Ask Honest John

Most recently answered reliability questions
My budget is between £8000 to £11000. I drive 50 miles on the motorway everyday and really want a reliable car. I've shortlisted the following cars: Toyota Auris Diesel 1.4D-4D 2013 (Mileage 12K Oct 2013) Volkswagen...
I need to replace my 15 year old Lexus IS 200. I’d like a used BMW (2014 model), either a 1 or 3 Series. However, I’d most likely go for the 2.0 diesel with an automatic ‘box. The intention would be to...
I am thinking of buying a 2008 Toyota RAV4 with the 2.2 D-CAT engine. I've found a manual version with 113,000 miles on the clock with a full service history. How is this car and engine?
I’m thinking of buying a new Volkswagen Golf GTE. The car will be used mostly locally, but include the occasional long journey. The car is fitted with 1.4 petrol engine and six-speed DSG gearbox. Is this...
Can you share your thoughts on the Volkswagen Polo (petrol or diesel) after 2009 as a used buy? Compared to the Ford Fiesta 1.6 (petrol or diesel) after 2008?
With improvements in DPF technology as in Mazda skyactiv and 1.6 Renault/Nissan diesel, do you think this has only solved one problem of many in modern diesels if the car was to be kept long term? Do you...
Can you confirm if the well-documented timing chain issues with the PSA/BMW 1.6 petrol engines are confined to the turbo THP type, or include the non-turbo VTI models too? I have read the THP is a 'direct...
I have been looking at cars for my 19 year old son and I came across a Honda Civic 2003 1.4i Imagine for sale at £1650 having done 51,000 miles. Is this a good buy? Is it a solid and reliable car?
I get the impression your not a particular fan of these systems. Is it due to reliability problems?
I'm hoping to get a BMW 1 series in the not too distant future but I keep reading horror timing chain stories. Is there any statistics to say the N43 petrol is stronger than the N47 diesel?