Ask Honest John

I want to buy a lot of wine in Calais and drive it back home - how much weight can my car safely carry?

I'm going to Calais to buy wine for a massive family party. Someone said to me that I won't be able to bring back enough as there is a maximum weight capacity for the car (2016 Skoda Octavia Estate). There...

What cars offer removable seats?

Can you please tell me which cars have completely removable rear seats? This is my chief requirement in picking a car.

Our approved used Skoda has suffered multiple faults since purchase - do we have to accept it back when it's repaired?

I purchased a Skoda Yeti from an authorised Skoda dealership 12 weeks ago with a full Skoda service history. However, it has been off the road, in their garage for 17 days with broken suspension springs,...

Can I reject an approved used car because it was knowingly sold to me with unresolved MoT advisories?

I bought a 2015 Skoda Yeti under Skoda’s approved used scheme. I was not shown the MoT certificate or made aware of any issues before paying for the vehicle. On handover, I saw the MoT certificate, which...

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...