Questions from September 2011
I hired a car at an Irish airport last week and found that the excess protection insurance was greater than the cost of hiring the vehicle. Is there an insurance company that covered the excess and is...
I have 1998 Volkswagen Passat diesel estate. Although it has 125,000 miles on the clock it does 50mpg on long journeys. Last week, on returning from a local shopping expedition at Reigate only 10 miles...
I have a 2 door Citroen C1 that I have been pleased with and I wish to fit a tow-bar for a cycle-rack, but I am informed that it is not possible to fit a tow-bar to a C1.
I was thinking of replacing...
What are you thoughts on the Abarth 500? I’m looking to buy one new, so are there any must have options? So far, I've ticked the Xenon headlights box.
I drive a Renault Grand Scenic, registered in June 2010, with a diesel engine. Having two Labradors I find the vehicle more than satisfactory. My problem started when I visited my local Tesco Fuel Station...
At the age of 77 I have been offered the chance to run a 'company car' with advice to get one with a low emission rate to avoid as much tax as possible.
Over the past six years I have run three Mercedes...
For more than a decade, I have been commuting long distances to work, so have had a small diesel MPV, and also tow a caravan. Quite a cost-effective combination for 18,000 miles a year.
But I have now...
I have received notice of proposed traffic calming measures from the council. They wish to put 13 sets of speed cushions in what is currently a 30mph zone. I have taken note of your opinion of these humps...
On 20th March 2008, having previously read a favourable report in your column, I purchased a new Honda CRV from Bob Gerard Ltd in Leicestershire, at well below the price quoted by my local Honda dealer....
We have decided to keep our son’s car while he is at university. His insurers will 'suspend' his policy until he needs it in the hols. We make the payments during suspension then the amount is deducted...
A government proposal to reduce the frequency of MoT tests could affect road safety in the UK. Under the current MoT system, our cars receive a yearly inspection that includes critical safety items such...
I am thinking about buying a new car to replace my ageing Subaru Forester. I am retired and living in rural Aberdeenshire, so often will only make one or two 12 mile round trips to the nearest market town....
Our Astra of 10 years and 100,000 miles has nagging problems and we struggle to get out of the low seating and to load a wheel chair in and our of the boot well. The Vauxhall Zafira is popular here and...
Three and four year free servicing is often mentioned by Mike Rutherford in his Mr Money column. What I have not seen mentioned is whether this actually includes oils and filters, etc. Can you kindly clarify?
I would like to replace my 2004 XC90 D5 SE (82,000 miles FVSH). Despite the 4-wheel-drive failing (repaired under warranty by Warranty Direct - thanks for your recommendation) the car has been a great...
I recently met a client at McDonalds in Wallsend, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. He bought me a couple of coffees and a muffin and we had a meeting. At the end of our meeting we got into our cars, he left and I...
I refer to a question from AR and your response as I have a similar question. On 9th August, I met a friend for breakfast at 8am at McDonald's on the A12 at Boreham Interchange near Chelmsford. Unbeknownst...
My car broke down (clutch problem) as I entered the M1 in Derbyshire. I let it roll to the barrier and waited there to be rescued which took only 20 minutes. I was then taken to a garage where arrangements...
I have been told by my local Volvo dealer that I do not need four winter tyres for my V50 2.0-litre petrol car, just two, as it is front wheel drive. I understood you had to have four. Please advise.
I'm getting a Honda Jazz for my mother (1-2 years old). She can only drive automatics, but I've heard there were problems with the Jazz automatic transmission in the newer 2008-10 models. Is this true?...
I have a 2009 (09) Toyota Aygo Black 37,000 miles - have owned from new FTSH - Toyota dealer has offered me £4750 px against a pre reg Aygo Ice 5dr which he has on offer at £8530. Does this sound about...
I have £3000 max to spend.
Would like 50+ mpg combined.
Insurance group 7 or less.
Tax £150 or less.
9O bhp or more (though I know the Yaris is less) so it doesnt strain at 80mph on the motorway.
Diesel.
5...
My son has a Y plate 1 litre 3cyl Corsa which has been noisy since we purchased it a year ago. We were told this was usual for this model. Weve just got it through an mot (£125 damper, brakes and cost...
Thank you for helping me out with my previous question. If the 1.2TSI models on a Polo are good what's your opinion on the 1.2 TSI 85 engine in a 3-door Golf? Would it be underpowered to the point where...
We have a 56 reg Skoda Roomster 1.9 tdi fitted with 205/45 R16 Bridgestone tyres on alloy wheels.
We are looking to buy and fit a set of winter tyres, also on alloy wheels, but wonder whether it is possible...
We are about to buy a Mini Cooper S, and part-exchanging a Ford Ka. The Ka is not worth very much, has rust and the driver door lock is dodgy. We have informed the dealer of this.
How can we cover ourselves...
The Ford web site http://www.ford.co.uk/Cars/Fiesta/Enginesandtechnology gives the 1.6 diesel engine as available with or without a DPF. I would like to purchase a Fiesta without a DPF, as I will be reducing...
Just about time (if not overdue) to change my good 6 year old Laguna Tourer, but is it me or are Renault dealerships no longer stocking these 'larger' cars? Fair enough I can order but I seem to recall...
Are Winter or all season tyres better in the UK in terms of performance of the car (miles per gallon), noise and tyre wear during winter months? Would all season tyres perform better?
I am driving to Italy and returning via Austria and Germany in November.
Can I use my UK tyres - Pirelli P7 (I carry snow chains) or do I have to have winter M&S (mud and slush) rated tyres after October...
I know from your column in the DT that you are an advocate of winter tyres. My wife and I have now rationalised our transport arrangements from a Landrover Defender 110 LWB (mine) and a Corsa 1.4 automatic...
Wheels for winter or all season tyres: Do I need to buy new wheels with my new winter or all season tyres or can I use the wheels on which my summers are fitted?
Do you think it would be OK to take summer tyres off, and put them back on again in the spring - ie swapping between winter and summer tyres? Trying to save the expense of having an extra two front wheels.
After a short break on a long run, our Zafira's cruise control sometimes won't engage until 10 to 20 minutes after setting off again.
A Vauxhall dealer just gave the car its first annual service and...
I bought a 1996 MX5 from the salesman at my local Mazda dealership (Vospers of Exeter). He made it clear he was selling it for his father but it was displayed on the forecourt. The dealership had MOT'd...
What rights do I have to reject a car purchased in June 2010?
When we purchased the car we had agreed a timescale for the main dealer to complete the work, which they did. But subsequently the car has...
My car complete turns off when I step off the accelerator. In short it does not idle, it runs only when I keep my foot on the accelerator pedal - once I take my foot off the accelerator it turns off. It...
I am 64, have a Mondeo '06 in VGC with 47000mls and I'm thinking of downgrading for economy reasons. I'm looking at a Fiat 500 Twinair. Can spend £3k - £5k plus trade in for the Mondeo.
I’m considering a two-year-old Astra Hatchback 1.6i 16v VVT, ECOTEC 4 with 23,249 miles on the clock and an asking price of £11,995. I would be grateful for your views on the overall reliability of this...
I have been looking through your excellent website car reviews to guide me and came across the one for the Mk1 Skoda Superb, a car I quite like. You mention a potentially serious and very expensive issue...
My 2005 Volvo S40 diesel has suddenly lost most of its power; due to error "2452 Particle trap pressure sensor faulty signal", according to my local workshop that looks after it and tell me that it needs...
Can I draw your attention to something to consider when taking out car insurance: Don’t just look at the initial cost. Every time you make an alteration it can cost upwards of £30. This would include change...
My son is looking to part-ex his black 2007/57 Astra Sportshatch 1.7 CDTI SXI, 27k miles, good condition, brand new MoT, brand new front tyres for a Ford Fiesta 1.6S 1600 3-door petrol, Racing Blue,10k...
I have a 2 litre diesel Skoda Octavia Estate (L&K model) with DSG gearbox which has done 63,000 miles, it has been garaged and main dealer serviced to schedule since new but is now 6 years old. I have...
My dilemma is new Audi Q3 or Nissan Qashqai with new 1.6 diesel engine? Please advise? What is current supply of either model as I would like to change my car before the winter and have refined the list...
I have retired to the Yorkshire Dales and anticipating a bad winter have decided to get rid of my trusty old Peugeot 406 and buy a 4x4 pick-up truck. You talk about diesel particulate filters and that...
We had a new clutch put in our 2002 Ford Focus 14 months ago. The garage sent us out without putting the gear oil/lubricant in, we drove about 14 miles and then realised and drove the car back as we knew...
I have a 2008/58 Vauxhall Corsa, which is due for its first MOT in a few weeks. I find it strange that Vauxhall has contacted me now regarding a re-call in connection with the brakes as they asked if I...
Regarding the email from JH of Gloucester about IAM and driver training on 17th September. Advanced driving training is also provided by RoSPA affiliated groups around the country at far less cost than...
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