And I thought Triumph gearboxes were weak....

[zetecspit]

Some years ago, we had 2 Zafiras in succession. First one brilliant family car. Second one, not so good, the biggest expense was the gearbox. At 5 years/50k, a whine developed, a google and yes, a common issue, bearings giving up. Found a specialist (who was doing 2 a day, drive in/drive out) only to find mine already had a gearbox replacement! So I had the stronger later box, so only needed half the bearings. (interestingly the main dealer service history had a 12K clutch change, but no mention of gearbox. Maybe it was swapped at that time, factory/dealer instruction?)

Yesterday, I picked up the MILs 15year old honda Jazz. Supposed to be super reliable etc, and to be fair it has been serviced every year, and now has 47K on it (never an issue except 2 batteries in the last 8 years). Drove it, and immediately noticed a whine on first and second. Yes, google reveals there is an inherent gearbox issue. Seems from 10k miles onwards people had problems. Not an expensive fix, as it can be done for as little as £400 all in, or box repaired for under £200.  But I really assumed modern cars were mechanically pretty bombproof. 

This is only a self-rant. I will probably just use the car for a while and sell on as is when the time comes, unless I have the urge to pull the box out and replace the bearing. But disappointed as I did believe Honda (and the other proper jap cars) were as good as it gets reliability wise. Still, apart from that the car is good for a small car, though unsurprisingly gutless.

Makes me wonder what I should actually buy next.

 

 

[Nick Jones]

I can think of plenty of other examples.

VAG 020 series, diff bearings fail prematurely . Earlier ones also used to shed crown wheel rivets with predictably destructive effects. Then they went to bolts, which would occasionally back out, wearing holes in the casing inside the bell housing. First indicated by a slipping clutch.

VAG 085 series (as documented in my Arosa thread), ok on the smaller engines, but notorious for fragility on the larger engines, especially diesels.

Suzuki Swift & Ignis. Notorious for whining gearboxes due to a particular bearing failing.

Wasn’t aware of problems with Honda manual boxes. The auto (cvt) has a less than stellar reputation, though Dad has had a couple without incident.

Designed-in defects are rife in moderns, especially those of Northern European origin, though even Toyota not immune (position ring problems on some engine sizes). VAG & BMW particularly shameful.

One thing on the gearboxes though. It was noticeable on the 085 box I rebuilt that the damaged bearings (indeed most of the damage) seemed to be due to the shards graunched off reverse gear (by unsympathetic use) being picked up by the crown wheel (runs closely against the deepest part of the casing) and flicked into other areas. The dead bearing is in direct line of fire.  I wouldn’t be surprised if this pattern is repeated in other makes. So don’t abuse reverse, and do change the oil occasionally even if the manufacturer says it’s sealed for life....

[zetecspit]

Trouble is, I really don't know what to buy next.

Ideally petrol under 110g CO2 so I can save £350 a year off my parking permit (yes, that much saving), plus economical eg 50mpg on a motorway trip, be big enough to transport "stuff", and marginally quick..... probably a big ask in one package. Also want reliable and depreciation that won't make me cry.

Any suggestions?

[Nick Jones]

Can relate.... hence the 24 year old, 335k A6. From the heyday of German automotive production. Downhill from there.......

Not sure your specifications are all meet-able in one package. Could try posing the question to Honest John.

Brother has one of the big Skoda (Karoc?) things. 1.4 TSI, good on paper but apparently misses the published figures by a wide margin.

[TimBancroft]

A Ford Focus...simple!

[ahebron]

GM5L40E
In my case found in the L322 TD6 Range Rover but also many BMW, Holden and GM vehicles. 
And we must not forget the CVT found in the Mini.

Adrian