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Questions from June 2015
I bought this as a used Jag Management car in 2014, it is a 2013 model so still under warranty, has done 26000 miles FSH. I had a problem with the Media system freezing and no sound - gave video to dealer...
Having read your column (http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/miscellaneous/2015-02/michelin-crossclimate-tyres/), when I needed to change just the front tyres on my Mazda 6 estate, I bought two Michelin Cross-climates,...
Newly received A3 Sportback SE Technik 1.6 TDI, ordered in January before the new MY2016 'Ultra' specification had been launched. Car has torsion beam rear suspension as fitted to lower grade Golf and...
Is the Honda Jazz a safe family car compared to other larger models such as the Honda Accord?
More info than question. On 08/06/2015 Keith asked about spare wheels for Mazda 3. I bought a new Mazda 3 in Sept 2014. Tried everywhere for spacesaver from independent suppliers with no joy (including...
I'm looking to spend £8 - £9k on a mid range Ford Mondeo or Vauxhall Insignia 2011 hatchback. I like both but which models would you recommend and which would you recommend to buy?
I'm looking at getting a new car and considering financing under a 'Personal contract Hire' agreement on a 3 year term. Have looked in to the concept in quite a bit of detail but want some advice as to...
My wife's Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 occasionally refuses to change up into 4th gear and yet the next time it is used it works fine. Any ideas what's wrong?
I have a number plate that I would like to sell. I inherited many years ago and I believe it should be worth a decent amount of money. However when I've approached one of the main buyers and sellers of...
Our Outlander occasionally loses power at 60-80mph, no warning lights on dash and problems clears when engine is switched off and back on again. Any ideas please? Many thanks
I am doing some research for a new car sometime next year.
At the moment I own a Hyundai i30 Style which I am reasonably pleased with, it’s a 1.4 petrol, I would have liked a 1.6 but the petrol model...
Before I commit to fitting a towbar to my new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, are there any issues regarding possible overheating of the drivetrain and components during caravan towing that I should consider?
I recently bought a high end car with an attractive (read expensive) registration number. We came to a price for the car (no mention was made about the plate) and the registration documents have come through...
I have long coveted a Range Rover Evoque but have never been able to afford one. I have now seen a 2011 model 2.2 SD4 Pure Tech for sale under £20,000. The reason is mileage of 125,000. In your opinion,...
My 2011 BMW 3 Series is making a strange a whirring noise when the air con is switched on. This noise becomes noticeable when the engine reaches around 1500rpm and it seems to be synchronised with the...
My son had an EV charger installed FOC in his garage as part of a Government scheme to encourage EV use. He is now in the process of purchasing a Renault Zoe, but the in his garage has a five pin socket....
I currently own a 2011 Volkswagen Golf 1.4TSI DSG. I like it, but I'm not happy with the seven-speed DSG box, especially after coming from a six-speed DSG in my previous car which was a 2007 Golf GTI....
I'm after a decent 4x4 SUV for less than £4000. I've read a few reviews and it appears the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are the best options. What do you think?
I am planning to buy a 2006 KIA Sorento automatic with 67.000 miles on the clock from a dealer. What should I look out for and check? The car will be used for towing my caravan.
Just in case other people get this. Had a call to my mobile showing it was local. Because of that I answed it. a guy with a geordie accent he knew my name also, quite a worry. asked me about a collision...
I parked in Birchanger services for 3 hours and 2 minutes instead of the 2 hours allowed. I fell asleep in the car after parking at 7.52am as I had started work at 3.30am that morning. I then went in and...
After only two years I noticed the coating on the spokes on two of my aluminium wheels were peeling. This was pointed out at the cars second free service. The service manager advised me he would replace...
My Ford Focus runs fine but when turned off the red light on the dash flashes. You need a degree to understand the manual but I have checked all I can and there seems no visible reason for it and no messages...
You have previously recommended either the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento as good value, reliable 7 seater SUVs. If I bought one around 2010/2011, which is better?
My wife wishes to fit all season tyres to her Fiesta. From your site Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons looks a good bet, but finding some is another matter. This is not helped by my confusion over specifying the...
I received a letter from the DVLA stating my car was untaxed on the 19/05/15. On the 15/04/15 I set up my car tax online and have got two confirmation emails stating it has been set up, as well as setting...
My Ford Focus has a misfire during warm up and at some other infrequent times. No dashboard lights showing. First diagnostic showed no fault. ECU temperature sensor changed. Second diagnostic again showed...
Is there an easy way to be sure that the car I am looking at has the pre dpf engine set up? Given the fact that this engine has a dpf from mid 2010 is it better to buy a 2009 N-tek rather than a 2010 Acenta....
You earlier mentioned problems with timing chains on the 3 cylinder Skoda engines.
My car is 0f 2004 make and approaching 60 000 miles. Should I change the chain now?
What do you think would be the better buy from a Renault Scenic 1.4 TCE TomTom Edition '09 50k, or Toyota Corolla Verso 1.8 VVT-i SR '08 70k. The Toyota starting £900 dearer, assuming condition etc. to...
I have a 63 reg new model Nissan Note diesel which doesn't slow down when you take your foot off the throttle, so approaching corners and bends I am braking to slow down ,I don't have the engine braking...
I am thinking of buying a used car to replace my 2003 Honda Civic Type S which I have owned for 11 years. I only cover about 3000 miles per year. Should I buy a newer car with higher miles or an older...
In view of increasing car hire and insurance issues, I am thinking about buying a car for my use when holidaying in Spain 6 times a year. I am considering buying a new Dacia as second hand cars appear...
While parked outside her home, a friend's car was damaged by a supermarket delivery van. The driver admitted responsibility and left a number to call to follow up. The supermarket's insurer have handled...
Intermittent starting problems with Volkswagen Bettle (04) - relay replaced and ECY checked. Any ideas what it might be? Nothing on diagnostic.
I'm currently driving a 2011 Hyundai i20 which I have owned for 3 years, I am looking for a change to something a little bigger. There are only two of us but we need more space for the dog and holidays....
I recently had a problem with the DPF on my 2007 1.9 CDTI Vauxhall Zafira, which resulted in dealership recommending a full replacement DPF part.
I sourced a new aftermarket replacement part which Vauxhall...
Despite driving in a 'DPF friendly' way my 2010 RAV4 SR150 auto has a blocked DPF at 67000 miles which won't regenerate. Toyota won't cover this want £1800 approx to replace. Is it worth trying Terraclean...
I want a used, premium 7 seater SUV like an X5, Q7, Discovery etc, and I've a budget of around £15k. Which of these (or others) is likely to be the best ownership proposition?
I own a 2008 Golf Match with the 1.4 TSI (122) engine and have been impressed with the car and engine. Is the MKVI a good used buy in similar spec and should I consider going for the 160ps 1.4 TSI engine?...
My father has just had a triple bypass so won't be driving his car. How often do I need to drive it to maintain it? I am especially concerned about the discs and our local sea air?
I have a 2011 XC90 and want to know when is the best time to upgrade to a newer XC90 old style?
My wife's much loved Mercedes A170 is now nine years old and is starting to develop electrical problems so she is reluctantly ready to change. It is her second A-Class and she liked the seating position....
My wife has a bad back. She finds her 2001 Fiat Punto very comfortable but it's running on borrowed time and needs replacing. What small cars do you suggest she should look at?
Have Land Rover finally sorted the reliability issues that have raised concerns about many of their previous models? I am impressed by the Discovery Sport and it looks to hold it value well or for a hassle...
I downsized too far and while I love my Citroen C2 1.4 VTR I need something like a Fiesta (I have travelled in the back of one ). I believe the 5 door one with a 1.25 petrol engine would suit my use. Low...
I have decided to buy a Fiat 500X 1.4 after a test drive at my local fiat dealer. However before I order one I wanted to see what they looked like in red and also white. I emailed Fiat customer service...
I'm after a luxury LPG motor for under £5k. What would you choose? Thinking Jaguar (XJ or S-Type), Lexus LS 300 or Mercedes S-Class.
My car was put out of use around 10 years ago and I have had it stored on a driveway since, with the hopes and dreams of one day being able to restore it to its former glory and stupidly I completely forgot...
Nissan has advised me that the automatic transmission on my Juke needs replacing. The car is 4 years old and has done only 20,000 miles. They have said that it is out of warranty and as a gesture of goodwill...
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