What has Honest John been asked this week?

[Web Version]( | [Update preferences]( | [Unsubscribe]( [Facebook icon]( [Like]( [Twitter icon]( [Tweet]( [Forward icon]( [Forward]( [We've delayed our charging point installation due to Coronavirus. Will we get a reduced grant if the work isn't done by May?]( Posted by on 15 May, 2020 The delivery of our new Tesla has been delayed, so we postponed the installation of the home charging point. We reckon it reduces the risk of Coronavirus to avoid having workers over right now. However, we have been told that the grant will be reduced from £500 to £350 if this is not completed by the end of May. Have you heard of this? [Read more →]( [Will a pick-up's DPF be okay with mostly short trips?]( Posted by on 15 May, 2020 I currently have a BMW 1 Series diesel that has a DPF fitted. I drive two daily trips of 15 miles with quite a bit of traffic. Over six years of ownership, I have not currently had any DPF issues but am looking to upgrade my vehicle to a new 1.9 Isuzu D-Max. Are all DPF’s similar enough to provide me with an understanding of if I may experience any problems with this vehicle under the same driving conditions? [Read more →]( [Do over 70s need an eyesight test for a driving licence renewal?]( Posted by on 14 May, 2020 My wife needs to renew her driving licence as she is over 70. Does she need to see an optician for confirmation that her eyesight is satisfactory? [Read more →]( [What's the best 125 scooter for a tall rider?]( Posted by on 14 May, 2020 What's the best 125 scooter for long-legged riders? [Read more →]( [Can you recommend a product to prevent catalytic converter theft?]( Posted by on 14 May, 2020 I recently had the catalytic converter stolen off of my Honda CR-V. I've looked for an anti-theft locking device to put on the replacement system but can only find devices suited for vans or Toyotas. Any suggestions of a product? [Read more →]( [How closely can I overtake a cyclist in the road?]( Posted by on 14 May, 2020 I know I'm supposed to leave a 1.5 metre gap when I'm passing a cyclist on the road, but if there's a white cycle line (on the same road not separate by curb), how much room should I leave? Am I allowed to pass closer (less than 1 metre)? [Read more →]( [I've fixed my written off car. Can I get the categorisation removed to drive it again?]( Posted by on 13 May, 2020 My car was involved in an accident in 2007. The insurance did not pay out because I didn't disclose that I once had a conviction for driving uninsured. It was classified as a Category B write off. I have finally fixed the car. Can I get the categorisation removed to get it back on the road as the insurance did not pay out? [Read more →]( [Is there any point of paying for No Claims protection?]( Posted by on 13 May, 2020 Is there any benefit in paying extra for NCD protection when the insurer says that your insurance premium will rise if you make a claim? Both my wife and I have over 15 years NCD, and if we have a claim they'll only take a couple of years off anyway. [Read more →]( [At-fault driver is disputing our accident. Should I wait it out or claim on my own policy?]( Posted by on 13 May, 2020 I was involved in a accident that wasn't my fault three months ago. My car was written of as Cat N and I accepted the car valuation that my insurer provided. However, the third party is in dispute now, probably because I don't have CCTV video or witnesses (only photos). Plus, the car reversed and hit my back, so the other driver may argue I 'hit' another car instead of another car reversed and hit mine. I'm worried that the liability will be 50/50 or end up being that I have more liability and I won't get my car valuation from them. I also used credit car hire provided by my insurer. If the liability split 50/50, will I need to pay half of the car hire cost and will I only get half of my car valuation? I thought of claiming on my policy but it leaves a record and the excess is almost 30 per cent of the car valuation. What should I do? [Read more →]( [Will a V8 petrol be hard to sell?]( Posted by on 13 May, 2020 If I buy a 2008 Jaguar XF V8 petrol, will it be difficult to sell? [Read more →]( [Is it unusual for the rear brake pads to wear before the front ones?]( Posted by on 13 May, 2020 In November 2019, I purchased a 2017 Jaguar F-Pace 2.0-litre petrol with 6000 miles on the clock from a main dealer. It now has just over 12,000 miles and has just had its 36-month service. I was surprised that the rear brake pads only have a couple of thousand miles left. I would have expected the front pads to wear first. [Read more →]( [What's the best secondhand car for lots of motorway commuting?]( Posted by on 13 May, 2020 I'm opting out of the company car scheme so need to buy my own, secondhand preferably. I'm going to do lots of miles - over 25,000 a year - so need something big, like an SUV or Estate. My budget is up to £15,000. I'd keep for five years. What are the best options? [Read more →]( [What's causing stiff steering?]( Posted by on 13 May, 2020 I have a Renault Master. It seems like the mechanical steering is stiff both driving and stationary, so I changed the steering pump - without result. Are there any common things to look for? There aren't any leaks. [Read more →]( [My car battery went flat during lockdown. Have I got any recourse with the manufacturer?]( Posted by on 13 May, 2020 Three years ago, I bought a hybrid Toyota C-HR. In the light of lockdown, we have not used it for 13 days. On trying to take it out for food shopping, it would not start and upon telephoning Toyota we were told that the 12V battery was flat and that even when not in use the vehicle continues to run functions such as diagnostics - which causes this to happen. The main batteries would still be charged though. Given the claim that some of these functions were related to safety of the main batteries, surely if the 12v battery goes flat after a week these safety checks are then no longer being performed. We were then informed that it should be driven at least every couple of days for twenty minutes or so. Had I been told this at the point of sale, I would not have purchased the car and even if it says so in the handbook I did not receive that until after the purchase. Have I any recourse? [Read more →]( [Can you recommend a crossover for handling a rough road?]( Posted by on 13 May, 2020 We live on a rural road which does not have a good surface, there are some small potholes. We are both over sixty and would like a medium-sized SUV or similar. At present we have a Hyundai Kona in the third year of a three year lease agreement. What vehicle would you suggest (also on a three year lease)? [Read more →]( [Expensive and unnecessary service coming up, should I refuse the work and forfeit the warranty?]( Posted by on 13 May, 2020 I've booked a service of my 2017 Mercedes-Benz E43 AMG in to a franchise dealer. They say the 'A' service will cost £850 because the plugs must be changed after three years and 11,000 miles, along with the air filter. My Mercedes specialist repairer states he will inspect plugs and air filter and only replace as necessary. The Mercedes dealer say that they have to be changed in order to keep roadside assistance and warranty because it's in accordance to the Mercedes-Benz service schedule and intervals. Your thoughts, please? [Read more →]( [Do you think this used car is good value?]( Posted by on 13 May, 2020 I'd value your views on Ford Mondeo (67-plate) auto petrol 1.5, please. It's got 26,000 miles on the clock and your valuation is very good, as its priced at £13,999. Your site suggests between £13950-£16,400 at a dealer. [Read more →]( [Service got cancelled due to coronavirus. Will I invalidate my warranty if I take the car to a different garage?]( Posted by on 13 May, 2020 My Volkswagen Golf was due for its service on 8 April. This was cancelled as the garage is closed. They will contact me to rearrange. I'm concerned that the oil needs to be changed as it's 13 months old. Should I go to an independent garage for an oil change or just wait for the dealer to get back to me? The car is only doing 6000 miles per year. I do not want to invalidate my warranty. What would you advise? I have a three year service package with the dealer. [Read more →]( [Is there any way to improve fuel economy?]( Posted by on 13 May, 2020 My Kia Venga petrol auto 1.6 drinks petrol. Is there anything I can do to get better MPG. It's a 2016 model with only 30,000 miles on it. [Read more →]( [What's causing a crunching noise when I shift gears?]( Posted by on 13 May, 2020 Why is my car making a crunching sound when going into third gear? [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