David Ross

Leicester

News Car Editor at HonestJohn.co.uk

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Articles

Question of the week: Does the new ZEV mandate mean hybrids are a good purchase?

2 weeks ago | honestjohn.co.uk | David Ross

Dear Honest John,"I saw in your news story that the government have changed the ZEV mandate, so that hybrids and plug-in hybrids will still be sold until 2035. I'm trying to decide on my next new car, and the constant changing of the rules makes it difficult to decide on the best option for me. Do the new rules mean a hybrid is now a better option than an EV?"- JKDear JK,The big news for new car buyers this week was that the government has changed the ZEV mandate.
Milltek launches expanded Modern Classics exhaust range

2 weeks ago | honestjohn.co.uk | David Ross

Milltek is launching an expanded Modern Classic range of performance exhausts for a wide range of modern classic cars. The updated exhaust range includes the Audi RS4 B7, BMW E36 and BMW E90 M3 generations and Mk4 Volkswagen Golf R32. Each is designed to deliver an enhanced sound while keeping the period correct look. The BMW E36 M3 exhaust gets an OEM look and feel with the Cat Back system and 70mm tips for the E36 3.0 and 3.2 Evo M3 models.
Question of the week: Do I need to carry spare bulbs when driving in France?

2 weeks ago | honestjohn.co.uk | David Ross

Dear Honest John,"I'm planning a trip to France in the summer but I'm having some trouble finding out what equipment I need to carry in my car.
Question of the week: What's the greatest hot hatch ever?

3 weeks ago | honestjohn.co.uk | David Ross

Dear Honest John,"What do you think is the greatest hot hatch of all time? This is a long-running argument between me and my friends and everyone seems to have a different opinion on what makes a great hot hatch, never mind which one is the best of all-time. Even the motoring press seem to disagree on this."- VBDear VB,This is a bit like asking 'What's the greatest film of all time?', as even when experts agree, everyone has their own idea of what makes the greatest piece of work.
Question of the week: Should motorway speed limits be raised to 80mph?

1 month ago | honestjohn.co.uk | David Ross

Dear Honest John,"Isn't it about time motorway speed limits were raised to 80mph? So many drivers are either doing 60mph or 80mph plus anyway. And aren't modern cars a lot safer? So much of the network seems to have the smart system with limits in place, so it would be nice to be able to travel more quickly when traffic has cleared. Lots of European countries seem to have higher limits without any problems."- VEDear VE,Motorway speed limits have been a discussion topic for decades.
Question of the week: Can I renew my EV car tax early and get the next 12 months free?

1 month ago | honestjohn.co.uk | David Ross

Dear Honest John,"I saw your previous answer regarding renewing Vehicle Excise Duty for an electric vehicle early to extend the free allowance by doing so in March of this year. However, I have spoken to the DVLA and they categorically state that you cannot do this. In fact they say that 2025 rates have not been officially announced yet either.
I only do 3000 miles a year - do I need to service my car annually?

1 month ago | good-garage-guide.honestjohn.co.uk | David Ross

Honest John Good Garage Guide Ask Honest John » I only do 3000 miles a year - do I need to service my car annually? I only do 3000 miles a year - do I need to service my car annually? I have a 2016 Ford Focus and its MoT is due end March. Its only done 3000 miles since its last MoT and service. Should I get it serviced or could I get away with just an MoT this time?
Should I get the cambelt changed on my car?

1 month ago | good-garage-guide.honestjohn.co.uk | David Ross

Honest John Good Garage Guide Ask Honest John » Should I get the cambelt changed on my car? Should I get the cambelt changed on my car? I own Ford Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost automatic. It is a 2015 and I was advised that the cambelt needed to be changed because it is coming up to 10 years now. I have done only 35K + miles. I have done all services religiously direct with Ford dealer. I was given quote of £2000 for this job as it requires special tools and will take time.
Question of the week: Will all cars eventually have automatic gearboxes?

1 month ago | honestjohn.co.uk | David Ross

Dear Honest John,"I've been looking at new cars and a lot of them seem to be automatic only. Will all cars eventually be automatic? Why can't I have a manual?" - APDear AP,Your eyes are not deceiving you - most new cars are automatic. Official new car registration figures for 2024 show that 62% of new cars were automatic, with only 38% fitted with a manual transmission.
Question of the week: Is now a good time to buy a used Tesla?

2 months ago | honestjohn.co.uk | David Ross

Dear Honest John,"I'm seeing a lot of noise online about Tesla owners wanting to get rid of their cars because of Elon Musk. Does a car becoming unpopular make it a bargain? I was considering buying a used Tesla already, but is now a good time to do so?"- KPDear KP,Sales of new Tesla vehicles in most countries around the world appeared to have taken something of a hit in recent months, as much as 75% in Spain and 63% in France.