Small car comfort

My wife has recently suffered a back injury which makes the slightest bump agonising. Could you please recommend which cars, preferably small automatics, might give the most comfortable ride?

Car runs better with less fuel

My 1996 VW Polo 1.0 runs better with less fuel in the tank - any reasons for this?

Porsche logging 'exceeded revs' from ECU

I have owned several Porsches for more than 10 years and have always properly maintained them with dedicated Porsche garages and warranties. On renewing the warranty for my current Boxster I was told...

My premium fuel experience

Following your advice in the Telegraph to use Shell V Power or BP Ultimate Diesel I can, with certainty and experience, say it is the best thing I have ever done since taking ownership of an imported 2.5...

Using a winter tyre as a spare?

I am considering buying a set of 4 winter tyres on steel rims for my Peugeot 5008. It is currently fitted with alloy wheels and a space saver spare wheel. Can I use one of the winter tyres as spare in...

Engine swapping?

I own a 1997 VW AWD sharan with 2.8 engine. I am thinking of replacing the engine and auto transmission units with newer VW engine and transmission unit. Is it possible to put in a VW 2.0 TSI engine with...

Directional tread?

My son has a 2008 Ford Focus with Goodyear Efficient Grip tyres on both front wheels. Whilst cleaning the wheels the other day, he noticed that the outer edge grooves of the front driver's side tyre ended...

307 cam belt - now or later?

My sister has just bought an 07 plate 307cc 2.0hdi with 92,000 on the clock. The garage she bought it from advised that the cambelt does not need to be changed until 115,000 miles as advised from Peugeot....

Gearbox problem with Micra

I have just bought a Nissan Micra K11 S reg & it goes into all gears when driven from cold but as the car warms up I have trouble getting it into 5th gear & sometimes 3rd gear. It is always fine when the...

Easiest small cars to get in and out of?

What're the easiest cars to get in and out of?

Classic Insurance for Young drivers

I own a Triumph Stag. I want a classic car policy for the agreed valuation etc. I would like my 17 year old son to be able to drive it on his provisional licence initially (as both our modern cars are...

Height adjustable passenger seats?

Looking for a normal medium size car two to four years old with height adjustable passenger seat and enough roof height after adjusting, probably to the maximum, for a 6 feet tall passenger. Something...

Electronic key not working the driver door

The electronic key fob for Audi TT 2001 will not open or close the driver door but will lock and open the passenger door - any ideas? The lights flash but I have to lock and open the drivers door with...

Should the dealer fix these issues?

I've recently bought a 5 year old Focus from a main Ford dealership. I've been driving it a week and have discovered 3 heating elements in the rear windscreen don't work and a little rattling noise from...

Should I sell an 06 Corsa now?

My wife's Corsa 1.4 (manual petrol) has been a good servant, but is now having to work hard as I can no longer drive, and take much of the load onto my car. The Corsa (06) will have done 60k soon, and...

Pairing an iPhone with a newer car

I cannot pair my iPhone 4S with the phone system in my 3 year old (59 plate) Tiguan. The local VW dealer advises that the bluetooth module will have to be replaced - cost £380. Are there any cheaper...

Unlocking radio on a Nissan Micra 1996.

Managed to get the code but 'SECURE' will not disappear so that I can't input CODE? Any way past this!?

Warranty work taking too long

Four weeks ago I had my car serviced for the second time and was told by the garage that there was an oil seepage from the gearbox that might turn into a leak in the future. I had the work done only to...

2008 Astra using too much oil

I have an 1.4-litre 2008 Astra with 120,000km (74k miles) and it started to use a bit of oil - about a 0.4l on 1000 km (621 miles). I know Vauxhall says it is normal to use as much as 1.0l on 1000 miles,...

Dependability Rankings

Hi there I just read an article on toyota yaris which scored number one in sub compact cars that you posted a while back on your blog: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/toyota/toyota-yaris-d-4d-2002-road-test/ I...

Company lease Tiguan 4x4 - should I be looking at other models?

I currently have a company lease VW Tiguan (which I'm happy with) and was going to exchange for another in March next year. I do 15K miles per year (22 mile each way commute) and am thinking about the...

Burning smell from A3 diesel

I have a 2010 Audi A3 2.0TDI Sport with a low mileage (15000). I bought it from an Audi dealer just over one year ago. Earlier this year the engine management system warning light came on. The RAC came...

Service package - worthwhile?

I have just bought an ex-BMW 120M with 400 miles on the clock. I asked if Service Inclusive was still possible even though the car was pre-registered. On being told yes I paid my £300. The certificate...

Servicing query

My other half has a 2005 Vw Golf 1.9 TDI. She does around 30000 on the clock annually. My question is as she is doing high mileage how often should we get the oil change/ oil filter changer and the other...

Parking Eye

I parked in a Parking Eye car park in Brandon, by Aldi, and overstayed my 2 hour welcome by 11 minutes and I was sent a penalty notice of £40. I followed Honest John's advice sent a letter with £10 cheque....

Galaxy or Voyager?

Chrysler Grand Voyager CRD or Ford Galaxy Titanium X with Seat Pack...what do you think?

How to remove hardened tree sap?

I have what appears to be hardened tree sap on my bonnet - how best to remove? I have researched on the web and some people suggest nail polish remover -- sounds harsh? Appreciate your advice.

Buying a retirement car - what to avoid?

After many years of Volvo estates, usually bought at 5 years old with full histories, I am now retired and, while still needing to haul the occassional full load or drive long distances on the continent...

Faulty trim on my car - what do I do?

Please comment on the below draft before I send it? Dear Sir, I refer to my previous correspondence of the 29 August 2012 and its contents. Having now taken legal advice I must now inform you that...

I drive 10,000 miles pa diesel or petrol turbo

About 9 years ago you recommended the Kia Sorento - we bought the petrol engine automatic one, it has proved a first class trouble free motor. We would like the same or similar again. We drive about 10,000...

Insuring a 17yo on a trade policy

I'm a trader buying and selling vehicles and I have a 17 year old son who is coming to work for me, however my current insurance company won't allow him on my Motor Trade policy, are there any companies...

Excess wear on inside of both front Tyres

Recently bought this car from Lookers garage. When had a puncture garage told me the front tyres were worn specifically on the inside - Tracking tested, balancing and allignment all ok when tested. Returned...