Ask Honest John: What has HJ been asked during this past month?

[Web Version]( | [Update preferences]( | [Unsubscribe]( [Facebook icon]( [Like]( [Twitter icon]( [Tweet]( [Forward icon]( [Forward]( [Do I drive enough to charge the battery of a hybrid car?]( Posted by on 29 June, 2017 I'm considering buying a hybrid vehicle but have been advised by a friend that because I only drive once or twice a week, distances of about 20 miles, a hybrid vehicle may prove problematic. Something to do with the batteries not charging. Your advice would be most appreciated. [Read more →]( [A bodyshop botched a respray of my new van - how should I resolve this?]( Posted by on 29 June, 2017 I bought a new Ford Transit Custom M-Sport from a Ford main dealer in March 2016. In January 2017, the paintwork bubbled in the cold weather. Ford put me onto Van-Sports (M-Sports) who did the bodywork for them (wheel arches, bumper, spoiler, skirting). They cut back and re-sprayed the panels on the vehicle under warranty. When I got it back the colour of all the panels was a noticeably lighter silver than the rest of the van. Also the edge strips are plainly visible and it looks like all the panels are a poor match aftermarket add on. Not factory fitted. I have complained to Van-Sports and Ford, but am struggling to get them to agree to remove the panels or cut back and re-spray off the vehicle so that when put back on there are no visible paint edges and it looks like new, as how I bought it. Should I get it done at my local body shop, then send the bill to Ford for them to resolve? [Read more →]( [What's a 1986 Jaguar XJ6 Series 3 worth?]( Posted by on 29 June, 2017 There's a 1986 Jaguar XJ6 Series 3 on eBay at present. What's it worth bidding wise, dont want pay more than its worth in case it's not for me? [Read more →]( [A car I sold was modified by the buyer - am I liable now it's damaged?]( Posted by on 29 June, 2017 I'm a sole trader who recently sold an Audi A3. The buyer said they were having it remapped even though I told them it would void any warranty on the engine, clutch and gearbox. Subsequently, almost straight away it blew up. He now wants his money back, to which I have refused. Am I in the wrong and liable for a refund? [Read more →]( [What small crossover or SUV is best for taking a baby seat?]( Posted by on 29 June, 2017 With a baby on the way, we are about to outgrow our 2011 Nissan Micra with 30,000 miles on the clock. We have about £10,000 to spend, plus whatever we can get for the Micra. We need an automatic with sufficient room for a 6'1" adult to drive in front of a baby seat. The baby seat is Isofix so takes up about as much room as an averagely tall man. We've been wondering about a compact SUV - perhaps a Nissan Qashqai or a Kia Sorento - but is there anything else you would suggest (or suggest avoiding)? [Read more →]( [Are the dealership liable for selling me an electric car that I can't charge?]( Posted by on 29 June, 2017 A dealership sold us a Nissan Leaf. We didn't have many requirements beyond the basic spec (Acenta 30kw) but did specifically ask prior to order to have the ability to plug into a car charger at a specific location that I visit for work (for free), a photo of all the equipment was sent to the dealership and they confirmed it would work. After purchase it transpired that even with the different adaptors provided, the car could not be charged at this location. The dealership have refused to accept any liability for this. They had the option during the sale to have given us a vehicle with a type two charge point that would have worked without question. They did not. In the meantime Nissan have told us that the only option we had to rectify the situation (an adaptor) cannot be used as it would cause a thermal induction. Should we bother pursuing a complaint through the Ombudsman on this issue. It will probably amount to several hundred pounds after the three years PCP period. [Read more →]( [Could you recommend an easily accessible car with a wide boot opening for my wheelchair?]( Posted by on 29 June, 2017 I'm a new wheelchair and crutch user who loves driving and this is done mostly alone. My 2003 Ford Fiesta 1.4 is great as the boot opening is wide enough to sit on, take the wheels off the chair and place in the shallow boot with the frame following. Also, there is a boot release on the dashboard a fabulous feature when your balance is shot on crutches. I'm planning for a car change and my nightmare is that many cars have shrunken boot openings so it's impossible to sit and comfortably get the chair in the car. I've discounted many vehicles as the boots have too deep a well - great for stressing the back. Three door cars are best for putting my crutches out of the way behind the drivers seat. SUVs are too high. Ideally I need to design my own based on improving the Hyundai Veloster ie large driver door, two door access other side but with boot with minimal access lip and wide opening. Is there a model that I have missed that I should look at that doesn't shout 'disabled'? [Read more →]( [Do you recommend using a higher grade petrol like Shell V-Power?]( Posted by on 29 June, 2017 Having read your columns for many years I notice how you advocate the regular use of higher grade petrol. I have a Skoda Octavia Scout 1.8 TSI and inside the fuel door there is a label that says use 95 RON/91 ROZ. I have just seen that Shell V-Power claims 99 RON. Do you still recommend the higher grade? Also can I ask if it is OK to use mineral oil in the engine rather than fully synthetic as it is noisy on start up? [Read more →]( [Why does the filter warning light come up on my Honda Civic diesel?]( Posted by on 29 June, 2017 I bought a Honda Civic diesel in October 2013 and have had filter problems for the past two months. I'm retired and don't drive long distances, so the filter icon lit up on the dashboard. When I took it to Honda, they told me to run it down the motorway and it would clear the filter. I ran it in third gear at about 55mph a few times over about six weeks, but it didn't clear. The engine icon light came on as well. I took it into Honda again, they said they had to regen the engine, or the filter, I don't quite understand what they mean. However, I was told yesterday that the regen didn't work and I've been told that the final bill is £997. Does this not seem a bit steep for a 2013 car? Can you give me any advice? [Read more →]( [What is the best, economical commuting car for £5000?]( Posted by on 29 June, 2017 I just started a new job in which I'm doing 120 miles a day, mostly motorway, five times a week. What would be the most economical car to commute and what kind of mpg can I get? I can spend around £5000, stretching to a max of £6000. [Read more →]( [What small car is cheap to insure for a teenager with low running costs?]( Posted by on 29 June, 2017 What small car do you recommend for around £6000 - £6500. It must have five doors and five seats. My 18 year old son will also use the car so must be cheap on insurance. I can't decide between a Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris, Renault Clio or Honda Jazz. [Read more →]( [Injector failed after the emissions fix - should I get rid of the car in case more goes wrong?]( Posted by on 28 June, 2017 I had the emission fix done six weeks ago on my Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI. After only 500 miles, an injector failed. Car has only done 41,000 miles. I took the car to a Volkswagen garage who changed it free of charge, no questions asked. However, I recieved a letter saying they will replace certain parts within a two year period of the fix, but they are still somehow claiming it's nothing to do with the fix. Is it worth getting rid of the Golf in a year and a half, before the dreaded repair bills? [Read more →]( [Protecting the paintwork on a new car - what would you recommend?]( Posted by on 28 June, 2017 I have just bought and collected a new car. I declined their overpriced offer of paintwork protection. I recall you have recommended in the past a product from Autoglym that will give the same level of protection for much less cost. Can you advise please? [Read more →]( [Should I buy a new diesel car for short trips around town?]( Posted by on 28 June, 2017 There seems to be great deals on diesel cars at the moment, I thought an EU6 would be a good buy. With all the negative press surrounding diesel cars, is it worth buying a new diesel car? It will be used mainly around town on short trips. [Read more →]( [What car would be best for a driver without use of their left arm?]( Posted by on 28 June, 2017 My girlfriend has no use of her left arm. Obviously, whatever car she buys will need some modifying but the fewer mods needed the better as she'd prefer to lease. So, what car would offer most of the following: automatic gears (with shifter on right or steering wheel if possible), indicator stalk on right hand side, automatic rain sensing wipers, auto headlights dimming, auto handbrake on and release and steering wheel controls for radio? Basically any car where using your left hand is minimised, without having to buy a left hand drive car. [Read more →]( [Do I need to send part of the logbook to the DVLA after a write off?]( Posted by on 28 June, 2017 My car was written off by my insurer. They have asked me to send them part of the log book, but I don't know whether to leave it blank or write the insurer as the new keeper. They said to send the other part to the DVLA - which I did online to reclaim 10 months tax. DVLA acknowledge notification by email and advised to destroy the section as I don't have to post it to them. Is this because I informed them online? [Read more →]( [Will my void insurance policy carry over to my new insurer?]( Posted by on 28 June, 2017 I misunderstood that when getting learner insurance I needed to declare a motorbike crash. Now my insurance is void. Does this void insurance follow over to new the insurance company or is it just for the company it was void with? [Read more →]( [Why won't my Vauxhall Zafira rev above 3000rpm?]( Posted by on 28 June, 2017 I have a Vauxhall Zafira 2001 1.6 petrol which has not been driven in months. It drives but won't go over 3000 rpm. It will when parked but there's white smoke. I did the pedal and brake trick and the light flashed 10,3,2,5. Any ideas? [Read more →]( [If I heavily modify my MoT exempt classic - will I alter the MoT exemption status?]( Posted by on 28 June, 2017 I have a 1953 Morris Oxford MO which, as a historic vehicle, is MoT exempt. I would like to replace the original engine (now dead) to a more reliable and powerful one, maybe a V8 with updated suspension, brakes, etc. Will this modification alter the MoT exemption status? [Read more →]( [Is Volkswagen liable to fix my Polo?]( Posted by on 27 June, 2017 I purchased a Volkswagen Polo 1.2 new in May 2015 from a Volkswagen supplier and have had it regularly serviced with them. Early this year, after heavy rain, I noticed that on opening the rear passenger doors water was evident along the lower door trims. On the last service in April this year, I pointed this out to the garage and on returning the car they confirmed they had made modifications but said it if happened again to contact them. However, the problem is still there and now, both front door trims are showing water but not as much as the rear. I contacted my garage and they collected the car but soon telephoned to say that they had water tested the doors and they could see no problem. They also said that it is normal for cars these days for this to happen. I pointed out about rust but they said the finish of the sills is the same as the bodywork so this will not happen. [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