Ask Honest John

Most recently answered turbo engines questions
I read about problems with turbos, in particular from not letting the engine tick over for a few minutes to cool down after hot running. These all seem to relate to diesel engines. I have a current Mercedes-Benz...
As I am contemplating buying a car with Renault's TCe 90 engine I have read with interest your recent comments on overheating turbos and would appreciate your advice on some points. Does carbonising build...
I have a 2007 Volkswagen Golf GT Sport Twincharger 140 with 54,000 miles and full VW service history. Whilst travelling at 20mph for 4-5 miles on minor roads on holiday in Wales (with blind summits and...
The 1.0-litre 'Ecoboost' petrol engine in the Ford C-MAX is amazingly swift and responsive, can such an arrangement really deliver long-term on A-roads and motorways? I have never owned a turbo-boosted...
We are considering replacing our 2007 Skoda 1.9TDI Estate as it has now done over 100,000 miles. We have been extremely happy with it, mostly using it for 150 miles at a time for motorway driving. We have...
How do you rate the Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCI 163PS compared with the 2.0 TDCI 140PS version as regards reliability, value for money, known problems, maintenance, DPF reliability, etc.?
My 2010 Skoda Superb 1.8 SI is making a loud whining noise. Any idea what the problem could be?
I've had my 2012 Nissan X-trail 2.0 Dci Tekna for seven months now and am having problems with the engine at 2400rpm. This always happens at some point during a journey, mostly in 2nd gear, with the engine...
What is your opinion of a Nissan Juke 1.6 DIG-T Acenta 5-door Sport pack, year 2010, for £11,749? This is for my daughter who travels about 20 miles each day to work on rural roads and occasionally down...
Thank you for recommending the Mondeo 1.6 EcoBoost. Your review advises "1.6 EcoBoosts need idling from hot before switching off otherwise oil in the turbo bearing and oil feed to the bearing can carbonise....