Ask Honest John

Most recently answered reliability questions
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...
After many years of Volvo estates, usually bought at 5 years old with full histories, I am now retired and, while still needing to haul the occassional full load or drive long distances on the continent...
Almost every 1+ year old Nissan, Subaru or Toyota I've looked at seems to have plenty of rust underneath, particularly on the exhaust. Is there any reason for this (and doesn't it impact on Japanses cars...
The turbo on my Focus TDCI failed and had to be replaced at a cost of £700. The mileage is 42,000. Why do turbos fail when an engine will make 200,000 miles? I have been advised that the cause is most...
My wife and I wish to purchase a hard top convertible. We presently own a five-year-old BMW 3 Series with 38,000 on the clock. We think the Volkswagen Eos looks promising, but do you have any advice or...
I have read all the very high praise lavished on the new Ford three cylinder engine. In your opinion would the new Focus 1.0 125ps be a suitable car for me to travel 550 miles each week, mainly on motorways?...
My wife and I are looking for a smallish four-door car. Could you recommend one please? We do only about 6000 miles a year and, being pensioners, are looking for an economical and reliable car.
What is your opinion of the Renault six-speed dual clutch (EDC) transmission that I understand is currently an option on various models and, next year, will be standard fitment on the new 1.2 TCe Mk4 Clio?