Ask Honest John

What van would be good for every day use before converting into a camper?

We currently have a 61 plate Renault Trafic SWB 2.0 dCi SL27 115 van which is used for weekly shopping trips as well as filling it with stock and towing...

Tags: new vans vans camper vans van conversion buying advice
Renault Ford Trafic 2010 - 2014 Transit Custom 2013 on

Why is my Renault Clio stuttering through low gear changes?

My 2006 Renault Clio seems to have developed an intermittent fault. It's ticking over slightly high when in idle and the temperature gauge drops to zero....

Tags: temperature sensor technical issues temperature gauge owning consumer advice intermittent fault
Renault Clio III 2005 - 2009

What are the shortest four-seater cars with the best steering lock?

What are the shortest four-seater cars that can be reversed into a 25-foot long parking space?

Tags: reversing steering buying a new car small cars consumer advice
Renault Smart Twingo 2014 on Forfour 2014 on

What small, economic, reliable car do you recommend for £6000?

I'm wanting to buy a small, economic car for my 19 year old daughter to travel between university and our home. I really don't want to pay more than £6000,...

Tags: reliable cheap to run fuel economy buying and selling economical safety buying second hand car young drivers consumer advice £6000 budget tall passengers students
Hyundai Renault Smart KIA Volkswagen SEAT Skoda Dacia i10 2014 on Twingo 2014 on Fortwo 2014 on Picanto 2017 on Up 2012 on Mii 2012 on Citigo 2012 on Sandero 2013 on

What's causing the heavy start on my Renault Megane?

I've just bought a Renault Megane 1.6 petrol. When I start the engine, it starts but loses power at first. It needs a bit of accelerating to keep the engine...

Tags: loss of power known defect technical issues starting problem maintenance and servicing throttle owning lack of power engine issues
Renault Megane 2016 on

Why is my Renault Trafic emitting white smoke and going into limp mode?

My Renault Trafic 1.9 DCi glow plug light comes on and goes into limp mode. It also wont rev over 2000 and emits lots of white smoke from the exhaust....

Tags: diesel engines vans technical issues warning lights maintenance and servicing fuel injection diagnostics glow plugs limp mode white smoke
Renault Trafic 2014 on

My 2015 Renault Trafic has had fault after fault - can I get it replaced?

In December 2015, I purchased a brand new Renault Trafic 120 Energy Sport van for my business as an electrical contractor. I paid just over £17,000 inc...

Tags: legal and consumer advice gearbox fault consumer rights vans maintenance and servicing faults owning oil leaks market value
Renault Trafic 2014 on

What's the most cost effective way of insuring a new driver?

I'm trying to get insurance cover for my son who has just passed his test. We had already lined up a car, knowing its past history. Although it was 16...

Tags: insurance reducing insurance premiums named drivers black boxes young drivers older cars new drivers consumer advice insurance brokers
Renault Clio II 2001 - 2007

Will a 2015 Nissan Qashqai 1.6 dCi be suitable for muddy terrain and long commutes?

I want to trade in my 2011 diesel Nissan X-Trail 2.2 for a slightly smaller 4WD. I commute 50 miles a day, but need a 4WD for rough farm tracks. I have...

Tags: fuel economy buying a used car crossovers dpf ex-demo wheels and tyres buying and selling suvs commuting buying an suv used cars diesel cars 4wd trade ins trade-in values buying a crossover consumer advice regenerating rough terrain dpf issues
Nissan Renault X-Trail 2007 - 2014 Qashqai 2014 on Kadjar 2015 on

Which tyres are best for high mileages?

I have a Renault Captur that has done 68,000 miles and needs a full set of new tyres. Which tyres should I get?

Tags: high mileage all-weather tyres tyres
Renault Captur 2013 on