Expert answer

Hi Harry,

It's very difficult to assess such a thing remotely, but here are a few things to check:

1 - Are you carrying extra weight in the boot?

2 - Check your tyre pressures, condition and alignment - makes a big difference.

3 - Check the cleansiness of your air filter. Very important.

4 - Have it serviced if it has not been in a long time.

5 - Check that none of the brakes are binding - jack up each corner in turn and with the car out of gear and the handbrake off you should be able to freely turn each wheel. If not, the brakes may be binding and need to be looked at.

6 - Only when you've exhausted the simple stuff should you look into getting the car hooked up to a diagnostic machine. Some versions of the TDI engine had problems with injectors and turbos that could lead to higher fuel consumption, but the fix is expensive.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi George,

I would tread very, very carefully indeed. The engine can be a big trouble spot with dodgy turbos and inconsistent power delivery. Watch for  excessive smoke (black or white), check the oil carefully and if it shows even the slightest sign of overheating, head for the exit.

Clutches can go pretty easily, so make sure the gearshift is working alright, and everything electrical is to be assumed broken until proven otherwise. They eat tyres too, and uneven wear is a sign of impending suspension doom. Also, a lot of Espaces tend to get used as ersatz delivery vans when they get past a certain age and price point so check carefully for signs of wear and tear in the cabin.

Basically, you should probably avoid it and track down a similar vintage Volkswagen Sharan or Hyundai Trajet instead.

Expert answer

Hi Justin,

We checked with the experts at Michelin for this one. According to them, tyres don't really have a use-by date as such, but neither should you just be blasé about them because their overall mileage is low. Tyres can be damaged or worn by a number of factors, not just how many miles you've done. After five years, Michelin suggests you should have your tyres thoroughly inspected once a year, and after ten years replace them no matter what the condition or depth of tread.

Expert answer

Hi Martina,

There are many possible reasons for this drop off in your fuel economy. Start with the easy things - you'd be surprised how important they are.

1 - Are you carrying extra weight in the car now than you were before? Golf clubs (or bricks!) in the boot? It can have a large effect.

2 - Have you fitted a roof rack/box? Again, can have a massive effect.

3 - Check the air pressure of your tyres. This is very very important. Underinflated tyres cause extra drag, requiring more fuel. Don't over-inflate either though, as that could lead to a blow-out. Follow guidelines for the car/tyre.

4 - It's winter so you're most likely using the lights, heater and demister a lot more. Those all use fuel. In particular, make sure you turn off the rear window demister when it's not needed - it uses a lot of energy.

All the above you can do for yourself, so do and then see if things have improved. After that we would suggest that you have your car serviced if it has been a while. The air filter and/or fuel filter could be clogged and it's a good time to hook the car up to a diagnostics machine to see if there are any error codes indicating other issues.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Tony,

We asked Honda Ireland and the response was:

"The original OEM 17-inch tyre was 225/50 R17 98V. The minimum allowed by homologation is 225/50 R17 92V."

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Ken,

It's difficult to know from afar, but there are several things that will affect this - assuming you're seeing a reduction in your car's economy:

1 - Tyre pressures need to be within specification

2 - Wheel alignment must be correct

3 - Perhaps the air filter and/or fuel filter is dirty and needs replacement

4 - Are you carrying extra weight in the boot?

5 - Is the rear window demister on permanently? 

Go through all of those things, starting with those that cost nothing to check and you should find savings. If not, then get the engine are car serviced and that might help. Perhaps a brake is binding.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Denis,

Not necessarily, but it depends on the wear. Check the tread depth – if it’s below 1.6mm depth overall then the tyre is below the legal minimum and yes, you definitely need to change it. If it’s below 2.5-3mm overall, I’d think seriously about changing as tyre performance, especially under braking, tails off markedly at that point. If the depth is fine and there is no damage to the sidewall or treads, then I wouldn’t worry – tyres generally last for as long as five to even ten years with mild use.

Expert answer

Hi Ruairi,

You're expecting me to say 'everything' aren't you? 

Well, actually, 159s are pretty well built and when they do suffer from old-school Alfa flakiness, it tends to be more on a car-by-car basis. So the best trick is to talk to the previous owner. If the car gave them no major trouble, then it's probably a good 'un.

The critical check point is anything electric. Wiper motors are weak and the cruise control can freak out easily and take a good long test drive to make sure that the engine always delivers its power smoothly and consistently. If it doesn't then the ECU could be on the way out. 

Finally, if the front tyres are showing signs of uneven wear, then the front suspension is out of alignment and needs sorting.

Best of luck

Expert answer

Hi Stephen,

Well, according to the official figures, you should be getting 55mpg on average. If you're not getting that, or something near it, then you need to consider a few possibilities:

Are your tyres up to the correct pressures? Has the car been serviced lately, and given an oil and filters change? Are you carrying around lots of extra weight in the car or have you got a roof rack or roof box on top?

If none of these helps, maybe you need to take a look at your own driving style. Lighter throttle openings, earlier gearshifts, a bit more anticipation - that sort of thing.

Hope that's of some help

Expert answer

Hi Justin,

Nice car, but just make sure that you're not planning lots of long motorway journeys in it as that 2.0-litre petrol engine can get a bit thirsty. Otherwise, check for electrical gremlins and make sure that the front tyres are wearing evenly - if not, the suspension could need adjusting or repair.