Ask Honest John

Why can't I find any discounts on a new Toyota C-HR Hybrid?

I'm trying to buy a new Toyota C-HR Hybrid but no dealers are offering any discounts. Why is this?

Tags: discounts buying a new car buying and selling buying a hybrid
Toyota C-HR 2016 on

A car hit my car, with a towbar fitted, and broke my fuel tank - why won't my insurer cover the cost of repairs?

I was sitting in my Toyota RAV4, with a towbar fitted, at a set of traffic lights when I was rear ended. I thought there was no real damage, but when I...

Tags: insurance claims towbars legal and consumer advice insurance accident claims small claims court accident damage fos claims management financial ombudsman service
Toyota RAV4 2013 on

I do mostly short journeys and tow a few times per year - would it be wise to trade in my diesel car for a plug-in hybrid?

My current car is a four year old Citroen C4 Picasso 1.6 HDI with 33,000 miles on the clock. I tow a small caravan (700kg) several times per year on long...

Tags: short journeys towing buying a new car buying and selling hybrid or diesel? caravan consumer advice buying a hybrid diesel backlash hybrid cars
BMW Citroen Toyota 3 Series 2012 on C4 Picasso 2013 on Prius 2016 on

What's the best, cheap first car for an 18 year old driver?

What's the best first car for an 18 year old driver? I need something older and cheap. My budget is about £1500 - £2500. Also, how do I check if the car...

Tags: buying a used car cheap cars buying and selling hpi outstanding finance small engines young drivers older cars small cars new drivers consumer advice cheap insurance
Toyota Yaris 1999 - 2005

I do very low mileage and short journeys, should I get a hybrid?

In the main, I only drive twice a day for 1.3 miles each way. Should I keep the Lexus IS 2.5 V6 petrol or swap to a small petrol car, or even a hybrid...

Tags: short journeys city cars buying a new car low mileage buying and selling small engines plug-in hybrid electric cars consumer advice buying a hybrid petrol or hybrid? city driving hybrid cars
Toyota Renault Lexus Yaris 2011 on Zoe 2013 on IS 2013 on

Which cars would you recommend for young drivers?

Which cars would you recommend for young drivers?

Tags: buying a new car buying and selling small engines young drivers small cars consumer advice cheap insurance
Volkswagen SEAT Skoda Hyundai KIA Ford Peugeot Citroen Toyota Suzuki Vauxhall Up 2012 on Mii 2012 on Citigo 2012 on i10 2014 on Picanto 2017 on Ka+ 2016 on 108 2014 on C1 2014 on Aygo 2014 on Celerio 2015 on Viva  2015 on

I'm looking for an economic, reliable, refined van - what do you recommend?

I have an LDV Maxus, which I have been pleased with as a work horse. I'm looking for a van with more refinement, good fuel economy, road handling, safety...

Tags: fuel economy mpvs children new vans vans buying and selling safety reliability buying a new van long warranty comfortable ride consumer advice removable seats split tailgate
Citroen Peugeot Toyota Dispatch  2016 on Expert 2016 on ProAce 2016 on

Why am I getting less mpg than expected in my Toyota Auris Hybrid?

I have a 2016 Toyota Auris Hybrid and the electric engine appears to have a very short range. On the indicator of battery power you can never get it fully...

Tags: rural driving fuel economy poor fuel consumption owning consumer advice battery range hybrid cars
Toyota Auris 2013 on

Is the Skoda Yeti auto gearbox problematic?

My wife favours a used Skoda Yeti petrol auto for local, rural journeys and the occasional long trip. I hear that the Yeti automatic gearbox can be iffy....

Tags: rural driving buying a used car automatic gearbox problems buying and selling consumer advice automatic cars dsg autos
SsangYong Suzuki Toyota Mazda Honda Skoda Tivoli 2015 on Baleno 2016 on Swift 2017 on Yaris 2011 on 6 2013 on 3 2014 on Jazz 2015 on 2 2015 on Vitara 2015 on Yeti 2009 on 5 2010 on

A claim company have offered me a hire car after a lorry hit my car - should I ignore this?

I've had an unfortunate collision with a lorry. I have a dash cam and it clearly shows the lorry hitting all along from back to front of my Toyota RAV4....

Tags: liability insurance accident claims credit hire car hire accident damage aa
Toyota RAV4 2013 on