Ask Honest John

Most recently answered diesels questions
I have purchased a Honda Accord Tourer 2.2i-ctdi. The car was first registered on 18/09/2007 and I purchased it in February 2009, at 18 months old, with 11,200 miles on the clock. The service interval...
I currently drive a VW Golf 1.9TDi Sport 56 plate. It's on a PCP contract and is due for renewal in November 09. I will probably pay the GMFV of £5,800 and use that as a deposit to lower the payments on...
We’re considering buying a Volvo V70. Volvo has announced a V70 1.6D DRIVe, which my wife likes but I’m concerned that it might be a little underpowered. There's little information, but looking on the...
I have a Freelander TD4 HSE on a 55 registration and have been very pleased with it. Months ago I had an accident indoors, and as a result of this had my foot and ankle in a cast for six weeks. I have...
I usually change my car every three years. Now that I've retired I intend to buy a new diesel saloon and keep it for eight to ten years. My choices are: Mercedes E class, Jaguar XF, or Audi A5. In your...
I am interested in buying a Honda CR-V, but am unwilling to do so while it still retains the obsolescent diesel engine instead of the new design, as now offered in the Accord. I understand that the Accord...
A lot of new diesel cars have particulate filters fitted in order to make them 'cleaner'. Am I correct in thinking that this would make them unsuitable for Mr and Mrs Average Driver, doing their 10,000...
Thank you for your recent answer about DPF problems with my 56 reg Zafira Design CDTi (150). I have decided to sell it. Your website comments regarding DPF are all about this engine and I wonder if the...
I have a Vectra 1.9TDCi registered in June 2006 with 71,205 on the clock. Last Monday, whilst driving home, the temperature shot up and the engine started making rattling noises without warning. The car...
I currently own a 1996 Golf GTI 16v with 100,000 miles on the clock. The car is great, pretty much bomb proof and a great mix of comfort and speed. The economy isn’t terrible especially as I’m a little...