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• VW/skoda 1.4 16V engine - chipped back? 16 Oct 2002 (Forum)
  I run a skoda Octavia 1.4 16V (75bhp - engine also fitted to Polos, Golfs, Leons etc.. ) purchased to perform a high mileage commute cheaply, safely and quietly (I thought the diesel was very noisy when at crawling pace in traffic).
• Fiat Brava / Bravo cambelt tensioner 8 Oct 2002 (Forum)
  Recently called out to a customer who had noticed a "rumbly" noise from cold on his 1.6 16v Bravo, 'S' Reg with 23,000. Noise traced to cambelt tensioner, and subsequent investigation showed that the roller was running out of true due to the locating stud moving on it's mounting plate, which in turn had led to a damaged bearing. Fiat dealer admitted thay have done two others recently, both within normal replacement mileage.
• Sat Nav a gimmick? 3 Oct 2002 (Forum)
  It is fine if you are going somewhere you haven't been before or don't go to regularly but for regular runs, I'd question its usefulness, especially at the price. One down side I did notice was the fitting which was done professionally, was that when the screen deployed, it appeared to cover the heater controls such that you couldn't get at them!
• Cheeky admiral 21 Aug 2002 (Forum)
  I recently renewed my car insurance with admiral, this is the third year running they have given me the best deal, and until now have found them quite good. They quoted for renewal as per usual and tried to sell me additional breakdown cover etc as per normal. Now o month after the new policy has started they phone up ` just to check a couple of details` then inform me that I do not have the hire car extension to my policy which they can add for £x per month.
• How long do you have to reject a car? 26 May 2002 (Forum)
  (20 months and 19,000 miles) Obviously I have still been paying the finance payements all this time, despite being without the car for extended periods. I have always followed the manufacturers running in procedure and regularly check the oil and water levels Any help would be much appreciated Graham
• Priority at Cross Roads 5 May 2002 (Forum)
  The SITUATION: Cross roads with the minor road running North ? South, major road East ? West. On the minor road usually several cars queuing on both sides. Some cars want to turn right onto major road e.g. those heading North going East, those heading South go West.
• Games people play (warning laddish post) 23 Mar 2002 (Forum)
  Here are the rules. Totty Cricket (1) Driver banned from taking part before anyone starts getting on high horse. Runs scored whenever you overtake or are overtaken by vehicle containing personable totty. Boundaries only scored by high rated examples. Sixes can definitely only be scored by AAA rating (2). Example of AAA rating receptionist Hotel B***l in Dunkirk.
• Stalling Ford Galaxy TDi 115 PD 30 Jan 2002 (Forum)
  After much begging and pleading, they finally contacted a Ford Engineer by mobile phone, who suggested that the fault was due to interference between the Engine Management System and Immobiliser systems, related to dirty contacts on the Power Hold Relay (whatever that is). The car has run much better since but will still stall easily if we move of too quickly after first starting and go round a corner at too low revs (i.e. without turbo assistance). Restarting is then very difficult.
• Essex Lorry Driver 20 Jan 2002 (Forum)
  On Friday a Lorry driver(Paul Couldridge) was sentenced to 2 terms of 8 years(to run concurrently) for causing Death by dangerous driving. He fell asleep, crossed the central reservation, and killed a young couple. It is difficult not to compare this case with Gary Hart(who I see is to appeal).
• Golf gear grief 18 Jan 2002 (Forum)
  She said the symptoms appeared suddenly; when she test drove it, she thought the gears were stiff, but put it down to being a different car. Incidentally, the MoT says it is petrol; despite this the log book says heavy oil and it runs happily on diesel. I can't see the car as it's parked up the dale somewhere and she got a lift to work. It sounds like the clutch is dragging but that doesn't explain inability to find a gear, or does it?
• New fiesta? decision time 17 Jan 2002 (Forum)
  Has any body published guide prices model range for the new fiesta due out shortly? Iam trying to dissuade my 81 yr old father from trading in his 5 yr old fiesta for a run out model. He is attracted by current incentives (note it is total cash cheaper to take finance at 3.4% with £1000 cash back than 0% finance offer). The cars on offer have all the extras that he doesnt want or need!
• Bin Lumbered - Persistant Polo Probs 13 Dec 2001 (Forum)
  I checked the oil cap tonight atfer more complaints and found evidence of mayonaisse. I understand that this can occur, esp when subject to short runs never getting warm properly, and doesn't necessarily mean head gasket problems (no excessive oil or water consumption). Can anyone offer a solution? The only other option is to flog it and get something japanese.
• Fuel Injector Cleaner update 5 Dec 2001 (Forum)
  Just as simple is buying a gallon of paraffin and using (I think David W's) suggestion of 1ml to 1l every month or so. The car also runs much more smoothly at constant revs and there has been a slight but noticeable improvement in idle stability. Dan J
• 306 woes 1 Dec 2001 (Forum)
  The car was an ex-fleet, had done 57,000 miles had a full dealer service history, seemed to have been run by a lady owner. Everything checked out, bodywork perfect, tyres correct etc etc. It ran very sweetly when I helped check it out at the auction. We paid 3,600 for it. It was due for a service, so we took it in to a local independent garage.
• Dishonest John's Guide - all true 7 Oct 2001 (Forum)
  Personally I avoid garages for anything other than MoTs and tyre changes. The idea that modern cars are too complex for DIY is a myth - I run an Audi Coupe 20V, and managed to diagnose and fix an engine management system fault, using a fault code reader that I built for 50 pence from instructions on the Internet. Problem was a faulty knock sensor (£60), but you can bet that if I had taken it to a garage, I would have ended up paying £600 plus for a new ECU.
• Young Motoring Writer of the Year 24 Sep 2001 (Forum)
  Well here's his chance (and anyone else's for that matter). None other than The Daily Telegraph is running a Young Motoring Writer of the Year Competition. You've got to be 17 to 25, you can't already be a professional writer and you have to write a 1,000 word feature on 'The Future of Motoring'. It must not be more than 1,000 words (and if you can make it EXACTLY 1,000 words, then that's good practice for the editing discipline you will need).
• Mopeds. 20 Sep 2001 (Forum)
  He's owned it for about 6 weeks and he loves it to bits, so he tells me. We chatted about what it cost him to buy, and the cost of running it. Here are the figures: Cost of moped £1600. Insurance £300 per year Tax £15 per year Fuel £4.40 per tank Mpg ? About 120 ! It looks the business to be honest with you, apart from when it rains when it can get a bit unpleasant.
• £11 000 VW Golf altrnative 5 Aug 2001 (Forum)
  I have been offered £4500 for my golf with 68 000 on the clock, by the VW dealer. Should I go ahead or would I be better off in the long run with a slightly older but more prestigious car ? I dont want another auto either. Hope you can help me decide Ian
• Starting Motor engaging whilst driving 27 Jul 2001 (Forum)
  Local garage has repaired vehicle, and reported that the starter motor on both occasions had become engaged whilst engine was running. The first occasion the ignition switch and well as the starter motor was replaced. Last week I had a second "experience". On this occasion the starter motor had blown the battery. so this too along with the starter motor had to be replaced.
• OAP ZX TD Problem 5 Jul 2001 (Forum)
  I've had a Citroen ZX TD Volcane for the last 85k miles having bought the car at 100K. It uses no oil at 185K (running synthetic diesel engine oil which incidentally is approx. 20% cheaper at French hypermarkets along with all PSA filters). But two problems - 1. The engine cuts out occasionally when decelerating to idle (at stop junctions etc); 2.