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  Younger drivers can buy and insure modern classic cars, such as a 1991 Golf, much more cheaply than a modern car. 9 Jan 2012 (Ask HJ)
  I thought your readers might be interested in this info. In the last 16 years I've mainly owned and run older cars. What I've found is that you can insure...
• BMW F20 118i Face lift with N13 engine. - Timing chain 13 Sep 2020 (Forum)
  Hi I bought my first car around feb 2019, it’s a LCI F20 118i with the N13 engine the cars been great only really had one problem with it which was the hose for the turbo coming loose which brought up a drivetrain error. But I’ve noticed over the past year the cars using a lot of oil between service intervals about 1 litre every 1500-2000 miles and I’ve seen online that high oil usage is a symptom of the timing chain about to go I really like the car but I don’t know if I should try to sell it before it does go or bring it to BMW to have a look at as I’ve bought the extended insured warranty from them and the car was also bought from a BMW dealer.
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  How do we make insuring a young driver cheaper? 9 Nov 2017 (Ask HJ)
  My granddaughter, aged 18, has Just passed her driving test and needs to be mobile as her mother is partially disabled. She's been quoted £2500 to be added...
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  Auris failure to proceed 23 Nov 2012 (Ask HJ)
  Oil warnings in my 2007 Toyota Auris TR VVT-1-S-A 1600cc Auto. The car has been regularly serviced by Toyota Mail Dealer. Without any "warnings" the car...
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  Scirocco misfire 8 Nov 2010 (Ask HJ)
  Got a new Scirocco 2.0 TSI - bought August '09 ('09) plate as an ex-demo from a VW dealer I've used for many years - must've bought 6 or 7 VW's from them....
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  Scrappage scam? 22 Aug 2009 (Ask HJ)
  I note your response R.W. of Wiltshire regarding the Government Scrappage Scheme, and in particular the policy of crushing perfectly good cars. I too subscribe...
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  I suggest that people should use dedicated independent specialist garages for repairs and mechanical work. 20 Jul 2013 (Ask HJ)
  JB of Alton, the independent garage owner, is quite wrong in his comments. I can prove my point easily and confirm that what you wrote is right. We have...
• Mondeo TD (Endura DE) oil recommendation 25 Jul 2006 (Forum)
  Not only does the grade ring alarm bells on such an old design, low tech engine, but I was always led to believe that one should use a dedicated diesel oil in diesel engines because the added detergents perform such an important job. I don't wish to argue with the manufacturer, but I just wondered what you would do on a 117,000 mile car that is now WELL out of warranty?
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  Bunged 21 Feb 2009 (Ask HJ)
  I own a BMW 325 that was first registered in March 2005. It has always been regularly serviced by BMW dealers, has covered 80,000 miles and is not covered...
• Mazda 3 - Mazda 3 2.2 d engine failure - warranty problem 13 May 2015 (Forum)
  I didn't confirm straight away, as I wanted to get home and phone the warranty company to confirm that they had actually asked me to approve the diagnostic cost in the event that they decided it wasn't a warranty issue. The reason being the garage I left the car with was the garage that serviced the car at the end of November last year, so I was a little conscious of the possibility they had done something wrong at the service, and may be trying to get out of covering any costs if it was found to be their fault.
• Audi A4 Avant - Washer fluid 11 Mar 2021 (Forum)
   I tried probing the nozzles (there are two) with a needle but to no avail so I booked the car into my Audi dealer.  I have an extended warranty, so before you all experience a sharp intake of breath, in theory my costs would be limited to the excess. This morning I have been informed that the issue is more than blocked nozzles.
• Toyota - Toyota VVT-I excessive oil consumption-answers! 27 Aug 2013 (Forum)
    For older Toyota’s made before about July 2005, Toyota could retrofit these to the existing engine, having extended the warranty on these engines to 6 years. After about July 2005 this fix was applied to new build Toyota’s, so these should not suffer this issue. So, what does this mean if, like me, you were looking at a used petrol Toyota?
• M-B: 1. Bargain oil change 2. Servicing 5 May 2003 (Forum)
  Anyway, in case anyone else doesn't yet know, the filter canister in a Mercedes-Benz E320 Coupé is well hidden at the back of the engine and not at all easy to unscrew. And, while I'm here, it may be of use to others to know that I have had written confirmation from RAC Warranty that the extended warranty on the MB does not require main-dealer servicing, provided that "the vehicle is still serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's schedule and that any parts fitted must be main agent parts".
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  Need a used small family car for £5000 - what would you recommend? 23 Nov 2016 (Ask HJ)
  I have £5000 to spend on a used car. It must have five-doors and space to fit a buggy in the boot. I have been looking at the Mazda 3 (2010 model), are...
• VW Golf 1.6 FSE - Small claims-consuer rights act 2015 advice 13 Jul 2019 (Forum)
  My response was more or less as follows: -They were the ones who suggested Halfords when we bought the car because it had a relationship with the warranty provider, so as we are in a different town we took it there. -The dealer told us we could take it back to them if it needed repairs, but not that we had to, and not that they'd do it for free.
• VW Golf MK6 2.0 TDI GT Clutch Slip 28 Jun 2017 (Forum)
  Not bad, but noticeable. I then pulled out of a junction a few miles down the road and I swear the car pulled away about 30% slower than normal. Its booked in with VW in 4 days for them to look at it. I've just checked the warranty and if any damage is found to be our fault, it's not covered under the warranty.
• Ford Mondeo III (2000 - 2007) - What common-rail diesel can you rely on? 4 Dec 2007 (Forum)
  Previous car was a 2003 Picasso Hdi - loads of problems, including pump failure at 10K. (warranty covered this) Presently driving 2005 Mondeo TDCI (130bhp, Euro IV). No major problems (apart from gearbox out to lubricate splines on input shaft - as clutch not always disengaging) I usually buy a 6-9 month old car shortly after my existing vehicle gets its first MoT, so I'm looking at changing mid-2008.
• Citroen c5 HDi VTR+Nav Saloon 2010 plate - Could you tell me who is at fault here please? 18 Nov 2012 (Forum)
  Hi everyone, grab a coffee, this could take a bit... I bought this car with 16k on the clock 11 months ago from a well known car supermarket. The car performed effortlessly and without a single issue until June this year (2012). On starting the car early in the morning, the 'STOP - Low oil Pressure' light came on.
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  Should I buy a used Passat? 6 Jan 2015 (Ask HJ)
  I need a used car and would like a Volkswagen Passat. I've read the 1.9 TDI engine is more desirable than the 2.0 TDI. Can you confirm that this is the...
• Toyota Yaris 1.5 - 10,000 miles on 1 Dec 2019 (Forum)
  Also this wasn’t a new engine to Toyota, they had been using it on the Yaris Hybrid for a while.  Quite nippy having 111 hp. Had a sensible tyre/ wheel size (175/65 R15 I think). Good equipment levels. Good price, being a pre-reg car.