Ask Honest John

My son has received a county court summons for writing off someone's car - how can he avoid a CCJ?

My son had a small collision in November 2017, causing minor damage to both vehicles invloved. He admitted liability at the scene as it was clearly his fault (he pulled out of a layby but did not spot...

I do 13,000 miles per year - should I go for a petrol car or the cheaper diesel version?

I do approximately 13,000 miles a year and quite a lot of motorway driving. I've seen a good deal for a 2016 Skoda Octravia vRS 2.0 TDI with only 2000 miles on the clock for £17,000 with a main dealer....

My Skoda Superb on a four-year PCP is faulty - should I reject it in case it can't be fixed?

I took out a four-year PCP on a Skoda Superb in October 2017. I quickly realised there was an issue with the gearbox, particularly when changing between second and third gear. They attempted to fix it...

My low value car was damaged and I need to claim for repairs, but how do I stop it being written off?

My 2007 Skoda Superb, which I use drive as a taxi, was hit by a car. It's damaged near the back door and rear panel near the sill. The sill is badly dented, but the door closes and locks. It probably needs...

The cambelt broke in my car long before the recommended replacement - should the manufacturer offer a free fix?

I have a 2014 Skoda Octavia vRS TDI with 88,000 miles and a full service history. It isn't due another service for 8000 miles, but the cambelt has just snapped. I don't know what engine damage has been...

My car needed a new turbo which the manufacturer is paying for - should I have to pay the labour?

Last week a couple of yellow warning lights appeared on the dash of my 2014 Skoda Octavia 1.4 petrol. At the main dealer they diagnosed a turbo fault which requires a new turbo to be fitted at a cost of...

Why can't I get more than 30mpg in my new Skoda Karoq?

I have the new Skoda Karoq 1.0 DSG. It's a lovely little car that drives well, even the DSG is amazing. However, I've done around 1200 miles and I can't get above 30mpg. The dealer said it's going to get...

A dealer crashed my car and is repairing it for free, but can I get anything else out of them?

I took My 66-plate Skoda Octavia to the Skoda dealer with a tyre monitor problem, which they fixed. But after they washed the car, the service receptionist crashed my car into one of the new cars on the...

What's the problem with DSG gearboxes?

I saw your comments about the Volkswagen DSG gearbox in the Daily Telegraph. What is the problem with the DSG? I have had the Tiptronic in an Audi A4 quattro and now the DSG in a Skoda Yeti with much pleasure...

Why does the oil light come on even after topping my car up with oil?

The oil light on my 2010 Skoda Octavia comes on, even though I've topped it up with oil. What could the issue be?