Questions from January 2013
Rather unnervingly, this morning the steering on my 2004 Lexus RX300 temporarily failed twice. From cold, 100 yards into my journey there is a left downhill bend and the steering did not work for a second...
I need to buy a new small automatic for my mother-in-law. She currently drives a 2004 automatic Corsa. I have no idea about automatics and have about three days over Christmas to get the new car. Which...
I have often read in your column of the shortcomings of diesel engines when used for frequent short runs, particularly the huge expense of replacing a DPF. I am in the process of a career change, becoming...
I am an equine veterinary surgeon doing over 40,000 miles a year. My Saab 9.3 2.2-litre diesel has come to the end of its life at close to 300,000 miles. What do you suggest to replace it? I always buy...
My partner is driving me to distraction, he always said when he retired he would buy the youngest S-Type or similar F-Type. Now retired he cannot make up his mind whether to keep his Volvo S40 saloon or...
I know it is my fault, but I filled my diesel Mercedes-Benz car with petrol, and landed myself with a bill for £730. Amazingly, the car travelled 75 miles before the engine cut out. The service manager...
Following on your response about speed cameras at night, it's worth noting that the police can of course use a laser speed device at night (although arguably forming prior opinion of excess speed is a...
Yesterday, my wife she was driving her aunt’s Motabilty car, a Ford C-Max diesel automatic. When she returned to the car with her aunt, she had great difficulty manoeuvring out of a parking space due...
I am a single 66-year old lady who does not enjoy changing cars. I am usually loyal to my car choice. My present car is a diesel 1.9 TDI Volkswagen Golf, bought new in 2000 and now with 135,000 miles on...
It has come to my attention that, from 18 November 2013, pre-1960 cars no longer need an MoT. This seems to me to be ridiculous. Surely the age of these cars indicates they are at least, if not more likely...
My wife last week took her Skoda Fabia 1.2 to the local Skoda dealer for an oil and filter change. When she came home she checked the bill a little more closely than she had at the dealer's. The price...
A new convert to the virtues of adding cold weather tyres to my car following your admonitions, I have to say 'thank you'. The car is not only safer but a tad more comfortable. But a new concern has arisen...
I have a Peugeot 106 that I absolutely love but it has now done 130,000 miles (diesel). I travel across Essex, Kent and Sussex. I’m not sure what to buy next. If they still made the 106 I would go for...
I bought my Vauxhall Astra GTC new on the launch date. Its 19-inch wheels needed new front tyres at six months. The supplying dealer was unable to obtain tyres for the car due to the peculiar size of 235/45R19...
I would be grateful for your advice concerning our attempt to purchase a car sourced on the AutoTrader website. My son saw a Citroen C5 Estate advertised in September 2012. He called the dealer and discussed...
All three brake bulbs on my 207CC are not working. Can't find the switch or fuse for that matter.
My wife has a 1999 Nissan Micra and the lacquer on the bonnet is peeling badly. Could anyone tell me how much would this job cost to re-do?
Can I remove the battery without having to put the code back in for the radio to work?
Auxiliary belt wrapped round timing belt causing it to snap and in turn causing serious engine damage. Is this a common problem on Volvo V70 D5s (2008 plate, 88,000 on the clock)?
I want to replce my 2001 VW Passat Estate with a used model of the quietest car you have tested, preferably a hatchback, but not a Prius.
The current cold snap has caused extreme difficulty in starting my 58 Outback from cold.
The local dealership claim no fault codes and have replaced all glowplugs without effect. They now intend checking...
Hi I have a Ford Fiesta - 1.4 Tdci [70] Zetec 5dr Hatchback 2010. The car is a lease car through work and has 27655miles, the 1st svc was at 14113miles on 23/1/12, and the car was due a 25k, 2k miles ago...
In August 2012 I bought a 2008 BMW 330i from my local main dealer. The car appeared to be in superb condition with around 15,000 miles on the clock. However, from day one, the car has suffered from the...
I live in the country and with that comes furry little friends. My last two cars have incurred damage due to mice getting under the bonnet and nibbling air conditioning pipes and electrics. I have Googled...
Victims of registration cloning face a nightmare situation, but this will continue to be prevalent in the UK while car accessory shops and dealers continue able to produce plastic plates on demand. I observed...
On 15 April 2011 I purchased, for my wife's use, a 2007 Astra Club 1.4 Estate from a local garage with only 15,813 miles on the clock. We like the car, but a month or so after we bought it the horn began...
I bought a pre-reg, as new, Volkswagen Transporter Kombi in April 2012 for my business from a Volkswagen dealer. I bought it over the phone for just over £24,000 and had it delivered. One month and 1000...
You advised IW, Chester of a suitable car following hip replacement. Whichever car he uses he would be well advised when getting into the car to sit with both feet outside, press his knees together and...
I have been issued with a penalty notice of £80 reduced to £50 for prompt payment by APCOA parking. The alleged offence was "parking over two bays" in the station car park at Bristol Parkway station. One...
We currently drive a Mercedes-Benz SLK and a Fiesta but with both of these cars I am now experiencing back/leg pain after driving for an hour or so. Earlier in year we holidayed in the USA where we drove...
A leading insurance company is to increase premiums for people who have attended speed awareness courses on the grounds that having exceeded the speed limit they are more likely to be involved in an accident....
We have a BMW X5 2008 model 3.0 litre diesel SE. Ever since we bought it, if it was left for two weeks the battery would be dead, not very good when you return from holidays. The dealership did various...
Our May 2012 UK-supplied BMW X3 has quite severe corrosion on the rear brake hubs. I contacted the local dealers' service dept, was initially ignored, then emailed them a picture yesterday. The guy rang...
My Gran currently has a 2005 City Rover, my Grandpa and her having had Rovers all their lives. The City Rover was brought from new to last forever. The alternator has now broken, in the process leaving...
I have bought and own a small Vauxhall 1.2 Corsa year Nov 2000. I want to take out comprehensive insurance for it in my name and add my 18-year-old grandson as a named driver. He has had a full driving...
My car is a 1997 Mondeo 1.8TD, currently with 197,000 miles on clock. I've had it from new and the performance and fuel consumption are the same as when it was new. It has been extremely reliable, and...
I am 80 years old and began driving at 16. I was a motor engineer including in both army and civilian times, and I have passed driving tests on motor bikes, tracked vehicles, heavy goods, public service...
My 23-year old son (four years driving) had a very small bump some eight weeks ago on the M6 (clear weather, dry, daylight). The driver in front braked for “no real reason"" - his excuse at the time. As...
I recently spotted a nearly new approved used car at a local dealer on the BMW UK website which was exactly what I was after. It was advertised as available, not as "coming soon", so I assumed it would...
Please help.
After replacing the battery in my 52 reg Ford Fiesta I need the code for my radio.
Regarding insurance and a recent letter, if one attends a speed awareness course is it technically a speeding conviction and therefore to be declared to the insurer?
Are there any longer term potential problem areas with the ownership of a petrol tiptronic Audi Q5?
I had a Mercedes 280 for over 12 years then downsized two years ago to a C180k (which I regret as its...
I am going away for 3 months. My CR-Z will be indoors and my BMW outdoors. I am receiving conflicting advice - never use a trickle charger on the CR-Z. Should I disconnect the negative lead or use a trickle...
Intermittantly the accelerator ceases to function on my Hyundai Getz and the car just chugs along, then all of a sudden acceleration kicks in. Had the car to three garages, all hooked up their diagnostics...
I need to know the best tyres for my Skoda Fabia Green Line 1.2 Diesel to buy. i.e. best for wet roads, wear, etc. Don't want to pay for a high performance tyre. Just the best all round tyre.
The advice to select Michelin Preimacy 3 was excellent - life is much quieter! Can you advise on pressure for my new set up please?
I travel about 45,000 miles a year, 90% is motorway use. I currently have a Skoda Superb 1.9 diesel on a 56 plate with long life service intervals.
I purchased it main dealer approved used two years...
Does Renault intend to introduce an Initiale version of the new 2013 Clio? I have a 1.5 Diesel Initiale Clio 2007 reg. It's excellent and I would like to replace it with the new model.
I purchased a car from BCA which had a mechanical report. This shows the car has a good battery, drives well but has a bit of smoke from the exhaust. The vehicle is stated as all good, with the exception...
Back in August I traded in my trusty 10yr old 1.8 auto Avensis for an '09 1.6 auto Kia Cee'd. I love everything about the car except the awful real MPG. I am lucky to get 32mpg even though I am a sensible...
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