Ask Honest John

Most recently answered automatics questions
I read your good review about a Ford Grand C-Max and am planning to buy a new one. As I only want to go for an automatic, there is only a 2.0-litre diesel engine to chose from. Given that I am not a...
We currently drive a Nissan X-Trail, and for the North Yorkshire Moors in winter, have found it does just what we have asked of it. We plan to replace it with another X-Trail, and have been offered an...
We are looking to replace my wife's ageing runabout with a car that is under two years old. She needs a car with an autobox and rather likes the Honda Jazz. Within our price range the Jazz with the i-Shift...
Trying to decide between 1. Civic automatic(02-05), 2. Jazz automatic(03-07), 3. Passat automatic(05+). Which is the most reliable gearbox? The Jazz and Civic would be cheaper but the Passat does good...
We are about to downsize from our Volvo V70 and the V50 seems a logical answer but we would appreciate your advice as to what else to consider. It must be automatic, petrol due to a relatively low mileage...
I am due to retire in a couple of years and will be moving from a very rural location to, most probably, a large town or city. Both my wife and I drive and we were considering buying an automatic so we...
I am looking for a new automatic 5-door hatchback that is comfortable for four people, economical and has good acceleration - diesel or petrol, annual mileage about 6000. I was going to look at the Nissan...
May I check, through your columns, with other Volkswagen Touran DSG owners about what I believe spoils an otherwise very nice car? My aggravation derives from the design of the handbrake mechanism. Firstly,...
I have a stiff neck due to a recent sports injury on top of ageing, and although I have a rear camera, which helps with parking, I find I can no longer safely see the nearside rear quarter of my 2006 Honda...
I want a small automatic and was wondering about the Skoda Fabia. Have been told by friends that DSG autos are not a good choice. Is this so? Otherwise what else would you recommend? It needs to fit in...