Googolplex

My car’s just begun making an audible Clonk noise when starting, simultaneously vibration up through the clutch pedal. It’s a one off sound just as the engine starts, almost as though the engine is a little bit loose on its footing. But, Otherwise running completely smoothly, quietly and efficiently, revs nicely. I had the Cambelt changed about 1k miles back and have just had the two front shocks replaced. It’s 82k and five years old so I suppose it’s the time for a few issues to emerge... but would be grateful if anyone had any idea what this might be?

But it's a 10 year old car. Things can break on cars of that age. MOTs won't flag up when brake calipers are about to seize or springs about to break. You've just been unlucky, and it certainly doesn't make the brand unreliable.

I checked where I stood on this at the recent service. They said that if I didn't want it done, I didn't have to. All I had to do was sign a sheet of paper for Skoda UK stating that I didn't want the update. Apparently refusing it doesn't affect warranty. If, at a future date, I change my mind then they will do the update free of charge. I'd say it's best not to have it done if you're happy with the way your car drives.

If we take our car to the main dealer for servicing, surely they'll do this modification whether we like it or not.

That's where the roof bars come in handy...

I'm really enjoying mine, so it seems almost sacrilege to point out the bits that aren't so good. But, in a quirky car like this, there are some. I quickly adjusted to the cruise on the stick, so no problems there - and it is much smoother in response than the old Mondeo. However, I do miss the Mondy's heated windscreen and auto wipers so, if I replaced this one, they would have to feature. The hand brake placement is odd - not getting used to that. Cup holders likewise - the one on the Mondy which came out of the dash was much better placed. Sunglasses holder too small - had to buy a new pair... Absolutely no problems with the steering wheel controls - all well-positioned and easy to use. I find first gear too limiting - would prefer it to take me to a higher speed before changing up. I don't know whether the gearing is particular to the 4x4, so that may have something to do with it. After a Mondeo, the wallowing drive characteristics took a lot of getting used to, but I'm there now and actually appreciate the smoother drive now that I don't throw the car into bends. All of these are small beer in comparison with the many fine qualities of this car.

Most recent first: 06 Mondeo Estate 2 litre petrol 03 Mondeo Estate TDCi 94 Cavalier 1.7TD 89 Ford Orion 1.8 TD 79 Escort 1.3GL Tend to hang on to my cars...

I'm not sure about this fuss about electrics. I had the Witter detachable towbar fitted with single electrics. Obviously doesn't have the proper integrated electrics since the reverse sensors chime when reversing with trailer. I tow a 22ft boat on trailer. Other than reversing, towing is brilliantly smooth and the grip from the 4x4 on slipways is simply transformational (in comparison with the old Mondeo). I did ask Skoda to fit their towbar and they simply weren't interested despite me pressing them - all they offered was to suggest I contacted a garage down the road. I don't really understand why they did this. I was willing to pay... In the end I got a mobile van bloke to do the job. Just under £400 as I recall.

I have the Tour de France which I picked up as an ex-demo. If I was buying new, I'd probably go for the Elegance with 4x4, although IMO the TDF looks better with the grey bumpers. Like previous posts, the Outdoor Plus seems overpriced and lacks some of the toys of the Elegance, such as auto wipers - which I really miss from my previous car - not to mention the higher spec Columbus Satnav. Having said that, massively enjoy the TDF. Brilliant car!

Hang on a moment: let me get this right... They fit the sensor, but don't allow it to work....!? Not TDF so much as WTF...!

Why do both lights come on when you go into reverse? What's the point of that?!

I liked the look of the hatch, and was hoping for great things from the estate. Let's hope there's more to come because these pics are disappointing, to say the least....

Would you believe it, I have two. They're next to useless. Spend their whole day asleep. Couldn't catch a slow worm, neither of them...

Thanks everyone for the replies. I'm going to have a go at posting a few pictures. I fear they've been nibbling away elsewhere too but, for now, I've tried to suck out as much of the mess as I can. There are some exposed wires which I'll try and picture in due course. Possibly it is covered on insurance but, like many of these things, there's a pretty hefty excess to pay first. First port of call has been to pick up some mice poison... I will show no mercy...

I've just put my TDF in for its first oil change 9k miles, 9 months old. Ex demo, purchased from main dealer at the end of December, so I've owned it for less than 3 months. The visual health check showed rodent damage under the engine cover. The little buggers have gnawed some of the injector wiring - the advisory says 'injector wiring harness gnawed by rodent'. They've also had their way with the some of the sound insulation on the underside of the cover. Replacement wiring £210. New cover £54. Not under warranty, since rodent damage apparently isn't mechanical failure... Needless to say, really annoyed with this. I will try and pursue some sort of goodwill gesture from the garage but realise that's all it will be. Whilst they sold the car with a piece of paper saying they'd checked such things, so it could only have happened under my ownership, who knows what really happened. Why design something that provides the ideal nest for rodents? That has to be a flaw? It's only ever parked in paved driveways, roadways and car parks. Has anyone else come across this sort of thing? I've inspected the wiring loom and cannot see any bare wires. Is this the sort of thing I could wrap up with something appropriate and save the bother? I suppose that might invalidate the warranty. If it is all replaced, besides a mousetrap, what else can be used to deter the beasts?! Suppose I've just been unlucky...