Ask Honest John

Most recently answered maintenance and servicing questions
Further to my earlier correspondence regarding autobox failure on my August 2007 Freelander 2 at 35,000 miles, the Land Rover dealer wanted £3500 to fit a new box and £2300 up front to buy it. The dealer...
I have a 2005 Mondeo 2.0 diesel with 180,000 on the clock. It has been a great car and the only expense apart from brake pads and discs was a new alternator. I want to keep the car for another two years...
I have a 2009 Citroen Xsara Picasso (1.6i petrol) and recently took it for its second service. The dealer has informed me that the brake discs are worn and need replacing even though the original brake...
My wifes 2010 Aygo is due 20,000 ml service. Shall I use a Toyota dealer - pricey at £200 plus - or a decent independent I know? Will it affect my warranty or resale value using a non official garage?
The car goes into limp mode when under load going uphill. I have paid one garage to fix the problem by cleaning the turbo. It actually made matters worse. Discovered they actually only cleaned the inlet...
I have a Volkswagen Golf Match Bluemotion, bought new last August. It has now done 5000 Miles and the service is not due for another 5000 miles or 5 months. Would it be a benefit to a new(ish) engine...
On 18 July 2011 we purchased a pre-owned 2011 Vauxhall Meriva 1.4 turbo petrol with 3,000 miles on the clock. On 18 December 2011 a warning message came up to say that a service was due, and the oil and...
On your advice I bought a facelifted Hyundai i10 1.2 automatic. I just wanted to say that I am delighted with the car. However I am not sure whether I should wait 12 months to have it serviced? My nearest...
When should I change the timing belt on a 2009 (59) Audi A6 2.0TDIe, when the service book says 114,000 miles? My dealer says 75,000 miles. It is after-all still under warranty, so if it snapped wouldn't...
I have a Ford Fusion 1.4 TDCI diesel, 2009 model. Can you confirm how often the cam belt will need changing, and whether this is mileage or age dependent?