Should I buy a Peugeot 406 Coupe?

I am seriously thinking of buying a Peugeot 406 Coupe 3.0-litre V6, registered in March 2001 with 70,000 miles on the clock. It seems in good condition and will be used mainly on long journeys at weekends. Is...

Should I switch to diesel, now my annual mileage has doubled?

My commute has recently become longer, and as a result my annual mileage has changed from 10,000 to 20,000 miles. I currently have a 06-plate Volkswagen Golf 1.6FSI, which has done 50,000 miles. I regularly...

Nissan Tino - which chain cam?

I have a '04-plate Nissan Tino, and I want to know what type of timing chain it uses? I have been told that there is two types, Which one does mine have? Also, the ECU light is on, but there are no...

Suzuki SX4: Terrible engine noise after starting

I started my new Suzuki SX4 2.0DDiS SZ5 the other morning, and the engine made a terribly rough noise. Turned it off and started it again, and all was fine. What could it have been? Sounded like it wasn't...

Tresspass or parking enforcement?

Is it leagal for a parking enforcement officer to put a parking ticket under your windscreen wiper? I have been told that it is classed as trespass...

BMW X5 - Would replacing run-flat tyres with normal tyres improve the ride?

Would replacing the run-flat tyres on my BMW X5 with normal tyres improve the ride quality? I recently bought a 2010 BMW X5 3.0D with 18in wheels and run-flat tyres. The test drive on dual-carriageway...

Toyota Aygo - Extended warranty

My wife has a Toyota Aygo that's coming to end of its three-year manufacturer warranty. The car does about 8000 miles per year, mainly on running local errands and commuting. We have option of buying extended...

Driver's awareness course

I have to go on one of these courses, and I suffer from anxiety. And have this as a result of my accident in June - but have to wait until Dec for the course. I'm 69, and am so worried I won't get through. I...

Which Car for Retirement

I am soon to retire, and need to purchase a car. I am thinking of a 2-3 year old petrol automatic - options are narrowed to Mercedes-Benz C220/250, BMW 320 or Ford Mondeo. Which would you advise as best...

Lexus IS300 Sportcross - Tyre and wheel sizes

I plan to replace the wheels and tyres on my 2002 Lexus IS300 Sportcross, because the rims are corroded and the 45-profile tyres give a slightly harsh ride. The existing standard wheels are are 17in...

Ford Mondeo - rear tyres and suspension

My 2003 Ford Mondeo 2.0 swings its rear-end when hitting bumps. When I buy a new set of tyres, the rears wear out on the outer sides more than the fronts. What could be the problem?

Vauxhall Astra - dealer can't fix non-starting problem

My daughter's Vauxhall Astra (56-reg, 1600cc petrol, 41,000miles) has an intermittent starting problem. The dealer first said it was the keys; then they said it was the SIM card and replaced that. They...

Audi A4 Avant - what's causing the automatic transmission vibration?

I have a 2010 Audi A4 Avant automatic. The problem is that it sometimes jerks and vibrates when pulling away. This is especially bad when pulling away uphill, and turning right. I am concerned, because...

Buying a used car just for a round trip to work and back – what would you recommend?

Looking to buy a second car to only to use four days a week solely for the trip to and from work, budget is low (£1200ish) and the round trip is 80 miles (on a generally clear Motorway stretch). Any...

Audi A6 Allroad - Best way to sell

I bought my Audi A6 Allroad 3.0TDI (Tiptronic) new in October 2006. It now has covered 83,700 miles, has a new MoT, and full Audi main dealer service history. I have been offered £9250 as a trade-in...

Ford Grand C-MAX - What size winter tyres?

I've just bought a three-month old Ford Grand C-MAX. All the Ford Brochures state that the tyre size is 205/55/R16, but this one has 215/55/R16s fitted. according to the handbook I have, either size can...

BMW 116i - What are the benefits of alloy wheels?

I recently started driving a 2004 BMW 116i, and I really enjoy driving it. It's fitted with steel 16in wheels. What benefits (other than cosmetic) would swapping over to alloy wheels give? The reason...

Will a Chevrolet Spark make it to the UK?

Does Chevrolet intend to bring out a Spark automatic in 2013 live they have in other parts of the world? Also is the spark as solid as the Kia and Hyundai rivals?

What's on the next delivery cycle for Hyundai to the UK?

How can I find out the next delivery cycle of Hyundai i20 1.4 diesel to the UK?. I have spoken to several dealers and the sort of answers I get always leads to buying another car of their choice.

Turbodiesel engines: Effects of stop-start on a hot engine

Is the stop-start system on my new Skoda Yeti 1.6TD Greenline going to have an adverse effect on the engine, given that it will switch off the engine even when very hot?

Reported MPG against real - can this be right?

I've recently bought a BMW E93 Convertible 325D Auto and have been looking carefully at the MPG figures. I never get anything like what the manufacturer says but I can live with that but I decided to...

Our eight month old Ford Mondeo needs a new turbocharger

In January 2012, we bought a brand new Ford Mondeo 2.0L Ecoboost Titanium X Sport. In August 2012, the turbocharger failed. Ford has been telling us for the last 10 weeks that the part will be arriving...

Penalty ticket issued off-road in Wales by council

Neath Port Talbot council issued me a penalty ticket in an off road P&D car park. It is my understanding that on the Highway, you can issue penalties. But that off-road, i.e., non-highway, you cannot issue...

Lexus GS450h - Cat D bargain or lemon?

I have been offered a 2007 Lexus GS450h with one owner, and just 45,000 miles on the clock for £11,000. It looks and drives very well, but it has had its engine rebuilt after sucking up water. It's on...

Unfit for sale should I get a refund or ask for a repair?

I have just purchased a Range rover x reg after seeing the car on a 4x4 garage forecourt, there was also an add on auto trader with the car on the forecourt in front of the sign for the 4x4 specialist....

What are the best tyres for overall driving conditions with good wet grip and low road noise for a Volvo V70?

Our V70 has 215x55ZR16 tyres that are getting short on tread. What are the best replacement tyres? I am looking for good 4 season performance (accepting that they will be a compromise compared with specialist...

What tyres for a better ride?

I have a 2003 BMW 320d touring sport which is shod with staggered 'run-flats' - 255/35/18ZR (rear) and 225/4018ZR (front). The ride is too harsh and tramlines a lot too. I'm considering switching to 17"...

Value of a 2003 Vauxhall Omega

What is the value of a 2003 Vauxhall Omega 2.6 CDX with 18,000 miles only?

Mondeo shudder at 70-80mph - what's the cause?

I have a shudder through my Ford Mondeo at 70-80mph. I used to have it at lower speeds too but that was helped when I changed all the tyres recently. I've balanced all the wheels and had the tracking done...

Buying a small car for my wife - what would you recommend?

Have about £6,500 to spend and would preferably prefer it to be no older than three years old with relatively low mileage. What would you recommend ?

My car is a write off, insurance company want to cancel policy before payout. Where do I stand in getting pay out and future insurance?

My car engine caught fire three weeks ago. I have fully comp insurance. We have agreed on pay out and I have sent all documents back but am still waiting for the cheque. They have now asked for my insurance...

Chain or belt on a BMW Z4?

My son-in-law's Z4 has just had to be recovered with a belt failure circa 55k miles and just short of the service when the belt is apparently due to be changed. The BMW garage (independant) advises this...

How long should the MoT be when buying a used car from a garage?

How long should the MoT be when buying a used car from a garage?

Screeching Kia Rio - what could it be?

I have a Kia Rio 2005 which screeches for a couple of minutes on start up. I have had the fanbelts checked and renewed but the problem is getting worse. Any suggestions?

Downsizing for winter tyres - is this possible?

I'd like to get winter tyres for our cars (A 2008 Kia Sportage on 235/55R17 tyres and a 2005 E320D Estate on 245/45 R17 tyres. I've heard that it's possible to specify smaller tyres on steel wheels for...

Which small car offers good disabled access?

We currently run a Toyota Verso but my wife finds it too big and the poor turning circle puts her off driving it altogether. We want a small car that is easy for disabled access, easy to drive and park,...

Can you suggest that your readers don't use space-saver wheels on motorways?

I would strongly advise PS, who wrote about space-saver spare wheels, and anyone else who has one, not to venture out on a motorway with one fitted. A few months ago, the AA fitted my space-saver spare...

I can recommend winter tyres after fitting them to my wife's BMW 325M.

We live in semi-rural Aberdeenshire and we do have winters up here, the last three returning to what were 'normal' winters a few years ago. My wife drives a BMW 325M diesel automatic, and we fit winter...

Why is diesel more expensive than petrol?

Could you explain why the cost of diesel fuel is up to 8p per litre more than petrol? As diesel is a lower fraction of the crude oil from which it is made than petrol, it needs less processing and as it...

Can I recommend that your readers fit in-car cameras in case of accidents?

In two recent issues you invited recommendations of car camera systems that run on a “loop” and can record the build up to crashes. As a result of suffering two crashes on local mini roundabouts where...

Where can I get a Collision Damage Waiver for a hire car in New Zealand?

My wife and I will be hiring a car for thirty days in New Zealand next February. Please can you inform me of reputable insurers who provide a Collision Damage Waiver for a reasonable sum?

Is the road tax system unfair on owners of older vehicles?

I run a 1998 BMW 318 Touring, owned since new, with a mileage of 128,000. I pay £215 road tax and my annual mileage is about 7000. I feel the charge is unfair in that certain new models will pay nothing...

Is there a good alternative to the Fiat Panda 4x4?

My Fiat dealer tells me that Fiat Panda 4x4 are no longer made. Are there any alternatives?

Is a front-wheel-drive car on winter tyres better than a 4WD car on summer tyres?

You write that a FWD car on winter tyres is better than a 4WD car on summer tyres. Clearly you have little experience of driving in the snow and ice and it’s flat where you live. In Devon there are lanes...

Do car tyre 'snow socks' work?

Can you advise me about the car tyre snow socks? This is a new innovation to me and I wonder how efficient they might be, and if are they value for money in your opinion?

Can you suggest a replacement for our Smart Car?

I want to exchange my 2004 Smart Fortwo for a similar small car, predominately used for short in-town journeys. We have another car for longer trips when three or more seats are needed. It needs upright...

I have had an upsetting and lengthy ordeal with Excel Parking Services - can you keep this on record?

I am severely disabled with arthritis and incontinence and have undergone an upsetting and lengthy ordeal with Excel Parking Services Limited. I realise the saga is too long to publish, but at least you...

Are 'credit hire' cars risky?

My car insurance is due for renewal in two weeks and my current insurer has offered a renewal at £235, which represents a 17 per cent increase. Is this normal or should I seek alternatives? Secondly,...

Why was my cherished number plate withheld and later advertised for sale?

My query relates to a cherished number plate which my son had on his car from 2003 until 2005, when he had an accident. The car was deemed to be a write-off and the plate was transferred to his replacement...

Does flushing oil help to decontaminate an engine when the oil is changed?

Yesterday my 2002 Volkswagen Polo petrol model, which has covered 75,000 miles, had its annual service, including a full oil change. Today, the oil looks much the same as it did yesterday - dirty and dark....