October 2000
My question is has there been a general deterioration in fuel consumptions following the recent fuel blockade. I have a '94 Skoda Favorit GLXI which gives a regular 44 to 47mpg which I consider excellent. (I check at every fill) The fill on 26/9 gave 42mpg, 15/10 39mpg, & latest 20/10 39mpg.....a marked drop.With crude prices as they are & pressure to keep prices at the pump down...I pay 79.9 in Staffordshire....I believe petrol has been deliberatly weakened, a drop in octane rating. We have a Fiesta which has also shown a deterioration. Friends have also noticed this. In the past whenever fuel prices are low due to high competition etc I have also notice an increase in consumption. If so what an excellent way for the Government to increase income. What do you think? Read more
I have written to HJ on this subject before. Having recently resigned as a magistrate after over 12 years at a predominately "motoring court" (I resigned for various reasons) I am shocked by the number of "no insurances" that come through court, and bear in mind these are only people that have been caught!!!
I am also shocked by the sentences handed out by some of my magistrate colleagues - admittedly with hands tied by legislation. The low wage/benefit supported non insured driver will always win, attracting a fine of around £200, not bad if you are not caught for 8 years!!
With the hike in premiums more drivers will take a chance.........my 21 daughter will need £800 to insure her first battered VW Polo - much much more that the car is worth!
Let me finish by qouting a sentence handed out this week to a young NI driver in my local town.
Unemployed driver, 23 years old pleaded guilty to 20, yes 20 offences of driving without insurance - banned from driving for 2 years as a longer sentence would inhibit this driver from "getting back on his feet"
Or maybe I was a bit harsh in my sentencing when I was sitting.......
MHM Read more
Yes, the article can be found online at:
www.sunday-times.co.uk/news/pages/sti/2000/10/29/s...l
.. just copy and paste this url in your browser
nice Read more
John,
have been an avid reader of your column in the Saturday Telegraph since 1996, and on your recommendations purchased a Fiat Punto as a second car. Both me and my wife have been completely satisfied with the Punto 60S, which we believe to be a very well balanced, well designed and bolted together car.
Thank you very much - Keep up the good work. Read more
Dear Rob,
Thanks. The new Punto 60S is even better with standard dual assist electric power steeting and height adjustable seat and steering wheel. Trade Sales of Slough, Motorpoint of Derby and DC Cook have them from £5,999 brand new, but also check and see if local Fiat dealers will match this price.
HJ
Hello,
I'm an Italian owner owner of a Rover 75 CDT Connoisseur; after a couple of months I start heard some noises from front suspension, especially from the right side. The noise is much stronger when the car is cold; I replace the right shock-absorber, but nothing has changed.
The retailer told me that all the 75's has the same problem, and soon will be a recall in order to solve it.
Is that true? Do English 75 owners has this problem? Should I be patient and wait for a recall or what else can I do?
Please, help me, I'm in deep trouble!!!!
Many thanks,
Giuseppe Paoletti Read more
Not as long as it took me to notice this thread.
Goodness you've been around a long time, Stuart.
I have got a Ford Ka at the moment. I like the look of the Toyota Yaris. Would it be a good idea to change? Read more
I'm biased. I've had a Ford Ka for two and a half years, and I like it as much as I did the day I brought it home from the showroom. I've also driven the Yaris, and in comparison to the Ka I found it to be boring and bland. And i.m.h.o. (though, as Honest John says in his book "Motoring Answers", you either love' em or hate 'em) the looks of the Ka are a thousand times better than those of the Yaris.
Incidentally, I have a lot of lower back pain (lumbago -- a pain in the arse), and as long as I wind the Ka's seat up fairly straight, I can drive two or three hundred miles in a day without any discomfort.
Finally, before the weekend is out, you can read Honest John's road test of the Yaris here at honestjohn.co.uk.
I?ve got a 1966 e-type series 1 2+2. It is in excellent condition, having been restored 10 years ago and having done only 3,500 miles since. I am thinking of selling. Where would be the best place to advertise? Read more
Dear Neil,
This is NOT a Forum question. It should be addressed to letters@honestjohn.co.uk (I wondered where my e-mails were disappearing to) But for the benefit of other Backroom visitors, a classiuc car auction is you best bet for selling the car at a realistic price and these are listed on the news page at www.mysterymotors.com
HJ
I have an Audi 80 2.6E V6 estate, 93 L with 80k on the clock. Should I keep it and continue paying high prices for petrol and possibly have to buy a pair of new catalytic converters. Convert it to LPG. Sell it and buy a slower diesel 80. Buy an A4 TDi 110 bhp with 100k on the clock for about £10k. or get a nearly new Vectra diesel from a car supermarket? Can I remove the catalytic converts and will I get more mpg? Read more
I agree about the Audi price, I know it's a few months on and I'm comparing with a saloon but my A4 cost me £5,500 with 104,000 on the clock in May and it's virtually immaculate for a high miler.
I have differential whine at 50/60mph in 4/5th gear. Local Agent diagnosed crown wheel and pinion noise. A known problem and advised no action. Anybody else with similar, action taken etc? Read more
Haven't heard of this before. But a gearbox oil additive may help. It did for me on a noisy box in a 16v Jetta and the thing stayed together for the 3 years I had the car.Adrian Mowser wrote:
>
> I have differential whine at 50/60mph in 4/5th gear. Local
> Agent diagnosed crown wheel and pinion noise. A known problem
> and advised no action. Anybody else with similar, action taken
> etc?
Essays on Design & Technology delve into the intersection of creativity and innovation, exploring the impact of technology on design processes and outcomes. They analyze various design principles, techniques, and tools, while also examining the role of technology in shaping user experiences and solving complex problems. These essays may discuss topics such as product design, user interface design, digital media, 3D printing, and the integration of technology in design disciplines. They provide insights into the dynamic relationship between design and technology in our modern world. Read more
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Isn't illegal to swap the 'packaging' on a product so that it looks like someone else's? If I buy a tin labelled Heinz baked beans I expect it to be what it says, not Tesco economy beans.