Ask Honest John

Most recently answered reliability questions
Now that I have retired, I want to buy a fun convertible to keep a long time and hopefully see me out. I will only do about five thousand miles per year, but need a automatic with good all round reliability....
I need to buy a new, large van. I will be covering long distances (25,000 miles PA) and am self-employed, so reliability is a must. What do you recommend for £20 – £25,000?
I am considering buying a 2009 a BMW 318d estate, 120,000 miles, FSH for £8000, do you think it will be reliable?
I have been offered a 2010 Volkswagen Passat estate diesel, with 82,000 miles and full service history from a family member for £6000. Do these cars suffer from lots of problems?
What current production car would you suggest as an alternative to the Honda Legend? I like the technology but the fuel consumption is out of fashion. Is there a direct equivalent with the reliability?
We're considering buying an estate or 4x4 with an automatic transmission. So far we’ve looked at: Audi A6 1.9 TDI 130 SE Multitronic (2004 - £2900 - 79k miles); Volvo V50 2.4i SE Geartronic (2004 - £2895...
I’m in the market for an 8th generation Honda Civic. Can you tell me if there have been any changes to the suspension and ride quality during the model’s history? Also, are there any reliability issues...
I am soon to buy a new car. I need one around four metres long with a bit of "poke". My driving is mainly mountain roads and motorways. I have three cars in mind, the Suzuki Swift Sport, SEAT Ibiza 105TSI...
What other used models the same size as a Yaris, with a good safety rating are worth looking at? Or are they much of a muchness at this size car? We certainly don't want larger than Yaris size.
My wife and I both recently retired. We want to buy a new or used 4/5 door car. It would need to be economical to run and reliable over an annual mileage of 6000 - 7000 miles, I presume a petrol engine...