Ask an expert: Servicing, repair, faults and reliability

Re: Mazda mpv 2006

Cade — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 16:00:07 +1200

Hi there,
You can, but I would maybe try 91 first, as most modern non-turbo vehicles are capable of running on the lower octane fuel.

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Re: Mazda mpv 2006

chuckchriscw — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 15:42:52 +1200

thank you for your reply. it is difficult looking for the specs online and the car didnt come with a manual when i bought it.

Regarding the fuel, we dont have 95 available at BP. Can I use the 98 fuel?

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Re: Mazda mpv 2006

Cade — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 09:48:30 +1200

Hi There,
The specs for the 2.3 import vehicle are a little hard to find.
But it looks like you can use 91 or 95 unleaded fuel.
I recommend speaking to a transmission specialist with regards the transmission oil type.
Engine oil recommend is Castrol or similar 5w30 engine oil.
Tyre pressures are found on a label just inside of the drivers door pillar, it will list a few options, but generally 32-34 psi in the front and 28-30 in the rear is common.
I recommend having your foot on the brake and handbrake on when selecting reverse and the handbrake off before moving away.

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Re: car repairs

wheelnutnz — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 14:29:57 +1200

Post all the details of the job on www.carbox.co.nz and see if you can get a better deal...

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car repairs

JCHamilton — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 10:16:50 +1200

Replace bearing in gear box

bearing kit $621.00
sealers, cleaners, gear box oil and freight $123.00
Labour 16 hours $1376.00
Total $2120.00

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Mazda mpv 2006

chuckchriscw — Sun, 26 Jun 2016 23:56:37 +1200

Hi, I have just bought a Mazda MPV 23c 2006 facelift model. I have a few questions regarding it.

1. What engine oil do i use for it?
2. What would be the best transmission oil to use?
3. Recommended tire pressure?
4. When switching from park to reverse,do i switch to reverse first and let go of the parking brake? or let go of the parking brake then switch to reverse gear?
Many thanks.

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Re: Main brake on car

VitessePerfect — Sat, 25 Jun 2016 16:55:40 +1200

I had a friend do the work needed, but then it passed warrant.

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Re: Main brake on car

Cade — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 13:49:22 +1200

You must take it back to the people who did the work, if they have made an error then I wouldn't expect you to pay or it.

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Re: Main brake on car

VitessePerfect — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 13:32:20 +1200

Ok is it free to get it checked out?

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Re: Main brake on car

Cade — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 09:10:38 +1200

Hi there,
I wouldn't hesitate and call the workshop and ask them to have a look, if you don't feel your brakes are working properly or safe, ask them to come and transport the vehicle back to the shop.
Brakes are not an item to persist with if they are not 100%.
It may be something simple as a backing plate rubbing on the brake disc, or the fact that the new brakes need "bedding" in, before they work correctly.

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Main brake on car

VitessePerfect — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 19:29:12 +1200

Hi I have just got a warrant on my car after it needed front brake pads and rotors, passed a warrant after that. Now every time I brake it makes a noise at the back of the car maybe rubbing although is a weird noise not sure at all, brakes are also a little weak, I was wondering what It may be?

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Re: Toyota Starlet 1995 timing belt

Cade — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 08:30:30 +1200

Hi there,
Most timing belts are due every 100,000kms, so if yours was replaced at 100k, then I would expect it to be due again at 200km.
I also recommend the water pump to be replaced at the same time, because if it leaks the process will need to be repeated to replace it as it is driven by the timing belt.
Usually the fuel light would illuminate when you have around 8ltrs of fuel left, so you may get 30kms out of it. I don't recommend making a habit of driving around with the fuel light on.

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Toyota Starlet 1995 timing belt

akistreet — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 22:17:06 +1200

Hi, I drive a Toyota Starlet 95. Currently the kilo has exceeded 180,000k.
Could you tell me when I would be required to change the timing belt?

Also how many kilos does a car normally run after the refuel sign is switched on?

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Re: Audi A6 Electronic hand/park brake

Cade — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 12:13:43 +1200

Hi there,
We have an AA Auto Centre in Dunedin who should be able to look into it. It may be hard to find a switch locally due to the year of vehicle, but a used one should be able to be sourced and sent NZ wide. They will also be able to advise on cost.
http://locations.aa.co.nz/dunedin/aa-auto-centre-dunedin

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Audi A6 Electronic hand/park brake

Willdward — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 10:44:39 +1200

Hi there I have a 2005 Audi A6 and water got spilt down the electronic handbrake switch and it no longer works. Any idea of a place in Dunedin to get it repaired or replaced and an idea on the rough cost involved?

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Re: Suzuki jimny year 2000

Cade — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 11:16:29 +1200

Hi there, The belt driven Jimney is listed as needing the cam belt replaced every 100,000kms.

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Re: Mini one 2005

Cade — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 11:12:49 +1200

Hi there,
From the information I can find the Mini One 1.6 petrol 2001-2009 is driven by a chain.

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Suzuki jimny year 2000

hchong — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 10:41:47 +1200

Have often does the cam belt need replacing. Thanks

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Mini one 2005

hchong — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 10:40:21 +1200

Does this car have a cam belt or train drive.

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Re: Not using a car for two months

akistreet — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 14:03:52 +1200

Thank you for your quick response.
Much appreciated for your advice.

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Re: Not using a car for two months

Cade — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 12:16:28 +1200

Hi there,
I would not expect that a lot would need attention after two months.
Your battery may be a little sluggish, but should still start the vehicle providing it is in good condition. I don't advise disconnecting the battery as it could cause more hassles to relearn afterwards.
I would just make sure the vehicle is out of the weather to stop unwanted moisture build-up, and maybe crack a window to allow air inside.

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Not using a car for two months

akistreet — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 10:49:56 +1200

Hi there.

I will be outside New Zealand for the next two months and won't be using my car during the period. Could you tell me what I should do to my car before leaving the country?

What kind of things might I possibly expect from my car after not using it for two months?

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Re: Toyota Corolla 1.8P GL Hatch

Cade — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 14:13:21 +1200

I've not heard of common problems with these cars, I would expect the car to have done between 120-160km by now at an average of 10-14k a year. So it has had a normal usage, and you would want to make sure it has been regularly serviced or things may start to go wrong.

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Re: Toyota Corolla 1.8P GL Hatch

Shavo_B — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 13:55:55 +1200

Thanks for the answer. Resale value doesn't worry us, Just wanted to know if there is any common problems with this model car when they reach higher kms and is 165k Kms actually high for this type of car.

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Re: Toyota Corolla 1.8P GL Hatch

Cade — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 13:50:06 +1200

Hi there,
Both car choices are great options, and we know Toyotas can do high mileage and I would think this one would do the same.
However as with any vehicle at high km's, resale would not be good. But on the other hand if km's don't worry you, you have a modern car for cheap but be prepared to keep up the maintenance as parts wear out.

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Re: Replacing damaged plates

Cade — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 13:42:19 +1200

Hi there, you can obtain replacement plates on http://www.licensys.com/

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Re: cambelt or chain

Cade — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 13:39:29 +1200

Hi there,
From what I can see, it looks to be driven by a cam belt. You may need to speak to the manufacture for exact replacement intervals, but usually they would need replacement every 100,000kms.

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Re: MPV Engine Oil questions

Cade — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 12:21:18 +1200

Hi Karl,
Castrol Magnatec 5w30 or equivalent is recommended. As far as frequency is concerned, 12months/10k should be acceptable and maybe a Free AA member safety check in between so that your vehicle is getting checked every 6 months to keep on top of any problems that may arise before they get serious.

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Re: izuzu bighorn

Cade — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 12:04:59 +1200

Hi there,
I've not heard of many major faults to warn about, maybe transmission or diesel injector pumps would be getting a bit tired by now. I recommend speaking to a diesel specialist or transmission specialist for specific information.
Older, high km vehicles are in effect at the end of their useful life expectancy and may require more work to maintain warrant standards.

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Toyota Corolla 1.8P GL Hatch

Shavo_B — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 11:02:20 +1200

Hello.
We are looking at buying a car but because money is tight we are limited in our choices and we need a manual because automatics suck the life out of driving.
We were hoping to find an mid 2000's Suzuki swift for $5k because we have read that they are quite reliable and not bad looking.
But we have been given the possibility of getting a 2004 Toyota Corolla 1.8P GL Hatch 5speed manual for $5k but it has 165k kms, i believe it has been well serviced but need an experts opinion about the high kms, Do we wait and hope for a swift or start the AA pre purchase inspection for the Corolla.
Reliability is the main issue because cash is tight.
Thanks for any advice.

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Replacing damaged plates

donnylai — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 09:57:21 +1200

Hi, may I know the procedure and price of replacing my car plates as the front plate was damaged? Thanks.

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cambelt or chain

newstart15 — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 13:00:03 +1200

Hi,
I am looking at buying a 99 Toyota Harrier 3000cc with V6 petrol engine and am wondering if these have a cam belt or a chain?

Thanks

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MPV Engine Oil questions

kbalnz — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 15:54:55 +1200

I live in Marlborough and I have recently purchased a 2004 Mazda MPV with 46000 km on the clock. (2300cc Petrol Engine)

What grade of engine oil would you recommend and what sort of oil change frequency would you recommend?

(I would typically travel 10000km/year in my vehicle)

Regards, Karl.

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izuzu bighorn

kerst86 — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 11:16:25 +1200

just wondering about the reliability of older models of izuzu bighorns with high kms? Do they keep going without any issues?

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Re: Spark plugs

Cade — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 12:27:45 +1200

Hi there, Please refer to the dealer or an AA Service Centre for this detailed information.

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Spark plugs

SubaruDriver — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 08:40:57 +1200

How often do I need to change spark plugs for a Volkswagon Polo TSI 2011
Also
when should I change the brake fluid and pollen kit?
Approx what will this cost me?

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Re: Tyre pressures

Cade — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 08:37:28 +1200

Hi there,
I would recommend 32psi in the front tyres and 28-30 in the back for a small front wheel drive car, this should give a good pressure without sacrificing comfort.

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Re: 1998 Honda Odyssey engine oil

Cade — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 08:23:57 +1200

Hi there,
You should be able to use a 10w40 or 15w40 grade oil without too much fuss. 10w40 is recommended but due to the high km's you might want the 15w40.

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Re: car entry door lock

Cade — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 08:18:00 +1200

Hi there,
I recommend you take your car to a workshop or auto electrician, it may have a damaged door lock or an electrical failure of the locking motor. Most technicians should be able to locate and fix the problem without difficulty.

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Tyre pressures

toby90 — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 16:03:06 +1200

I have recently Acquired a 2004 Suzuki SWift (Japanese import) with 175/65R14 Tyres. Could you please advise suitable tyre pressures. Thank you ERic Lamb

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1998 Honda Odyssey engine oil

bjwhanau — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 11:26:31 +1200

My Honda has now done over 300 000kms and engine runs well but does need a couple of top ups of oil between servicing. I usually use Castrol oil. What grade would you recommend

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car entry door lock

JAHASOLK — Sat, 04 Jun 2016 10:49:27 +1200

I AM UNABLE TO UNLOCK MY CAR DOOR ON THE DRIVER SIDE BUT THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCK IS FINE. WHOM SHOULD I APPROACH TO GET IT REPAIRED.

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Re: Cam Belt

Cade — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 14:07:57 +1200

Yea that's the engine serial number unique to the engine, but the engine family/ model number should be the one mentioned above.

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Re: Cam Belt

wests001 — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 14:05:02 +1200

I just did the car jam report and engine number came back as 1AZ-5535473

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Re: Cam Belt

Cade — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 13:58:37 +1200

Hi there,
It looks like you have the 1AZ-FSE D4 engine which is the only 2.0L engine listed for the 2006 Wish, if this is the case it is chain driven and doesn't have a replacement interval.

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Cam Belt

wests001 — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 13:44:10 +1200

I have a 2006 2L Toyota Wish. Do these have a cam belt or chain driven? How often do they need to be replaced.

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Re: Brake rotors

Cade — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 09:15:36 +1200

Hi there,
$90 a disc is quite a reasonable price, depending on the vehicle and how easy access is to the brakes, it looks like labour would be 1-1+1/2 hours which definitely reasonable also.
So this sounds like a fair price for the job.

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Brake rotors

simvan1995 — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 20:32:53 +1200

I have been quoted $180 to replace worn brake rotors and $120 labor is this a fair price?

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Brake rotors

simvan1995 — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 20:32:52 +1200

I have been quoted $180 to replace worn brake rotors and $120 labor is this a fair price?

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Brake rotors

simvan1995 — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 20:32:51 +1200

I have been quoted $180 to replace worn brake rotors and $120 labor is this a fair price?

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