Ask Honest John

Most recently answered hatchbacks questions
I want to buy a nearly new Ford Fiesta similar to my Ecoboost Powershift. I understand that the later model year cars have a torque converter and are more reliable than my 2015 dry clutch version of the...
I'm looking to replace a 55 plate Ford Focus diesel with a similar-size family hatchback, this time petrol. Reliability and economy are top of the list. I'm currently doing 25 miles a day on A roads and...
My London based 26-year-old grandson wishes to purchase his first car for occasional journeys out of London, especially to play golf. He wants a fun 'snazzy' car to drive that will take his golf clubs...
My son is changing his Mazda 2 but needs a bigger boot for the impending arrival of his first child. He has seen a 2018 Hyundai i30 for £12k but is something you feel is better for the budget?
I've got £4000 to spend and would like a manual hatchback, petrol around 1.6. I'm doing about 200 miles, on mainly motorways, per week and I'm tall so need good leg room. I want a reliable, sturdy car...
Joint problems mean I have incredible difficulty getting in and out of any seating. I love my 1995 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, it has only done 60,000 miles and runs like a rocket. But as I approach my 70th...
I'm looking for a reliable torque converter hatchback, must be a petrol automatic. I've narrowed it down to either a Mazda 3 2.0 (2014 -) or a Honda Civic 1.8 (2012 -). Can you help me decide which to...
I drive a Fiat Panda but have a family of four visiting in April. What is the smallest car I could hire that would accommodate five adults but not worry me in terms of size/spatial awareness?
I have a maximum budget of £8000 to buy a motorway friendly 3-5 year old small hatchback, 1.6-litre with a maximum mileage of 50,000. Can you advise please?
I want to buy a three/four year old Volkswagen Golf VII for around £10,000-13,000, which has covered about 30,000 miles. Which engine and fuel type do you recommend? We cover around 10,000 miles a year...