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Motoring

Archives for March 2010

Car Repair Problems - What are my legal rights?
Hi all, I am desperately seeking some advice. Our car broke down and we took it to the local garage. They stated that it was the water pump, cam belt and the head gasket as well as the engine ignition. We agreed for them to fix it at a price of £604.28 (thats the labour, parts & VAT altogether). They fixed everything apart…
making breakdown service better
last week my car decided not to start while in the M4 services. I have a free membership to AA from my bank (how weird is that???) and as it happened there was a AA breakdown van already in the services dealing with another breakdown but he wouldn't deal with me as I had to call it in first. After calling the banks…
is cycling really green????
I own one Mercedes and three bicycles. I used to drive to do my shopping but started thinking I could do the shop using public transport. So I started using the bus. After an expensive period of bus travel I started using my bicycle, got fit, now I always use pedal power to shop. Quite a few friends saw the benefits and…
Advice / opinion on which car to get
I am looking to buy a small economical reliable car. I have narrowed it down to the ones below but would like some opinions on what you think would be the best choice. I have a budget of only £2000 so I'm not expecting to get anything close to new but Id rather not go older than a 51 plate and under 100k miles. I would…
Best Way To Commute From Leeds to Manchester..
Hi All, Have a real dilema and need some advice. I may have an opportunity to take a new job however it would mean making the commute from Leeds to Manchester everyday. Now the journey itself isnt a major issue but I need to weigh up the potential cost against the financial benefits of taking the job to see if it will be…
Repair quotes for brake pipes, discs and pads, need your advice please!
Dear Moneysavers I had the car (Ford Puma) serviced today at the dealer (Different story) and they advised to replace the following (prices inclusive of VAT and labour): Front discs (19.4&19.2 mm and minimum is 20mm) & pads............for £129 Rear brake shoes (partially worn).........................for £100.87 OSF…
which oil for Toyota corrolla verso?
I have just bought a 2007 Toyota verso 2.2d and i would like to know what oil i need to use if i want to top up the engine oil. i normally check oil levels every couple of weeks...thanks
DVLA - when you've scrapped the car yourself.
Apologies for my first post asking you for help and advice, but trying to juggle and sort out other stuff (aren't we all?) at the same time and therefore losing focus on this matter. Right, I'll get to the point, basically I scrapped my car a month or so ago and sent off the log book (ticking and signing box 17 and 18…
cheap train offers not working
Hi all has anybody else found that the 50% off southern trains and other offers don't seem to work when you enter your journey? Thanks :beer:
Mazda 3 MPS - Realistic used prices and recommended dealers
So, I'm looking for a new car and have decided to go for the MPS. My local dealer (HG Bryer and Sons) in Carmarthen seemed very friendly and helpful, but they are asking 20k for their 59 plate with about 2500 on the clock. I've noticed lots of others on the Mazda used car locator for 18, one in Southampton for 17200 and…
Help! Which used cars should I test drive?
Hello all, I am trying to come up with a shortlist of cars that would be worth test driving. I have stumbled upon this forum and hope some of you nice people may be able to help. I currently have a 2002 VW Polo which I have owned since it was 6 months old and it has been great. I'd like to spend about £9,000 (plus PX on…
No claims discount for named driver
Hi I have been the named driver on my husband's car insurance for 25 years now. I want to get insured in my own name but all those years of me not making a claim dont seem to count for a bean. I have been told that the govt recently made moves to change this so that people like me are able to claim the discount for…
Parking at Goodison Park
Last season, we could park relatively close to Everton Football Club in residential streets however 'residents only' signs have gone up in what seems like a radius of a good few miles. I can understand this and don't have a problem with it. I'm just wondering if anyone knows where it is still possible to park for free near…
Buy or lease a car?
Hi, I'm looking at either buying or leasing a fairly expensive car(25 to 30k). The salesman keeps telling me that leasing is the better option, but maybe I'm so guarded about it b/c I feel like he's really trying to sell me on it. Any advice on it would be great... Also - what happens when you get into an accident w/ a…
Purchase of a motorbility car
I have bought a motorbility car from a major car auction. It comes with no tax. How do i tax it And can i drive it home from auction?have insurance but have to sort the tax out
Simple one - Is my no claims record affected if....
I had an accident but the Insurance rejected a payout therefore resulting in no claim being made. Will my claims record/renewal fee be affected? Since they rejected my claim I have 2 options: 1. Dispute, get paid out and suffer a higher premium when renewing the policy 2. Accept the rejection, repair the motor privately…
Drink driving advice sought
Slightly cowering here as Ive seen the treatment other MSEs have had from the lecuture brigade when asking for advice on this topic, but this website has been so helpful to me in the past I had to give it a go... Partner was banned 4 years 3 months ago for being over the limit. Very unlucky to be stopped for a brake light…
Buying Rav4
Hi everyone Im thinking of buying a Toyota RAV4 has anyone out there ever owned one and if you have what is your advice?
Can't renew tax because Insurance docs not arrived. Going away Easter!
I left it till the last few days to get my car tax renewed (expires 31st March) and my car insurance was also up for renewal (30th March). I took out new insurance with a different company yesterday (29th March). Now, I thought I could renew my tax online but when I try to it says that there is no insurance on the system…
Premium petrol - worth the extra?
I'm looking more for experience than opinions. An accountant acquaintance of mine persuaded me to try the higher octane "premium" fuel claiming he gets a 10% better MPG than when using the standard 95 octane fuel. I've just filled up with Shell Optimax at £1.24 a litre and after 140 miles the fuel computer in my car is…

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MSE News

Ofgem proposes new 'no standing charge' Price Cap – but Martin Lewis warns vulnerable customers need to be opted in or it won't work
Ofgem has today launched detailed proposals for a major shake up to its Energy Price Cap that dictates the price over 80% of homes in England, Scotland and Wales pay for their energy bills.
Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to cut overdraft rates for millions but hike them for others – here's what's happening and full help
If you're a Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland current account holder, the interest rate you're charged for using your overdraft could change soon as part of a fees shake-up. The Lloyds Banking Group, which owns all three brands, says millions of its customers will pay less after the changes – but a "few" will pay more.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more low-income households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Martin Lewis: At last a chance to fix Council Tax flaws impacting millions – debt collection, difficulty challenging your band, discounts and more
Major flaws in the Council Tax system in England could finally be fixed in future, as the Government has launched a wide-ranging consultation to review hideous debt collection practices, the difficulty of challenging your band, the overly complex and horribly-named Severe Mental Impairment discount and more. MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis, who has long campaigned on these issues, shares his response and analysis.
Energy complaints to be dealt with more quickly and Energy Ombudsman to get new powers under Government plans
If you have a complaint about your energy firm, it may be resolved more quickly in future, as the Government has announced a raft of proposals to strengthen consumer protections in the energy market. The planned changes include giving the Energy Ombudsman new powers to force firms to comply with its decisions – but it's still very early days. Here's what we know so far.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Base rate held at 4.25% – here's what it means and when it might be cut next
The Bank of England has held the base rate at 4.25%. Below we explain why, when it might be cut, plus what it means for your mortgage and savings.
Applied for South West Trains 'boundary fares' compensation? Act now to claim it
If you applied for compensation from South West Trains before the deadline in January 2025, you now need to provide your bank details to the claim administrator so it can be paid to you. Here's what you need to know.
Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated for millions – Martin Lewis explains how it'll work, what it means and if it's an improvement
All State Pensioners in England and Wales will receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter, though those who earn over £35,000 will see it clawed back through the tax system. It means nine million pensioners will get the £200 or £300 top-up. Here MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis shares his instant response and analysis, and we include answers to your key questions.

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