A car mechanic has heaped praise on the brand of vehicle he believes produces the world's most dependable cars, before disclosing what he drives himself.
Published author James Goodhand spoke to us about his expert advice for the public when purchasing a quality used car. When asked which brand he'd recommend as the most dependable, he singled out legendary Japanese manufacturer Honda.
Explaining his choice, 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."
Elaborating on why he'd selected Honda, James continued: "[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."
When asked what car he personally chooses to drive, James disclosed that his vehicle hails from Swedish manufacturer Volvo, which he runs alongside another cherished motor. 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 champion the excellence of Honda as a solid brand to opt for. Motoring experts at WhatCar? tested a range of small cars last year, with the latest Honda Jazz securing a spot in the top three, earning particular acclaim for its outstanding 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."
The glowing reviews for both current and previous Honda models come amid reports that the brand is weighing up whether to maintain its UK manufacturing operations.
Following almost four decades of car production near Swindon, the manufacturer was said to be mulling over relocating its production facilities. In 2021, Honda shut down its South Marston factory, which had been churning out vehicles since 1985.
After the closure, plans were approved to transform the site into what will be known as Panattoni Park, a £900m commercial development, with building work commencing in 2024, the BBC reported.
At the project's announcement, 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."
