Questions from July 2010
Returning on Saturday from shopping in our 55-reg Golf Plus (46,000 miles), I noticed the ESP light was on. Ironically, on returning home, I opened the Telegraph Motoring section and the very first thing...
I drive approximately 12,000 miles per year in a 2004 diesel Astra, 30 per cent motorway miles and the rest on country roads and lanes. The tyres are due for replacement in September at MOT. I am thinking...
Volkswagen agreed in the end, under their goodwill scheme, to repair my car after a lot of argument. That was a couple of weeks ago, however I have since noticed a dent on the passenger side under the...
I'm looking at purchasing a Volkswagen Golf 1.6 16v SE, 5-door with 46,000 miles on the clock. I am wondering what you think would generally be a good price. I am not really looking to spend more than...
I have recently had a test drive of the new BMW 5 Series saloon and was very impressed. I have few reservations about the car, but one is that runflat tyres come as standard with no other option. For UK...
I have an E46 BMW 330D M Sport Touring auto in metallic black with a full range of extras (sat nav, TV, electric leather memory seats, xenons etc). It is a 2002 model, one previous owner with 108,000 miles...
I need to replace the two front tyres on my 2007 Lexus GS300. The car has only done 19,000 miles so I am going to get the tracking checked first. Once this has been checked, and realigned if necessary,...
I have a 2009 Citroen Dispatch 1.6-litre turbo diesel van. It's not yet due for a service on its factory oil (less than 500 miles). One of the staff topped up the oil with mineral oil 15/40 grade CC (as...
I have a 2002 Renault Clio II 1.5 diesel. I would like to know why it produces black smoke? We have replaced the turbo, which was faulty. While driving the acceleration decreases and lots of black smoke...
I have a Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 which is on an 05 plate. On Friday I was travelling down the motorway at 70mph when the engine management light came on. It started flashing and the car lost power. I pulled...
I have a Mercedes-Benz C180 which I bought from new in late 2002. It has a full Mercedes-Benz service record. Despite its age, the car only has 17,000 miles on the clock. I had the car serviced recently...
A short time ago I asked you about the relative merits of two cars my wife was considering as her next Motability car. These were the Skoda Roomster SE 1.2 TSI DSG and the KIA Soul 2 1.6 CRDI automatic....
My wife needs to replace her Peugeot 206 automatic. It suits her because, due to arthritis, she is unable to press the button on the gear lever used to unlock the park mode. Instead, the brake pedal has...
I have the chance to purchase my company car which is a BMW 2006 5 Series 2.0D SE Tourer. The car has 84,500 miles on the clock and I would like your advice on whether this would be a sensible purchase,...
The other day I found that all three of my brake lights have stopped working. I've done the usual checks - fuse, bulbs. No other lights are affected - the indicators, reverse, fog and side lights all work....
My Volkswagen Passat Estate (petrol) bought new in March 2006 and now with 37,200 miles on the clock would only start intermittently. The vehicle has a full service history and always serviced by a Volkswagen...
I was using my Mercedes-Benz C-Class 200 for about three hours and it was working very well. I switched the car off for about one minute and then it wouldn't start again. The electrics are ok but the car...
Do you think 36mpg in city an acceptable consumption, or is it too high for a 1.9 PD TDI Volkswagen Bora six-speed, 130 bhp model?
I've just recently bought a 52-plate Peugeot 307 SW 2.0 petrol and found that the petrol gauge isn't working. Also, the anti-pollution light is on. Any help please?
My sister is starting a job with a reputable energy company, and she feels that she needs to drive something economical and efficient. However, my mother wants her to drive something as safe as possible....
My wife and I are buying a new Skoda Fabia Estate and have been offered GAP insurance for £250. What do you think about such insurance? Is it worthwhile? We're not reckless drivers, but a previous car...
How does the insuance company come to own the salvage after an accident? My wife recently had an altercation with another vehicle which resulted with an outcome that the claim was given as 50-50. We then...
My son recently purchased a secondhand car from a dealership in Dundee. When we first looked at the car we were pleasantly surprised at the condition of the vehicle and did not spot odd tyres on each wheel....
I purchased a new Toyota Yaris TR 1.4 D4D January 2009 and after approximately 125 miles the gearbox output shaft rear bearing shattered, resulting in a vehicle recovery. My request for a replacement gearbox...
hip, hip, hooray. The despicable, rip-off stealth tax on property HIPS scheme is being abolished by Cameron and partners. I had one done when we wanted to sell. The inspector spent all of five minutes...
I have had a Citroen C1 for the last year, but am now looking for a slight upgrade that will provide a more comfortable ride without burning a hole in my pocket. I have been looking at the new Ka and Clio....
I bought my 2007 Ford Focus Cabriolet 2 two years ago (yes, the roof was leaking and Ford repaired it before I took it home) and I am very happy with it. But the two-tone alloy wheels are starting to blister....
I read recently of some drivers having difficulty in getting temporary car insurance cover for family members visiting from overseas. As my own insurer would not even discuss my requirements outside 30...
Last year I sought your advice on buying a Jaguar XF. You advised me to wait until I could afford the 3-litre version. I recently took delivery of a 3-litre portfolio and want to say thankyou, thankyou,...
On the 23rd April I purchased a Jaguar XF Portfolio model at a cost of nearly £44,000. I have now covered approximately 700 miles and I find that the ride is very hard and not at all acceptable. The standard...
To add to the discussion regarding daytime lights, I used to drive with front foglights on, but recently a Police car drove up beside me at traffic lights and the officer asked why I had my lights on as...
I have just finished reading the article "Green Mean & Clean" by Judith Woods and it occurred to me that the Millbrook Proving Ground could be used to demonstrate the effect that the ubiquitous speed bumps...
I have a 2004 Renault Scenic and am unable to remove one of the front alloy wheels due to the centre being welded to the brake drum. I have tried Plus Gas and hammering the rear of the wheel without success....
My pet hate is indicators flashing in my eyes when waiting at traffic lights, especially on cold, wet British winters nights. Nothing worse. Especially cars or vans with worn out old lamps that are almost...
I still enjoy our long and short distance driving, and have patronised BMW since the 1980s. However, the last year with our local franchise dealer has become somewhat fraught. It may be due to my age and...
My son is soon to go into business for himself and will need a vehicle with room for carrying samples, but one that can be used for the family at weekends. It also needs to be reasonably economic. He saw...
Having previously enjoyed an Audi A4 2.7TDI (190BHP) Multitronic and returned an average fuel consumption over 25,000 miles of 43.5 MPG, which pretty much matched the manufacturers data, I recently changed...
You recommend running at higher revs to help a DPF to regenerate. I drive a Volvo V70 AWD 2.4d. At 2,000 rpm I travel at 60 mph. At 2,300 rpm I travel at 70 mph. How do you suggest I exceed the speed limit...
The Highway Code states that: “You must use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced…..You may also use front or rear fog lights but you must switch them off when visibility improves.” What then...
My daughter-in-law will very shortly be choosing another company car. Her current car is a Ford Focus 1.8 diesel (I think). However, she is now considering a hybrid because of VED band A zero tax. Her...
Has anyone ever done the CO2 calculations on speed bumps? If you decelerate and accelerate (even be it sensibly) there is a CO2 implication in the extra fuel and brake wear (presumably CO2 is generated...
Recently I was stopped by an unmarked police car and accused of using a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving. In fact my Peugeot has built-in handsfree and in any case my phone was in my pocket and certainly...
For the past two years I have carried out the routine servicing of my wife’s 2003 BMW MINI Cooper which has covered 15,500 miles from new. When preparing the car for the MOT Test I noted that the original...
I have a BMW 320d SE first registered November 2002, that I bought second hand from a BMW dealer in 2006. The aircon pump was about to fail a month ago, picked up by my estimable mobile mechanic and he...
I have recently bought an 2002 Golf Automatic and have gathered that you advocate driving with the left foot for the brake. Will you please explain why?
Is this a situation you have heard of? A driver is stopped by police who say his car is uninsured. He is given 7 days to produce documents. He then discovers his policy had lapsed in October 2009. No renewal...
I am looking to replace my VW Polo and would be grateful for your advice on the best small car with zero road tax I have been thinking about the Toyota Aygo. My driving is mainly around the town and I...
I'm a motorcyclist who likes to make eye contact with drivers waiting at junctions to ensure that I've been seen. However, lots of front side windows are (illegally) heavily tinted. You recently described...
I wondered if you provide some advice. I plan to replace my 2005 BMW Mini Cooper. It has been back and forth from the garage with various faults and it cost £450 to get it through an MOT last year. I would...
Regarding the email from MU in Saturday's HJ column, what is a "private dealer" please? I thought private car sales are exempt
from consumer rights protection.
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