buying advice | Ask Honest John

Ask Honest John

Most recently answered buying advice questions

Why are PHEVs more expensive than petrol equivalents?

I am thinking of buying a PHEV. I do around 7000 miles a year, many of them short runs of less than 20 miles. The car I’m looking at is approximately £6000 more than it’s pure petrol equivalent. It looks...

What's a good car to replace my Vauxhall Meriva?

I am looking to change my car. I need an economical low emissions engine with some room as I go fishing and camping. At the moment I have a Meriva which has been a fairly good car but now 10 years old....

What's a good project car to dismantle with my son so he can learn about cars?

I want to find a car that I can take apart with my eight-year-old son so he can learn about how a car is put together. It should be small so the components are light, not too many sealed electrical bits...

What do you suggest as a good family tow car?

I am looking for a family car that can tow a 1690Kg but still be economical on my daily 15 commute to work. My price range £17,000 to £21,000.

Should I change from diesel to petrol?

I bought my diesel Toyota Yaris new in 2011. I’m 70 next year and may be doing more short journeys than long ones - not so good for a diesel engine plus diesel is now more expensive than petrol. Should...

We need a practical family car for £20,000 - what do you suggest?

I need to buy my wife a family car that will cope with two children under two years old and all the paraphernalia that goes with them, including a double buggy. We probably drive less than 10000 miles...

What's the best used PHEV with a big boot and three full size rear seats?

I'm looking for second-hand petrol plug-in hybrid, from 2014 onwards, with three full-size adult seats in back, roof rack bars and as big a boot as possible for camping equipment. Any suggestions?

What's the cheapest car to insure for for my son and his wife returning to the UK from abroad?

My son (48) and his German wife (56) are returning to the UK from Canada. I understand most insurance costs do not recognise NCB obtained from abroad. What car would you recommend to start the NCB ball...

I need a second hand car for £15k - what do you suggest?

I'm in the market for a second-hand car and I'm interested in an Evoque or similar semi-luxury car for up to £15,000. The catch is that I would prefer petrol and all the ones I look at are diesel. I only...