What has the Honest John team been asked this week?

[Web Version]( | [Update preferences]( | [Unsubscribe]( [Facebook icon]( [Like]( [Twitter icon]( [Tweet]( [Forward icon]( [Forward]( [My friend says the engines in Honda scooters are made in Thailand, is this true?]( Posted by on 7 May, 2021 My friend tells me that the engine in the Honda SH300i scooter is the same as in many other scooters and is made in Taiwan or Korea. It's a general product and not original from Honda, meaning it doesn't have Honda's normal high standard. Is this true? [Read more →]( [Why doesn't everyone use all-season tyres?]( Posted by on 7 May, 2021 Is there a good reason that all drivers shouldn't be using all-season tyres? [Read more →]( [A private road I have right of way on has no obvious speed limit. Should there be speed limit signs on a private road?]( Posted by on 7 May, 2021 I, along with seven other residents, have a right of way by vehicle over a private road that leads onto an A road. The private road has no speed signage etc. The road is owned by a campsite at the end of the road and is used by visiting holidaymakers. Staff at the camp and holidaymakers often drive dangerously and at extreme speeds. Should there be a legal requirement for speed signs to be on this road? Do the residents other than the owner have any rights to stipulate a speed limit on this private road if there is a concern. Thank you. [Read more →]( [I'll need to replace my ageing car before 2030, but should I wait a few years to buy an electric car?]( Posted by on 7 May, 2021 I have an 11-year-old car which I'll probably replace before the end of the decade. There seem to be three possibilities: replace soon with another petrol or diesel car then change after 2030, replace soon with an electric car or run the current car until maintenance costs force a change and then go for electric. My concern is that, at the moment, all manufacturers are very early in the design and life cycles of their electric models so they've still got a long way to go along the learning curve. Do I buy an electric car now or do I wait a few years? [Read more →]( [Can I retrofit a petrol engine into my diesel car to be compliant with the ULEZ?]( Posted by on 7 May, 2021 I'm happy to keep my Freelander 2 TD4 until the end of days. Is there any option, anywhere, of an engine swap to petrol and could it be legally re-registered to cover ULEZ? I daren't even ask about insurance. [Read more →]( [Is a 25-year-old camper van an unwise investment?]( Posted by on 7 May, 2021 My daughter wants to buy a 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle with 97,000 miles. It looks in good condition and has a current MOT. Please advise what we need to check before considering an offer. Many thanks. [Read more →]( [Which small cars have the most comfortable, adjustable seats?]( Posted by on 7 May, 2021 Can you please recommend a Volkswagen Polo sized car with comfortable front seats and a full range of adjustment (lumber and height) on the passenger seat? [Read more →]( [I did a 250-mile, 7-hour trip in my diesel car. How would an electric car have coped?]( Posted by on 7 May, 2021 Last bank holiday Monday, I travelled the 260 miles from Edinburgh to the North Midlands in my diesel Hyundai. I still had enough fuel for another 250 miles, but the journey took seven hours instead of five. It was very wet, windy and cold (4C). As a result, I had the heater, fan, lights and wipers on all the time. I had no worries about completing the journey without refuelling but I did stop at the services to use the toilet facilities. The parking spots were very busy. Had I been using an electric car or were electric cars more popular, I doubt I would have been able to recharge an electric car for some time. This got me to thinking what effect would this have had on the "..up to x miles" that the adverts show for electric cars. I believe the Hyundai Kona has one of the highest a published ranges of up to 300 miles but have also read this has been downgraded due to safety issues. I do not think I would have felt as confident driving home in an electric car in such bad weather. Had the car started to run low, how much notice would I have? Enough to make it safely to the next service area? [Read more →]( [How much does an oil and filter change cost?]( Posted by on 6 May, 2021 What's the standard price for an oil and filter change on a 2009 BMW 318i? [Read more →]( [My tyres are cracked and need replaced at 22,000 miles. Am I owed compensation from the tyre supplier?]( Posted by on 6 May, 2021 I have a three-year-old Volkswagen Tiguan running on 235/55 R18 100V Hankook tyres. I've noticed that after just over 22,000 miles, all four tyres have started to split where the tread meets the sidewall. Surely this can't just be age; there's substantial tread on all tyres and no unevenness of wear. I realise they must be changed but feel someone should contribute towards replacement. Is it the garage that supplied the tyres and service the car or Hankook? [Read more →]( [What's the best way to sell an old Land Rover Defender?]( Posted by on 6 May, 2021 I work for a UK disability charity and we have a 2010 Land Rover Defender 110, which is no longer needed. We want to sell it but need advice as to the likely value and the best place to sell. It’s done 34,000 miles. Any advice etc greatly appreciated. [Read more →]( [What hybrid crossover should I buy?]( Posted by on 6 May, 2021 I’m considering changing my Toyota Yaris hybrid and have identified two possible alternatives: the Ford Puma hybrid automatic or the Yaris Cross hybrid automatic. I’d appreciate your advice. Many thanks in anticipation. [Read more →]( [What's the most reliable used SUV?]( Posted by on 6 May, 2021 My parents are looking to replace their trusty 2006 Skoda Octavia Estate with a used SUV. They have around £16,000 (less is better) to spend. They need a high seating position but also something shorter than their current car. Reliability is essential. What would you recommend, please? [Read more →]( [We're hiring a car soon. What should we know beforehand?]( Posted by on 5 May, 2021 We are hoping, if restrictions allow, to finally enjoy a holiday to Spain this August, which was postponed from last year. We plan to hire a car, probably something Fiat 500-sized, for the 8 days we are there. What should we do about insurance? They seem to be offering a comprehensive cover but should we take it or buy it separately? Is there anything else we should know? Thanks! [Read more →]( [I have an old classic. How's best to sell it?]( Posted by on 5 May, 2021 I have a 1998 Mercedes SLK with 97,000 miles. It's MOT'd until August but has a dodgy sunroof that we no longer need. Could you advise on how best to sell it? Should I get the roof fixed and tart up the paintwork? The interior is okay but scuffed and marked as you would expect. Is eBay sensible or is there a better option? Any advice would be gratefully received. [Read more →]( [I'm taking my car off road for 6 months. Do you have any storage/maintenance tips?]( Posted by on 4 May, 2021 I have to take my 2018 Volkswagen Polo (petrol) off the road for 6-months minimum. I have read about battery trickle chargers and wonder what type I should purchase. Also, should I take any other action on the car when it is garaged? [Read more →]( [How can I secure my car's catalytic converter from theft and is it likely to be stolen?]( Posted by on 4 May, 2021 Like many people, I am alarmed by the rising number of catalytic converter thefts and the cost of replacement with having to pay the excess on any insurance if this were to happen to me. I have a 2013 Toyota Aygo. How can I secure the catalytic converter from theft and is it likely to be stolen? [Read more →]( [What's the most comfortable, economical commuter car for a tall driver?]( Posted by on 4 May, 2021 I'm looking for a comfortable, reliable, economical commuter car to cover 25,000 miles per year. I currently own a 2009 Citroen C5 2.0-litre auto diesel. This gives me 35-40mpg so not great! But I'm 6'4'' and find it very comfortable. Recent cambelt change but now suffering ongoing electrical issues. I need something reliable so looking to change. I'm keen on an auto with a budget of £10-12k. I have looked at your answers to similar questions and a Honda Civic could be a good bet, but there don't seem to be many autos about. Hyundai i30 perhaps a bit small. I was also looking at the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai for the taller seating position. Many thanks. [Read more →]( [What is the best crossover or SUV with an automatic gearbox?]( Posted by on 4 May, 2021 What's the best automatic SUV? [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