What has the Honest John team been asked this week?

[Web Version]( | [Update preferences]( | [Unsubscribe]( [Facebook icon]( [Like]( [Twitter icon]( [Tweet]( [Forward icon]( [Forward]( [Which warranties are best in terms of cover and cost?]( Posted by on 8 January, 2021 I'm considering buying a BMW X1 diesel, auto, 4-wheel drive SUV, first registered in March 2017. The new car warranty has expired. The car will be used mainly in rural areas with a mix of short and long journeys. I've been reading about extended warranties available from many sources and it's all a bit confusing. The dealer selling the car offers an RAC-backed warranty, which on this car would cost £750 for three years' cover. I don't know if that is good or bad value. Could you give me some advice concerning which warranties are best in terms of cover and cost? [Read more →]( [Are there alternatives to the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?]( Posted by on 8 January, 2021 I wish to purchase a 4X4 AWD commercial SUV. I was looking at the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, but heard that Mitsubishi will soon withdraw from Europe. Are there alternatives? [Read more →]( [Will my car pass the MOT if I remove the catalytic converter?]( Posted by on 8 January, 2021 I'm wondering if it is legal to remove the two catalytic converters from my car. It's a 2005 Audi A4 3.0-litre diesel. It has no DPF fitted from standard, just a primary and secondary cat. Can these be removed and still pass an MOT? [Read more →]( [Which cars are best for first-time drivers?]( Posted by on 8 January, 2021 I'm a young first-time driver who's looking for a 10 to 12-year-old car with low running costs. Insurance should be as cheap as possible and the tax possibly £20-30 a year. What cars would you advise? I do about 200 miles per month. Shall I go for petrol or diesel? Thanks in advance for your kind help. [Read more →]( [I'm at a loss when it comes to options and trims. Any advice?]( Posted by on 8 January, 2021 We are both in our 70s and live in Somerset where these are very narrow lanes etc. We go to Cardiff frequently so motorway driving and a bit of city. We have had a Volkswagen Passat Estate, which was very comfortable and reliable with heated seats and the like. We're looking for a used car fairly that's not as long as the Passat Estate but has good boot space. We'd prefer a hatchback with parking assist and infotainment systems. It must be safe, comfortable and quiet with reasonable running costs. Up to around £20k. We've looked at the Volkswagen Golf but the boot is too small. The Golf estate is better but not exciting. BMW Series 2 Active Tourer seems possible but I’m at sea with all the options, trims etc. Any advice greatly welcomed! [Read more →]( [More reliable than a Mini Countryman?]( Posted by on 7 January, 2021 I’m in my 30s, work in investment management and use my own car for commuting and business. I currently have a 2016 Mini One Countryman 1.6-litre petrol, which has proven really unreliable with poor build quality (failed engine seal, clutch contaminated by an oil leak from the engine, broken water pump, gearbox issues etc). I’m keen to ditch it and replace it with something more reliable, ideally with a long warranty, and suitable for navigating country lanes (which are often icy or flooded) on my 20 mile daily commute. It also needs to be comfy for fortnightly longer motorway drives whilst visiting clients with a tall seating position and plenty of headroom. It needs to be big enough for a Labrador, car seat and boot full of shopping, while being cost-effective to run, too. I could spend around £20k outright or would consider 0% finance. I have no idea where to start so any guidance much appreciated. [Read more →]( [Are plug-in hybrids a halfway house?]( Posted by on 7 January, 2021 Are plug-in electric vehicles only a stop-gap? [Read more →]( [I'm a UK resident with a Spanish licence. Do I need a UK licence post-Brexit?]( Posted by on 7 January, 2021 I'm a returned Expat from Spain (returned 2015). I passed my driving test in the UK many years ago. I have a Spanish Driving license right now, and as far as I can see on the UK Gov website, I have been and am still OK to drive on this after 31 December 2020. Is this right or do I have to exchange it for a UK license now? I don't want to exchange it if I don't have to. Many thanks. [Read more →]( [My car door keeps freezing shut. Any advice?]( Posted by on 7 January, 2021 In the recent wintry weather, my driver's door has been freezing and refusing to open. The passenger door will open, but I am getting a bit old for car gymnastics now! It's a Kia Ceed if that makes any difference. Any advice, please? Thank you. [Read more →]( [Why hasn't my logbook come back when I applied for it from DVLA 8 months ago?]( Posted by on 7 January, 2021 I applied for the V5 in April with a V62 form and it's not come yet. Do you know what's going on with processing the document? The car is ready to export but it's still not back from DVLA. Thanks. [Read more →]( [What trickle charger do I need to prevent a flat battery?]( Posted by on 7 January, 2021 What type of battery charger do I need for my BMW 218 Tourer? It's not being used much and the flat battery light keeps appearing. [Read more →]( [How much would a cylinder head replacement cost?]( Posted by on 7 January, 2021 My Corsa has a cracked cylinder head. Could you please advise me what the prices are for a replacement? I've been loosely told by a mechanic in my garage it'd be £1400. [Read more →]( [Can you recommend a small car for short journeys?]( Posted by on 7 January, 2021 Which car do you recommend for short journeys? I now only drive about 3 miles per day to work. Also, would it be better to go for a brand new one or one a couple of years old? Need it to be reliable and cost-effective. I currently have a 2004 Volkswagen Lupo with 90,000 miles on the clock. I've had it from brand new and it been great but it's starting to cost me in repairs to keep it on the road. I think it could be time to change. Thanks. [Read more →]( [How do I calculate resale value on a car with extras?]( Posted by on 7 January, 2021 How should I calculate what price to ask for my car in regards to the optional extras (heated seats, sunroof etc)? [Read more →]( [How can I get an MOT during lockdown if I'm shielding?]( Posted by on 7 January, 2021 My Peugeot 207CC will be due for an MOT and service in February. I normally take it to the Peugeot garage, which is 18 miles away but even if I were to take it to a nearer MOT garage, I'm wondering how I will achieve this. I'm in my 70s and therefore classed as vulnerable and live alone. The garages do not want anyone waiting on their premises for the work to be carried out but how can I return home and back again as we are not allowed to be a passenger in someone else's car during the lockdown and I would not want to take the risk. I do not think the government have considered how difficult it is for vulnerable people in my situation. [Read more →]( [What are the best medium-sized SUVs with 1800kg towing capability?]( Posted by on 6 January, 2021 Could you please advise me which are the best three medium SUV tow cars with 1800kg capability? I currently tow with a Kia Sorento, which is marvellous but is now too high off the ground for easy access by my wife who has developed mobility difficulties. I should be looking to buy secondhand with a budget of around £22,000. Many thanks. [Read more →]( [Will I be charged for parking my non-compliant car within the ULEZ?]( Posted by on 6 January, 2021 I live within the ULEZ. Can I park my non-compliant car on the road and just pay £12.50 every day I drive it? [Read more →]( [Does lockdown extend MOT due date?]( Posted by on 6 January, 2021 Does lockdown extend MOT due date? Mine is due on 10 January, booked in on 8th. I'm nervous about going anywhere! [Read more →]( [I need to get a reliable car urgently. Do you advise a PCP?]( Posted by on 6 January, 2021 I wonder if you can help as I'm a bit desperate. I have a 2005 Renault Clio with a broken gearbox, which was mis-sold 2 months ago. I have a second Renault Clio (2007) with low mileage, given to me for free 6 days ago, It now has an injector light coming on and it's in limp mode. I'm a nurse who is at her wit's end and needs a really reliable car as taxis are costing too much. Would you scrap both cars and do a PCP? Budget is up to £160 a month. I need a reliable car pretty urgently. Thank you so much. [Read more →]( [I need to replace my diesel car. Which petrol SUVs are most reliable?]( Posted by on 6 January, 2021 Our 2012 Peugeot 3008 diesel needs to be replaced as we live in London. I want Japanese reliability and my wife wants an SUV for the school run, Ikea trips and the occasional motorway journey. I’d love a Toyota RAV4 but the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross and Vitara are more suited to our £10k budget. What would you go for? Is there anything else we should look at? Many thanks. [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