March 2022
Hello
I have a Skoda Fabia that is nearly 5 years old. I got an email from the dealership saying that the cambelt was due to be replaced. The car has done 34,000 miles.... Read more
A few weeks ago my Mini went Into limp mode, code reader shows P1057 and P1062 which suggests a valve timing problem. Took it to my usual garage who couldn't find the cause but cleared the fault codes, and topped up the oil. It ran fine for the next 80 miles or so then it went into limp mode again with the same fault codes. Took it to and independent Mini specialist who cleared the fault codes and couldn't get the error to recur, he cleaned up something called a vanos unit. After another 70 miles it was back in limp mode with the same codes.
I thought that fault codes indicate exactly what is wrong, but maybe that's my misunderstanding ! If there's no alternative then I may take it to a Mini dealership to see if they can fix it, but that might end up costing more than the car is worth!... Read more
Clearing the codes resets the system and allows the engine to relearn the drive cycle . However, after increasing miles , the parameters go out sync and the fail light will illuminate. It’s probably using oil , another issue with these engines.
One 'feature' I would NEVER miss are the plastic seat covers. Man did they get hot in summer. Out come the towels to protect us from getting burned.
Hi all. After much reading online, I can't find much on this.
... Read more
Thanks for that Gibbo!
I need a new battery for my 2016 Hyunai Tucson (diesel 2.0 136hp auto). However I am slightly confused by the range of batteries on offer. Looking at the Tayna website I have the choice of Standard, EFB or AGM batteries. It seem to want go steer me towards AGM batteries (as do all the other websites I have looked at).
Can anyone advise on the type of battery I require? I Was under the impression that AGM batteries were mainly for cars with stop/start. Mine doesn't have that. The original battery is labelled CMF 90L BCI. Does anyone know if this is an AGM battery. It has a flat top which I read somewhere implies that it is. ... Read more
I've just changed batteries on two of my cars. Check the handbook or existing battery code and type. If your car has stop/start then EFB or AGM is essential.
I used the Tayna website to get the right one, check physical dimensions and terminal positions of the existing battery against the description on the website....
I live in a small town on the A56, with a filling station, a VAG specialist-cum-bodyshop and a few small independents. I have used one of those occasionally, and took my 207SW there for an MoT and some basic service jobs (not a 'full service'). This is how I have complained afterwards by email:
(yesterday) the work done was not what I asked for, which was (my words, booked by phone and on a sheet of paper handed to reception) :... Read more
Why ? More shims will push the valve further off the seat (the rest position is on the seat under spring pressure) ?
Got that the wrong way round. I know it involved the camshaft being out/in at least twice.
Will come with Mazda developed 3.0-litre petrol and 3.3-litre diesel straight-six engines – both will be on sale by 2023. Anyone else a little bit excited to see Mazda producing something interesting again?
www.honestjohn.co.uk/mazda/cx-60/ Read more
Looks suspiciously like a Toyota RAV4 with a Mazda front end glued on.Only if you need a visit to Specsavers, better get an appointment PDQ SLO.
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I have had many cars , a lot go them cheap and cheerful and I honestly cant remember the last time the oil light came on
My wife has a 2021 1l Seat Arona FR with 14k miles on it. Last week the water coolant light came on and SEAT said it was a leak in the radiator so replaced the radiator. Got it back on Thursday. Today the oil light came on. I checked the oil left and it wasn't even on minimum. Luckily the local SEAT garage said we could bring it in even on a Sunday and someone would check it. They did and said it need about half a litre of oil... Read more
Have you checked the oil regularly? If so you would have been aware that the oil was decreasing before the light came on.
Hi all, looking for some advice on the best used car for a relative. Needs to be reliable, economical to run but still decent to drive and not too much of an ‘older person car’!
Budget is £6-7k but that doesn’t seem to get you much at the moment. Car will be mostly used for shortish journeys around town and some short motorway trips. Looking for petrol, <£30 tax and something that will last a good few years and looks decent. Any suggestions appreciated Read more
I’d shortlist the following, Ford Fiesta 1.25 petrol (avoid the 1.0 Ecoboost), Mazda 2 1.5 petrol, Mk IV Vauxhall Corsa 1.4 petrol and Suzuki Swift 1.2 petrol. All are good to drive and totally dependable. I’d buy on condition and history but If all things were equal a Fiesta 1.25 Zetec would be on my drive.
Hi guys I recently been driving manual but it kills my wrist and knees (low level arthritis) so now looking for a automatic... Read more
would like the following
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I also have a Fabia of the same age - a 4 cylinder 1.2. Bought in October 2019 it got about 6 months of normal usage before being more or less laid up during the pandemic and after. I was wholly working at home from March 2020 until June 21.
It's a VAG recommendation on these that, irrespective of mileage, the cambelt is replaced at 5 years. An 'upsell' for the job at approx £500 was delivered when I picked it up after its service in October last year. The mileage then was approx 36,000. The cambelt does not drive the waterpump which is said to be at the other end of the block. ...