried: New Cat, Lambda Sensor, New Oil Filter (and Oil Change), Air Filter, Petrol Filter, New Spark Plugs and Leads, New Distributor Cap, and I have put Wynns Injector Cleaner in my Petrol.
• French Notes 9 Jun 2007 (Forum)
  'Cos all they need is a van with a flashing "a gauche" arrow about 100 yds (metres?) from the roadworks. Seems to work. Q - Why do I want to come back and drive in the UK?
• "Killer Road": any views? 30 Apr 2007 (Forum)
  As the mother of a 13yr old killed by a drunk driver said "I know people that drink and drive and I know what I want to say to them but you just don't do you".
• new (to me) Volvo 5 Apr 2007 (Forum)
  Came with 12 months MOT, 5 months tax for £675 (trade in at a dealer in Kent)! Decent condition, too (one or two minor dings, nothing major). So far, I love the easy drive and relaxing road manners (just kind of rolls along there), as well as the huge capacity (TWO fridge freezers to the tip in the back). SWBO loves the heated seats (good for her back, apperently). To the point.