What has the Honest John team been asked this week?

[Web Version]( | [Update preferences]( | [Unsubscribe]( [Facebook icon]( [Like]( [Twitter icon]( [Tweet]( [Forward icon]( [Forward]( [Should we buy an electric vehicle outright?]( Posted by on 1 March, 2022 We're looking at the MG ZS EV to replace our 2014 Nissan X-Trail. We're not keen on paying interest on a lease when we could afford to buy outright and are happy to keep a vehicle for more than 3 years, as we have done with the X-Trail. I'm not sure if that's sensible with an EV though. What happens with the battery life over time? [Read more →]( [Is tyres cracking on a low mileage car normal?]( Posted by on 1 March, 2022 My two year old Mazda 3 went in for its second-year service recently. On collecting the car from my main dealer nothing faulty was pointed out and I drove the car home. The next day I received a video via email from the dealership and the technician had failed all four tyres for visible cracking in between the treads. The car has only done 8,000 miles from new. I am finding it hard to believe Yokohama tyres should fail with such low mileage and age - is this normal? [Read more →]( [Dealer wants to use second hand parts - what are my rights?]( Posted by on 1 March, 2022 A small second hand car dealer is reluctantly offering to replace (or pay the costs of) a replacement failed diesel injector for a recently purchased older (09 plate) Ford Fiesta. They are openly looking up parts from scrap dealers for used parts, not new parts. Are they legally allowed to do this? In my view the part they replace could just as easily fail soon after it is fitted. [Read more →]( [Is it better to have air conditioning on hot or cold setting?]( Posted by on 28 February, 2022 I am concerned about the advice regarding how long air conditioning needs to be on as I have only put mine on occasionally when on a long downhill runs so that no energy is taken from the motor. If I now put it on more, as advised, does hot or cold give greatest benefit? I've got away with it with two Hondas and a Ford but my Mercedes did give up even after regassing. [Read more →]( [If I cancel my car insurance do I lose my no claims bonus?]( Posted by on 28 February, 2022 We have two cars in the family, I am putting my one off the road on SORN and will cancel the insurance. I have 20+ years no claims at present, will I lose my no claims and have to start again when I put it back on the road? [Read more →]( [Can you recommend a 4x4 company car with good load carrying capacity?]( Posted by on 28 February, 2022 I am looking for a new company vehicle. I work in outdoor events - in the summer I am on green field sites across the country and in the winter I’m doing the meeting rounds with current and prospective clients. So I need something with a reasonably large load carrying capacity and some 4x4 capability to cope with rough tracks, uneven ground and serious mud. In an ideal world I’d like a reasonable fuel consumption. I’d also rather not be crippled by benefit in kind (BIK) tax. The most fit-for-purpose over the last 8 years was a Skoda Octavia Scout. I had a Passat Alltrack for a while which was ok but pricey on BIK. However, jacked up estates seem to be on the way out. I have looked at hybrids but most seem pointless as they have a very limited range on electric, are expensive on fuel, have load space limited by batteries, plus few places I stay have exterior sockets available for charging. I was seriously considering a double cab Mitsubishi or Nissan pick-up but then both pulled out of the UK market. One worry was the security of a hard top as I do carry some reasonably pricey kit around. I guess I’m looking for a workhorse that is reasonably comfortable, enjoyable to drive and doesn’t cost the earth to run. Does such a beast still exist? [Read more →]( [Can you recommend a first car for a teenager?]( Posted by on 28 February, 2022 What are the best first cars for a teenage driver? [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