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.”