Questions from November 2020
The tyres fitted to my daughter's Freelander 2 need replacing. She lives in the sticks and needs a good all-round tyre. We do get snow in our part of the world. Recommendations, please? Thank you and regards.
I would like a spare key for my 2008 BMW 1 Series. Is this possible?
When is the renewal date for my car tax?
Is this new 2030 ruling for the UK only? If so, what is the rest of the world doing on this? Also, as the majority of our cars are now made outside of our country are we going to have a problem with supplies...
What are the best small and medium-sized hybrid cars?
You recommend Michelin CrossClimate+ but they're not available in my tyre size. Are Cross Climate SUVs just as good or would Continental AllSeasonContact be a better all-season tyre?
I’ve just bought a 2010 Ford Kuga diesel with the PowerShift automatic gearbox. There is a rumbling noise coming from the centre near the gearbox transfer box like a wheel bearing noise. The gearbox Is...
Which would be most appropriate for everyday use, a second-hand Golf GTI or a used Golf R?
My husband has a 2017 Ford Kuga automatic with i-stop but won't be able to drive it for 6 months. How far do I need to drive it to charge its battery? Which battery charger/conditioner would you recommend?
Having had my 2004 SEAT Leon Cupra diesel for over 10 years and hitting just under 200,000 miles, I find myself at the stage where the engine requires replacing. It's beyond economic repair so I need to...
The radio in my 2016 Renault Master turns itself off after 30 minutes for no reason. Can you tell me why this is happening?
I recently left the engine running when I parked my van in a private car park at Tesco to go to the cashpoint. A police officer asked if it was my vehicle. I said yes and said I was going to the cashpoint....
If my car with a valuable personalised numberplate is stolen, am I able to retain title to the personalised registration number? If not, do I need to take out separate insurance?
My partner is looking for a vehicle that is capable of towing 3.5 tonnes (horsebox and horses). Ideally, an automatic that costs less than £15,000 to buy (not a Land Rover Discovery after numerous issues...
I've test-driven a hard-top Mazda MX-5 and really liked it. The plan was to buy a soft-top but the dealer only had a hardtop to test drive. On the basis that this is only being driven for fun, mainly with...
I sold my car last week and my policy has three weeks left to run. Upon calling the insurer tor cancellation, I was told they would not reimburse the three weeks left on the policy and are instead saying...
Do any petrol/electric hybrids support driving on electricity if the engine fails, and/or using only the engine if the battery/motor has a fault? Or do they all become unusable if there is a fault in...
Your review of the Volkswagen Polo identifies a past issue with the centre seatbelt: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/volkswagen/polo-vi-2017/ Has this problem been resolved? Is it safe to buy a...
Is the Volkswagen e-Golf the best value, used electric car?
I need to replace the front tyres on my car. Should I replace all four with Michelin’s Cross Climate or just replace the front two with standard tyres? If the latter, what would you recommend?
I'm currently looking for a van to convert into a camper. It will be my first time doing woodwork, electrics etc so it will likely serve as a bit of a learning experience. I'll look to make use of the...
Are extended warranties worth the money?
I have a 2015 BMW 1 Series that needs all four tyres replacing. I'm unable to find a particular make/model on the internet that stands out. Can you help? Currently, I have Bridgestone Potenza that seem...
We're trying to choose a reliable, used, automatic, five-seater SUV or estate for £12-16k. It can't be diesel and needs to be able to manage a family of 5 on motorway trips (so boot needs to be at least...
What's the best year model for a diesel manual Land Rover Freelander 2? Which engine to choose, too, please?
Has Volkswagen Group sorted out their 1.5 petrol engine issues?
My son's MoT was due to expire on 20 November with the Covid-19 extension. He took his car in early, on 2 November, and it failed. Straight away, the 20th date was cancelled and it was flagged up on 5...
If I have my engine remapped, do I have to inform my insurance company? Will it affect my insurance?
My car passed its MOT with its front registration plate fixed to my car's bonnet with gaffer tape. I'd been waiting at the time for the proper plate holder to be sent out to me before it could be fixed...
A car was gifted to me in a will, but I don't want it so it's being sold when acquired. Can I drive it on trade plates when uninsured and SORN'd, please?
I'm looking to change my current car after the winter for a small SUV. I have back and left knee ligament trouble so an auto box is preferable. I'd be looking at something like a Vauxhall Mokka, Peugeot...
What's the best current or nearly-new small, automatic, petrol MPV with a flat load bed that would be easy to load bikes or a dog?
The engine in my Fiat Doblo van has broken down and the local garage that I trust has told me it needs replacing. I will do this with a reconditioned unit. Obviously the replacement unit will have a different...
I was travelling down the M1 on at 70MPH and, as I reached a gantry, the speed limit signs flashed up 50MPH. I started to brake, but on the other side of the gantry was a speed camera, which promptly flashed...
I've just bought an automatic car and now I find out they're easier to steal than a manual. I don't have a garage or a driveway, how can I make my car more secure?
Due to a painful left knee, I need an automatic car. I currently drive a Kia Venga and I like the high driving position, although my husband says it’s too harsh over bumps, potholes etc. Can you suggest...
As a Spanish resident, I must exchange my UK driving licence for a Spanish one since, whilst in the EU, I can only have a licence from one country. After 1 January 2021, when we have completely left the...
Having read some of the answers in regards to the renewal of my driving licence, I'm still unsure if I have an automatic extension or not. I turned 70 three years ago and need to renew for the first week...
My normal commute is less than 10 miles to work so I use a petrol car, but I was thinking about getting a caravan. The caravan I like is 1700kg. Is there a suitable petrol car that will pull it? My budget...
The back seat in my 2015 Volkswagen Golf is wet and there's water in the boot under the spare wheel. The first time I thought I must have left a window open, but now it's happened again. Puzzled as to...
Are high mileage cars good value?
I’m recently bereaved and I find I’ve got two cars, a 2017 MINI Clubman and a 2016 Audi Q3. I don’t need both cars and I could buy an all-electric car/SUV with a 250-mile range. I’m prepared to put £10,000...
The passenger door wing mirror on my 2017 SEAT Ateca needs replacing. I've been quoted £550 by the SEAT garage. Does this not seem a bit excessive to you?
I'm looking at buying a hot hatch to complete my garage. I will be using it as one of my daily drivers, and the main purpose of it will be to have fun down the back roads. I have discounted the Hinda Civic...
Is it true that my car insurance may be invalid on a non-essential journey during lockdown?
My run-flat tyre has a slow puncture caused by a nail in the centre tread of the tyre. Can the run-flat tyre be repaired?
I have a very low budget as I'm studying at the moment. I need a relatively roomy car as I have two young children so need space for a buggy and shopping. I would like low tax and my budget is £1600. I...
What is the position with over 70s driving Licence renewals in the current lockdown? My licence expires in early December but I have not received a reminder from the DVLA.
I’ve bought a Cat S vehicle by accident as it wasn’t on the write off database and the HPI search was clear. I’ve spoken to the salvage yard and it was written off but never recorded as Cat S. The dealer...
 

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