Quality Auto Search

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-23T09:38:00.000+11:00

Back After Illness

2011-12-12T14:55:00.001+11:00

Just want to say have been away from blogging for some 2 months as a result of being ill and having some time to my self and have only just started back.

I thought I would just let everyone know I am back at the desk and will keep you up dated with all things cars.

Cherry Picking Recall

2011-09-28T07:49:00.000+10:00

Chery Automobiles Australia—Chery J11 Vehicles

PRA number: 2011/12829
Date created: 27^th September 2011

Product information

Product description

Chery J11 vehicles

Identifying features

Recall Campaign CH1109
Target: 1664 vehicles

What are the hazards?

The side impact capabilities of the vehicle may not adequately protect the occupants in the event of an accident.

What are the defects?

In the event of a side impact, the vehicle may not perform to the manufacturer's required specifications.

Where the product was sold

Nationally

Traders who sold this product

Motor vehicle dealers

Supplier

Ateco Automotive Pty Ltd

Supplier's web site

http://cherymotors.com.au

What should consumers do?

Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by letter.

Owners are advised to contact their dealership for removal of both front seats from the vehicle and replacement of the backrest assembly on each seat. Additional items will be installed in the centre console and the side pillars.

Fiat Scudo Recall

2011-09-23T08:29:00.000+10:00

Fiat—Scudo Vehicles

PRA number: 2011/12823
Date created: 22^nd September 2011

Product information

Product description

Fiat Scudo Vehicles

Identifying features

See attached VIN list.

Campaign number: 5561
Target number: 50

What are the hazards?

Damage to the power steering electric pump wiring may cause the failed operation of the power steering.

What are the defects?

On some Fiat Scudo vehicles, the wiring for the power steering electric pump might interfere with one steel edge of the left front wheel arch and become damaged due to a possible layout non-compliance.

Where the product was sold

Nationally

Traders who sold this product

Fiat dealerships

Supplier

Ateco Automotive Pty Ltd

Supplier's web site

http://www.fiat.com.au

What should consumers do?

Owners of afftected vehicles will be contacted by letter.

Owners are advised to contact their authorised Fiat dealer for inspection and rectification, if necessary.

Advertisements and supporting documentation

Whats My Car Worth

2011-09-16T13:02:00.003+10:00

I am often asked what is my car worth and there are may answers to that question and some people just don't like what I tell them because they think their car is valued for more I will get more for it.

Meaning that I will get more dollars for it. Sorry that is not going to happen and what your car is worth is what people are paying for them at the time of the sale or trade in. Speaking of trade ins on cars for people trading their old car for a new one people get so disappointed when they hear what value has been put on their car.Don't forget its a wholesale price and they will have to sell your car for a profit when they sell it and that's what would be expected of them or the business would not survive if they paid too much for your car and could not resell it.

Another factor I have found is people get unrealistic values from a number of sources like insurance companies and what dealer are advertising car for also whats available on the internet in car pricing.This inflates peoples hopes of getting another car at a reasonable price.

What you see prices advertised for on some makes and models are outrageous while others are well below their true value. This is where I feel people get the wrong idea about the value of their car.When valuing a car there has a lot factors to be taken into account like the popularity of the car, colour, make, model,auto or manual, air conditioning, power steering, maintenance,and general condition of the car also if repairs are needed for the car.

All this has an affect on the cars value whether you like it or not.Car insurance companies don't look at your own car individually and price it accordingly,they get values out of a guide they use and work from there to work out a premium on your car and that's where people may get the wrong impression on value.

Another thing is where you see cars advertised on a car lot don't forget the dealer did not pay that price for that car to sell to you they are in business to make a profit like any other business.Access to car values from price guides only give you a guide what your car can be possibly worth. The prices you see on the web also people only are seeing what cars are advertised for and price it accordingly.

My tips are simple and they are for when trading in or selling your current car:

Get the car thoroughly cleaned by people called detailers.
Ensure your maintenance is up to date(log books etc) means you looked after it
Be honest about any repairs and if not it can be easily found out
Do some homework about your cars value and price range don't expect to get what everyone is advertising their car for be reasonable
Be negotiable about the price because it means selling it quicker
Ever seen the same car being advertised for weeks on end means asking price is too high don't do the same
List any extra features your car has it will set your car apart from the others
Don't lie to people about what you have been offered for your car as you will be found out.

So what is my car worth today only what people are paying or are willing to pay for it and don't be fooled by the prices you see your car being advertised for.Just a word of the wise if you get 3 quotes on your car as a trade in you know truly what your car is truly worth because all car valuers value your around the same price give or take may be $100.00 or so.

2006-2007 Honda Jazz

2011-09-13T08:29:00.001+10:00

Honda—2005–2007 Jazz

PRA number: 2011/12807
Date created: 12^th September 2011

Product information

Product description

2005-2007 Jazz vehicles

Identifying features

Campaign number: 5WT
Target number: 26,496
Identification plate number: 29747

VIN list:
2005 Jazz - from JHMGD1##05S280968 to JHMGD1##05S293556
2005 Jazz - from JHMGD3##05S206237 to JHMGD3##05S207859
2006 Jazz - from MRHGD1##06P040001 to MRHGD1##06P042761
2006 Jazz - from MRHGD3##06P040001 to MRHGD3##06P043363
2007 Jazz - from MRHGD1##07P040001 to MRHGD1##06P044290
2007 Jazz - from MRHGD3##07P040001 to MRHGD3##07P044470

Note: # = any character

What are the hazards?

Repeated use and contamination by silicones may interfere with the switch operation and cause the switch unit to overheat. This may cause smoke and in the worst case, may ignite.

What are the defects?

The driver's side power window switch contains a switch unit that has been manufactured with an inappropriate design. Therefore, it is possible for automotive cleaning products containing silicones to enter into the switch unit.

Where the product was sold

Nationally

Supplier

Honda Australia Pty Ltd

What should consumers do?

Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by letter.

Owners are advised to contact their authorised dealership for inspection and replacement of the driver's-side power window

Interest Rates are Dropping

2011-09-10T10:15:00.000+10:00

Interest Rates for leasing have dropped a further .25% today as the Reserve Bank of Australia decided to put any rises on hold for another month. This stabilisation has been able to see easing of funds available to be borrowed to be lowered even further.

In the last 3 months I have seen the interest rates move downward by as much as .75% all together.

Did you know we can help you save money effectively by going to our website and down loading a finance application form .By filling it out in word format you save time by doing it yourself and we don't have to be contacting to clarify things with you.That's where you save the time and money

Buying a car our way has never been simpler bu just going to the website and getting the fnance application form and filling it in. At this stage it is only available to people who need finance for cars that are used for business.

We are working very hard in getting approval for doing consumer finance for cars in the future and wont be long in doing that..

So wanting a new car and want to get the finance then click on the link and follow the instructions and we will do the rest. http://www.qualityautosearch.com.au/pg_finance.php

So get out there and get your car and save on the interest you would have been paying months ago.

Peugeot 207 Recall

2011-09-09T11:29:00.000+10:00

Peugeot— 207—Loss of Electrical Supply

PRA number: 2011/12800
Date created: 8^th September 2011

Product information

Product description

Peugeot 207 vehicles manufactured from January 2011 through to February 2011

Identifying features

Campaign number: ZBD
Target number: 30

VIN list:
VF3WB5FS9AE093608
VF3WB5FS9AE093611
VF3WB5FS9AE093613
VF3WB5FS9AE093614
VF3WB5FS9AE094760
VF3WB5FS9AE096512
VF3WB5FS9AE099825
VF3WC5FS9AW112528
VF3WC5FS9AW113488
VF3WC5FS9AW113907
VF3WC5FS9AW114084
VF3WC5FS9AW114538
VF3WC5FS9AW114539
VF3WC5FS9AW114959
VF3WC5FS9AW115430
VF3WC5FS9AW115433
VF3WC5FS9AW115435
VF3WC5FS9AW115875
VF3WC5FS9AW115876
VF3WC5FS9AW115877
VF3WC5FS9AW115878
VF3WC5FS9AW116331
VF3WC5FS9AW116339
VF3WC5FS9AW116346
VF3WC5FS9AW116781
VF3WC5FS9AW116796
VF3WC5FS9AW118429
VF3WC5FS9AW119481
VF3WC5FS9AW122046
VF3WC5FS9AW122503

What are the hazards?

The battery's negative cable may break, and should this occur, the vehicle would stall without the ability to be restarted.

What are the defects?

There is a possibility that the battery's negative cable is incorrect in length.

Where the product was sold

Nationally

Supplier

Sime Darby Automobiles Pty Ltd t/a Peugeot Automobiles Australia

What should consumers do?

Owners of afftected vehicles will be contacted by letter.

Owners are advised to make an appointment with their servicing dealer to have the necessary rectifications made, free of charge.

Volvo V50 And C30 Recall

2011-09-07T10:23:00.004+10:00

Volvo—C30 and V50

PRA number: 2011/12798Date created: 6^th September 2011

Product information

Product description

Volvo C30 and V50 vehicles MY 2009, fitted with a 2.4L diesel engine and a manual transmission

Identifying features

VIN range:

C30 - 062354 to 242340

V50 - 395420 to 627723

Campaign number: R49221

Target number: 4

What are the hazards?

If the deviation occurs, it will not be possible for the driver to disengage the clutch. In a worst case scenario, this may occur suddenly and without any warning to the driver.

What are the defects?

The rod connecting the clutch master cylinder and the clutch pedal may break.

Where the product was sold

Nationally

Supplier

Volvo Car Australia Pty Ltd

What should consumers do?

Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by letter.

Owners are advised to contact their authorised Volvo dealer to have the clutch master cylinder replaced.

Fiat Ducato Recall

2011-09-06T10:45:00.000+10:00

Fiat—Ducato X2/50

PRA number: 2011/12796
Date created: 5^th September 2011

Product information

Product description

Ducato X2/50 vehicles

Identifying features

See attached VIN list.

Campaign number: 5564
Target number: 305

What are the hazards?

The spare wheel may become detached.

What are the defects?

In some cases, the spare wheel support device might break due to incorrect operation.

Where the product was sold

Nationally

Supplier

Ateco Automotive Pty Ltd

Supplier's web site

http://www.fiat.com.au

What should consumers do?

Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by letter.

Owners are advised to contact their authorised Fiat dealership for inspection and fitment of a new spare wheel lifting and support device, if necessary.

Dyna Truck Recall

2011-09-01T09:45:00.002+10:00

Toyota—Dyna (Wide and Narrow Cabs)

PRA number: 2011/12793
Date created: 31^st August 2011

Product information

Product description

Toyota Dyna model vehicles

Identifying features

See attached VIN list.

Campaign number: 1524H
Taget number: 732

What are the hazards?

In the worst case, vehicle controllability may be affected. The vibration diminishes as the vehicle's speed reduces, however.

What are the defects?

In the affected vehicles, if the front tyre(s) are subjected to a large external force such as running over a large pot hole or bump in the road at high speed, there is a possibility that the steering wheels may vibrate.

The degree of vibration may be inflenced by vehicle loading, tyre condition and wheel alignment.

Where the product was sold

Nationally

Supplier

Toyota Motor Corporation

What should consumers do?

Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified by mail at their last known address.

Toyota technicians will install a steering damper (and on some models a tie rod) to the affected vehicles. This will be performed at no cost to vehicle owners.

Hino & Dutro Recall

2011-09-01T09:35:00.001+10:00

Hino—300 Series and Dutro

PRA number: 2011/12792
Date created: 31^st August 2011

Product information

Product description

Hino 300 Series and Dutro vehicles

Identifying features

Campaign number: A7470
Target number: 17, 902

See attached chassis range.

What are the hazards?

In the worst case, vehicle controllability may be affected. The vibration diminishes as the vehicle's speed reduces, however.

What are the defects?

Where the product was sold

Nationally

Supplier

Hino Motor Sales Australia Pty Ltd

What should consumers do?

All owners of affected vehicles will be contacted individually by letter.

Owners are advised to contact their authorised Hino Dealer for installation of the steering damper.

Stressed Buying a car

2011-08-31T15:28:00.004+10:00

If you are this stressed when buying a new isn't it about time you got in contact with Quality Auto Search for your new car

Saving you all the anxious time money and stress we will organise everything for you!

Mercedes Benz Actros Recall

2011-08-30T08:25:00.001+10:00

Mercedes-Benz—ACTROS 930 - 934

PRA number: 2011/12789
Date created: 29^th August 2011

Product information

Product description

Mercedes-Benz Actros 930-934 trucks produced from February 2007 to January 2010.

Identifying features

Campaign number: RC899
Target number: 456

What are the hazards?

There is a possibility of oil contacting hot engine components. There is also a possiblility of a short circuit occuring should the wire harness chafe on a mounting bracket.

What are the defects?

In extreme cases the oil dipstick tube closing plug may leak. It is also possible that the engine wiring harness may chafe on a mounting bracket.

Where the product was sold

Nationally

Supplier

Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific Pty Ltd

What should consumers do?

Letters will be sent to affected owners.

Owners are advised to contact their authorised Mecedes-Benz dealership to have the closing plug replaced with a modified type and a protective cover fitted to the mounting bracket, free of charge.

Driving Lights or fog lights in Metro Areas

2011-08-26T09:28:00.002+10:00

How many times do I see people driving in well lit streets with their fog lights and or so called driving lights on at night.

Driving with these lights on in a metropolitan area at night is totally illegal and the fine is not small. This also says nothing about the blinding aspect to drivers of oncoming cars.

I am finding more people are driving around the streets with these on at night seeming oblivious to other drivers being blinded by these people driving around with them on.This is not only selfish of those drivers who do this is is a real safety issue.

Let me say this if police pull you over for having your so called fog lights on you can be fined $550.00 and 3 points off your licence in NSW.

Is it not about time you all have a look at this habit as it seems to be growing with less thought of other drivers on the road. Please consider the consequences as it it could cause a fatal accident .

2003-06 Triton Recall

2011-08-26T08:52:00.001+10:00

Mitsubishi—MK Triton (Dual and Single Cabs)

PRA number: 2011/12787
Date created: 25^th August 2011

Product information

Product description

MK Triton (dual cab) 2wd 4cyl and MK Triton (single cab) 2wd 4cyl, sold from May 2003 to December 2006.

Identifying features

VIN range:
MK Triton (dual cab) - MMBJNK6503D010900 to MMBJNK6503D036866
MK Triton (single cab) - MMB0NK6503D011505 to MMB0NK6506F009641

Campaign number:010053
Target number: 9500

What are the hazards?

The position of the tray relative to the towball mounting may not comply with the Australian Standard AS4177.1 1994 which requires a three dimensional clearance space around the towball mounting.

What are the defects?

Some combinations of genuine accessory aluminium trays and genuine accessory towbars fitted to the affected Triton model vehicles may not comply with part of the Australian Design Rules (ADR 62/01).

Dates available for sale

1^st May 2003 - 31^st December 2006

Where the product was sold

Nationally

Supplier

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd

What should consumers do?

All affected owners will be contacted by mail.

Owners are advised to contact their authorised Mitsubishi dealership for inspection and replacement of the towbar tongue, if necessary.

Jaguar X Type Diesel Recall

2011-08-24T08:12:00.001+10:00

Jaguar—Diesel X-Type

PRA number: 2011/12785
Date created: 23^rd August 2011

Product information

Product description

Diesel X-Type from 2006 model year to 2010 model year.

Identifying features

VIN range: E65409 to J63579
Campaign number: J024
Target number: 130

What are the hazards?

Vehicle speed cannot be reduced through the activation of the cruise control speed adjustment wheel. Turning the ignition off will cancel the cruise control function.

What are the defects?

Should an error with certain interfacing systems be detected, the cruise control system will be disabled and an error message displayed to the driver on the instrument cluster. Should one of these error states occur whilst the cruise control is engaged, it is not possible to cancel cruise control using the cruise control cancel button, brake pedal operation or change of gear.

Where the product was sold

Nationally

Supplier

Jaguar Australia

What should consumers do?

Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by letter.

Owners are advised to contact their authorised Jaguar dealership for an update to the engine management controller software

Hackers now Taget Car Security

2011-08-22T12:45:00.000+10:00

Car thieves are now targeting car that have remote car security that opens the doors and starts the engine.What happens is where a car has keyless entry with no direct key to start the car like having a press button to start it this is where thieves are beginning to hack the security system and steal the car from unsuspecting owners.

The main target is people who have luxury cars however as more new car buyers want this separate technology the risk will grow even more because the growth of theft will grow unless there is something done about the security of the car systems.

Around the world car theft has dropped significantly because of the more secure way of starting your car with a key yet still have keyless entry into your car. This is the safest ways because hackers cannot start the key without a key but the ones with the start buttons face a greater risk.

I refer to the Sydney Morning Herald article where you can glean more information about this new concerning trend. http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/cartech/vulnerable-vehicles-hackers-target-car-alarms-20110822-1j5kt.html.

Audi R8 Spyder Recall

2011-08-16T09:00:00.001+10:00

Audi—R8 Spyder Vehicles

PRA number: 2011/12768
Date created: 15^th August 2011

Product information

Product description

R8 Spyder vehicles manufactured from April 2009 to June 2011.

Identifying features

Campaign number: 20Q8
Target number: 37

What are the hazards?

Defect may lead to fuel leaks.

What are the defects?

There is the possibility that the fuel supply line can come into contact with the heat shield in the engine compartment. This could cause damage to the fuel supply line, which in isolated cases, can lead to leaks.

Where the product was sold

Nationally

Supplier

Audi Australia P/L

What should consumers do?

Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by letter.

Owners are advised to contact their authorised Audi dealership for inspection and rectification, if necessary.

2008-9 Mazda Recall Model BK10

2011-08-15T09:16:00.000+10:00

Mazda—Mazda3 (BK10*2) Passenger Vehicles

PRA number: 2011/12765
Date created: 12^th August 2011

Product information

Product description

Mazda3 (BK10*2) passenger vehicles produced from 8 January 2008 to 19 February 2009.

Identifying features

VIN Range: JM0BK10*200395304 to JM0BK10*200469128

What are the hazards?

In a worst case scenario, the windscreen wipers will not work and visibility may be reduced.

What are the defects?

The ground terminal of the windscreen wiper motor may have been inadvertently bent during the assembly of the windscreen wiper motor. This may cause a loss of the electrical ground connection, which could result in the windscreen wiper motor not functioning.

Where the product was sold

Nationally

Traders who sold this product

Mazda Authorised Dealers

Supplier

Mazda Australia Pty. Limited

Supplier's web site

http://www.mazda.com.au

What should consumers do?

Mazda Australia will contact all affected owners by mail. Owners should contact their preferred Mazda Dealer to arrange an appointment to have an additional ground harness installed on their vehicle's windscreen wiper motor.

2008 Mazda 6 Recall

2011-08-11T09:02:00.000+10:00

Mazda—Mazda6 (GH1051) Vehicles

PRA number: 2011/12761
Date created: 10^th August 2011

Product information

Product description

Mazda6 (GH1051) vehicles with L5 Series 2.5 litre petrol engines, produced between 8th January 2008 to 12th February 2008

Identifying features

This recall includes Mazda6 (GH1051) vehicles within the ranges listed below (inclusive):

VIN range: JM0GH105100100948 to JM0GH105100105500

Campaign number: R201101
Target number: 1,821

What are the hazards?

If the clips fail during use, this may result in the piston pin sliding out of position and contacting the cylinder wall. The resultant damage could cause the engine to stall (if this should occur, the engine will not restart).

In a worst case scenario, engine parts (conrods) may crack the oil pan on the bottom of the engine or the cylinder block, causing oil to leak.

What are the defects?

It is possible that one of the circlips that retain the piston pins within the pistons has been incorrectly installed.

Where the product was sold

Nationally

Supplier

Mazda Australia Pty Limited

What should consumers do?

Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by mail.

Owners are advised to contact an authorised Mazda Dealer for replacement of the piston and connecting rod assemblies with revised ones.

New Car Releases for August in Australia

2011-08-09T12:22:00.000+10:00

Porsche Panamera Hybrid is due this month and is based on the Cayene Hybrid drive system.Interesting if they will sell

Hyundai Accent certainly moved up market from the once cheap and cheerful $14,990.00 starting price now starting at 17,990.00. Getting quite crowded in that price bracket.

Volkswagen Jetta reported to be roomier inside and all round bigger than the previous model and not the golf sedan as everyone suggests. Now sourced from Mexico not Germany as previously done.

Ford Focus sleeker and more packed with technology will be a scene steeler engine sizes from 1.6 litre to 2.0 litre and is the third generation model.

Mercedes C-class Coupe A totaly new package being released and aimed at the top end of the market to be released at the same time as face lifted C-class models

Citroen C5 updated model range from sedan wagon and tourer same engine configuration as previous range.Just a facelift in model mid-life.

Peugeot 308 Model update with extra technology with stop/start engine system and is lighter than the previous model. general facelift to model range.

Mercedes Benz SLK Range with various technology of driver assist etc.

All these cars are now being released in Australia this month

Cherry J1 Gets Recalled

2011-08-03T10:45:00.000+10:00

The Cherry J1 small car from China has been issued with a recall today with a safety issue regarding the front seats.

This has been issued by the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission as a matter of course.

Chery Automobile Australia—Chery J1 Sedans

PRA number: 2011/12753
Date created: 2^nd August 2011

Product information

Product description

Chery J1 sedans

Identifying features

See attached VIN list.

Campaign number: CH1107
Target number: 702

What are the hazards?

Under certain operating conditions, the integrity of the seat frame structure may be compromised.

What are the defects?

There is an internal non-conformity of both front seat backrests.

Where the product was sold

Nationally

Traders who sold this product

Motor vehicle dealers.

Supplier

Ateco Automotive Pty Ltd

Supplier's web site

http://cherymotors.com.au

What should consumers do?

Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by letter.

Owners are advised to contact their dealership for removal of both front seats from the vehicle and replacement of the backrest assembly on each seat. Both front seats will be re-fitted to the vehicle using the new mounting bolts as per recommendations.

Link to chasis numbers of affected cars.

http://www.recalls.gov.au/ui/images/mediaTypeIcons/pdf.gif

Elecric Car sales slide In UK

2011-07-29T09:47:00.000+10:00

As with most electric cars the resistance to buy these cars is lack of charging points and the worry by owners that they run out of charge before being able to get home.

This seems to be the current major problem in the Uk it has been reported. In the previous quarter 415 cars were sold and now in the last quarter only 115 were sold according to figures obtianed in the uk recently.

The eurozone is also votingon stronger reductions in emissions from cars by 2020 will make manufacturers look at building more electric cars.

The UK government has said it would roll out more charging stations and now wants to encourage to have built into private homes at a cost to the individual.

The other disincentive to buy an electric car is the cost however with the eurozone introducing emiisions controlls from next year will have the effect that as mor electric cars are built the price will come down

The same could be said for Australia however this has some way to go unfortunately there is not the population to warrant a full blown push for electric cars as there are for them in the UK.
The best that manufacturers is for hybrid vehicles both in the Uk and Australia making a more efficient alternative until the price of electric cars comes down and more efficient ways of having them recharged.

We just have to wait and see what happens in Europe and the emissions decision that will bee made for the year 2020.

2011-07-29T08:59:00.000+10:00

Volvo—S80 Vehicles

PRA number: 2011/12747
Date created: 28^th July 2011

Product information

Product description

Volvo S80 vehicles (MY 2007) fitted with a 3.2L petrol engine

Identifying features

VIN range: 000001 to 046266

Campaign number: R89240
Target number: 79

What are the hazards?

In the worst case scenario, if this condition were to occur, there is the possibility of the power steering fluid igniting, which could lead to an engine bay fire.

What are the defects?

The power steering return line may fail due to incorrect routing of the power steering cooling line. Should this condition occur, it may result in a sudden drainage of power steering oil and a loss of power steering assistance. Since this may appear suddenly and without any relevant warnings to the driver, this condition poses an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.

Where the product was sold

Nationally

Supplier

Volvo Car Australia Pty Ltd

What should consumers do?

Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by letter.

Owners are advised to contact their authorised Volvo dealer to have power steering cooling line correctly routed and replaced if necessary.