What has the Honest John team been asked this week?

[Web Version]( | [Update preferences]( | [Unsubscribe]( [Facebook icon]( [Like]( [Twitter icon]( [Tweet]( [Forward icon]( [Forward]( [Mercedes-Benz GLA new car order - can I get my deposit back?]( Posted by on 25 February, 2022 In early December I ordered a Mercedes GLA. I have still not been given a build date and have read stories of 40+ week waits for some customers. I’m happy to sit tight for now but at what point can I say enough is enough and get my deposit returned? [Read more →]( [When can I renew an over-70s medical driving licence?]( Posted by on 25 February, 2022 How soon before expiry can I apply to renew a three year medical driving licence? [Read more →]( [How do I renew an old style paper licence at 70?]( Posted by on 25 February, 2022 I still have the old style paper licence that expires next year. I have checked the DVLA website to see what I have to do to renew it next year and it's unclear exactly what I have to do. It doesn't indicate whether I have to change to a photo licence or not, whether I can just renew it online and keep the old paper licence or whether I have to do it by post. I have read all sorts of info online saying I need a biometric passport, which I have, but I have no idea why I need it renew my licence. [Read more →]( [When should I renew my over 70s licence given the DVLA backlog?]( Posted by on 25 February, 2022 Being well over 70 years of age I need to renew my 3 year licence again next July. In order to have this processed in time should I apply now, given the DVLA backlog? What is the situation if because of DVLA strikes etc. they fail to renew my licence on time? I have trips planned and living in the country means a car is essential. [Read more →]( [Should you switch the air conditioning off in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)?]( Posted by on 25 February, 2022 You recently advised to keep air con on at all times to avoid damage to seals and gas escape etc. I have a Kia XCeed plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and there is widespread advice on PHEVs not to use the heating and air con systems, but to use heated seats to keep the internal combustion engine from firing up when running as electric on short trips. How often should I run the air conditioning to keep the seals OK? I usually have to run it in winter for a bit anyway on most trips to clear the windscreen, but I use the maximum demist setting for a short period and then turn the system off again. [Read more →]( [Can you recommend a quiet and comfortable car?]( Posted by on 24 February, 2022 I am looking for a quiet and comfortable ride on motorways (my 2014 Evoque is not quite quiet and comfortable enough). Would an Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series be better ? Also, the Mercedes A250 came out 3 years back, so with new orders approaching a year delay - any advice when its replacement model may arrive? thanks in advance. hazel kay [Read more →]( [Should I buy as Audi A4 Avant or a Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer?]( Posted by on 24 February, 2022 I am going to be in the market for an estate car in the next few months and have been looking at the Audi A4 Avant 1.4 TFSI and the higher trim Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer from 2017 onwards with the 1.5-litre petrol engine. Would you lean more towards one or the other or are there any others worth considering? I don't think we will be doing enough miles to make a diesel worthwhile. [Read more →]( [What do you recommend as a first car?]( Posted by on 24 February, 2022 What is the best first car? [Read more →]( [Which 4x4 do you recommend for towing and general farm work?]( Posted by on 24 February, 2022 We're looking for a vehicle with tolerable road driveability and 4x4 capability for light towing and lugging across our fields and general farm work. I guess it's about an 75/25 mix. Use would be light and intermittent. Assuming that the battery is kept topped up, what fuel would be best for starting after periods of garaging? Consumption isn't a factor. The young'n has got his heart set on a Defender since they appear to be appreciating in value, but I am trying to steer him towards a Suzuki Jimny, a Mitsubishi Shogun or a Nissan Navara. Budget up to £10,000 but preferably half that! Any ideas? [Read more →]( [What are the rules on stopping in an advanced stop line box?]( Posted by on 23 February, 2022 Is it an offence to stop in an advanced stop line box? If it is, how is it enforceable i.e. by camera or police whilst you are stationary in the 'box'? [Read more →]( [How are non-drivers being made aware of the new Highway Code rules?]( Posted by on 23 February, 2022 Regarding the newly update Highway Code rules for pedestrians crossing at junctions, when turning in to a side road I have noticed an unwillingness of pedestrians to cross when I slow down or stop for them. This is leading to angry drivers behind me and a genuine fear of being rear ended. I realise it is the responsibility of the driver behind to allow enough space to break and avoid a collision but that is no comfort when my car is in the garage being repaired. I have made myself familiar with the new regulations in the Highway Code, as I am sure a lot of drivers have, but where are non-drivers expected to be notified of the new rules? If they aren't aware of the rules this just won't work. I realise there is a lot of coverage in the media but kids and teenagers aren't reading newspapers or watching the news. [Read more →]( [Highway Code changes - who has priority at roundabouts?]( Posted by on 23 February, 2022 Following introduction of new pedestrian priority at junctions, does this rule also apply when leaving or joining a roundabout? [Read more →]( [Does the Peugeot Boxer have a timing chain or cam belt?]( Posted by on 23 February, 2022 I have two Peugeot Boxers, both 1998cc, 2016 & 2017. Do they have a timing chain or cam belt? I understand that if they have a timing chain, that as long as they are regularly serviced, the chain should last a lifetime. [Read more →]( [How do I renew my expired driving licence?]( Posted by on 23 February, 2022 My UK driving licence expired 6 years ago when I reached my 70th birthday. As I was living abroad at the time I was not able to renew. I am now back in the UK so how do I renew my licence? [Read more →]( [Do I need to renew my driving licence when I turn 70?]( Posted by on 22 February, 2022 My driving licence was issued in November 2021 and is valid until November 2024. I turn 70 before the expiry date. Do I have to renew my licence when I turn 70? [Read more →]( [Can you recommend an SUV automatic?]( Posted by on 22 February, 2022 I had two diesel powered Mazda CX-5 automatics which were great but since switching to the petrol version I find it underpowered as it cannot maintain its speed on hills when loaded with luggage. Could you recommend a similar sized petrol automatic SUV with a bit more oomph? [Read more →]( [Mazda CX-3 blocked heater matrix - will my warranty cover it?]( Posted by on 22 February, 2022 I have a Mazda CX-3, which I bought from new from a Mazda dealer. It has a full service history and 14,500 miles. As of the past few months the air conditioning is weak, and provides only lukewarm air. And the cold air is not really cold. The Mazda dealer has inspected it and they tell me the heat matrix (heat core) is blocked, and will need a flush at £590 labour (including VAT). They have also told me that this procedure might not be enough to solve the issue as the heat matrix might be blocked, in which case they will need to install a replacement heat matrix at £750 labour + approx £260 parts. I have an extended Mazda warranty, but apparently this will not cover any of these costs. It seems crazy to me that I am facing a bill of anything from £590 to £1,600 to fix an air-con malfunction in a relatively young car. [Read more →]( [Car refuelling problem - what is the cause?]( Posted by on 22 February, 2022 Every time I fill my car up with fuel it throws up the neck even though I fuel up slowly. Any ideas? [Read more →]( [How can I clean windscreen wiper marks?]( Posted by on 21 February, 2022 What can I use to get rid of the marks from wipers on a windscreen? They are not deep but they are visible and I don't want to use the drill. I tried with Autoglym polish but it's not working? [Read more →]( [Can we repair a large windscreen scratch?]( Posted by on 21 February, 2022 The car I’m buying has a large (the size of a tennis ball) circular scratch on the windscreen. Is there anyway we could get rid of it? [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