Ask Honest John

Most recently answered reliability questions
A couple of months ago, at around 57,000 miles, I started to notice what I assumed was bearing noise from the rear of my 56-plate VW Passat Tdi 140. I took it into the local VW dealer who diagnosed stepped...
I am looking to purchase a three or four-year-old E-Class diesel automatic (Avantgarde preferred). From the many 'expert' reviews that are around, am I right in believing that there are fewer mechanical...
I don't quite agree with your suggestion that we should compare the cost of repairs to the value of the car. We should instead, compare the cost of repairs with depreciation and the costs/value of buying...
It seems to me from reading your readers’ letters that many problems with modern cars these days are caused by unnecessary fancy electronics. Is it possible to find a reliable, economical basic car? I...
I'm still reviewing my options regarding the purchase of a used Toyota Prius (approximately two years old) for private use and work as a 'Private Hire' taxi. Unfortunately I can't afford the current model,...
I currently have a Skoda Octavia 1.9 Tdi Elegance which will soon need four new tyres and timing belt change, so decision time looms. Should I keep it for years and run it until repairs become uneconomical...
I have been offered a 2003/53 Mercedes-Benz SL500, which is immaculate with an AMG body kit, panoramic roof etc and has only done 27,000 miles. I have known this car for the past six years. It is available...
I am becoming increasingly alarmed at upgrading our cars to more recent models. My wife and I operate three petrol cars: a 1996 Ford Mondeo V6, a 2008 (original shape) Ford Ka and a 1971 MG Midget 1275cc....
After reading your column we purchased a FIAT Panda for our two daughters to learn to drive. We have owned it for four years and it has proved an excellent choice. Our older daughter is now 21 and is due...
The recent article on Ford's pricing policy might also have advised that for company car drivers, their costs for leasing and P11D tax are based on the list price - a disincentive for choosing a Ford,...