Honestjohn Backroom Posts

Recommendations Sub £5k Reliable Car (veloceman)

veloceman — Fri, 03 May 2024 05:48:17 +0000

Not many around but if you fancy something a little larger and a few years younger you could do worse than a Fiat Tipo. A 66/17 plate base 1.4 will just squeeze into your budget. No real vices apart from the 5yr ish cambelt change.

Skoda, the good old days? (edlithgow)

edlithgow — Fri, 03 May 2024 04:31:06 +0000

As is generally the case on YT, if you "like" a video, other ones of similar content pop up. And so I noticed a clip for something I'd never heard of called the Skoda Trekka: watch No prizes for guessing where this New Zealand built (apparently NZ's only production car) Octavia based machine drew inspiration from!. Though as far as I can tell, it was only ever 2wd. Here is an article from a NZ classic car website with a test drive, background and history testing-a-trekka Nice. And simple. I oarticularly like the lack of the sometimes problematic steering column combo switch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsY9WrTHkek Suppose it had a similar intended market and role to the original Toyota Zace here in SouthEast Asia, though that had a bigger engine, and steel fixed bodywork, both of which have pros, but mostly cons

2012 transit 350 h/r - Van not starting (elekie&a/c doctor)

elekie&a/c doctor — Thu, 02 May 2024 22:40:54 +0000

Could be ignition switch faulty. Fairly common issue . Cheap and easy to replace.

2012 transit 350 h/r - Van not starting (Frenchie 1987)

Frenchie 1987 — Thu, 02 May 2024 22:25:41 +0000

Yes both fully charged it’s like it’s not recognising the key was running fine then had it running for a hour as I was doing work in the back and then cut off and wouldn’t start again

2012 transit 350 h/r - Van not starting (elekie&a/c doctor)

elekie&a/c doctor — Thu, 02 May 2024 21:17:08 +0000

Are there 2 batteries under the driver seat ?

Skoda, the good old days? (swansea_karl)

swansea_karl — Thu, 02 May 2024 20:57:00 +0000

Hi all, i decided to have a change and purchased a 2022 1.0Tsi Scala. All my other cars have been Vauxhalls usually Astras and a Nova. Quite a rare car, there are not many Scalas around.

2012 transit 350 h/r - Van not starting (Frenchie 1987)

Frenchie 1987 — Thu, 02 May 2024 20:42:40 +0000

My van won’t start off the key the green screen and radio has power but no dash lights come on when I turn the key can any body help please

Recommendations Sub £5k Reliable Car (Engineer Andy)

Engineer Andy — Thu, 02 May 2024 16:02:29 +0000

Any idea how the i10 rides on 14" wheels? It depends upon the pairing of the wheel and tyre, especially the tyre sidewall height. My neighbour has a KIA Picanto, the i10's sister car, and it has 15in wheels, which means the tyre sidewall is likely 12mm (or between 10-15%) less than that of a similar car with 14in rims. The extra air cushioning will help improve ride quality over the lower profile tyre versions. The downside is that there will be a small loss in handling ability, though going one wheel size (1 inch) down rarely makes a huge difference in that regard, especially at legal speeds that are safely achievable for the car. Going up or down (if possible) by two inches on the wheel may well make a discernable difference - good or bad. Have a look at the HJ reviews section for any car you might consider, and they (alongside Owner reviews on the site) hopefully will give some indication what each sub-model may be like to drive in terms of comfort as well as handling. If you're going to do driving on local / urban roads and performance and handling isn't so much of a concern, then having a car with smaller wheels and higher profile tyres that help improve ride quality is often of benefit, especially on today's poorly-surfaced roads. Going that way can also help reduce costs, given higher profile tyres generally last longer than lower profile ones, are less susceptible to damage from potholes, as are their matching wheels, because the rims are further away from the road. Their extra 'air cushioning' also takes some load off the suspension, which will this last longer. It's also likely that such tyre types cost less, often quite a lot if they are a 'common' size, than less common / lower profile ones. It likely does mean looking at generally lower spec cars, but only going for the minimum spec you need will mean you'll be able to afford a newer example and/or one that is in better condition. All in all, it could save you a good few £000 (maybe more) over an ownership period. Worth considering with money so tight and significantly inflated costs at the moment.

Any - Italian tuneups (Engineer Andy)

Engineer Andy — Thu, 02 May 2024 15:37:14 +0000

Don't you need to use the entire rev range in each gear, how do you use e.g. 0rpm (or idle rpm) in top? How do you hit max rpm in top on speed restricted roads? You can however, hit max rpm in lower gears whilst staying below the speed limit ... No, I understand that (and do this), but what about the higher gears? Otherwise we may as well just thrash it 'safely' in 2nd. The problem, as you rightly say, is maxing it out it top gear means significantly breaking the speed limit and very well driving in a dangerous manner. Rather an expensive exercise if getting fined or needing to go for a 'track day' or legally find an accommodating former airbase with its runway intact! I do remember an episode of Fifth Gear when they were testing products that claimed to boost engine performance and efficiency, and the 1990s VW Corrado a 'flat spot' on its acceleration curve, but was mostly 'cured' and returned to near new performance by relatively cheap things, a decent fuel additive (and just running it normally for a week) being the most cost-effective. Probably worth doing once or twice a year as well as the Italian tune-up for people who mostly do motoring in slow-speed, busy roads.

Any - Punctured door dkin (bathtub tom)

bathtub tom — Thu, 02 May 2024 15:24:55 +0000

And the 'postage' for a whole door might be more than the cost of collecting in person, which would be a safer prospect if it's not too far away. Also giving you the opportunity to inspect it before handing over any money.

Any - Punctured door dkin (Andrew-T)

Andrew-T — Thu, 02 May 2024 14:52:19 +0000

I did notice that there are two on EBay around £350 to £450 plus postage that were the same colour. Couldn’t really tell their true condition from the photos though although neither looked immaculate. You don't mention the age or model, and getting a 'matching' door sounds like a neat solution, especially if you aren't too bothered about a perfect colour match. Hopefully any replacement door will be electronically compatible with your car - a possible problem which having your door repaired should not face. You need professional advice. And the 'postage' for a whole door might be more than the cost of collecting in person, which would be a safer prospect if it's not too far away.

Honda Jazz Hybrid - Multiple Honda 2020 model Brake Servo failures (Chis52)

Chis52 — Thu, 02 May 2024 13:51:19 +0000

Technically correct, however the Head Office is in Bracknell and an email to the MD will get a response.

Any - Punctured door dkin (Halmerend)

Halmerend — Thu, 02 May 2024 13:35:40 +0000

Thanks Gerry and all. Sorry about the careless typos, more haste less speed. I did notice that there are two on EBay around £350 to £450 plus postage that were the same colour. Couldn’t really tell their true condition from the photos though although neither looked immaculate.

Any - Italian tuneups (Metropolis.)

Metropolis. — Thu, 02 May 2024 13:13:53 +0000

It is also about load, otherwise we could just sit in neutral and rev.

Peugot 207 - Is it OK to mix OW-30 and 5W-30 oils? (Gibbo_Wirral)

Gibbo_Wirral — Thu, 02 May 2024 12:12:13 +0000

There's a good chance it will need 1 litre of oil every 1000 miles or so.

Any - Italian tuneups (Gibbo_Wirral)

Gibbo_Wirral — Thu, 02 May 2024 12:11:03 +0000

these days they often seem to be used for particulate filter regens in cars that generally only do short runs. And don't work. Its the equivalent of expecting a quick 20 minute jog to reverse the years of damage caused by unhealthy eating and living

Honda Civic - New alternator. Is the battery the problem? (galileo)

galileo — Thu, 02 May 2024 11:49:13 +0000

How did you check for parasitic drain? If you disconnect the battery overnight, has it still gone flat in the morning?

Honda Civic - New alternator. Is the battery the problem? (Joshua Duff)

Joshua Duff — Thu, 02 May 2024 11:13:31 +0000

My battery has been going flat intermittently for a few months. I got a new battery a couple of months ago but recently it's been happening more and more, to the point where, if left overnight, it will need a jump start in the morning. I got a mechanic out and he told me the issue was the alternator, so I got a new one installed. The next day I had exactly the same issue. I've since done tests to check for parasitic draw but there isn't any. The mechanic advised that it must be the battery (having been worn out by the alternator issues and regular jump starts). I took it back to Halfords this morning and they tested it and told me the battery was in perfect health. Eventually they did agree to replace it, but I'm now concerned there is still an issue but I'm at a loss to what it would be! Any ideas if could still have been the battery or what else it could be? Context: Honda Civic 2005 The car will start if it's been driven within a few hours, but not typically if left overnight. If it won't start it seems completely dead, where the central locking doesn't even work When needing a jump start, it will need to be left charging for a few minutes before I can turn the engine on. When it starts it does so straight away, with no odd sounds. No other electrical issues detected. Any help would be much appreciated!

Recommendations Sub £5k Reliable Car (Samuala)

Samuala — Thu, 02 May 2024 10:35:11 +0000

I thought you could open it as long as you have the key with you? Yes, you can. I suppose I'm being a little pedantic. The boot release is down by the driver, as is the fuel cap release. There's no physical button or lever for boot release on the rear of the vehicle. And can only be opened at the rear with tge key. I've heard European models come with a physical boot release. I know they're built to a price but my 2010 punto had a boot release at the rear and a button on the key fob.

Any - Punctured door dkin (Gerry Sanderson)

Gerry Sanderson — Thu, 02 May 2024 10:28:42 +0000

Salvage one? dvd

Honda Jazz Hybrid - Multiple Honda 2020 model Brake Servo failures (focussed)

focussed — Thu, 02 May 2024 10:25:35 +0000

Honda UK Ltd hasn't existed since 2015 when it was dissolved - it is a trading name of Honda Motor Europe LTD So you are waiting for HME to recognise that there is a problem.

Peugot 207 - Is it OK to mix OW-30 and 5W-30 oils? (Andrew-T)

Andrew-T — Thu, 02 May 2024 09:43:41 +0000

<< Worth checking in the handbook, on our Subaru and Landcruiser the preferred method is warm engine wait a few minutes after shutdown and then check the level . >> I quote from the handbook from my 207, 2007 edition : "The reading will only be correct if the vehicle is on level ground and the engine has been off for more than 15 minutes."

Peugot 207 - Is it OK to mix OW-30 and 5W-30 oils? (gordonbennet)

gordonbennet — Thu, 02 May 2024 07:12:02 +0000

There were oil marks on the dipstick above the 'min' level, but none of the marks were very clear. Will try leaving the dipstick in for longer to see if that helps. It's always best to read the dipstick in a cold/cool engine, on a level surface - straight after switching off will never give a true reading, and the oil is less visible too ! Worth checking in the handbook, on our Subaru and Landcruiser the preferred method is warm engine wait a few minutes after shutdown and then check the level.

Peugot 207 - Is it OK to mix OW-30 and 5W-30 oils? (edlithgow)

edlithgow — Thu, 02 May 2024 05:16:55 +0000

I've used the lowest cold viscosity with the rated hot viscosity - that gets oil around the engine fastest when it's cold and warming up - which is when most engine wear occurs Thats the story, sure. Might even be true, sometimes, but the (rather few) actual studies I've seen of the effect of oil viscosity on engine wear, tend to show it goes up,a little, as the viscosity goes down. Achieving these hot viscosities with a low base viscosity requires a lot of viscosity index improver and these can tend to clog oil control rings with their degradation products. This doesn't matter much to me, since something other than engine wear (usually THE MAN in some form, oft abetted by my mechanical incompetence) has tended to kill my cars, but its not a big surprise if the studies differ from the advertising copy..

Nissan Leaf - Leafing my wallet alone! (expat)

expat — Thu, 02 May 2024 01:46:19 +0000

The cheap single digit electricity is usually only available at night when there is loads of excess floating about. There are some tariffs where it is possible to get it for free at certain times so I am not sure there is any real subsidy there. Anyone can get cheap electricity now the market has gone back to something near normal - you just won't get it all the time and you won't get it at 5.30pm on a weekday afternoon. Over here in West Australia there is so much roof top solar that the off peak period is 9am to 3pm! Shoulder period is 9pm to 6am (I think) and peak is the morning and evening periods where people are cooking and having showers. In spring and autumn there is so much day time solar that the electricity company has to send out a signal to people's rooftop solar to remotely turn some off to balance the system.

Honda Jazz 2013 - After market warranties (sajid)

sajid — Wed, 01 May 2024 22:05:13 +0000

When I bought a honda jazz from the dealers I extended the warranty to 5 years. My jazz had a fault the abs light came on turn out to be a abs modulator priced at £1300 fortunately having a extended warranty covered the entire cost

Nissan Leaf - Leafing my wallet alone! (SLO76)

SLO76 — Wed, 01 May 2024 21:23:23 +0000

It’s just supply and demand, and skewed by the inability to simply turn generators off as when desired. At night the grid is oversupplied and thus cheapo lekky is available. Leo the Leaf is plugged in and has his internal timer set to midnight, when my 5hrs of 7.5p p/kwh kicks in. He’ll lap up around £1.80 worth to get back to 100% which will see him run for the next two days while leaving a decent backup of around 40%- a fraction of the cost in petrol or diesel. I do need to calm the beans though as I’m tearing the front tyres up, the acceleration is addictive. I love surprising big Audi’s and BMW’s away from roundabouts and up slip roads.

Recommendations Sub £5k Reliable Car (SLO76)

SLO76 — Wed, 01 May 2024 21:13:39 +0000

Vauxhall Viva that’s apparently lived most at of its life in sunny Engerland. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404028219456 Hmm hadn't considered a Viva. They seem to have decent spec. Any experience with them? May have to see if I can get a test drive at a dealer. They’re cheap, mostly owned by older people and thus not abused and they’re a bit more refined and substantial than the 107 etc. Make sure it has a full service record as timing chains can get noisy if neglected.

Honda Jazz 2013 - After market warranties (SLO76)

SLO76 — Wed, 01 May 2024 20:39:47 +0000

Most of them are r******, even the big names such as the RAC make it difficult for garages to claim and most have very low claims limits which wouldn’t pay for anything major. It’s the first question I ask when a dealer offers a warranty. The local garage I looked at a Hyundai Tucson with had a useless £1,000 claims limit on their RAC warranty which was much hyped by the salesboy. The only warranties I’d put any real value on are approved used manufacturer backed warranties on approved used cars. These typically are very good with most offering a claims limit that is the value of the car. Though cosmetic and certain electrical components can be excluded. Our poor quality (ruined by American bean counters) Volvo XC60 had cause to visit the dealer numerous times for warranty repairs but fortunately everything bar a water damaged fog light was covered, and the dealer did that one as goodwill. I’ve never bought a warranty. But I’ve sold them in the past and experienced the anger from both customer and service staff alike. On a Honda Jazz I certainly wouldn’t part with any money for a useless bit of paper.

Recommendations Sub £5k Reliable Car (SLO76)

SLO76 — Wed, 01 May 2024 20:27:50 +0000

The Peugeot107/108, Citroen c1 and Toyota Aygo are best with the Daihatsu designed 3cyl 1.0 motor. It’s simple and long lived if looked after. The 1.2 was available in the 108 for a while but it’s not anywhere near as robust. The 1.0 nips along well enough in such a light car.

Honda Jazz 2013 - After market warranties (gordonbennet)

gordonbennet — Wed, 01 May 2024 20:16:54 +0000

The only time we've ever had such a warranty was when we bought the Merc coupe (still have it) when it was 6 years old around 2002/3, the dealer told us himself the warranty he supplied with all cars wasn't worth the paper it was printed on. I suspect, but have no evidence, that some minor claims are more likely paid out for statistical reasons whilst really expensive claims would more likely be rejected. Back in the 80's my next door neighbour bought an Audi 100CC estate (the curvy one they printed the low Cd figure on), he bought an aftermarket warranty with it, the automatic gearbox failed a few months later (how unusual on one of those) and in the small print the max figure for any one single claim came to about 1/3rd the cost of repair....the kicker was he'd traded in a mint low mileage Nissan Bluebird he'd had from new which never missed a beat for that Audi.

Recommendations Sub £5k Reliable Car (Adampr)

Adampr — Wed, 01 May 2024 19:12:25 +0000

202404168691790 Dacia Sandero with long MOT. MIL mentioned in 2022 but otherwise nothing of concern. Basic no nonsense transport with a simple and reliable 1.2 Renault engine, but more space than everything mentioned so far apart from the Jazz. Thank so much for your suggestions. I've seen a few Sanderos for sale. There is currently someone just up the road from me selling a Stepway 0.9 for £5,999 with just over 50k miles. My mother-in-law has a 2020 Sandero with the naturally aspirated 1.0 petrol. Is the turbo just as reliable? Sounds silly, but the only thing that puts me off the sandero is there being no boot release at the rear although, I'm sure it's easy to get used to. I thought you could open it as long as you have the key with you? We have a Renault Twingo with the 0.9tce engine and not had any problems with it. It has a decent reputation and is quite a fun thing. It is a lot livelier than the 1.0sce.

Any - Punctured door dkin (elekie&a/c doctor)

elekie&a/c doctor — Wed, 01 May 2024 19:07:48 +0000

Replacement door skins are very much a job from the past . I can’t think of any manufacturers that supply them . It’ll be a repair or replacement door .

Recommendations Sub £5k Reliable Car (Samuala)

Samuala — Wed, 01 May 2024 19:06:47 +0000

Any idea how the i10 rides on 14" wheels?

Recommendations Sub £5k Reliable Car (Samuala)

Samuala — Wed, 01 May 2024 19:06:13 +0000

Peugeot 107/108 based on the same platform. My mum has a 208 with the 1.2 puretech, assuming this is the same engine? Nothing but trouble. I think they pulled close to 200 fault codes at one point. Seems only the lower spec 108 comes with the 1.0l before 2018. C1 and Aygo offer throughout the range, so a few more options. Not seen many UP! Or siblings under £5,000, especially not with similar equipment as rivals.

Recommendations Sub £5k Reliable Car (Samuala)

Samuala — Wed, 01 May 2024 18:59:49 +0000

Recommendations Sub £5k Reliable Car (Samuala)

Samuala — Wed, 01 May 2024 18:57:49 +0000

Any - Punctured door dkin (Andrew-T)

Andrew-T — Wed, 01 May 2024 18:47:13 +0000

I suppose you mean a wall ? :-) But the only way to get a reliable answer is to visit a decent bodyshop and ask. If the guy sucks his teeth, maybe assume a new door is needed.

Ford Connect Van - Ford Connect Van - Wet belt or normal? (Dave N)

Dave N — Wed, 01 May 2024 17:42:40 +0000

Connect diesel isnt wet belt. Petrol is though.

Honda Jazz Hybrid - Multiple Honda 2020 model Brake Servo failures (Marie95)

Marie95 — Wed, 01 May 2024 17:41:49 +0000

I pointed out in my email that I was aware that this fault had been recognised by Honda in Japan as being due to a manufacturing fault and that in Japan those cars affected had been subject to a recall. I said that I was also aware that a number of Honda owners in the UK were also being affected by the problem and that Honda’s response so far had not been what was expected from a company which until now had a good reputation for reliability of their cars. That's helpful Chris - the more emails the MD receives the more likely he is to become fed-up with the issue and instruct Honda UK to get on with a general recall (??) Yes that is what I am hoping Theophilus

Any - Punctured door dkin (Halmerend)

Halmerend — Wed, 01 May 2024 17:40:49 +0000

Sorry just notice the title typo.

Any - Punctured door dkin (Dave N)

Dave N — Wed, 01 May 2024 17:38:51 +0000

Replace whole door probably

Any - Punctured door dkin (Halmerend)

Halmerend — Wed, 01 May 2024 17:37:16 +0000

Hi. I had an unfortunate low speed coming together with a low walk which has punctured a hole in the door skin. Will a reputable repairer replace the door skin or can they repair the existing door?

Honda Jazz 2013 - After market warranties (badbusdriver)

badbusdriver — Wed, 01 May 2024 17:35:03 +0000

we do have some money in the bank (although not enough yet to replace our Jazz with the Mazda CX3 that I'm saving up for ) Slightly off piste here, but have you had a look at a CX3 in the flesh and/or read the thread by Honda Jazzer? The Mazda CX3 was one of the prime candidates until such times as a physical encounter happened. Whereupon it was decided that the CX3 was just too cramped! As you would also be coming from a Jazz, the difference in space, particularly the rear seat, will be especially noticeable. Not a problem for some of course, but if you regularly carry rear passengers, it may be.

Honda Jazz 2013 - After market warranties (catsdad)

catsdad — Wed, 01 May 2024 17:30:34 +0000

I haven’t had a stand alone used car warranty for many years. A breakdown is a pain in the proverbial anyway and adding in the complication of having to make a claim is a hassle I can do without. Anecdotally they exclude so much that they’re of limited use. Rather than a standalone warranty our 2020 Vitara has a service activated warranty. This warrants the car, excluding wear and tear items, as long as it’s serviced by a participating dealer. Not all do, our local dealer is fifteen miles away and doesn’t participate. So for now we will make the 100 mile round trip to the dealer we bought it from until we’ve had it for a year. Once that’s passed I am not sure I will bother unless I can find a nearer dealer. My indie is very good and walkable in fine weather.

Any - Italian tuneups (Heidfirst)

Heidfirst — Wed, 01 May 2024 17:08:43 +0000

Honda Jazz 2013 - After market warranties (argybargy)

argybargy — Wed, 01 May 2024 16:31:07 +0000

Many thanks for the responses, lots of common sense thinking there. Reckon I will ditch it this time round, not least because we do have some money in the bank (although not enough yet to replace our Jazz with the Mazda CX3 that I'm saving up for ) and should be able to cover anything but the most catastrophic failures. Which, as suggested by madf above, is unlikely with a Jazz.

Nissan Leaf - Leafing my wallet alone! (pd)

pd — Wed, 01 May 2024 16:29:26 +0000

There are some tariffs where it is possible to get it for free at certain times so I am not sure there is any real subsidy there. Anyone can get cheap electricity now the market has gone back to something near normal Electricity is never 'free' and rarely 'cheap'. As I intimated above, any subsidy is the more expensive price paid by other consumers (or indeed the same ones) at other times to the generator. I don't think it is a subsidy. It is just the nature of electricity generation that it isn't that easy to turn some off it on and off frequently so at times there is an excess of electricity they need rid of. You'd still need that peak capacity come what may and if you didn't off load cheap electricity overnight no one would buy it and nothing would be cheaper.

Honda Jazz 2013 - After market warranties (Andrew-T)

Andrew-T — Wed, 01 May 2024 14:56:13 +0000

Not sure how much breakdown cover costs, .... I thought we were discussing warranties, not Breakdown Cover ?

Nissan Leaf - Leafing my wallet alone! (mcb100)

mcb100 — Wed, 01 May 2024 12:59:06 +0000

‘There are some tariffs where it is possible to get it for free at certain times so I am not sure there is any real subsidy there.’ There are nights (windy ones!) when users on the Intelligent Octopus Go tariff will actually be paid to charge. It does need a compatible home charging solution or car (not all are compatible). It’s cheaper to pay consumers to take the electricity than it is to shut down a turbine, apparently. On a slightly different subject, China is regularly brought up as an anti-EV argument, as in ‘Well, what about China, opening two new coal fired power stations per hour/day/month/year/whatever?’ I’ve been reading a few articles recently, most are in agreement that China will hit ‘peak emissions’ as soon as soon as 2026 and from that point renewable start to become dominant.