Ask Honest John

Most recently answered reliability questions
How do you rate the Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCI 163PS compared with the 2.0 TDCI 140PS version as regards reliability, value for money, known problems, maintenance, DPF reliability, etc.?
My wife and I want to buy a car for our son to celebrate his 21st birthday. He is 6-feet 5-inches tall and currently drives a 12-year-old Fiesta. Our budget is about £6500, which means the possibilities...
I test drove a Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost 100 yesterday and I have fallen in love with it. What is the best spec level to buy that will hold a good value in years to come? I drove a Zetec but was wondering...
My wife has a 2002 silver Mk IV Volkswagen Golf GTi 150 in good order. It has 39,000 miles on the clock. It has never done better than 35mpg. We are now considering a bright red Mk V GT or GTI Golf. I'd...
I would appreciate your recommendation of what car to get. I have between £6000-£8000 to spend on a car. I am 24 years old and do not have a no-claims bonus due to never having a car before. I am looking...
We own a 2004 Renault Scenic. We have had it for under a year and already spent quite a bit on it. We had a engine rebuild at the end of last year trying to find a fault which cost £900, bought two new...
I have recently bought a new KIA Rio 3-spec car. Like many other cars it has an Eco system where the engine shuts off when you stop at traffic lights etc. Sure, if the engine isn't running it is not using...
I'm after a Focus-sized petrol car up to two years old (not new) for around £10,000-£11,000. Two key requirements are reliability and boot space. I quite like the Honda Civic and Ford Focus but can't decide...
My daughter is expecting her first child. Currently she drives an old Mini but is looking for something more reliable and more convenient for getting the baby in and out of. We have about £10,000-£12,000...
Please advise on best engine choice for a used Focus estate (three to five years old) primarily regarding reliability and economy. Please also advise on tyre type for good mileage.