Trending topics in July 2017
accident claims
accident damage
buying a new car
buying and selling
classic cars
classics
consumer advice
consumer rights
diesel cars
emissions fix
insurance
legal and consumer advice
liability
maintenance and servicing
owning
repairs
small claims court
technical issues
vans
volkswagen emissions scandal
Questions from July 2017
My car insurance broker, Swinton, issued me with a letter to confirm that in July last year (2016) I had 12 years of no claims. Aviva who I insured with last year only go up to nine years NCD, so that's...
What's the smallest pick-up truck on your 10 most economical pick up list: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-top-10s/top-10-most-economical-pick-ups/?
The aircon on my Mazda CX-3 failed in February this year. The failure has finally been put down to a faulty condenser unit, which may or may not arrive soon (according to Mazda). Can I either reject the...
My car insurance is due for renewal in November and when renewing I will advise details of my employment. However, In February I aim to retire and look for a local job to work a few hours a week. I should...
My Mk5 Volkswagen Golf, with hybrid stage two turbo, was making a whistling noise. It's now stopped and won't restart, plus lost all oil. The exhaust shows signs of oil in end pipes. What could this be?
I sold a 10 year old car with 27,000 miles and a full service history, only to be told a week later that the car had a speedo change eight years ago and has actually covered 35,000 miles. The dealer that...
I have a Q registration kit car which was last taxed and insured in 1990. Since then the vehicle has been in my garage. I have never declared SORN for the vehicle since at the time there was no requirement...
The fan in my car isn't working properly. The temperature of the car is going up to 100 degrees and it only cools down when I put the interior fans on hot. Also, I checked the input pipe and the water...
The bonnet of my Rover 75 is stuck, what should I do?
My daughter, an expat for 20 years, will return to the UK this year from Hong Kong. She holds a full license but hasn't driven for 10 years. I've told her to take lessons again and on return to to the...
Hastings won't renew my policy as I'm now 88 years old. I've been with them since 2011, but this year they've written to me and just said they won't renew. I have had no accidents or convictions since...
Have you come across many cases of sunroofs shattering for no apparent reason whilst driving? This happened to my 2015 Renault Megane recently. The roof was closed at the time and I was travelling at 50mph...
We've had a Volkswagen Transporter (nine seater) but looking for more seats now, 10-12 but no bigger. Is the only option the Ford Minibus in the UK? We don't like the look and are rather accustomed to...
Five months ago, my daughter purchased a new Vauxhall Astra 1.0 turbo from a Vauxhall dealer. Two weeks ago she started to have major electronic problems. The ignition stayed on though the key was out...
I've had my Toyota MR2 for 10 years, never missed a beat in 70,000 miles but she's getting on a bit now. I absolutely love it but I'm now looking for something just as fun and similar driving experience....
The gears are not engaging properly on my 2005 Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDI. The bite has become lower on the clutch pedal and no gears could be engaged. However, after starting her up a few hours later I pulled...
I own a LHD 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380SL, with a full service history and 104,000 miles. I've had an agreed value policy for £10,000 on since I bought it in 2000, should I raise/lower that at next renewal?...
Is £600 a fair charge to have the air conditioning re-gassed on a three year old Nissan Note? The condenser needed renewing, but the main cost was £300 for the gas.
I'm buying a 2012 Ford Mondeo Estate from a trade dealer. Before committing I decided to have an AA inspection. The inspection found oil on the lower engine cover so I've asked the dealer to have a look...
My Mercedes-Benz (bought in March 2016, from new) has just suffered a cracked windscreen as a result of a stone from the road hitting it. Am I entitled to insist on a genuine Mercedes-Benz front windscreen...
I saw a Citroen Berlingo van for sale but it didn't say anything about the service history. When I enquired I was assured that there was some but the book had been misplaced. I looked at the MoT history...
I replaced the aircon condenser in my BMW 320 at a price of £463. The condenser is located immediately behind the front grill, which a stone entered causing the damage. Can any 'deflector' be fitted behind...
My daughter and son-in-law require a nearly new vehicle to accommodate a medium-size dog and a baby. They are badge conscious and have about £20,000 - £30,000 to spend. What would you recommend?
My 2012 Mercedes-Benz A class is suffering from a glitch with starting, as the ESP/ABS light comes on, unless I go through the starting steps very slowly (pausing for 10 - 15 seconds between each turn...
I returned home from work to a letter from a PCSO advising that my car had been recorded as travelling at 39 mph in a 30 mph area. As the car make and model was likely to have been supplied by Swansea,...
My 2012 Nissan Juke CVT has developed a transmission problem and requires a new gearbox costing £7000. The car has only done 28,000 miles and we bought from new. It has been serviced and maintained by...
Should have the emissions fix done on my 2010 Volkswagen Passat? It has 120,000 miles on the clock. If I don't have it done will it affect the MoT emissions test?
I recently purchased a used Volkswagen Transporter T5 automatic from a used car dealer. The van came with very little service history and due to its mileage (130,000) we decided to have the timing belt...
The boyfriend of my neighbour's daughter damaged my car lightly. As all parties agreed it was minor damage, I said I'd get a quote and we'd get him to pay the repairer on the day, I had him booked in this...
While I was at work someone hit my car in the car park. They've assumed liability and his insurance already contacted me. I have also contacted my insurance company in the meantime and started proceedings...
We are looking for a car that my 18 year old daughter can use (currently a learner driver) but must also accommodate her sister's wheelchair on occasion. Is there anything that would work for us?
My daughter and son-in-law are looking for a medium-sized, family hatchback, SUV or Estate. It needs to take three child seats in the middle row. Sadly, a big Land Rover will not fit in their street.
I bought a Ford C-Max from Fords of Winsford (not a Ford dealership) in May 2016 and have subsequently had it serviced at Burns Garage (Ford) in my home town. According to the Service Book, the car was...
The air con in my 2014 Hyundai i10 packed up while driving. Could this be a sudden leak or something more expensive? I think I saw somewhere that air con problems are not covered by Hyundai's five year...
I've got a 2008 Volkswagen Golf which requires a new clutch and dual mass flywheel. I've been told it's a lot cheaper to replace it with a solid flywheel. Is this the right thing to do or should I keep...
I'm looking at BMW Protect X for my new BMW 3 Series. It's a product that protects the car's bodywork and interior. It says that it also guards the vehicle’s interior, ensuring that seat fabrics and carpets...
I have an ongoing dispute with BMW about my 2013 BMW 320D Touring. The brakes (original - total miles 32,000) suddenly started juddering on a journey and after closer inspection the surface of one of the...
I need a two or three year old Nissan Navara or similar to pull a fifth-wheel caravan. It will be used for long trips around mainland Europe. What is the best way to obtain the vehicle? Go to France and...
I was recently sat stationary at a junction when a third party drove into the back of me because he was waving at another driver in a vehicle in the next lane. The third party produced an ID in the form...
I own a 2011 Volkswagen Golf Mk6 1.6 TDI, bought in in December 2015 from a local independent Volkswagen dealer. My mechanic noticed a water leak after I mentioned the coolant light coming on a couple...
I'm looking at buying a used car to replace my current 1.0-litre runaround as I crave a bit more power. I've been looking at a 1.4 Golf GT TSI, which costs around £2500. I don't have the money yet, but...
I have a 2009 Audi A3 TDI with 98000 miles on the clock. I received a call from Audi for the emissions fix. From what I have read and heard I am unsure as to whether to have it done. I would like to keep...
Recently, I had an issue with my Volvo V50's fuse box/electrics smouldering causing smoke to enter the cab and the fire brigade being called. The car is now a write off and the insurance company will not...
My car was stolen and I want to make a claim on the insurance. I'm a named driver on my wife's car, so if I make a claim on my policy will this have any affect on her policy?
The head gasket needs replacing on my 1996 Citroen ZX 1.4 petrol, 112,000 miles. Is it worth fixing?
My father owned a 1957 Morris Minor back in the 1970s. Whilst it is unlikely that it is a survivor, how can I find out if it is still around either as a runner or sitting somewhere as a potential "barn...
Someone crashed into me a few weeks ago and my insurance company have informed me that my car is a write-off. They are refusing to provide me with a settlement figure unless I forward them the invoice...
I have owned a 2011 BMW X3 2.0 from new. It's now done 55,000 miles and is in excellent condition. I'm thinking of changing it later this year or early next. Now, after over 10 years of no claims (protected),...
I want a new Crossover/SUV and it has to be a petrol automatic. I'm not concerned about handling or how fast it can go. I'm after a vehicle with the softest ride for someone who suffers significant back...

