What has the Honest John team been asked this week?

[Web Version]( | [Update preferences]( | [Unsubscribe]( [Facebook icon]( [Like]( [Twitter icon]( [Tweet]( [Forward icon]( [Forward]( [Can I fit an additional boot handle to help my mother who has restricted movement?]( Posted by on 2 November, 2023 Some years ago you recommended a Meriva for my mother which has been good, however now she has restricted movement so can't use the boot which she needs for her rollover because she can't reach the top of the hatch when it is open. Are you aware of anything I can fit to it that she can use to pull the hatch down? [Read more →]( [I have had three tyres suffering cuts to the chord, what could be the cause?]( Posted by on 2 November, 2023 I have had three tyres failing MOT test due to cuts to the chord, They had done 2,0000 miles and are fitted on a Volvo V40. I have never had this happen before, is it due to the potholes which I try to avoid? [Read more →]( [How can I improve the performance of my headlights?]( Posted by on 2 November, 2023 I have a 2007 Toyota RAV4 XT5. The headlight lenses are not yellowed but not as clear as they were. I have tried a cleaning kit and there was minimal improvement. I am particularly interested in increasing the output on dipped beam as I regularly drive along an unlit A road. I believe I can buy replacement bulbs eg from Halfords but am unsure of the claimed improvement. I also do not want to fit anything that might damage the lens/cover through excessive heat. I would value your opinion please. [Read more →]( [What is the best procedure if you are involved in an RTA and the police cannot attend?]( Posted by on 2 November, 2023 I was involved in an accident with a driver who smelt of alcohol and refused to exchange details. I contacted the olice who said they had nobody who could attend at that moment and I should insist on the other party giving details. When they refused, I called the police back. I was told to take photos of the incident and driver and make an online report. When I started taking photos, the other party became aggressive and tried to walk off. At that point a passing police car stopped and dealt with the matter. Had the police not arrived the situation could have become difficult. My question is, what should a person do in these circumstances? [Read more →]( [Should I keep my SEAT Ibiza or will values go down?]( Posted by on 2 November, 2023 I have - and am delighted with - a 2019 SEAT Ibiza FR 115. I took out the extended 5 year warranty and am now torn between selling at the turn of the year when I assume the six months or so remaining warranty will boost the price I will get, or hanging on to the car more or less indefinitely. Which makes more sense financially? Also with VW now killing the SEAT brand what effect is that likely to have on resale values? [Read more →]( [If I order a new car for delivery in nine months, will my part-ex value change?]( Posted by on 1 November, 2023 If I order a new car with a nine month delivery time, can I get an agreed price for my current car or will it depend on its market price when the new car is ready? [Read more →]( [My daughter's Audi A1 has damp in the driver's footwell but the door seals seem fine, what could be the cause?]( Posted by on 1 November, 2023 My daughters Audi seems to be getting damp in the drivers foot well door seals seem fine, are there any known issues regarding this fault? [Read more →]( [Is my car likely to be a write off?]( Posted by on 1 November, 2023 My 6 year old 1.4 TSI Golf Estate was damaged by a coach while parked. It has just gone away to be assessed. The damage seems superficial, but it involves multiple panels starting at the bumper and rear lights, the rear side panel around the fuel filler and above the wheel, onto the rear drivers side door with some minor scratches on the drivers door. The car has no outstanding finance and is driveable, but I am concerned that with the number of panels damaged and the age, plus the cost of parts and labour that it may be a write off. If it is I am insure what the valuation from the insurance company will be and I will likely have to take out some additional finance to get a replacement which due to the high interest rates may be financially difficult. The mechanic that collected it couldn't give me an answer but didn't appear massively confident. I appreciate that without seeing it you may not know more than me, but any advice would be very helpful. [Read more →]( [Can I reject a car that does not have a full service history as advertised?]( Posted by on 1 November, 2023 I have recently purchased a car from a National Car Dealership under the distance online regulations. The car was delivered last week just before I was due to depart on a holiday - using the new car. Everything went well with the delivery and I had been told the car (which was four years old and covered 20,000 miles) had a full service history. On investigation of the service booklet the service history was lacking. The first service had been omitted, the second year was an oil/filter change, the same for the third year. The supplying dealership has stamped the book for the fourth year service (supposed to be major) but once again only an oil/filter change. At no time in the four years since new had the car had any brake fluid change, air con service , brake condition reported on - so, since new it had not had a proper service in accordance with the manufactures recommendations (Citroen). On this basis I want to return it for a full refund. As it was delivered to me and will have to be collected ( dealership 200 miles from my home) I have been advised of a delivery/collection fee of £700. I have accepted that I will have to pay this, high as it is, but now I have used the car for a holiday which was planned before delivery I have exceeded the 250 mile ,limit under the t&c of the agreement . As I have done this can the dealer now reject outright any right for me to reject the car? There is nothing wrong with the car - no complaints there. Additionally my wife dislikes it - she is too short when in the driving seat to see clearly over the steering wheel and bonnet. [Read more →]( [What are the advantages of hybrids compared to petrols and EVs?]( Posted by on 30 October, 2023 Can you tell me please the advantages of buying a self charging petrol car over a straight petrol engine car or full electric car? [Read more →]( [What small SUV do you recommend?]( Posted by on 30 October, 2023 My wife has a 71 plate Volvo XC40 2.0 litre petrol light hybrid which is a lovely car and comes highly recommended. My problem with it is that, as it's used for relatively short journeys, it manages only 27 mpg. Our shared problems with it is that, as we are both in our late 70's, doing so much via the touchscreen is very distracting and possibly dangerous and operating the satnav is beyond us, so we rely on our mobile phones - it would be a different matter if we were both 25 again. We are thinking that we should replace it with something of similar quality but without the drawbacks we are experiencing with the Volvo. We still want to be able to specify luxuries such as electric and heated seats, heated steering wheel etc. Petrol or full hybrid but not all electric would be preferred. Do you have any suggestions? [Read more →]( [What is the best all-wheel drive hybrid?]( Posted by on 30 October, 2023 What is the best awd hybrid please? [Read more →]( [Is the Toyota Corolla Cross coming to the UK?]( Posted by on 30 October, 2023 My wife and I have a Toyota Corolla Touring. It's a terrific car, but we are finding that it is a bit low for getting in and out. Therefore it was good news to hear that there was a Corolla Cross which with its raised height would make life easier for us. However, there is no sign of the Corolla Cross coming to the UK. Have you heard anything about this? The Yaris Cross might be too small and I've read in your review that the ride is firm - that would be a deal breaker for us. We've got another 18 months before making a decision. Have you any advice on whether the Corolla Cross is likely to be available? [Read more →]( [How reliable is the PSA 1.2 engine?]( Posted by on 30 October, 2023 I have read a lot of bad press on the PSA 1.2 petrol engine, how much of this is actual and does it cover the turbo and non turbo engines? [Read more →]( You received this email because you signed up to our mailing list. If you’re not interested in receiving our newsletter any more, you can: [Edit your subscription]( | [Unsubscribe]( Honestjohn.co.uk 5 New Street Square London United Kingdom EC4A 3TW