Ask Honest John

Most recently answered gearboxes questions
Do you have any feedback on the durability of Volkswagen's six speed DSG gearboxes as fitted to the current Passat? Do you have any advice to help reliability other than the standard 40,000mile/4 yearly...
I noted in your website ‘What to Watch out for’ section for the Golf Mk VI: "Problems emerging with the 1.4TSI and 7-speed DSG: jerking at low speeds, losing drive, etc. One owner had the transmission...
I bought a new VW Golf plus 1.9SE TDI and was persuaded to have the car with a DSG automatic gearbox after reading the Golf brochure that stated "the DSG gearbox offers a genuine alternative to a manual...
I think you are being over generous to VW. I bought a new 57 plate Audi TT 2 litre DSG which had the same problem from new. Despite a software upgrade it did not improve and I sold it after 12 months....
I've recently retired and am looking to buy a new or nearly new car. Ideally an automatic with cruise control; reliable, comfortable and reasonably fast (0-60 in 10 seconds or so). As the kids have flown...
I have a Rover 75 diesel estate auto. It has done 120,000 miles. The gearbox has failed and would cost about £2,000 to replace. It's a lovely car but I'm very worried about spending serious money when...
Our 2005 Astra 1.8 Auto has just become a near write-off. The auto gearchange stopped working and when we took it to two Vauxhall garages both said that fluid had leaked from the radiator into the gearbox...
I intend to buy a Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe. I’ve decided to go for the 2.0 litre engine but am undecided as to whether to specify the 6-speed manual transmission or the 6-speed sequential paddle-shift...
For years I have been driving an Avensis 1.8 T3-X with an automatic gearbox and have had years of trouble free motoring. I am now thinking of buying a new Avensis 1.8 TR with a CVT automatic gearbox. Could...
Could you please explain the different driving technique of a DSG gearbox, and a standard autobox? Do you need to put the car in neutral at every stop, lights etc. My new car is a Skoda Octavia 1.8TSI...