Ask Honest John

Most recently answered automatics questions
My mother is looking to replace her old Volkswagen Golf. She has a budget of £12,000, but wants an automatic that is basic and economical. What do you suggest?
A friend who, due to the onset of Parkinson’s Disease, can no longer drive, has asked me to sell his car, a Honda Jazz 5 door ES i-Shift, metallic paintwork, first registered in March, 2010 with 7200 miles...
I have been driving Honda Civics for about the last 15 years or so and have loved them. My current Civic is well overdue for a change. But what has Honda done to the rear window? I positively hate it and...
How would you recommend running-in a car with a CVT gearbox, such as the new Subaru Forester XT?
I’m in the market for a new car and my search has come down to a nearly new Volkswagen Golf 1.4 petrol (140PS) with DSG ‘box or for similar money (£2,1500) a brand new Skoda Octavia with the same engine....
I am seriously thinking of buying a Volkswagen Polo 1.4GTI DSG and have read a number of articles, none of which have been very forthcoming or informative. However, I was very interested in your comments...
I have a budget of £2500 to buy a pre-march 2001 car for the tax break. I would want a medium to large car with four seats and automatic gearbox. I’m thinking of a Lexus GS300, Volvo V70 or Jaguar XJ....
I presently own a Mercedes-Benz E 220CDI Estate, but having moved to Suffolk my wife finds the car too low and wide for the local lanes, coupled with, due to our advancing years, we are keen on a high...
I am thinking of buying a 2008 Ford Fusion automatic, with 34,000 miles on the clock. Are there any mechanical issues I should be aware about for this car?
I’m being offered a 2012 Ford Mondeo Titanium X 2.2 TDCI with 16,400 miles on the clock for £16,841. Can you tell me if this has PowerShift and explain what it does?