Trending topics in March 2009
Questions from March 2009
I’ve been doing a bit of research after speaking to you and taking your advice. I wanted to know if the Corsa and Fiesta are American built. Also I wanted to ask is it true that American built cars are...
I am the owner of a Mercedes Benz SL55 AMG with a very special registration in Designo Silver. It would appear that a blue MB CL500 is using my registration. I have a letter from the Metropolitan Police...
Summer is on the way and I'm toying with the idea of getting a camper van (or something that could double as an occasional live-in vehicle for festivals). It would be replacing my beloved Nissan Micra,...
I have suffered a puncture (screw in tread) in a Bridgestone runflat on my RAV-4 T180. When I bought the car new from Loders at Dorchester I was told that in the event of a problem I should drive to the...
My son is just about to take his driving test and I would like to buy him a SAFE, economical, low insurance group first car. I had thought about a Peugeot 106 but reading your review has put me off. I...
Finally I have received a cheque for the 2.5% reduction of the VAT on my New Honda Jazz, although the figure bears no resemblance to any of the figures on my order form and it seems to have been plucked...
I have today received via Europcar details of an alleged traffic violation in Italy from the Italian Police from September 2008 Can the Italian authorities impose points on a UK licence? I have no recollection...
I live in a small Devon village at the bottom of a very steep hill that remained ungritted during the recent snow. This has persuaded me that a 4x4 would be advantageous, but I detest the tank -like size...
I always read your bit in the Telegraph and have now started to think about swapping my Volvo V50 diesel, which I really enjoy driving, though my wife, from the passenger seat, is less complimentary about...
In view of the inadequate way in which the UK prepares to combat winter snowfalls on our roads, I think a change of direction is needed, we need to go into reverse and do as we did in the harsh winters...
I have seen you recommend Warranty Direct in the past and so covered my SAAB 9-3 with one of their Extra Care warranties. This was renewed in October last year and I have just upgraded it to a no limit...
We are considering buying a people carrier, for the purpose of towing a caravan. Could you suggest such a vehicle suitable to tow a Fleetwood Sonata 25ft caravan, weight 1700 KG and to accommodate six...
Can you recommend any cars more suitable for an elderly lady driver? Automatic, very light steering, easy entry/exit, good visibility etc. Any suggestions gratefully received!
Last September, in the interest of economy and the environment, I traded in a Mercedes for a new Toyota Prius Hybrid. The chief attraction of the Prius lay in its claim that the fuel efficiency was an...
I have designed and fitted an inertia switch into my rear high-level brake light, so that under braking it lights in the normal way. However, when stationary, it does not annoy those people behind. Is...
Unwitting motorists face £1,000 fines as thousands of photo card driving licences expire. They are at risk of being fined up to £1,000 because they are unwittingly driving without a valid licence. They...
Unfortunately, the time has come when, because of aged parents (with their normal aches and pains), we need to update either our 3-Series BMW or convertible to something with better access. We note you...
I'm wondering if you can help as I've run out of ideas. I scrapped a car and was paid by a local breakers yard for it, I handed over the documentation associated with it as the breaker indicated he would...
I'm looking to replace my current car with a diesel BMW - either a 330 or 335d. Having read of potential problems with dual-mass flywheels, is it something inherent in the design (and hence affects all...
I am looking to buy a left hand drive car for use in Spain, ideally in the UK in order that I can part-exchange my current right hand drive car. The dealer near me that specialises in LHD cars is consistently...
I am looking for a suitable car to fit two needs. My daughter and I go kayaking so we need a car to carry our two boats on the roof, they weigh about 17kg each and are about 2.5m long, plus we need space...
In a few months I'll be taking delivery of a restored 1987 Mini Mayfair. You may ask why, but it is intended to be a "fun" second car. There is also a family link, as my father worked on the design and...
I drive a Polo automatic 1.4 SE and find it underpowered, especially
when needing a boost of power overtaking or joining a motorway. I am getting ready to change it and would like some advice as to whether...
I am planning to buy a new motor car. I would like to buy British MADE, regardless of owner. I am aware that all of the Jaguar / Land Rover models are made in the UK but I fear that they are out of my...
Can you please advise which 4x4 you think would be better for me. I live in a village and we suffer from flooding into and out of the village so I need a car to get through flooding. I have had two Range...
I have had problem after problem with my car not starting. If I disconnect the battery every night and reconnect, or disconnect when I am not using it then reconnect, it starts every time. I have had it...
I emailed a few weeks ago about an unreliable 2006 VW Passat estate I bought. I have managed to sell it privately. I am looking at replacing with a SAAB 9-3 Sportwagon 150 TID, Vector Sport model. I have...
I am due to change my company car and two cars that have caught my eye are the Lexus IS220 SE and the new Toyota Avensis. I could have an Avensis TR 2.2 (150) diesel or the TR 1.8 petrol free or make...
I am considering selling my car and decided to look at some websites. I passed over Glass's site because they made a charge. I clicked on one, could not readily see that a charge was made and filled...
My eldest son passed his driving test 2 weeks ago. Unfortunately, last Friday he had his first accident, driving well below the posted speed limit but on a slightly icy, slippery road. From his own account...
Recently H.B. asked you about the difficulty of comparing different types of car tyre. Your readers might be interested to know that the EU has proposed to introduce a mandatory label (similar to those...
I have a 2003 BMW E39 525dSE auto Touring that appears to have a problem of overcooling. It can take up to 10 miles to reach normal working temperature, summer or winter. At that point, descending hills...
Help! I have test driven an auto RX-8 import and have fallen totally for the car. TW White specialises in this RHD 2nd hand car, but its prices are hard to justify. Mazda was selling the brand 2008 manual...
My neighbours (who are both old age pensioners) purchased a new Vauxhall Meriva in 2004 from a local franchised dealer, who has carried out all subsequent services on the car. To date the car has covered...
Please could you explain in more detail why it should be that if R.L. of Corsham should acquire a Porsche Boxster or a BMW Z4M, he will "possibly lose his licence or even earn himself a stretch in prison"....
If you had £10,000 or perhaps a bit more to spend on an old car (not a nearly young car) what would you buy or what would you recommend me to buy? Something with a heater and room for the spouse and little...
I own a Renault Laguna with a Key Card. The car is 4 years old. I can no longer remotely lock/unlock with the card but have to manually do it (a real nuisance having to take the cover off the passenger...
My wife's farther died last summer and we have been left with his old car, which failed its MOT. We have decided to send the car to the scrap dealer. It has a number plate that is worth around £1,000....
I am afraid we need the benefit of your advice again. You seem to be
the only reliable, objective source, so please forgive us for using you.
My 86 year old father is looking to replace his 6 year-old...
I have just been refused petrol at my local fuel station. The reason, you might ask? It was a cold day and I had the hood up on my hooded sweatshirt. (I'm too old to call it a hoodie). To set the scene,...
I bought a 2003 Renault Laguna 2.2DCI Estate from a non-franchised local car centre last June. It had a new MOT but the advisory note said it had corroded brake discs (front and rear), an oil leak in the...
You state that in lower temperatures diesels use more fuel. What is the thermodynamic basis for this statement? I find it difficult to figure out why this should be. I have thought of the following: 1)...
You responded to a query from T.H. of Gloucester by indicating MINI Cooper Mk IIs were selling for between £7,000 and £8,000. Please tell us where, as we are looking for one and the MINI site, Autotrader...
I have an Alfa Romeo Sprint Special with a hand-built Bertone body it is C registered which I think is 1962. Could you tell me the best way to sell this car, I believe only six were produced.
Yet again you miss the point made so well by R.A.: Drive within the law and you won't be fined. It's simple.
I have an 04 Ford Focus Estate automatic and for the last 6 months of last year the red warning light kept coming on and it would sometimes alternate with the yellow ABS light. I had the car fully serviced...
I was particularly struck by the story of the nightmare in dealing with DVLA. But what I don't understand is if it is the responsibility of the previous owner of a car to make sure that DVLA has indeed...
In terms of fault occurrence, my Jazz is the most unreliable car I have ever owned. After a few hundred miles, the fuel consumption worsens by 10mpg or so. I discovered by chance that using high revs (6,000...
I think it was RA, and not CG, who "missed the point" recently. CG was valid in saying that he "concentrates more on speed cameras than what is around him". I know that you can reasonably expect to suffer...
Elsewhere on 
