John Evans

Title: Special correspondent

John is a freelance journalist and a former staff member of Autocar (1994-98). Other staff positions he has held include deputy editor of Autocar’s sister title What Car?, and editor of Practical Caravan magazine.

As a former car salesman turned consumer editor he has written extensively about the new and used car market and consumer issues. In recent years, he has contributed news and feature stories on these topics, as well as more general features on everything from how to build an ice cream van to exploring abandoned cars in front gardens. He also contributes to Autocar Business.

John is a former Guild of Motoring Writers Journalist of the Year and is the motoring editor of the RAC Club members magazine, Pell-Mell & Woodcote.

John is an expert in:

Used cars
Used car buying
Classic cars
Automotive industry

Articles by John Evans

BMW 1 Series review hero front

Car review

Used BMW 1 Series 2015-2019 review

It's sporty on paper and can be had from just £4k, but does it deliver? We consider the 1 Series as a used buy...

17 April 2024

Used BMW 1 Series 2015-2019 review

flipper willam contessa microcars jh 32

Barrett owns a Mini Comtesse (left), SEAB Flipper (centre) and a William Cyclo (right)

News

Welcome to the weird world of the 1970s microcar

This collector focuses on these miniature marvels and plans to drive one all over the UK. We learn more

14 April 2024

Welcome to the weird world of the 1970s microcar

News

Consumer watchdog calls for car dealers to be licensed

Levels of crime and fraud are rising while spending on Trading Standards departments is falling, says CTSI

25 March 2024

Consumer watchdog calls for car dealers to be licensed

Bentley Flying Spur Rolls Royce Phantom front driving

One Baku-based car broker claimed it could source Rolls-Royces and Bentleys from the EU

News

UK car industry rejects claim it's benefiting from sales to Russia

Reports say cars are entering sanctioned state via brokers in neighbouring nations as exports to Azerbaijan soar 2000%

20 March 2024

UK car industry rejects claim it's benefiting from sales to Russia

More than £16 billion would be needed to fix the backlog of carriageway repairs

News

Councils not spending government's Potholes Fund

New report finds that half of roads in England and Wales have just 15 years of structural life remaining

20 March 2024

Councils not spending government's Potholes Fund

Mercedes dealership

The Financial Conduct Authority is looking into so-called DCAs

News

Motorists to receive compensation after regulator finance probe

Lenders braced to pay millions in compensation on car finance deals, with Lloyds having set aside £450m

19 March 2024

Motorists to receive compensation after regulator finance probe

Jaguar F Pace cornering

There has been a spate of failures concerning the F-Pace's electric power steering motors

News

Jaguar F-Pace owners hit with electric power steering fault

JLR's efforts to resolve the crisis at its logistics hub are being severely tested

15 March 2024

Jaguar F-Pace owners hit with electric power steering fault

Maserati Gransport front three quarter

Car review

Used Maserati Gransport 2004-2007 review

This sharply-styled V8 Italian sports car is a steal at current prices. But will you come to regret it?

11 March 2024

Used Maserati Gransport 2004-2007 review

Avis Prestige cars parked

Evans booked a this Defender 110 D300 HSE for a long weekend, which would have cost £843

News

Posh rental cars: do you really get more for your money?

We take to Avis Premium and hire a Land Rover Defender to find out what you get over the standard-issue rental

9 March 2024

Posh rental cars: do you really get more for your money?

Renault megane lead

Car review

Used Renault Mégane 2016-2022 review

A wide range of engines, handsome looks, and a reasonable interior - but the Megane is missing something significant

8 March 2024

Used Renault Mégane 2016-2022 review

Vauxhall GTC VXR

Car review

Used Vauxhall Astra GTC VXR 2012-2015 review

Can the hottest Astra make for a thrilling and cost-effective used purchase, or is it just too unruly?

4 March 2024

Used Vauxhall Astra GTC VXR 2012-2015 review

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