RAC Direct Insurance is to start using a panel of approved insurers - should I be concerned?

RAC Direct Insurance is moving from a direct insurer to using a panel of RAC-approved insurers. As a private motorist (pensioner), should I be concerned and shop around for other quotes? I have been an...

What happened to the Rover 75's diesel engine?

Whatever happened to the diesel engine used in the Rover 75? I've been driving one for the last two years and it has been excellent: economical, seemingly more reliable than some modern engines and keeping...

Is it common for the tailgate lock on the Volkswagen Touran to malfunction?

I am having trouble with the tailgate on my Volkswagen Touran. Once closed it unlocks and it won't completely lock home again, and you can hear the lock clicking and struggling to fully close the gate....

Would you recommend the Ford C-Max or Land Rover Freelander for towing a caravan?

I am going to buy a caravan, possibly of a maximum weight of 1,400kg, and need to change my car, as at the moment drive a 2006 Ford Focus C Max 1.6 TDCi Zetec. I like the driving position of this car,...

Why does my Audi A4 Executive's radio come on automatically when I start the car?

I have an Audi A4 Executive saloon, bought new in September 2009. The radio comes on as soon as the engine is started. I have visited our local Audi dealer who has looked at it, but to date has not been...

Can you recommend an economical 4WD vehicle to replace our Jeep?

Our fantastic Jeep is sadly coming to the end of its life. We need to replace it with something equally good in the snow (we live in Scotland). The Jeep would take us through anything when other four-wheel...

Which Mercedes-Benz SL should I buy?

Thinking of buying a 1996 P-reg Mercedes-Benz SL600 as fun Summer car in addition to my Subaru 3.0 Outback, price c £11k, 70k miles with history, some but not all main dealer. Car has had new hood about...

Buying a left-hand drive car in the UK

I am contacting u from South Africa and am due soon to go to the UK to buy a car. Im looking to buy a small RED convertible, four-seater automatic with left-hand drive as I will be then moving to Spain. I...

Why replace a dual mass flywheel?

If the clutch fails, why does the dual mass flywheel invariably have to be replaced? This repair is extremely expensive.

Top tip for cleaning windscreens

Reference today's 'Blade ruiner' comment, I would like to mention that a little vinegar on a small piece of lint free cloth is ideal for cleaning the inside and outside of windscreens (front and back!). (Keep...

Which oil type?

The local mechanic has used Castrol Magnetec 10/40 engine oil instead of 05/30 in my 2008 Ford Focus TDCi. Will this be a problem?

Trading-in a BMW 123d coupe

I have a BMW 123d coupe 59-plate (Oct 09) in space grey metallic with 11,000 miles on the clock. I am thinking of changing it for an Audi which will be delivered in April/May. What sort of money should...

SkodaYeti - diesel or petrol?

I'd like to buy a Skoda Yeti 4x4 TDI 2.0 and prefer the diesel for environmental and cost reasons. However, there's a six-month waiting list for new diesel models and the secondhand models are selling...

Cost of fuel

Looking at the AA comparison site, 23 out of 28 countries have cheaper diesel than petrol, and the average cost of diesel works out at £1.03/litre (1.22 Euros) Why therefore is the UK market rigged against...

Parking car on flat tyres

I took my 4x4 to a garage to get nitrogen filled in the tyres. The mechanic deflated all the four tyres while the wheels were still on ground (he did not jack it up!) and it remained so for almost 40 minutes...

Buying a car that's good for back problems

Need some ideas please. I have back problems and need a car that has height, so it's easy to get in and out of (and of course good seating), room for luggage and a dog and something I can put my Canadian...

What should I swap my Renaultsport Megane 250 for?

My partner and I currently share a car, she commutes 20miles a day and I use the car for fun on weekends. We only cover 6000 miles a year, and as a petrolhead even the modern diesels dont do it for me. Currently...

Should I part-exchange my BMW 123d Coupe for an Audi A1?

Thinking of part exchanging my BMW 123D COUPE on a 59-plate, 10,750 miles in Space Grey metallic against the new Audi A1 185ps to be delivered in April/May. What sort of money should I be getting offered...

Reliability of mid-size diesel 4X4s

Probably against your general advice, I am looking to buy a (new) mid size manual diesel 4X4. Could you comment on expected reliability of Honda CR-V 2.2D, Kuga 2.0 TDCi and Hyundai ix35 2.0 CRD? The items...