Ask Honest John

Most recently answered small cars questions
After reading all the glowing reports about the new 2009 VW Polo with the 1.2 TSI engine fitted with the 7-speed DSG box it seems that this model is not available at launch. Makes you wonder why most road...
My 27-year-old son has just landed a new job that will entail daily travel around the Middlesex area. With occasional trips to Cornwall and Manchester we think the mileage will be in the 20,000-30,000...
With the rising cost of fuel and increase in VED, I am after a small diesel car. I am not looking to spend much and have seen a 55 plate Ford Fiesta 1.6 (90bhp) TDCi for sale. It has done almost 70,000...
For many years I have owned and driven 4x4s: RangeRovers, Shoguns etc. For many reasons I am now considering to a smaller car. I have always fancied a MINI Cooper. However friends say I will find the difference...
I have owned a 1997 Nissan Micra 1.0 5-door for nine years and 92,000 miles. As a part-exchange it is worth pennies. I am wanting to use the scrappage scheme. From the test drives undertaken I really...
I am trying to assist an elderly lady friend to purchase a new car that will be used solely for short journeys i.e. shopping trips. I would appreciate your help. Her requirements are: A 5-door super mini...
Where is the new Honda Jazz built? (2008-)
We are looking to replace my partner’s CVT Mini-Cooper possibly with a Fiat 500C Auto. The auto-box fitted would be FIAT’s Dualogic gearbox. Could you say, please, how good this is in terms of smoothness...
I would be pleased to receive any thoughts/comments you have to make about the Seat Leon engines available. My choice appears to be between a 1.4TSi SE or a 1.9TDi SE. I drive approx 15,000 miles pa, of...
My husband has given me a budget of approximately £13,500 to buy a new or fairly new used car. This budget includes whatever I can get for my present car, which is a June 2003 Ford Focus LX with 48,500...