Questions from December 2010
I got a ticket for being caught in a bus lane in London, because I stopped to let an ambulance with its siren on pass, accompanied by a police escort. I am appealing. Did you happen to read of the policeman...
My 80-year-old wife has a 2002 Nissan Micra, current mileage 10,172 after eight years. Use is almost entirely local (surgery, shopping, visiting friends, etc.). It fully satisfies her requirements for...
I just had my AA renewal through and at £273 I think it’s a bit much (Roadside; Home start; Relay; breakdown repair cover). Who do you recommend these days?
When purchasing a new car, can you please advise me of my consumer rights in the following circumstances: the vehicle is not to the specification ordered, or the vehicle has been damaged during delivery.
I booked my car into www.cophallfarm.co.uk parking near Gatwick. They had offered the lowest price for 10 days parking that I could find. All staff were courteous and efficient. Then I got stranded in...
I refer to your comments regarding the need to have BMW cars wax treated, and would like to know the relative merits of the two 'Autoglym' products mentioned, one at some £20 and another £40. I ordered...
I note your advice to avoid flat batteries by switching off lights and removing the boot light bulb. It may be worth mentioning the bulb in the glove box, if there is one. In 2008, I had a flat battery...
I have followed your advice on winter tyres, which have transformed my 7-year-old Volvo V40 in the snow and ice. I thank you, but please could you explain why you advise winter tyres 'on a separate set...
Earlier this year my wife and I were on holiday in East Yorkshire. On our return home we found a letter from an insurance claimer stating that our car had hit another car in Liverpool on a day when we...
I bought my i20 last year and love it - you were very helpful. Anyway, I have just read an email and in your reply you say "the larger, Punto-sized Hyundai i20 1.2 is also in the £30 tax bracket". Well...
I’m no great fan of the EU, but I think your reply to GR of Warrington blaming them for the clogging of particulate filters was a bit off the mark. Yes, the EU called for better street-level air quality...
I do not recall you ever making mention of a website called www.uknewcars.com. However, in August last year I placed an order through them for a new Volkswagen Golf (2.0 GTi diesel), on which I wanted...
In a follow up to your comment about the question about car/van hire in Malaysia and Singapore, I did this a few years ago. The cost to hire a car in Singapore was more than double the cost of hiring the...
I wish more people would understand that the staff at the DVLA are doing the best they can with, as you say, limited resources. I had to ask for two V5s for cars owned by an elderly relative suffering...
On 2 December 2010 I bought a diesel MINI Countryman ALL4. This is the first diesel-engined car I have ever bought. I am delighted with it as a car. It is comfortable and the performance is lively and...
I started a new job in Ealing in Autumn 2002. On driving the minibus the brakes failed. The repairers said it was down to foxes chewing through the brake lines. Two weeks after repair it happened again....
Each December a friend and I travel from Yorkshire to Scotland, usually in my petrol BMW 318 automatic. This year, because my car is a snow hater, we went in my friend's two-month-old diesel Hyundai i30...
You responded to a cry for help from GP of Tolleshunt Major in respect of an accident in which his (her) daughter had received a County Court Summons. Here are some thoughts that may be helpful. The accident...
Just a question to seek an explanation as to why my insurance company (Direct Line) are to charge me £56 to cover me for the fitting of steel wheels and winter tyres to my wife's vauxhall Zafira GSI I...
I have a Peugeot 206 2.0-litre HDi, which has suddenly started using fuel excessively. What could be the cause? It used to return approx 50mpg but this has dropped significantly in just the past three...
We are about to take the plunge and buy a brand new Kia Sportage and trade in our '08 B7 Audi A4 Avant. We're undecided to go to a dealership or take the plunge and buy and sell through Buyacar.co.uk The...
I need a second electronic key for my car. Have been quoted "about £200" by the local Merc dealer. It seems expensive, but I've never had to buy one before, so do you think this is a fair price,or do you...
I am about to enter negotiations with Masterlease as I'm hoping to buy the vehicle i've had on personal lease for the past 2 years but I don't know what to offer or how 'cheeky' I can be? They're offer...
I have a 335d touring 2008. I ordered some winter tyres from BMW on 16-inch steel wheels but they contacted me to say they would not fit because my brake calipers are too large so I need 17 in alloy wheels...
I have been an avid follower of your Telegraph column for a long time, and much appreciate the information you give. It may come as no surprise at the moment but my thoughts have turned to winter tyres....
I'm thinking of getting winter tyres for my Toyota Corolla. Should I just get two for the driving wheels, or four all round?
1. I have noticed that you have recommended using snow tyres instead of a 4x4, as a much cheaper and more effective measure. I purchased some snow tyres for my Skoda Superb yesterday (I live in the north...
I bought some steel wheels and tyres from Mytyres and had them delivered to their local agent. They have fitted them with the wheel nuts from the alloy wheels (Ford Focus 16in). Should I have different...
I have read all your postings re winter tyres. Can you advise me on the best/appropriate winter tyre to buy for our Honda Jazz (2008 but new model)? Also what sort of cost to expect to get them fitted?
I have recently purchased a new Jaguar XJL portfolio and love it. The problem I have is that the dealer is trying to convince me: a) To have it Diamond Brighted (for £400ish) saying that it will be...
My lovely new Citroen DS3 came fitted with Michelin Energy Saver tyres, 195/55 R16. At the risk of sounding like a princess, I think I could feel the bump if I ran over an ant. Also, the puppy was car...
If my windscreen is covered in snow can a warden issue a ticket?
Last Winter my otherwise fantastic Jaguar Xf proved to be undriveable in the snow, so I requisitioned my son's Hyundai Getz, an uninspiring vehicle at the best of times, and following your recommendation...
 

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