rwbaldwin

That's the way I took it

You're right, it's not. When my Saab engine was replaced, I got a letter giving me all the information I needed. There was also an entry in the service log book. I can't understand why Skoda UK don't do the same :( The letter went something like this. Dear xxx, We can confirm your engine was replaced under warranty, due to the failure of the timing chain tensioner. As the original engine had a mileage of less than 4000 miles, it has been replaced by a new engine. The gearbox was not affected by the failure of the engine and has not been replaced. The remaining warranty for the original engine applies to the replacement engine. The mileage limits on the warranty have not been extended. As the replacement engine has been assigned the same engine number and is the same variant as the original, there is no need to report the engine replacement to the DVLA. ...

They are not my 'fancy words'. I'm sure some government bureaucrat came up with them many, many years ago. To be fair, the engine definition is still good - even with hybrids and electrics, so I guess whoever it was, did a good job.It has been suggested to Skoda that the position be stated in a letter to owners, but so far there has been no response. They don't seem to grasp that just telling an owner 'everything will be OK' is not acceptable - even if true :(

There is no requirement for an engine to have a serial number until it is put into a vehicle. Every motor vehicle must have an engine with a 'unique to the population' serial number. AFAIK, this is the only requirement for an engine number. IIRC, there is a rule that only the manufacturer or their agents can use the same engine number on a replacement and only if the original engine is returned to the manufacturer. An engine is defined as a device that converts energy into the motion of the vehicle. Many years ago, I had a Saab 93. The timing chain tensioner was faulty and the engine was destroyed. The replacement engine had the same number, so this is nothing new.

Take a look at http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/advice/selling/archive/Buying-a-used-car-with-outstanding-finance/

Many business buyers prefer to use Bongo or Shipito. Lots of Chinese sellers use GSP (or a third party equivalent) so they can say they are shipping from the UK. As an example, search for 'Infrared Thermonometer', filter by 'UK' and sort by lowest price first. You'll be surprised how many sellers are based in Portsmouth

Assuming you need a complete track rod and not just a TRE... Parts are about £70 retail (incl VAT). IIRC, book time for book procedure is about 3 hours, so that's £80/hour. London prices? :( Check out the local indys.

On an early 02K gearbox, it could be a worn part in the shift mechanism on top of the box. As this is a non-UK car, it is possible that an 02J gearbox is fitted. In this case, a broken 'relay driver' in the shift mechanism on top of the box could be the cause. What is the three chararter gearbox code?

Dear Spider, I haven't seen you since I squirted fly spray behind the mirror...

see this thread http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/225135-hill-hold-fault/

As you are a student, have you tried Ensleigh?

That's known as 'fronting' and is a form of insurance fraud. If you are discovered, your insurance will be cancelled, leading to insurance so high, you won't be able to afford it.

Take a look at http://www.carinsuranceexplained.com/car-insurance-explained/car-insurance-postcode-risk-list.html . IIRC, Salford is M27.

If I had to guess, I would suspect the turbo oil seals. If it really smells like diesel, I would have the compression tested. How many miles does it have? What mods have you done?

What year/engine code is it? The three character engine code can be found on the options label (under the boot carpet or in the service log book).

... or you can just ask them not to auto renew. It's not a problem.

No. They are not the same.

I see nothing wrong with speaking to them, asking them for more details and correcting anything they have wrong. If they have something factually wrong, then now is the time to say so.I guess I wouldn't comment on non-factual matters or give my opinions and I wouldn't hesitate to seek legal advice if I thought it was necessary.

IIRC, my mate was quoted £40 to get a new panel sewn in or £110 for new 'bolster faces' on both seats. I guess it depends if matching cloth is available.

My advise would be to get it repaired professionally. Having said that, a mates's wife repaired something similar by putting a seam where the tear was and one on the other side to match.

My guess is that the driver of the oncoming car had to (or thought they had to) brake to avoid an accident. Someone, probably saw the brake lights come on. One of the parts delivery drivers had a similar 'incident' where he was overtaking and an oncoming driver flashed his lights at him. This was seen by a PC from a distance and he was reported. Fortunately, he had a camera in his van and could show that the oncoming car was wrong to flash him, as there was no danger.

No. In this case, it would be covered by the 'Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982'.

Always tell them you don't want automatic renewal, which can be the default (insurance companies are allowed to do this, as they successfully argued that it is in your interest, as if you forget you won't become uninsured).

The keycode would have been supplied on a keytag with a 2002 car.

If they are the same diameter, the 10-tooth must have larger teeth than the 11-tooth.