Honestjohn Backroom Posts

Any - Any (daveyjp)

daveyjp — Sun, 19 May 2024 21:47:58 +0000

Another old Vauxhall spotted last weekend on the M1, A Cavalier from the mid 90s, even more surprising it was a turbo 4x4.

Any - Any (badbusdriver)

badbusdriver — Sun, 19 May 2024 20:26:01 +0000

I think the early Fronteras were a bit ropey, Vauxhall's quick attempt to jump on the 4x4 bandwagon in the 90's. They were certainly fairly primitive, even for the time!. The Frontera appeared in the UK in 1991 as a rebadged 1989 Isuzu Mu, which in turn was based on the Isuzu Faster pick-up from the year before. I seem to recall that the early 2.0i models used the engine from the Opel Manta GTE(!). I also remember that the Frontera performed very poorly in crash tests!. But in reference to GB's comments about being reliable. tough and durable, on (I think) the very last Top Gear of the Clarkson era, he bought a Frontera for a cheap SUV challenge. At one point, their cars were rolled sideways down a steep slope, whereupon Clarkson got in the Frontera (I think it actually ended up on its wheels) fired it up and drove away!. In the mid 90's I did a very thorough valet on an early Frontera 2.0i Sport 3 door. The chap who bought it considered the Frontera his dream car(!) and bought it using money he was awarded following an accident. The car was already in very good condition, but its new owner wanted it looking as close to new condition as was possible. I had a look on Ebay following GB's post. There are three Frontera's on there, at least two of which I quite fancy!

Any - Any (Xileno)

Xileno — Sun, 19 May 2024 19:43:11 +0000

I think the early Fronteras were a bit ropey, Vauxhall's quick attempt to jump on the 4x4 bandwagon in the 90's. Saw an immaculate Stag in yellow earlier with the roof down. It still looks a good design today, just a shame BL didn't stop to build the thing properly. The smell of uncatalysed petrol is one to bring back memories.

Any - Any (badbusdriver)

badbusdriver — Sun, 19 May 2024 19:00:16 +0000

Talking of rare sights, was overtaken during the week on the M4 by a very well looked after 02 plate LWB Frontera cruising comfortably at motorway speeds, can't recall the last time i saw one, carried many during my Network Q shifting years. The Frontera name is actually being resurrected for the Vauxhall badged version of the new electric Citroen C3!

Any - Any (groaver)

groaver — Sun, 19 May 2024 18:41:18 +0000

Talking of rare sights, was overtaken during the week on the M4 by a very well looked after 02 plate LWB Frontera cruising comfortably at motorway speeds, can't recall the last time i saw one, carried many during my Network Q shifting years. I always thought they called it the Frontera because owners were at the frontera queue at the dealership warranty dept. I'll get my coat...

any - Modern petrol Estates - any known vices? (corax)

corax — Sun, 19 May 2024 15:31:24 +0000

I don't know how bad the damage is, but for a 14 year old car, maybe it's best to knock out the panel, replace the rear light cluster and not expect a perfect job, just functional, then keep running it until it's uneconomically viable. That's what I would do, but you've hinted that your partner wants something new and shiny, so I can see your conundrum. "A rough character went on the rampage" That's a polite way of putting it.

Any - Any (Halmerend)

Halmerend — Sun, 19 May 2024 14:35:16 +0000

“We’ve made a tidy £300 profit on the car if you conveniently forget that Ed has been working on it for two weeks solid”.

any - Modern petrol Estates - any known vices? (Andrew-T)

Andrew-T — Sun, 19 May 2024 14:19:43 +0000

<< I chatted to Aviva about this; they offered a pittance of less than £1700 for the car, which made me think about the economics of it all . >> That payout looks reasonable to me for a 14-year-old car. I got £2250 (£3500 for a full write-off) for my 207 when it was 8 years old. I know prices have risen, but ....

any - Modern petrol Estates - any known vices? (SLO76)

SLO76 — Sun, 19 May 2024 13:48:55 +0000

I’d be tempted to just get it fixed on the cheap and run it until I’d saved a bit more money assuming it’s otherwise a good old car.

VW POLO 2023 - Is it right that I pay? (Andrew-T)

Andrew-T — Sun, 19 May 2024 12:29:16 +0000

I have to return the curtesy car full so I’m looking at the cost of atleast half a tank of fuel. Sod’s Law :( Seems fair to me - provided you return the loan car refilled to the level it had when you got it, you have simply bought the fuel you would have put in your own car otherwise ?

Suzuki Baleno - Thoughts on Suzuki Baleno (bazza)

bazza — Sun, 19 May 2024 12:04:45 +0000

It's actually a good point that boot capacity is not the only factor in choosing. For example our Vitara boot capacity is quite a lot less than our previous Civic but because of it's squarish shape and layout is a lot more useful for shifting bulky items, or using it as a picnic or coffee table for example.

Suzuki Baleno - Thoughts on Suzuki Baleno (Steveieb)

Steveieb — Sun, 19 May 2024 11:33:51 +0000

A lot of the Suzukis registered in my town five years ago were imported by an unofficial dealer from Belgium after he identified a price differential. He did great business after Skoda dropped him as he didn’t have the finances to build a glass palace. Sad because he helped Skoda increase their market share from the days of the rear engined models and once they had VW based cars to sell the small dealers disappeared .

any - Modern petrol Estates - any known vices? (SLO76)

SLO76 — Sun, 19 May 2024 10:55:00 +0000

I wouldn’t touch a Renault Megane, or any small capacity turbo at the money you’re talking about. I had a Quick Look around and unless you’re prepared to up your budget to £10k or so they’re all in the danger zone mileage wise. Cinch have a nice Leon 1.0 TSi SE Estate at £10k with sensible miles and this would be nice to drive and cheap to run but it’s £3k over your stated budget. I did find a 25,000 mile Ford Focus estate with the well regarded Yamaha designed Zetec SE petrol motor and a manual box but its strong money for a 2014 car and a bit over your budget again. Black isn’t an easy colour to keep nice either, but if it’s a genuine low mileage example and clean underneath then it could last 10yrs or more. They’re good to drive, decent on fuel and cheap to service and repair. The Mot history looks ok, with very low mileage use consistent through its life which suggests and elderly owner. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405059397001 Here’s the Leon I mentioned. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403197755641 An Auris estate would be a great car but they sell for very strong money as taxi operators are all over them when they come up for sale so you’d need to find another £3k or so for a good one. The Avensis estate is another that’s selling for silly money, you’d be looking at a 10/11yr old car for £7k. Petrol family estates are in big demand as ULEZ legislation forces people to upgrade or offload old diesels etc.

any - Modern petrol Estates - any known vices? (Big John)

Big John — Sun, 19 May 2024 10:39:59 +0000

Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE HE Does the 1.0 in the Octavia need anything special other than service and a cam belt? No. Infact cambelt interval has been revised to 15 years / 180k miles - and it's a simpler job than the Active Cylinder Technology versions (higher power 1.4/1.5). The 1.0 also has a Single Mass Flywheel and external clutch slave (simpler / cheaper). Go and test drive one, the 1.0 pull surprisingly well but obviously isn't a sports car.

any - Modern petrol Estates - any known vices? (gordonbennet)

gordonbennet — Sun, 19 May 2024 10:34:54 +0000

Auris estate, all the reliability of the Avensis without the electric park brake. Toyotas sadly are no longer cheap to buy used like they once were, for obvious reasons.

Any - Any (gordonbennet)

gordonbennet — Sun, 19 May 2024 10:27:53 +0000

Talking of rare sights, was overtaken during the week on the M4 by a very well looked after 02 plate LWB Frontera cruising comfortably at motorway speeds, can't recall the last time i saw one, carried many during my Network Q shifting years. So many of the really good cars were disposed of due to the ridiculous scheme of the time (which can't be named because of the language filter on this forum), thousands more were exported to eastern europe and Africa where durable reliable and tough mean rather more than toys and badges, many docks in the early noughties especially hundreds of cars at a time many of us would have given our eye teeth for....probably being replaced by Diesels which people were told to buy.

any - Modern petrol Estates - any known vices? (JonestHon)

JonestHon — Sun, 19 May 2024 10:27:23 +0000

Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE HE Bar excessive cabin noise, the Avensis is a paragon of reliability and comfort, but it might not be economical to fix. I looked at what I can get for an absolute maximum of £7k + £1k contingent for sorting things on AutoTrader, and there seems to be a fair selection, so I like the panel’s opinion. That all depends on what you understand by 'economical'. If the car is otherwise in good shape, it looks much more economical to have it fixed than spend £7-8k replacing it. Let your insurer write the car off, but take a reduced payout and keep the car. Pay your repairer the difference - I'm sure he may be able to trim a little off his full-price estimate for repair. That's what I did eight years ago, and I never regretted it. I chatted to Aviva about this; they offered a pittance of less than £1700 for the car, which made me think about the economics of it all. I also attempted to source the part from a reputable online breakers service, which ended in nothing; many of their members/traders declared availability upfront, but when it came down to getting the part, they all called to say it was already sold. It seems like a quarter panel light cluster and paint job will end up similar money to the body shop quote. I think SWAMBO, the keeper and primary user, is ready for a change after so many years of ownership. She finds the electric hand brake annoying as it has no hill holding (these were added in 2015 onward, but our's is from 2010), and the lack of parking sensors (only a rear camera) leads to a few prangs. I wonder about these Octavias on Autotrader; they are four years old and have loads of space; what is the catch? It seems a shorter rig than the Avensis, which is good in my book. Honda Tourer petrol seems out of budget but has a decent reputation for reliability. It also has a slushbox in the auto, within the kiss principle. Mazda 6, hardly any in our area and above budget in most cases. Does the 1.0 in the Octavia need anything special other than service and a cam belt?

VW POLO 2023 - Is it right that I pay? (primus 1)

primus 1 — Sun, 19 May 2024 09:58:57 +0000

Whenever I’ve ever had a courtesy car I’ve always tried to keep it topped up with the minimum cost, usually a tenner at a time, I also feel the need to explain to the cashier that it is a loan car and it’s going back soon to mitigate the condescending looks I receive, lol, I return it with whatever fuel was in it when I picked it up..

any - Modern petrol Estates - any known vices? (Andrew-T)

Andrew-T — Sun, 19 May 2024 09:54:59 +0000

any - Modern petrol Estates - any known vices? (catsdad)

catsdad — Sun, 19 May 2024 09:31:27 +0000

How about a 1.8 Honda Civic up to about 2018. Naturally aspirated,, chain cam and 148 bhp and mid 40’s economy. Magic seats are very handy with dogs and kids. Estates are rarer and pricier than hatchbacks. However if it’s capacity you need rather than height the hatchback has a surprisingly big boot. Same goes for the Octavia.. The main obstacles with the Civic are budget and age. £7k will not buy you a six year old one. However an older Civic could be a good buy especially privately. As long as you avoid 2012 cars which has an uncharacteristic thirst for oil.,

any - Modern petrol Estates - any known vices? (badbusdriver)

badbusdriver — Sun, 19 May 2024 09:26:24 +0000

If you like the car that much, I'd look into the possibility of a 2nd hand panel. Had a look on Ebay and there is a facelifted version of your car (2015-2018) with both rear quarters available for £280 + £100 postage. Not 100% sure, but I'd assume they would fit your car. If not there is a also a breaking pre-facelift car on there, no prices listed for any body panels, but the picture (which covers the o/s rear quarter) doesn't show any bodywork damage. Sadly, £8 won't go that far in todays market, so maybe better the devil you know applies?

Any - Any (bathtub tom)

bathtub tom — Sun, 19 May 2024 09:23:18 +0000

They turn out to be great buys and Mike has no problems shifting them. It's a fictional, scripted, entertainment programme, not a serious documentary.

any - Modern petrol Estates - any known vices? (Big John)

Big John — Sun, 19 May 2024 09:18:11 +0000

The Octavia estate is a good car with a huge boot especially with the 1.4 tsi EA211 engine although the 1.0 tsi pulls it along reasonably and both are economical. The 1.5tsi had an issue when introduced but has been since sorted with a software fix. Generally though the VAG 1.0 -1.5tsi EA211 has been a "good'n" especially mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox. Very refined and low revving on a motorway with excellent real life fuel economy. Astra 1.6 - avoid - cylinder head issues.

any - Modern petrol Estates - any known vices? (Steveieb)

Steveieb — Sun, 19 May 2024 08:32:56 +0000

How about another Avensis Estate like the one you had or a Mazda 6 . They would be my choice!

Any - Any (Steveieb)

Steveieb — Sun, 19 May 2024 08:30:23 +0000

I’d like to know where the cars are advertised after they are refurbished. They turn out to be great buys and Mike has no problems shifting them. They have had a fortune spent on them especially the man hours !

any - Modern petrol Estates - any known vices? (JonestHon)

JonestHon — Sun, 19 May 2024 07:46:53 +0000

Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE HE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Aptos; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Aptos; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-font-kerning:1.0pt; mso-ligatures:standardcontextual; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} A rough character went on the rampage near my daughter's school and collided with three parked cars, one of which is our petrol Toyota Avensis estate. The rear quarter was badly dented along the light cluster. I took it to my local body shop, which I trust, and they said it would need a replacement panel, which would cost almost £1200. My insurer wants to write off the car due to its age (14) and mileage (153k). Bar excessive cabin noise, the Avensis is a paragon of reliability and comfort, but it might not be economical to fix. I looked at what I can get for an absolute maximum of £7k + £1k contingent for sorting things on AutoTrader, and there seems to be a fair selection, so I like the panel’s opinion. We do everything with the car: short school runs, dog tasks, commutes, and the occasional 300-mile cross-country stint. We covered around 9500 miles last year, which is about right for us going forward. I'm looking with simplicity and travel comfort in mind, up to six years of age, about 520 litres of boot space with seats up, and I don't mind autos or manuals. We always have petrol cars nowadays, so I prefer to stick to this and keep it simple. A few younger cars (2018-2021) are showing as reasonable potential candidates, but are there any vices I should keep an eye on? There are 2020 - 2019 Skoda Fabia and Octavia estates with reasonable mileage under 100k and 1.0 - 1.4 , 1.5 turbos. Is there anything to notice? Is this cheap for a reason? Also, a Renault Megane 1.3 Tce seems to have decent figures in the performance section. What about natural aspirated/ manual combos like the Avensis? I see a fair few Astra Tourers with a 1.6 motor. Is this worth a punt? I am looking mostly around the Bristol area but am willing to travel to most places to look at a good example.

Any - Any (Xileno)

Xileno — Sun, 19 May 2024 06:53:26 +0000

"Even the common Mondeo is starting to be a rare sight!" That reminds me - yesterday I saw again the K reg MK1 that potters around locally, it looks immaculate. I keep meaning to note down its reg and have a look at the MOT history, I magine welding must be regular.

Any - Any (Big John)

Big John — Sat, 18 May 2024 22:34:25 +0000

Wheeler Dealers usually just fix a couple of things that are good for filming on TV. It's not a program that fully restores cars - it's just a tart up and deal scenario. It doesn't take much to write a car off re MOT repair costs and rust is still a thing. Look around you, previously common cars are vanishing. Even the common Mondeo is starting to be a rare sight!

Wheeler Dealers (Halmerend)

Halmerend — Sat, 18 May 2024 22:13:26 +0000

My wife’s on a hen do tonight so thought I’d catch up on some old Wheeler Dealers. Just watched five old episodes and find it quite sad that none of them are still on the road despite all that love and effort. Thoughts? [made subject a bit more meaningful - mod]

Advice on replacing my car in UK - sellers market? (alan1302)

alan1302 — Sat, 18 May 2024 21:48:34 +0000

Imagine if just one didn't lie? Imagine how incredibly successful that salesroom would be? The reason this happens is we tolerate it, we just shrug our shoulders and accept it as normal. I've walked away, I'm not encouraging this. I'd rather be without a car than lied to and ripped off. Come on entrepreneurs, there's an enormous opportunity here. I've now got 20k to spend and literally can't find an honest dealer to spend it at. I really just don't get this mentality of this is the way it is, deal with it. Its this way because of we accept it and still give them our hard earned cash. Don't. What sort of lies are you getting from them? if I want a car I simply go to the deal say I want that car and buy it. There is no pint where they can lie to me as I don't ask them any questions.

Advice on replacing my car in UK - sellers market? (Andrew-T)

Andrew-T — Sat, 18 May 2024 18:28:28 +0000

As I've been saying for 20 years a dealership that was different would clean up. But maybe the situation you describe proves that to be a business model that doesn't work ? Or possibly that someone working by it finds it more profitable to abandon it ? Or (just possibly, I suppose) anyone doing that is 'got at' by all the crooked competitors ? :-)

Porsche Boxster - Porsche Communications Management PCM loading maps (Rerepo)

Rerepo — Sat, 18 May 2024 17:24:55 +0000

Its a Harman-Becker unit and they do go faulty. Its an old piece of hardware now. I think they used a 40GB HDD and they eventually go kaputt. Best bet is to contact a specialist repairer of these German-made units. I don't want to give phone numbers or weblinks but if you do a search using the terms 'RNS-X-RAY' and 'West Bromwich' you should come up with the phone number of a company that can help you.

Advice on replacing my car in UK - sellers market? (UncleBlobby)

UncleBlobby — Sat, 18 May 2024 15:44:02 +0000

Only because we tolerate that and still give them out money.

Suzuki Baleno - Thoughts on Suzuki Baleno (tim10597)

tim10597 — Sat, 18 May 2024 15:38:46 +0000

Depends which sources you read as to the size of the boot, I think it’s 320 litres, but that’s not really relevant as from having used it, the boot is quite shallow (66cm deep at best). Go to the supermarket and you’ll get about 3 or 4 bags for life in there, after that it’s full. Mrs Tim had a Fiesta until a few months ago, the boot in that was much more useable. And as I said, a smaller boot has benefits for rear seat passengers.

Advice on replacing my car in UK - sellers market? (UncleBlobby)

UncleBlobby — Sat, 18 May 2024 15:34:09 +0000

Everyone I know and work with is similar. They now hang on to their cars as long as possible to avoid the UK car market. There's millions out there not being spent. As I've been saying for 20 years a dealership that was different would clean up. But then you come across that weird UK mindset that accepts this as the normal and anyone who dislikes it as being idealistic and difficult. We get what we deserve.

Advice on replacing my car in UK - sellers market? (UncleBlobby)

UncleBlobby — Sat, 18 May 2024 15:09:21 +0000

Porsche Boxster - Porsche Communications Management PCM loading maps (Cris_on_the_gas)

Cris_on_the_gas — Sat, 18 May 2024 12:50:19 +0000

Yes have tried a complete battery disconnect for about a minute. Having removed the fuse for alarm during this time. Currently asking a couple of Porsche specialists and the Local Porsche dealer but thought I’d try this forum aswell. Thanks for the response.

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

Theophilus — Sat, 18 May 2024 12:26:30 +0000

Result - almost! I also emailed the Honda MD and got a phone call just over a week ago from his assistant - very apologetic and promise of a cheque (but not arrived yet) repaying the total cost of the repair. I await the arrival of the promised cheque!

Kia Sportage Audi Q3 - Need advice buying used Kia Sportage or Audi Q3/Q4 (Orb>>)

Orb>> — Sat, 18 May 2024 11:30:28 +0000

Either the Kia or Hyundai would be a reasonable bet reliability wise, though the base model 1.6 petrol is both slow and thirsty. OBJECTION. They are not race cars, when doing out of town runs i was easily getting 40mph and more driven carefully. Don't forget 1.5 tons plus people..... All cars are thirstier when driven "aggressivly" !!!!

Porsche Boxster - Porsche Communications Management PCM loading maps (elekie&a/c doctor)

elekie&a/c doctor — Sat, 18 May 2024 10:39:40 +0000

Very likely to be made by Becker. May be an idea to contact one of the Porsche Indy repairers. I’m sure they’ll have a contact for an effective repair. Have you tried a complete battery disconnect, rather than pulling fuses ?

Kia Sportage Audi Q3 - Need advice buying used Kia Sportage or Audi Q3/Q4 (Ian_SW)

Ian_SW — Sat, 18 May 2024 10:23:32 +0000

At £8k, I wouldn't buy an Audi (or BMW or Mercedes). You'll be paying mostly for the badge- older "premium" brand cars are quite in demand for impressing tbe neighbours. Either the Kia or Hyundai would be a reasonable bet reliability wise, though the base model 1.6 petrol is both slow and thirsty. If a Volkswagen group car is preferred, the equivalent Seat Ateca or Skoda Karoq will share a fair amount underneath with the Audi and be significantly newer for the budget.

Porsche Boxster - Porsche Communications Management PCM loading maps (Cris_on_the_gas)

Cris_on_the_gas — Sat, 18 May 2024 09:35:59 +0000

Got a 2010 Porsche Boxster 987 Gen 2. 2.9 PDK with PCM3.0. The PCM unit is shows "loading maps... " Other functions of PCM like phone, radio, ipod etc works OK. Has been working OK for years previously. Tried removing fuse row C F10 PCM3 TRM30. leaving out for 2mins to PCM unit, no difference. Suspect the sat nav is a hard disk unit, not sure how this can be diagnosed or removed for repair or can a new map be loaded.

Kia Sportage Audi Q3 - Need advice buying used Kia Sportage or Audi Q3/Q4 (badbusdriver)

badbusdriver — Sat, 18 May 2024 08:03:42 +0000

Iam looking to buy a used compact suv for around £8k and cannot decide between few makes and models so please advice if you are an expert or have one of the below cars Kia Sportage (2013-2014 to 2017) Audi Q3 or Q4 Hyundai Tuscan or other similar car. The Q4 is an EV which was launched in 2021, cheapest one on Autotrader is £21k Ignoring that, I think you may be a little optimistic with regards to what your budget is going to get in todays market. I just had a little search on Autotrader for Q3's using an £8.5k budget, petrol engine, up to 80k miles and no insurance write offs. There is a grand total of one, nationwide (a 2012 example)!. Even if you up the mileage to 100k, there is still only 12 nationwide to choose from. But personally I wouldn't go anywhere near a Q3 of that age.

Nissan Qashqai 1.5 tdi - Ignition switch change (Hill79)

Hill79 — Sat, 18 May 2024 07:54:06 +0000

I'm having the same issue, narrowed it down to 'something' in the ignition barrel last night so your explanation is really helpful! Any chance you could post a link to the part you bought, or at least a search term you used so I know what to look for? Also, did you need to remove the ignition barrel to replace it? How big of a job is it?

Suzuki Baleno - Thoughts on Suzuki Baleno (badbusdriver)

badbusdriver — Sat, 18 May 2024 07:43:55 +0000

Criticism? The boot is quite small for the size of car, but that does translate into good space for passengers. Hmm, that comment is both unfair and inaccurate. The Baleno came out in 2016 and had a 355 litre boot capacity. The only other contemporary car of that size category which could equal it was the Jazz, everything else (Fiesta, Polo, Clio, Yaris, Fabia, Ibiza, 208, etc) had smaller boot capacity. And apart from the Yaris and Jazz (both of which were exactly the same length as the Baleno), all those other cars are (slightly longer). Even if you look at current versions, only the Ibiza equals the Baleno's boot capacity, the rest are all smaller (albeit not by much), including the Jazz who's boot has shrunk to 300 litres.

Kia Sportage Audi Q3 - Need advice buying used Kia Sportage or Audi Q3/Q4 (FoxyJukebox)

FoxyJukebox — Sat, 18 May 2024 07:27:14 +0000

My preference would be the Audi-but be prepared for quite big maintenance bills. Tyres, battery, cam belt and electric issues will need carefully checking . As long as the car isn’t using oil it should be ok. Just remember-it’s 10 years old and not new.

Suzuki Baleno - Thoughts on Suzuki Baleno (tim10597)

tim10597 — Fri, 17 May 2024 21:46:53 +0000

My daughter has the Baleno SZ5 1.0 Boosterjet automatic. She bought it from my mum four years ago when my mum gave up driving. With the exception of having a stone through the air conditioning compressor, nothing has gone wrong with it, it’s had routine servicing and maintenance and needed nothing else. We will replace the tyres this year as they will be 8 years old (car is 2016 model, and is very low mileage for the year). It easily does well over 50mpg, closer to 60 on a run and is comfortable. The Apple Car Play connection works well, so no need to update the maps on the cars SD card. Criticism? The boot is quite small for the size of car, but that does translate into good space for passengers. It’s not a car I would buy, but my daughter loves it and having just asked her, would highly recommend one!

Any - Recommend me an automatic family car (John F)

John F — Fri, 17 May 2024 20:45:48 +0000

The globally ubiquitous Stellantis powertrain of the 1.2 puretech engine and reliable maintenance-free Aisin EAT6 gearbox is found in many family cars, especially Peugeots, Citroens and Vauxhalls in the UK. I'd avoid anything earlier than 2019, because their Dayco cambelts were prone to crumbling, especially if cheap non-spec oil was used. We are very happy with our Peugeot 2008.

Kia Sportage Audi Q3 - Need advice buying used Kia Sportage or Audi Q3/Q4 (p yelland)

p yelland — Fri, 17 May 2024 20:24:44 +0000

Hello guys Iam looking to buy a used compact suv for around £8k and cannot decide between few makes and models so please advice if you are an expert or have one of the below cars Kia Sportage (2013-2014 to 2017) Audi Q3 or Q4 Hyundai Tuscan or other similar car. We need a reliable car for my Mrs . Also one with good spec. I lpersonally like Kia Sportage but I’ve seen Sportage from 2014/2015 doesn’t have leather seats but they look better than older ones who though have everything. My Mrs likes Audi Q3 s but I’ve had couple of A4s before and had loads problems ??.

Advice on second hand car purchase (mcb100)

mcb100 — Fri, 17 May 2024 20:12:38 +0000

‘ If you do buy a charger make sure it is compatible with whatever tariff you might be looking at. With Octopus I think it is mainly the Ohme ones.’ It’s only Intelligent Octopus Go (a tariff that watches wholesale electricity prices every 30 minutes) that requires a compatible charger. The regular Octopus Go tariff will work with any charger, as will every other supplier’s tariff. I know folks that use a 3 pin plug to run their EV, but they’re low mileage users - at c2.2kW output, it’ll take 24 hours to fully charge a 40kW/h battery. Be aware that LEAF does use a charging socket that isn’t now the most common (putting it mildly) on public chargers, so any search for amps will have to be filtered to look for Chademo connections. You will find them in the wild at existing sites, but I don’t see many being installed now.