Questions from February 2012
I own a 2007 Ford Focus 1.8TDCI Titanium, best car I have ever driven (thanks for the recommendation 3 years ago John). Looking at getting a nearly new model (new shape) but they don't make the 1.8 engine...
I put 25 litres of petrol on top of two gallons of diesel in my wife's diesel engined car, then drove five miles before the engine juddered and I realised my mistake.
Pulled up immediately and called...
The temperture guage is not working. I have just had a coil pack fitted and the guage was working before this was fitted.
I have had my track rod ends replaced 11 months ago,and they have gone again. Am I covered by a warranty at the garage that replaced them as they are less than 12 months old?
As the owner of a 2011 520D BMW touring automatic I only do about 5000 miles a year mainly City driving. I see advertisements for removal of DPF, is this a solution to avoid impending major problems?
I own an S-Class S320 CDI, 2002, 85k in good condition. When cold it changes from 1st to 2nd gear with a bang. It's OK when warm. How do I sort this? Would changing the gearbox fluid help?
Please can you help with the following decision. I am looking to buy a Mercedes W211 E-Class V6-engined saloon. I know the post-2006 facelift cars are the best ones, but should I choose petrol or diesel?
I...
I think that I have been clocked doing just under 70mph in a 50mph zone. What are the likely penalties - would it be a standard £60 and 3 points or more?
Interesting to read the answer to the LR Discovery tyres question....
My D3 was factory fitted with Pirelli Scorpion P zero M&S tyres.
I've had the tyres changed twice now, first time at approx. 28k for...
I have recently bought a 3 year old Fiesta 1.6 petrol engine with 9000 on the clock, is there anything I should get double checked i.e brake fluid, oil, timing belt etc?
Any info would be appreciated.
I am getting myself a little confused over the diesel/petrol debate. I realise that you need to do more mileage to benefit from diesel but did not realise that there were numerous items in the car which...
Why don't manufacturers provide a clip or similar simple device for securely holding parking tickets on the dash to avoid them being blown off or disappearing below the windscreen?
Hi can you tell me if diesel engines use more diesel in the cold weather?
My economy has dropped from 55mpg in the warm weather To 46-47 Mpg in the winter.
Hi my window washer jets dont work iv check the fuses and iv checked the pipe they is no noise coming from the pump either
Car judders in first when taking off.
I can aleviate this by using higher revs than normal and slipping the clutch. Reverse smooth as silk and once rolling no problems in any other gears.
Could it...
My Ford Mondeo on a 53 plate has an intermittent misfire. Sometimes drives fine, Sometimes doesn't. Any idea what could be the cause?
I have been offered a Vectra 2004 2.0 DTI estate with just over 100,000 on the clock. I have 2 young kids so this would be perfect as I have a passat just now and it is getting quite tired.
The guy that...
Is it illegal to only have one headlight?
There are so many cars with only one headlight and if its the drivers side along a dark lane they can be mistaken for a motorbike.
The police should get active...
As we do 25,000 miles each year, a couple of years ago we bought a 5 year old Citroen C4 diesel for £5000 with 61,000 miles on the clock.
Now, after almost 50,000 miles of pretty much trouble-free motoring...
I was considering buying a Lexus IS250,nearly new for £23000.
However I have been increasingly put off by comments concerning the Low Profile Tyres(225x45x17) and their adverse effect on ride quality...
Looking for a smallish car that is very comfortable.
Don't mind about sportiness or handling at all. Would rather have something that is comfortable like the Prius, and Volkswagen Golf size.
The Prius...
I own a Santa Fe auto diesel 2011.
Despite almost constant use of the ECO button the fuel consumption continues to rise. Originally it achieved 39mpg and now some 28,000km later it has risen to 27.1mpg.
Normal...
What year were DPF filters introduced and what age Mondeo or Passat cars do not have them fitted?
Can any one help, i've replaced the bulb... nothing, I've checked the connector plug and that's fine still nothing, all the other sidelights work.
Can anyone give any pointers on what it could be?
Does the 1998 2.1 engine have an interference head.
My daughter had her bag stolen from her local gym. Her car keys were in the bag and the car was subsequently stolen. It is a 51 plate Toyota Yaris previously owbed by her grandmother in excellent condition...
Thinking of selling my 15k 2009 (09) Fiat 500 1.2 Lounge for £7k to help with my finances.
Should I buy a small car around the £2k mark, or should I lease a similar car (engine size, mpg etc.) for 3 years,...
I have 2010 Honda CR-V auto and would like to change to something similar but with 6/7 seats. I am retired and tow a caravan MTPLM 1500kg.
My Audi A6 has done 62k miles. Registered April 2007. I'm just about to have it serviced and the Audi specialist garage says at 5 years or 75k I should have my timing belt changed. Should I? In the service...
Do you have a view regarding advertised magic 'pens' that purport to remove scratches and road chipping marks whatever the colour or type of paint your car has, or are these pens only any use for very...
In your summary of the Volvo V50 you state as a 'bad point' that diesels are expensive after 3 years.
I have a 40 month old Volvo V50 2.0 diesel with 22k miles and and no problems so far. I need to decide...
I have just heard on the radio that car insurance premiums have gone up by 35 per cent in the last two years. The usual excuses are trotted out: more people claiming for injuries, young uninsured drivers,...
I am going to need to replace the original tyres on my Volvo XC60 D5 AWD after 19,500 miles. It is currently fitted with Pirelli Zero Rosso 235/60 R18 V103. My Volvo main dealer says that these tyres are...
Your warnings on the failure costs of turbos, DMFs and DPFs mean that the very features that reduce fuel usage and emissions raise the risks of high repair costs. I note the Fiesta Econetic does not have...
I just tried your suggestion of www.satnav-updates.com but they don't do CDs for Lexus. Mine is a GS450H 2007 SE-L model (LHD, Spanish reg), with 2006-07 software. Any other suggestions?
Thank you very much for the website: www.satnav-updates.com. I have received the 2011 SatNav DVD within two days. My 2005 Primera T-SPEC has now, for the first time, an up-to-date DVD. This is a great...
In your recent reply to DP's classic MB query you recommended that he should definitely consider acquiring a Mercedes-Benz 1993-96 E320 Sportline Convertible. Where are they all? I've seen several ads...
I thought that the attached correspondence from Norman Baker would add to the debate. I had raised the points discussed in your letters column directly with my MP and he has followed this through: it would...
I had an alignment problem with a car I bought from CarGiant, which I had fixed independently, then wrote to CarGiant. The response was:
“Thank you for your email and sorry that you have had to report...
Runflat tyres were fitted to my car on the false premise that they were superior. Aside from maintaining stability in the rare event of a blowout, the disadvantages seem to outweigh the advantages by a...
In a recent letter to the DT editor the writer maintained that garages ruined cars. A wet car put in a cold garage deteriorates far more quickly than it will if left outside. He claims that it is the electrical...
Further to your recent columns regarding the relationship between the BPA and the DVLA, and the Protection of Freedoms Bill, I have received the attached letter from Norman Baker via my local MP (Gregory...
I am looking at a metallic silver 2008 58-plate Alfa Romeo Spider 2.4JTDM 210, in standard spec with 30,000 miles. They are asking £11,995. Is that too much from a dealer?
With reference to the Government’s plans to install extra speed limit signs. I can see the logic as to why this should be thought necessary. My wife and I recently toured an unfamiliar area using ordinary...
Now we are in the grip of winter, can I remind drivers to properly check their bonnet catches with a quick tug upwards. In the cold of last winter and probably in a bit of a rush, I topped up the screen...
I have a 59 reg old shape Subaru Legacy Boxer diesel, the 5 speed model.
It's done 80,000 miles but has started, when cold, shuddering when moving off in first gear.
It also is a bit jerky and shudders...
Looking at buying a Volkswagen Polo 1.2, are there any common faults?
My wife and I test drove a 2 year old Prius today. Lovely car but very bad smell coming from passenger side, where my wife sat.
Neither I nor the salesman could smell anything. We bought another Prius,...
On tests on this site the overhanging engine design at Volkswagen/Audi is criticised. How does it affect driving?
I have an immaculate 1949 Rover P3 which I have owned for over 30 years and which is insured on an agreed value basis.
The car has the original registration which has a retail value of around £4000-£5000...
Elsewhere on 
