Ask Honest John

Most recently answered maintenance and servicing questions
I have a five-year-old Honda Accord 2L EX automatic. If I use Hometune, is the filter and oil consistent with the Honda specified products, or should I pay the extra at a Honda main dealer?
I bought a 2004 Porsche C4S with 10,000 miles on the clock (40,000 now) from a Porsche main dealer in 2007. Two weeks ago the engine blew up, which Porsche diagnosed as an intermediate shaft failure. I...
I'm going to look at a 2001 Citroen Xsara Picasso 2.0HDi at an independent dealer tomorrow. It's advertised as "Full Service History, 8 Stamps In Service Book" with a mileage of 80,000. First question,...
We have a Golf 1.9 DSG SE on an '05 plate, it has just done 82,000 miles. We do approx 15-18,000 miles a year, the car is serviced every year and has just had an oil change, plus new rear discs and pads....
I have a 2009 Ford Mondeo which is due for an annual service. Do I need to go to a Ford main dealer or can I use my local garage?
I have a Volkswagen Golf 1.6 FSI. It is now four years and five months old and has covered 50,000 miles. Volkswagen are telling me that I need new disc pads on the front, and new disc pads and new discs...
I just passed my driving test and was considering buying a car. I'm 30 years old and an IT technician. I have always wanted to drive an Audi A4 but which year would you recommend? After reading up Audi...
My second car runabout, a very tatty H-reg Peugeot 309, has just suffered a cylinder head gasket failure (clouds of steam and drops of water from the exhaust). It's probably not worth even considering...
I currently drive a Citroen 1.9 TD on a 'P' plate and marital pressure is pushing for a change. The current car has no value. I only do less than 7000 per annum, mostly on short journeys, but need to be...
A Renault main dealer is suggesting that my daughter's 2006 Clio (1.4 petrol) needs a coolant and brake fluid change (mileage is about 13,000) - they are pushing the "special offer" at £50 each. Should...