What has Honest John been asked this week?

[Web Version]( | [Update preferences]( | [Unsubscribe]( [Facebook icon]( [Like]( [Twitter icon]( [Tweet]( [Forward icon]( [Forward]( [Why are PHEVs less efficient than normal hybrids?]( Posted by on 16 November, 2018 I have read your report about poor real life mpg for plug-in hybrids if not plugged in. Why are they less efficient than conventional hybrids if used in the same way? [Read more →]( [What's the best car to it a fold-up electric buggy in?]( Posted by on 16 November, 2018 My disabled sister has bought a small, fold-up electric buggy to give her mobility when she is out of her car. She needs a car that can be fitted with a winch to lift the buggy in and out of the back. She has a small city-centre parking space which limits the maximum length of the car to 4.1 metres, and she wants a petrol automatic - if it can be a hybrid so much the better. I would be very grateful for any suggestions. [Read more →]( [What cheap to buy and insure car would you recommend for a new driver?]( Posted by on 16 November, 2018 What car would you recommend for a new driver. I am trying to keep the insurance to a minimum and only have £1000 to £1600 to spend [Read more →]( [Where can I get an MG TF to ship abroad?]( Posted by on 16 November, 2018 I am looking for a restored MG TF to ship to Thailand. Can you tell me the best place to search? I am living outside the UK. [Read more →]( [What's the best pick-up on a budget?]( Posted by on 16 November, 2018 Can you recommend the best pickup truck for £3500. I need to drive up mountain tracks in Mallorca and navigate narrow village roads. [Read more →]( [What documents do I need to send to the DVLA upon the death of someone who owns a car?]( Posted by on 16 November, 2018 As well as advising insurance and breakdown companies, what documents would the DVLA require upon the death of a driver who owns a car? [Read more →]( [Our car was written off but I disputed this - should I go to the Financial Ombudsman?]( Posted by on 15 November, 2018 My wife had an accident and as a result the insurance company wrote the car off. I disputed this, but the engineer stuck by his decision. Having got the car back, I noticed that the engineer had over estimated everything. I questioned him on this, he responded by saying we have to change things in order to cover everything. He had made the decision to change near enough everything at the front near side corner of the car. When I got the car repaired, it was only panels, bumper and a bit of internal structure around the front wheel arch panel. Had the engineer carried out a comprehensive analysis, my car would have had a much reduced repair cost and I believe would not have been written off. The engineer also used OEM parts. In further questioning, I discover that in the terms and conditions of the insurance, the company can use any parts it feels necessary, including second hand and refurbished. In the end the repair of my car was around £2000, rather than over £4000 as the insurance worked out. When I came across your articles regarding challenging the decision to write off my car, I pointed out to the company that I had the right to have their decision referred to an independent IAEA engineer, and that this right had not been given to me. They came back to me saying that they did not need to bring this to my attention, and that if I wanted to take it to the IAEA engineer, I had to pay for it. This shortfall in customer services and the decision to write of my car is now with the Ombudsman. I would appreciate your view on this matter. [Read more →]( [I received a parking fine from a hotel - but there was no one on reception to pay?]( Posted by on 15 November, 2018 I have just received a £100 parking charge notice from Parking Eye for using the Crewe Arms Hotel in Crewe for apparently around 30 minutes. It was late in the evening around 11pm and quite dark hence parking display notices were not readily obvious and readable. One of my colleagues wanted to book a room for the night and I was hoping to have a coffee. The reception desk was unattended so we were unable to register my car. Eventually, we became tired of waiting and left. I am now faced with what I feel is an unjustified parking charge due to the hotel possibly being under staffed. Would you consider a court of law would be sympathetic to my case? Could Parking Eye be challenged to demonstrate that they have obtained my details legally from the DVLA? [Read more →]( [Which SUV has the highest off the ground height for a disabled person to be able to get easily in the cabin?]( Posted by on 15 November, 2018 Which SUV has the highest off the ground height for a disabled person to be able to get easily in the cabin? [Read more →]( [Is a petrol nine-seater van a better choice than a diesel?]( Posted by on 15 November, 2018 We are a family of six, moving to France next year and we need to be able to transport bikes. With the concerns regarding diesel, we would like a petrol vehicle. What would you suggest? We have looked at the Volkswagen Transporter and Renault Trafic but what are the petrol options? [Read more →]( [What's a suitable car for a 70-year-old?]( Posted by on 15 November, 2018 I drive an Audi A3 which I have had for seven years and am pleased with. However as we get older, we find long journeys are less comfortable and have thought of getting a SUV giving us easier access and a more comfortable driving position. Would the Audi Q2 or Q3 be a good choice for us and would we quickly adjust to a SUV? Other choices you suggest would be helpful. [Read more →]( [Does the trip computer on my car give accurate fuel economy readings?]( Posted by on 15 November, 2018 My Ford Mondeo the dashboard info tells me my average mpg is 57.2 - way above what I see on Real MPG. Could this be a true figure or computer error? [Read more →]( [Is maintaining a Mondeo ST220 going to turn into a bottomless pit?]( Posted by on 14 November, 2018 I have a 2005 Ford Mondeo ST220 with 100k miles which I love. it's immaculate inside and out. I've spent £2000 in the last 12 months replacing the clutch and flywheel, lower arms, suspension, brakes etc. The EML light came on last week and it turns out the rear cat has gone. Apparently this is a very labour intensive job that requires lowering the front sub frame, so with a replacement exhaust also required, I'm probably looking at another £1000 spend. I'm worried about a bottomless pit opening up and my question is whether or not you think it's worth keeping spending on this relatively rare car? If not can you recommend something sub £4000 which is as much fun? [Read more →]( [Which larger estate would you recommend for carrying medieval reenactment gear?]( Posted by on 14 November, 2018 I'm looking for a large estate to carry quite a lot of kit for medieval reenactment gear. Ideally something not that new but reasonably reliable from say 2009 onwards. It's for my daughter and two children, who are nine and 11 years old. [Read more →]( [What's the best petrol or hybrid family car?]( Posted by on 14 November, 2018 My mother-in-law is spending more time back in the UK and is in need of a car. The car will be used mainly in a London suburb but it will need to head to Cornwall a few times a year and left for a month or two in the garage. Plus, it will need to cope with golf clubs and grandchildren. Petrol or hybrid seems to be the most sensible. My shortlist is Kia Niro, Skoda Karoq, Toyota Auris or C-HR, Volkswagen Golf, VW T-Roc or Tiguan. Is anything else you’d add? Secondly are hybrids okay to be sat without use for several weeks? [Read more →]( [Our 2003 BMW 3 Series is consuming a lot of oil - do you know what's going on?]( Posted by on 13 November, 2018 We purchased (privately) a 2003 BMW 3-Series 1.8-litre petrol automatic in late 2016, with 49,000 recorded miles. It has a stamped BMW Service Record, full MoT etc.The BMW had, prior to our purchase, three previous owners. The first owned it until late 2016, with Full Service History. Second was the supplying dealer who took the BMW as part exchange. A private owner then owned it third, for approx one month, for a daily commute of 10 miles while he ordered his new car. Our extensive test drive, including full throttle through the gears, showed no indication of any performance issues. The BMW was purchased to perform primarily as a commuting transport to and from work daily, approx 20/25miles each way. After a week the oil light came on because it needed to be filled up. It now consumes about one litre of oil every three weeks. I'm not technically qualified to grasp what has brought on this problem. I took it to my local BMW dealer, who suggested changing the head gasket. However, the issue continues. I called BMW, who didn't deny that there is an ongoing oil consumption with this E46 engine. I also discussed this E46 engine problem with two very experienced Vehicle Engineers, who suggested they were aware of this problem. Their solution was for the engine to be removed, stripped, new valves fitted etc (approx £1200, plus VAT). My son and I like this BMW so, money considerations aside, have you come across this problem before? If yes, what is the practical solution to rectify this problem? This car is currently used on a daily basis as essential transport. It drives well, other than this vexatious problem. [Read more →]( [My car has been written off and I would like to purchase it back from my insurer - how can I find out its salvage value?]( Posted by on 13 November, 2018 My car has been written off and I would like to purchase it back from my insurers. They have quoted a salvage price which I think is high. How can I find out what my car is worth for salvage please? [Read more →]( [My car looks like it will be written off - what are my options with it?]( Posted by on 13 November, 2018 My 2007 Skoda Octavia was hit by a van on a roundabout and the insurance company are indicating that it could be declared a write-off. The damage is to the two near-side doors which still shut perfectly and the damage appears minimal although a local repair shop explained that replacement doors would be needed for repair as this would be the cheapest option. What are my options? Can I tell the insurance company that I don't want to claim for repair? If I accept a write off decision I will have to find a replacement in a hurry. Can I buy it back and have it repaired locally with two second-hand doors? [Read more →]( [How long should an insurance claim reasonably take?]( Posted by on 13 November, 2018 Last July I was involved in an accident with a foreign-registered car. The claim is still ongoing and my company are very poor at communicating updates with progress painfully slow. I have provided all evidence and forms as soon as asked. What is the ETA for a claim to go through? [Read more →]( [Will I need an international permit to drive in the EU after Brexit?]( Posted by on 13 November, 2018 I'll be driving to France in May 2019. Will I be able to use my UK driving licence or will I have to get some sort of international permit? [Read more →]( You are receiving this email because Honest Insights is a publication produced by HonestJohn.co.uk with your requirements and specifications in mind. 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