Ask Honest John

Most recently answered reliability questions
My wife is disabled, and we use a Motability car. She is due to change her car early next year, and must order later this year. We have shortlisted two cars as being very suitable for her needs; the Skoda...
I am looking at buying a 2003 Mazda 6 with around 100,000 miles on it. She is a 1.8-litre touring petrol model in good condition - what should I look out for?
I drive about 20,000 miles each year including about three trips to France, during which time I tow a light caravan for no more than three weeks. I look for economical, reliable and comfortable motoring....
I remember you wrote recently about huge repair bills on early Mercedes-Benz A-Class models and wonder if you could advise which parts/years/mileages to avoid? My son has been recommended an A-Class for...
I have had a Mondeo Zetec Estate 2.0 for three years. It's done 90,000 miles and is never any trouble. The lease is up soon and my employer/lease firm has stopped us having Fords - shame. We have the choice...
I currently run a 2005 Mazda 3 2-litre Sport saloon, but a new baby, labrador and broody wife mean it's time to look for an estate. With the part-ex I would get for mine (full service history, good condition...
I have about £6000 to spend on a second car that will be fun to drive, cheap to run and suitable for my daughter to learn to drive in. I was considering a Panda 100HP or Fabia vRS, but I think maybe the...
I drive approximately 10-15,000 miles a year and need to buy a car to use for work. Size doesn't matter, and performance is not top of my priorities. However I want something fun, reliable and economical,...
I need to pick up a cheapish diesel. I've stumbled across a Rover Streetwise 2-litre diesel with 31,000 on the clock for £3295. I will need three years out of this at an average of 25,000 miles per year,...
I have a budget of up to £3000 to buy an economical and reliable hatchback. Can you suggest a couple of models?