Ask Honest John

Most recently answered owning questions
I have a new model Honda Jazz 1.4EX, registered January 2009, which has done 49k miles - mainly motorway driving. At the third service I mentioned a whirring noise when idling with the clutch pedal pressed...
Whether or not Car manufacturers are supplying runflat tyres now, they are still issuing spare wheel equipment that cannot entirely fulfil its function. How are they getting away with this? I have reported...
You recently published an email from a reader who had notified the DVLA of a change of vehicle keeper by email. Customers who submit an email enquiry regarding disposal, will receive a computer-generated...
One month after the 3 year warranty expired on my wife's MINI Cooper S, and after 13,000 miles three warning lights appeared on the console. The manual identified this combination of lights as "Vehicle...
My local Mercedes service centre quoted £450 for a B service to my 28,000 mile 2002 C220CDI auto. This seams excessive. Another local servicing garage has quoted £320 using all Mercedes components, and...
In your column you frequently mention that certain parts are used by more than one manufacturer (eg: old Ford Galaxy/VW Sharan/SEAT Alhambra), and some engines being used across a range of manufacturers....
I bought a VW Tiguan about nine months ago and I regularly drive just under 1,000 miles per month. At times, when the engine is switched off, a fan in the engine compartment starts. This normally runs...
I have a Skoda Octavia 2.0TDI DSG bought new in 2005. Fault-free so far but a bit too noisy - especially road roar at speed and engine noise in town. I am thinking of changing and want a Golf sized car...
I understand you have recently written on the subject of DPFs. My particular experience of the current X-Trail diesel (and my ongoing quarrel with Nissan) is that the first time the warning light came...
I have just received a demand from the DVLA for £20 to renew my driving licence photograph as it "will shortly reach its expiry date". I have held a licence for 52 years and have never been asked for a...