advice | Ask Honest John

Ask Honest John

Most recently answered advice questions

I feel the need to replace my '03 1.6 five-door Civic. Owned since '04, it's low mileage, close to impeccable but at nearly 10 years old, it's due for replacement. My existing car is everything I need...

Citroen C3 1.6 automatic - what do you think of them?

I am looking at a Sept 11 ,61 plate Citroen C3 1,6 automatic exclusive at £8995 from main dealer. Are you happy with this automatic? Test drive was good. However I hired by chance a Hyundai 130 1.4 manual...

Automatic transmission in a small van?

I own an automatic transmission Renault Kangoo (petrol). I have done over 100K miles in less than six years. Never had major problems with it - fingers crossed - and I've changed the timing belt at 70k...

Am I driving my diesel correctly? Will it last?

I have read your articles for many years and have taken particular note of your advice regarding using diesel engined cars for regular short runs - as im afraid I do. I do take my car, a Jaguar 2.2 automatic,...

Why don't we see more LPG vehicles?

I had a 3.2 Touareg converted to LPG about six months ago. Cardiff Autogas did a great job of lifting the rear floor so that the tank was covered and installing the controller in the cabin, really quite...

Ecoboost or TSI?

I would like to buy a Volvo V40, Ford Focus or Seat Leon but wonder which model has the better engine (reliability, consumption, power)? As I want decent performance for reasonable money, I'm considering...

Buying a small crossover/4x4 to replace a C30...

I'm looking to replace our 58 plate diesel C30 R Design [55k miles] with something that's a little more capable in winter conditions. We don't go off road or tow so don't need a big thirsty 4x4; the car...

What are the right tyres for my Freelander?

Running a Freelander 2011 model - it has Pirelli Scorpion tyres - 235-60-18 - and need to change them. The car is used every day approximately 18,000 miles per year, with 99.999% on road. What are your...

Which version of Toyota RAV-4 to buy?

I am considering buying a used Toyota RAV-4 no more than four years old, which must be automatic. I cannot work out which engine size and fuel would be the most economical.

Volvo Powershift transmission - any good?

I would like to ask you if you recommend Volvo V40 D2 with powershift (the car is slower vs manual?, gear changes with this engine?). Also, do you know if Volvo intends to replace powershift with another...