What has the Honest John team been asked this week?

[Web Version]( | [Update preferences]( | [Unsubscribe]( [Facebook icon]( [Like]( [Twitter icon]( [Tweet]( [Forward icon]( [Forward]( [When should I change timing belt/chain?]( Posted by on 29 January, 2022 Is there a recommended point for changing the timing chain on the Skoda Fabia 1.2 petrol engine 2013 or should it last for life? [Read more →]( [Can you recommend a small, comfortable car?]( Posted by on 27 January, 2022 I currently have a Mercedes-Benz C180 coupe. It is a very pleasant car to drive - albeit expensive if it has a fault. I am expecting to move near to family and will have a small off road parking space - about 4 metres in length max. I am a fan of MINIs, although that is not my only consideration. I want something that has a comfortable ride, great seats, quiet and cheap/reliable to run. Speed is not of importance. I like well designed, interesting interiors. Can you recommend a suitable MINI or maybe something else? I would prefer not to spend more than about £8,000-9,000 which is about the value of my Mercedes. [Read more →]( [Which estate car or SUV should I buy for under £20,000?]( Posted by on 27 January, 2022 Which sporty (200+ bhp) estate car or SUV should I buy with large boot and a £15,000-£20,000 budget? I currently have a 45-50-mile daily commute and holiday a lot in the UK. Ideally, I would like a petrol but wonder if diesel is more suited. I have considered the BMW 5 series and X3, Skoda Superb saloon/estate or a Volkswagen Golf R estate. What would you recommend - any of these or something else? [Read more →]( [Do Mazda 3s have battery problems?]( Posted by on 25 January, 2022 Do new Mazda 3s suffer from battery problems? We went for a test drive today and the salesperson had to charge the battery before the car would start. This seemed to be a regular occurrence!. [Read more →]( [Changing my Motability car - what should I buy?]( Posted by on 25 January, 2022 I’ve extended my Motability contract for my Audi Q2 for up to two years due to the long waiting list for a replacement. However, I was shocked at the vast increase in the initial payment, up from £1,399 to £3,775 for the same model. I have had Audis since 1992 and I am reluctant to change but finances are likely to make me change. I need to have an automatic and would like comfort, reliability, good fuel consumption and good spec. Not much I know. About £2,500 would be my top figure for a replacement. [Read more →]( [What is the maximum towing weight for the Vauxhall Mokka?]( Posted by on 25 January, 2022 I have a 2015 Vauxhall Mokka CDTI eco, what is the maximum braked trailer weight it can tow? [Read more →]( [Why do you advise against left foot braking?]( Posted by on 24 January, 2022 You recently advised against left foot braking, I completely disagree. I am a qualified advanced driver with over 50 years experience and I use left foot braking. The left foot is dedicated to the brake pedal and can braking can be executed much faster than having to lift off the throttle and transfer the right foot to the brake. Furthermore in certain circumstances I use the both feet at the same time, enabling a smooth transition from acceleration to braking. Learnt properly and safely this is a useful technique. Once the brain has fully adapted, emergency braking is much faster. [Read more →]( [Which SUV or small estate should I buy?]( Posted by on 24 January, 2022 I'm looking to buy a new SUV or small estate that has a flat boot without a lip, with fold-flat rear seats, preferably not a hatchback i.e. the rear door opens like the other car doors. Is there a car like that out there? [Read more →]( [Which small car do you recommend for £6,000?]( Posted by on 24 January, 2022 My son is looking to buy a good reliable cheap to run car. He has £6,000 to spend. What would you recommend? [Read more →]( [Which SUVs have an electronic oil level?]( Posted by on 24 January, 2022 I'm looking for hybrid SUV with electronic oil level. I was thinking about 2021 Hyundai Tucson or 2022 Kia Sportage but don’t think these come with such devices fitted. [Read more →]( [Should we buy a new Hyundai i10 automatic?]( Posted by on 24 January, 2022 Until 12 months ago my wife very happily ran a Hyundai i10 1.2 Premium automatic. We decided to change and bought a Kia Picanto automatic which was only available with a 1.0 litre 3 cylinder engine. We quickly found that this was no match for the previous i10. We are on the verge of ordering the new Hyundai i10 Premium automatic but on research the new model is not the same engine and gearbox as previously. Currently reading some not very complimentary opinions about the new set up. Can you please advise as I don't want to jump from the frying pan into the fire? [Read more →]( [Should I buy a Land Rover Freelander 1?]( Posted by on 24 January, 2022 I have a hankering to buy a great three door example of the Land Rover Freelander Series 1 facelift 2005-2007, highest spec possible and lowest mileage available. I brought a brand new one in 2000 and loved it. I am now retiring so have time for repairs etc and my mileage will be low. Am I mad? [Read more →]( [Good value petrol all-wheel drive SUV - what should I buy?]( Posted by on 24 January, 2022 I want to buy an automatic petrol SUV all-wheel drive for my daughter and two small children and a very large dog. I hope to do this for under £20,000. What would you recommend in terms of reliability and value for money? [Read more →]( [Looking for a quiet car with a big boot for £30,000 - what do you recommend?]( Posted by on 24 January, 2022 I need a quiet, refined car with a big boot (600 litres) which is fun to drive and has good visibility. I currently run a top of the range Seat Leon which is much fun but has awful tyre noise despite choosing the quietest tyres and fitting extra sound deadening. I'm looking for something around three years old at around £30,000. What do you suggest? Jaguar F-Pace? [Read more →]( [Can I use a three-pin plug to charge the Skoda Superb iV?]( Posted by on 24 January, 2022 I'm thinking of buying a Skoda Superb iV plug-in hybrid. Does it need a special charger or is it a normal three-pin plug ? [Read more →]( [Should I get a manufacturer extended warranty?]( Posted by on 24 January, 2022 I bought my Renault Trafic Sport from new in 2019, with a three-year business + warranty , meaning they keep me on the road if something was to go wrong. I have been quoted £720 by my local dealer with the need to join RAC or AA for recovery for around another £160 (their quote) for a two-year extension. The van 28,000 miles on the clock. What are your thoughts and suggestions? [Read more →]( [Unable to MoT my car, what should I do?]( Posted by on 24 January, 2022 My MoT will expire in a month but I am outside the UK and unable to return in time. The car is parked in a private garage and insured and taxed. Do I need to declare it SORN or can I leave it as is until I am able to return and book the MoT? It is not being driven by anyone and remains off the public road. I am just concerned that in the event it were to be damaged in the garage (or there was a fire, for example) the insurance might not be valid after the MoT expiry. [Read more →]( [Car parked up for several months, what should I do?]( Posted by on 24 January, 2022 My car has been laid up on the drive for three months because I have been in hospital. I have now been discharged but am not allowed to drive. We are heading for the worst weather of the winter, probably, and the car will stand where it is for an unknown period of time, possibly a further three months. Would it be better to sell the car now and aim to get another when I am cleared to drive again, or should I let it stand for, say six months and deal with any deterioration when I can get it back in use? [Read more →]( [Can I reject my faulty motorhome?]( Posted by on 24 January, 2022 I bought a brand new motorhome in November 2021 and on collection it started developing faults, mainly electrical. It's on its third battery. I've returned it but they have still not fixed it. Can I now reject it for a full refund as not fit for purpose? I have not been able to use the motorhome since collecting it from the dealer. [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