Ask Honest John

Most recently answered reliability questions
Timing belts are expensive to replace, and my Golf needs one every four years. Do the manufacturers just fit them to create work for themselves or are there sound engineering reasons as to why some engines...
A friend has sent me an article suggesting that ‘swirl flaps’ can fail on post-2003 BMW 530d models and cause serious damage. What are swirl flaps? Does this apply to my 2010 F10 model and, if so, should...
I'm swapping my ten-year-old Ford Mondeo TDCI estate with 140,000 miles, which I've owned from new. It has been virtually faultless with no clutch or DMF problems. I have been offered, from a Jaguar main...
Just read your review of the honda. I'm going to buy either the Honda or a Freelander, but I worry about the reliability and maintenance costs on the Freelander. Which would you recommend of the two?...
I have been thinking of changing my Octavia vRS (petrol) due to my high mileage of 25,000 per year, and I am very wary of buying a manual due to DMF failure. I am lucky enough to have some money available...
I do about 25,000 miles a year and I need to replace my 250,000 miles V70, which will be very, very sad. I could go for a company car (a manual Insignia) but I don't really want to be in a car scheme....
I would like to part exchange my eight-year-old Citroen C3 Sensodrive for a six-month-old, 3500 mile Citroen C3 16v Exclusive diesel hatchback from my local Citroen dealer. He allowed £1700 on my C3. Is...
We own a 2008 Volkswagen Eos. It has done just 14,000 miles and is a super car. My husband thinks that perhaps we should think about changing it for another new car as now, after four years, things will...
I note on occasions your correspondents refer to the approaching 'Danger Zone' for expensive repairs to their (diesel) vehicles. I have owned a Toyota Avensis 2.0 D-4D for some six years, and - credit...
Would you rather buy an older Toyota Prius with low mileage or a newer one with high mileage? Would you go for the Prius or a Honda Insight or a Citroen C1? My insurance for the Prius is very high, also...