What has Honest John been asked this week?

[Web Version]( | [Update preferences]( | [Unsubscribe]( [Facebook icon]( [Like]( [Twitter icon]( [Tweet]( [Forward icon]( [Forward]( [Will the emissions fix undo my Audi remap?]( Posted by on 17 March, 2017 My diesel Audi 2.0-litre has been remapped. Will the emissions fix undo my remap, thus meaning I will have to pay to get it done again? [Read more →]( [How much would an Austin A90 Atlantic, in need of much repair work, be worth?]( Posted by on 17 March, 2017 I am the daughter-in-law and also executor of a man that passed away in November last year. He has on his lawn an Austin A90 Atlantic which is very much in bad repair and will need an awful lot of restoration. People keep asking to purchase it from us, but we are totally stumped as to what it's actually worth in the state it's in. It still has the original headlamps but, as a recent man who asked to buy it stated, he was not sure if it could even be restored with the state it was in. Could you please tell me what price I should be looking at realistically for it? [Read more →]( [My husband may get a driving ban - can I insure myself on a car that's in his name?]( Posted by on 17 March, 2017 My husband and I are named drivers on each other's insurance policies. My husband may get a driving ban, what do we need to do about the policies? I can take him off mine but the other car is in his name. Can I insure that myself? [Read more →]( [Why does my diesel Volkswagen Golf engine cut out and restart when I slow down?]( Posted by on 17 March, 2017 I bought a brand new diesel Volkswagen Golf in January. There was a series of minor problems at first; tyres at the wrong pressure, pulling left, a burning smell next to the front passenger wheel arch, the motion sensor switch hanging out the wall and it using a lot of fuel. The thing that scared me most is the engine, while slowing down, cuts out and restarts itself. The garage can't find a fault and aren't happy that I've rejected the car. I have driven Golf models for a very long time and they've all driven well except this one. [Read more →]( [My 2009 Mazda CX-7 has covered 60,000 miles - am I likely to run into issues with the timing chain?]( Posted by on 17 March, 2017 I've just discovered that the 2009 Mazda CX-7 I've owned for over 6 years has a timing chain rather than cam belt. It's covered 60,000 miles and I'm now worried that issues with the chain, the VVT or turbo are highly likely. Is it possible to check the state of my engine or is it time to sell? [Read more →]( [Can I claim against a dealer who says my burnt out clutch is wear and tear?]( Posted by on 17 March, 2017 In April 2016 I bought a 2014 Vauxhall Zafira Tourer with 9500 miles on it. Now, just 11 months and 6000 miles later, the clutch has burnt out. The car is still under the manufacturer's warranty but the garage is telling me it won't be covered because it is wear and tear. Do I have any hope of redress? [Read more →]( [Should I replace my 2014 diesel Fiat 500 in a couple of years to avoid major expenses?]( Posted by on 17 March, 2017 I have a 2014 diesel Fiat 500 1.3 .I purchased it with 35,000 miles on the clock and have now covered 48,000 miles. At what mileage would it be advisable to commence routine work or risk major diesel related expenses. Would it be better to replace the car in two years time? [Read more →]( [Our timing belt broke after only seven months - is it the the fault of the dealer who fitted it?]( Posted by on 17 March, 2017 I bought a ten year old Ford Ranger from a dealer seven months ago, with a three month warranty. The timing belt went last week and the dealer's own mechanic fitted a new one just before we bought it. Our local garage says the belt is badly worn, either faulty from manufacturer or badly fitted. The dealer asked us to send pictures of the belt and then to send him the belt, which he now has. He's saying faulty belt (well, he would) but who pays for the damage? The belt should have a 12 month guarantee on it (according to our garage). Should we chase the dealer or the manufacturer? We're waiting for our mechanic to fit a new belt and to see if any more damage was done. We need the vehicle running ASAP as it's used daily for work. [Read more →]( [Should I get a Mazda 3 or a Honda Civic for a reliable auto?]( Posted by on 17 March, 2017 I'm looking for a reliable torque converter hatchback, must be a petrol automatic. I've narrowed it down to either a Mazda 3 2.0 (2014 -) or a Honda Civic 1.8 (2012 -). Can you help me decide which to go for? [Read more →]( [Can I be forced to pay a fine on a car I've never owned?]( Posted by on 17 March, 2017 I've received a letter from a collection company saying I didn't attend court in a different county regarding a car I've never owned. They sent letters to my old address so I wasn't aware of this. I called to explain this mistake and they said I must pay £630 then can appeal afterwards, but if I don't pay then the bailiffs will come drill my locks and take £630 value of goods and the fine will increase. I've contacted Citizens Advice and they said I must pay it. Is this correct? Why should I pay something that has nothing to do with me just to claim it back later? [Read more →]( [What are the pros and cons of leasing versus buying a new car?]( Posted by on 17 March, 2017 What are the pros and cons of leasing versus buying a new car? [Read more →]( [Should I buy my new SEAT Ateca through a broker who can negotiate a discount?]( Posted by on 17 March, 2017 After having diesels for over thirty years, I'm now due for a new car which will be a petrol. My annual mileage is 10,000 and I think the Seat Ateca should fulfil our needs and we will go for the 1.4 Xcellence. If I chose the DSG version, would the latest wet clutch models be more reliable than previously? Is it a good idea to buy through agents who will ensure a discounted price and, if so, who would you advise? [Read more →]( [What new, small hybrid should I get to replace my Toyota Yaris?]( Posted by on 17 March, 2017 I only do up to 2000 miles a year. A hybrid seems like a good option but I don't think I'll make it before April - am I right that then the road tax exemption ends? I want reliability and am petite so adjustments are needed to the driving position usually. I have a 2001 Toyota Yaris at the moment that has been good to me, just battery and suspension problems really in the past but I would like a tiny bit more oomph in the engine. I have wondered about the Yaris and Lexus hybrids. I was also wondering if the new MINI Countryman would be okay for me? Or would I find it too big compared to my current Yaris GLS 1.3? [Read more →]( [I'm six foot four - will I need the panoramic roof on the Range Rover Evoque for more headroom?]( Posted by on 17 March, 2017 I'd like to buy a nearly new Range Rover Evoque. My budget is £30,000 and we would ideally like four wheel drive. What is the best spec? We heard from a friend that the panoramic roof is essential to give you more headroom, is that right? I'm six foot four. [Read more →]( [Why is the Vauxhall Calibra not recognised as a great classic car?]( Posted by on 16 March, 2017 The Vauxhall Calibra numbers that are left is alarming, why is such a great classic not recognised as such by most people? It's 27 years now since the launch, which made a very big impact to the motoring world at the time. It won major motor sport events, the first to offer a six speed gearbox (transverse engine). Eliminated turbo lag, first in it's class for space, performance and economy. They held a record for 10 years (lowest drag in the world) and it was one of the very first to be fitted with many safety features like ABS. [Read more →]( [Is a 1989 Toyota Corolla a classic?]( Posted by on 16 March, 2017 Is a 1989 Corolla a classic? [Read more →]( [Is a loss of power in my Audi A3 a symptom of the emissions fix?]( Posted by on 15 March, 2017 Since my Audi A3 had it's emissions fix it has had problems with the engine management system light flashing intermittently and the engine losing power. I've taken it to the Audi garage today and they're charging me £90 diagnostic fee, but having read your website I think it's likely to be a fault caused by the emissions fix. [Read more →]( [Is it normal to pay high prices for an oil change at a main dealer?]( Posted by on 15 March, 2017 I was charged £52.80 for four litres of oil by a Suzuki dealer as part of the first year service of my Vitara. This seems excessive to me, bearing in mind that I can buy the same grade oil for £3 per litre in a local shop. Is there any reason for this, for example, is the dealer tied to using Suzuki's own brand expensive oil? Do you agree that it is too much or is it par for the course for main dealer service? [Read more →]( [What size wheels do you recommend to improve ride comfort and handling on my Ford Focus 2.0?]( Posted by on 15 March, 2017 My 2009 Ford Focus 2.0 Titanium petrol automatic (purchased late last year) is shod with 18-inch alloys with 225/40 R18 Wanli Snowgrip winter tyres. The alloys have been comprehensively curbed by the previous owner and the ride is rather harsh. To address both condition and comfort, rather than refurbish the alloys I'm considering keeping the existing alloys and tyres for the depths of winter only, and purchasing new alloys/tyres of a reduced rim size. The manual lists 195/65 R15, 205/55 R16 and 205/50 R17 alternative sizes. Would I notice much improvement in ride comfort with 17-inch rims? I'm inclined to go for 16-inch over 15-inch to retain a reasonable amount of handling feel. Which would you advise? [Read more →]( [Can not driving a car enough cause brake pad and rotor issues?]( Posted by on 15 March, 2017 My five year old Mercedes-Benz E550 has done 17,000 miles and has had the brake pads replaced and now the rotors. Apparently the reason for the rotor failure was that I drove too little. My wife had a Mercedes-Benz SUV for four years with 16,000 miles and no brake issues. I had an Infiniti GS35 for nine years with 30,000 miles, no brake issues. Is driving too little really an acceptable excuse for poor quality? 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