Ask a Shiter

[Vantman]

Any decent hardware shop will have graphite lock lubricant,i have always used it on any sort of lock and it is also useful on seat belt buckles but use it sparingly.

[Timewaster]

Might be worth using some brake cleaner or similar to get rid of the oil / WD / water residue before using graphite.

[Cavcraft]

Anyone got real life experience of an Insignia CDTi? I know all Vauxhalls are shit/modern cars/blah blah blah, so just want hands on experience or anyone who works for Vauxhall or something.

 

I quite fancy the 'VX line' CDTi, probably about a 2010/11 model, though I wouldn't kick the 1.8 petrol one out of bed either. I'm not especially arsed about top speed, decent MPG would be nice though. Is there some DMF based horror waiting round the corner? There seems to be loads about with 120-200k on (ex-rep cars probably) so assuming they can stand the miles alright?

TIA DERLETE IV NT ALOUD 

[burraston2006]

Just been for the weekly scrum I'm Lidls and funnily enough they've got the graphite lab in there. £1.99 a tin. Just thought I'd let you all know!

[burraston2006]

Should say lube not lab. Fxxking auto correct again!!

[panhard65]

Anyone got real life experience of an Insignia CDTi? I know all Vauxhalls are shit/modern cars/blah blah blah, so just want hands on experience or anyone who works for Vauxhall or something.

 

I quite fancy the 'VX line' CDTi, probably about a 2010/11 model, though I wouldn't kick the 1.8 petrol one out of bed either. I'm not especially arsed about top speed, decent MPG would be nice though. Is there some DMF based horror waiting round the corner? There seems to be loads about with 120-200k on (ex-rep cars probably) so assuming they can stand the miles alright?

TIA DERLETE IV NT ALOUD 

I can't really help with anything usefull but I had a 2009 Insignia in the other day for service. It was a 1.8 petrol and to be honest was bloody gutless. The car itself wasn't too bad lots of toys and modern stuff, but the old ecotech type engine just can't cut it in such a big heavy car. On the plus side the engine does look a bit lost in the engine bay so easy to work on.

[NorfolkNWeigh]

Anyone got real life experience of an Insignia CDTi? I know all Vauxhalls are shit/modern cars/blah blah blah, so just want hands on experience or anyone who works for Vauxhall or something.

 

I quite fancy the 'VX line' CDTi, probably about a 2010/11 model, though I wouldn't kick the 1.8 petrol one out of bed either. I'm not especially arsed about top speed, decent MPG would be nice though. Is there some DMF based horror waiting round the corner? There seems to be loads about with 120-200k on (ex-rep cars probably) so assuming they can stand the miles alright?

TIA DERLETE IV NT ALOUD

 

Driven a few rentals, the 1.8 petrol couldn't pull your foreskin back, felt quite scary trying to join a motorway, loaded with 4 fat bStards and a boot full of luggage.

The CDTi is a much nicer prospect, well when it's new anyway. I had a CDTi Elite for a couple weeks about 18 months ago , smooth, quite quick and did about 50 mpg according to the OBC. The SatNav/ stereo was brilliant, in fact the best I've ever encountered this side of a new S Class.

I was so impressed I considered buying one, and I KNOW all Vauxhalls are shit. The lack of rear legroom was the main thing that stopped me.

We've got one parked outside at the moment, one of my daughters has got a rental from work. She's not over enamoured , mostly because she's a short arse and can't see out of it, also the boot isn't as long as her ancient C Class.

When I was looking at them , the 2.0 Turbo petrols looked like a bargain. Pretty nippy too.

[bub2006]

I was under the impression that if the car and trailer/dolly is under a certain weight (750kg?) that brakes not needed and the car has to be legal. I have seen dollies with braked wheels though and the car is fully road legal. Has got a shot wheel bearing though so could be classed as breakdown if that is the case.

[Jazoli]

Anyone got real life experience of an Insignia CDTi? I know all Vauxhalls are shit/modern cars/blah blah blah, so just want hands on experience or anyone who works for Vauxhall or something.

 

I quite fancy the 'VX line' CDTi, probably about a 2010/11 model, though I wouldn't kick the 1.8 petrol one out of bed either. I'm not especially arsed about top speed, decent MPG would be nice though. Is there some DMF based horror waiting round the corner? There seems to be loads about with 120-200k on (ex-rep cars probably) so assuming they can stand the miles alright?

TIA DERLETE IV NT ALOUD 

 

 

I've had a couple of long term rentals, the diesels are great, the petrols less so, ok one up but with a car full of people and luggage they are painfully slow, the satnav and ICE is pretty good, although nowhere near the command stuff in the C class Merc I had for a month after the Insignia, can't comment on long term reliability as they were all under 3 months old.

[dave21478]

Bub, if its under 750kgs you can A-frame the microcar legally as an unbraked trailer.

That is the GROSS weight of the car though, not its kerb weight....ie car plus passengers and luggage, full tank of fuel etc. this should be on the VIN plate.

 

However, some of these things dont like being flat towed.....can screw up the CVT system.

 

I cant speak for dollys, I never use them, but believe the same 750kgs rule would apply, but you would need to watch the gross weight of the car plus the weight of the dolly stay under the 750kgs.

 

Might be an easier bet to rent or borrow a wee beavertail or something?  Depends on the car obviously but I have even seen some of them carried in the back of a Transit van.

[Kiltox]

Anyone got real life experience of an Insignia CDTi? I know all Vauxhalls are shit/modern cars/blah blah blah, so just want hands on experience or anyone who works for Vauxhall or something.

 

I quite fancy the 'VX line' CDTi, probably about a 2010/11 model, though I wouldn't kick the 1.8 petrol one out of bed either. I'm not especially arsed about top speed, decent MPG would be nice though. Is there some DMF based horror waiting round the corner? There seems to be loads about with 120-200k on (ex-rep cars probably) so assuming they can stand the miles alright?

TIA DERLETE IV NT ALOUD

A colleague did 120k+ in a 59 plate one without issue and is now smacking 700+ miles a week onto a 64 plate again without any problems - £600 for four tyres smarts a bit but he loves it

 

Both 2.0 CDTi I believe. Massive difference in interior quality in the newer facelift one.

[Kiltox]

Better - really nice place to sit IMO

[Pillock]

As above. Heavy, really heavy, so whatever engine you're looking at go for the next one. I think they do a 1.6 Ecoflex CDTI which would be as pleasant as shitting a pineapple.

 

Interiors are really good from facelift onwards, less squeaks and rattles than a similar Passat. They'll take the miles well, our work ones used to go back at 90k looking pretty fresh inside.

[sierraman]

Anyone got real life experience of an Insignia CDTi? I know all Vauxhalls are shit/modern cars/blah blah blah, so just want hands on experience or anyone who works for Vauxhall or something.

 

I quite fancy the 'VX line' CDTi, probably about a 2010/11 model, though I wouldn't kick the 1.8 petrol one out of bed either. I'm not especially arsed about top speed, decent MPG would be nice though. Is there some DMF based horror waiting round the corner? There seems to be loads about with 120-200k on (ex-rep cars probably) so assuming they can stand the miles alright?

TIA DERLETE IV NT ALOUD

Fatha Sierras had 2. The first he had loads of trouble with, gearbox bearings went - which is apparently common on these. All sorts of problems, can't off hand remember them all.

 

Turbo actuator solenoid goes on them leaving it making a buzzing noise. Replacements a doddle and they are £60. Timing belt is 100k. Wouldn't bother with the 1.8 petrol it's shit on fuel and slow. The 2.0 diesel isn't that clever round town either reckon on 30mpg, but motorway easy 60mpg.

 

DMF started going at 100k on the first one he had, usual symptoms. One at 120k might be a better bet as it will have likely had the timing belt and the clutch. Timing belt isn't cheap either £350-400 job at VX. HTH.

[bub2006]

Bub, if its under 750kgs you can A-frame the microcar legally as an unbraked trailer.

That is the GROSS weight of the car though, not its kerb weight....ie car plus passengers and luggage, full tank of fuel etc. this should be on the VIN plate.

 

However, some of these things dont like being flat towed.....can screw up the CVT system.

 

I cant speak for dollys, I never use them, but believe the same 750kgs rule would apply, but you would need to watch the gross weight of the car plus the weight of the dolly stay under the 750kgs.

 

Might be an easier bet to rent or borrow a wee beavertail or something? Depends on the car obviously but I have even seen some of them carried in the back of a Transit van.

There isn't really anywhere strong enough to mount an a frame to on the microcar. The car weighs sub 500kg. Did consider a beaver tail but it would be cost prohibitive.

[cort16]

When insignias hit 100,000 miles their vauxhall grill badges fall off. Fact

[robinmasters]

When insignias hit 100,000 miles their vauxhall grill badges fall off. Fact

 

By that point they've had enough of the widespread prejudice they face, and are desperately hoping people will mistake them for  a Buick Regal. 

[cort16]

I went out the house a couple of months ago and there was one just sitting on the pavement . It must have just turned 100,000 as it drove by.

[NorfolkNWeigh]

Is anyone else at all curious about what the worst Insignia in the country looks like?

Perhaps it will have been parked in three feet of raw sewage for the last six months, been used to transport abattoir scraps or home to a family of shit-throwing monkeys.

I'm sure we'll find out in a fortnight when Billy buys it.

I have seen the worse Insignia in the country a couple of times , but never thought to take its picture. I will next time I see it.

It's a 59 plate estate that's slammed on the ground , but still on standard steel wheels , it's black with silver front grille and centre of the bonnet . And I think, silver panels on the side, maybe following the swage line.( iPad corrected this to sewage line- how apt)

 

It only needs a few warning lights, a misfire and an interior like Waynetta Slob's handbag to be Cavcraft Car of the Week.

[NorfolkNWeigh]

I went out the house a couple of months ago and there was one just sitting on the pavement . It must have just turned 100,000 as it drove by.

When the Griffin falls off there's an Opel Blitz outline behind it , instant prestige.

[Guest Hooli]

Anyone know where the earth point for the dash/UCH/other leccy shit is in the drivers footwell of a goona?

[oldcars]

What's the newest car companies will allow on a classic policy? While my Shuma is not a classic yet,(might never be) there are only 179  left and it does low miles each year, wondering if i can save a few quid on insurance. Its a 2001.

[Anthony]

What's the newest car companies will allow on a classic policy? While my Shuma is not a classic yet,(might never be) there are only 179  left and it does low miles each year, wondering if i can save a few quid on insurance. Its a 2001.

Seems to vary between companies / underwriters, so I'm not sure there's a easy answer to that.

 

A lot of companies have a 20 year rule, but then some newer stuff (eg MG's) seem to be accepted. I'd hazard a guess that you'll struggle to get a 2001 Shuma classed as a classic, but probably best phoning a few companies and asking the question.

[AMC Rebel]

Anyone know or have superior (Google-fu) the radio wiring colours for a 1994 Range Rover Classic (Vogue SE) with factory rear sub?

 

I seem to have Purple/White Purple/Yellow Green and Red (I reckon Black is earth) Done a bit of a Google, even found a 1986 workshop manual with a wiring diagram but colours are nothing like.

 

[xtriple]

I reckon and could well be wrong that the purple ones with different colours are speakers, red is power (switched?) green is power (not switched) and the black is earth. Check with a multi meter before you take my word for ANYTHING!

[AMC Rebel]

I reckon and could well be wrong that the purple ones with different colours are speakers, red is power (switched?) green is power (not switched) and the black is earth. Check with a multi meter before you take my word for ANYTHING!

Thanks - I can't be wrong cos I don't have a clue (except guessing about earth).  One of them is one I accidentally disconnected whilst removing the radio - that was perm live but I don't know which - maybe the green then.  I could check with a meter, but that won't confirm which if any are speakers.

[Richard]

What's the newest car companies will allow on a classic policy? While my Shuma is not a classic yet,(might never be) there are only 179  left and it does low miles each year, wondering if i can save a few quid on insurance. Its a 2001.

I think some cars are accepted after not much over ten years but others WILL NEVER BE CLASSICS no matter how old and rare they get. I suspected the Shuma is in the latter category.

[dave21478]

Stereo wiring. Use a meter to check the lives and earth, then use an AA battery to check the speakers. Touch a pair of wires to plus and minus on the battery should give a click/thump from the speaker.

[oldcars]

I think some cars are accepted after not much over ten years but others WILL NEVER BE CLASSICS no matter how old and rare they get. I suspected the Shuma is in the latter category.

Even if the underwriter is based in Korea? 

[Bfg]

What's the newest car companies will allow on a classic policy? While my Shuma is not a classic yet,(might never be) there are only 179  left and it does low miles each year, wondering if i can save a few quid on insurance. Its a 2001.

A few years ago I came to insured my 15 year old BMW motorcycle and they put it on a classic policy.  Don't recall exactly but quite probably Footman James Insurance.

..oh firk that was six years ago now !