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New to the Motoring board? Start here
🚘 Here are some threads you might find useful: * A compendium of car maintenance tips 🚘 And here's some relevant content from MoneySavingExpert.com: * Cost of living crisis help * Cheap Car Insurance * Cheap Breakdown Cover * Cheap Petrol & Diesel - Cut prices & improve fuel efficiency * Cheap MOTs * Motoring MoneySaving -…
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Anxiety about long drive
In a few weeks I will be driving from the North West down to Wembley Stadium and back again in a day and for some reason I've developed really bad anxiety. I am a good driver, I've had my licence for 15 years almost after passing whilst in college and I've done other long drives to places such as Newcastle and the Harry…
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balloon payment
I have a balloon payment of £6,000.00 coming up in September. I would like to keep my car but cannot afford to pay for it outright. however, 2 years ago I went on an IVA but excluded my PCP. I have never defaulted on my payments (5 year agreement). Can I get a friend to take up the balloon payment on finance since I cannot…
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Taking private seller to small claims
Hi, I purchased a car from a private seller a week ago and had to take it to the garage in 3 days. My partner test drove the car and said everything was fine and we purchased it. The car had very sticky gears to which the seller advised she was used to it but the garage said it was fine and not a problem. I later wanted to…
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Car Battery
I started my car this morning after scraping off the first proper ice of the winter. Travelled 2 miles to the supermarket. An hour later having done the shopping, the car wouldn't start. The electric windows, radio, time & date all not working too. I called a breakdown recovery through my insurance. The guy arrived & said…
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Electric cars and solar panels
I'm likely to buy a small EV in the next few months. I've got solar panels, not a storage battery (i.e. I don't sell back to the grid exactly what I produce), so I get a certain amount of electricity "free" when it's bright, and a quarterly payment. The FIT system. In the past, I've not been able to have a smartmeter…
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Solar Powered EV Charging
OK I will admit to not exactly liking EV's (I have posted several anti-EV posts in the past) - but now it appears that an EV "may" be the way for me to go.....from MotabilityIf I did get an EV - Would it be possible for me to charge it purely from solar panels mounted on the garage roof ?I know that there are lots of…
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Expired EU Driving Licence in UK
Hi Hope someone can help with this query for a friend please. They have been driving in UK on an EU licence. Now resident in UK. They declared EU licence to insurer when taking out car insurance. Just realised the EU licence was about to expire so made application to DVLA to exchange it for a UK licence. The licence was…
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End of car lease - newbie!
Handing back my first ever lease car in August - Nissan Qashqai on a 48-month contract with RCI Financial Services. Looking for advice from anyone who's been through this before. Here's my situation: the car needs a final service before handback. My local Nissan dealer (Aberdeen) wants £300 for it. But looking at my…
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Early Exit from NHS solutions lease
My husband works for NHS and I'm a named driver on a second car leased through Fleet Solutions. It has come to light that the business insurance is only for NHS business - I work in children's social care and notified this at the start of the agreement. We have had discussions but they say we can not pay additional…
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New Small Family Car Suggestions?
Hi all, I am in the market for a New or 6 month old petrol manual gearbox small family car. I have had a Ford Fiesta for my last two cars over the years. I was thinking Suzuki Swift or Skoda Fabia, but would appreciate suggestions, as to what you would go for. I have a budget of £20,000 approx. Any replies would be very…
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RAC Breakdown Renewal Quote up 37%
After many years with the RAC for breakdown cover for 2 x cars (vehicle policies not personal ones), the time has come to go elsewhere for cover, as the premium looks to go up by £125 for the year to an eye-watering £440 (one car 8 months old, the other a 22 year old Ford Fiesta). I have quotes of between £45 -£110 from a…
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Vehicle Duty - Premium surcharge
We bought a new (to us) car in June 2025 and blythely believed the salesman's assurances that the premium surcharge "about a year" to run. We were both a bit caught up in the moment and didn't check the details. The car was first registered in July 2021 so when we taxed it in 2025 we paid the surcharge and I fully expected…
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Tyres
I need to replace the tyres on my Toyota Aygo. I drive about 4,000 miles per annum, mostly on city roads/motorways. What should I be looking for/any recommendations?
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A puncture now equals a breakdown !
Electric cars now can’t usually have a spare wheel or a spacesaver. So a puncture, unless it’s a simple hole in the tread repairable by the noddy repair kit, results in a breakdown scenario. The car is taken away and you are dependent on the maker’s ‘Assistance’ arrangements. All for want of a spare. That’s progress for…
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DRIVING AIDS
Hi Folks I'm in the process of buying a used car (Fiord Focus). Are there any driving aids on the market which could help me to: Get a more clearer view of the rear. Help me park in tight spots (e.g. car assist) Help in assisting the width of the car Thanks in advance.
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How to ask for a Speed Awareness course?
Hi all Hope this is in the right part of the forum. I have just received a NIP from Devon and Cornwall Police for doing 76 in a 60 limit. Fair cop, but acc to this site this puts me just 1 MPH over the threshold at which the police have the discretion to offer you a speed awareness course -…
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Fixter - A spectacular horror story
This is hopefully a useful warning to anyone out there. Normally I am very careful with apps and websites that promise the world. These guys had good reviews and seemed legit, plus I would have got a nice bit of cashback from TopCashBack if I had ended up paying for anything. But strap in if you're reading this. I promise…
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Volvo EX30 battery charging recall
I need help to reject my Volvo EX30 which I have on PCP finance with VCFSUK. I bought the car new in Mary 2024 and have had serious technical issues since Nov 24 which were all highlighted to the finance company the local dealer. This car was released to market far too early before it was tested and it was clear early on…
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HORIZON Parking Camera
Hi guys I hope someone will be able to advise me on this as it isn’t just me but feel it could be happening to others all over and may mean they are being [Some text removed by the Forum Team] charged in error. I dropped my granddaughter to school on 22/5/26 at 07.47 and parked in Tesco car park I also went into Tesco and…
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Leasing Experience from HELL
Hi everyone, I’m looking for some advice regarding my Jaguar I-Pace, which I lease through my business. The car was fine for the first six months, but then a battery cell died and needed replacing. Since that error appeared, I’ve been limited to a 70% charge—around 130 miles—which isn’t practical for work. I had to wait…