Honestjohn Backroom Posts http://www.honestjohn.co.uk Honest John forum en-gb Sun, 05 Jan 2025 12:20:57 +0000 Copyright: (C) www.honestjohn.co.uk 5 Astra H 1.7 izuzu pre dpf - Is it worth a punt (Steveieb) hjforum1497582 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 11:52:19 +0000 My son has a van version of the H model with the amazing but noisy Isuzu engine. Fuel consumption is truly staggering and being German built it’s one to keep. Known as the stealth vehicle on motorways it’s the car /van that will always overtake you no matter how fast you are going. Same engine in the Honda Civic dating back to the early 2000 s  Motoring discussion Steveieb Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199492 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199492&v=t&m=1497582 Astra H 1.7 izuzu pre dpf - Is it worth a punt (Vauxhall Astra owner) hjforum1497581 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 11:32:15 +0000 It’s screaming 3250 rpm at 70. Motoring discussion Vauxhall Astra owner Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199492 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199492&v=t&m=1497581 Astra H 1.7 izuzu pre dpf - Is it worth a punt (badbusdriver) hjforum1497580 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 11:30:57 +0000 I’ve had a 1.6vvt petrol H for 5 years with mostly no issues other than wear and tear items. It just isn’t the best on motorways. This is what’s putting me off looking at a J model with same engine. But I’m wondering if the devil you know is better. There’s a lot of em around for good prices. What's wrong with it on the motorway? Motoring discussion badbusdriver Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199492 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199492&v=t&m=1497580 Astra H 1.7 izuzu pre dpf - Is it worth a punt (Vauxhall Astra owner) hjforum1497579 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 11:30:05 +0000 I’m not a fan of the 1.6 focus. I had a mk 1 1.6 focus and it was awful. Underpowered and noisey. My Astras 1.6 engine is much better. And sounds nicer Motoring discussion Vauxhall Astra owner Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199492 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199492&v=t&m=1497579 Astra H 1.7 izuzu pre dpf - Is it worth a punt (Vauxhall Astra owner) hjforum1497578 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 11:22:02 +0000 I need something bigger. An estate ideally. I need a bigger boot. To go on holiday in it. My H has no back seats and I was using it as a van. I still use it for work but I want my car to be the family car. Initially my plan was to save up as much as possible and wait until I have something around 8 k but you know how it is. I’m looking to see if I can get away with spending less. My H isn’t doing too bad but it’s got that depahsers rattle for couple of seconds on start up. I know how to sort it I’m just reluctant. It’s just old now and the body is pretty battered. It is time to change. I have considered SUVSand also 1.6 petrol auris. But the Astras are the devil I know so to speak so I just wonder sometimes if it’s easier to just have another one. I know my way around the engines pretty well. Do most jobs myself Motoring discussion Vauxhall Astra owner Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199492 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199492&v=t&m=1497578 Astra H 1.7 izuzu pre dpf - Is it worth a punt (SLO76) hjforum1497577 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 11:14:50 +0000 Is your own car still ok? I wouldn’t swap one older car that’s reliable for another that’s only a bit newer unless you’ve good reason to do so. It won’t be that much better than your H so why spend the money? Better the devil you know, as you say. Motoring discussion SLO76 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199492 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199492&v=t&m=1497577 Astra H 1.7 izuzu pre dpf - Is it worth a punt (SLO76) hjforum1497576 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 11:10:47 +0000 If you’re looking to buy something cheap and cheerful the Astra J would certainly be worthy in 1.6 petrol and possibly 1.7 diesel form, but I’d widen the search to include other options such as the Mazda 3 1.6/2.0 petrol or the Mk III Ford Focus 1.6 petrol if you want something a bit more fun to drive. Though the Astra is a good motorway mile muncher, it was built to appeal to fleet/company users. I’d favour simplicity over performance. Motoring discussion SLO76 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199492 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199492&v=t&m=1497576 Ford Focus - Ford focus 1.0 accelerating noise (Matt0007) hjforum1497575 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 11:03:16 +0000 You can check your engine mounts wheather it's loose or not which can cause clicking noise in high r.p.m. Have you also check you exhaust issues or is there any turbo-related fault?? Technical matters Matt0007 Technical matters http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199471 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199471&v=t&m=1497575 Astra H 1.7 izuzu pre dpf - Is it worth a punt (elekie&a/c doctor) hjforum1497574 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 11:01:36 +0000 The J model was a lot more complicated and more to go wrong. Think I’d stick with what you’ve got. Motoring discussion elekie&a/c doctor Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199492 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199492&v=t&m=1497574 Three models - Small van (Lee Power) hjforum1497573 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 11:00:20 +0000  but if you did happen across a rust free example of a Toyota Hiace then they might be worthy, but both are more likely to be rot buckets by now. Not great to drive & a bit thirsty for diesel but overall reliable.  The 2007 vintage one I use has 192k miles on it now & little rust.  Motoring discussion Lee Power Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489&v=t&m=1497573 Astra H 1.7 izuzu pre dpf - Is it worth a punt (Vauxhall Astra owner) hjforum1497572 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 10:32:21 +0000 I’ve had a 1.6vvt petrol H for 5 years with mostly no issues other than wear and tear items. It just isn’t the best on motorways. This is what’s putting me off looking at a J model with same engine. But I’m wondering if the devil you know is better. There’s a lot of em around for good prices. Motoring discussion Vauxhall Astra owner Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199492 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199492&v=t&m=1497572 Three models - Small van (badbusdriver) hjforum1497571 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 10:05:13 +0000 Had a Bipper van 2010 , was good at first then became a money pit , 122000 miles , mechanic said that’s about its life span . That is a bit of an oversimplification, depends on engine, usage, and how well it has been looked after. Any van has the potential to be a money pit if it has been abused and neglected. There is a 2013 (diesel) Bipper on Autotrader at the moment which looks in really nice condition, 2 owners, it's done 228k miles!.  But also, as i mentioned before, the (Fiat) Fiorino is also available with a simple and reliable n/a 1.4 petrol. The Double also got this option, albeit in a higher state of tune (75 and 95bhp respectively). There aren't many of them available, but they are out there. You haven't given a budget, but this ( 202406010302587 ) 2019 one owner Fiorino with 9k miles is going to come in at under £10k including VAT (that is the most expensive of the 10 for sale on Autotrader). While this ( 202412026933259 ) 2018, 30k mile Doblo looks a bit of a bargain at £7.8k including VAT (curiously, it is described as a SWB but is actually the LWB version with a load bay length of 2.17M) Motoring discussion badbusdriver Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489&v=t&m=1497571 Three models - Small van (Bromptonaut) hjforum1497570 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 09:59:31 +0000 Been reading on belingo that common problem on them is the 7 mm cam chain  Do all of them have that engine? There are 8valve and 16valve HDi units. The latter have multiple issues.  Motoring discussion Bromptonaut Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489&v=t&m=1497570 Astra H 1.7 izuzu pre dpf - Is it worth a punt (SLO76) hjforum1497569 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 09:18:39 +0000 Despite being a good engine there’s still more to go wrong than with a simple petrol motor, but unlike most diesels it’s not one I’d completely rule out. If a good well cared for example presented itself I’d certainly be tempted as a cheap workhorse. Sadly most diesels are bought by people seeking to save money and they’re all too often utterly neglected. Motoring discussion SLO76 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199492 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199492&v=t&m=1497569 Astra H 1.7 izuzu pre dpf - Is it worth a punt (elekie&a/c doctor) hjforum1497568 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 08:31:11 +0000 The Astra H range were a good solid workhorse. The only one to avoid is the model with the Fiat 1.3 diesel engine. The 1.7 Isuzu based engine is definitely worth a shot. Motoring discussion elekie&a/c doctor Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199492 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199492&v=t&m=1497568 Car Tablet device (MatAnt) hjforum1497567 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 04:00:25 +0000 You can check out the Xtrons TE706PL or Pumpkin android 11 Car Stereo. Both are reliable. Motoring discussion MatAnt Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199475 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199475&v=t&m=1497567 Peugeot 208 - peugeot not go into gear (Andrew-T) hjforum1497566 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 23:17:43 +0000 My 207 (16 years old) refused gears recently after a normal 10-mile journey.  Common cause is failing clutch master or slave cylinder.  My local indy replaced both to be sure, so I don't know which it was.  Parts about £60, 3 hours labpur - it's a diesel, so access is not very convenient. Car was (sort of) driveable if the clutch pedal was pulled back up and pumped to restore pressure, only temporarily but enough to get us home. Technical matters Andrew-T Technical matters http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199491 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199491&v=t&m=1497566 Three models - Small van (Driv2u2) hjforum1497565 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 23:15:32 +0000 Had a Bipper van 2010 , was good at first then became a money pit , 122000 miles , mechanic said that’s about its life span . Spent nearly 1200 pounds in 4 months one thing after another , till finally head gasket .so very wary of older models as as soon as you fix one something as goes . Motoring discussion Driv2u2 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489&v=t&m=1497565 Bargain of the day (Andrew-T) hjforum1497564 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 23:10:28 +0000 << Batteries can store energy from PVs, or the grid at low night rates and sold back to the grid . >> Would I be right to assume that the working life of solar panels is a good bit longer than that of any batteries ?  Our PV panels are now 13 years old and seem to be generating as effectively as when installed, but there are too many variables to be sure. Motoring discussion Andrew-T Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199485 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199485&v=t&m=1497564 Peugeot 208 - peugeot not go into gear (Big John) hjforum1497563 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 23:10:23 +0000 Does it feel the same with the engine turned off? If not it could be the clutch. Is this a car he's just bought?   Technical matters Big John Technical matters http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199491 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199491&v=t&m=1497563 Astra H 1.7 izuzu pre dpf - Is it worth a punt (Vauxhall Astra owner) hjforum1497562 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 23:07:43 +0000 Seen a few of these Astra h diesel pre dpf 1.7 for cheap. Just wondering if it’s worth a punt for couple of grand. Decent miles. Or is it too risky? If it needs a bit spending on it I’m not bothered for that money. I’d try and get the newest one I can. Thanks in advance Motoring discussion Vauxhall Astra owner Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199492 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199492&v=t&m=1497562 Bargain of the day (Terry W) hjforum1497561 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 22:04:13 +0000 The economics of PVs and batteries are still barely convincing. PVs generate most energy April-October when daytime demand is typically lowest.  In winter months when energy demand is highest generation is low.  Over a year a 4kw array will generate ~3500 kwh pa.  The "4kw" assumes full sun and optimal alignment - the UK gets cloudy, dark, and the earth rotates. A 4kw system installed is ~£6k and may last (say) 15 years. The cost per kwh is ~11p. Batteries can store energy from PVs, or the grid at low night rates and sold back to the grid.  Rates per kwh for sale back to the grid vary between 3p and up to 27p in particular circumstances - eg: peak periods.  Rates vary by energy company. The cost of a (say) 10Kwh battery seems highly variable but ~£5000 installed may be a reasonable ball park.  Used to the max it could store/sell 3650 kwh.  Over (say) a 10 year period the cost per kwh would be £5000/36500 = 13p per kwh. Conclusions the cost of PV and battery installation would cost ~24p kwh - close to the current cost of buying from the grid the price of sale back to the grid may typically be 10-15p per kwh - so investment in PV and batteries makes no financial sense installing PVs could be worthwhile if the output is used to charge an EV as it offsets grid costs of ~25p.  May only work for part of the year as output in winter is low. if installation is motivated by environmental concerns or some degree of energy independence (power cuts etc) it becomes a personal choice  All the fairly crude estimates above are based upon current legislation and values.  Over a 10-20 year horizon the: costs of gas could vary widely based on political and economic events,  the price of PV panels and batteries could fall materially, government legislation may better regulate export to the grid   Motoring discussion Terry W Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199485 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199485&v=t&m=1497561 Bargain of the day (Brit_in_Germany) hjforum1497560 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 21:36:59 +0000 If those Funky Cats were capable of V2G, it would be a great solution - charge from solar or the off peak grid and then feed back into the grid when both demand and price are high. Alternatively, disconnect when needed. Edit: if you can install a CCS charger, apparently the Cat is at least V2H. Motoring discussion Brit_in_Germany Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199485 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199485&v=t&m=1497560 Bargain of the day (SLO76) hjforum1497559 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 21:04:04 +0000 With the right charging point we can use the Nissan as battery storage for the house apparently as it is one of the few EV’s of its vintage and value that can flow both ways. Sadly said charging points were only available for a short period in the UK as a trial and are no longer an option which is madness to me. The gaffer barely uses her car at the moment as she’s taking a year off to look after bambino so it could be earning its keep as storage, feeding on our cheap ev tariff overnight and powering the house by day. Thinking of the thousands of Nissan Leaf’s on the UK’s driveways, it seems daft not to utilise a huge amount of additional battery storage. Motoring discussion SLO76 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199485 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199485&v=t&m=1497559 Three models - Small van (SLO76) hjforum1497558 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 20:56:41 +0000 Last van I personally owned was a 2007 VW Caddy 2.0 SDi, bought ex NHS fleet and without any complicated emissions control c*** to go wrong. It was a brilliant wee van that never let me down, Bit old now though, but if you did happen across a rust free example of a Toyota Hiace then they might be worthy, but both are more likely to be rot buckets by now. The two Renault Kangoo I had before the Caddy were utter r******, but their predecessor lasted our family for 14yrs without any majorly failures. It was a 1986 Renault Extra 1.4 petrol, a wee van I have many fond childhood memories of. Motoring discussion SLO76 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489&v=t&m=1497558 Three models - Small van (elekie&a/c doctor) hjforum1497557 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 20:35:03 +0000 Yes . Same engine in Ford connect. The rear chain that connects to 2 camshafts breaks , causing catastrophic damage. If you want something cheap and cheerful and pretty reliable, I’d go for a Ford connect pre 2010 without all the emission reduction kit . Motoring discussion elekie&a/c doctor Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489&v=t&m=1497557 Three models - Small van (Engineer Andy) hjforum1497556 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 20:23:38 +0000 There will be some out there but it will take time.. I'm not sure where prices sit now as I've not been monitoring them since my needs for a van have moved on. That being the case, do lots of vans get nicked ?  Of course, I don't suppose nicked ones get furtively exported ..... I suspect more get broken into and the content nicked.  Round my way in the sticks, Plod are concerned with tools and equipment (mostly from builders and plumbers' vans) being stolen via distraction and/or direct threats of violence, though mostly limited to vans without upgraded locks on rear and (where fitted) sliding side doors for the rear compartment access. I've seen many now upgraded to have welded-on plates for heavy-duty padlocks. Double cabs seem to have more issues unless they have a proper 'hard cover' as they 'soft top' rear cover can be ripped open with a knife, and besides, they don't offer as much storage space as a proper Transit-sized van. Motoring discussion Engineer Andy Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489&v=t&m=1497556 Bargain of the day (Engineer Andy) hjforum1497555 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 20:13:27 +0000 You could always put solar on your roof and charge for free.  Not so great on the short winter days but it would be excellent in the long summer days.   The firm got a big chunk of your tax money to install them which means they’ll pay for themselves in less than 3yrs, while the quotes for solar plus battery systems I had for the house last year would take 15-18yrs to recover the upfront costs, which makes them sadly a very poor investment as the battery pack will be due replacement at or before it’s even paid for itself. More effort is needed to force greater competition and lower prices in the domestic renewable energy market in the UK, for now it just doesn’t add up. The max. benefit comes when you pair the PV array with a smart battery 'wall', so that it can (as you wish) sell large amounts of lecky back to your utility supplier at the most optimum time (rate) or use it either in a jam when you need to recharge the car and/or during a power cut as a backup of sorts. My sister and B-I-L had one installed last year (I had previously advocated this to them) for these reasons, although they don't yet have an EV, more for the shorter payback via exporting back to the grid and a modicum of backup.   This is what I priced up, estimated savings would see repayment of initial investment of between 15-18yrs. An unwise investment in my opinion as the battery pack would require replacement before it was even paid for most likely, and I’m not even factoring in the increase in home insurance putting a battery into your home would probably cause. I suppose the payback time can vary a reasonable amount depending upon how large the PV array and battery wall is, as the installation cost isn't that much different from a smaller one to a large one. My sister's home has a large roof and has a LOT of PV panels on it. It may also help when the government does one of these 'paying people' (handsomely) to switch off their incoming electrical supply at peak times when supplies are very low, and thus having any battery wall, and especially a high capacity one, is of significant benefit. I think their calculated payback was nearer to 8-10 years if I recall.  I do wonder at the insurance premium though, given all the negative publicity regarding unstoppable lithium battery fires, especially in confined spaces. Theirs in in their garage (their gas fired heating boiler is on the other wall!), though their ICE car is normally parked outside on the driveway. Motoring discussion Engineer Andy Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199485 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199485&v=t&m=1497555 Three models - Small van (Driv2u2) hjforum1497554 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 20:13:04 +0000 Been reading on belingo that common problem on them is the 7 mm cam chain  Motoring discussion Driv2u2 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489&v=t&m=1497554 Three models - Small van (Heidfirst) hjforum1497553 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 19:56:00 +0000 left field suggestion if the load space works for you - Toyota Corolla Commercial? Motoring discussion Heidfirst Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489&v=t&m=1497553 Peugeot 208 - peugeot not go into gear (elekie&a/c doctor) hjforum1497552 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 19:36:58 +0000 Could be an issue with the gearshift cables , broken or come adrift. Technical matters elekie&a/c doctor Technical matters http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199491 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199491&v=t&m=1497552 Peugeot 208 - peugeot not go into gear (Madcds) hjforum1497551 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 18:28:09 +0000 My sons just drove his car for 1st time drove 3 miles fine, went to reverse and wouldnt go into gear. Then wouldnt go into any gear. The only way i can explain is it feels like theres no gap for gears i.e when going for 1st there no gap to go into first same for all. Technical matters Madcds Technical matters http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199491 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199491&v=t&m=1497551 SEAT Arona auto 115 horsepower 1.0-litre petrol - Timing belt change (Halmerend) hjforum1497550 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 17:10:06 +0000 We had ours replaced on the Audi A1 1.0 TFSI at six years old only to be told 12 months later that it needn’t have been done. Basically they are lasting longer than the cars now unless you do mega mileage. Technical matters Halmerend Technical matters http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199484 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199484&v=t&m=1497550 Bargain of the day (SLO76) hjforum1497549 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 16:03:30 +0000 You could always put solar on your roof and charge for free.  Not so great on the short winter days but it would be excellent in the long summer days.   The firm got a big chunk of your tax money to install them which means they’ll pay for themselves in less than 3yrs, while the quotes for solar plus battery systems I had for the house last year would take 15-18yrs to recover the upfront costs, which makes them sadly a very poor investment as the battery pack will be due replacement at or before it’s even paid for itself. More effort is needed to force greater competition and lower prices in the domestic renewable energy market in the UK, for now it just doesn’t add up. The max. benefit comes when you pair the PV array with a smart battery 'wall', so that it can (as you wish) sell large amounts of lecky back to your utility supplier at the most optimum time (rate) or use it either in a jam when you need to recharge the car and/or during a power cut as a backup of sorts. My sister and B-I-L had one installed last year (I had previously advocated this to them) for these reasons, although they don't yet have an EV, more for the shorter payback via exporting back to the grid and a modicum of backup. This is what I priced up, estimated savings would see repayment of initial investment of between 15-18yrs. An unwise investment in my opinion as the battery pack would require replacement before it was even paid for most likely, and I’m not even factoring in the increase in home insurance putting a battery into your home would probably cause. Motoring discussion SLO76 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199485 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199485&v=t&m=1497549 Ford Focuas st line 1.5 - Pothole damage (Engineer Andy) hjforum1497548 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 15:21:12 +0000 Check out https://www.fixmystreet.com/ and other council/highways/ agency type websites to see if the pothole had been previously reported (you did report it, didn't you?). If so they may be responsible for any costs. Yes I reported it both by phone and on-line.  Also it had been reported before. Took some photos and sent them in with the on line report.  They want me to get the repair sorted out and then submit a claim with the receipts.  Apparently they then forward this to a team of solicitors who decide if they are liable.  That sounds like reasonable news.  Most councils prefer to try and wheedle out of their responsibilities in that regard, given most pay out more than it costs to repair the pothole in the first place. Just had a look under the car and it is a torsion beam single axle. When this variant of Focus started the upmarket and bigger energy engines all had independent rear suspension . Sometime in May 2019 they resorted to this single axle. My car was registered in September!! They aren't the only ones to do this - Mazda did the same with their Focus-sized Mazda3 for its 4th gen car, which appeared in 2019.  Even though they had 'divorced' from Ford in 2008, I suspect the 3rd gen Mazda3 and Focus had already been well in development then and still shared a decent amount of design cues. I'd also bet many makes have gone this way as well to save on costs due to the simpler design. Also had a quick chat with Kwikfit and they said there are no adjustments can be made with this design...just a replacement.  I'll see what Monday brings but not looking a cheap fix at the moment.    Hopefully you'll be able to recover the costs (I think you should include all your incidental expenses incurred, including fuel spent travelling to/from the dealerships / workshop(s), and, if needed, any hire / courtesy cars (many dealerships won't lend them free of charge any more), etc. Keep a record as best you can.  By rights, you shouldn't be out of pocket after all this, given it likely wasn't your fault. Motoring discussion Engineer Andy Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199487 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199487&v=t&m=1497548 Dacia Duster 2025 model - Neighbour considering.. (Engineer Andy) hjforum1497547 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 15:08:49 +0000 So, demons like Vauxhalls, do they? ;-) In all seriousness, I noticed a Dacia recently and it seemed like a big step up in interior trim quality and exterior styling to the previous generation cars they offered.  Whether that's matched by engineering quality, I don't know - I'm still very hesitant about French (owned) makes after so many 'false dawns' about 'improvements' over the years. Not 'dirt cheap' any more, but then what isn't these days? Motoring discussion Engineer Andy Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199490 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199490&v=t&m=1497547 Bargain of the day (Engineer Andy) hjforum1497546 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 15:02:48 +0000 You could always put solar on your roof and charge for free.  Not so great on the short winter days but it would be excellent in the long summer days.   The firm got a big chunk of your tax money to install them which means they’ll pay for themselves in less than 3yrs, while the quotes for solar plus battery systems I had for the house last year would take 15-18yrs to recover the upfront costs, which makes them sadly a very poor investment as the battery pack will be due replacement at or before it’s even paid for itself. More effort is needed to force greater competition and lower prices in the domestic renewable energy market in the UK, for now it just doesn’t add up. The max. benefit comes when you pair the PV array with a smart battery 'wall', so that it can (as you wish) sell large amounts of lecky back to your utility supplier at the most optimum time (rate) or use it either in a jam when you need to recharge the car and/or during a power cut as a backup of sorts. My sister and B-I-L had one installed last year (I had previously advocated this to them) for these reasons, although they don't yet have an EV, more for the shorter payback via exporting back to the grid and a modicum of backup. Motoring discussion Engineer Andy Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199485 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199485&v=t&m=1497546 Dacia Duster 2025 model - Neighbour considering.. (Orb>>.) hjforum1497545 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 14:32:45 +0000 Went with a fiend to look at one, for him to replace an ageing VX Zafira . Definetly looks nice, but drivers seat far too cramped for 6'2" me, (not that I was interested. very smart interior though and a huge step up for those who like them. Motoring discussion Orb>>. Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199490 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199490&v=t&m=1497545 Three models - Small van (SLO76) hjforum1497544 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 14:31:25 +0000 With respect Bromptonaught your car hasn’t been treated the way a typical delivery van or tradesman’s hack has been, your experience is thus very different from most people who buy an older used van. They don’t take abuse or neglect well. I’ve looked at used vans both as a trader and on behalf of others and the conclusion was always not to buy. Motoring discussion SLO76 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489&v=t&m=1497544 Three models - Small van (Bromptonaut) hjforum1497543 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 13:41:08 +0000 Both Berlingo and Partner, identical apart from badges and possibly some trim, are well sorted pieces of kit.  We've a 2013 Berlingo Multispace, the car version on around 145k miles. Cambelt interval is c.112k (or ten years). It's not something I'd even think of DIY and I think it cost about £700 at a franchise dealer. Cheaper at a specialist and/or with pattern parts rather than kosher PSA stuff.  I'd respectfully disagree with SLO about time of the road. Ours has been off the road twice. Once for a stuck caliper/scored disc and the other for an injector at around 10 years 130k. Other than EOLYS top ups the DPF has never needed us to give it a thought.  Motoring discussion Bromptonaut Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489&v=t&m=1497543 Citroen c3 1.6 HDI.. - Dpf clean (Bromptonaut) hjforum1497542 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 13:28:20 +0000 Get to an auto tech who has the diagnostic kit to work out exactly what the fault is. If it's EOLYS fluid related the fix is straightforward - but may not be cheap.    Technical matters Bromptonaut Technical matters http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199478 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199478&v=t&m=1497542 Three models - Small van (bazza) hjforum1497541 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 12:23:49 +0000 Recommend you look a people carrier version of Berlingo and Partner. They are cheaper to tax at £190 compared to £350 odd for the van versions. With the seats out it's a posher van. I think the citan had an MPV version too but you'll pay just for the badge and as above, it's a kangoo. What about an nv200? Much cheaper. The Berlingo & Partner from 2015 on have adblue emissions fitted which is very unreliable. The 1.5 in the NV does not, certainly until much later. Possibly the same for the Merc and Renault as it's the same engine. You really don't want adblue! It's extremely unreliable across all makes particularly older vehicles. The belt on the PSA units is a straightforward job for a garage, as is the 1.5 dci. Also avoid anything with the 1.2 puretech PSA petrol engine, early ones also extremely unreliable. The choice is quite small really unfortunately! Motoring discussion bazza Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489&v=t&m=1497541 Three models - Small van (Andrew-T) hjforum1497540 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 12:16:29 +0000 There will be some out there but it will take time.. I'm not sure where prices sit now as I've not been monitoring them since my needs for a van have moved on. That being the case, do lots of vans get nicked ?  Of course, I don't suppose nicked ones get furtively exported ..... Motoring discussion Andrew-T Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489&v=t&m=1497540 Three models - Small van (Xileno) hjforum1497539 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 11:31:50 +0000 Apart from the Transporter crowd (where prices are correspondingly daft), vans generally are beasts of burden and are not fashion items. Therefore owners tend to only sell them when they're getting troublesome. It is generally far more difficult to buy a decent secondhand van than a car. There will be some out there but it will take time. I have been down this road about six years ago and gave up. The vans I saw (Transit sized of various makes) were either overpriced or junk. Sometimes both. Then the Pandemic came and prices went stupid as many were snapping up vans to do delivery jobs. I'm not sure where prices sit now as I've not been monitoring them since my needs for a van have moved on. Motoring discussion Xileno Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489&v=t&m=1497539 Three models - Small van (Steveieb) hjforum1497538 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 11:23:31 +0000 How about a Vauxhall Astra van with the well proven Isuzu diesel engine. My son has one of these and the fuel consumption is amazing. No modern emissions stuff. German built and pleasant to drive. A little older than what you are looking for but find a good one and you will be impressed ! Motoring discussion Steveieb Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489&v=t&m=1497538 Ford Focuas st line 1.5 - Pothole damage (mcb100) hjforum1497537 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 10:05:06 +0000 Even if there’s no adjustment at the rear, a four wheel alignment check will give you accurate data on which direction each wheel is pointing. I’m assuming the tyre place did this just by looking at it? Is it worth getting your insurer involved - it’s still an RTC, just with a pothole instead of another vehicle. They can then pursue a reimbursement from whoever is responsible for that stretch of road. Motoring discussion mcb100 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199487 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199487&v=t&m=1497537 Ford Focuas st line 1.5 - Pothole damage (geoffs) hjforum1497536 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 09:56:11 +0000 Check out https://www.fixmystreet.com/ and other council/highways/ agency type websites to see if the pothole had been previously reported (you did report it, didn't you?). If so they may be responsible for any costs. Yes I reported it both by phone and on-line.  Also it had been reported before. Took some photos and sent them in with the on line report.  They want me to get the repair sorted out and then submit a claim with the receipts.  Apparently they then forward this to a team of solicitors who decide if they are liable.  Just had a look under the car and it is a torsion beam single axle. When this variant of Focus started the upmarket and bigger energy engines all had independent rear suspension . Sometime in May 2019 they resorted to this single axle. My car was registered in September!! Also had a quick chat with Kwikfit and they said there are no adjustments can be made with this design...just a replacement.  I'll see what Monday brings but not looking a cheap fix at the moment.    Motoring discussion geoffs Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199487 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199487&v=t&m=1497536 Three models - Small van (badbusdriver) hjforum1497535 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 08:28:27 +0000 Hi , trying to choose between three models , belingo, citan, partner Why those particular three? Maybe a better question would be why not the Renault Kangoo? (which is the same van as the Citan minus the Merc grill). Why not the Nissan NV200? (which uses the same engine as the Citan and Kangoo) Why not the Transit Connect? (which uses the same diesel engines as the Berlingo and Partner) And why not the Fiat Doblo or Vauxhall Combo? Also while the above are small vans, there are smaller ones. You say no heavy loads, light work only. So is it not viable to go down a size to the Citroen Nemo/Fiat Fiorino/Peugeot Bipper (same van, different badges), or Ford Transit Courier?. In the case of the Courier, while you'd ideally want to avoid the 1.0 Ecoboost petrol, the diesel engine is the same 1.5 or 1.6 used by the Berlingo, Partner and Transit Connect. In the case of the Fiorino/Nemo/Bipper, not sure if they all did. but the Fiorino got the option of a simple and reliable 1.4 petrol, arguably the most sensible choice if you aren't covering a lot of miles. Bear in mind most of these smaller vans will have a folding from passenger seat, so unless you are two up or the load requires the full width, load bay length may not be a problem.  Motoring discussion badbusdriver Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489&v=t&m=1497535 Three models - Small van (SLO76) hjforum1497534 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 00:32:15 +0000 None of the above. Companies typically only get rid of vans when they’re no longer economically viable or they’re simply knackered. They don’t trade them in just because they fancy something else. The exceptions to this are ex lease vehicles which are offloaded at a set age, usually 3/4yrs old. These can be ok depending on who had them, Ex NHS fleet vans are good news, ditto BT stock. But I wouldn’t recommend buying a cheap older DPF equipped van to anyone, it’ll be off the road more than it’ll be on it You’d be better with a petrol estate car or SUV unless your business needs absolutely require a van then I’d tell you to borrow and buy something newer that’s fresh off lease and comes with a good warranty - check the terms, see what’s actually covered and watch for useless low claims limits, some are £1,000 or less. Motoring discussion SLO76 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199489&v=t&m=1497534 Bargain of the day (SLO76) hjforum1497533 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 00:23:53 +0000 You could always put solar on your roof and charge for free.  Not so great on the short winter days but it would be excellent in the long summer days. The firm got a big chunk of your tax money to install them which means they’ll pay for themselves in less than 3yrs, while the quotes for solar plus battery systems I had for the house last year would take 15-18yrs to recover the upfront costs, which makes them sadly a very poor investment as the battery pack will be due replacement at or before it’s even paid for itself. More effort is needed to force greater competition and lower prices in the domestic renewable energy market in the UK, for now it just doesn’t add up. Motoring discussion SLO76 Motoring discussion http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199485 http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=199485&v=t&m=1497533