What has Honest John been asked this week?

[Web Version] | [Update preferences] | [Unsubscribe] [Facebook icon] [Like] [Twitter icon] [Tweet] [Forward icon] [Forward] [Recently purchased a new car but found it does not give the amount of mpg as claimed by manufacturer!] Posted by on 21 May, 2016 Recently purchased a new car but found it does not give the amount of mpg as claimed by manufacturer! [Recently purchased a new car but found it does not give the amount of mpg as claimed by manufacturer!] [Should I continue to use Shell V-Power Nitro +] Posted by on 21 May, 2016 We've always used Shell V-Power Nitro + in our DS3 DSport plus thp, next week we are changing it for an Hyundai i20 1.0t gdi 120ps, should we continue to use the same fuel. Our Hyundai dealer advised generally yes for turbo's but on ours not every fill up. What do you recommended please as we have got used to the 45mpg we regularly achieve in the DS3? [Should I continue to use Shell V-Power Nitro +] [All weather tyres] Posted by on 20 May, 2016 Please will you advise the best tyres for a Jag XF sportbreak 2.2 THe original Pirellis 235/55r17 are almost worn out and as i am driving to southern France at the end gone I want to get some good tyres. I normally do 15-20k pa and change to winter wheels tyres when the temperature drops below 5 C. I'm a little late in changing back this year! [All weather tyres] [Buying a mid-size family car. Can't choose, need advice.] Posted by on 20 May, 2016 Hi. I want to buy a car, preferably MPV, but not essential as long as it spacious enough for a family of 3. Main criteria is economical (around 45+ mpg), cheap road tax (preferably under £130 per year), reliable and not expensive to maintain; mainly for commuting to/back from work and general short journeys on the daily basis no longer than 30 minutes) and few longer trips (around 100 miles) during a year. My choice so far is Citroen C4 Cactus 1.6 BlueHDI100. Positive: very economical (urban up to 74mpg, but in reality 64mpg which is also very good), £0 road tax. Negative: during test drive it seemed to be small, with my height 182cm it was very uncomfortable for me to drive as steering wheel was too far (only can adjust angle of the steering wheel), limited leg room at the back, hard suspension (could feel every slightly bigger pot hole on the road). But keeping in mind fuel consumption and £0 tax - I can cope with those negative bits. However, I keep hearing things that diesel engines are not good for short trips, because in that case there will be problems with the car after a while which might cost a lot - is that true or not? Because, for example taking 1 year old Cactus diesel should have warranty (if i'm right?) and would this warranty potentially cover those problems? So what can be the best alternative with petrol engines (economical)? Or diesels are not that bad in reality? I was thinking of Citroen C4 Picasso (2007-2013), possibly Ford B-Max or C-Max? I also heard that Japanese cars are very reliable, but can't find which one will suit better? Really need advise as this uncertainty is driving me crazy! [Buying a mid-size family car. Can't choose, need advice.] [Is my Zafira a write-off?] Posted by on 20 May, 2016 I've been told the following about my Zafira by a vaxhuall garage: Fault on inlet manifold and noisy on initial start up –suspect internal swirl flaps have collapsed and possible engine damage Vehicle requires: - Intake manifold - Pipe - Bracket - Wiring - Dis pack - Spark plugs 3.5 hours labour The vehicle requires the above but may have further engine damage due to swirl flaps possibly collapsing and going into engine – possible piston ring land damage and vehicle burning oil I paid £3k for the car (2008, 66,000m) and the suggested repair would cost £2.5k. Up to £1k of that may be covered by a warranty. The "official" Vauxhall garage have been very little help, only allowing me to speak to a customer service person rather than directly to an engineer. I'm concerned I could end up spending close to the value of the car and still not having a working engine. What would you advise? Thanks [Is my Zafira a write-off?] [Best place to sell an Audi S3 Sportback] Posted by on 20 May, 2016 I have a May 2012 Audi S3 Sportback with c33000 miles and full Audi service history. I plan to order new model A3 or S3 saloon later this year when the new models become available. I imagine S3s attract smaller interest that A3s so wondered as to the best way to sell an S3 in excellent condition for a fair price? Thank you. And what would you consider to be such a fair value please? [Best place to sell an Audi S3 Sportback] [MINI Cooer solenoid problem.] Posted by on 20 May, 2016 Just an add on to your Good & Bad review of the MINI Cooper & Cooper S (2007-2013). An engine warning light recently came on on my wife's 2011 Cooper. The fault was traced to a failed solenoid in the sump, resulting in oil tracking back up the wiring to the engine management system, all of which had to be replaced. MINI and the local MINI dealership dealt with the situation very well. MINI stood the cost of the new EMU, and the dealer significantly reduced their hourly rate. Instead of a bill of £1800, we paid £526. The dealer told us that it was a rare, but not unknown problem. We saw this as being a good reason to stick with main dealer servicing, at least on a relatively new car, with only 25,000 miles on the clock. [MINI Cooer solenoid problem.] [How to proceed with a dealership replacement part fitting] Posted by on 20 May, 2016 Hi, I asked for an upgrade of the factory fitted towbar electrics on my Honda CRV 2.2iCDTI from a 7 pin to 13 pin system to future proof the car as there was a fault with the old hook up. I paid £250 for this at the time (Aug 2015) and recently when I plugged in my new caravan with a 13 pin connector some of the pins in the 13 pin system weren't working. I had this tested and found that 4 pins weren't connected. I went back to the Honda dealership and they told me that although I asked for an upgrade I didn't specifically request that a permanent feed was required. I was slightly surprised by this as at the time they told me it was a simple plug and play system so would be a relatively easy upgrade. They want me to pay another £400 to have the other 4 pins connected but this doesn't sound quite right to me. Any advice or thoughts would be welcome. On my invoice it says installation of 13 pin socket and electrics but they won't budge on the price. [How to proceed with a dealership replacement part fitting] [Size] Posted by on 20 May, 2016 A friend ,in her eighties, currently drives a Suzuki splash automatic. Due to the width of the car relative to the garage, even with the wing mirrors folded she now has difficulty in driving the car in but mainly out of the garage. She is also having viewing problems reversing the car down the long drive. She has asked if you could recommend a small automatic smaller that the splash with better rear viewing that she could consider as her next car. Maybe a Smart car? she would appreciate your help [Size] [Bought faulty car] Posted by on 20 May, 2016 Hi I have been in touch with the citizens advice and they have referred my situation to the trading standards. What happened was we bought a second hand £2300 from auto trader the descripton said part exchange fine, comes within three month warranty. When we went to pick it up, it was on the side of the road we were told as the guy who is a limited company did not want it on his forecourt. The man who sold it was not the owner of the second hand dealers but an employee he said. When my husband asked for a reduction as we paid cash the employee called the owner who said no. It was for a 2007 Vauxhall zafira with £64000 miles so it was a good price already. Three days later an engine warning light came on and so we took it to a Vauxhall main service repair centre whom said the engine was all clogged up and it is going to cost £700 to fix. This problem was not a new problem and we have this in writing from the Vauxhall centre. So we tried to call this owner who said he never owned the car and let his friend advertise on his name and we have no invoice from the dealer and then of course the employee who wasn't an employee but a friend supposedly isn't contactable. So I called the cab who Said as it is within 30 days I could ask for a full refund and that he did own it as private person does not offer part exchange as said In the ad or warranty. Auto trader said the same also that it clearly said this dealer was selling it. I wrote to him asking to repair it and then a full refund within 14 days as he wa ignoring our emails and on the advice on the cab. He has since said to me he did not own the vehicle, there is nothing legally I can do, it was bought on the side of the road from Ken and we have no invoice. This is because Ken said he would send it on from the dealer. The sorn is in a woman's name not this Ken but he dealer has sworn at me and really could not care less about the threat of court or me telling him trading standards will investigate him. I have four children and this car is not safe to drive Do I get it repaired ? Buy a new car and leave this faulty car on my drive in the hope one day he will loss in court. Trade in it for a deposit in a new car telling the garage what is wrong with it? Ultimately his company has only been going since February and he is not the least bit intimidated or sorry or accepting any liability just kept saying I didn't sell you the car. I therefore think he would not have any problem making his limited company bust if it went to court as it has only been trading a few month and is very dodgy. He knows the law and knows that if it is a private sale then we have no comeback. I do not know if it worth pursuing this or not ? Thank you [Bought faulty car] [Why does my Mazda 6 need an oil change after 7000 miles?] Posted by on 20 May, 2016 The oil change service indicator on my Mazda 6 2.2 diesel has come on. The car is just under seven months old and has 6300 miles on the clock. Would you expect the oil change service interval to appear after such a short period of time? I was expecting to have to change the oil every year/10,000 miles. [Why does my Mazda 6 need an oil change after 7000 miles?] [How often should I have my car's air con serviced?] Posted by on 19 May, 2016 I have the air con of my Toyota Auris 1.6 diesel permanently switched on and set to air recirculating in all weathers. I was wondering when the air con system will and how often require maintenance? The car is 4 months old and has done 6000 miles. [How often should I have my car's air con serviced?] [Mazda 6 problems] Posted by on 19 May, 2016 I have owned a 2014 Mazda 6 auto Tourer now for nearly a year and travelled over 20k in this time. I have had a couple of issues. Firstly, prior to a scheduled service at around 38k, I had an oil warning light flash up regarding the oil pressure. The advice being to stop driving and contact Mazda Service. The issue turned out to be contaminated oil, which was resolved under the manufacturer's warranty. The second issue concerns brake judder. My vehicle definitely suffers from some minor judder when initially braking from 50/60mph. This has been mentioned to Mazda and no obvious issues have been found when the vehicle has been serviced. Any advice on this issue? [Mazda 6 problems] [Which cars have the best seats?] Posted by on 18 May, 2016 I have a bad back and need a new car with comfortable seats. I have an old Peugeot 30, what should I replace it with? [Which cars have the best seats?] [Audi A4 - how much should a new timing belt and water pump cost?] Posted by on 18 May, 2016 How much should a new timing belt and water pump cost for a 2010 Audi A4 2.0 TDi? [Audi A4 - how much should a new timing belt and water pump cost?] [Ford Focus electrical problems] Posted by on 18 May, 2016 My 2000 Ford Focus has an electrical problem. The wipers, ventilation and windows have stopped working. I can't find a blown fuse. Any ideas? [Ford Focus electrical problems] [Buying a used Saab] Posted by on 18 May, 2016 I am considering buying a Saab 9-5, but it has come to light that it has had five previous owners. My main concern is the car is barely six years old and when I come to sell it, other buyers may be reluctant and I may find it difficult to sell. The car has otherwise impeccable history. Should I buy it? [Buying a used Saab] [Jaguar XJ6 - fix or sell?] Posted by on 18 May, 2016 I recently bought a 1997 Jaguar XJ6 for £700. The sale included a private plate. Since then, I've spent £360 replacing the rear driveshaft because of bearing issues. My local mechanic now tells me it needs new springs, front brakes and tyres. I cannot decide whether to have the work done or get rid before the MoT runs out. It's a lovely car, but as a poor student I am struggling to keep the poor old girl on the road. I would appreciate some sensible advice on what to do? [Jaguar XJ6 - fix or sell?] [Swapping tyres on a Ford Fiesta] Posted by on 17 May, 2016 I have just changed my 2013 Ford Fiesta EcoBoost for a 2015 model (same spec) with less than 3000 miles on the clock. The only snag is it has 195/45/R16 tyres and my previous model had 195/50 R16 which was a much better ride. My old tyres have only done about 8000 as I have a winter set also. The garage are willing to swap them, but will this be ok? Is it unwise to put three year old tyres on a one year old car, even though they haven't done many miles? Also, do you think the car's computer will need to be recalibrated with the change of tyre size? Was going to get a set of the new Michelin CrossClimates, but they don't do my size. [Swapping tyres on a Ford Fiesta] [Buying a new car - hybrid or diesel?] Posted by on 17 May, 2016 I am coming up to replacing my existing car and have historically bought new diesels to cover an annual mileage of 25k (mostly motorway and A roads). Given diesel engines are becoming more complex to meet Euro6 standards, is it now worth considering a hybrid? [Buying a new car - hybrid or diesel?] You are receiving this email because Honest Insights is a publication produced by HonestJohn.co.uk with your requirements and specifications in mind. It provides in depth site analysis comparative with wider industry trends. 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