Ask Honest John

Most recently answered buying a used car questions
I am looking to buy a used car (two or three years old) for £15,000. It needs to be a four door hatch, preferably high for easy access for elderly parents and good in snow. It will replace a BMW so would...
I am approaching retirement and will be able to spend around £30,000 on a vehicle. I have owned several Toyotas including a 2007 2.2 diesel RAV-4. I like the spec of the Lexus RX450h, auto, as well as...
I need to replace 16-year-old, seven-seater Volvo estate. I want to buy something that will be comfortable on the motorway, but provide good fuel economy. I’ll be driving up to 15,000 miles a year and...
I am looking to buy a second hand Volvo XC90 Geartronic for local private use and to stand in for my business van when road conditions in the winter call for four-wheel drive. Someone I know has a V70...
I am considering buying a 2002 Mini Cooper. The car is immaculate, but the gearbox feels clunky during the test drive. I have read and heard about Mini gearbox problems so am wary. Are they all a little...
I want to buy a hot hatch for £8000 and have narrowed my search to a 2010 Peugeot 308 GT or a 2006 Volkswagen Golf GTi. Which would you buy?
I currently own a Saab 9-5 and I am looking to replace it with a 4x4 for country roads, bad weather, steep hills and a largish boot for a dog. What would you recommend for £12,000?
I am looking for a second hand 4x4 for about £15,000 as I spend a few months each year in the Alpes for skiing. I am considering the Nissan X-Trail or Hyundai Santa Fe. Both seem reasonable 4x4s, but I...
I am 74 and own a 2006 Renault Modus Privilege. It has 40,000 miles on the clock, but is it expensive to run and I want to replace it with a nearly new car. I like the seating of the Modus and need five...
I’m in the market for a used automatic estate. I’ve set my sights on a Ford Mondeo or Vauxhall Insignia. I am looking for a car with good economy and towing ability, as I own a 1450kg caravan. I have £10,995-...