Need a fun car for £10k - any suggestions?

My Ford Puma has finally bitten the dust after 12 years reliable service. I now need to buy a replacement, with £10,000 to spend. What do you recommend as a fun car for this money?

How can I fix faulty locks on a Hyundai i10?

My 2008 Hyundai i10 keeps unlocking and unlocking itself at night. The car's been to the garage and they have reconfigured the fob but still happens. Any ideas?

How can we fight a fraudulent insurance claim?

My mother was following a company owned van down a country back road that appeared to be lost or searching for an address; he was driving a low speed and kept breaking. Suddenly he braked, then put the...

What to look for in a used Skoda Yeti?

My father's looking to replace his 2003 Ford Focus. He wants something slightly bigger but can't be much longer due to tight parking at his work. A Skoda Yeti would be absolutely perfect but I understand...

Did BMW build diesel engines for the Jaguar X-Type?

I have seen adverts indicating that the Jaguar X-Type is fitted with a BMW diesel engine. Is this correct? If so, which models would feature them?

Buying an Audi A3 - 125PS or 150PS?

I am thinking of buying a new Audi A3, with the seven-speed s tronic auto box, but cannot decide between 125 or 150p engine. Which would you recommend?

Buying a new Yaris - 15 or 16-inch wheels?

I am considering purchasing Toyota Yaris Excel automatic. Option offered is 15 or 16-inch wheels. Which wheel size would you recommend?

What's wrong with my A4's air con?

I have a 2012 Audi A4 TDI bought (used) from a main dealer. I had problems with the air conditioning last summer and was told that it had been damaged in an impact, but there is no sign of damage or record...

S Max - Petrol or Diesel?

I'm thinking about getting an S Max as a family car but Petrol models appear to be thin on the ground. I'm apprehensive about getting a diesel as most of our journeys are short ones around town. However,...

What' causes intermittent starting problems?

I have a Renault Scenic which has an intermittent starting problems. Any idea what might be causing it?

How can I fix my Clio's leaky sunroof?

I drive a 2002 Renault Clio with a factory fitted sunroof which leaks, the water sits above the sun visor. Any suggestions where I might get the sunroof revealed or replaced?

Which small MPV would suit an elderly driver?

My mother (mid 70s) needs an automatic car to replace her 2007 Volkswagen Golf. She finds it easier to get out of SUV type cars now than hatchbacks. I suppose a MPV might do. A Nissan Qashqai is probably...

Is the Skoda TSI engine reliable?

I'm thinking of buying a used Skoda Octavia 1.4 TSI (122PS) in Elegance trim . Is the petrol engine strong enough to shift the Octavia with some 'zip'? Is it reliable? I've read some horror stories about...

Audi TT - should I buy a Mk2 or Mk3?

Should I buy a five month old ex-demo 2015 Audi TT Quattro S-Tronic for £35k (RRP 43K) or should i go for a fully loaded low mileage 2012 Audi TTS for £25k? I plan to keep the car for three years and...

Vauxhall Signum fault codes - what do they mean?

I own a Vauxhall Signum diesel 2006 plate. The engine management lights keeps coming on when I floor it or press down quick on the accelerator. The car/spanner light comes on at other times but not together....

How much should I pay for a Saab 900?

I'm interested in buying a Saab 900 T16S Ruby Edition. Could you tell me what sort of price I should have in mind for a 1993 model with 70k miles? Also what are parts availability like?

Black smoke from Mercedes C200

I own a Mercedes-Benz C200 2010 model.It has 400,000KM and lately I noticed the following: When i start the car, it works at around 800rpm. When i press the acceleration pedal at N it "chokes" for a...

What are the alternatives to the Golf diesel?

What should I replace my 2010 Volkswagen Gold 1.6 diesel with? I drive 15,000 miles a year and want a good looking automatic that is quick and fun. I have £15,000 plus my Golf to trade.

Should I keep my Range Rover or get something newer?

I am contemplating swapping my 20045 SUpercharged Range Rover for...a newer Range Rover. Is it worth swapping a 107,000 miler for a newer version (looking at the 5.0-litre Supercharged) with 50,000 miles....

What is the future for diesel 4x4 and crossovers?

In view of the current anti-diesel trends, are manufacturers of 4x4s and crossovers (other than the Japanese) expected to introduce more petrol engines in their model ranges any time soon? Or is Euro6...

How can I fix my Micra's wiring problem?

I took my 2003 Nissan Micra to the garage when the boot failed to open. They diagnosed a wiring problem and said they need to replace the loom. However, because the whole loom as to be replaced, they say...

Range Rover battery problems

I've just bought a used (2004 model) Range Rover and heard beforehand about a simple fix to stop the battery draining every couple of days or so. I've had a "hedgehog" or "Porcupine" fitted in the heater...

Should I sell or keep my 5 year old Golf?

I have a 2010 Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI. I have just completed 88,000 miles of trouble free motoring from new. I have had recently changed the cam belt and have had it main dealer serviced throughout its...

Why is my new Focus exhaust so noisy?

I've just had a new exhaust system fitted to my 2004 Ford Focus. The new exhaust makes a loud noise (like a turbo exhaust) when changing gear from 2nd to 3rd and also when I go round corners makes a knocking/creaking...

Has the head gasket failed on my Golf?

The performance of my 1998 Volkswagen Golf hasn't been great of late. I've found white gunk under the oil cap and when driving at 70mph for five mins on the dual carriageway, the oil light comes on, yet...

What's the best hot hatch for £6000?

I'm looking at buying a reliable sporty'ish hatchback with average/good fuel economy. I have £6000 to spend. Any suggestions?

Should I get an extended warranty for my Freelander?

I have a three year old Land Rover Freelander and the dealer has said I should buy an extended warranty. Should I do so?

Can I get a reliable and economical small family car for just £5K?

I'm looking for an economical(with low VED) and reliable small/medium sized family car which will commute 50-60 miles daily. I'm slightly overawed by the choice in the market. Can you please give me a...

Importing a classic from the USA - can I cancel and get a refund?

Six weeks ago I paid a deposit to a classic car importer for a vehicle which is being shipped from the USA. The dealer has a very good reputation and the vehicle is a restoration project. I based my decision...

Is the latest Vauxhall promotion too good to be true?

How 'sincere' is the Vauxhall promotion offering selected new cars at the 'cost' price? I've had a few letters offering this 'deal', but is it actually true?

Should I sell my Passat?

I have a second hand 2010 Passat Estate (R line) with just over 100,000 miles on the clock. Recent fault (engine management light on, limp driving) diagnosed by my local dealer as needing a new Boost turbo...

Which wheels are less susceptible to pothole damage?

The wheels and tyres on my W204 Mercedes C250 seem particularly susceptible to pothole damage - I'm on my third near side rim already! The wheels are 18-inch with 225/40 tyres on the front and 255/35...

Buying a fast estate - Octavia vRS or Leon Cupra ST?

I'm currently looking at buying a quick(ish) estate car. I'll be travelling approximately 10,000 miles a year, so petrol seems the best option for me. Having driven Skodas for some time, the Octavia...

Audi A6 Avant clutch judder

I have an Audi Avant A6 3.0 V6 TDI (2013 model) and once it reaches temperature (8-10 miles from cold) and particularly after a motorway run, the clutch judders in first gear on take off from a standing...

How much should I pay for a cam belt change?

I've had quotes from several garages for replacing the cam belt and water pump on our Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI (registered Jan 2012). The mileage is approx 69,000. The highest quote is £599 the lowest...

Is the 1.2 Nissan Pulsar powerful enough for overtaking?

I am considering buying a new reliable and spacious car which I intend to keep for many years. I quite like the Nissan Pulsar but only with the petrol engine 1.2 dig-T due to my low mileage. However I...

Does the Nissan Qashqai suffer DPF problems?

I am thinking of buying a Nissan Qashqai diesel for towing my 1300kg caravan, but have concerns about the DPF. Would the 1.2 petrol engine be powerful enough or should I go with the 1.6 diesel?

Can you recommend a trustworthy garage in Kent?

I live near Faversham in Kent and need a garage that can service my car. Can you recommend a trustworthy garage in my area?

EGR valve failure - what damage has this caused?

The ERG valve has failed on our 12 month old Range Rover Evoque. Coolant has entered the engine, what possible damage could have been done?

Ford Fusion replacement

Can you recommend a replacement car for my wife? She currently drives a Ford Fusion which she loves as she is only 5ft tall and finds the driving position and visibility perfect. Normally only used for...

Can you recommend a car that will cope with work and family life?

I have recently changed jobs and now work for myself as a market street food trader. I'm looking for a vehicle that can do two jobs: carry all of my equipment and also be used as a comfortable family car....

Should I get extended warranty for a 4 year old car?

I am thinking of buying a four year old Mazda 2. Is it worth buying an extended warranty at all for peace of mind?

Brake pads need replacing after 6849 miles

Four months ago I was told by my local MINI dealer than my car my 2007 Cooper needed new rear brake pads, discs and sensors at 34,000 miles. Yesterday the warning light came on, regarding the brakes and...

Is Citroen planning to axe the DS3?

We are looking to buy a new Citroen DS3 Cabrio in the next few weeks; however, the dealer tell us that the DS2 will be launched soon and the DS3 could be axed. Is this true?

New/nearly new car for 86 mile total daily commute

I'm a married 36 year father of two young children and returning to the UK after 12 months in Australia. Our previous cars in the UK were an Audi TT and a BMW 523d but both are now costing money and in...

Incorrect engine problem diagnosis - what are my rights?

When the engine management light came on my Honda Jazz (2001 model) the car started to cut out my local garage could not diagnose the problem, but gave me the details of the fault code and recommended...

Central locking won't lock all doors

One of the doors is not locking automatically when I press the central locking button on my key. If I go up close and press the key towards the door it sometimes locks, but not automatically like the other...

Dealer wants £300 to replace lost key - what's the alternative?

I have lost the only key to my volvo v70 - the dealer wants £300+ for replacement. Are there alternatives?

Is the Skoda Fabia 1.2 TSI belt or chain driven?

Can you tell me if my 2011 Skoda Fabia 1.2 TSI has a cam belt or chain?

How reliable is the Mitubishi Outlander PHEV?

Have you any reports on the reliability or otherwise of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?