December Driving News

Just like the film Speed, but no terrorists or buses – the story of a man stuck in Cruise Control!

An Australian driver is recovering from shock this week after a terrifying car ride across Melbourne. The driver, Chase Weir (22), was nearing his motorway exit when he realised that the cruise control in his Ford Explorer was not going to disengage, allowing him to slow down for his exit. Instead, Weir had to weave in and out of city traffic, honking his horn and flashing his lights just to get other vehicles out of his path as he helplessly careered down the road at 50mph. For thirty minutes, Weir was convinced he was going to die and covered a distance of 25 miles during his ordeal.

Weir did everything he could to disengage the cruise control, he frantically thumped on the footbrake, pulled on the handbrake and even tried to turn off the engine and remove the ignition key but to no avail.

Quickly running out of options, Weir made a desperate call to the police. With the help of the police, he was able to miss most of the traffic he encountered, narrowly avoiding creating a trail of destruction behind him. The car only came to a stop when he saw he was going to hit a queue of traffic, so the terrified driver put all his weight on the footbrake and pulled on the handbrake, swerving into the other side of the road.
Chase Weir commented,

“I could hear the tyres skidding on the road for what seemed like forever.

“I was convinced that I was going to die.”

Ford issued a statement saying that frozen cruise control was not an issue the company had encountered before, however, if you search Google for cruise control problems, over half a million results pop up. It seems as though Ford may be denying a long established problem. Back in 2005, Ford recalled a number of vehicles due to cruise control related problems.

Some commentators have been dismissive of Weir’s story but we would love to know what you think about cruise control faults you may have encountered.


Funny story of the month:

Two fraudsters who were involved in a ridiculous scam to take driving tests on behalf of dozens of cheats were jailed after admitting conspiracy to defraud.

Ali Abdallah, 28 and Muktar Nuren, 22 are both from Manchester and targeted test centres in Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, Yorkshire and East London.

Their own lawyers described their client’s plan as ‘abysmal’ and ‘spectacularly unsophisticated’ as staff at testing centres recognised the two men who were regular visitors and looked nothing like the photographs on the licences they presented.

Police used CCTV footage to link them to the scam.

Some serial impersonators often use false beards, wigs and make up to disguise themselves and repeatedly use the same test centres. 616 cases of impersonation have been reported in the last year.

Failing 33 of the 43 tests they completed, their ‘no pass, no fee’ promise would surely soon leave the hapless duo out of pocket. Those observing the case may be inclined to wonder if the pair should be banned from driving too if they can fail so many driving tests.

When sentencing, Judge Andrew Blake addressed the defendants, telling them, “Luckily, the safeguards that are in place did find you out, but the fraud nevertheless ran for 18 months.”
An investigation has now been launched to locate the drivers who obtained their licences fraudulently through Abdallah and Nuren.

This news has been brought to you by Megavaux. We specialise in Vauxhall van parts and car parts.

How to choose the right van for your needs

The car market may be slow to get back on its feet, but the job market seems to be seeing ‘green shoots of recovery.’ This should mean that soon the car market should be thriving again and the man with a van will become a more common sight.
Regarding choosing the right van if you’re a decision-maker, here is a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best vehicle for your purposes.

What will you use it for?

• City driving
• Long haul (mostly motorways)
• Large loads
• Off-road
• Transporting colleagues

For each of these uses, you would require a different type of van depending on the nature of your business.

City Driving
The Corsavan is perfect for city driving. It’s as small as a normal corsa therefore easy to park in towns where space is somewhat limited. Interestingly enough, it is rather spacious inside so it will comfortably fit two fully grown men in the seats. Exceptionally taller drivers (6ft 4” tall +) may disagree with this statement.

Fuel efficiency is often a problem for city vehicles as constant gear changes and stopping and starting is not great for fuel consumption. If this is an issue, it is helpful to know that car-derived vans such as the Corsavan are well suited to such driving. The clutch and gearbox are likely to wear quickly from lots of gear changes thanks to city driving. It is advisable that drivers be alert to changes in these parts that may signal that they may soon require replacing. Corsavans are not suitable for delivering bulky or heavy vehicles but they’re perfect for moving small loads or for tradesmen working on smaller jobs and typically attracts favourable reviews.

Alternatives include the Daihatsu Hijet or the Piaggo Porter although they are poor alternatives as they are more like small trucks rather than vehicles designed for running around town. Radio stations have chosen Corsavans for their out and about vehicles as they are small, nippy and surprisingly spacious. If you need more space, the Astravan is a larger alternative but not an equivalent due to the vehicle not being small enough to be described as a city car.

Long Haul
In fact, the Astravan is more suitable for long haul journeys than it is going around the city due to the length of the vehicle making it harder to park in crowded city centres but owners of these vans will happily admit that they would choose an Astravan again and again. Not only is it complimented for having a comfortable cab that is on par with the typical domestic vehicle, it handles well and is cost-efficient. The 2009 Astra which the Astravan is based on has fantastic NCAP safety results for an adult which is a big bonus although the pre-2009 models received very respectable ratings. Still, if you are transporting smaller goods across the country, the Astravan is the sensible choice for fuel economy but realistically, a bigger van may be needed for the job. In which case, the next step up is the Vauxhall Vivaro.

Unfortunately, the Vivaro has attracted less glowing reviews compared to the smaller Astravan. Main faults appear to be a weak gearbox and various other complaints relating to bearings on older models.  Yet, the Vivaro has won the top award for ‘Best Medium Van’ seven times since 2001 in the Van Fleet World Awards which is an impressive feat which could indicate that only a vocal minority have experienced real problems. Often hailed as roomy and comfortable, the Vivaro does appear to be a great contender for long drives when you require space. Reviewers report that the engine can be rather noisy but quietens down once fifth gear is selected which suggests that the vehicle is intended for motorway use. However, if you are planning on hiring a vehicle like the Vauxhall Vivaro, please check your driving licence. Drivers who passed their test before January 1997 are entitled to drive this vehicle but drivers who have passed their test since January 1997 need to pass an extra test to add the C1 classification to their licence. The Vivaro and its bigger brother, the Movano both are capable of carrying large loads but very large loads should be left to specialist fleets e.g. HGVs.

Off Road
If you are intending to do a lot of agricultural work or mostly operate in the country, the Vauxhall Frontera is a sensible choice. For those who do not have deep enough pockets to cover the purchase of a Jeep or Land Rover, the Vauxhall Frontera is a sensible and logical choice. Vauxhall have not made the Frontera since 2004, but second hand models are available for good 4X4 entry level vehicle. The cab is set lower than traditional 4X4s which gives it reasonable side protection. Unfortunately, the 2002 model that was tested by Euro NCAP described pedestrian safety as “dire” and that child occupant safety was questionable. Adults fared better but driver safety was impaired with front passenger results being marginally better. 2003 models are often recommended. Similar vehicles for similar money would be up to five years older for the same money but alternatives include the Mitsubishi Shogun and the Ford Maverick.

Transporting Colleagues
If you work with one other colleague, any of the aforementioned vans are suitable for two people, possibly with the exception of the Corsavan for two exceptionally taller occupants. The Vauxhall Movano seats 3 passengers and similar vehicles include the Ford Transit and the Mercedes Sprinter.
Other questions you need to consider

• How much can you afford? Businesses have been known to collapse due to unwise vehicle choices which also include road tax, servicing and insurance.
• How long do you expect to keep it? If you only need a van for a short term, it may be best to consider rental as you will not have to cover the cost of depreciation or servicing etc.
• Will the van be used for towing? In which case the Frontera or the Vivaro/Movano are the better choices but may require extra classifications being added to your driving licence.
• How much time will be spent in the vehicle? If you are intending to drive the vehicle for many hours then comfort should be a big consideration.
• If something goes wrong, do you know where you can take your vehicle for genuine Vauxhall van parts?

Carburettors and Home-Made Fuel

As the country has moved deeper and deeper into the recession, car owners have continued to feel the pinch with rising car tax, maintenance costs that cannot be ignored e.g. new tyres, and fuel costs have rocketed up to 110 pence per litre of unleaded in some areas.

Desperate to hold onto their cars, drivers have tried to keep their costs down in a variety of ways, some legal, some illegal. In desperate times when people are fighting to keep their jobs and tightening their belts meaning that some ‘forget’ to renew their insurance policy, others try to drive less or more efficiently. Some drivers take more drastic action and try to make their own fuel, however this is dangerous.

Why is it dangerous to make your own fuel?
The carburettor mixes air and fuel and then injects it into the engine. If, for example, you put petrol into a diesel car, do not start the engine. Petrol burns at a higher temperature to diesel so when the fuel is sprayed into the engine, the petrol could melt some of the engine components. You will know this has happened because once you have turned the engine over, there will be a huge amount of smoke coming from the car. The principle with home-made fuels also applies. By using such fuels, you are contaminating your engine – you might as well put sugar in the tank.

If your car is not modified to run on alternative substances, then putting home-made fuel into your car is a huge mistake and could be fatal for your car. Fuels can vary from brand to brand as different companies add different additives that make the fuel burn more efficiently. This is why you may notice a difference in fuel consumption when you use different brands of fuel. As an unofficial rule, brands refine their fuels for quality whereas supermarkets refine their fuel for price. Home-made fuels have fundamental differences to refined oil that is made into petrol which is what was originally intended for your car to use. 

Can you modify your car to run on these cheaper fuels?
Yes, but your car must be modified by a garage as it is a complicated job. If you have an old car then you may find that the initial expense cannot be justified. After all, you will have to cover a huge distance before the car starts paying for itself. Don’t forget, cars that use LPG fuel are not currently allowed to use the Channel Tunnel so if you drive from the UK to mainland Europe and you have converted your car to use LPG fuel, you will have to book a ferry instead.

So what about my carburettor?
Newer cars don’t always have a carburettor inm a traditional sense as they use a fuel injection system instead. However, there are still a number of cars that use a carburettor in an evolved form. Even with a fuel injection system, you should never add a substance to your fuel tank that wasn’t intended to be put into your vehicle by the manufacturer.

A new carburettor could cost anything from £100 to £600 which might or might not include the fitting by a garage. They can be bought second hand. It is an expensive car part to replace and a frustrating one if you were romanced by the promises of cheaper fuel.

How can I fix my car if I have put the wrong fuel in?
If you haven’t already turned your engine on, DON’T! Get your car to a garage and have the fuel tank and pipes drained by a professional. If you have started the car, be aware that you car may have to be written off as it could work out too expensive to repair.

If you have seen videos posted online and various articles telling you how you can get cheaper fuel, consult with a professional before trying it out on your car. 

Why you need a chassis number?

Think of a car’s chassis as being just like your skeleton, it is the frame which a car is built up from... but is also the essence of its identity. Allow me to explain: every car when it is made is assigned a unique serial number which is either known as a chassis number or a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This number allows mechanics to identify the vehicle which is listed on a database so that they can a.) Check the car’s history and b.)Use the chassis number as a means to source the correct spares for your vehicle when parts inevitably wear out.

The used car market is full of secrets, without the existence of a chassis number, you could easily become the victim of a “cut and shut”, when you buy a car that is literally two cars welded together. This is extremely dangerous and could endanger your safety and that of other people. On the database, information about serious accidents the car has been involved in is kept for future reference. When you buy a used car, this is certainly something about the car’s history that you would want to know about. The chassis number enables you to track a car’s history.

When buying Vauxhall parts, you need to know your chassis number; it is usually on a plate near the engine. For example, if you are looking for Vauxhall Corsa parts, the chassis number is probably under the bonnet close to the car’s battery.

Since 1981, chassis numbers have consisted of strictly 17 characters which don’t include the letters i, o or q to avoid confusion with number 0 and 1 although bear in mind that there are four separate standards used to calculate VIN numbers across the world.

Vauxhall Corsa faults

Vauxhall Corsa’s are among the most popular cars in the Vauxhall range but have not been without their problems. The car series has had a number of different releases each with different bodies and engines. So we need to take a look at the different models within the Corsa series to see what problems have occurred at the various stages and the problems likely to emerge in the future.

The first models released between 1993-2000 are now starting to see quite a few issues relating to the bodywork, engine and other general problems. The older Corsa’s tend to have issues with defective door hinges and be susceptible to rust due to poor paintwork on the body.

The engines can suffer from a few starting problems. The 1.4 16v model had some problems with cutting out. If the Corsa's have a particularly high mileage you can see some clutch wear or slip.

The Vauxhall Corse 93-03 seems to use front tyres more and wear them down and also the brakes the suspension is easily tired on these older models. The Corse can experience minor electrical problems and the interior trim looks tatty after a while.

The Vauxhall Corse 00-03 model has a new range of issues this model is particularly popular with people who like to add body kits. These don’t really add value and can be covering crash damage so may be worth investigating.

The oil level on this model can drop easily so it’s worth checking and asking for proof of the last oil change. A common accompaniment to the body kit is the sports exhaust and stereo, if this isn’t a feature you want don’t pay for a car with these extras.

The Vauxhall Corsa from 2003-2006 is mechanically fine but are popular with modders so watch out for body kits and noisy exhausts. The most modern Corsa’s are relatively free from problems with the body and engine. There have been several recalls regarding the steering control.

So if you have any of these issues and are in need of Vauxhall Corsa parts, take a look at Megavaux.

Vauxhall Omega Common Issues

The Vauxhall omega is getting to be a bit of an old car now, its time wan between 1994 and 2003 so you can now only buy this model second hand. The Vaukhall omega had two types of cars, the saloon and the estate car. As the cars are now aging there are certain issues that many drivers are finding. We are highlighting the main issues so you know what Vauxhall Omega parts you may need.

The body of the Vauxhall Omega seems to suffer from poor paintwork, on some of the older cars particularly older white models there are problems with rust blisters. The door sills tend to scuff door sills and the suspension is easily worn

The engine tends to suffer from some cold start and ignition problems, it can have faulty fuel delivery system. Some of the cars can have jerky shifts in the gears. The cam rattles and the drive belt can get worn.

The Vauxhall omega seems to suffer from overuse as frequently they have damage to interior and the load space can get damaged, it can also suffer from brake wear and a loose trim.
So if you have a Vauxhall omega saloon or estate, keep an eye open for these common problems and if you need any Vauxhall Omega spares

Vauxhall Sintra Common Faults

The Vauxhall Sintra has a variety of issues depending on its year of release. It's worth knowing the faults associated with your car as if the problem emerges you will be aware of it and will know the Vauxhall Sintra parts and spares that you need to repair your Vauxhall Sintra.

The Vauxhall Sintra was actually only available in the uk between 1996 and 1999, as a large mpv the model was soon replaced by the zafira and meriva and so was no longer needed. It was part of a new generation of cars that offered a second generation u body mpv. The new design made it an interesting prospect in America with its sliding doors providing a car shaped alternative to the minivan. However, Europe found there were other manufacturers that could provide a more interesting alternative.

The car has a number of known issues. The body is susceptible to rusting panels, stonechips and peeling paint. Often the panels on the car are poorly fitted and the car can have problems with misted headlamps. The engine can have issues with the cambelt and it has been known to misfire. The Sintra has known issues with the ABS, all electrics and bumpers coming loose from the body.

Aside from common faults the car has a number of safety issues, in the EuroNCAP frontal impact test in 1998, the car was found to have significant issues. The cabin structure proved unstable and the steering wheel and airbag broke off which could cause a fatal neck injury to the driver. The car was not to Uk tastes and a car satisfaction survey in 1998 ranked the car 182/182 for customer satisfaction.

As a large mpv the Sintra has not had great reviews but if you are looking to repair it you can find parts at Megavaux.

Vauxhall Tigra’s Common problems

If you are looking to repair your Vauxhall Tigra and you are in need of Vauxhall Tigra parts, it may be worth taking note of the common problems you get with the car. In this way you can be prepared for future costs and any future Vauxhall Tigra parts you may need.

According to Parkers there are no major common problems reported with the 01 to 09 versions of the car, although there has been some recalls related to the engine and gearbox where moisture has penetrated the unit. Also there was a 2005 recall for the passenger airbag coming loose and a 2007 recall for the sterling control getting lost.

The older Vauxhall Tigra’s launched between 1994 and 2001 were developed fairly quickly and this shows in its reliability, many owners have reported a variety of different issues. The body is susceptible to suspension wear, accident damage and appears to be a victim of botched repairs. Neglecting the engine and gearbox can cause major issues and the cylinder head can become a problem. The car is susceptible to clutch wear, worn front tyres and general abuse. It seems that as the car is a coupe it tends to be driven as a sports car but doesn’t have the goods to keep the engine running.

So if you have a Vauxhall Tigra, be aware of its faults and if you need parts take a look at Megavaux.

Scrap your Car in Nottingham

With the Scrappage scheme now in place, many people are no looking for safe and easy ways to scrap their cars. There are now rules in place that dictate that when you scrap your car you must follow.

Cars must be taken to an authorised treatment facility where they are drained of any recyclable materials and liquids, reusable parts are stripped and used in scrap yards and then the car is crushed and the metal can them be reused.

When a vehicle reaches the end of it’s life it is called an ELV and the European directive means the vehicle must be scrapped appropriately. Cars become ELVs for two reasons, firstly general wear and tear and secondly premature arising from accidental damage, flood, fire, theft and vandalism.

In order to scrap your car you need to have the log book to show ownership details and the key to the car, if you want to scrap your car in Nottingham at Megavaux then you need to bring a utility bill as well as the logbook.

So if you want to scrap your car in Nottingham visit Megavaux.

Vauxhall Parts Request

If you are looking to repair your car and need a really specific part from a specific make and model. Then you can use Megavaux’s part request service.

The vauxhall part request service is really straightforward, to request a specific part. You simply select the model of car, then the type, the body style and engine. Then you need to select the engine part and transmission and any other features that distinguish the vehicle from other vehicles. If you know the part numbers we can identify which part you need exactly. Then simply fill out the contact details then we will get in touch with you regarding the part in the method that you select.

It can be particularly difficult to find a really specific Vauxhall part on the internet. So why not use this really simple form and get your Vauxhall parts quickly and easily from Megavaux

Vauxhall Astravan

The Astravan has many advantages, it is a great drivers fan as it is comfortable and offers good performance and handling, if you are picky about which cars you drive then this is the van for you. The van is also a solid, dependable and big on value and available in a range of 8 colours.
The Astravan drives in a similar way to the Astra it derives its name from and both the ride and handling are quite similar. The Astravan also takes its build quality from the Astra meaning you have a comfortable cabin that allows you comfy journey and is not what you expect of most vans that seem to strip out comforts associated with car interiors.

The van is secure and safe, it comes with numerous locking options including central deadlocking for doors tailgate and fuel cap and a warning alarm or keys left in the ignition and the van conforms to high safety standards with abs brakes and airbag as well as extra safety features.

Space has clearly been a key feature in the van design with great capacity in the back and a high opening tailgate. The van is one of the best looking vans out there and its impressive design should help it keep its price, it’s a great addition to any business fleet.

If you are looking to repair your Astravan, then Megavaux have a range of Vauxhall Astravan parts

The Vauxhall Frontera

The Vauxhall Frontera offers a range of opportunity with 8 different engine choices including petrol and diesel. The Vauxhall Frontera offers the chance to own a 4 wheel drive at a reasonable cost.

The Frontera does have some downsides, some of the earlier models have been criticised for having uncomfortable seats. The interior styling could do with some more actual styling as the plastic can look a bit basic. The car does fall into quite a high tax band and uses quite a bit of fuel but that is the price you pay for having a four wheel drive that is essentially designed as a city car.

The Frontera does have its advantages, it’s affordable, and it has quite a macho look. The rear seats offer plenty of room and there is plenty of luggage space in the boot. The high driver’s seat position offers good visibility on the road.

The Frontera seems to be a fairly reliable, affordable car. If you need to do some repairs to your Vauxhall Frontera, there are a great range of Vauxhall frontera parts at Megavaux

Vauxhall Agila

If you are looking for a car that is cheap to run you are not going to get much cheaper than a Vauxhall Agila. Its cheap running costs are based on its low insurance, servicing, fuel and tax, the only big cost is when you buy it and even then this car isn’t that pricy. You can expect to pay about for a new Vauxhall Agila and about for a second hand older model.

For a super mini car it is impressive how well it handles people. The car is one of the few superminis that can carry people in the back reasonably well without them feeling too squashed.

Its not an overly powerful car and is available in a 1.0 and 1.2 litre petrol and 1.3 diesal. The 1.2 is probably the best in the range and you can get automatic transmission. Like most small cars its most at home on small trips and city driving where it can be quite fun and zippy.

The car is quite comfortable for a basic model, it offers a tall seating position and a good view over the road for nervous drivers. In shape some claim it is a little boxy but this claim can’t be made of the newest models that have a more rounded design.

So if you are looking for a new city car try a Vauxhall agila, if you need to do some repairs you can find Vauxhall Agila Parts at Megavaux.

Vauxhall Zafira parts

When it comes to a car review, you may not like him but most people want to hear Jeremy Clarkson’s two cents. So today we look back to when Mr Clarkson reviewed the Zafira to see whether or not it’s a good car in his opinion.

The Vauxhall Zafira is the only option for a mini mpv when you look at similar cars in the range like the Citroen Picasso and Renault Scenic they don’t have much more capacity than a saloon.

The 7 seat Vauxhall Zafira is only an inch longer than the Astra estate so you are not contending with a van, when the seats aren’t needed they fold back into the boot. Some people find that finding a comfy seat position is difficult. The car was designed by the same designer that wnet on to design the Porche Carrera GT so it keeps an essence of style.

However according to Clarkson you can not escape the fact that it is still a people carrier and however turbo charged you make it, it kind of makes it like you are driving a fast bus. It’s practical and well styled but it’s still a people carrier.

When it comes to finding spare parts for Vauxhalls, particularly Vauxhall Zafira Parts, it’s worth taking a look at Megavaux to see they have a part in stock.

The Vauxhall Meriva

When you look at the Vauxhall Meriva there are a few points you have to consider. It has some special features that can make it stand out in the mini mpv market but it also lets itself down a bit on some of the basic features on the basic models.

So the advantages of buying a Vauxhall Meriva, well it offers great interior space, the capacity is good but it’s also a car that gives an illusion of space as well which means you won’t feel cramped on long journeys.

This feature is also helped by the clever seating arrangements; the seats in the back can be altered so they turn at an angle. This feature also gives more room if you are carrying adults in the back of the car. The middle seat folds away and the two outer seats can be turned in. This ingenious solution is called flex space.

The seats are positioned quite high this mean there is good visibility out of the car from most seats in it this can prevent car sickness in the back and helps the driver see where he or she is manoeuvring the car.

This car is pretty much designed for those long journeys and its final great feature is its sound insulation that means when you are driving on a motorway it stays fairly quiet.

Unfortunately the Zafira is let down by some other issues, it looks fairly bland, it is not an interesting drive unless you get the turbo version and then it feels a little to powerful for a car for transporting kids but if you are looking for a more powerful car then the turbo version could be for you. The base model isn’t to good on extras, they are available but you need to spend a bit more. The high side of the car can make windy conditions a little harder to drive in.

Overall this a practical car if you have kids and is great for longs on the motorway. If you already have one and are looking for Vauxhall Meriva parts, look no further than Megavaux.

Scrappage scheme brings boost for car buyers.

Towards the end of last year and over the winter, the uk car industry saw a sharp drop in sales. The sales slump was so severe, many manufacturing plants and production lines had to hours, wages and in some cases staff. The car scrappage scheme originally conceived in Germany was suggested as a solution to the problem.

The idea was if your car was older than 10 years you can scrap it and receive money of a new greener car. It seems many have seen this as an incentive as although car sales are still falling the rate at which they are falling is at its slowest rate for many months.

Generally these new scrappage customers are buying small cars and for many this is first new car. Whether this is a sign that the economy is picking up, probably won’t be known for a while but for now the car industry is certainly doing better.

So what is involved in scrapping a car?

Cars are generally taken to an authorised treatment facility and drained of harmful fluids then any recyclable materials are removed for recycling and the car is taken to be crushed for scrap metal. The owner is then given an end of life certificate or ELV. If you are interested or need to scrap your car then contact Megavaux for more information.

Vauxhall Tigra Thoughts

Finally a car designed to be a great value convertible and that’s its main attraction. Other cars that are convertibles often try to hard to be great sports cars with huge engines and uncomfy seats. The Vauxhall tigra is the car to bring the convertible to the masses. It provides a removable roof and a car for it to sit on. The car may not be the fastest in the world in fact its speed could be described as restrained but still its a convertible and does what its meant to do.

It has a clever opening and closing mechanism and a fairly sizable boot with the roof down. You also have plenty of room in the car as they haven’t tried to squeeze four seats into the car and so there are two sizable front seats.

So with comfort and a removable roof and a manageable speed the car seems the perfect companion, some reviewers may call it girly and I’m not sure that’s a bad thing. There’s nothing wrong with making a car that looks good.

For people who are looking for hard top convertibles on a budget under £15,000 ,you can’t go far wrong with a Vauxhall Tigra, for those with existing Tigras that need some repair why not look for some Vauxhall Tigra parts.

Vauxhall Combo 1700

Vauxhall have a variety of vans on offer and one of those that provides the most versatility is the combo 1700. The van is a perfect solution for light commercial use. The combo is the step up from the astra van and handles more like a van than its smaller cousin. It has a lot of commercial space and the van has different door options. The 1700 stands for the 1.7 engine size, the van is available in both petrol and diesel.

The van comes with a driver and passenger side airbags, power steering and ABS brakes, most drivers of this commercial vehicle find it fairly reliable and makes a great tradesman van as its not to bulky to take up too much space and is good for local journeys but can still manage a great deal of equipment.
The interior can be a little basic but with a few extras you could think you are in a car rather than a van. The seat can be fixed fairly high to avoid back pain if using it for deliveries. Depending on the options you pick the load volume is between 2.8 and 3.2 metres.

This could be the van for you if you want something handy and reliable if you already have a Vauxhall Combo and are looking for vauxhall combo 1700 parts look no further than Megavaux

The Vauxhall Movano van range

The Vauxhall Movano is a step up from the Vivaro, it offers a lot more capacity at a fairy reasonable price. Its advantages are its steering, cheap to run and it offers low easy loading. Some people have experiences issues with driveshafts and gears.

However the Movano takes advantage from input from other car manufacturers including a Renault engine and body work and even has something of Nissan about it. There are in fact three versions of the same van and a recent facelift means they now all look a little more different.
There is no petrol option on the Movano that there usually is on this sized range but they do offer advanced diesel engines that offer great fuel efficiency. The glove box is surprisingly small for a van but the door bin with flask holder makes up for this oversight as does the overhead shelf.

The Movano has a range of style options depending on your business needs you can get the traditional panelled van, minibus, platform cabs, double cabs. Whatever your business needs there is a movano to suit, if you are looking for vauxhall movano parts then take a look at Megavaux

The Vauxhall Vivaro van

The Vauxhall Vivaro is Vauxhalls equivalent to the transit van in the medium van class. Different vans have different uses some use it as a work van others have converted it to a camper van, minibus, double cab or low deck drop side.

The basic models can be a bit of an uncomfortable drive but if you go for the better interior its recommended at better than a transit. It’s spacious enough for three drivers and the gearstick is dashboard mounted and so provides easy exit for the driver through the passenger door if needed. The driver has the comfiest seat that is height adjustable and a reach adjustable steering wheel. Options include sat nav, stero systems a tailgate and an electronic stability control.

All Vivaros have a diesel engine that make the engine quite reliable but like any van can be noisy at speed.

The Vivaro has good capacity and has a range of side door and rear door options. A three button lock has just been introduced that allows the cab to be locked while loading.

If you are looking to add a van to your business then consider a Vauxhall Vivaro, if you are looking to repair your Vauxhall and need Vauxhall Vivaro parts look no further than Vauxhall.

Vauxhall VX220 Review

The Vauxhall VX220 is the sports car of the Vauxhall world; it is very similar to the Lotus Elise but has a lower price tag and a different badge. The VX220 certainly has the feel of a sports car, its fast, it handles well and the steering is really responsive.

Sports cars aren’t known for their space and the VX220 is no exception, the boot can hold 200 litres and there is a storage seat behind the seats and of course this is a two seater. Speaking of the two seats they provide a comfortable ride but can be a little difficult to manoeuvre in and out of.

The Vauxhall VX220 is quite safe for a sports car with ABS brakes and drivers airbag. It is also fairly secure with alarm immobiliser and deadlocks.

As Vauxhall is not really known for its sports cars you can pick up one of these relatively cheaply for a sports car. If you already have a Vauxhall VX220 and are looking for Vauxhall vx220 parts then look no further than megavaux.

Vauxhall Sintra Review

If you are shopping on a bit of a budget at the moment but still need a large mpv. It may be worth considering the Vauxhall Sintra that has models from 97-99. It’s one of the lesser known mpv’s from this period but has an incredible amount of space on the inside, some versions can seat up to eight people.

The engine is smooth; it’s extremely practical with slide doors and has a great load capacity. It all sounds fairly positive but the car didn’t really get great review as its looks aren’t to everyone’s taste and can have a van like feel to it.

People who like its space tend to rate it quite highly in comparison with its rivals due to its spaciousness. It also quite a comfortable ride although it can be quite firm. When driving you are seated fairly high and the pedals are well positioned. It has remote central locking electric windows and air conditioning and handily audio controls on the steering column so they are easy to reach. Its 2.2 litre engine is fairly economical for a larger car and it can do 0-60 in 10 seconds.

So if you are looking for an MPV on a budget try a Vauxhall Sintra. If you are looking to repair your Sintra with Vauxhall Sintra Parts take a look at Megavaux.

Vauxhall Calibra parts

A coupe without compromise was the Vauxhall slogan for the Calibra. The Vauxhall Calibra was a cavalier with a better design, a four seat coupe so you could have a car that looked good but was still practical for a family.

Those who aren’t a fan of this family and friend friendly coupe may just call it a cavalier with a new body kit. However the new body kit really did give it a new design popular with many people and the car looks great even years after its release and you can still expect to pay a fair bit for one of these cars second hand. The engine is fairly powerful and gives a smooth ride. The car has huge cabin space and will comfortably seat four adults not just 2 adults and 2 kids like you get with a smaller coupe. The rear seat is split folding plus there is room in the boot for a full set of golf clubs. It isn’t the fasted of coupes in its class but it does give many features other coupes don’t.

If you are looking for a quality car with great design then you can’t go far wrong with a Vauxhall Calibra, as far as maintaining your coupe as under the bonnet it’s a cavalier then it is fairly easy to repair and find parts.

If you need some Vauxhall Calibra parts take a look at Megavaux.

Vauxhall Brava Review

Vauxhall Brava is the pickup of the Vauxhall world. It’s a 4x4 that comes in both 2 door and crew cab versions.

Most former owner praise its ability to work hard and the variety of options you can get on a Vauxhall Brava means there will always be one to suit your needs.
The Vauxhall Brava crew cab means you have room for all your colleagues as its a double cab plus covered storage in the back of the vehicle.

The Vauxhall Brava 2 door version tends to be an open-backed pickup truck with plenty of room to transport your goods, popular with many businesses that need a smaller vehicle for carrying equipment with fairly easy access.

Whether you are looking for a 2 door or a double cab, covered or uncovered the Vauxhall Brava provides a really versatile 4x4. It’s often used by the fire service and motorway maintenance as well as small businesses wanting a reliable pick up. Parts for this vehicle are quite hard to find, so if you are looking for Vauxhall Brava parts look no further than Megavaux.

Vauxhall Corsa review

The Vauxhall Corsa comes with a bit of a history. It has had quite a few fans in the past, it was named “best supermini” and was What Car’s magazine Car of the Year 2007. It does look like a small astra in appearance and varies widely between its three door and five door versions. The three door is a bit like a coupe and is quite low set whereas the five door version is a bit higher and more roomy.

The Corsa has all the best aspects of a Vauxhall, its reliable comfortable and performs well. The car is quite a well balanced car, it if fairly nifty and is about the right weight so you can keep control of the steering.

Both the interior and the exterior of the car are fairly good looking, the exterior avoids looking too much like a Vauxhall and the interior is quite tasteful despite a few bold colour moves.

Vauxhall Corsa’s are great as a small car as the insurance is fairly low and the cars don’t lose their value too quickly. If you already have a Corsa and you need to repair the engine. Megavaux has a great range of Vauxhall corsa parts.

The Uk’s best selling car: Vauxhall

Problems surround most areas of the car industry not least western production but it seems that General Motors reports of gloomy times may have been a slight over-exaggeration.

The Vauxhall was the number one selling brand in the UK this February. Even deep in recession the brand that relies on loyal Vauxhall buyers has seen advantaged on catering to their customers’ needs. Not only was it number one in February but it’s the second time in that position in the last three months.

One of the most popular cars in the range is the Astra. The latest model of Astra brings with it all the traditions combined with the latest style and engineering.
The plus points are its great handling, careful steering and some clever soundproofing. The inside of the car is spacious with electric windows and remote central locking as has every model of Astra. The inside of the car is spacious.

The only downside I could find was slightly irritating indicators that don’t always cancel.

The Astra is well known as a great family car and both the new version and older models live up to these expectations and make a great value purchase

Vauxhall Astra’s are usually very reliable but if you have an issue with yours, Megavaux has Vauxhall Astra Parts to help repair your vehicle.

Vauxhall Meriva and Zafira

The Vauxhall Meriva and Vauxhall Zafira, yes it is the car with the advertisement of those annoying children pretending to be dads. But, what this does is help to put across the idea that these are family cars.

Vauxhall research found that families spend longer in cars than at the dining table. So with the Vauxhall Meriva they’ve focused on creating comfort for families on the move in this compact mpv.

The Meriva is family focused; it has numerous features that make this a versatile family car. It is dual audio so you can listen to different music in the front and back of the car. The seats are in the style of a three person bench. The centre seat can fold down and be replaced by an optional storage box. The outer seats then can recline and turn in so you can play games across the centre seat. The rear seats fold flat to have 1,410 litres of luggage capacity. The car includes power pints so you can plug in a DVD player or games consoles for long journeys. The Meriva is family focused in the rear of the car but drivers have commented the pedals and steering are a bit light and the columns can restrict visibility.

The Zafira is great for when you need a little extra space as it is a seven seater. The back two seats fold flat when not in use for a roomy boot space. The Zafira doesn’t have quite the same function as the Meriva in the rear seat bench as it is one piece. The engine in the Zafira has plenty of power to move seven people when needed.

If your car is getting a little old and needs a few repairs Megavaux has a range of Vauxhall Zafira Parts or Vauxhall Meriva parts.

Vauxhall Tigra review

The last time a Tigra was released was in 2005 so now there is more of a demand for Vauxhall Tigra parts than the actual car itself. So what was a Vauxhall Tigra? Well for those that have had the pleasure of owning one, it’s a fairly efficient convertible.

This may sound like an oxymoron but most convertible owners keep them as weekend cars purely due to their fuel consumption. The Vauxhall Tigra is competitive and could be run as the main car as it runs on 50mpg.

This convertible also has the advantage of being a hard-top, it means the car is as secure as a normal car as soft tops are easier to break into. The roof only takes 20 seconds to fold electronically and has an option to manually put it down.

Vauxhall has been clever with this model, rather than follow other car manufacturers and attempt to cram two seats into the back of the car, Vauxhall has considered the practicality of this and the design is improved with this two seater design with a stylish wavy bars and extra storage that you don’t get when there are an extra two seats in the back.

In terms of driving, the Vauxhall Tigra is not a porche and may be beaten at the traffic lights by another smaller car but that’s not what the Tigra is about, the tigra has good handling and quite a bit of power. The Tigra is about affordable fun, it’s the convertible for people who want convertible and didn’t think they could afford them.

For those who own one of these Tigras now Megavaux has a range of Vauxhall Tigra parts

The Vauxhall Agila Review

The latest model of the Vauxhall Agila hit the market in spring 2008. It’s a year since the release of the new model. So, it’s about time we submitted it to a quick review.

The Vauxhall Agila is quintessentially a city car but in fact it’s a city car with a difference as it’s a small mpv. The Vauxhall Agila incorporates all the things you want from a city car; responsive handling, lively engine and low running costs. The mpv part means you can comfortably carry four adults without the lack of legroom you experience with most small cars.

The Vauxhall Agila has made an effort to lose the boxy design of its predecessor and this leads to a smoother finish and curvier appearance.

Some have criticised the Agila for its small boot space but the boot is fairly sizeable and almost twice the size of a similarly sized Toyota Aygo. The seats are slightly flat which can be a bit unnerving on corners but is fairly standard on budget cars.

All in all, this Car is great for everyday city use and those car sharing or kids won’t feel squashed with its roomy proportions. The newer model has the looks to make it more of a competitor to other good looking city cars.

The Vauxhall Agila range started in 2000, for those hanging on to the old Vauxhall Agila’s they can still take advantage of the space. If the car is having any trouble or needs any replacement parts then Megavaux has a range of Vauxhall Agila Parts for sale among its selection of Vauxhall car parts.

DIY: Your Car?

It seems the cost of car servicing is driving people to reconsider the expense of servicing. Responsible car owners have always done it themselves to some extent checking fluid levels and keeping tyre pressures correct, but most drivers will probably have a winter service and a pre -mot service both of which can be costly and irritating if you can fix the problem yourself.

Halfords surveyed their customers and found 52% were considering changing their servicing habits, 15% just delaying the service and 6% doing the service themselves. Halfords have seen a 10% increase on the purchase of items such as wiper blades, car bulbs and batteries for maintaining your car. 20% on items such as nuts bolts washers and fuses. Whereas the first thought used to be i’ll just pop the car in for a service, to save money many have a look themselves first.

If you are competent at car maintenance then go for it but the AA warns caution for those who are not so sure as the result could be a breakdown. There is no harm in going one step further and finding yourself a car part from a scrap yard as car parts seem be extortionately priced when new.

Scrap yards offer you the chance to purchase a used but perfectly working part at a price that is much more affordable. While you may or may not be able to fit the part yourself you could save money on the parts part of your service bill.

If you are looking for Vauxhall or Saab car parts then the Megavaux can probably help. The website helps you find the Vauxhall parts and Saab spares you need and deliver it so you don’t even need to trawl through a scrapyard.

If you can’t find the part you need you can request the part and be notified when it comes in stock. Megavaux cater for all makes and models of Vauxhall and saab so we probably have the car spares you are looking for.

New Governement Scheme means you could be paid £2000 to scrap your car

Aston Martin, Bently, GM (vauxhall), Honda, Jaguar Land Rover, Mini Nissan and Toyota, what do these car companies have in common? All are facing problems due to the slump in car sales. A drop in sales has led to the need to cut production, the car companies don’t want to cut thousands of jobs so measures have been brought in to prevent this.

Aston Martin had an extended shutdown at and made 600 redundancies. In January they introduced a Temporary three-day week. Bentley also introduced a three-day week. The are closing the Crewe plant for seven weeks from the beginning of March and have made 220 job cuts. GM had an extended closure at Christmas and 40-day shutdown. Honda is on a four-month shutdown between February and May
Jaguar Land Rover had a series of one-day shutdowns and production cuts in late 2008 and are planning 450 redundancies. Mini had 850 job losses, introduced a five-day week and a 2 week shut down is planned for August. Nissan had a two-week shutdown late last year , made 1,200 redundancies and have stopped some shifts. Toyota is planning new cutbacks after cutting pay and working hours by 10% some staff have been offered voluntary redundancy and one of the night shifts suspended.

As you can see, car manufacturers are doing all they can to survive the current climate. This has led to questions over what the government can do to help. Peter Mandelson is considering a proposal to introduce a German scheme into the UK.
The government in Germany has started a scheme wherby car owners are paid 2.500 euros to scrap a car over nine years old and replace it with a new model. Mandelson suggests bringing in a similar scheme to the uk where car owners scrap their nine year or older car in return for £2000 off a new energy efficient model.
The scheme is not without its critics, environmentalists label it as an expensive way to cut carbon emissions
The head of car manufacturer Daimler Mr Zetche heavily criticises the idea

"Instead of paying people to scrap their cars, we might as well burn ten-pound notes in power stations," he proclaims.”

Of course you have to question the source of this money if the scheme was introduced into the UK. While many would appreciate the cash boost, taking more money in tax to cover it would certainly be very unpopular.

Advocates for the scheme point out the advantages, the money would offset the vat on cars that may not be sold without some form of incentive, so would not actually cost the government anything. If it worked it could spark the economy back into growth. At least it would keep supply chain up and running.

Emissions is the other advantage and newer cars do produce less emission so it certainly is one way of reducing the UK carbon footprint. All cars need to be scrapped and complete an ELV, to make sure any recyclable materials are removed.

Certain car scrap dealers do this for free at the moment and a government scheme to encourage people to scrap cars can only help increase their business but whether it will work for the car industry as a whole remains to be seen. Let’s see whether Mr Mandelson decides to push this one.

Credit Crunch leads to rise in Abandoned Cars

Over the winter period we are set to see a rise in abandoned cars. Like many other things at the moment this increase and predicted increase can be traced to the credit crunch. The credit crunch has seen a drop in the value of scrap metal. This means car dismantlers can’t get much money from scrapping the cars.

People tend to be willing to dispose of cars correctly when then can get a high price for their scrap car or dealers are willing to recover and dispose of the vehicle for free. Small dismantling operations are finding it harder to recover the costs of dismantling and collecting cars from the owners.
The solution for many car owners who aren’t willing to pay for the car to be taken away is to abandon it. We have seen an increase in recent months as prices of scrap metal drop. Councils are managing to cover these costs through the use of fines but small dismantling businesses are experiencing troubles at this time.

One company that still offers an alternative in the Nottingham area is Megavaux. Their scrap scheme offers to take your vehicle and complete the ELV cycle for free. The ELV refers to the End of the Life of a Vehicle and is a directive that means the vehicle is broken down correctly and all useable parts are recycled and harmful fluids drained. Megavaux is an Authorised Treatment Facility so you can be ensured of a professional service.

So while costs of metal are still falling, don’t abandon your car, contact Megavaux to Scrap your Car