Questions from October 2013
We have a 4-year-old Chrysler Sebring Coupe Cabrio. It is a little underpowered, but we like it. We are away for the whole of October and November and have no garage facilities. Is it advisable to get...
I recently sold my Triumph motorcycle and tried to cancel the insurance with Hastings Direct of, which more than four months were outstanding. The full premium for 12 months had £483.65. Not only was I...
I have a 2011 BMW 1 Series Sport. As you will know, rear drive BMWs are not much good in the snow. I live on a sloping road with a right-angled bend part way up and have a sloping drive. I can and do clear...
I am totally mystified as to how my diesel Ford Mondeo got contaminated with petrol. Last week I filled up with diesel at my local supermarket and drove a round trip of 200 miles without a problem. I again...
I have a very lengthy tale of woe involving terrible service and after sales at my local dealer. I really need help, but am also looking for a way to get the story into the public domain. Is there anyone...
I need two new front tyres for my Alfa Romeo 147. Can you recommend a good set for all year use?
I own 2008 Honda Civic 1.8 VTEC and want to fit winter tyres, with a good ratio for price/performance. The dimension of the tyres should be 225/45/R17. What should I buy?
I'm thinking of buying a used Mazda MX-5, but noticed the paintwork in the engine compartment is a different red to rest of car. Has it been re sprayed?
I want to buy a second hand (up to four years old) large SUV/4x4 for £25,000. I have narrowed it down to a Lexus RX or a Land Rover Discovery. Priorities are boot space, reliability and running costs....
We’re a family of five looking to downgrade from two cars to one. We only have £8000 to spend and - in order to keep my £155pcm work car allowance - the new car must have less than 160g/km of CO2 emissions....
I am hoping to buy my wife a small four-wheel drive car. We live in the country and she works at a local village school, which is located six miles from where we live. What car would you recommend I buy?
Please join me on the A12 from Romford to Wanstead each working morning where you will witness some of the worst motorcycle riding; the constant high speed weaving in and out of cars, going through lights...
My wife is thinking of buying a 12-month-old Vauxhall Astra with either a 1.6 or 1.4T (turbo) petrol engine. Do you have any thoughts on these engines as regards to general reliability, specific problems,...
My daughter recently had the misfortune to hit a low bollard whilst parking her car, damaging the front bumper. We have taken the vehicle to a local approved repairer that the family have used before....
I have grave misgivings about on-the-spot-fines, as they turn the police into witness, prosecutor and judge rolled into one. A minority of police are over-zealous, target-driven or just wish to impress...
It is now time to change from my nine-year old BMW 525 diesel. I am retired and do about 4000 miles per year. I do lots of short journeys of around seven miles, with very occasional longer trips. The dealer...
I have the opportunity of purchasing a Ford Fiesta 1.4 with 44,000 on the clock. It's a 2001 and the vendor has owned it from new. The purchase would be for my granddaughter to learn to drive. Would this...
I would suggest oil levels should be checked not only “regularly” but, in the case of new (or newly acquired used) vehicles, “frequently”. This provides the user with what the current norm is for oil consumption...
I have been asked to dispose of a 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280TE auto estate in white, which has been stored for many years un-run (it was bought new by my now disabled 80 year old employer). I have the keys...
I am seeking some help and guidance on a matter relating to my mother's Volkswagen Up which she purchased brand new from Volkswagen Liverpool in September 2012 and in which she has travelled a mere 1604...
The Mazda 2 range gets pretty good reviews everywhere (especially for its safety), with most of the criticism being about wind noise on motorways and some lack of refinement. I can live with that. The...
I presently own a Mercedes-Benz E 220CDI Estate, but having moved to Suffolk my wife finds the car too low and wide for the local lanes, coupled with, due to our advancing years, we are keen on a high...
My son, who is returning to the UK after seven years, needs a small to medium estate, new or nearly new which is cheap to buy and run. He would do 10,000 – 12,000 miles a year and prefers diesel, although...
I have a 2009 Volkswagen Golf Mk VI 1.6 TDI with 40,000 miles on the clock. It has run perfectly for four years, but I am concerned about future reliability. Also, I am semi retired now and shall only...
I'm looking to get a lease car. I'm interested in a medium size hatchback such as the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo and Mini. What do you suggest I get?
I purchased a used 2010 Volkswagen Golf last month, which is still covered by its dealer warranty. I have had it inspected by a local garage after it started making noises when the ignition was switched...
After reading your recommendations, I am planning on getting a 2012 Hyundai i10 from an approved Hyundai dealer. As it was registered before March I am unable to get the appealing three year service plan...
My trusty old Volkswagen Transporter has given up the ghost after many years of service and I need to buy a new commercial vehicle. I’m tempted by the Mitsubishi L200, as I’ve always wanted a pick up,...
My 2008 Skoda Fabia is suffering from rear wiper problems. I had a new motor installed, but it still comes on without the switch being moved. What might be the problem?
I need to buy a new car, but don’t know where to start. I’ve test driven a lot of cars and think I want a convertible. I want something stylish and quick, but don’t want any mechanical mishaps. Can you...
Can you tell me the best route into car journalism? I really want to get into the business of reviewing cars and/or working for a publication or website like yours. I've noticed that there's no careers...
My son is having lock issues with his 2008 Citroen C1. He has only owned the car for six months, but he’s gone through two keys in that time with both breaking in the lock. Can you offer any advice as...
My car was damaged recently after another motorist reversed into it in a car park. The driver admitted liability at the scene and we exchanged insurance details. However, now he has changed his story and...
Can you offer any advice regarding car hire in Thailand?
I need to replace the electric handbrake motor and cable unit on my 2004 Renault Scenic. Is it possible to buy one second hand?
I have arthritis and want a comfortable, automatic car with a high driving seat. I have up to £14,000 to spend. What would you recommend?
I am buying a new SEAT, but am undecided between buying a Leon 1.4TSI 140 or the 2.0TDI 150. I lean towards the petrol version but plan to keep the vehicle long term and wonder about the potential longevity...
I am thinking of buying a 2008 Ford Fusion automatic, with 34,000 miles on the clock. Are there any mechanical issues I should be aware about for this car?
The tyres on my Citroen C3 Picasso are coming up to replacement, but the ride is very hard on the current Michelin Energy Saver 195 55 R16 91T tyres. Can you suggest a tyre which will give a much less...
A few years ago you recommended that I get a Toyota Prius as a company car – brilliant advice. Now, four years later, I’ve been offered the vehicle for £9500, but yesterday the price went up to £10,660....
I am looking for a new car that is simple, economical and reliable. I am very disillusioned with new designs and want something that will be basic and practical. What do you suggest?
I have a 2002 Honda Jazz which I want to replace with a newer model. Other things being equal, would I be better with one of the last of the old design or one of the first of the new design? I'm only interested...
Bearing in mind your comments in road tests of the Hyundai i30 regarding the ride on 17-inch wheels, I contacted Hyundai customer services to enquire if there was any reason to prevent me fitting 15 or...
My Nissan X-Trail makes an awful screeching noise when it starts up, yet rights itself once I get moving. Can you tell me what’s going on?
The revs on my Vauxhall Vectra CDTI have started dropping to 500rpm and causing the engine to struggle. It only happens every now and again, with the engine righting itself after a few moments. Any ideas?
I own a Land Rover Freelander 2 and want a new set of winter tyres. I've seen an advert for Bridgestone A001 Weather Control tyres, what are your thoughts on these? Do you have a particular winter tyre...
For some reason my 2003 Daewoo Matiz won’t to start. The alternator belt went recently and it had to be towed to a local garage. However, since the new belt was fitted, it refuses to start. It turns over...
We have an apartment in Mallorca, Spain and currently rent cars. This works well, as we have found a decent private operator, but are looking for a slightly better standard of car as we increase our use...
I want to fit winter tyres to my Mazda 3. Can you recommend a good set of wheels and tyres?
I am experiencing vibrations on my six month old Land Rover Evoque, It’s primarily through the steering wheel and gets really bad at 1000 – 2000rpm. I’ve had it inspected by my local dealer, but they say...
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