Questions from August 2011
You may remember an exchange about my Mercedes Vito that lost traction on one wheel when reversing into my drive. This was because of the twisting action caused by a significant camber change raising one...
Rather late in the day I am writing to ask you for advice regarding the loan of a Bentley following a motorway shunt 20 months ago. We were part of a multiple collision on the motorway coming home from...
I would like your opinion on the rear discs replaced on my car at a main dealership. The car has covered 33,560 miles. I have measured the disc and the total wear on the thickness is 0.75mm. The reason...
I have a BMW 3 Series and would appreciate your recommendation for winter tyres and wheels. Is this likely to transform this car in the snow?
Please assume that I know absolutely nothing about winter driving and tell me what I can do now to prepare for the possibility of snow and ice on the road. Last winter I was marooned in my house because...
It took me six months to find a Mercedes SLK in good condition with AMG bodykit and wheels. On June 9th 2011 I bought locally a SLK 320 73,000 miles 3 previous owners, full AMG kit which had been fitted...
Just a brief line to thank you for the advice you gave me to have my steering checked by going to www.alignmycar.co.uk. I took my car to QR Sport in Cheshire who sorted out the problem in less than an...
On 18th January 2011, at approx 21.15, so dark, I was driving along the A13 when I hit a large pothole in the road. The damage was quite bad with a bent front right alloy wheel and some tracking damage....
I write regarding the letter from MM in last Saturday's Telegraph. As an accident to my wife's car was deemed to be the fault of the other party, our claim was passed to CLAIMFAST who, amongst other...
I am pleased to say that not all Ford dealers are quite as 'sharp' as one recently described in your column. I needed new batteries for the two remotes for my Ford and my local dealer Sprys of Launceston...
As summer seems to have now departed my thoughts turn to winter and more of that white stuff that had us hemmed up our road for 4 days. I rather like the idea of an Ex Military Landrover 90 Softtop as...
I took our shopping car for its MoT, yesterday. I have been using the same local garage for years, and I was taken aback when the owner told me that he was stopping doing MoT tests because of the number...
My daughter has my old 1999 Volvo V70 which has now done 165,000 miles but doesn't look it. Last week the coolant light came on and her garage diagnosed a failed radiator. £300 and almost a week later...
We are close to buying a Honda CR-V auto but can’t decide between petrol or diesel. We only do approx 12,000 miles per year so not sure it’s worth getting a diesel, but do you get better performance from...
We currently own one of the first 2004 diesel Discovery 3s (on off road tyres) and a 2003 5-door petrol VW Golf Match. The Discovery is averaging 21mpg, which makes frequent weekend trips from London to...
I wish to thank you and your legal advisors for the sound advice given me, re: a 535D delivered to my son on 2 July, breaking down on 17 July 2011. A special delivery letter was sent to the Dealer Principal...
Regarding TH's problem with excessive oil consumption on his Audi A5 (13 August), I've had eight A4s and not had any problem with excessive oil consumption. I put this down to meticulously following your...
My car radio is a Blaupunkt some 14 years old. Recently I had a new car battery installed and this actuated the security coding system. I do not have the security code number and thus I am unable to remove...
I was interested to read your letter headed ‘Decline and Fall’ in the DT dated Saturday 13 August. I had an almost identical situation arise as MM of Hawick which involved the same insurance company. Last...
We would welcome your advice about selecting a replacement car. At the moment we drive a BMW 118 SE petrol automatic. We live on a steep hill and last winter could only get into our drive with the help...
I have advertised a car for private sale in the UK and have been emailed by a potential buyer from Germany who wants to buy the car and re-register it in Germany. Could you please advise on how I should...
I would like your opinion on my 2003 Mk6 Ford Fiesta 1.4 petrol. It has covered 174,000 miles and I duly changed the Cambelt at 100,000 but it is still successfully running on the original auxiliary (stretchy)...
I have been offered a VW "Extended Warranty" for my soon-to-be 3 year old Golf 2.0 TDI Sport. Comprehensive cover with roadside assistance and an excess of £250 costs £254 for one year. Is this worth taking...
I have been trying to sell my daughters 2000 reg green MX5 1.6 since the begining of the summer, but with little interest from prospective customers. It has 100,000 miles on the clock, is in good condition,...
Can I change to run flat tyres when due for change. Understand new RF are very good. Many thenks
My 2004 Jazz steering has always "wandered" when going straight ahead making frequent slight adjustments necessary.
Your latest review of the Jazz (2008 on) in "What's Good" comments on improvements...
I have an E-Class Coupe first registered 12.6.09 which has now covered 18,088miles.
A few months ago I noticed degradation of the rear alloys and my local dealership photographed them and emailed the...
I am taking delivery of a new Qashqai 2.0 diesel auto. I always use Shell fuel. Do you think the extra cost of Shell V Power is worth it for my new car? I estimate that I will cover 20,000 miles p.a.
Is the 1.4-litre engine strong enough to shift the body in semi-auto form?
Will the 16 valve do a lot better?
Hi, I’ve got around £4500 to spend on a supermini, must be reliable, do 50+ mpg, have air con, some street cred, up to 5 years old.
I’ve been looking at slightly older MINIs and the old shape Corsa.
Your...
My current car is a Subaru Legacy 2.0Ds, replacing a previous 2.5i Leagacy Tourer.
I find current Legacy very boring & not as exciting as previous in enjoyment, looks & ownership experience.
I'm looking...
I bought a Rover 75 from a dealer 3 weeks ago and a garage check told me that the track rod ends were worn and need replacing.
The dealer told me that I was given a 28 day warranty. Is this fair wear...
I drive in Portugal. I have bought a Galloper with a Portuguese manual. I need an English manual.
Is this car badged as another name? I am told a shogun or pajero is close.
I've recently bought a Mondeo Titanuim X Sport 163 and after driving the car today for about 20 minutes and arriving back home I noticed a knocking or flapping noise in sync with the engine that I've never...
Bought new car March 2011 - in garage 4 months later with leak from coolant tank. Garage have advised that leak is from coolant into head gasket, now replacing cylinder head and head gasket. Is this...
I have driven my my VW Polo (59 plate) for 10 months and 7000 miles. According to VW, it is now due it's 20,000 mile service, although it has only done 16,000. Should I wait until it's done 20,000 miles...
My son has just been quoted £150 by a Ford main dealer to repair a broken clutch return spring. Is this reasonable, as the part only costs about £4?
I commute on the train every day and the time has come where driving a 3-litre twin turbo BMW 3 miles to the station everyday is not economical, practical or financially viable.
What should I replace...
I had new Toyo tyres 3 years ago. They need replacing after 25,000 miles, does that seem about right, I think it's low?
Can you recommend a replacement set, for ride comfort and resistance to potholes...
My 2003 2000 Mondeo has done 102,000 miles and has been excellent throughout. Recently it started to "pink" and struggle to pull away in higher gears without jerking. After a couple of weeks to eliminate...
I recently bought a 1994 Mercedes 280SL at Barons Auctions, Sandown Park, Esher. The car did not reach its reserve and when the auction was over I approached the office and said that I was interested....
Regarding motoring and the Magna Carta, I was looking at the court reports in our local paper this week and saw people receiving what amounts to warnings in the shape of suspended sentences for crimes...
Regrettably, I ignored your advice a couple of years ago and was talked into trading in my E39 525d for an E60 520d. Although it has sufficient power I notice the lack of smooth delivery and am now considering...
My 8-year old 2003/52 Honda Civic Coupe 'died' quite dramatically on the M62 when the no. 4 conrod pierced the block. Regularly serviced throughout its short life, the last occasion being July 1st. and...
I know you like to keep up with the experience of us motorists so here is a bit of good news. A couple of months ago a car ploughed into the back of my car whilst I was stationary at traffic lights. The...
Some time ago you recommended 24cover.co.uk for legal cover for car insurance. However, their website seems to have 'stalled' and no one answers the telephone. Has this company gone bust?
How do I enter the mpg results for my car? Your website appears to be a collection of adverts?
My partner has received a text offering to get her £3,750 for her recent accident. She has not had an accident. You advised your readers to report these people to casework@ico.gsi.gov.uk I did eventually...
My recently purchased 2007 Micra C + C 1.6 Sport has done 30,000 miles and has been looked after.
However, the throttle response makes it impossible to drive smoothly. The lightest touch on the throttle...
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