Recent content by wideboybloke

I had a good look over one back in the summer while I was waiting to collect my car from being serviced. I was really impressed with the interior - very chunky and aggressive dash with screens angled towards the driver and bags of interior space. I also like the exterior styling, although it...

I had the leaking thermostat housing when mine went in for its 4 year service. There were no symptoms so I think it must have been caught at an early stage. No other engine issues, but I had a brake servo failure and I’ve had to have the rear washer fixed twice, which the dealer blamed on...

Prices sound about right when my dealer was proposing to charge £198 (plus AT, I think) in August 2020

How much were you charged, if I may ask?

UPDATE I still have the car (long story). When it came to service and MOT time this year (a month ago) my usual dealer, the one who serviced and MOT’d it last year, was unable to supply a loan car so the Audi central booking system suggested using another fairly local dealer who did have a...

I’ve been contemplating an SUV and I would naturally consider Audi first. However, I’m blowed if I’m paying around £45K for one. I don’t want one that much!

I had the brake servo sensor warning flash up too. However, the whole brake servo had to be replaced, not just the sensor. £1500, so the warranty extension more than paid for itself. With these cars, I wouldn’t hesitate to get the broadest cover possible. Last week mine went in to have the...

My car is in for a minor repair and while it’s in they are going to carry out the 24GP software update. The job sheet says “It is possible that an abrupt change in Lambda value may occur due to a discrepancy in the engine ECU.” Before this, I had only the faintest idea what a Lambda sensor is...

I don’t have an answer to the problem, but I’m posting to register my irritation and frustration at the road tax surcharge as I have come up against it recently. Somebody said above that you don’t get that much for £40K these days and it would be very cynical of the government to freeze the...

Mine will rather betray my age: 1. Morris Minor (split screen 803 cc) 2. Austin A30 3. Ford Anglia 105E 4. Mk 2 Cortina 1300 5. Mk 3 Cortina 1600 6. Vauxhall Chevette 7. Capri 1.3 litre 8. Mk 4 Cortina Estate 9. Mk 2 Vauxhall Carlton Estate 10. Renault Savannah 11. Renault Espace 12 Mk 1 Seat...

I’ve been tempted by the Merc C Class estate now and again. There are some very attractive offers from time to time and if you can afford a B9 A4, you’re also in C Class territory. The Merc is very plush and of course it’s a Merc, but I just don’t know enough about them or know enough owners...

I think the point is that they’re different. ‘New’ keeps the market interested and there will always be an element that will want the newest and latest innovations. When a particular model’s competitors undergo a re-design or refresh, the market looks to see how that model will respond. If...

I don’t know which engine is right for your circs, but for what it’s worth I can only say positive things about the 2.0 litre tfsi 190. Others will tell you the same: it’s smooth, quiet, very powerful and surprisingly economical. I think it’s a fantastic power unit and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed...

I had Pirelli P Zero Rossos on a 2010 A3 Sportback. Beautifully quiet tyre and no complaints about braking or wet weather handling, but I had to replace the fronts after just 14,000 miles of not particularly spirited driving. My tyre depot fixed me up with a harder wearing Pirelli - can’t...

And it was the gearbox that worried me most about this car, yet here we are with no hint of trouble (touch wood) from that area.