Ask Honest John

Most recently answered reliability questions
I need a used family hatchback, key features for me would be safe, reliable and economical, but with a decent sized engine and low miles - budget £5,000.
It’s time to change my 2002 Ford Focus 1.8 petrol Ghia estate which I've had since May 2006. Whatever I buy is likely to be my last car so I want something mildly exciting and reliable. I have in mind...
The Dacia Duster base model, priced at £8995, seems to be very good value for money. Given all the positives including Renault technology, low insurance, good fuel economy, chain cam 1.6-litre engine and...
I'm the owner of a 2004 Rover 75 which I am reluctant to part with it. It's a great car and very comfortable. However, twice in the last four years the head gasket has failed, and I was recently presented...
I’m looking at buying a secondhand BMW 335i. I had one of the first in 2006 and always regretted selling it. I can’t drive a manual due to a disability. Looking at the BMW website, there appear to be some...
We own a 2003 BMW X5 3-litre diesel that has done 70,000 miles. It is a fantastic car for towing our large caravan and is the most comfortable car we have ever owned for long distance driving. We would...
What can you tell me about the Volkswagen 2.5-litre diesel engine and Tiptronic automatic gearbox? Any problems you are aware of? This is in connection with the purchase of a four-year-old California camper...
The time has come to replace our December 2006 Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI PD Elegance Estate. We are looking for something a little bigger and the car would get twice weekly run of 140 miles, mostly on the...
Is the Suzuki Alto a good purchase? A local dealer is selling the entry model at £5995. The MPG figures and insurance grouping appear low, is it all too good to be true?
I'm on the hunt for an economical diesel estate with good performance. Is there anything that comes close to the performance/mpg/tax band/insurance group combination that one appears to get from the pre-2010...