Trending topics in February 2013
Questions from February 2013
The rear number plate on my Fiat 500 is not lighting But the bulbs are OK.
I'm looking to buy an 09 Ford Fusion for £4999. Are they good cars and is this a fair price? Mileage circa 18k.
I am looking to buy a particular Q7 so I did a check on the reg with the DVLA after I had tried to check on AutoTrader and they said they didn't recognise the reg.
I then went to the AA site to organise...
What is your opinion on the lack of a rear screen wiper on some modern cars? I am thinking of mainly upper range models, but even the Honda Civic lacks one. I consider that they are nearly as essential...
I have a budget of around £8000 and am looking for a premium hatchback. I am a young professional (21) so am looking for something reasonably grown up. My criteria is nothing higher than a 1.6 engine and...
I've been driving an Audi TT (180bhp FWD) for the last 7 years, but now our child is 2 it's time to think about something bigger, with space for friends/ relations.
I really like the quick response,...
I wanted to ask your advise in relation to a recent warranty claim that has been rejected by VGS warranties against a faulty clutch and flywheel on my BMW 1 series.
I have the full 5 star warranty, the...
Many thanks for your great advice 8 years ago when I bought a BMW 330d Msport touring, which was to change to 17-inch alloys, remove the swirl flaps, change engine oil every 10K and change the autobox...
We purchased a new shape Honda CR-V EX back in November 2012. We've since noticed after a couple of instances that the car has lost traction (once when we had the snow a couple of a weeks ago which resulted...
Could you tell me which wires to connect to a battery in order to run the window up and down on a Rover 825. It was easy on my earlier car because there were only 2 wires going to the motor, but the 825...
Bought a car from local Volvo dealer with 215/50/17 tyres - Goodyear on front & Nexen on rear.
I'm looking to replace them (at least fronts) in the next month or so. Usual pattern of use is short distance...
I'm considering buying the Ford Grand C-Max (Titanium) but I'm torn between engine choices. My wife uses the car mainly for short runs (3 miles in busy stop/start traffic) but at the weekend we use it...
I keep having a problem with my O2 sensor in my Corolla 1.4 petrol. I have had all 4 coil packs replaced but after a few weeks the o2 sensor light comes on and the engine is misfiring and only runnig on...
I currently have BMW X5 which I love! Problem is it's not very economical fuel wise. I don't want an estate as I prefer to be up a little higher when driving but I need leg room for 6 foot 2 son, along...
I recently bought a Hyundai i30 from Motorpoint (registered March 2011) and was assured that I would enjoy the balance of manufacturer's warranty. However, on checking the service history, I note that...
I am considering buying the new Ford Kuga. What is your opinion of the 1.6 Ecoboost petrol engine as opposed to the 2.0-litre diesel?
I am about to buy my first car (22 years after passing my test) and need a family car which is both reliable and economical. Not particularly bothered about looks/gadgets/status symbols.
Need a bit of...
I have a Vauxhall Vivaro, 2007 reg. I have a bad humming noise coming from the passenger side footwell area, a nightmare squeal and it gets louder if you rev up.
I can feel where it's coming from - there...
I have had a Subaru Forester Turbo for the last 12 years - fantastic car. I tow a twin axle trailer and we live on a steep hill down a narrow lane. It's rarely gritted in winter and I often find the road...
When starting from cold my engine management light has started staying illuminated, then it goes out again after a minute or so. Any ideas what needs replacing or attention?
The fan goes on and off for no apparent reason on my BMW 3 Series. The final stage resistor has been changed and when working the fan goes at different speeds.
Can anyone advise me on the real mpg which is achievable in the Twin Air petrol version of the new Panda 4x4. Official figures suggest 57 (average) but is this anywhere near realistic?
On Saturday evening, with the distance to empty stating 40 miles on his 2002 Audi A4 1.9 TDI estate, my father misfuelled, putting approximately 25 litres of unleaded into the tank before realising. He...
I currently drive a 2009 Skoda Roomster 1.4 turbo diesel, which is fine for towing my small dinghy. However, I am considering buying a bigger boat and will need a vehicle that can comfortably tow 650 kilos....
The lane we have to drive on every day is full of potholes and, despite several complaints to Highways, nothing has been done. We now have broken a road spring due to the condition of the road. Do Highways...
After six years of comfortable and reliable motoring it is time to replace our 2003 Passat 1.9 TDI Estate. Our average mileage is 10,000 per year, of which 1000 is towing a 1410kg caravan. We do not want...
I have been reading with interest your advice on diesels having just taken delivery of my new company car a Mercedes-Benz E350 CDI. Like all diesels, it gets really upset if all I do is drive 1.5 miles...
My company car list has arrived and, having looked at the options available, this is where I am. A new Audi A3 Sportback 1.6 TDI - the MPG is 70+ (claimed) and I only have to put £40p/m to it from my own...
You may remember I emailed you last week about my colleague's Range Rover Sport 2.7 diesel with a blown turbo at 104,000 miles. Well the turbo has been replaced but the garage has called him to say the...
I have a 2010 Volkswagen Golf 1.4. On return home from a recent holiday in Cornwall I proceeded to remove bird muck from the metallic paint. I was appalled to find that it looks as though acid has been...
If your car is to be parked outdoors in freezing conditions, before switching off the engine put the wipers on and switch the engine off when the wipers are vertical. This makes it easier to clean the...
Smearing the brass valve with Vaseline or grease before replacing the alloy cap should resolve the chemical reaction problem.
We are about to dispose of our treasured Rover 75 and downsize. We're thinking of replacing it with a Vauxhall Astra or similar. As we are in our 70s comfort as well as economy is important and we would...
A colleague travels from work in Lancashire to home in mid-Wales every week. She runs a company car on a three-year lease. For the first time she has decided to run a 4WD to cope better with the journey...
My wife's 2010 BMW 118d Coupe automatic caught fire under the bonnet last week and completely burned out. Fortunately, she evacuated in time and called the Fire Brigade, but the car is a write off. It...
I have a bit of a dilemma that I hope you may be able to help with. My son is 17 and just learning to drive. We want to buy a car to replace my Nissan Almera so that he can learn to drive, and after passing...
I have a Hyundai that I am considering changing. I like the Hyundai facility of reporting an accident to them who will then deal with my insurers. Which other manufacturers provide this service?
I am about to change my car and am planning to purchase a new Audi Q3, and the salesman is encouraging me to pay extra for paint protection, namely Autoglyn or Supaguard. What is your opinion? Is it worth...
You will have seen recent pictures of a Porsche in water up to its roof. The Porsche was in a dip in the road (not a ford - as was widely and incorrectly reported). The dip in the road is beneath a railway...
I believe you would be doing UK Road Users an immense service if you assisted in encouraging New Years Resolutions among drivers, namely to adopt the correct use of direction indicators at roundabouts....
I understand that all vehicles sold within the EU will soon have to be equipped with daylight running lights. Until recently I have always regarded this as totally unnecessary and possibly a safety hazard...
I puchased a new Hyundai i10 Automatic in April this year. I do two or three daily journeys of about three miles a day, in total about 50 miles per week. I only seem to average about 22mpg. I was told...
A few weeks ago a reader recommended Platinum Plus treatment for DPF problems. I am unable to locate a supplier of this product. Can you please let me know the details of where I could purchase this product....
My brilliant but under-used Fiat 500 (7200 miles) is coming up to five years old and is due an MOT and service. Last year the dealer did a "32-point service" for about £260. This included re-gassing the...
I am offered a car in a private sale at £24k (the current new price is £36k).
The car has done 10,000 miles, one owner and is 18 months old. It has a three year warranty etc.
I am told I can get a VW...
Changing from Ford Fiesta to medium-size diesel used car. Don't want problems with fly wheels or DPFs. What would you recommend?
Will the new Fiesta ST have a very harsh ride? We had a 500 Abarth on std (not essesse), suspension and std wheels, it was too harsh on Sheffield's potholed roads. We would like an ST but could probably...
I have a 'practical classic' insofar that it is a classic - 1987 Lada Riva 1.3 SL.
I probably do about 3000 miles a year and although it is my weekend car I do take it out in all weathers.
It is very...
I recently bought a 2012 Volvo XC60 from the local franchised dealer. It was their demo vehicle with 6500 miles. I explained I ideally wanted to buy new, but they had this on offer. They explained in writing...
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