Automotive forum?

RainbowsInTheSpray

Would there be any mileage in having a dedicated automotive forum specifically to do with questions relating to makes/models?

One of the biggest rip-offs in Britain is the garage/spares trade. It strikes me that, through ignorance, many people are wasting their money.

I thought maybe, as a kind of reflection of the financial advisers situation, we might be able to attract some motor trade people to the site to advise on technical questions on the various ranges. E.g. how do I change the oil on my Focus? Why might my Corsa bonnet release be sticking?

We could have sub-fora for Ford, GM, Honda etc...

Crabman

There's already a Motoring & Public Transport board but your idea of a sub-forum for spare parts and general advice sounds like a plan :beer:

Llyllyll

I'd support this as well - good idea.

CVID

Yes a good idea but my guess is people are stuck in the mentality where they actually want to lose money to the car trade. What else, apart from the weather and sport, would they actually have left to grumble about in pubs?

Crabman

CVID wrote:

Yes a good idea but my guess is people are stuck in the mentality where they actually want to lose money to the car trade. What else, apart from the weather and sport, would they actually have left to grumble about in pubs?

Martin and this website maybe? :think: I know I do

taxiphil

I think it would be a great idea to have an area where people could post DIY guides to servicing particular makes and models of cars - e.g. what tools you need and where to get them, and special tips and tricks for each car.

It should be easy for anyone to service their own car but the manufacturers are making it increasingly difficult for the DIY car servicer, so they can rake in a fortune in rip-off main dealer servicing. Modern cars have serviceable parts hidden away in inaccessible places, filters and nuts tightened on by machine so they can't be undone with human strength, and design fittings that require special customised sockets that only their dealerships have.

Result: £200 for a main dealer to service your car, when once upon a time someone with the minimum of knowledge could done a DIY job on a Saturday afternoon.

By sharing information I'm sure we can find ways of beating them at their own game.