Why does the fitment of non-standard parts count as a 'modification' for Churchill insurance?

A couple of months ago, I sought your advice concerning Churchill Insurance's insistence that my MR2's replacement stainless-steel exhaust was a "modification" and therefore merited a premium increase...

Are modern cars too technologically advanced for their own good?

One day I am going to write an article about how car design is wholly wrong in environmental terms. We are scrapping cars at 7 to 10 years old when the vast number of components would last at least 20....

Why do online breakers' yards encourage you to call premium phone numbers?

A warning. I used www.breakeryard.com to obtain a set of wheels for winter tyres and received a dozen or so competing emails from breakers. I selected my preferred quote and dialled the mobile number 07013...

Can I have the air conditioning clutch plate changed on my Skoda Octavia?

I am mystified as to why the clutch plate from an air conditioning compressor has become detached on my 2001 Skoda Octavia. The clutch plate was found in the engine well at the car's yearly servicing....

Is £300 reasonable for a Lambda sensor heating element repair on a Volvo V70?

The Engine Management Light has illuminated on my early 2000 Volvo V70 petrol estate. My local garage, which I think is reliable, says it is the heating element that brings the Lambda sensor up to scratch...

MGZT-T - older model or newet?

I'm thinking of buying a MG ZT-T diesel 135. In a previous answer you suggested a reader consider buying a pre-facelift MGZT-T - any reasons? Is the post-facelift 2004 model not as good? Anything to watch...

Finding a spare mirror for a Focus

The plastic back to the side mirror (near side + colour of jean blue) on a 06 plate Ford Focus needs replacing. I am willing to bet that a main dealer will charge extortionately for this bit of plastic...

Why are air conditioning repairs for my Nissan Note so expensive?

Can you tell me why some motor spares cost so much? My four-year-old Nissan Note has air-con trouble. It needs a compressor, a pipe and two hoses. Quotes vary, but typical is £975 for the compressor and...

I've found an easy way of repairing the hydraulic master cylinder on classic cars such as Minis.

One of your readers couldn't get his 1962 Mini's master cylinder replaced. You suggested changing the anterior running gear with that from a later Mini series. An easy and safe way to repair an obsolete...

Where can I find spares?

Can you tell me where I can source spares for a '97 model 306 5-door hatch. I live outside the UK and need the spares DHL'd to me. I need a) steering rack bumper bushes b) ignition leads c) power pack....