alanfp

I understand your point, but basically, they are the only Ford dealer for mileas around, so I have no choice. .. and it had to be a main dealer cos 1st return visit was for a bodywork warranty repair, 2nd to get a key/immobiliser reprogrammed, 3rd was cos I needed a Ford diagnostic check (and to be honest, thought they couldn't keep being that bad).

If only I knew what you were all talking about, :lol: I could probably help you

check for leaks - it might be antifreeze that you're smelling. Sorry if this is a double-post - poota playing up a bit tonite.

Good lateral thinking there, TBag. However much my children terrify me, I don't think they are capable of savaging a car thief. But you & I both know that the manual says it's possible to disable the sensors (but not by pulling the wires off them!). I phoned mine, who told me to press the button on the door pillar near the sensors. I said I didn't think I had a button, but I woul;d go out to check. Sure enough, there is no button! I'll have to actually take it to them to ask them, but it all takes time... I'll keep you posted - again Alan

Just bought a Bosch blade (16" - traditional design). It doesn't touch the glass at the top of its sweep - it can't bend enough to match the curvature of the window. (Mark 2 model) Is the Valeo any good? or Halfords? or am I going to have to go to the stealer to be sure of one that works properly?

Hi Don't want to upset anyone here, but the original post seems to be quite clear, and from someone who has obviously read his manual correctly. If you turn the key twice (or on my car, press the lock button twice on the remote fob) the manual says the int. sensors are disabled. Clearly , on the OP's car and on mine, that doesn't happen. (I get the same because I have two young children to keep safe in the car while I pay for fuel) I have googled and found no answer, just plenty of owners asking the question. I really should get down to my dealer and ask him (but he's closed at the moment - terrible service, it's only 9pm on a Saturday). If I find out befor eyou do I'll post the answer.........

First of all, Welcome!! I have a 2009 Sharan and went through exactly the same as you until I waded through the manual, which confirmed what my VW dealer told me (didn't believe him initially as I kept seeing adverts on Autotrader for Sharans with 'remote closing'). You can't do it from the remote. My guess is that it's a safety thing (I can see that it could possibly pose a hazard, though I constantly make use of it on my 2004 c-max). But it SHOULD work by inserting the key in the lock and turning it to the left and holding it there. Not quite as convenient as being able to walk away, but still a good deal better than no functionality. BTW I'd suggest getting a manual. Try ebay - I think they go for about a fiver.

Having owned a couple of Fords and been keen to maintain a main dealer stamp (and on one occasion had a warranty repair) I have been to them on 4 occasions and suffered each time. 1. booked in (2 weeks before) for MOT & new pads & discs. 'We've done the MOT but we didn't have any discs in stock" This was for a standard Ka! 2. Bodywork repair on Ka - paintwork fine, but left with a rattle in the driver's door and aftermarket global closing didn't work - obviously removed a wire and didn't reconnect it 3. Booked in (1 week before) for a new key and reprogram to the ecu (a while you wait job "about 10 minutes") - told after waiting 1.5 hrs "we've cut the metal key but we don't have a key fob in stock". 4. Car serviced - left oil filler cap loose so a couple of days later it sprayed all over the engine compartment. And after the spillage, the level was still way over the max mark on the dipstick. But what REALLY annoys me - they NEVER say sorry! Maybe they are taught not to???

They are technically for about 12 month and upwards BUT the manufacturers recommend you don't use them until child is over 2 yrs old (it says so in the manual). Like the other poster, I believe you get better protection from a proper separate child seat, especially side protection (provided you fit the seat securely). We have int child seats, but our kids are just 2 yrs old and we are still using the separate seats, as we think that's better. Int seats useful as an extra if we have to take another child in an emergency or for a short distance (or if one of our seats breaks). But I think they'll really come into their own as booster seats in a couple of years time, especially as that might also be when we start using seats 6 & 7 for my parents (think about folding the middle seats forward while they've still got a child seat attached - which you can't do at all on a Mk III Galaxy). You say you're getting a Galaxy soon - is that definite, or might you end up with a Sharan or Alhambra? If so, from about 2004 onwards (guessing??) they have ISOFIX mountings for child seats which are a better solution. Remember that (as far as I know) all sharan / alhambra seats are interchangeable with Galaxies. Maybe look for an ISOFIX seat so you don't have to mess about with using the adult seat belts. Plenty of options........just been through them all myself!

Look in Parkers , then use their prices as absolute maximums (or maxima for pedants). I've just bought a VW Sharan for 5% less than their guide price, whilst getting exactly what Parkers said for my part-ex. But if you really want one soon and have been looking for a while and it's in really good condition, don't risk losing it for a few quid. If you get one that's recently had a cam belt change, that's worth a few hundred more to you than one that's going to need one within a year. But do DOUBLE_CHECK service histories. In the last 3 yrs I've seen two forged ones - one completely bogus, the other used Tippex over the mileage! And I recently spoke to a dealer who was selling a 4 yr old car with 'FSH'....turned out it had one stamp in the book. And yes, you can remove the middle seat of the middle row. Good luck

HI I'm looking for a used Shalaxambra... Tried an Alhambra Stylance with sports suspension as standard, then drove a Galaxy (all 05 reg diesel auto). Very different experience in terms of the ride/handling. I've now seen a Sharan Carat advertised. Does anyone know if they have sports suspension? I'm trying to find out before going to have a look and potentially waste his and my time, so if anyone happens to know off the top of their head I'd be v. grateful. Thanks

Hi Pl excuse my ignorance. I'm looking at buying a Shalaxy (Mk II) - the VW (and I think, the SEAT) is described in Autotrader 'Technical Details' as having dual zone climate control, whereas the Ford (Zetec and Ghia) is described as having dual zone air conditioning with auto temperature control. Is there a difference - if so, what is it (cos it sounds the same to me!)? Thanks

Excuse my ignorance - what's wrong with the current engines? I thought they were quicker and more economical than the old 1.9

They've stopped making Sharans - new model due summer 2010. So you might be able to get a 'nearly new' or pre-reg or ex-demo current model from a main dealer. Alternatively, limited choices mentioned above, but if you want all seats removable there are also Peugeot 807 Ciroen C8 Renault Espace Chrysler Voyager or a bit smaller....Renault Grand Scenic - you can't remove seats 6 & 7 but they do fold properly flat into the floor. Now you may discount all of the above for various reasons (especially if you like having a car to drive rather than repair) but there are options around.