Coronavirus questions answered: Can I buy a new car, how do I store my car how can I cancel an order?

First of all, speak to the dealer. If you're polite and explain the situation, they'll be more understanding. You'll have entered into a contract to buy that car. Look into the terms and conditions of the paperwork you were given when you placed your order. You'll probably lose the deposit and, technically, the dealer might be able to pursue you for losses from the cancelled order. These should be minimal, though, as the dealer should be able to sell the car to someone else. Coronavirus: Advice on buying, running and owning a car during the outbreak https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/coronavirus/coronavirus-what-it-means-for-car-buyers-and-owners/

The Government is advising all over-70s to limit their social contact during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and stay at home. Public Health England has told us directly that people at 'increased risk' can use their vehicle but should not exit the vehicle if they are likely to increase their social interaction. If you can, stay at home and ask family, friends or neighbours to support you. If this is not possible, then the public sector, business, charities, and the general public are gearing up to help deliver food and essentials to those who are deemed at risk. All of the Government's coronavirus advice can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults For advice on buying, running and owning a car during the outbreak, see: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/coronavirus/coronavirus-what-it-means-for-car-buyers-and-owners

If you are putting your car into storage then I would recommend keeping the insurance running but placing the vehicle on SORN and getting refund on the road tax VED. You will then be able to drive the car on SORN to a pre-booked MoT appointment at a later date and tax the car when it has passed. For more coronavirus motoring advice, see: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/coronavirus/coronavirus-what-it-means-for-car-buyers-and-owners

This situation varies from make and model of car. I would recommend fitting a trickle charger to the battery, like the C-TEK MXS 5.0: https://kit.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/review-ctek-battery-charger-mxs-50/ For more advice for buying, running and storing a vehicle during the coronavirus outbreak see: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/coronavirus/coronavirus-what-it-means-for-car-buyers-and-owners/#storing-a-car

There are Government plans to help people facing difficulties as a result of the coronavirus outbreak - including business loans and mortgage breaks - but nothing specific has been outlined for personal loans or car finance. If you are worried about your income or maintaining payments, I would recommend speaking with the lease company to see if they are able to provide a payment break or some other form of help. For more advice on buying, running and owning a car during the coronavirus outbreak, see: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/coronavirus/coronavirus-what-it-means-for-car-buyers-and-owners

Average used prices are expected to climb in the coming weeks, but the price spikes will be dependant on the make, model and condition of car: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/coronavirus/2020-03/coronavirus-used-car-prices-set-to-soar-as-coronavirus-hits-new-car-production/ There will be delays to new factory ordered cars, but there are lots of delivery mileage pre-reg vehicles on the market, which means you will be in a very strong position to find an as-new replacement: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/cars-for-sale/search/?age=1&l=0&miles=1000&s=PriceAsc

Have you got it written down somewhere that it will have adaptive cruise control? Unfortunately, if you're going on the word of the sales person alone, you'll struggle to reject the car on this basis. If you keep complaining to your dealer, they might offer you something as a gesture of goodwill. That's probably the best you can hope for.

Consider fitting a trickle charger if you're leaving it for a long period. We'd recommend this one: https://kit.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/review-ctek-battery-charger-mxs-50/

It might be an idea to buy a smart battery charger. We rate the CTEK MXS 5.0 12v battery charger and you can also order it online and have it delivered to your home: https://kit.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/review-ctek-battery-charger-mxs-50/ Switch off the interior and exterior light(s), radio and boot light(s) before switching off the ignition - this should minimise the risk of battery drain. I would also recommend inflating the tyres to 40PSI to prevent flat spotting.