http://www.honestjohn.co.uk Honest John forum en-gb Tue, 14 May 2024 03:37:00 +0000 Copyright: (C) www.honestjohn.co.uk 5 hjforum1486934 Mon, 13 May 2024 22:23:44 +0000 If I had enough money, I'd happily buy a brand new Morgan Plus 4 as something to enjoy on a nice day rather than buying a car merely as a tool. It wouldn't be particularly practical as day to day transport though.  Funnily enough we kind of thought we could just about afford a new Bobby basic one a few years ago when we did the factory tour. At the end there was a new car sat there which was a prize and not for sitting in - we must have shown too much of an interest in it as suddenly we were invited to sit in it. Bubble burst seconds later when I realised I could only push the clutch down on entry and release on exit - my fault I'm tooo big. Actually my favorite car of all time was rather slow - I restored a 1961 Moggy Minor 948cc a few years (er decades) ago.  I also had a company car then as well but I loved using "Alf" when not working as I was sick of being in my company car (65k miles a year then!). I did a surprisingly long distances in the Moggy and bar the usual SU electric fuel pump issue it was remarkably reliable. No power steering or servo brakes and drums all round but everything was in good order. Clearly not great on the motorway but it was great fun on country lanes. Rose tinted glasses probably but compared to my bland 1.3 mkIII Escort it was a tonic to the system. Favorite "normal" car was a Saab 9000cs turbo.               Motoring discussion Big John Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161&v=t&m=1486934 hjforum1486933 Mon, 13 May 2024 21:37:26 +0000   Buyers no longer really need to prioritise.  A £25k (new) car can deliver all that 98% of motoring public need or are capable of using.  Spending 4 times as much buys little more usable functionality - just a few more gizmos and a bit of carbon fibre!   It's kind of strange that what makes cars less interesting is that they can be built so well now and do so much for a relatively cost overall. Motoring discussion alan1302 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161&v=t&m=1486933 hjforum1486932 Mon, 13 May 2024 21:31:51 +0000 The older types of refrigerant were definitely colder! Motoring discussion Metropolis. Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=197920 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=197920&v=t&m=1486932 hjforum1486931 Mon, 13 May 2024 21:02:18 +0000 We have the 1.4 front wheel drive in a 2020 Vitara. It’s  a good car to drive both in acceleration and cruising. Our daughter has a 2017 1.6 Vitara which is noisier and less lively in acceleration. It is only five speed too. The SX4 may have better soundproofing to mitigate the noise but if it’s five speed it’s going to be revving more than a turbo car at speed. Or are they six speed? Certainly test drive one at motorway speed to ensure it suits you from a noise and performance point of view.      Motoring discussion catsdad Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198164 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198164&v=t&m=1486931 hjforum1486930 Mon, 13 May 2024 20:11:01 +0000 Not sure I agree Doc, while the 1.6 is indeed a simple ( ish) engine with a good track record there's nothing to be afraid of with either the 1 litre or 1.4 Boosterjet engines, had a Balino with 1 litre engine and auto box for a week or so a few years ago, the engine was very strong indeed and the gearbox was superb, I kept it in manual for most of the time and used the paddles, great fun. Currently running a vitara with the 1.4 ( mild hybrid), 2 1/2 years in and zero issue's, pulls like a train from low revs onwards and gives 49mpg on average around town. I think that people tend to think modern turbo engines need revs to allow the turbo to spool up like the days of 2002's ( remember them?) But they simply don't, technology has moved on, hybrid turbos ( spooled up by a electric motor) plenum Chambers etc have eliminated turbo lag almost entirely, they only thing they demand is a supply of clean oil, personally I'm not not sure I would ever consider a ' normally ' aspirated engine or indeed a pure ICE again. Motoring discussion paul 1963 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198164 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198164&v=t&m=1486930 hjforum1486929 Mon, 13 May 2024 20:00:24 +0000 Larger engine every time. No replacement for displacement. Motoring discussion Metropolis. Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198164 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198164&v=t&m=1486929 hjforum1486928 Mon, 13 May 2024 19:43:39 +0000 The wee 3cyl turbo is nicer to drive and a bit more efficient, but I’d personally stick with the less complex and well proven 1.6 petrol for long term durability. Keep it simple. Motoring discussion SLO76 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198164 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198164&v=t&m=1486928 hjforum1486927 Mon, 13 May 2024 17:45:28 +0000 The 1.6 is a no stress no nonsense engine with very good reliability history. The 1.0 and 1.4 booster jet engines seem to have a few issues with the added technology. Motoring discussion elekie&a/c doctor Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198164 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198164&v=t&m=1486927 hjforum1486926 Mon, 13 May 2024 17:27:48 +0000 Personally, I'd go for the 1.6.  I have a 1.6 Vitara sitting on my drive now.  I view it (not having a turbo) as one less thing to go wrong.  It's not a bad engine at all, but does need to rev quite high to get anything out of it.  Having said that, the power delivery is a lot more gradual than in a turbocharged car so it's a more relaxing drive. It depends what you want really.  In all honesty, I wouldn't worry too much either way. Motoring discussion Adampr Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198164 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198164&v=t&m=1486926 hjforum1486925 Mon, 13 May 2024 17:25:35 +0000 It isn't just that the 1.0 has more torque, but that peak torque happens much lower in the rev range than the n/a 1.6. 170nm from 2000-3500rpm vs 156nm @ 4400rpm So while some may find the 1.0 a bit lacking overall in the SX4 S-Cross, I find it difficult to believe anyone would find it lacking if being compared directly with the 1.6.  I'd go with the 1.0 myself.   Motoring discussion badbusdriver Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198164 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198164&v=t&m=1486925 hjforum1486924 Mon, 13 May 2024 17:03:38 +0000 l know it's a case of test driving however, l would be interested in peoples opinion. The SX4 S-Cross is a car, on paper, l like. It's not full of technology & seems to have a overall good reputation. Like others, these days l'm not willing to shell out too much on a car & want to keep things relatively simple. l don't want the complications of the Allgrip 4 wheel drive in the later 1.4, so that leaves the older N/A 1.6 & the 1 litre Boosterjet. Both have similar power, mpg etc with the 3 cylinder having the edge on torques.    l've had petrol cars but never driven a small petrol turbo, always had turbo diesels. From what i've read & heard petrol turbos are more in keeping with TD cars, with the torque lower down. Older N/A engines may need more work in the gear stick department. However, in terms of the options with the Suzuki, l've heard some owners who've had both, that though the 1 litre Boosterjet was indeed nippy, but with the addition of a couple of passengers/luggage, it required more changing down & working the engine harder with a loss of mpg. In contrast the N/A 1.6 seemed to maintain it's power output across the board, even laden with the same. Logical l suppose. Would you stick with the 1.6 or go with the 1 litre? Motoring discussion chesterfieldhouse Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198164 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198164&v=t&m=1486924 hjforum1486923 Mon, 13 May 2024 16:50:02 +0000 I'm starting to hear via trade contacts of independent mechanics / garages refusing to do service or wet belt replacements on Ecoboost & Puretech powered vehicles as they don't want to risk the liability.      Technical matters Lee Power Technical matters http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198137 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198137&v=t&m=1486923 hjforum1486918 Mon, 13 May 2024 14:54:22 +0000 I don't see it as naive to have a different opinion, we will never know the true intent behind these decisions. Car manufacturers sole aim is to make as much profit as possible, period. They may say that they have ditched the spare wheel and/or reduced the size of the fuel tank to save a little weight and make a (tiny) improvement to economy/emissions, but that is only because it wouldn't make for good PR to say they have done it to increase their profit margins.  Have you seen the penalty per vehicle that can be levied against car manufacturers for failing to hit mpg/emissions targets? Not small sums.   Motoring discussion Heidfirst Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198150 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198150&v=t&m=1486918 hjforum1486917 Mon, 13 May 2024 13:55:32 +0000 "...motorbikes are the one area where something interesting is still affordable to 'ordinary' people." Maybe not for much longer. "The sale of new petrol-fuelled motorcycles is set to be banned from 2040, under plans due to be announced by ministers as part of the Government’s net zero crackdown." (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/cars/news/sales-of-new-petrol-motorcycles-set-to-be-banned-from-2040/ar-BB1mfY21) Motoring discussion FP Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161&v=t&m=1486917 hjforum1486916 Mon, 13 May 2024 13:48:34 +0000 Much as I find the noise of hundreds of them heading up into dales on a sunny weekend annoying, motorbikes are the one area where something interesting is still affordable to "ordinary" people. Yes, I'm not a biker, but I can see that there is still a lot of interest around motorbikes. Many manufacturers, engine configurations, styles. And all topped by the unbanned TT. Cars just leave me cold these days. And it's not just an age thing. There is nothing to stir the soul. That era of style and individuality is over. Motoring discussion corax Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161&v=t&m=1486916 hjforum1486913 Mon, 13 May 2024 12:52:06 +0000 You clearly have scant knowledge of wet belt technology. I'm a professional engineer in the motor industry That should mean you have a Mech Eng degree.   If not,  your opinions will be much the same weight as mine. Unfortunately there were almost immediate problems with wet belts, including fibre shedding, depolymerisation and delamination of the belts etc etc.  The solution has been to dispense with the belt.... The solution was to use better spec oil and a better belt, e.g. Continental CT1228   I recently looked at a torn-down Stellantis 1.2 that had covered 92k mi. with the revised belt and the belt was on its last legs.... ...with what history?  What sort of oil? How often changed?   What exactly was the 'revised belt'?     Anecdotes like this are meaningless without detail.   Motor forums used to be full of horror stories of perfectly good original belts being replaced by belts of possibly inferior quality and failing a few tens of thousands of miles later.  Good quality modern belts designed for oil immersion aren't cheap.    Technical matters John F Technical matters http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198137 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198137&v=t&m=1486913 hjforum1486912 Mon, 13 May 2024 12:11:24 +0000 . If asked today what your favourite current car is what would be your answer?  Rolls Royce Spectre.  Is there anything better?  Very posh taste John. Perhaps you should have asked what's your favourite best value for money car?   In which case I would have naturally suggested my own 'poor man's Bentley' (a 2005 Audi W12 SWB sport quattro)   Motoring discussion John F Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161&v=t&m=1486912 hjforum1486911 Mon, 13 May 2024 10:54:33 +0000 I love cars, I own mine outright and I never clean them. What a ridiculous waste of time.  I don't pressure wash the bricks.on my house either.  Are they a complete tip?  No, because.I don't use them as a bin.  Anything that goes in comes back out again at the end of a trip.  If I get mud in there I'll hoover it out again but otherwise there is nothing that makes it dirty inside and the outside is exposed to the weather anyway. Motoring discussion Adampr Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161&v=t&m=1486911 hjforum1486910 Mon, 13 May 2024 10:47:13 +0000 In the good old days cars offered very different qualities - speed, handling, comfort, quality, mpg, etc.  Clear national differences influenced design characteristics.  None could satisfy all requirements - owners needed to prioritise qualities they valued. An E-type  Jag under optimum conditions did 150mph and 0-60 in ~7 secs - a level of performance easily matched by a moderately endowed family hatch today. Buyers no longer really need to prioritise.  A £25k (new) car can deliver all that 98% of motoring public need or are capable of using.  Spending 4 times as much buys little more usable functionality - just a few more gizmos and a bit of carbon fibre! Cars are designed and manufactured using similar techniques to meet the needs of as many international markets as possible.  That the end products are almost indistinguishable is unsurprising. Driving pleasure arises from the belief that ones input into the process makes a real difference.  This would only be the case if cars performed less well than they do - and what intelligent manufacturers is going to build cars with known inadequacies. Motoring discussion Terry W Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161&v=t&m=1486910 hjforum1486909 Mon, 13 May 2024 10:42:38 +0000 The other thing which I don't get is that it has somehow become deeply unfashionable to bother looking after a car. People who spend a bit of time looking after an ordinary car are now seen as a bit wierd. Even just giving your car a quick wash and hoover on a Sunday afternoon seems to have been conflated with the really obsessive car cleaning people who spend hours cleaning every bit of dirt out of the engine bay and polishing the washer fluid bottle. Cleaning your car seems to have become seen as either a necessity you pay someone else to do, or something which you actively avoid and take a wierd pride in having the car a complete tip because you don't like cars. It’s just pure laziness and the rise of PCP and thus take no ownership….why bother spending money on something I don’t own mentality….. Motoring discussion Catfood Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161&v=t&m=1486909 hjforum1486908 Mon, 13 May 2024 10:11:24 +0000 Cars are like appliances white goods, when u  getting older ur interest in cars die out, I got myself a yaris 15 plate dare I say deisel a very basic car, but with a 1 4 deisel turbo engine the same one found in the auris, it's around a sec quicker and faster due to its light body. it's the pace of life other things demand your attention, you got family work colleague even spending time on the mobile phone. I done a motor mechanic course at the local college passed the level 2 imi I recommend it, as I done diy on my yaris saving money. If u remember the 80s the word gti was the ultimate car. The cars in the 80s were recognisable by the manufacturer., Peugeot 205, 309, fiesta xr2 golf gti iconic shapes  Motoring discussion sajid Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161&v=t&m=1486908 hjforum1486907 Mon, 13 May 2024 09:40:07 +0000 Agree with you both, car design for normal people like us interested in cars and able to maintain our own peaked in the 90's, some makes and models still available well into the noughties from some conservative Japanese makes in particular refusing to fix what wasn't broken until what came next could be proved beyond doubt. We would and will have a modern car when the old ones we currently run are beyond saving (almost certainly a Toyota hybrid), though in the case of the Landcruiser there's a fair chance i'll peg it before the vehicle does. edit, Ian_SW is in good company here too, why people boast about never washing their car let alone looking after it mechanically just does not compute, is it the poor mans version of showing to the rest on the housing estate that you are too well heeled/important/busy to be bothered with such menial tasks.   Motoring discussion gordonbennet Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161&v=t&m=1486907 hjforum1486906 Mon, 13 May 2024 09:36:19 +0000 If I had enough money, I'd happily buy a brand new Morgan Plus 4 as something to enjoy on a nice day rather than buying a car merely as a tool. It wouldn't be particularly practical as day to day transport though. Equally with both the time and money I'd have something for racing or rallying and enjoy that as a (very expensive) hobby. Even if money were no object, I see the vast majority of both sports / super cars and also luxury vehicles as pretty dull and soulless too. They seem more for showing off that you are Loadsamoney rather than anything else. Much as I find the noise of hundreds of them heading up into dales on a sunny weekend annoying, motorbikes are the one area where something interesting is still affordable to "ordinary" people. The other thing which I don't get is that it has somehow become deeply unfashionable to bother looking after a car. People who spend a bit of time looking after an ordinary car are now seen as a bit wierd. Even just giving your car a quick wash and hoover on a Sunday afternoon seems to have been conflated with the really obsessive car cleaning people who spend hours cleaning every bit of dirt out of the engine bay and polishing the washer fluid bottle. Cleaning your car seems to have become seen as either a necessity you pay someone else to do, or something which you actively avoid and take a wierd pride in having the car a complete tip because you don't like cars. Fortunately I've never been one for caring about being fashionable, so I'll just carry on keeping my very ordinary car looking good and a pleasant place to sit inside by cleaning it every few weeks...... Motoring discussion Ian_SW Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161&v=t&m=1486906 hjforum1486905 Mon, 13 May 2024 09:17:09 +0000 I guess you have lived through the best motoring 3 decades of the century….70’s, 80’s and 90’s when almost every manufacturer made their own interesting cars with unique offering….yet you can repair it by yourself when things go wrong.  British, French, German, Italian and Japanese developed interesting with individual car nothing shared between them.  Every year, they come up with new technology, some are great and some are odd.  Sadly, they are now owned and operates under the same group with shared platform, engine etc Glad I was born when I was. I got to see and experience many of the greats. From 205 GTi to V12 Jags and Impreza turbos, I’ve driven and lusted over loads of fantastic cars over the years, that is now dead in me. I simply don’t desire anything in current production. Motoring discussion SLO76 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161&v=t&m=1486905 hjforum1486904 Mon, 13 May 2024 09:08:46 +0000 I guess you have lived through the best motoring 3 decades of the century….70’s, 80’s and 90’s when almost every manufacturer made their own interesting cars with unique offering….yet you can repair it by yourself when things go wrong.  British, French, German, Italian and Japanese developed interesting with individual car nothing shared between them.  Every year, they come up with new technology, some are great and some are odd.  Sadly, they are now owned and operates under the same group with shared platform, engine etc Motoring discussion Catfood Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161&v=t&m=1486904 hjforum1486903 Mon, 13 May 2024 08:55:01 +0000 They appear to have fixed the problem. Wheel bearing possibly found when they had the car in the air and spun the wheels or heard the noise on road test and then checked, wheel bearings arn't cheap any more often come as part of a complete hub assembly. Cost doesn't seem astronomical to me, local Jeep garage wanted some £140 just to diagnose the latest issue on my friends soon to be replaced car. Technical matters gordonbennet Technical matters http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198160 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198160&v=t&m=1486903 hjforum1486902 Mon, 13 May 2024 08:17:14 +0000 HJ used to recommend something along the lines of running the AC to minimum for a few minutes (i.e, as cold as possible) then as hot as possible. It might be in the other order. Anyway I switch mine about for a few minutes  as a precaution every so often, or if I pick up any musty smells, and it’s kept mine sweet. As for Micra CC they are now rare with “how many left” listing about 850. Motoring discussion catsdad Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=197920 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=197920&v=t&m=1486902 hjforum1486896 Sun, 12 May 2024 22:41:40 +0000 Some cars have a clutch type pump , some have a solenoid valve and some have both . But without the correct gas quantity in the system, nothing is going to work properly. Agreed, but in the original post it was mentioned that it wasn't cold enough even just after a re-gas. An proper aircon specialist is what's required really - it needs properly diagnosing.     Technical matters Big John Technical matters http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198158 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198158&v=t&m=1486896 hjforum1486895 Sun, 12 May 2024 22:39:23 +0000 Thanks Davey, was this with the same insurer or a different insurer per chance? Motoring discussion YonderOne Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198163 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198163&v=t&m=1486895 hjforum1486894 Sun, 12 May 2024 22:09:02 +0000 No problem.  We have just cancelled an existing policy as it was much cheaper to add our new driver daughter to a new policy. Motoring discussion daveyjp Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198163 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198163&v=t&m=1486894 hjforum1486893 Sun, 12 May 2024 22:00:03 +0000 I don't see it as naive to have a different opinion, we will never know the true intent behind these decisions. Car manufacturers sole aim is to make as much profit as possible, period. They may say that they have ditched the spare wheel and/or reduced the size of the fuel tank to save a little weight and make a (tiny) improvement to economy/emissions, but that is only because it wouldn't make for good PR to say they have done it to increase their profit margins.  Probably the biggest impact on 'fuel' (ICE or EV or hybrid) economy is driving style.  100% agreement here.   You only have to think how much one wheel costs - and then think how many cars are made to see how much money can be saved by not having one in the car. Motoring discussion alan1302 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198150 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198150&v=t&m=1486893 hjforum1486892 Sun, 12 May 2024 21:36:42 +0000 I drive a CX-5 week days. Comfortable and nice to sit in but roly and heavy in corners  At weekends (when swmbo) isn't driving it, the MX-5 is a relative revelation. I also always enjoy washing and waxing the MX too as its curves always look great when shining.   Very, very little interests me, new car-wise. Motoring discussion groaver Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161&v=t&m=1486892 hjforum1486891 Sun, 12 May 2024 21:04:55 +0000 I think the Suzuki swift sport that has just gone out of production, was the last of the affordable old style hot hatches. Swift Sport was a good car, another sad loss that’s unlikely to be repeated in any affordable fun way. Motoring discussion SLO76 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161&v=t&m=1486891 hjforum1486890 Sun, 12 May 2024 21:02:53 +0000 . If asked today what your favourite current car is what would be your answer?  Rolls Royce Spectre.  Is there anyhting better?    Very posh taste John. Motoring discussion SLO76 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161&v=t&m=1486890 hjforum1486889 Sun, 12 May 2024 20:30:08 +0000 . If asked today what your favourite current car is what would be your answer?  Rolls Royce Spectre.  Is there anyhting better?    Motoring discussion John F Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161&v=t&m=1486889 hjforum1486888 Sun, 12 May 2024 19:41:50 +0000 I really miss my invites to Company Car in Action where you could spend the day trying out all the various models from most of the manufacturers. Back in the day I received (or applied to) invites for test-drive days with Lexus and Audi, although at the time I had no intention of buying one (I owned Skoda Octavia vRS's). They were usually held at stately homes or NT properties and you could generally tool around in any model in the whole range throughout the day on a 30-45min pre-determined route. They certainly don't seem to happen these days. I kept the two Octavia's for 8 and 12 years respectively then switched to an A3 Sportback for 4 then my current Sportback which recently turned 6 having covered just 28,000! All bought new, all petrol, all bought after a good deal of serious haggling to achieve what I believed to be reasonable discounts! All bought for cash or cheap rate bank loans – not PCPs. The 'game' has obviously changed in recent times. Discounts are rare, 0% finance deals (I've enjoyed a couple) are a rarity. Personal bank loans currently around 6-6.5% and Audi (for example) PCPs close to 9%! So, what's my point... there's little incentive or I'm losing the enthusiasm to negotiate/strike a deal, so I'll probably stick with the current motor for another 4-years? I didn't like what they did to the next generation (after my 18-plate) Sportback but I quite like to look of the soon to be launched 2025 variant, then again I like the look of some Skoda's, Hyundai's & Mazda's, but with two grandkids now regularly cleaning their muddy school shoes on the back of my seats is it worth it, however, that usually happens in the rear of our 2.5-year old Hyundai i10 Premium :–) I'm always looking at 'new stuff' in the supermarket car parks, etc. and there are some really good (on the eye) motors out there today. but with the unlikelihood of being able to buy new at the price I want to pay I let the desire pass by... :–( Motoring discussion RickyBoy Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161&v=t&m=1486888 hjforum1486887 Sun, 12 May 2024 19:36:01 +0000 Correct, the Alpine uses a 7 speed DCT (Getrag, also used in BMW/Mini). Motoring discussion Adampr Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161&v=t&m=1486887 hjforum1486885 Sun, 12 May 2024 18:53:35 +0000 Another vote for a tough and reliable Suzuki vitara or sx cross. Both good cars Motoring discussion SLO76 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198144 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198144&v=t&m=1486885 hjforum1486884 Sun, 12 May 2024 18:43:41 +0000 I really miss my invites to Company Car in Action where you could spend the day trying out all the various models from most of the manufacturers. In the past the cars that gave me the buzz were the Subaru Impreza , Honda Civic R and Honda S2000. Especially on the alpine circuit. But surprisingly out of all the modern cars it was the humble Volkswagen Golf GTD that impressed the most  by offering old style diesel punch low down and nimble handling. looking back on older cars that still look great, my vote goes to the Mk 2 Audi 80 and Mk1 TT, not forgetting the NSU RO 80 in those never to be repeated colours . Motoring discussion Steveieb Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161&v=t&m=1486884 hjforum1486883 Sun, 12 May 2024 18:05:09 +0000 Another vote for a tough and reliable Suzuki vitara or sx cross. Motoring discussion Oli rag Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198144 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198144&v=t&m=1486883 hjforum1486882 Sun, 12 May 2024 17:53:12 +0000 I think the Suzuki swift sport that has just gone out of production, was the last of the affordable old style hot hatches. Motoring discussion Oli rag Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161&v=t&m=1486882 hjforum1486881 Sun, 12 May 2024 17:40:48 +0000 Thanks for replying, im assuming by “yes” you mean this is okay to do? Thanks! Motoring discussion YonderOne Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198163 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198163&v=t&m=1486881 hjforum1486880 Sun, 12 May 2024 17:13:47 +0000 Yes Motoring discussion leaseman Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198163 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198163&v=t&m=1486880 hjforum1486879 Sun, 12 May 2024 17:10:08 +0000 Hey all, Recently got a new car that I insured in the middle of march for £1,894 (ouch). Out of curiosity I re-quoted for the car as I will of passed my test on the 14th and be droving for 5 years and my insurance has gone down a lot. I'm currently getting quotes from my same insurer (esure flex) for £992 and sheilas wheels for £1100 on the 14th of may. I have checked with my current insurer (esure flex) who will offer me a refund of £1550.73 to cancel my policy early, meaning if I re-insure with them again with the cheaper quote I will be getting £500+ back. Im aware I will be missing out on just over a month towards my no-claims bonus but this does not bother me. My question is there anything wrong with doing this? Can I be penalised or anything for cancelling my insurance early and taking out another quote with the same insurer? TI; dr: Quoted in march (esure flex) £1,894. Checked to reinsure with same company its £992, saving massive if I cancel insurance early. Is this okay to do? Thanks! Motoring discussion YonderOne Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198163 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198163&v=t&m=1486879 hjforum1486878 Sun, 12 May 2024 17:02:34 +0000 It’s not the car you make the journeys in, it’s the what you do when you get there. Some of the best road trips of my life have been in the most mundane cars of my life. The “fun” cars I’ve had were great for a while, but pretty soon they just became “the car”. Motoring discussion Alby Back Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161&v=t&m=1486878 hjforum1486876 Sun, 12 May 2024 16:22:53 +0000 While I quite like the idea of the Duster the reality is that being a Renault you’ll find they’re heavy on suspension components. Every Renault I’ve ever owned or sold needed suspension work on a regular basis once past 40/50k and the Clio pool car we have at work is always up on the ramps having a bush or drop link replaced. It eats wheel bearings too. A used Mk IV Honda CRV 2.0 2wd is probably the best bet, if you can find a well cared for example - I couldn’t locate a nice diesel when searching recently. They seem to be cars that people buy and neglect. The petrols have shot up in price recently too, especially the autos. The best model is the SE-T which has everything you really need and the 2wd version isn’t horrific on fuel, you should average 35mpg unless you’ve a heavy foot. They’re huge inside, they’re mechanically simple with no timing belt, no turbo, no 4wd system and no DPF to worry about. Get a good one and have it undersealed by professionals and it’ll last a decade or more. Motoring discussion SLO76 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198144 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198144&v=t&m=1486876 hjforum1486875 Sun, 12 May 2024 16:15:26 +0000 Forester, as low spec as possible for fewer frills and high profile tyres, no it won't be great on fuel but looked after it will take anything you throw at it, Outback a possible larger alternative but will almost certainly have the CVT gearbox in your budget which some people say can give trouble. The trouble with smaller cars is that whilst the car might take the punishment of rough roads your back may not. Motoring discussion gordonbennet Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198144 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198144&v=t&m=1486875 hjforum1486874 Sun, 12 May 2024 16:09:51 +0000 The only cars of any interest to me now tend to be from Japan and typically ageing JDM models, i'd love a late model Imprezza but with the auto box but given the state of our roads and the suspension found on a such a Subaru the Landcruiser is the better bet. I still like the real Ford Mustangs of a few years ago, but i'd look a right fool in one, talk about mid and later life crises. If i had unlimited funds a 2018 on Toyota Century would be on my drive, not to been seen out in it as such but its probably the most handsome car made in the last 20 years, i could gaze at one for ever, same with the Mercedes W124 E500. There's literally nothing made in Europe in the last 10 years i would give you a thankyou for. Motoring discussion gordonbennet Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161&v=t&m=1486874 hjforum1486873 Sun, 12 May 2024 15:21:07 +0000 I just want a car to be reliable. Despite my pensionable age, I have only ever owned six cars. I tend to keep them for as long as possible. My current car (BMW 320d Touring) has been reliable during the 12 years of ownership. As was its predecessor (SEAT Arosa), which I held onto for 11 years.  Motoring discussion De Sisti Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161&v=t&m=1486873 hjforum1486872 Sun, 12 May 2024 15:19:02 +0000 Yeah, all the safety gear adds weight and artificial feel. But for the tiny improvement in economy it brings I don’t want the numbness an electric steering rack brings over hydraulic. I want a simple manual gearbox and I want just enough power to be fun on the road. Many of the hot hatches I hankered after had at least ABS from the early 90’s on. Someone hurry and invent the Time Machine so that I can get my fix. Good call on the UP! GTi , I do like these but I believe VW has stopped making them too. The Alpine is one I forgot, there’s one locally driven by an older gent and it is very appealing. Sadly hampered by a flappy paddle automatic gearbox if I’m right in saying. I think Renault should’ve aimed this more mainstream to bolster the brand image. A bit less power, a good six speed manual box and a less insane price tag would’ve seen them sell in far greater numbers, But you have reminded me of a car that’s still in production that I really fancy, the Alpine. Motoring discussion SLO76 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=198161&v=t&m=1486872