What has the Honest John team been asked this week?

[Web Version]( | [Update preferences]( | [Unsubscribe]( [Facebook icon]( [Like]( [Twitter icon]( [Tweet]( [Forward icon]( [Forward]( [Buying a reliable auto - Ford Fiesta or Kia Picanto?]( Posted by on 13 January, 2023 I am choosing between a Ford Fiesta 1.0-litre Powershift or a Kia Picanto auto for my daughter's first car (she has to have an auto). Both cars were built in 2016 and are similar in price and condition. Do you have any advice on which car is best for relaiblity? [Read more →]( [Will my car's infotainment system still work if I refuse the software update?]( Posted by on 13 January, 2023 I have been quoted a high fee for an infotainment software subscription on my Dacia Sandero. Will the system and reversing camera still work if I refuse the update? [Read more →]( [What is the best used diesel hatchback for under £9,000?]( Posted by on 13 January, 2023 I am looking to upgrade to a newer diesel hatchback. I have up to £9,000 to spend and have singled out the Toyota Auris 1.6, Vauxhall Astra 1.6 and Volkswagen Golf 1.6 (all diesel). The Auris is my number one choice as reliability is crucial to me but unfortunately 1.6 models are rare. For my budget, I can get a 2017 Astra or a 2014 Golf, is one more reliable than the other? Can you recommend anything else within my budget? [Read more →]( [Which seven-seater is best for space and comfort?]( Posted by on 12 January, 2023 Which of the following has the roomiest rear seats (in a seven-seater): BMW Series 2 Gran Tourer, Ford Grand C-MAX, or Vauxhall Zafira? [Read more →]( [What does Cat S mean?]( Posted by on 12 January, 2023 What does Cat S mean? [Read more →]( [What is the best SUV for transporting two large dogs?]( Posted by on 12 January, 2023 I currently have a Mercedes-Benz GLA, which I love no longer accommodates my needs. I'm now looking for an SUV with a large boot to fit my two large dogs in. It needs to have a good MPG (as far as SUVs go) and be petrol. I have a budget of £15,000. Do you have any recommendations? [Read more →]( [When should I change the cam belt on my Volvo S80?]( Posted by on 12 January, 2023 What is the cam belt change interval on a 2016 Volvo S80 2.0 diesel? My local Volvo dealer is advising to replace the cam belt at 90,000 miles, is this correct? [Read more →]( [How much is a typical service for a Hyundai Getz?]( Posted by on 12 January, 2023 How much is a typical service for a Hyundai Getz? [Read more →]( [Damage caused to vehicle by a bin in high winds - who should pay?]( Posted by on 12 January, 2023 My car has recently been struck by a bin. It was left at the roadside and was blown into the path of my car in high winds. It has caused severe damage to the front of my car. Cracking the bumper, grille front parking sensors and radar sensor. Can I approach the homeowner and ask them to pay for the damage? [Read more →]( [Dealer won't give me the V5C for my new car, what should I do?]( Posted by on 11 January, 2023 I have bought a pre-registered car but the dealership wants to remain the registered keeper for three months. What's in it for the dealership? Should I insist on being the registered keeper? [Read more →]( [When should I service my Peugeot 308 SW?]( Posted by on 10 January, 2023 I have a 2017 Peugeot 308 SW. How often does it require a service? [Read more →]( [How can I trace the owner of my old Volvo P1800?]( Posted by on 10 January, 2023 Between 1986 and 1993, I owned a Volvo P1800. When selling the vehicle, I retained the original registration. I now no longer have use for the number and would like to see it restored to its proper place on the Volvo. Is there any way of finding the current owner to see if they might be interested in obtaining the original number? [Read more →]( [Why has my local garage inflated its tyre prices?]( Posted by on 10 January, 2023 Last week I took my 2013 BMW 328i into my local garage (which is part of a national chain) for an MOT and service. My car failed the MoT because two runflat tyres had some damage that I was unaware of. I was quoted over £470 to replace the pair. After doing some online research I found the same tyres being advertised on the company's website for £170 less. I challenged the garage on their quoted price and was told that "it was company policy to provide the higher shop retail price". I then ordered the tyres online and had them fitted by the same garage the following day. What do you think of this behaviour? [Read more →]( [How can I fix a fault boot strut?]( Posted by on 10 January, 2023 The boot lid on my 2011 Hyundai won't stay in the raised position. I suspect the hydraulic struts need replacing. Is this a job I can do myself or should I take it to a garage? [Read more →]( [Toyota Yaris Cross - when should I use regenerative braking?]( Posted by on 10 January, 2023 The handbook for my Toyota Yaris Cross advises only using regenerative braking when on a long descent. Does that mean I shouldn't use B mode all of the time? If so, why? [Read more →]( [What's the best seven-seater with a large boot for £10,000?]( Posted by on 10 January, 2023 I want to buy a seven-seater car with a large boot. I have a budget of £10,000 but would like to spend less (if possible). I have shortlisted the Ford S-MAX, Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe. What car would you recommend? [Read more →]( [Should I swap my Kia Sportage for a Dacia Duster?]( Posted by on 10 January, 2023 I own a Kia Sportage, which is reliable but expensive to insure and service. I am considering a near-new Dacia Duster as a swap, would this be a good replacement? Does the Duster have Emergency Brake Assist? [Read more →]( [Should I buy a Dacia Sandero Bi-Fuel LPG car?]( Posted by on 10 January, 2023 What, if any, are the cons of buying a Dacia Sandero LPG? [Read more →]( [Can you recommend a car for an older passenger with arthritis?]( Posted by on 10 January, 2023 My husband has arthritis and early Parkinsons, so we need to move from a low convertible to a sensible and safe car with comfort features. We need high adjustable seats, an automatic gearbox, petrol and or hybrid engine and good visibility. The car must be economical, low tax, with safety driving features, park assist, four-doors, five seats and ideally a hatchback. Can you recommend a car for us that meets our needs? [Read more →]( [Can I remove my car's daytime running lights?]( Posted by on 10 January, 2023 The LED daytime running light (DRL) on the offside of my i10 is broken. Can I switch them off or remove them? My local Hyundai dealer said the part is a staggering £377. They will have to remove the front bumper to access it which is adding to the cost. I am tempted to just ask them to disconnect the nearside one and drive without DLRs. Can I legally do this? [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