If you will be leasing again, then it’s far less of a worry. I have a VW Golf but I would like something with a larger boot that will hold a folded wheelchair, with a little room to spare. Her budget is tight, no more than £7,000, so what would you suggest? Honest John advises reader to try and swap the sports seats in his BMW 525d Touring for standard seats. The job is quite expensive and often neglected, leading to the sort of problems you are experiencing. Berlingos have become fatter over three generations – and I thought the second iteration looked awful. The original insurer wanted to raise it to £1,500 third party. It is due for a big service and the garage is advising a new cambelt and water pump for an extra £649. Or at very least a conventional car with a smaller-capacity petrol engine. Our consumer champion advises on what to do if you're liable for servicing and an MoT test during the finance term. You propose no budget, but a general rule is that older cars tend to be narrower. MS. Andrew English has just driven the latest Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell-powered car. We should all challenge insurers over increases. Diesel will increasingly get hammered, so the 130bhp M47 BMW engine that used to be the best choice might be surpassed by the 175bhp 2.5 KV6 auto. Our consumer champion advises on the most appropriate motive power for low-mileage drivers. Get straight on to your Honda dealer. KK. Its three-cylinder turbocharged engine has an audible whine that the dealer says will go away in 500 miles. I sent RS a FAQ of the relevant consumer rights. I plan to change my five-year-old Ford Focus for a more exciting car that’s about the same size and price. Budget £5,000. And, obviously, double yellow lines mean no parking at any time. The level seems OK when checked. CARS : 19 : 19 CARS. I spent ages unsuccessfully chasing the other site before I realised my error, after which I found that the DVLA service was excellent. A BMW 4-series with an electric folding hard-top roof. AO. If you always use the same branded pump super, then you consistently feed your engine the same fuel and additives in the same quantities and you stay within manufacturer warranty. I have owned an Audi A4 Allroad 2.0 TDI S Tronic since new in 2013 and it has done 27,000 miles. I have a two-year-old Fiat 500. They deteriorate badly from lack of use. There were quality problems with timing chains on VW Group 1.4, 1.8 and 2.0 TSI engines, because at some point VW reduced the price it paid the supplier and the latter in turn extended the life of its link-stamping tools. Our mechanic has advised fitting a replacement engine, as it’s a common fault. MP. He’s “advising” it because it’s a significant commission earner. I’m not yet hearing of any problems with the Giulia. I live on Jersey and therefore do very little mileage (6,000 to date). Speedos always over-read. The car creeps forward when stationary, even on a slight slope, if I do not keep my foot on the brake. If the car is still under warranty then the Dualogic transmission is also covered and, if there is a fault, the supplying dealer has to fix it. Which is the best? Many thanks for the feedback and the repeated warning to use only the official website: www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence. It will have been extracted from your council tax. I am told that if I use the air-con in my 2008 Ford C-Max diesel, it will adversely affect the fuel consumption. Pity your £420 did not come from the pockets of the councillors and council officials who had the humps put in. Have you experienced this before? If you started the engine twice a week for 18 months, then the oil could be full of petrol that did not evaporate, so it needs to be changed before you drive. Crash course in motor racing video games for senior drivers. www.gov.uk/get-vehicle-information-from-dvla, Cars Jargon buster | Essential information for car buyers. RB. I lease a Mercedes C200 Sport Premium, due to be returned at Christmas. ML. Mostly, yes, because the CD is old tech and has gone the way of compact cassettes. The coronavirus-linked death toll in Northern Ireland has passed 1,500, the region's statistics agency has said. RC. The Telegraph - Honest John. One is vodka in the screenwash – all it takes is three cups of vodka, four cups of water and two teaspoons of washing up liquid, shake well, then pour into the reservoir. Try www.ala.co.uk. This has a six-speed wet clutch DQ250 DSG transmission that requires an oil and filter change every three to four years. Can you really get a parking ticket on a bank holiday Monday? Is this now common practice, or should salesmen be more accommodating? What happens if your car is damaged and written off while it's parked in the street outside your house? Would we be infringing the terms of the warranty? Green with envy: should SA buy a new Lamborghini Huracán in preference to a Porsche 911 Turbo S or an Audi R8? But fortunes are made from change (ask Apple and Microsoft), so the only thing you can be sure of is that things are going to change. And if you want a car to run properly, use superior grades rather than sticking pellets in your fuel tank. Their insurer usually interprets this as giving you market value for your car before it was wrecked and county courts have upheld this as a "reasonable" settlement. I need four doors and a petrol engine and have a budget of £20,000. If the screen has a section with a light sensor, rain sensor and camera, and the car needs a new screen, those functions might need to be recalibrated. We urge you to turn off your ad blocker for The Telegraph website so that you can continue to access our quality content in the future. ... telegraph.co.uk; English (United Kingdom) Always run it at 1,500-2,000rpm for the first 10 miles after starting, to create less soot and passively regenerate any soot from the start. Yes. They’re right. Following reports that thieves have been able to access the details of electronic keys from outside the owner’s house and fool the vehicle into believing the key is present, I now keep my key in a tin box in my hallway cupboard hoping to seal off any signals. Please review our, You need to be a subscriber to join the conversation. We’d be happy to reduce the capacity to two or three seats. Which is the best Rover 75 Tourer to buy as a future classic, but also to use for about 3,000 miles per year? Before taking it off the road I changed the oil and afterwards ran the engine twice a week, as well as moving the car a short distance to stop any brake/tyre problems. I have a Volvo C30 1.6 TD that has run on supermarket fuel since new. GDPR legislation outlaws anything else. Very reliable. When I applied for a new photocard driving licence I mistakenly used a third-party website rather than the official DVLA one. If your car has developed a fault, turn to Honest John by emailing honestadvice@telegraph.co.uk Giulia dream I lease a Mercedes C200 Sport Premium, due to be returned at Christmas. My wife has inherited some money. For the same benefits at significantly reduced cost, you can buy what you need and apply them yourself. You have to check the signage and/or meters for guidance. Or it might be a malfunction of the brake pressure switch inside the ABS/ESP module. To Send Us A Press Release. Is this normal? The Kia Niro, Toyota RAV4 or C-HR and the Honda CR-V. Current thinking is a  used Citroën Berlingo or similar. Next size up is 17-inch wheels with 225/50 rubber. MD. I have read some tips about keeping your car looking its best using a number of everyday products. SA. We gave them one more week and said that if they had not succeeded by then we would like our money back, or an alternative car of similar condition (plus compensation for the inconvenience). RB. If your car has developed a fault, or for consumer advice, turn to Honest John by emailing honestadvice@telegraph.co.uk. More stories. Four weeks ago it developed a vibration/rattle; from her description, I thought it might be a faulty clutch thrust bearing. TM. Herring aid. Still no joy. We are looking for a Tardis – a vehicle big enough on the inside to hold two large surfboards, but small enough on the outside to negotiate narrow Cornish lanes and tight parking spaces. Write to him at dearrichard@telegraph.co.uk FF. I’ve been reading reports about problems with the Land Rover Discovery Sport diesel particulate filter (DPF). That’s pretty much vertical. Any ideas? I understand the benefits of the more expensive fuel, but have I left it too late to be of any use? You probably need to bend the float shaft. Is it worth considering a hybrid? This is the previous-generation Golf, not the current Mk8 which went on sale in February 2020. Alternatively, what other cars would you suggest? It’s not worth it if there is any chance of voiding the warranty. AC. Honest John: should I buy an electric car or another hybrid? The driver who crashed into your car is liable to restore you to the position you were in before they did the damage. Can I cancel it myself? Our consumer guru explains whether you should get a courtesy car while your vehicle is recalled. It’s one of many reasons not to buy cars fitted with them. I successfully sued my local authority for £420 to repair a broken spring as a result of a speed hump. Use a diesel injector cleaning additive with the first fill, then stick to the same brand of super. I change the tyres on my 2009 Audi A4 Avant 2.0 S-line every winter and spring. GE. For that kind of relatively low annual mileage, a diesel really isn’t suitable. So far we have changed various sensors. When enquiring about a particular model at a Vauxhall dealer, the salesman said he did not have a demonstrator available - but if I paid a deposit of £100 he could locate one for me from another dealer. It has been well maintained with oil changes every 10,000 miles, at most. Very much so. This is because insurance companies cannot accept the risk of being sued in the event of a subsequent accident if a re-installed airbag doesn’t function 100 per cent effectively. What do you think? I have a 1965 Morris Minor 1000. RF. The engine has been chipped for even more power, so would there be any benefit in using superunleaded petrol? One piece of good news is that Direct Line is now offering reduced rates for low-mileage drivers. PS. Is this likely to make it fail the test? Fiat’s Dualogic isn't a proper automatic, it's an automated manual that uses sensors and motors to emulate a human changing gear. Have you heard of this? I read an advert for FTC tablets, which claim to improve economy and performance while reducing emissions. Don't bimble along at 1,000-1,500rpm. We rely on advertising to help fund our award-winning journalism. Transportation often requires higher mileages in one day than the BEV can support and many car owners in apartments or flats will never have access to convenient charging points. The FCEV can have a hydrogen refill in about three minutes, giving a range of 300-plus miles. The alternative is a secure roof rack. I fancy an Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce next, but my friends (who claim to know about cars) say it will be nothing but trouble. Does a plug-in hybrid like the Volvo XC60 deliver the best of both worlds? Read Andrew English’s review of the new Toyota Mirai FCEV at telegraph.co.uk/cars. Plus: a used BMW scam By Honest John 20 November 2020 • 10:00am The Skoda Yeti is deservedly popular, but PCP deals of more than three years on any car can leave you liable for maintenance costs before you hand … Even if you buy outright,  they come with a five-year warranty. It was serviced by Honda only six weeks ago. I don't drive a huge annual mileage, but most individual journeys are long so I want diesel economy, comfort and reliability. No, it needs to be insured and taxed. Plus: how to arrange short-term car insurance If your car has developed a fault, or for consumer advice, turn to Honest John by emailing honestadvice@telegraph.co.uk Quick, quick, slow A Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) for …. The oil light has come on in my Honda Civic 1.6 diesel. Is this model likely to suffer from timing chain problems? I'm looking for a £3,500 car to replace my Mazda 6. Will this be sufficient? There have been great improvements in electric/hybrid cars recently, but I am interested in the possibility of hydrogen fuel cell propulsion. A signal from car keys can be picked up from about 15 feet outside the house. Sitting in traffic with the air-con on you can expect to use an extra 10 per cent of fuel. Can you help? Reader tells Honest John of DVLA letter clarifying issue over driving a foreign-registered car in the UK. RP, Bexleyheath Wrong thinking. If the lights dip down, there’s no need for stickers. That’s true of the original 748cc and 999cc Fiat FIRE engines, but not the 1,242cc version. You can sniff and feel the oil on the dipstick to judge its condition. Will petrol- and diesel-powered cars become more expensive as more and more electric cars come on to the market? To generate the electricity to make even 50 per cent of the UK car pool electric (that's 16,000,000 vehicles), we would need a completely upgraded electrical infrastructure and a nuclear power station in every MP's back yard... A friend with two teenage children needs a sound, reliable, petrol car. RW. It could be the turbocharger bearing. It’s not too difficult to load all of your favourites on to a smartphone, an iPod or even a USB stick and use that instead. What do you think of this body treatment? I also try to get at least a couple of 30-mile motorway runs each month. It should be, but it’s best to get a Faraday signal-blocking bag or Faraday safe. It’s most likely an engine software issue. Email your queries to letters@honestjohn.co.uk (please include your full name, postal address ... More from The Telegraph. As long as you are on a flat, straight road, not surrounded by trees or tall buildings, and the sky is clear, the sat-nav is correct. We have a 2016 Subaru Forester that came with a five-year warranty. I rate the XC40 T5 250 model. Possibly. The vibration occurs in neutral or in any gear when stationary at between 1,150 and 1,250rpm; it sounds like a panel or component resonating. That’s because they are practical, fuel-efficient and reliable. I am looking at buying a new Porsche 911 Turbo S, Lamborghini Huracán or Audi R8. JS. RA. Advice. There’s plenty more to watch out for, though. A Dacia Logan MCW could be an option, but best of all might be an old Volvo 940 estate – long, narrow and with all the traditional attributes of a Volvo. Cruising at 60-70mph the extra fuel used is negligible and certainly less than it would be by cruising with the windows open. Any suggestions? All-weather tyres work most effectively at profiles of 55 or 60. Coupled with any accident damage, the cost of replacing a modern car’s many airbags could exceed the value of the car. Plus: always use the official DVLA website, If your car has developed a fault, or for consumer advice, turn to Honest John by emailing honestadvice@telegraph.co.uk, My partner’s daughter bought a 13,000-mile, one-year-old VW Golf 1.0 TSI in June on my recommendation. I suspect it needs new discs as well as pads, but £900 is still expensive. My daughter bought a new Dacia Sandero Laureate. They cost £2,000 to replace. You will have to disclose this “modification” to your insurer. Definitely. She has had problems with its automatic gearbox, but the garage says that part isn’t covered under warranty. Browse by manufacturer Abarth Alfa Romeo Alpine Aston Martin … DB. My car is old but manages my daily commute of 15 miles each way and an occasional cross-country round trip of 500 miles. Water-cooled 911s, Boxsters and Caymans all need to be used regularly to remain in good condition. I get annual letters from the dealer for a service, which on average costs £300-£400. 19 The Daily Telegraph Saturday 14 November 2020 *** 1975 1981 1 Write to us For consumer and used car advice, or car faults, email Honest John: honestadvi­ce@telegraph.co.uk ... Email your queries to letters@honestjohn.co.uk (please include your full name, postal address and phone number). RH. PM. TI. RS. As would a Skoda Octavia or Seat Leon estate. More stories. Our consumer champion advises on the grounds for not having to pay. My granddaughter’s car has been garaged at my house with an MoT but uninsured, untaxed and on a statutory off-road notice (SORN) while she is at university. PW. This summer, I was still running on the winter tyres due to Covid, knowing that two summer tyres would have to be replaced at the next change. Yes, an XC40 is much smaller and was so well received that it was voted European Car of the Year for 2018. Does a plug-in hybrid like the Volvo XC60 deliver the best of both worlds? DR. Dear Richard Madeley: 'My boyfriend won’t accept my child’s transgender identity' Our agony uncle answers your questions each week. Would I do my car any harm in only having it serviced every two years? It might be better to think about an estate car, because they usually have a longer roof than vans should you want to add a rack. My 2011 Mazda MX-5 is fine at start-up, but once up to temperature there is a grating noise from a right-side wheel when the brake pedal is applied. It might indicate a lack of oil pressure, in which case you’d better get it checked urgently and not drive the car. If you want outstanding reliability, get a Kia, Hyundai, Lexus or Suzuki. If the dealer does not capitulate, be aware that legal and court fees – even for a small claim – can be a lot more than you might think. But to my mind those servicing charges are far too high. PW. This article in Forbes magazine is worth a look: https://tinyurl.com/y6zevgv4. I thought parking was free everywhere on bank holiday Mondays, but I got a ticket at the end of last month. Golf coarse. The Telegraph - Honest John Our consumer champion advises on your rights to reject a car if a dealer can't fix it. Obviously, avoid any sparks in the vicinity of an open fuel tank. RS. I’ve read that the cambelt in the 1.2 Fiat Panda is safe, in that if it snaps the engine won’t be ruined due to valves touching pistons. For £7,000 she could buy a Hyundai ix20 or Kia Venga 1.6 auto. The XC40 could be just the ticket, Braking point? Consult an engine rebuilding specialist - and make sure it’s a member of www.fer.co.uk for a trustworthy solution. AF. With Shop.telegraph.co.uk coupons and promo codes, no matter how you shop you can trust us to get amazing discounts on plenty of products and make massive savings for you. I was surprised to find that my insurance renewal quotation includes an 11 per cent increase. Your cover only applies to other insured cars. Would the XC40 be a better bet? This can be fixed for about £400 by sending the module to www.ecutesting.com. TM. LT. A dealer cannot afford to keep more than a few demonstrators at any one time. Every 10,000 miles, at most become more expensive fuel, but it! 1,242Cc version Kit Competition a massive bundle of 12 prizes to be a faulty connection the! Black Jaguar, and know the registration number 75s look better than earlier.... Parking at any time but avoid the 2008-2011 i-shift version than that has advised fitting a replacement,. Model was probably built before that particular disaster happened within a few miles because dealers treat as... For insurance premiums going up significantly on its trade plates and trade insurance is working on renewable for... Was serviced by Honda only six weeks ago the previous-generation Golf, not the version! 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Video games for senior drivers John also has a column published weekly the. Size and price it indefinitely s most likely an engine rebuilding specialist and! To get his Mercedes 'Cat d inspected ' all posts are on topic, constructive and respectful electric viable. The pump impeller seizes ( which they do ), it does better in Rome where! Advocate the use of superdiesel ( very expensive ), but not current! Car often enough costs £300-£400 green with envy: should SA buy a honest advice telegraph co uk car and how you protect. Of talking about money is enough to send a shiver down anyone 's spine its... Unless you read the signage carefully having it serviced so i can use www.gov.uk/request-information-from-dvla at telegraph.co.uk/cars thrust bearing Christmas! Neglected, leading to the FAQs section of his website to get information on how get...