Questions from February 2020

What small/medium size cars come with heated seats, screens, and steering wheels either as standard or as extra winter packs? My daughter suffers from a mobility condition and needs to be kept warm. Does...

I regularly drive from York to Stirling and all points inbetween for my new job I'm not paid very much so would the Suzuki Ignis mild hybrid do the job?

I received a NIP in the post yesterday. I had done 36mph in a 30mph zone. The date of the offence was 7th January but the letter is dated 14th February. Does the 14 day rule apply to this?

My car feels like the clutch is slipping under load. There's no smell at all and it has been the same for the last 8000 miles. How can I check?

Having bought a new petrol powered car, I was interested to hear the Government bring forward the date for banning the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles. As I live in a block of flats and park in the...

What are your views on electric SUV's, new but not more than £40K? I've heard about the Kia and Hyundai electric vehicles and which one to consider? Or do you have another recommendation? How much does...

How much does it cost to insure an electric car? Is a hybrid insurance similar and what is the best small electric car?

I have a 1995 BMW 316i which is now 25 years old. I love the car as it's never let me down but getting it through the MoT every year is costing more, £500 this time. Is it worth keeping or should I now...

I own a couple of torque wrenches that I use on my vehicles, mainly for tightening wheel nuts. I was wondering if I should get the calibration checked periodically and if so where to get it done? I have...

As a high days and holidays car for enjoyment rather than practicality, I purchased a 2002 MG TF from a respected MG dealer. While waiting to clear out the garage, I've kept the car on driveway for past...

I have a Volkswagen T2 splitscreen camper. The engine is totally ruined. How much would it roughly cost to fit a new 1.6 modern engine please?

I was wondering if you had any ideas to help with my dad's car. He owns a Morris Minor Traveller that has not been used for about 25 years. It is parked on the drive but has been gradually rotting away...

I have an original Series 2a Land Rover which is very tidy and has 48,000 miles. What would it be worth if I was thinking of selling?

I had my car MoTd six weeks earlier on Feb 15th (the car was registered on the 29th of March) than it was due as it was being serviced. Should/could they have added a month onto the MoT taking it up to...

My 2012 Ford Kuga has 137,000 miles on the clock and has recently begun to suffer from mechanical problems. What should I replace it with? Another Kuga or a Hyundai Tucson?

I’m looking at the Hyundai Ioniq all-electric, could you tell me what real distance it covers on a full charge? The dealer is telling me it does 160 miles, is this true?

The digital radio has stopped working on my Hyundai i10 (2019 model). What should I do?

I have a blue flashing light, with a magnetic base. Can I legally put it on my car, in the event of a breakdown?

I have a Ford Focus. The cooling fan starts when I open the driver's door and stays running all the time. Also, the temperature gauge stays on zero throughout any journey. Any advice?

Can you recommend a petrol used car (circa £7000) that has low running costs but is large enough to fit two child seats in the back plus a double stroller in the boot?

I need a large family car for under £30,000. I need good legroom and a boot capable of taking golf clubs and family luggage. I do about 14,000 miles a year. Ideally, the car should have comfortable heated...

I have about £12,500 to spend on a second-hand car and need it to be petrol, easy access and economical to run and maintain. Also with good all-round vision and a reversing sensor/camera. I do about 5000...

I am looking for an estate car, at around £12,000. The daily journey to work around eight miles each way. What would you recommend?

I am considering buying a three or four-year-old Ford Mondeo or Skoda Superb estate for my taxi business. Are there any issues with the auto gearboxes, on either of these cars?

I was at my garage yesterday having my petrol-engined Nissan Qashqai serviced and I asked what experience they have of servicing electric or hybrid cars and they said very little at present. The garage...

My wife's car has given up the ghost. I'm therefore looking to buy a used car for £5000 or less, that will hopefully last for the next five years. Obviously, reliability and running costs are really important,...

In your article on dash cams you list a number of European countries where it is illegal to use them. Is it legal to use a dash cam in the USA when I hire a car?

The Highway Code states: “You must report to the DVLA any health condition likely to affect your driving.” If an individual is diagnosed to have glaucoma but the individual does not believe that there...

I'm considering purchasing a car with an interesting number plate (to me). It's not a private or cherished number, but the original plate from new. When I come to sell the car, I'm aware that I can apply...

What is the best automatic city car to buy? I've looked at the Citroen C1, Peugeot 108 and Toyota Aygo.

Can you recommend a product which will improve the tarnished chrome effect trim on the exterior of a (modern, not classic) vehicle? The 'chrome' has a milky appearance...perhaps oxidisation?

I have an Exide Premium 030 75AH battery fitted to a 1999 Lexus LS400. I need to know what battery chargers are most suitable to maintain good battery condition. I only do short journeys so I need a reliable...

What is the best front and rear parking assist system with a screen?

Can you recommend a car tyre inflator? Most seem to be rubbish and I'm wasting lots of time (and fuel) going to filling stations to inflate my tyres!

I'm thinking of buying the Nextbase 522GW but also want a rear view camera. Do you think it would be better to get one which clicks into the front camera and records through the car, or one which fixes...

I recently read your article on the top 10 Maxi-scooters: https://kit.honestjohn.co.uk/top-tens/top-ten-maxi-scooters-2020/
Why do you not include the Yamaha TMAX 530? Do you know anything about maxi-scooters...

How can I get back the texture on my leather steering wheel without damaging its metallic inserts?

I need a dash cam that can be powered by the USB socket in my car, is there such a thing? Alternatively, is it possible to have some form of extension lead that has a 12v socket and plug?

I have a 2003 Honda CR-V petrol auto, which has covered 170,000 miles. For the past two years the engine management light has been lit an increasing amount, and for some months is permanently on whilst...

Will my car fail the MoT if the ABS light does not come on?

I just typed in my car registration on your ULEZ checker to find out if my car is OK: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/ulez-ultra-low-emissions-zone-london/#how-can-i-check-if-my-car-is-ulez-compliant
I have...

I'm looking for a camper van for exploring and monthly use. I would like to see it go for 5+ years and then maybe sell it. I have encountered a rare dream van close to where I live. Unfortunately, it has...

How can I check the engine Euro emission rating of my car? I own a 2005 Honda Civic Type R and it is on the margin date wise. Is there an easy way to check?

What is the cost of the road tax for our Volkswagen camper?

Do PHEVs have a standardised fitting across all manufacturers? If I fit a recharging pod at my home, say for a BMW and later change to a Kia, will the same pod charge that car?

I am looking to buy a nearly new Ford Mondeo. Are you aware of any upcoming model changes in the near future? And is the auto gearbox fitted reliable?

My wife and I are getting older and we are moving to the Isle of Wight. We need a narrow (small) car (for country lanes) and high seats (for ease of access). Considering the latest Government announcement...

I currently have a 2016 Toyota RAV4 hybrid which will soon be out of warranty. It is a solid reliable car and comfortable for the regular 100-mile journey we make. But servicing is expensive, its bigger...