Latest news with #JamesGoodhand
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Mechanic names 'world's most reliable' car brand to own that would 'put him out of work'
Car mechanic James Goodhand spoke to Reach PLC on what he thinks is one of the best brands for people to buy in the UK as people take to the used car market more frequently A car mechanic has praised the brand of vehicle he thinks produces the world's most reliable cars, before revealing what car he owns himself. Also a published author, James Goodhand talked to Reach PLC about his top tips for the public for buying a good used car. On which brand he would suggest is the most reliable, he picked fabled Japanese marque, Honda. As to why, he said: 'If the budget will stretch to it, buy Japanese. Best of all, Honda. They really are the world 's best vehicle engineers. If everyone drove a Honda I would go out of business.' Going into further detail on why he had chosen Honda, James added: '[Their] outstanding reliability. For example, I look after a 20-year-old Civic with over 200k for a customer. 'Still, the engine ticks over so smoothly you could stand your cup of tea on it, and it's so quiet you're hard pushed to tell if it's running. And this thing has covered enough miles to reach the moon.' On what car he chooses to drive, James revealed that his vehicle comes from Swedish brand Volvo, which he owns alongside another beloved car. He said: "It'll come as no surprise that we have a Volvo V90! "Although it's worth mentioning that I also have a BMW M3 that I've had for fifteen years, which has served as family car for periods of time and is in fact the car my little boy came back from the maternity ward in. " James isn't the first car mechanic to highlight the prowess of Honda as a good brand to go for. Car experts at WhatCar? put a selection of small cars through their paces earlier this year, and the latest Honda Jazz placed inside the top three, being praised for its supreme practicality. The reviewers said: 'The Honda Jazz is one of those cars that - like contestants on Britain's Got Talent - are gifted in various ways but have so far not had the universal adoration they perhaps deserve. "While the Jazz has always stood out for its practical interior and reputation for excellent reliability, it has never really hit the heady sales heights of some of its more conventional small car rivals." Praise for Hondas past and present comes as the brand is reportedly considering whether or not to continue its manufacturing presence in the UK. After nearly 40-years building cars near Swindon, it was alleged that the manufacturer was considering producing its cars elsewhere. In 2021, Honda closed its factory in South Marston, which had been producing cars since 1985. Following its closure, it was decided to redevelop the site into what is due to be called Panattoni Park, a £900m commercial site, with construction beginning last year, reported the BBC. In a statement at its launch, Swindon Borough Council leader Jim Robbins said: "I'm really pleased we are finally seeing development come forward on the old Honda site as it will future proof the Swindon economy, bringing thousands of new jobs and significant investment in biodiversity, local roads and public access. 'This sends a clear signal Swindon is very much open for business and we are a town on the up.'
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
'I'm a mechanic and you should avoid buying these used cars in UK before major change'
As the used car market continues to grow, experts have been warning potential buyers of what to look out for, including which models to choose, and which to avoid A car mechanic has issued a stark warning to motorists looking to buy used cars, naming certain models that he believes should be avoided. The trend of opting for second-hand vehicles over brand new ones has surged in recent years, as drivers hunt for nearly-new cars at bargain prices. This shift in consumer behaviour has allowed some car dealers to increase their prices in response to the increased demand. However, amidst the scramble for a premium deal, experts have been advising potential buyers on what to look out for, which models to opt for, and which to steer clear of. In response to a query about the least reliable vehicles, car mechanic and author James Goodhand offered some advice on which cars prospective buyers should approach with caution. James singled out two popular brands at opposite ends of the premium scale, pinpointing Jaguar Land Rover 's Range Rover model and certain used Ford cars as ones to avoid. Speaking about Range Rovers, he said: "The ownership experience is akin to sitting in a comfy leather chair on top of a block of flats, tearing up fifty-pound notes." He added: "As I have had to advise several unfortunate customers who've faced ruination, this is a £100k car and no matter that you bought it second hand for £25k, it still has the running costs of a hundred-grand vehicle, and an appallingly built one at that." On Fords, James added: "Sadly (as a historic blue oval fan) I tend to direct people away from used Fords. The petrol engines with their 'wet belts' can be an absolute disaster - killing an engine if they break or disintegrating with a consequent 2k repair bill. "Timing belts are reliant on friction and rubber breaks down in oil, and yet these engines have the belt quite deliberately running in engine oil as a timing chain would. And Ford's diesels seem to suffer more particulate filter issues than most, so the brand is best avoided full stop." While James slammed second-hand Fords, another motor expert sang the praises of one of the marque's most beloved models, the Ford Focus, claiming it represented excellent value in the used market. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Paul Lucas championed the Mk1 Ford Focus for its straightforward design and dependability. He told the publication: "For me, a 20-year-old 1.6 litre Mk1 Ford Focus is top for reliability. "It was designed before all the unnecessary bells and whistles came in and even lets you start the car with a real key rather than press a button. I bought mine 15 years ago for £500 and have no regrets." The contrasting views from James and Paul emerge as the pre-owned vehicle sector experiences significant transformation, driven by growing numbers of electric motors flooding the marketplace. This trend has been highlighted by the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) who reported that appetite for second-hand electric vehicles had rocketed in 2024. In a statement, they said: "Demand continued to soar for used battery electric cars (BEVs), rising some 57.4% to a record 188,382 units and achieving a new high for market share, at 2.5%, up from 1.7% in 2023 and 13 times larger than back in 2019. "Combined, the number of used electrified vehicles changing hands increased by 43.3% on 2023, with more than half a million of these ultra low or zero emission motors accounting for a 7.7% share of sales. "This growth aligns with the new car market and demonstrates the increasing demand and choice across the sector for new and used electric motors - at price points to suit all potential buyers."
