Recommend a small car for occasional use by our son and daughter?

I'd like to buy a small manual car, mainly for town use and a short commute, which will also be used occasionally by my 22-year-old daughter, and possibly by my 18-year-old son for learning. It must be...

Should I buy a petrol or diesel Grand C-Max for short commutes with longer weekend drives?

I'm interested in purchasing either a brand-new 1.6 petrol Ecoboost Grand C-Max or a nearly new 1.6 diesel Grand C-Max. Both are the same price at £16,500. I can't decide which one to go for. I know that...

Will my Volvo XC0 be ok on Pirelli Zero Rosso tyres in winter, or should I fit dedicated winter tyres?

I am going to need to replace the original tyres on my Volvo XC60 D5 AWD after 19,500 miles. It is currently fitted with Pirelli Zero Rosso 235/60 R18 V103. My Volvo main dealer says that these tyres are...

Is the 1.6-litre Ford Focus turbo petrol a solution to the DPF and DMF problems of diesel cars?

Your warnings on the failure costs of turbos, DMFs and DPFs mean that the very features that reduce fuel usage and emissions raise the risks of high repair costs. I note the Fiesta Econetic does not have...

Where can I get an update CD for my Spanish Lexus' satnav?

I just tried your suggestion of www.satnav-updates.com but they don't do CDs for Lexus. Mine is a GS450H 2007 SE-L model (LHD, Spanish reg), with 2006-07 software. Any other suggestions?

Should I expect DPF, DMF and cam belt problems with my new Ford Kuga TDCi?

I am soon to take delivery of a Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi 163 Titanium. Should I be concerned about the 'dual mass flywheel', DPF, and belt cam? I am not too worried about the DPF due to the type of trips it...

Can you recommend an economical, reliable 4x4 to tow a horse trailer?

I wonder if you could advise me on the best 4x4 to tow a horse trailer and two ponies? Whatever we buy will have to be used for my work and as our family car, so it needs to be as economical as possible....

Did you know that you need special 'Umweltplakkette' stickers to drive in some urban areas of Germany?

With regard to your answer to the correspondent AH, Sheffield who was planning to drive to Germany, I don't know if you're aware of the fact that a great number of urban areas there have been designated...

Thanks for recommending satnav-updates.com for my Primera's satnav system.

Thank you very much for the website: www.satnav-updates.com. I have received the 2011 SatNav DVD within two days. My 2005 Primera T-SPEC has now, for the first time, an up-to-date DVD. This is a great...

Are Mercedes-Benz E320 Sportline Convertibles rare?

In your recent reply to DP's classic MB query you recommended that he should definitely consider acquiring a Mercedes-Benz 1993-96 E320 Sportline Convertible. Where are they all? I've seen several ads...

Does the attached correspondence regarding the new Protection of Freedoms bill help at all?

I thought that the attached correspondence from Norman Baker would add to the debate. I had raised the points discussed in your letters column directly with my MP and he has followed this through: it would...

Thanks to CarGiant for good customer service following a problem with a car I bought from them.

I had an alignment problem with a car I bought from CarGiant, which I had fixed independently, then wrote to CarGiant. The response was: “Thank you for your email and sorry that you have had to report...

Why do runflat tyres give such a harsh ride?

Runflat tyres were fitted to my car on the false premise that they were superior. Aside from maintaining stability in the rare event of a blowout, the disadvantages seem to outweigh the advantages by a...

Does leaving a wet car in a garage cause problems?

In a recent letter to the DT editor the writer maintained that garages ruined cars. A wet car put in a cold garage deteriorates far more quickly than it will if left outside. He claims that it is the electrical...

Is there anything further we can do to prevent the Protection of Freedoms bill being passed?

Further to your recent columns regarding the relationship between the BPA and the DVLA, and the Protection of Freedoms Bill, I have received the attached letter from Norman Baker via my local MP (Gregory...

Is the dealer responsible for selling me a Mercedes-Benz B-Class with a rust problem?

I would be grateful if you could provide advice on the following issue I am having with Mercedes-Benz. I purchased a B-Class from the used approved scheme five months ago. Recently, whilst washing the...

Did you know that moths can cause in-car alarm sensors to activate?

I have a Golf TDi that I have owned for just over four years, my third Golf, all of which have been totally trouble free. I have never experienced this in any of them or any other car for that matter....

If a car is written off in its first policy year, does the driver have to start the insurance process again?

I was somewhat perturbed by your comments in last Saturday's DT in response to a reader who had taken out a new policy with his former insurer. If what you say is true: that a car written off in its first...

Is it safe to fit only two winter tyres to a car for driving in snow?

I have had a few disagreements with friends and colleagues concerning the fitting of two winter tyres only during the British winter. Personally I consider this dangerous but I am not in the majority....

I enclose a letter from Vince Cable regarding the Protection of Freedoms bill.

Vince Cable wrote to me: “The Protection of Freedom Act will make it illegal to clamp vehicles on Private Land. It should end the activities of "cowboys" who have exploited people who have parked on Private...

Why am I getting such a small discount for a new BMW X3?

I am a slightly older person, currently living in France. I have been making email enquiries into buying a new LHD BMW X3 (as you probably know, they have a specialist export/diplomatic/local authority...

Why is our factory-fitted Audi A5's satnav system not capable of recognising UK postcodes?

I bought an Audi A5 in May for my wife's special birthday. I paid £1600 extra for the Sat Nav system. She needed to use the Sat Nav a few months later and found she could only input five digits of the...

Where can I get a guaranteed HPI check carried out?

As an older reader, over the past few years, I've bought my cars from friends and relatives. This time none of them have a car for me so I have to seek one elsewhere. I know there are companies who can...

What do you think of the Alfa Romeo Spider?

I am looking at a metallic silver 2008 58-plate Alfa Romeo Spider 2.4JTDM 210, in standard spec with 30,000 miles. They are asking £11,995. Is that too much from a dealer?

Thanks to Renault for their help with our Clio's ignition barrel fault.

My daughter has a 57-reg Clio Musique and the other day could not get the key out of ignition or start the car. Eventually, she got it started. The Renault main dealer cut a new key but that got stuck...

Can I claim back the cost of a diagnostic test for a fault on my Jaguar S-Type?

You gave me sound advice recently about a problem with my second hand S-Type Jaguar. Having purchased the vehicle from a Jaguar dealer some 130 miles away (as they had the model I wanted) I have paid £298...

How are speed-activated traffic lights installed when used in Spain?

Would speed activated traffic lights at the approach to a village centre need to be installed on both sides of the road? (I believe they are used in Spain but do not go there). Some local people here have...

Is there a more efficient way of displaying speed limits?

With reference to the Government’s plans to install extra speed limit signs. I can see the logic as to why this should be thought necessary. My wife and I recently toured an unfamiliar area using ordinary...

Please remind your readers to check their bonnet catches properly after closing them.

Now we are in the grip of winter, can I remind drivers to properly check their bonnet catches with a quick tug upwards. In the cold of last winter and probably in a bit of a rush, I topped up the screen...

Are dual mass flywheels fitted to modern diesel automatics?

I read with interest your comments about problems with dual mass flywheels used on modern diesel engines. Can you please clarify if these are also fitted to diesel-engined cars with automatic transmission?

Please advise your readers that the speed limit has changed on the A413 near Buckingham.

In the last week or two, a section of the A413 between Buckingham and Maids Moreton has had the speed limit dropped from 40mph to 30mph. There have been no obvious roadside warnings to this effect except...

Is fuel tank condensation in my diesel tractor causing starting problems?

Some 2-3 weeks ago you ran a letter about problems with diesel fuel blockage caused by the addition of biodiesel to standard diesel and lack of use of the vehicle. I have a smallholding and two tractors...

Why is Direct Line increasing my husband's insurance premium after I was caught speeding?

We are a retired couple who own two cars, both of which have been insured by Direct Line for many years. I am the named driver on my husband's policy, and he is the named driver on mine. I recently received...

What could be causing what feels like a wheel imbalance on our 2006 Renault Clio?

I bought a 1149cc 2006 Renault Clio Extreme two years ago with only 11,500 miles, and in the main really like the car. However, a problem developed after owning it for four months and the garage we bought...

Sat Nav won't pick up full postcodes. Why?

My 2011 Rav 4 won't accept the last 2 characters of the postcode. It makes you choose the road from a list. If the road is unnamed you cannot get guidance. We have many unnamed roads in rural Gloucestershire...

Fiesta problems

My car looses a lot of water due to something being wrong with the seal for the box where the spark plugs are found. Water gets to the spark plugs and now there is rust all over. I was gonne let it be...

Excessive oil consumption in a 1.4 TSI

In December 2010 I bought a Polo GTI 1.4TSI 180BHP, replacing my 2008 150Bhp Polo GTi. It was sold to me as being more economical fuel wise and having better performance. However, the original engine...

CO2 emissions and wheels size

Could you please explain how and why larger wheel sizes increase CO2 output and consequently VED banding? The car still travels the same distance irrespectice of tyre size.

Is my car due a recall

Is there a recall Audi vehicle for a dodgy fuel pump? A google search would suggest so, but I can't find anywhere to search for recalls.

A hatch with adjustable steering for less than £5k

I need a five door hatch with reach adjustable steering for under £5k. Currently I have an 03 Fabia Comfort, 1.2, which is fine, but reliability is now essential. Any suggestions?

Car computer not reconnected after a service

Flashing DPF dasboard light came on at 23400 miles on 15/02/12. Mazda dealer diagnostic check showed that they had not reset the car computer(?) after the service in July 11, no actual fault with DPF....

Warranty on a Fiesta for water ingress?

My Fiesta has a hole in seam of the bulk head. The car is 20 months old and water is gathering in the drivers foot well. Garage insists it's wear and tear. Why will they only honour water ingress into...

Window water jet not making a sound...

Window washer water jet not making a sound and no water comes out. What's the problem?

Peugeot 406 electrical gremlins

The fault seems to be triggered by the extreme cold weather but has lasted longer this year. The car randomly locks/unlocks when the ignition is on. The lights also randomly flash but this is now occurring...

Can I change to standard tyres from runflats?

I have been told conflicting information on this. Can I fit standard tyres to 19 inch alloys on BMW E92 3 series? Are the valves just standard? Is thare a skinny spare available?

Saab Or Mercedes-Benz

I'm currently considering two cars - a 2001 Mercedes-Benz C200 with only 52,000 miles, absolutely immaculate, one owner, Avantgarde trim, or a 2004 2.0T Saab Vector, again, one owner 62,000 miles. Both...

Disappointing economy from a Polo 1.4 TDI

I know diesel is dearer than petrol now but I seem to be using just as much diesel with this car than I did petrol with previously owned cars. Most of my driving is around town but each month I do a...

Buying replacement tyres

I'm a first time car owner and I need to replace the tyres on my Peugeot Partner. Can you recommend a few brands / tyre models for me to look for? Obviously with a slow but comfortable car like this...

Buying a car cover

I am looking to buy a car cover for my brand-new Megane Coupe-Cabriolet (latest model). I came across a couple of suppliers on the internet, one of them told me on the phone that he could not recommend...

Just bought a Corsa, is it belt cam or chain?

I have bought a 54 2004 Vauxahll Corsa 1.2 16v petrol at 54000 miles - full main delaer stamps up to 50,000 miles in March 2011 - is it a chain cam or belt and should I change the oil at 12 months since...