All things automotive

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by Fat Controller, Jan 16, 2026 at 9:08 PM.

  1. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2005
    Messages:
    56,978
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Mid Kent
    Ratings:
    +111,924
    White spirit is greasy in itself, you just need an alcohol based glass cleaner.
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
    • ricky101

      ricky101 Total Gardener

      Joined:
      Jun 15, 2016
      Messages:
      3,703
      Gender:
      Male
      Location:
      Sheffield
      Ratings:
      +4,602
      Hi,

      Interested in folks opinions on a new-ish car for us, probably 1 -2 years old though could be new for the right one.

      Key points, small family or supermini 5 door hatch, Petrol and importantly, comfy with a good ride quality to help overcome the bad roads, we do not want anything thats firm and crashes over the bumps. See too many Audi owners weaving on the roads trying to avoid any bumps.

      Though something like the Citroen C3 would seem ideal, sadly its got the infamous PureTech Timing Belt in Oil engine similar to the earlier Fiestas which can cause all sorts of very expensive problems.
      That makes buying a secondhand one very risky as you have no real idea if its been properly looked after as oil changes and oil grades can be critical.
       
      Last edited: Jan 17, 2026 at 11:01 AM
    • Fat Controller

      Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

      Joined:
      May 5, 2012
      Messages:
      30,148
      Gender:
      Male
      Occupation:
      Public Transport
      Location:
      At me 'puter, GCHQ Ashford Office, Middlesex
      Ratings:
      +58,116
      Serious suggestion - take a look at the Dacia Sandero. One of the few small cars that I'd entertain now, especially in terms of reliability.

      Most manufacturers have disappeared down that 3-cylinder, turbo-charged, wet belt, small capacity engine route, so if you are being forced that way, buying new might be better as you get the full warranty (7 years with Dacia Zen)

      Alternatively, if you don't mind something a wee bit bigger, have a look at Mazda 3 or CX30. I've just been through this process helping a colleague who's Hyundai i20 was in need of a chunk spending on it, and he ended up with the CX30 which is a lovely wee car. 0% finance and 6 year warranty all helped, as did their engine tech (4-cylinder, normally aspirated, 2.5 litre, mild hybrid) - - the engine seems to be oversized, and in some respects it is, but the net result is that it isn't stressed in the least, has a cam-chain instead of a belt and with the mild hybrid is giving him well over 40 mpg on average. He only had to wait two weeks for delivery too.
       
      • Informative Informative x 1
      • Jiffy

        Jiffy The Match is on Fire

        Joined:
        Aug 25, 2011
        Messages:
        12,757
        Occupation:
        Pyro
        Location:
        Retired Next To The Bonfire in UK
        Ratings:
        +39,327
        Thank you all, will have a go, FC i will have to look for something the same as i don't buy online
         
      • Plantminded

        Plantminded Total Gardener

        Joined:
        Mar 13, 2024
        Messages:
        2,693
        Gender:
        Male
        Occupation:
        Retired
        Location:
        Wirral
        Ratings:
        +9,005
        When you have a shortlist @ricky101, go to What Car and have a look at their review videos. They seem fair and unbiased. Would a VW suit you like a Polo, Golf or one off their crossover models?
         
      Loading...

      Share This Page

      1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
        By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
        Dismiss Notice