Trending topics in September 2010
Questions from September 2010
I have a claim on an extended warranty for a broken-down ECU, sensor and wiring harness which had to be replaced. The cause on the invoice was "Thermister failed, causing coolant to travel up wiring into...
Hi, my wife and I had our 30-month-old Mercedes-Benz ML320CDI collected the other week following a lease we took out. The car had only covered around 16,000 miles against an allowance of 25,000. The car...
I am thinking of buying a Ford Fusion with Durashift transmission. Is this advisable and what are the drawbacks with this type of transmission? My general mileage is about 5000 miles per year. It will...
We have a five-year-old Audi A3 2.00 TDI DSG. We have only covered 33,000 miles since new but Audi recommend the cam belt is changed. Do you agree, and what other work should be carried out?
I have a 2000 320CDI Mercedes-Benz estate with 175,000 miles, owned from new. The latest problem is with the automatic gearbox. It won't go from park to drive unless you stop and start several times, and...
Twice within 72 hours my Citroen C5 automatic diesel saloon (reg May 2009) has ground to a halt within less than a mile of setting off. On both occasions the audible alarm and visual display came on to...
My wife is using a Subaru Forester XT 2.5 auto which we bought in 2009. I anticipated that the annual mileage would be around 6000, but in fact it's double that due to two 30 or 40 mile round trips per...
I just bought a 2005 Chrysler Grand Voyager 2.8 with no manual. I don't know how to operate the sat nav or DVD player. Any suggestions?
I've recently bought a Citroen C5 2.0 HDI VTR believing the wheezing noise was coming from the alternator, but a friend has now told me that it could be coming from the turbo. I disputed the fact that...
We currently own a Volkswagen Passat SE TDI 140 Auto which is now over three years old. We find it very comfortable but want to trade down to a smaller, equally comfortable car. What would you suggest?...
Do you know if the Vauxhall Monaro has ever been produced in left-hand drive?
I retire in October and I'm considering buying my company car, a 57-reg Ford Focus 1.6 TDCI 90ps which has done 45,000 miles (I'm currently getting 64.8 mpg). Does it have a diesel particulate filter?...
I've got a question about the choice of Mitsubishi Colt (08, manual, petrol) and Honda Jazz (08, manual, petrol). I need a car for my job every day in London, which is 10 miles away from my home. Sometimes...
You have previously recommended a firm which accepts, prepares and sells cars at auction for clients. Will you remind me of its name, please?
Which of the Avensis D-4D diesel engines does not have a timing belt? I fancy one, but I've had enough of worrying about the belt change on other cars I've owned.
I am looking to buy an E220 Mercedes-Benz saloon and the garage has put four new tyres on. They are NANKANG ULTRA SPORT NS-11 225/55 R16 95V. The garage assure me that these tyres meet the specification...
I need to buy four new runflat tyres for my BMW 535D. You say that there are now "third generation " runflats that give a much better ride. Can you tell me where or when I will be able to buy them?
I would like a great family car in the large executive range. I have between £20-30,000 to spend for a new or ex-demo, but could go a bit higher if necessary. What would you recommend? I really don't want...
How do I get the door mirrors to fold in on my Peugeot 207?
Where can I purchase the cheapest replacement turbocharger for my 2004 2.0-litre TDCI Ford Mondeo? Also, if I was mis-sold said Ford four years ago as never being in an accident or written off, but have...
I have a 2006 Audi 3.0 V6 TDI. Does this engine have a particulate filter? At the last service the garage used long life oil and said it would not need another service for 24 months. I don't do a high...
I sold my car to a really nice guy who drove it round the block. I suggested going further to "open it up a bit" and he went a little more, but not far. He offered me a cheque, slightly below the asking...
What are the realistic fuel figures for a 2006 Honda Accord 2.2 CDTI Tourer? On average, I am returning approximately 39 -42 mpg for general careful driving. Can you suggest any changes that can be made...
I just bought a Peugeot 307 HDI 2002 2.0-litre 110hp and it doesn't go over 3000rpm.
I've just purchased a MINI Cooper 54 plate, costing me £6299 from a small dealer. I have finance on the £6000, and have paid £299 cash. I bought it on Saturday. It went for a service on the Monday and...
My new Opel Astra 1.7CDTI SE (110) is still heavy on diesel with over 13,000km on the clock. The manufacturer quotes circa 61mpg, whereas I am lucky to get 45mpg. I don't drive very fast and don't have...
I have noticed from some of your articles that diesel particulate filters are likely to cause problems, especially in low mileage vehicles used for short journeys. I have a Ford Focus 1.6 LX TDCI registered...
Whilst climbing a moderate gradient in a queue with a driver and four passengers in our Ford Focus, suddenly a horrible gassy smell filled the car. The smell remained for the next two weeks. We are the...
I am using a glow plug style vegetable oil pre-heater unit on a Citroen Xantia with a Bosch pump. My fuel mix is 80 per cent new vegetable oil and 20 per cent diesel. It was fine at first, but now it stalls...
I am debating buying a Peugeot 207 as a replacement for our second car in the family. I had narrowed it down to the 1.6 diesel 90, however these tend to be sought after and hence prices hold up. I have...
Which breakdown service do you recommend?
A buyer has a 2003 Audi TT 1.8 Quattro Roadster in mint condition, with 48,000 miles, two owners and a full history for £8995. Is this a good deal? I have a 2009 Ford Fiesta Titanium 1.6 to trade.
How do I reset my 2004 SEAT Alhambra's 'Service Now' light which appears on the computer screen?
I am looking for a mains adaptor for a 12v tyre inflator in order to avoid draining my car battery in winter. Can you recommend one?
My wife runs an R-reg Renault Megane for twice-daily short journeys, taking our three Labradors to an area of sand dunes where they walk. The "car park" is unmade and is very uneven, mostly worn grass...
I've been offered a Ford Ka on a 53 plate with just 18,000 miles on the clock. The low mileage is because it has been standing in a garage for five years. Should I buy it as a low mileage motor or run...
My Vauxhall Astra Life 1.8 16v 91H 2007 has a warning light showing a car and spanner. I have just had an oil change, so it can't be that. Any ideas?
You said in a recent reply that the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) control could suffer a failure after three to five years. The replacement could cost up to £2000. Would it be an advantage to disengage...
I was driving along in the rain today when my Ford Focus decided not to work. I had my foot on the throttle and I was getting no response. I then stopped, put my foot on the clutch and revved the hell...
I received a PCN for parking on private land from Civil Enforcement Limited. After reading all the various online comments about private parking and the legitimacy of the fees, I chose to write back telling...
My 1995 Volkswagen Corrado's tailgate needs new or renewed gas struts. In a fairly recent article you recommended that they can be refilled. Can you provide details?
I have a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 2005. I purchased a new clutch kit (cover, friction plate, release bearing) together with a new OE flywheel and bolts from a specialist UK supplier. Fitting of the clutch...
I have just a purchased an Audi A6 Avant (08) 3.0 TDI quattro that has factory-fitted Michelin 255/35ZR19. Over 40mph, these tyres have a very obvious resonance which really is annoying. I'm not a great...
What things are necessary to take with you when motoring in France and Italy ?
You repeatedly recommend to change the engine oil more frequently, ie every six months. On your website under 'Running in a diesel' you say "Leave factory fill of oil for the first year or 10,000 miles."...
I took my Hyundai i20 for a service a couple of months back and while it was in for its first service I asked the garage to look at my juddering clutch. I know you'll need to generalise but have you roughly...
I have a P-reg 1997 Volkswagen Golf. The head lining and seat are wet and the footwell has a puddle in the passenger's side. I think its coming in through the sunroof. Do I need to replace the rubber or...
I'm looking to replace my ageing Astra with a used family estate car (I need something a big bigger than the Astra due to a growing family!). My budget is up to £5000 and after lots of searching I've come...
I am considering going from a two-car family to one car as my wife and I seldom use both cars together. Our mileage has dropped substantially from when the cars were bought and we now only do 6000 miles...
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