used cars | Ask Honest John

Ask Honest John

Most recently answered used cars questions

I know your evaluation of Golf Mark IVs is based on reader feedback, but may I put in a good word for this car? I've had my 2002 Golf 1.9 PD TDI since new and, apart from the odd light bulb, etc. obviously,...

Cupra runneth over

I kept looking for a SEAT Leon 20VT, with little success, but then a Cupra R came up only a few miles from home. Although 02, it was lowish mileage and in exceptionally good condition. I loved it so much...

Big banger theory

My daughter wants to buy a car to keep in the garage of her house in France for use when she's there. It's likely to be parked for 3 months at a time then used for 2-4 weeks. We realise this isn't ideal,...

5 inside

My daughter has asked me to advise her on the selection of a new car. She is not a car owner so has no vehicle to trade in. She has 4 children aged 11 to 19, husband no longer around. She needs a 5-seater...

Jagger noughts

We are planning to buy a car with a budget of around £5,000-£7,000. We will only be doing 4,000 miles a year and would like it to have low depreciation, top grade spec, good in mpg, diesel or petrol. Don't...

Brake chancing

We saw and test-drove a VW Touran just under 3 weeks ago. There was a light on the dashboard, which I thought was the traction control light, and the ESP light near the gearstick was also on. The dealer...

Price fighter

I have a 1997 Nissan Micra automatic. Unfortunately the underneath is badly rusted and welding will cost £400. I know the guys in the MoT station and trust them. I have a budget of £5,500 and am looking...

History lessened

I recently put down a £500 deposit on a very low mileage, mint condition Mazda6 MPS at an Evans Halshaw car supermarket. In two days from now, the car will be ready for collection and I will be paying...

Running on rails

Could you please tell me which cars and also which 4x4s are built with a separate chassis.

Jag

I am considering purchasing a Jaguar XJ either 3.0L petrol or 2.7L diesel 04-06 plate, as it does seem to be a lot of car for the money at the moment. I intend to start taking in a few continental driving...