consumer advice | Ask Honest John

Ask Honest John

Most recently answered consumer advice questions

What used car can I buy that will be cheap to run?

I currently own a 2003 Audi A3 1.8 and I'm looking to buy something that'll be cheaper to run. I'm considering getting a MINI, but which model can I get for under £2000? Is it likely to save me money,...

Should I trade-in my diesel Volkswagen Passat for a petrol model via a scrappage scheme?

My Volkswagen Passat Estate 2.0 TDI is six years old with 55,000 miles done, in good condition and DPF in good order. When would be sensible to replace it? Volkswagen is offering £6500 scrappage against...

What checks should I do to ensure a safe car purchase?

How do I know if a car I want to buy has been written off or stolen?

Does chipping a car give it better economy and power?

Are chips any good at giving more economy and power?

My son and his Australian wife are visiting for a month - how do we get them insured on my car?

My son, with British passport, and his wife, with Australian passport and driving licence, are visiting the UK in December. The plan was for them to use my vehicle while they are here but my insurer will...

Do I need to keep my old car insured while I'm selling it?

I've purchased a new car but haven't yet sold the old one. Do I need to keep this insured in the interim while I'm selling it?

I need to get my car dated to ship it but have no original paperwork - what do you suggest?

I'm trying to ship a 1992 Mini Rover to the States but I don't have the original documentation to prove it's age. I'm in Italy with my car. Any idea how I can get the car aged and paperwork made?

My Skoda Fabia 2.0 consumes a litre of oil every 1000 miles - is this normal?

My 2011 Skoda Fabia 2.0 TFSI consumes about a litre of oil every 1000 miles. The garage has told me this is normal for this engine. Is it normal?

My new car has been registered but not delivered yet - is it pre-reg?

I ordered a new Peugeot 3008 from a local Peugeot dealer on 6 September and was told to expect delivery mid to the end of November. I was told last week that the car was in transit from the factory and...