Ask Honest John

Most recently answered buying questions
Our three-year-old A160 petrol is coming to the end of its contract, and we've been offered a diesel version at a very good price on the same finance basis. The current commute is about 85 miles per day...
Eight years ago you advised me to buy a Ford Focus. It's still going strong and runs like new, still keeping the Focus but need to buy another vehicle. I would ideally like to get a VW Toureg. Should I...
Do you know where I can find the country where a car is made? I am looking for a car officially imported into the UK that is actually made in Japan as I am convinced that these are the most reliable. I...
I am downsizing from a Legacy Outback with 185K on the clock for a smaller auto. We must have room for two dogs in the back so have looked at the Golf Estate and the A3. I do about 20K miles annually as...
I'm looking at buying a car with a budget of £12k. I want a bit of luxury and have looked at 5 year old Jag XJs, S Class Mercs, 7 series BMWs and Audi A8s. However I've also come across the Renault...
I am coming out of company car scheme and need to buy second car, looking for something to own for a couple of years due to my high mileage. I have a 5k budget, I drive 22,000 miles per year so am looking...
Current car: Toyota Avensis 1.8 T3x (2006 facelifted model) Current mileage: ~11000/year I am considering replacing my current car, I have been looking at an Audi A3 2.0 TDI SLine STronic (October 2008,...
Trying to decide between 1. Civic automatic(02-05), 2. Jazz automatic(03-07), 3. Passat automatic(05+). Which is the most reliable gearbox? The Jazz and Civic would be cheaper but the Passat does good...
We are about to downsize from our Volvo V70 and the V50 seems a logical answer but we would appreciate your advice as to what else to consider. It must be automatic, petrol due to a relatively low mileage...
I have a 2009 X5 with 28k. I have been offered a BMW extended warranty for £900 per annum. Given the cost of repairs at BMW contrasted with the general reliability of the car do you think that this is...