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Questions from August 2016
Can you recommend a second-hand reliable small car to fit a narrow council garage? Good bumper protection when it is parked on crowded Cambridge streets would help. Budget is £5000.
My Ford Mondeo stopped working recently. It was diagnosed as faulty fuel pump. However, despite the pump being changed, the car still won't run. When you turn it over it starts but then cuts out, there...
I have a £1500 budget for 50 mile daily commute and occasional motorway work, hatchback. I have looked at the 1.4 and 1.8 TDCI Fiesta and Focus. I have also seen some BMW 320TD compact, but at this budget...
I'm interested in buying a Jaguar XF or an XJ6 2.7 diesel. I've seen plenty of 2008 to 2010 models that have done in excess of 100,000 with most saying 'engine fault'. Are these cars best avoided or are...
My Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4 suffers from an intermittent lack of power when pulling away from junctions. I've had a new clutch and flywheel fitted, along with EGRE valve and throtle flap motor. The...
I have a very light but extensive scratch on my windscreen caused by grit under the wiper. The scratch is the full range of the driver’s side wiper. Can this be repaired or should I get a replacement windscreen?
I have owned a Subaru Forester 2006 (non turbo) since new and it has been very reliable. I've noticed that the cam belt hasn't been changed since 57,000 miles - the current mileage is 152,000. Do I panic...
I'm looking to buy a second hand XC60 - I've looked at a 2012 model for £19k but the more I look into it, the more I am tempted to spend more, buying a post update 2014 model with the newer engines. My...
I'm considering purchasing a used Renault Trafic, although my question is about DPFs in general. So to start regeneration you should be driving motorway speeds to achieve high exhaust temperatures, how...
I have a problem with the heating on my 2010 Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI. I have to turn the heater temperature control wheel to very nearly the maximum setting before any heat comes out. It soon gets uncomfortable,...
I am thinking of buying used (65 plate) Toyota Yaris petrol with a CVT automatic gearbox. Are you aware of any problems with the Yaris CVT box - or anything else with the car?
I am thinking of buying a Mazda CX-5 2.2 diesel automatic (2WD). I have two questions :- (a) Will the above vehicle be adequate to tow a caravan, 1300kgs gross laden weight, bearing in mind it is an automatic? (b)...
I am a Saab enthusiast and have a 9-3 as a project car. However, there are a few more mechanical problems than I anticipated. Firstly, when moving in first gear there is a whining noise. If moving off...
I've recently purchased a two year old Mercedes-Benz SL from a local dealer. The car has 9000 miles on the clock and I have noticed corrosion on the alloy wheels. I have only had the car 10 days, what...
My son is looking to purchase a used Honda Civic Type R. His budget is about £5000; he is looking at 55 plate model with 50-70k on the clock. What are the dangers here? Should he just avoid this type of...
I am trying to find Lowe Front bumper ends for my Cadillac Fleetwood 60. Any idea where I can find some?
I have a 2004 Ford Mondeo automatic that has developed at misfire at idle and low speeds. My local garage has put in plugs and leads, but the misfire remains. Any idea what the fault could be?
I own a Land Rover Discovery 3. Recently the gearbox has got really noisy. The noise is loudest 40-50mph and sounds like I am driving over rumble strips. Any idea what could be causing this?
I am looking for a used two-door pick up. What do you recommend?
My Toyota Hiace van has the engine management warning light on. It has also gone into 'limp mode' permanently. The code fault has been read as "fuel pressure regulator fault", however I have taken it to...
Today I was returning home on the M42, I knew I was low on fuel but the trip computer said I had a range of 26 miles left. However, as I was approaching the exit slip to the service station the engine...
I'm a private hire taxi driver and I need to buy a uses estate. Which would you recommend from the: - 2012 Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI vRS estate - 2012 Toyota Avensis 1.8i automatic estate
I have found our ideal car in the form of a used Skoda Rapid. However, before buying, I wanted your advice regarding the engine. -Is the 1.2 TSI any good? -Is it a cam belt or chain engine? -If it's a...
I have a 2011 Ford Galaxy 2.0 diesel auto. Last night the engine malfunction warning came up, but the car drove fine with no loss of power. I turned the ignition on and off and the error message cleared....
We are looking to replace our Volkswagen Golf 1.6 FSI. We have narrowed our shortlist down to the Kia Ceed, Mazda CX-3 and the latest Volkswagen Golf. Which are the best for reliability?
I took my motorhome to a Mercedes dealer to diagnose a fault light. They had it for three hours and charged £260. They told me it needed five new injectors at £2000. I did not believe them and took it...
I am well aware of the problems of certain Volkswagen engines, but I like the old A3 5 door body shape as visibility out is good. Which is the best, most reliable and quietest diesel engine in the range...
I've had my Toyota RAV4 diesel from new. It is well looked after and fully service. It has 118,000 plus miles and no obvious problems. As this is chain driven what should I do about water pump?
I saw the recent comments regarding daylight running lights and difficulty in seeing the indicators, and want to share my experience on automatic headlights. I have xenon lights on my Ford C-Max that...
The internal glass on my car always has a thin, grimy film on it. I have used soapy water followed by commercial glass cleaner, but can't get rid of it. I have also tried my own water/vinegar mix, but...
Can you tell me which four-wheel drive vehicle has the most comfortable and pliable ride for a driver with back pain problems?
I purchased a used BMW 520d (F10, 2011 model) five months ago with 58k miles on the clock. Mileage is now 63k and have been advised that the dual mass flywheel is failing. The mileage appears to be low...
You have answered a couple of questions for me before, regarding the Mazda 6. I use one for business and cover 20,000 miles a year. I have heard of oil issues with the Mazda 6 diesel engine, exceeding...
My Honda Jazz had a new clutch two months ago (£800) and has now developed problems with the throttle body, which will cost £550 to fix. It is 2005 model and has 105,000 miles on the clock. Should I keep...
The oil pressure warning light on my 2002 BMW 325ci comes on when engine revs fall below about 700rpm. The oil levels are normal, the oil warning sensor has been replaced and the engine temperature is...
We have up to £5500 to buy a second car for local runs, shopping and dog walks. We would like a small comfy car with a flat load area suitable for two large dogs. We think a manual petrol engine will be...
The clutch on my Ford Focus was changed 12 months ago. The car has the 1.6 TDCI diesel engine. Last week there was a loud rattle and vibration from the engine and I have been told it is a flywheel problem....
I have a Duster 4x4 which will come to the end of its PCP in September, unfortunately it is one of the earlier Indian made models and it has been recalled once for work to the bodywork. Rust has now appeared...
My Renault Clio went in for its MoT recently. It failed due to what they called "snapped rear coil spring". The garage said they would need to replace both as they have to be done in pairs. Quote of £291.32...
Have you any idea when the new Kuga (2016-17) will be on sale?
I had a coolant leak from the heater matrix on my Ford Focus and was informed it required replacement by our local Dealer who had serviced the car from new. I was interested in what had happened and asked...
My wife has a 2015 Toyota Aygo 1.0 Manual. She likes the car, but finds it sluggish when carrying more than one passenger. Is there another Aygo model with significant more power? Alternatively can you...
Is the 1.4 TSi engine durable/reliable?
Regarding: www.honestjohn.co.uk/askhj/answer/69825/bmw-318i---nox-and-cam-shaft-sensor-failure I too had a 318i (E91 Tourer) and had the same failure occur. I thought I should let you know that on my...
I have already contacted you about this before but it seems to be still ongoing. It started when the coolant low light came on so we stopped and called the AA who had a look and noticed emulsification...
I am hankering after my first, and probably only, Jaguar. I do very low mileage and would prefer a car with a petrol engine and manual gearbox. What do you recommend? I have up to £20k to spend.
I'm looking for a family estate to carry our impending baby gear, plus two dogs. What estate would you recommend for under £4000? Preferably diesel as we do about 15,000 miles a year. Looking for a reliable...
I am thinking about buying a new Mercedes Benz A-Class A160 automatic petrol. Are there any known problems with this model?
My son would like to buy a Ford Fiesta size car for about £4000 to £5000, I have told him you can't go too far wrong with a Fiesta. Are there any other cars he should consider?
Does the 2013 Suzuki swift 1.2 petrol have a cam belt or chain? And how often does it need changing?
 

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