Injector replacement linked to DPF problem?

Just had 23H9 VW Passat injector recall done at Local VW dealer, after a couple of weeks and long distance runs DPF and engine management lights lit up. Is there any possible link between the newly replaced...

Misfiring BMW 318i

My wife puchased an 08 reg BMW 318i last September. The engine sometimes misfires. I read on your website and in a letter in today's paper that the 2.0-litre 4 cylinder petrol engine is prone to injector...

Is premium fuel worth it?

I have recently bought a BMW 120i convertible (having reached that time of life!) and was wondering what difference Shell V-Power fuel would make as opposed to other supermarket higher Ron products such...

Cheap and reliable

I need a car up to £2000 for the nursery run then on to work along pot holed lanes to replace my 95 Carina E. I'd like a 2003 Avensis or maybe a Panda. It needs to be durable, reliable car with low running...

Passat poor in snow

I have owned Volkswagen Passat estates for the last 15 years. They have all been good in the snow. My current model is a 2-litre TDi fitted with Contisport 235/45 ZR 17 tyres. The traction in snow is appalling....

Fumes entering the cabin

At the moment I am being subjected to disturbing fumes that enter the cabin whenever the heater is operated. I have had the exhaust checked and that is OK. Mileage is 87000. Could you suggest possible...

I got a speeding ticket on my driving test - and still passed!

I was caught on a speed camera during my driving test - but still passed it with flying colours! There must be an error somewhere, especially as the test was an Advanced Motorists' re-assessment test...

Winter tyres are stunning

I have followed your column for many years and often follow advice given. I work in the deep country of North Yorkshire at ancient heritage sites often up small lanes and tracks. After last winter i...

Fake service book entries

I bought a Honda Civic at a British Car Auctions in Enfield 3 weeks ago. It was listed as having 2 service stamps. When I later inspected the Service Book closely, I saw that there were 9 stamps, the...

4 wheel allignmentv worth it?

My Voyager suffers from wheel wobble uneven tyre wear and noisy suspension. Is 4 wheel allignment at approx £90 worthwhile?

The balance of power

In the Ford Fiesta is there much difference between the 1.25 60 and 1.25 80?

Alternative to bucket seats

There is generally much talk of bucket seats being uncomfortable and further to this I have two questions please (1) what alternative type or types of seats are available and (2) why do most manufacturers...

Engine management light comes on

I have a 03 Leon 1.4 petrol. Yesterday the engine warning light (Diagnosis/warning of excess pollution) came on. All the time, not flashing. There also seems to be a lack of power and the engine rumbles...

Flat battery on a Focus

My Ford Focus 1.8 battery went flat. I left it in the garage for a month or so. It wouldn't start and a small red light above the radio was flashing when I turned the key. I left it for another month...

Is my car due for a recall?

Is there a recall on Passat 56-plate? And what can I expect from my local VW centre?

Who's responsible for this repair?

My daughter bought a car from a main dealer very shortly afterwards she took the car in for a noise under the manufacture warranty. It was found to be a worn shock absorber, the car had done approximately...

Tuning my Audi A4

I have a 2004 Audi 130bhp TDi Avant with 140k miles on the clock which I have owned since 50k. I recently purchased a 'TDI Tuning Box' primarily for the increase in MPG, which I have noticed a difference...

Changing the spare on my Jazz

The space saver-tyre, from new, has never been out of the boot other then for top-up of air. I am considering replacing it with a standard wheel/tyre(matching existing tyres of 185/55R15 82V). I'm doing...

Swapping a Ka for a Golf

I currently own a 57 plate Ford Ka Sport SE (1.6 8v engine) that has done 32,000 miles, but it is a very thirsty, uneconomical car to drive, particulary as I am doing significantly more miles that I originally...

Where's the filler flap release on my Swift?

I have a Suzuki Swift 2005 model. First car, first time filling up with petrol. I don't know how to open my petrol cap! Does anyone know if there is a lever inside the car somewhere? Or do you have to...

What potential problems with an Avensis CVT?

I am thinking of buying a 2010 Avensis tourer 1.8L with CVT gearbox. Having browsed your reviews and other sites I can not find a long term reliability review for the Toyota CVT. Some say CVTs are good...

To keep or not?

My wife has a Peugeot 308 HDI 110 Sport with 50,000 miles on the clock. It is on a lease but we have the option to make a final payment of £4,400 to keep the car. I'm tempted to make the final payment...

Fiat 500 disc and pad wear

I booked my daughters car in for its second service with GMD Durham at 27,062miles. Its first was at 13,068 miles carried out by Petch in Darlington. They reported that the front pads were 98% worn and...

Sell or keep an A-Class?

We purchased our A-Class two and a half years ago for £4000. It had 30,000 miles on the clock and 1 elderly owner, all the service history was there and it looked immaculate, its the long wheel base...

Gap in vehicle ownership and motor insurance

Having recently retired and being a city dweller, it makes sense for me to trade in my large saloon car. I now have the chance to sell it to a friend, and am contemplating trying to live without a car...

Volkswagen Golf clutch problem

I have an ongoing problem with the clutch on my Golf. It is okay at start-up but after driving for about 10 miles there is no pressure at all and pedal sticks to floor. It will not pump back up, and...

Buying a car with space for three in the back

We need to replace a Golf 1.9TDi (company car) as a 2nd car for the family - two adults and four children aged 12,9,6 and 4. Originally the Golf was chosen because it could cope with 2 car seats in back...

Engine service light on a Volvo S60

My Volvo S60 has a full service history, but about 500 miles ago the engine system service light kept coming on then going off, etc. The car drops power slightly for a few secs then drives ok but the...

When do I replace my Octavia's timing belt?

My Instruction Manual say's that the Timing belt should be changed at 70K miles. My Skoda Dealer now tells me that this has been changed and the belt should be changed after 3 years even though the car...