What has Honest John been asked this week?

[Web Version]( | [Update preferences]( | [Unsubscribe]( [Facebook icon]( [Like]( [Twitter icon]( [Tweet]( [Forward icon]( [Forward]( [Will an Alcantara interior wear out quicker than leather?]( Posted by on 10 January, 2019 I'm currently looking at purchasing an Audi Q5 which comes with leather and Alcantara seats. What is your view of Alcantara? It appears to get mixed reviews with concerns about looking scruffy after modest wear and tear. Is full leather (at extra cost) a better bet? [Read more →]( [Is a hybrid suitable for a 100 mile daily commute?]( Posted by on 10 January, 2019 I do 108 miles per day to get to work with a 1.2-litre petrol car and I am thinking of swapping for something more economical? Is diesel or Hybrid the best economical option? [Read more →]( [How does black box insurance work?]( Posted by on 9 January, 2019 I have made numerous searches for car insurance and on every one the cheapest by about £50 is a quote from Hastings Direct Smart Miles where you have a black box fitted to your car that records your everyday driving. I am 63 and not really up with all the technology there is today. I was wondering if you have any experience of this way of car insurance? Reading between the lines I think that your everyday style of driving and speed at different times of the day are recorded and you are rated on the results to qualify for this price of car insurance. I would be grateful for your advice as I think I would always be aware that this thing is recording everything you do and the way you do it. [Read more →]( [My lease car has been written off - will I get a like for like replacement?]( Posted by on 9 January, 2019 My four-month-old BMW has been written off in an accident. I’m insured through Axa but the car was leased through Alphabet. My policy indicates that because of the age the vehicle will be replaced with a new like for like car. Having never experienced this I am wondering what will happen. Will the insurance order a new car to match or will the endeavour to find a close match from stock or would they normally go back to Alphabet? Who will agree what an acceptable match is? If they do a factory order, I guess this could be a slow process. How long is a reasonable time for them to leave me without the car? I have a courtesy car cover, provided by the body shop but I assume that this will be taken back once my vehicle is written off - who’s responsibility is it to provide transport while my new car is provided? [Read more →]( [What hybrid do you suggest for a 15 mile daily commute?]( Posted by on 8 January, 2019 Our journeys are mostly commutes of around 15 miles per day with occasional long trips. Can you suggest an SUV that is either hybrid or electric up to around £28k? [Read more →]( [What classic makes and models are the easiest to source spare parts for?]( Posted by on 8 January, 2019 I'd like your opinion about the classic car spare parts market, above all for 25 to 35 years old models. What brands or models do you suggest avoiding when it comes to finding spares? [Read more →]( [What sort of breakdown cover can I get for driving a classic car in Europe?]( Posted by on 8 January, 2019 I plan to take my 1996 Mercedes E220 W124 Estate on a tour of the continent this summer. What form of breakdown/recovery insurance cover should I take out? What should I look out for and what should I avoid? I shall of course have the car checked over thoroughly by my super local independent Merc specialist about three weeks before the trip. [Read more →]( [Where I can find a classic Saab 96 two stroke engine for restoration?]( Posted by on 8 January, 2019 Do you know where I can find a classic Saab 96 two stroke engine for restoration please? [Read more →]( [If I opt for classic car MoT exemption will I still be able to present my car for an MoT in that same road tax year?]( Posted by on 8 January, 2019 I have a 1977 MGB that I have recently registered as a vehicle of historic interest. I understand I still have to tax it annually but the charge is £0. I also understand that when I tax it I can opt to be exempt from the MoT. If I opt for the MoT exemption will I still be able to present it for an MoT in that same road tax year should I so wish or will the MoT computer at the garage not recognise it? [Read more →]( [My car was registered in March 1979 - when is it tax free?]( Posted by on 8 January, 2019 My car was registered in March 1979. When is it tax free? [Read more →]( [Which car was best value - the Humber Hawk or the Humber Super Snipe?]( Posted by on 8 January, 2019 Which car was best value - the Humber Hawk or the Humber Super Snipe? [Read more →]( [Is there a simple but reliable car for a budget of £3000?]( Posted by on 8 January, 2019 Is there a simple but reliable car for a budget of £3000? [Read more →]( [Is it dangerous to use cruise control in the wet?]( Posted by on 8 January, 2019 Is it dangerous to use cruise control in the wet? Does it cause problems should you aquaplane and does it make the car go faster, so causing accidents? [Read more →]( [We bought a car that claimed to have an RAC inspection report but it is faulty - what can we do?]( Posted by on 8 January, 2019 My son bought a Volvo V50 from an RAC approved dealership which came with an RAC inspection report which gave it a clean bill of health. These were major deciding factors in the buying process. The dealers is be part of the Trading Standards Codes scheme and has their logo on the website. Long story short, it's a lemon. The dealer just puts the phone down when I call. Now I discover that he writes out the 'RAC' inspection report himself. The RAC local representative ignores all requests for help. The car is unusable and sits on their drive. What are the options? [Read more →]( [I am unable to drive due to ill health - can my wife still use my insurance?]( Posted by on 7 January, 2019 I have two cars registered in my name, with my wife as named driver for past 30 years. I am now unable to drive due to ill health. Do I need to change car ownership, in order to allow my wife to get insurance? Even if we have to change car ownership, what is best option for my wife regarding our car insurance policy? [Read more →]( [My son's car has been deemed a total loss - can we insist on it being repaired?]( Posted by on 7 January, 2019 My son's car has been deemed a total loss following a non-fault accident and I'm looking for some independent advice. The car is currently at a local garage but the insurance company is arranging for their salvage agents to collect and store the car until a settlement is made. Should I argue against this? Should I ask to have the car stored at home until a settlement is agreed? Will the settlement take into consideration optional extras such as sat nav, leather seats, xenons, heated seats and parking sensors? [Read more →]( [My daughter hit an old rusty gate and now the owner is claiming for a new one?]( Posted by on 7 January, 2019 My daughter’s car brushed against a metal gate while visiting a property. The damage to her car is minimal as the impact was very minor. However, the owner of the gate is claiming severe damage was caused and is trying to claim for an entire new gate. The gate is not new and shows signs of previous damage and is rusty in places. Is the owner trying to pull a fast one? I have seen the damage and it does not correspond to the height of the bumper on the car. [Read more →]( [My car only blows cold air from the heater - what's the problem?]( Posted by on 7 January, 2019 I have a 2010 Vauxhall Astra that is blowing cold air only. I have checked the coolant levels and they're fine. What could be the problem? [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. It provides in depth site analysis comparative with wider industry trends. [Edit your subscription]( | [Unsubscribe]( HonestJohn.co.uk Ltd Unit 1 Eaglethorpe Barns Warmington Peterborough PE8 6TJ