Questions from March 2013
I bought a Toyota Corolla Verso from a garage at the end of August 2012. Since buying the car I have had numerous problems with it, ranging from electric windows not working to malfunctions of the brakes...
In July I will be hiring a car in Vancouver to drive through the Rockies. My daughter who lives in Canada and has a Canadian driving licence will be paying with her credit card which covers her for insurance...
I would welcome your advice as I want to replace my BMW 525d SE auto touring (E61), which I purchased new in 2005, with a smaller estate or hatchback, either diesel or petrol. Having had 10 BMWs on the...
I have a second generation 2005 Honda CR-V 2.0ES. I felt a strange 'rubbing sound' on either full lock. After a diagnostic charge of £48 I was told the rear diff needed flushing out and a fluid change...
On Sunday 20th January, I found it necessary to drive in Kingston upon Thames. It was snowing hard and some signage to my destination was partially obliterated by the snow attached to it. Being a disabled...
I love my Hyundai Coupe but it isn't a practical choice for a gigging musician. I really need more space for my gear but I hate estates and hatchbacks, and I can't bring myself to sell my beloved Coupe...
This year, for the first time I have fitted winter tyres to my Avensis. They are very impressive on snow, but also, as reported recently in Motoring Telegraph, significantly improve grip and stopping distances...
I have a 2004 Honda Jazz automatic which has served me well. It has 127,000 miles on the clock and, apart from the occasional very costly service (courtesy of Honda, whom I no longer use) and a minor repair...
My 11-year-old Ford Puma 1.6, 90,000 miles did run and drive like new, but now has an overheating problem that has baffled my garage. It has a new water pump and thermostat. After 10-12 miles the temperature...
I currently drive a Volvo V50 which is perfect for me and four dogs, however winter conditions pose problems. I live in a rural and hilly part of Devon and in 2010 and 2011 I couldn't leave the village...
I have a Volkswagen Eos with a TDI engine and DSG gearbox. It's four years old, but only shows 28,000 miles with four Volkswagen main dealer services. When cold the car moves reluctantly and higher revs...
Having just bought a newish Suzuki I am advised in the case of an accident to call Suzuki before my insurers. Is this a good idea or will my insurance be upset?
We have had two cars for years, a small local run-around and a larger one for longer trips. Now both over 80 and disliking driving long distances, we want to reduce to one car for all our requirements....
I have driven Volvos with tremendous satisfaction since 1970, currently a V70 diesel estate, but now at 82 I am finding it difficult to get in and out of, mainly due to the low profile of modern cars these...
Referring to DD's letter of 26 January concerning fishing rods, I live in the Highland Spey valley area, near the river. I often see fishermen's cars going past my door with their rods attached to the...
I purchased a C4 Grand Picasso second hand from Citroen Coventry in Jan 2011 with 12 months warranty. It had a suspension error on the ECU and the garage have had it in to try and fix it along with some...
I'm looking to buy a second hand small car. I need to be able to fit golf clubs in the boot. No preference between petrol and diesel.
The car will be mostly used for small urban trips, but once a week...
Are DMF's a weak point across the board, or are some manufacturers/models better than others? If so, which are the better ones?
We have the opportunity of buying two different 2012 61 plate 1.25 metallic black Fiestas, against which we are part exchanging a 2002 Renault Scenic 1.8 Dynamique that has done 67k miles but is in very...
I’m interested in a new Ford Focus 1.0 125 Ecoboost or 115 TDCI. It'd be used for a 12 mile daily commute (24 mile round trip) of approximately 6 miles rural/town roads which can get congested and then...
My Audi A3 headlights are not working when switched on, but the main beam light is staying on and won't go off...
When oil is supposed to be changed at a routine service on a diesel car, what colour should it be on checking the dipstick, bearing in mind it is supposed to be new oil?
When will Ford make any noise about the next generation S-Max? No sign at Geneva.
I am thinking of buying an auto diesel Vauxhall Meriva, but the consumption in your real mpg list is very high. Is this report the result of lots of drivers and therefore accurate, or only one or two hard...
I am looking to buy a used SUV around the 2-3 year old mark.
I have narrowed it down to the Nissan Qashqai 1.6 2WD or the Mitsubishi ASX 1.8 Diesel.
Which is the best vehicle in your opinion in terms...
I have a noise on the front end like road noise but louder. It is getting worse. The garage said it was a wheel bearing but they have changed the bearing and it is still the same.
They have no more suggestions...
Our November 2010 Meriva 1.7 CDTI Auto (100ps) is an excellent car in many respects (particularly the high gearing), but the diesel is not suited to the many shortish journeys we tend to do. The Meriva...
My September 2010 Volvo S60 2.0T Auto has done 36,000 miles. A very smooth engine. Would you recommend I have the cam belt replaced?
My daughter has a 3 yr old Mazda2. For some time it has suffered a knocking in the steering at or near full lock. Mazda dealer has regreased steering column on several occasions with only temporary improvement....
Do you think that having a temperature gauge is essential in a car? I am thinking of buying a used Nissan Note and they do not have temp gauges. I have only had cars with them and I do check them.
On...
I've just had an oil/filter service on my recently purchased 4 year old 27,000 mile E93. What frequency of oil & filter change would you recommend in the future?
The car will do about 8,000 miles p.a....
I bought an engine from TT Engines in Wembley. Eight months later, still no engine. I've lost £1800 - what do you suggest?
We are about to have the timing belt changed on our 2009 Scirocco TDi and have been advised by the dealer that as the engine needs to be removed to do this, it would be wise to change the water pump at...
I currently have a 2006 Ford Focus LX 1.8 TDCi estate. It has done 90,000 miles and I think some hefty repair bills may be approaching. Due to DMFs, DPFs, price of diesel, servicing costs, etc. I think...
I've read and understand all your replies to the 'my car doesn't achieve what the official figures say', but I have had a shock on my recent change of car. I have had a series of Volvo V70 D5's and been...
Thinking of buying a 2005 Chevrolet Matiz SE+ as a cheap second car for school-run duties, town runs, short journeys etc. Your model by model review suggests nothing catastrophic to worry about with these....
I am out of work and need to downsize my car, what would you recommend that is cheap to buy and run, tax and insure and that is reliable. It will have to last a long time as this will be the last car I...
I have been driving Motability cars with hand control adaptations since 1979. My current car is a Kia Venga and I am due to change later this year. The Venga is generally OK but I now need roof rails...
I purchased BMW insured extended warranty last year for my 320d E90. At the end of Jan 2013 my turbo failed and intercoolers needed to be replaced. I have kept up with the servicing requirements and had...
For various reasons we need a second car. I have a small business and I am thinking of buying a small van. It would be second hand. People say that second hand vans are usually knackered. What do you recommend?
I have a Jaguar X-Type 54 plate diesel sports estate and my car has developed a fault of flashing glow plug light on the dash. If you turn the engine off and start her up again it goes away until you go...
I had an accident in December where the other party admitted fault. My insurance company dealt with my claim, repairs and a hire car.
I am now being contacted by a company claiming that I am owed £2,200...
I wish to buy a second hand folding roof 4 seater automatic car. I was attracted to the Volkswagen Eos but your comments on it put me off. I would like heated front seats. It will be used mainly for short...
Where is the fuel tank sender unit situated on an 04-plate Isuzu Rodeo or Vauxhall Monterey?
I just looked at a Volvo C30 (2008). I very much liked the car and could cope with 2 doors but I found that when I was comfortable in the driver's seat there was very little rear legroom. What alternatives...
I have just bought a Nissan Note - test drive seemed OK.
Driving home from dealer the sun was in my eyes and I noticed a lot of scratches on the windscreen that were not visible before. I told dealer...
While my car was at garage for repair this morning another driver drove into it and pushed it into another car.
The damage to my car is extensive to the front and rear. The car had been parked by the...
My 1998 Ford Fiesta needs retiring. As I have just cleared a lot of debt I am very nervous about getting a loan and do not want to spend more than £2000 ideally. I know very little about cars.
I would...
I've noticed an intermittent issue with my left turn indicator. The bulbs are all OK and I've tested both the hazard lights and indicators when the car is stationary. The car passed its first MOT last...
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