Ask Honest John

Most recently answered running costs questions
I have 10k max to spend on a car. I need it to be economical but nippy. It has to be roomy and safe, reliable and cheap to service as I commute 16,000 miles per year. I want something that's fun to drive...
I'm trying to work out whether to buy a petrol or diesel Ford Mondeo, taking into consideration that the initial price for this car secondhand is the same, say £2000. If I'm doing a mix of short five-mile...
I currently own a Volkswagen Polo GTI. I have been having a few problems with it over the years and have decided its time to upgrade, as I do a lot of miles, and it's not the most economical of cars. I...
I see the prices for Saab 9-5 are the best around secondhand for a good family estate. I have £7000 and do not know which engine or year to look into. Is there anything I should watch out for?
I am a 19-year-old lad who has had a 1.0-litre 3-door T-reg Volkswagen Polo for 18 months now, and I am looking to move on to something bigger and more powerful. With insurance, tax, service costs, street...
I'm thinking of buying an MG ZT-T. What common problems are there? Are parts expensive? Running costs? Or are they to be avoided? Its a 2005 with 49,000 miles, 2.5-litre petrol for £3995.
I am planning to change my 2007 Mercedes-Benz C200CDI automatic as I have now done 65,000 miles. I am considering a 2009 Jag X-Type Sovereign auto or a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C220 auto with satellite navigation....
I have narrowed my search for what is possibly my last car to the Ford Kuga Zetec, Hyundai ix35 or Kia Sportage. I know that the Hyundai and Kia have long warranty periods but found the Kuga seemingly...
We are looking to spend £3500-£4000 on an estate-type car - a runaround used for a daily commute of only three miles and longer journeys at weekends with our dog. We're looking to keep running costs reasonably...
I want to buy a BMW 840 which has done 133,000 miles. I'm not sure about the fuel consumption, as some say it does 16mpg. Can you please advise?