http://www.honestjohn.co.uk Honest John forum en-gb Mon, 29 Apr 2024 18:43:22 +0000 Copyright: (C) www.honestjohn.co.uk 5 hjforum1486328 Mon, 29 Apr 2024 19:40:57 +0000 I wouldn't buy a Leaf. Too many problems. Battery performance drops alarmingly as they age.  Couple of examples I've seen with less than 60k on the clock and down to 40 mile range!! On Board Chargers not the most reliable. Refusal to charge on one was O/C failure of a SMD diode in the charger Pilot line (on the OBC board). Nissan wanted £3.5k to fit a new OBC - we fixed it for pennies with a new diode (although a fair bit of labour to get at it).  On another a uP on the OBC board had failed. Couldn't repair that one but managed to find a used OBC for around £1k.  Currently looking at a 2016 with faulty PTC heater element. Seems they use a combination of a PTC element and a heat pump - PTC kicks in during cold weather. Nissan want crazy money for the part (thousands) - driver is wearing thick coat and gloves. Handbrake is also a lousy design - motor in a box that pulls on cables - similar to T27 Avensis. They play up and part is £1k+. We just got one through MoT by opening the box and lubing with GT85. None of these cars mentioned have done more than 60k. Heaters seem a weak spot on EVs - hear of lots failing after a few years...  extremely expensive. I live in an upmarket village. Lots of newish, very big and fast EVs around here. Each morning the local school looks like a Panzer division has pulled up outside. All subsidised by the taxpayer through company car tax breaks. All crazy expensive to insure and repair. Who will want/afford to run them in 5-10 years?  Given that 50% of UK electricity still comes from fossil fuels exactly how much CO2 is being saved? (what is the efficiency of these things?)  How come electricity suppliers can sell overnight electricity at 9p/kWh to EV owners but night rate Economy 7 (which people use to heat their homes via storage radiators) is 18p/kWh ?  Not against EVs - they will be part of the mix, but taxpayer subsidies have created a dysfunctional market.  Motoring discussion Rerepo Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=182472 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=182472&v=t&m=1486328 hjforum1486327 Mon, 29 Apr 2024 19:08:37 +0000 ok to mix. But buy a new dipstick. Technical matters Rerepo Technical matters http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198108 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198108&v=t&m=1486327 hjforum1486326 Mon, 29 Apr 2024 19:07:13 +0000 Common problem on Focus. Vents behind the rear bumper let water in and it makes its way through body box sections to rear and front footwells.  Remove rear bumper and reseal vents with body sealant. Technical matters Rerepo Technical matters http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198098 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198098&v=t&m=1486326 hjforum1486325 Mon, 29 Apr 2024 18:09:46 +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 ! Technical matters Andrew-T Technical matters http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198108 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198108&v=t&m=1486325 hjforum1486324 Mon, 29 Apr 2024 16:36:32 +0000 What is age of car and engine size ? Technical matters elekie&a/c doctor Technical matters http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198108 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198108&v=t&m=1486324 hjforum1486323 Mon, 29 Apr 2024 15:53:06 +0000 Hi Thanks for your replies, I'll stick some 0w30 in. Car is petrol. Havent seen any evidence of leaks but I'll have another check [as well as using the dipstick again] before I put any more oil in. 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. I'm a couple of months away from the MOT/ full service so just want to keep it going until then if possible, before letting someone have a proper look at it. Thanks   Technical matters RobH_2024 Technical matters http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198108 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198108&v=t&m=1486323 hjforum1486322 Mon, 29 Apr 2024 15:31:30 +0000 Presuming your car is petrol, not diesel, or the dipstick would show black oil ?  If the car has a handbook, that will offer two or three alternative grades of oil.  Unless it is an unusual type for certain engines, it should be safe to mix grades of semi-synthetic within the range listed in the handbook. Your low-level indication could be because the oil actually is low, or the level sensor is misreporting.  The dipstick is a more reliable indicator, so if you have any doubts about that, get a replacement - they aren't expensive (E-bay).  Are there any oil drips under the car ? Technical matters Andrew-T Technical matters http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198108 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198108&v=t&m=1486322 hjforum1486320 Mon, 29 Apr 2024 15:20:02 +0000 5/30 is perfectly fine for this age of vehicle. You may find the dipstick doesn’t read correctly because the plastic graduation marker at the bottom of the stick has broken off . So you’ll get a false reading. Technical matters elekie&a/c doctor Technical matters http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198108 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198108&v=t&m=1486320 hjforum1486319 Mon, 29 Apr 2024 14:25:11 +0000 Can't see any harm in mixing although I'd be tempted to do a oil and filter change, cheap easy job and at least you'll know what's actually in it. Technical matters paul 1963 Technical matters http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198108 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198108&v=t&m=1486319 hjforum1486318 Mon, 29 Apr 2024 14:01:42 +0000 Bought a old Peugot 207 a few months ago. It's showing the low oil light when I start it. Had a check using the dipstick and the level looks OK, but the dipstick isn't 'holding' very much oil when I pull it out, so might not be accurate. Simple solution is to ust top up the oil to be safe. Problem is I don't know what oil the previous owner used. No indications of the correct oil to use in the car manual or on the service record!!! A check online suggests all 207's from that era use OW-30, and some can use 5W-30 as well. Safest bet is therefore to use 0W-30. But what if the existing oil is 5W-30, will mixing the two oils cause any damage? Want to try and avoid having to do a full oil change in a garage (also not too keen on driving it to the garage if the oil is very low). Any advice welcome!! Ta Rob Technical matters RobH_2024 Technical matters http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198108 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198108&v=t&m=1486318 hjforum1486316 Mon, 29 Apr 2024 13:07:15 +0000 Thanks for everybody's suggestions.  I think the top contender has to be the SLK.   I am still going to put my MX5 through its MOT.  It would be nice to get another year's cheap motoring but I suspect that's highly unlikely but I think I now have an idea of what car to get next.   Get back to us when you have got things sorted out and let us know how you went and if you did get anything else.  There are a lot of people here who would be very interested to hear. Motoring discussion expat Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106&v=t&m=1486316 hjforum1486315 Mon, 29 Apr 2024 12:07:23 +0000  3cyl are not known for smoothness. .....I have absolutely no interest in VAG products... I'm a fan of 3-pots.  I have four of them under the bonnet of my 'VAG product' and Mrs F has one under hers.   Smooth as a silky smooth thing ;-)   Motoring discussion John F Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=197998 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=197998&v=t&m=1486315 hjforum1486314 Mon, 29 Apr 2024 11:24:23 +0000 Hi mate I also have a 2.0 diesel Leon and currently expecting the same issues you had last year, my car has been in the garage for over a month and numerous mechanics can’t seem to find the problem, what was the resolution to your issue as im currently 1 month without a car. Would appreciate a response, cheers  Hi Have posted a reply lower down . Possible failure of fuel delivery control unit situated under the back seat near the fuel sender unit. This controls delivery of fuel  to the engine. This might help with your Problems. Technical matters nigelr Technical matters http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=165400 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=165400&v=t&m=1486314 hjforum1486310 Mon, 29 Apr 2024 10:53:18 +0000 Hi, Don`t know if this might help . My Daughter as a Leon 2.0tdi this suddenly had the issues you described . Loss of power ,cutting out and difficult starting . She had the fuel delivery  sender unit  pump replaced  situated in the tank , but still had the issues but it turned out to be the Fuel control module situated next to the sender unit . All good after replacement. Technical matters nigelr Technical matters http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=165400 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=165400&v=t&m=1486310 hjforum1486307 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 22:46:24 +0000 Good to hear.  I meant to say before, having spent a while sat in a Suzuki showroom recently, they're not bad looking at all in the flesh.  Really quite Swift-like, but with more angular headlamps. Motoring discussion Adampr Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=197998 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=197998&v=t&m=1486307 hjforum1486306 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 21:29:16 +0000 The second hand engine trade are notoriously shady. I’d take the Ka and bin the Astra too. The Ka uses the final version of the old Yamaha designed Zetec SE motor which has a very good rep for reliability so it’ll make a very decent little commuter. SLO and elekie, with my opinion backed up by your advice, the lad has now bought the Ka from his brother and the Astra is to be disposed of for best price he can get.  Many thanks! Motoring discussion galileo Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198102 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198102&v=t&m=1486306 hjforum1486305 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 21:07:07 +0000 Just dropped off the Swift after 1500 miles in just over two weeks. And I have to say, I enjoyed having it. No, it’s never going to win the traffic lights Grand Prix but it’ll sit at motorway speeds in relative peace and quiet and keeps up nicely with traffic. Had it just been me driving it, it’d have been over 60mpg but enthusiastic other drivers managed to lower the average. The lack of a sixth gear never caused any consternation as it’s pretty long legged in fifth for something that small. No squeaks, no rattles, just solid Japanese build quality (but built in Hungary), I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a sensibly priced small hatch. And, unusually for me, I’d probably go for the lower Motion trim level. The small extra spec on the Ultra, for me, doesn’t warrant the extra money. Motoring discussion mcb100 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=197998 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=197998&v=t&m=1486305 hjforum1486304 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 20:08:17 +0000 I’m finding Autotrader has become very annoying in putting up non search area results for most searches. Cinch is definitely appearing for virtually any search, but I seem to get random car dealers up to 180 miles away with cars in a up to 25 mile search radius.  I wish Autotrader would have a tick box for physical stock within 25 miles as a search option. I couldn’t bring myself to buy a £15k car unseen and undriven. the -cinch option does work, just wish I could do it for all non physical stock.      Motoring discussion japdriver Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198084 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198084&v=t&m=1486304 hjforum1486303 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 19:34:47 +0000 Hi Ronald,did you find a resolution to your regen issue as literally my i40 is a word perfect copy of your issue, identical. The i40 shares the same engine as your car.  Would be interesting to compare parts changed etc if you haven't made any headway.    Neil Technical matters Theboxer Technical matters http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=181539 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=181539&v=t&m=1486303 hjforum1486301 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 16:54:48 +0000 Thanks for everybody's suggestions.  I think the top contender has to be the SLK.   I am still going to put my MX5 through its MOT.  It would be nice to get another year's cheap motoring but I suspect that's highly unlikely but I think I now have an idea of what car to get next.       Motoring discussion newguy2015 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106&v=t&m=1486301 hjforum1486300 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 13:46:53 +0000 Agree. I like the simplicity of the MX5, even later cars aren’t overly complex. A Mk IV in base spec with the rev happy 1.5 motor very much appeals to me, but sadly doesn’t fit in with my life. Motoring discussion SLO76 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106&v=t&m=1486300 hjforum1486299 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 13:37:58 +0000 I think the key is that it had absolutely no tech in it apart from say the electric windows.  I don’t think any of the cars we are discussing in this thread will be running when they are 24 years old Motoring discussion newguy2015 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106&v=t&m=1486299 hjforum1486298 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 13:30:43 +0000 Don’t think that’s going to fix the problem. As already suggested, tpms valve is likely to have been damaged, either by the blow out or the tyre fitter . Technical matters elekie&a/c doctor Technical matters http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198104 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198104&v=t&m=1486298 hjforum1486297 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 13:18:33 +0000 I’m impressed it’s still in one piece at 24yrs old. I had a 1999 Mk II which I sold many years ago (for a profit) after two summers of enjoyment due to severe rust underneath. The local chap who bought it kept it for years after me though so he either had a very friendly Mot tester or deep pockets. Mechanically it was brilliant. Cost me £1475 including hardtop, sold it for £1600 two years later… motoring doesn’t come cheaper. Motoring discussion SLO76 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106&v=t&m=1486297 hjforum1486296 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 13:15:37 +0000 Being a Subaru flat 4 engine I believe changing the spark plugs in the GT86 is a pig of a job, rather expensive and thus neglected by most owners. I do get the appeal of these however. But many are abused and/or messed with so buyer beware. A good one would be a keeper though. Motoring discussion SLO76 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106&v=t&m=1486296 hjforum1486295 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 13:13:01 +0000 When I first got my MX5, I got it rust proofed and I topped up that treatment for a few years after.  It was due for its next rust treatment during the pandemic and because of that it simply didn't happen and now it's really too late.     Motoring discussion newguy2015 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106&v=t&m=1486295 hjforum1486294 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 13:10:08 +0000 I did do a search on Auto trader for Lexus SC430 but I am sure they will be reliable but came to the conclusion probably didn't work for the fun aspect.   Motoring discussion newguy2015 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106&v=t&m=1486294 hjforum1486293 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 13:08:36 +0000 Thanks Slo76 That is a nice looking Merc. I think it ticks most of the boxes.  I've no problem buying from a private seller and that probably makes most sense.  When I bought the MX5, I previously bought from a specialist dealer that had a great reputation in the MX5 community.  I think it worked really well, the guy was excellent and I had no problems.  Also, due to his reputation, I was convinced if there had been any issues he would have got them sorted.       Motoring discussion newguy2015 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106&v=t&m=1486293 hjforum1486292 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 13:07:09 +0000 Mystery solved (hopefully) - went out to check the tyres in daylight and realised he’s fit a 40 instead of a 45. Luckily the paperwork reflected the correct size so hoping to get replaced today. Technical matters littleonexo Technical matters http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198104 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198104&v=t&m=1486292 hjforum1486291 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 12:39:03 +0000 Had a look around at Mk III MX5’s a few years back for myself but found rust was well into most of them. You do find the occasional summer use toy that’s in good condition but that’s a rare find. The auto despite the Powershift name is apparently an Aisin torque converter transmission with a good reputation, but there’s confusion online about this so I’d want to research it to be 100% certain that it wasn’t Fords rotten automated manual transmission. Mazda didn’t use it in any other car so I doubt they did here. A good one would be a brilliant little toy but I’d pay to have it fully undersealed if I bought one. Motoring discussion SLO76 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106&v=t&m=1486291 hjforum1486290 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 12:16:57 +0000 BMW build good automatic boxes too, normally I’d advise avoiding the 4cyl cars as they’re more likely to suffer timing chain issues than the better made 6’s, but this private sale car does look nice in the advert. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312054568111 Motoring discussion SLO76 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106&v=t&m=1486290 hjforum1486289 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 12:04:57 +0000 Don’t think you could call it fun, but I quite like the Lexus IS250 Cabrio. Very well built, bulletproof engines and a bit different. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403197742124 Motoring discussion SLO76 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106&v=t&m=1486289 hjforum1486288 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 11:59:29 +0000 If it must be an auto then a Merc is a sensible choice, they do have a reputation for building robust gearboxes. On your budget and with your list of wants you’ll probably have to travel to find what you want. A longterm privately owned second car/toy is where you’ll find the best cars, most dealer warranties at this age/money are next to worthless anyway. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401285984449 Motoring discussion SLO76 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106&v=t&m=1486288 hjforum1486287 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 11:48:58 +0000 Thanks Barney  I'll be honest, I am not really a fan of how the TT looks and the DSG gearbox slightly worries me.  Hopefully Volkswagen/Audi have them sorted now.  I'll be buying second hand and I'll have no idea how well its been looked after, so probably needs to be a no, just on the gearbox, rally.   Motoring discussion newguy2015 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106&v=t&m=1486287 hjforum1486286 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 11:46:58 +0000 Thanks elekie How reliable are SLK of this era?   Motoring discussion newguy2015 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106&v=t&m=1486286 hjforum1486285 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 11:45:57 +0000 Thanks Adampr I wouldn't have a problem buying an import.  Although the insurance would likely be a bit higher.   I've spent a bit of time looking at the Mini Coupe.  Pretty cheap compared with other things that I've looked at, although I've come to your conclusion.  It's just a mini with a lower roof.   Unfortunately, the automatic requirement is an absolute must.   I think part of me is struggling with how much money Toyota GT86 are going for.   Yes, I am really looking for a coupe/convertible    Motoring discussion newguy2015 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106&v=t&m=1486285 hjforum1486284 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 11:11:34 +0000 I had an SLK and it was good to drive even with the 220 D. I like the BMW 2 seater and the Audi TT, if a choice then the TT would be it for me. Motoring discussion barney100 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106&v=t&m=1486284 hjforum1486283 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 10:56:56 +0000 Mercedes Slk from around 2010 will possibly meet all your criteria. Motoring discussion elekie&a/c doctor Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106&v=t&m=1486283 hjforum1486282 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 10:47:05 +0000 Thanks Adampr  I don't think the CR-z was sold as an automatic in the UK.  Although I've pretty sure I've seen a CVT imported from japan not that long ago.   The Wind was manual only and I've just done an autotrader search for a Tigra and all the ones on the market are currently manual.  I am not sure if the Tigra ever came in automatic. The Mini Coupe is a good shout and I will do some more research on that.  There's a well respected mini specialist close by.  Although I thought all minis of that era tended to use the peugeot engine that was not well regarded.     I think you're correct on the CRZ, but why not buy an import?  There is one on Auto trader for £8k. You are correct on the Mini Coupe. That was more a side comment, as I don't know why anyone would buy one over the hatch (where the more.rcent 1.5 is OK). . The problem here is that you're asking for something that possibly doesn't exist.  Sports cars with an automatic gearbox are not that common due to the extra weight and blunted performance.  People here will be reluctant to recommend anything with a dual clutch gearbox, so the field is limited further by excluding the one gearbox that is popular in performance cars. If it has to be auto, which it sounds like it does, the best recommendation is going to be Toyota GT86 (or Subaru BRZ).  I think it would be madness to discount it because some people on forums have managed to kill them.  As you say, they are no doubt messing around with them trying to extract more power from an engine that is notoriously less than the chassis could handle. The other obvious area of 'give' in your want list is the coupé/convertible aspect.  Is it that important to you? Motoring discussion Adampr Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106&v=t&m=1486282 hjforum1486281 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 10:29:22 +0000 Thanks Adampr  I don't think the CR-z was sold as an automatic in the UK.  Although I've pretty sure I've seen a CVT imported from japan not that long ago.   The Wind was manual only and I've just done an autotrader search for a Tigra and all the ones on the market are currently manual.  I am not sure if the Tigra ever came in automatic. The Mini Coupe is a good shout and I will do some more research on that.  There's a well respected mini specialist close by.  Although I thought all minis of that era tended to use the peugeot engine that was not well regarded.     Motoring discussion newguy2015 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106&v=t&m=1486281 hjforum1486280 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 10:22:41 +0000 Thanks badbusdriver.  So luckily I had one which was under warranty at the time.  It leaked like a sieve and for me that blow up the SAM unit which was under the seat were the water flowed.  A number of other sensors needed replaced.  In my driving career, I have broken down 3 times.  2 of those times were in the Roadster!  From what I can see you can get a good example of a roadster for about £5k to 6K.  They are getting on a bit now but there is a local smart specialist who is very well regarded.  The problem is that I don't have a garage and it rains a lot where I live.   I realise I am probably going to have to comprise a bit and would probably be ok with a more sporty ride - I am after all doing only 5K miles a year.  The roads were I live are really bad though.   Re the steering.  The MX5 steering is really light and although I've used the term heavy to describe the type of steering I am looking for.  Its probably more akin to normal, if you know what I mean.     Motoring discussion newguy2015 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106&v=t&m=1486280 hjforum1486279 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 10:17:24 +0000 You would be able to find a Toyota GT86 in your budget.  It would be high mileage, but also a Toyota so that matters less.  Also a Honda CR-Z.   It might be worth trying a Mini hatch, as they drive quite similarly to how you describe the Smart.  There is a Mini Coupe (and convertible, and coupe convertible) but I've never seen the point as it's just the hatch with a lower roof. You could buy a Renault Wind or a Vauxhall Tigra (or another Smart) for way below budget and keep the balance of your budget for repairs. Motoring discussion Adampr Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106&v=t&m=1486279 hjforum1486278 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 10:14:57 +0000 Thanks catsdad.  I had thought about a GT86 and looked at a main forum for the car.  From reading the forum there are too many stories of the engines blowing up and requiring a 4K engine rebuild.  My suspicious is it probably effects the cars that were modded but that has put me off.   The S2000 was manual only.  A number of imported Honda S660 are now in the country and a few are for sale but they tend to be at the 15K mark.  Given they have been imported from Japan and are Kei cars they are small with 660cc engines.  Too expensive, I probably wouldn't fit into one and probably too slow as well.     The MX5 has been mechanically sound but I just haven't bonded with it.   Motoring discussion newguy2015 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106&v=t&m=1486278 hjforum1486277 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 10:14:02 +0000 I'd expect them to treat it as one claim but an at fault accident may increase the underlying premium before NCD is applied.  Motoring discussion Bromptonaut Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198105 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198105&v=t&m=1486277 hjforum1486276 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 10:07:20 +0000 Or an even older Honda S2000, it’s becoming sought after so will not be cheap. Pretty sure you don't get an automatic S2000 Motoring discussion badbusdriver Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106&v=t&m=1486276 hjforum1486275 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 10:02:22 +0000 Didn't realise the Smart Roadster's were that unreliable, what was the problem/problems? I ask because it seems the obvious choice would be another one, possibly a better and/or more sorted example?. After all, if the Smart Roadster is good enough for Gordon Murray...........! Other than that, it is a tricky one. Comfortable ride but heavy steering, automatic but only two seats. Probably going to be limited to things like a Merc SLK or BMW Z4. But how comfortable they are is going to depend on what size wheel/tyre combo they have. Long term reliability might not be that great and you'd ideally want a decent independent specialist not too far away.  Motoring discussion badbusdriver Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106&v=t&m=1486275 hjforum1486274 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 10:00:29 +0000 How about a Toyota GT 86? A bit bigger than a pure two seater and will be 10 years old plus  so a good one may take some finding. Not fast but designed for good driving feel and control. Or an even older Honda S2000, it’s becoming sought after so will not be cheap. You may have been spoilt by the MX5 though. It’s a go to choice for many.. Motoring discussion catsdad Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198106&v=t&m=1486274 hjforum1486273 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 09:44:28 +0000 The PSI was set to 32 when it should have been 33 (which I didn’t realise at the time) - could that be the cause? I've no experience of TPW systems (and don't really want any as I check my tyre pressures)  but I would hope that they are not so fussy as to complain about a variation of 1psi.  Their main purpose is to warn when a tyre loses pressure suddenly - tho they should also show up slow punctures of course. Technical matters Andrew-T Technical matters http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198104 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198104&v=t&m=1486273 hjforum1486272 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 09:41:10 +0000 Thanks for your reply.   Going into the mishap I had 7 years no claims.My insurance company are quite good ....if you have an accident thery reduce your NCB ....by only 2 years...I wasnt sure whether it was per accident or claim tho    Double Bubble is just a phrase I use as a throwaway comment.....maybe I should do that with it com0pletely  Motoring discussion Zongalero Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198105 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198105&v=t&m=1486272 hjforum1486271 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 09:33:56 +0000 Also not sure what you mean by double bubble? Reminiscent of a line from Shakespeare's "Macbeth"! https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43189/song-of-the-witches-double-double-toil-and-trouble   Motoring discussion John Boy Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198105 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198105&v=t&m=1486271