Ask Honest John

Most recently answered maintenance and servicing questions
We have an Audi A4 3.0 convertible on an 04 plate which has done 55,000 miles. The car now only does approx 5000 miles a year. Audi advises that the cambelt is changed every 80,000 miles, but doesn't give...
My 2006 Volkswagen Golf GT diesel 170bhp has just had its second service, as it's on long life regime. While booking it in, the dealer remarked that it will need its cam belt changed in November when the...
As the 73-year-old owner of a 54-plate Honda Jazz automatic which is coming up to its MoT and annual service, is there anything in particular I should be looking out for? The car has been serviced annually...
I have recently been quoted £230 by BMW, to change the oil on my 123d M Sport Coupe. This is the first service as indicated by the on board computer. A colleague put me in touch with a BMW trained specialist...
I have a 2006 VW Polo Sport 1.9TDI so it is now 4 years old and has done 18,000 miles. It is about to go in for its annual service and MOT and the garage is recommending changing the cambelt. Is this really...
I have a 2009 Ford Mondeo Titanium X diesel auto with 17,000 miles, which was serviced a year ago when I bought the car. Two Ford garages say I need an interim service, one a major service and one says...
I've just bought a 2006 Citroen Berlingo Multispace 1.6HDI. What do I need to look out for in particular regarding timing belt changes, servicing schedules and brake disc and pad replacement?
My Lexus GS300 is now in its 3rd year, with 14,000 miles on the clock. I am not really impressed with my local Lexus dealer, and am considering a service elsewhere. Are there any pitfalls or considerations...
I’ve just seen your comments in Sunday's paper about 2 year service intervals and related engine failures. I bought my Polo new in July 2006 and when it was a year old (following your advice of course)...
For fun, we have just bought an 03 Alfa Romeo 147 that has done 28,000 miles, which is, of course, rather low. It has yearly service stamps but no other maintenance documentation. What checks and maintenance...