Bengo's One Stop motor shop

[Hoof_Hearted]

i think ther are laws against this. new rules have forced manufacturers to honour warranties even if work is undertaken by independent garages

Yes, but that wasn't the issue. Giffer stated that the inde garage were unable to prove the spec of the oil - this is the crux of the problem!

The new EU reglations, which scrapped the "block exemptions" for motor vehicle manufacturers - states that the original manufacturers warranty must be maintained even if the car is serviced outside the franchised dealer network.

However, two vital provisos must be adhered to
* firstly, the car MUST be serviced in accordance with the manufacturers servicing schedule, and
* secondly, ONLY genuine original equipment manufacturer (OEM) spares, and OEM specified lubricants MUST be used.

The first issue is relatively easy, as the schedule is found in the original service book.

However, the second issue is much harder to prove. Sadly, I do not know any independent garages who can positively confirm they only use genuine spares, and particularly so with engine oils. Many simply have a 208 litre barrel of a "fleet" based generic oil, usually semi-synthetic, and use that in everything.

My advice - by all means, use an independent garage during the warranty period, but try to only use a "specialist" garage - ie, if you have a VW or Audi (or Seat and Skoda), then use a VAG specialist garage (and the same logic for other makes).

My most important advice, though, would be to buy the parts required for the service yourself from the franchised stealer, and take them to the independent to use. OK, you may end up paying full RRP for the bits, but you should still get cheaper labour rates from the inde, plus you have the peace of mind that you can prove that OEM bits were used.

 

[TheHogwartsBEngO]

The scorpio is 10 years old...very high mileage and it will be soon time to replace her.

Now what else is there out there that is comfy on long journeys, has all the mod cons, great interior and looks great ?

We have a budget of £9000 (don't tell the missus).

I have been looking at a Jag X-Type (always wanted a jag) or a Lexus of some kind.

Today in town we saw a Lexus RX300 and it looked great (although never been a fan of the SUV type before) so does anyone have any gen on them ? Have done a search of automart and there are some in our buget but would be nice to know if anyone has any experience of them.

Any and all suggestions welcome....

Crack on.............DT_Xtremez_09:

Sorry for the delay, but I've done some thinking and I reckon (going on how long you've had the Scorpio for) you'd be best of with another executive saloon. I know the SUV thing appeals but think of the fuel costs, the lefty communist hippies having a pop etc. Stick to a saloon I say - or an estate version if you fancy - but perhaps avoid the usual trap of beemer/audi/Merc.

My choice for your 9k budget would be either a Saab 9-5, A volvo S80 or (and please don't read bias in this) a Rover75. With each I would recommend a diesel version and with your 9 grand you could pick examples of each ataround the 3 year-old mark.

The Saab 9-5 is a really comfy cruiser and a very capable car - it also has, along with the Volvo, a brilliant reputation for quality and refinement without the stigma attached to BMW or mercedes badges. The volvo would be equally comfy.

As for the Rover - look for the Connesieur (sp) SE Spec. That is the very top of the range and ideally a pre-facelift version (before rovers started cost-cutting). This spec will have every possible toy, full leather seats and in diesel (with an auto box) is an economical as well as supremely comfy, motorway cruiser.

Hope this helps.

 

[MrMasher]

The scorpio is 10 years old...very high mileage and it will be soon time to replace her.

Now what else is there out there that is comfy on long journeys, has all the mod cons, great interior and looks great ?

We have a budget of £9000 (don't tell the missus).

I have been looking at a Jag X-Type (always wanted a jag) or a Lexus of some kind.

Today in town we saw a Lexus RX300 and it looked great (although never been a fan of the SUV type before) so does anyone have any gen on them ? Have done a search of automart and there are some in our buget but would be nice to know if anyone has any experience of them.

Any and all suggestions welcome....

Crack on.............DT_Xtremez_09:

Isnt the X-type basically a Mondeo?
You cant go far wrong with a modern Mondeo. The reviews on them are all good. If you can live with the Ford badge that is.................

 

[TheHogwartsBEngO]

Isnt the X-type basically a Mondeo?
You cant go far wrong with a modern Mondeo. The reviews on them are all good. If you can live with the Ford badge that is.................

They are and they aren't. Although the basics are Mondeo, the set-up is very Jaguar - much like a Saab 9-3 is definately NOT a tarted-up Vectra despite being made of the same parts.

And yes, a Mundane-e-o is a good choice - the modern ones are as big as Granada's of old and are pretty bullet-proof. In Ghia or Ghia X trim a mondeo is a very capable and very, very comfy and well-equipped car. 9k will get you a good example.

But it sounds like Tashy-man wants a bit of luxury so I suggested a couple of unusual suggestions.

Another off-the-wall suggestion would be a Subaru Legacy. 4x4 safety and a very well-built machine (farmers keep them for years and they can take some serious abuse), although they tend to be quite thirsty.

 

[MrMasher]

Is it just me or do the latest mondeos look like lagunas from the back?
The rear light cluster is a similar shape.
I suppose thats the problem these days. A lot of cars have similar features.
Take the ad that was out for the new Merc. It was a white one, I forget which class, but to me it had striking similarities akin to BMW, Mondeo and Lagunas!
Much like the Jag and Rover 75 or Chrysler 300 and Bentley!

 

[Douglas Bader's Right Leg]

Isnt the X-type basically a Mondeo?
You cant go far wrong with a modern Mondeo. The reviews on them are all good. If you can live with the Ford badge that is.................

In my current job I have the good fortune to drive a lot of hire cars and am happy to report nothing short of disappointment with the new Mondeo. Everything about it smacks of budget, the engine (I had the 2.0 petrol) is lazy, the interior is cheap, there is too much road noise, the seats are uncomfortable and the shade of green used for the dials at night made me nautious. On the plus side, the boot is spacious, the steering is quite good and it is infinitely preferable to the Primera.

I drive a 52 plate Passat and as a motorway cruiser it is yet to be beaten by any of the 07/57 plate saloons I have driven (Vectra, Mondeo, Primera, Octavia), although the Octavia comes close by virtue of being a Passat in all but name! For 9k I would recommend a 04/54 plate Audi A4 2.0 TDI. I haven't driven a Saab 95 yet, but I know many who speak very highly of it and I haven't seen an unhappy Saab driver yet!

 

[TheHogwartsBEngO]

For 9k I would recommend a 04/54 plate Audi A4 2.0 TDI.

In which case I would recommend saving a fair few quid and plumping for either a Passat or a Skoda 'Superb' instead. They're one and the same. And you save the cost of the Audi badge.

(I wish people would stop saying an Octavia is a Passat - it isn't, an Octavia is based on a VW Golf Mk 4 platform stretched to about the size of a passat - the Superb is a Passat/A4 platform).

My only criticism of the VAG saloons though is the ride quality - they tend to be set for a more involving drive (to ape BMW) and are not as supple over the bumps as is say a Saab or Volvo.

Interesting comments about the mundane-e-o though DBRL - I haven't had the pleasure yet - to me they look quite handsome but I fear familiarity will breed contempt - just as the constant stream of Diesel-powered latest variant BMW 3 series you see on every british dual carriageway makes them look dull as dishwater.

 

[Douglas Bader's Right Leg]

In which case I would recommend saving a fair few quid and plumping for either a Passat or a Skoda 'Superb' instead. They're one and the same. And you save the cost of the Audi badge.

(I wish people would stop saying an Octavia is a Passat - it isn't, an Octavia is based on a VW Golf Mk 4 platform stretched to about the size of a passat - the Superb is a Passat/A4 platform).

My only criticism of the VAG saloons though is the ride quality - they tend to be set for a more involving drive (to ape BMW) and are not as supple over the bumps as is say a Saab or Volvo.

Interesting comments about the mundane-e-o though DBRL - I haven't had the pleasure yet - to me they look quite handsome but I fear familiarity will breed contempt - just as the constant stream of Diesel-powered latest variant BMW 3 series you see on every british dual carriageway makes them look dull as dishwater.

An excellent point regarding the A4, although I do rate the ride and comfort well above the Passat, I'll take a hit on the Passat/Octavia thing, it bloody feels like a Passat anyway! I agree that the Mondeo is very good by Vectra/Primera/Laguna etc standards but it isn't a patch on the Krauts efforts in the saloon department. One of my chaps claims that the Mazda 3 and Toyota Avensis are very good, but I haven't driven them myself.

 

[Hoof_Hearted]

They are and they aren't. Although the basics are Mondeo, the set-up is very Jaguar - much like a Saab 9-3 is definately NOT a tarted-up Vectra despite being made of the same parts.

I have to strongly disagree. Whilst I can't comment on the Moandeo/Shaguar in any detail, I can offer a very valid opinion on the GM product range.

Having worked on Vectras, and having a "keen" interest in the Saab range (and also speaking to some of my fellow inde garage owners), both the Saab 9-3 and Saab 9-5 share a considerable number of major (and minor) components with the Vectra. The chassis/floorpan is identical, the major suspension components are identical (save for differing spring and damper rates), the braking systems are identical, the transmissions are identical, many of the electronics are identical.

The major differences are the engines, and obviously the interior equipment and ergonomics.

One big issue with modern Saabs, which is also shared with modern Vauxhalls, are the overly intrusive electronic driver "aids". Whist ABS, EBA, TCS and ESP systems are a very welcome addition for the "average" driver, any "enthusiastic" driver will be very frustrated with the "molly coddled" manner in which the ESP works on said GM cars - a big, big turn off for me!

At the end of the day, modern Saabs are merely Vectras in drag, just like all the other major manufacturers who platform share. However, whereas there is a noticable difference in quailty between the various VAG ranges, there is little difference between Saab and Vauxhall.

Just my humble opinion . . . mine dew!

 

[TheHogwartsBEngO]

. The chassis/floorpan is identical, the major suspension components are identical (save for differing spring and damper rates), the braking systems are identical, the transmissions are identical, many of the electronics are identical.

The major differences are the engines, and obviously the interior equipment and ergonomics.

It is for precisely these reasons why the Saabs are not Vauxhalls in drag. It is these, albeit subtle, differences that make a world of difference.

A Seat Leon Cupra and a VW Golf GTi are identical mechanically, but the difference between the two just because of a few suspension tweaks is phenominal.

I can't comment on driver aids per-se, but I know that on the roads, they do not bother me in the slightest - I would rather ESP or ABS cut in way before I put a wheel wrong on public roads.

 

[TheHogwartsBEngO]

An excellent point regarding the A4, although I do rate the ride and comfort well above the Passat, I'll take a hit on the Passat/Octavia thing, it bloody feels like a Passat anyway! I agree that the Mondeo is very good by Vectra/Primera/Laguna etc standards but it isn't a patch on the Krauts efforts in the saloon department. One of my chaps claims that the Mazda 3 and Toyota Avensis are very good, but I haven't driven them myself.

My Dad has a Mazda 3 whilst his Focus is in for a repair. He calls it 'distinctly average'. After having a poke around myself, I found the design far too 'fussy'. The only Mazda 3 I would ever consider is an MPS - but even then I would kick myself for not buying a Focus ST.

As for an Avensis - I think I might have driven one before - I can't really recall. I believe many Avensis owners have this problem - some even go out and buy one, drive it home only to find that they had forgotten that they already have one in the garage. It's that exciting.

 

[Cake or Death]

I have a subaru impreza thats making a rather expensive clunking noise when reversing between half and full lock. Its fine when going forward. Any idea what this noise could be?

Ta
CoD

 

[TheHogwartsBEngO]

I have a subaru impreza thats making a rather expensive clunking noise when reversing between half and full lock. Its fine when going forward. Any idea what this noise could be?

Ta
CoD

On omen of a large impending repair bill.

 

[MontyPlumbs]

I have a subaru impreza thats making a rather expensive clunking noise when reversing between half and full lock. Its fine when going forward. Any idea what this noise could be?

Ta
CoD

Could be a universal joint on it's way out? is it coming from the front or rear?

 

[Cake or Death]

from the front. Im begining to think drive shaft. praying its not

 

[MrMasher]

Sounds like CV joint/drive shaft. Ouch!

Have you been underneath for a look? Might well be something simple. Jack her up and ave a ganders from full lock left to right.

 

[Hoof_Hearted]

It is for precisely these reasons why the Saabs are not Vauxhalls in drag. It is these, albeit subtle, differences that make a world of difference.

Well, different opinions and different perspectives.

However, under controlled conditions, put a blindfolded driver in a Saab, then put the same driver in a Vectra, and I strongly suspect they'd be able to tell the difference. In real-world usage, a Vectra and a Saab will perfom identically - a Saab 9-3 Aero certainly does NOT handle any better than the equivalent Vectra, nor is it any more comfortable. Under extreme braking, it performs no better than the Vectra. The real crux of the Saab "myth", though, is their engine range. Yes, they are different to the Vectra, and yes, they are turbo, but they certainly don't perform like the Saab turbos of old! And there is no difference in build quality between Saab and Vectra. The Saab / Vectra argument really must be the most obvious "badge snobbery", without any substance.

A Seat Leon Cupra and a VW Golf GTi are identical mechanically, but the difference between the two just because of a few suspension tweaks is phenominal.

Now this is a different kettle of fish. VAG do make valid, worthwhile and noticeable differences between their different marques, particularly in build quality. However, trying to split the differences by comparing the new Cupra and the GTI could land anyone with egg on their face if they havn't done their homework. For starters, the Cupra has 240PS, whereas the GTI only has 200PS, on the other hand, the Golf is better built than the Seat, and the Golf also has a more mature, conservative styling compared to the Seat. Ride and handling are identical, and they can both be specced with the superb DSG box.

I can't comment on driver aids per-se, but I know that on the roads, they do not bother me in the slightest - I would rather ESP or ABS cut in way before I put a wheel wrong on public roads.

For everyday cars, I fully agree. However, you threw the Saab 9-3 into the melting pot, and Saabs are frequently sold on their "driver appeal", particularly the Aero models. If you were to compare a current Saab 9-3 Aero against, say a current Audi B7 A4, even with the more plush SE spec, then the A4 would handle better, and you would not be "impeeded" by overtly enthusiastic ESP, which is very noticeable on the Saab (Lexuses [sp? - Lexi ???] are the same) - and spoils any kind of driving pleasure.

Anyway, IIRC, you drive something from Bavaria, and they certainly need early intervention from the ESP department on anything bar bone dry tarmac! DT_Xtremez_15:

 

[Hoof_Hearted]

The Scooby clunk . . .


If it only clunks when going in reverse, but doesn't do it when going forwards, I'd be less inclined to suspect a CV joint. I would be more favouring a fcuked gearbox or engine mount, or possibly a worn suspension arm joint.

HTH

 

[Cake or Death]

The Scooby clunk . . .


If it only clunks when going in reverse, but doesn't do it when going forwards, I'd be less inclined to suspect a CV joint. I would be more favouring a fcuked gearbox or engine mount, or possibly a worn suspension arm joint.

HTH

Crap! hope not. I have just found out that my warranty is still running. Just hope it covered. As i wanted to save my money from OOA not spend it on my chariot!

 

[Hoof_Hearted]

Crap! hope not. I have just found out that my warranty is still running. Just hope it covered. As i wanted to save my money from OOA not spend it on my chariot!

I hope you didn't mis-read my last post! I didn't mean a fcuked gearbox, I actually meant the composite rubber/metal mount which holds the box to the chassis (or subframe)! Shouldn't be too expensive!