I'm a veteran mechanic. Here are the cars I'd buy myself - and the surprising popular models you should avoid at ALL COSTS

If you're looking for advice on which car models are the most reliable, who is going to know more than the mechanics that work on them week in week out?
Some cars appear on their forecourts with alarming frequencies thanks to ongoing issues, while others pass their MOT with flying colours every year, not to be seen again for another 12 months.

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Times

an hour ago

• Times

Why I fell in love with a beautiful Italian road bike

There are cool bikes, there are nice bikes, there are practical bikes, but there are few bikes so beautiful that even noncyclists look at it and think, wow. The Basso's new SV is one of those — the Italian brand has created a grande bellezza. The SV stands for Sempre Veloce, meaning always fast, and that is accurate. This bike is rapid. The stiff, light frame makes it feel like there's nothing beneath you. You turn the pedals and the bike goes, there's no delay, no wasted watts, it doesn't feel like you're steering a barge. In fact it often feels like you're steering nothing at all — just your power, directed straight into the tarmac. But this is also a bike that Basso claims is correct for 95 per cent of people. It is its all-rounder, appealing to the current trend within cycling of having a do-it-all machine rather than an aero bike and a climbing bike and a winter bike. Does it do it all? Yes, and very well. • Read more luxury reviews, advice and insights from our experts With such carbon machines you often trade ride comfort for lightness and stiffness. Pure racing bikes feel as if they'll break your back on any potholes or bumps in the road — and we have the odd one or two of those in the UK. But the SV is a fine ride, stiff in all the right places and softer where it needs to be. I tested it with 32mm Grand Prix 5000 S tyres that were perfect and when I hit our pockmarked Essex roads my back remained intact. It handles beautifully, even in fast-speed corners. The bike gripped the road, the balance of the ride was perfect. And out of the saddle on the climbs it was a joy. The only problem was the surroundings in which I rode — the grey sky, the damp road, this is not scenery befitting such a bike. But later on, rolling along a narrow country lane, the sun beginning to peek between the clouds, light twinkling on the bike's frame, I saw galloping deer in the rolling fields alongside me and suddenly everything felt all right. The components are as high-end as you might expect. While you can configure your bike with your own choices, the Dura Ace di2 groupset is as smooth and reliable as always and the DT Swiss wheels are the perfect companions. None of this really matters, though, because the bike is just so beautiful. I had the SV in the Viola Galaxy colour, a groovy, sparkly blue-orange. The front fork is subtle and low-profile and the down tube has a slight aero kink in it that gives it character. When I pulled up to a coffee shop for an espresso and a sandwich I left the bike outside to be admired by other cyclists and passers-by. If only we had been in its native Italy, among the ruins of Rome, perhaps, or the vineyards of Tuscany, they would surely have said: 'Che bella!' Basso SV as ridden £8,889, starting from £6,730;

Auto Blog

2 hours ago

• Auto Blog

Honda Launches Killer Accord Hybrid Lease Offer for June

Honda Accord Hybrid lease deal for June The Honda Accord has been a solid competitor in the sedan segment for the past eleven generations, with the newest Hybrid model providing the same reliability and practicality with terrific mpg benefits. If you've been eyeing the Accord Hybrid for a while but needed another reason to sign on the dotted line, Honda's newest lease deal may be that reason. 0:00 / 0:09 Walmart is selling a 'heavy duty' $89 step ladder for $48, and shoppers say it's 'sturdy and secure' Watch More Honda seems to be holding a nationwide lease offer on the Accord Hybrid. We cross-checked Los Angeles, Denver, Miami, New York, and Michigan offers, and residents of all states can get behind the wheel of an Accord FWD Sport Hybrid for $389 per month for 36 months with $3,799 due at signing. All deals have a 10,000-mile annual limit. Owners of any 2010 or newer Honda, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Fisker, Ford, GMC, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Mazda, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Polestar, RAM, Rivian, Scion, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, VinFast, and Volkswagen get the same Accord FWD Sport Hybrid for $359 per month for 36 months with $3,699 due at signing. 2025 Honda Accord Hybrid — Source: Honda What do you get in a 2025 Honda Accord Sport Hybrid? The Sport Hybrid is the base hybrid trim, featuring a 2.0 L I4 engine paired with two electric motors that send 204 hp through an e-CVT. The EPA rates the Sport Hybrid at 46 mpg city, 41 mpg highway, and 44 mpg combined, compared to the gas-powered base LX's 29 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 32 mpg combined. The hybrid also makes 12 extra hp over the LX. Snazzy touches on the Accord Sport Hybrid include 19-inch alloy wheels, a trunk spoiler, a power sunroof, an 8-speaker, 180-watt audio system, power driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility on its 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Given that it's the same car size-wise, the same 16.7 cu ft of cargo space carries over. 2025 Honda Accord Hybrid Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Final thoughts Lease offers can vary based on location and specific vehicle configuration (trim level, options, etc.) and are subject to credit approval. Advertised payments typically exclude taxes, title, registration, and other potential fees. To take advantage of this offer or to get a precise quote based on your needs (including an official $0 down option), visit the official Honda website here. 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid — Source: Honda *Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. About the Author Gabriel Ionica View Profile

Auto Car

4 hours ago

• Auto Car

MWIC Bonus Episode 13: Autocar Meets car designer Julian Thomson, GM Advanced Design Europe

Close Julian Thomson is one of the world's best car designers and if you don't know the name, you'll know his cars. As Lotus's chief designer he designed the Elise and at Jaguar Land Rover created the LRX concept, which went on to become the Range Rover Evoque. But most of Thomson's career has been spent in advanced design and that's where he finds himself now, at General Motors' new advanced design centre Europe. Why does GM need a European design centre and what will it do? Join Steve Cropley and Matt Prior as they put these questions and many more to one of the world's most eminent car designers.