Ask Honest John

Honest John Ask Honest John » November 2011
Trending topics in November 2011
4x4s automatics buying diesel particulate filter diesels driving feedback fuel economy insurance large cars legal issues maintenance and servicing new cars owning small cars technical issues used cars wheels and tyres winter winter tyres
Questions from November 2011
What could be the possible cause of water ingress into the spare wheel well of a Jaguar X-Type estate?
My 1994 old BMW 525TD automatic has developed an intermittent fault. Occasionally, from rest, when it is put into drive the engine stalls (if it was a petrol engine I would have pulled the choke out to...
I am trying to get winter tyres for my Nissan 2010 Note diesel. Most garages tell me they can't get the size I need 185/55R16 87H. One dealer says it would be safe to use bigger tyre Hancock 195/50/16...
I own a 2004 plate 2.0 XT Forester that has done 89k miles and was sent a promotional letter by a Subaru dealer, which entitles me to an enhanced trade-in on any Subaru (new or used). They have a 2009...
Trading in a Vauxhall Agila with 66K in good condition FSH, owned by me from new. How much can I expect to get? Buying a new Nissan Micra Acenta CVT for my next 10 years motoring. Has there been any...
I put the wrong code into my radio and now I can't use it. What should I do?
My son runs this petrol Focus on a tight budget and can't afford to throw it at his main Ford dealer to sort! The engine "hunts" on tickover from cold, rather like too much choke in the old days. Once...
About to take the plunge and buy a new Honda Jazz 1.4 Manual. Given that there was a facelift model introduced Feb 2011, do you know if there is any risk of a facelift or new model being launched shortly?...
I am an OAP and the ever increasing cost of fuel is a concern to me. I have read various articles on ECU re-mapping devices, all of which claim to enhance fuel consumption and performance. Some guarantee...
While driving in France a couple of weeks ago a warning buzzer sounded together with a STOP command and 'engine overheating' display on the instrument panel. The water temperature gauge shot into the...
Hi, my car ran out of petrol and filled it up with more petrol but now the engine wont start. It was fine before. It starts but just doesnt turn over and ignite.
Is there an easy way to tell a 2wd Kuga from a 4wd one ?
Dear HJ We discovered a puncture on one of the run flat tyres of my partner's BMW 320 this morning. As we were having trouble finding one in stock locally I thought we would contact Event Tyres as you...
Last year I bought a new Jaguar XF Portfoio but didn't like the hard ride so I sold the car at great loss. I am now considering buying a Mercedes CLS 350 SE with 18" wheels. Do you think I might be making...
I'm looking for a small, reliable secondhand car for a female teenager (17) to buy and insure.
Local Ford dealer has a new Fiesta Zetec 1.6 TDCi 3 door, offered me £500 for my 03 Mondeo LX TDCi 86K miles FFSH from same dealer, cost to change £13093. Good deal or ask for more discount?
Hello I have a Volvo V50 1.6D, nearly 4 years old, 64000 Miles, with a hairline crack in the in the Turbo Air Hose and its replacement is recommended. As the car is outside the warranty period it is...
What do you think of the Ford Focus 1.6 Titanium petrol automatic. What compares?
To retire with I searched for and eventually found an immaculate Jaguar S type 2.7 diesel, just out of warranty, at a quality independent dealer. Soon after, at just over 40k miles, the DPF failed. My...
Hi I have a 2011 motorhome we have decided to sell and I am looking for advice on price and the best place to advertise.
I have a Peugeot 406 HDi 1999 (90bhp). . It has failed its exhaust emmissions test 4.7 showing and it needs to be below 3.0. There was a lot of black smoke when the car was revved the MOT tester was good...
My sister used to share ownership of an R reg Alfa Romeo 156 but now needs to buy something for herself. She has a maximum of £5,000 to spend but cannot decide between Vauxhall Corsa, Ford Fiesta, Peugeot...
Further to DVLA matters, I recently had a new photocard licence from them and could not see my entitlement to motor cycles so I sent an email asking why this was. Virtually by return they told me that...
Hi HJ, let me know your favourite charity and I'll bung a few quid if you can advise me. Bought a Volvo S40 1.6D, Dec 07 model, 38k miles from an Evans Halshaw (Pendragon) site in Cheltenham 31-8-11. Have...
HonestJohn I have a Golf Plus 1.6 Tdi 7 speed DSG Bluemotion, bought new 8 months ago. You have commented several times on the VW DSG and a hestitation in the transmission when moving off. I have what...
I was quite tempted in buying a 185 2.2 diesel engined Mazda 3 as I fancied something with a bit more power than my 1.6 crdi Hyundai i30. Do these suffer with diesel being dumped in the oil sump by incomplete...
From your info the "real" mpg of the i10 is well below claims. My new i10 1.2 achieves 42 mpg on open rural roads, few stops but short (flat) journeys of 5-10 miles. Total mileage from new is only 1000....
Does the problem with supermarket petrol also apply to diesel? And is there a particular fuel to look for?
I have recently had my car stolen and 2 things have caught me by surprise. 1) My insurer sent a "car valuer" who spent over an hour at my house, took on board the adverts I had collated of dealership...
I have bought a white second hand Ford Connect - however the new MOT provided by the dealer states blue, and on inspection it has obviously been resprayed. It has only done 30K so I am worried as to why...
I'm looking at swapping my 2001 B6 A4 for an A3. I've found a very reasonably priced 2006 2.0 TFSI S line special edition for £5,500. The car has had one owner and has full history, but does have 158,000...
I have a brand new Peugeot 508 saloon. When it is raining heavily and I open the boot, the water drips straight into the boot. Is this a general design fault (as I suspect) or a technical problem with...
Where can I buy steel rims for my winter tyres?
My current Honda Civic is due for change & I'm wondering which of the current similar models (Focus, etc) are the quietest, especially in respect of road noise. The Civic is great on good surfaces but...
I am about to purchase a 2008 Jaguar X-Type Sovereign Estate from a Jaguar dealership. The car seems excellent – mileage (at 20,000), history and general condition are all very good. The only apparent...
Our brand new Honda Civic Type S was stolen two days after we collected it from the dealer. It has been recovered and is in the process of having locks changed and very minor chips repaired on the door...
I own a 10 year old Peugeot 406 GLX diesel estate. Its a comfy, useful load lugger and quite economical but its getting to the age when things need replacing and could get costly so I'm after some advice...
I'd like to buy a 4x4. So far it's between the X3 and Freelander 2 but I don't know which model to choose used/ used approved. 99% will be on road use. I live in Brighton, so will use car to drive around...
Please could you tell me the power band of the engine of a Honda Civic EX GT VTEC, and how that should affect the way I drive it. (Please don't assume any techinical knowledge on my part, so make your...
Purchased a Volvo V40 1.8i 4 months ago - it was running beautifully but on the motorway it made a horrible noise, the temp gauge shot up and it lost all power (within 2 minutes). No prior warnings. The...
A friend is selling a Golf GTi Mark V. It is a black, three door version on a 2005/55 plate, has covered 39,500 miles, has a full service history and has had all the necessary recalls etc. The interior...
I jotted down my Honda CRV tyre size (205/65/R16C) to get a quote for winter tyres and noticed that they are commercial (van) tyres. Kwik-Fit have quoted me for winter tyres which are also commercials...
Our 2004 BMW 320d has flat spots when accelerating. It seems to be mainly when in 1st or 2nd gear. I have to put my foot hard down and it will then accelerate. Any idea what may be causing this?
My engine emissions light has just come on on my Corsa 1.4 SRI and the car has shut off when slowing down three times since the light came on. Other than that there have been no other problems that I...
I have a 2001 2.2 DTI Movano. It has fuel leaking from a pipe behind the engine which looks like some kind of leak off. Does anybody know what the fault is? It could be coming from the manifold due to...
My 2005 E46 320d ES has a frustrating flutter/slight hesitation between approx 1700 and 2200 or 2300 RPM - noticeable at about 30mph in 3rd or at around 70mph in either 5th or 6th when cruising (the car...
My parents are ready to sell their Y reg Ford Mondeo 1.8 with 58,000 miles and 06 model Honda Jazz 1.2 and buy one new car. At 85 years old, seats, ride comfort and air con are their highest priorities. They...
I am from Pakistan.I am a regular vistor of your website and a great admirer of your expertise regarding cars. I am using Misubishi Lancer 1996 1.5, but now I am looking for a car to carry me, my wife...
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer