Ask Honest John

Most recently answered small family cars questions
The ex-demo 1994 Citroen ZX Turbo D I purchased in 1995 is now in the hands of a daughter 150k+ miles. No problems apart from new radiator early on. Still on original exhaust system and remote key batteries....
I need to buy a new car after not having driven for 8-9 years. Using buses has become hopeless with so many services closing. I'm thinking of a diesel Skoda Yeti. I watched your video review and you seemed...
I am thinking of changing my 2006 Focus 1.6 (113) Zetec for a new Octavia with the 1.4 turbo petrol engine. I would appreciate your view on small turbo petrol engines in general and this one in particular....
A local Nissan dealer has provided me with excellent service over the last four years with my current vehicle. He has recently imported a number of Nissan Tiida hatchbacks and saloons from the Republic...
I am looking to scrap my 11-year-old Golf V5 2.3 automatic under the government scrappage scheme. I would like to replace it with a new automatic car of similar size and power. Budget £17k-£22k including...
Greetings from Belgium. I’m torn between buying the new Ford Fiesta or the Mark III Focus. I test drove both yesterday and was impressed. I’ve got a 2003 Focus 1.8TDCI now and it still runs well and has...
I own a 2003 Volvo V70 automatic. I now qualify for the Motability scheme, which is very tempting. The thought of having worry-free motoring appeals to me. Motability has obtained an offer on the Hyundai...
I am a private punter thinking of buying a 2002 - 2003 Mercedes A Class at auction (probably Westbury) when one comes up in the listings. Any tips? Or would I be better off going to a dealer through eBay...
I am about to purchase my 8th Volvo and it will be my first diesel powered car. The model is a V50 2.0D with Powershift transmission. I drive between 18,000 and 20,000 miles of mixed motoring per annum....
My wife and I are both in our eighties and are looking for a small car that has higher seats, making it easier to get in and out. So far we have only found one, which is the Mercedes A Class. Can you suggest...