HONEST JOHN EXPERT ADVICE

The dealer you can trust is on hand to answer your questions on car problems and consumer issues

EXTRA COVER

I have a 2010 VW Passat 1.8 TSI, which has done 37,000 miles. It has been driven gently and serviced correctly. I had no immediate plans to change, but I am aware that there have been some problems with VW petrol engines. I have been looking at the Kia Sportage, Hyundai ix35 and Hyundai Tucson, or a slightly older Honda CR-V, to replace the Passat. Which of these is the best? KS

The 1.8 and 2.0 TSI engines can have piston ring, oil consumption and timing chain problems and can suffer coking of their inlet valves. They were much improved from 2013. Kias come with confident, seven-year warranties. Hyundais have five-year cover as standard. All German cars, however expensive, come with standard three-year warranties.

SCRAPES OF WRATH

My used Porsche Boxster 981 came with 20-inch alloy wheels. It’s proved difficult not to scuff them against kerbs when parking. Is there a tyre that is slightly wider than the rims that may offer some protection? CF

Happily, yes. Pirelli P-Zeros have a protruding ridge around the circumference, either on the sidewall or tucked up against the rim.

ROMANIAN EMPIRE

I am considering a new or nearly-new Dacia with an automatic gearbox. Are there any potential problems? MA

The only automatic Dacia sold in the UK was the previous Duster 1.5 dCi 2WD with Renault’s Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) gearbox. You might find one of them, but the latest emissions legislation has put any new Dacia auto on hold for the time being.

Yes, you can get Michelin Cross Climates in 225/50 R17 98V XL. My advice is always to fit them to all four wheels (as well as the spare, if ytou have one), or the difference in grip front to back could potentially cause problems in extreme winter conditions.

WHITHER THE WEATHER?

We hear a lot of worrying news about climate change. Can we still justify buying large, thirsty off-road vehicles, often purely for local road use? WC

It isn’t sensible, but when was buying

CHAIN REACTION

I have a six-year-old Skoda Fabia 1.2 TSI 105 estate with only 25,000 miles. During last year’s main dealer service, no mention was made about replacing the cambelt and water pump. Should I replace them for peace of mind? RB

You should be ok. The 1.2 105 TSI engine has a chain-driven camshaft; only the later 1.2

TSI

110s had a belt. things for status ever sensible? Why buy a 200mph supercar for use on public roads restricted to 70mph?

UPHILL STRUGGLE

I bought a 2013 Nissan Qashqai 1.6 petrol auto two years ago and it has now done 62,000 miles. It sometimes has a judder when starting or going uphill, and it is getting worse. I have read that these cars’ CVT transmission can be troublesome. Does this mean a new gearbox or can it be fixed? LC

Faults with Nissan CVT gearboxes are common. Yours might need simply require new transmission fluid, in which case it’s fixable.

SIP OF FUELS

My Renault Captur diesel has been recalled for a fuel system reset. It is very economical, but I am concerned that the reset might affect this. Should I be worried about increased fuel usage? KS

This is not on the DVSA safety recalls list, therefore it must be a service action – manufacturers frequently issue these updates to their agents. Write to the dealer, stating that if the service action affects the performance of your car in any way you hold them fully responsible for

That “wet socks” smell is caused by bacteria growing on condensation in the ventilation trunking. The way to kill it off is to evaporate the moisture by bringing the engine up to full operating temperature, opening all the windows, switching the heater to max, then getting out and standing beside the car while it idles in your driveway for 15 minutes. (Standing next to the car isn’t part of the fix, it’s to prevent it being stolen.) Subsequently, always switch the air-conditioning to maximum heat for the last minute of any journey to perform the same function.

MUM BUY

My 91-year-old mother would like to continue driving, but her 2003 Audi A3 with a manual gearbox now feels a bit heavy. What small alternative, manual or automatic, could we consider for no more than about £20,000? LH

The Kia Venga and Hyundai ix20 are small and upright, as well as available with manual or auto gearboxes. Alternatively, a Honda Jazz is practical and versatile, though it’s probably best in manual form. If she doesn’t drive very far, an electric car such as a Renault Zoë is a possibility.