Trending topics in November 2016
automatics
buying
buying a new car
buying a new suv
buying a used car
buying and selling
diesel engines
diesel particulate filter
family cars
legal and consumer advice
maintenance and servicing
petrol engines
petrol or diesel?
reliability
ride comfort
small cars
technical issues
vans
wheels and tyres
winter tyres
Questions from November 2016
I am thinking of buying a BMW 320d Auto GT M Sport, do these cars have a problem with towing because of the auto gearbox? If they do, does this apply to other auto vehicles as well?
Looking at your previous comments, previous owners seem to be relating to 2013 and previous with their headlights..
Has anybody experienced the same with the new model 2014 onwards?
What is the best tyre to buy in terms of longevity and reliability for my Ford Fiesta Style (2006) model? And also what size alloy rims would I need to buy?
My Nissan NV200 van developed a fault in August 2016 and was returned to my local dealer for repair under warranty. Since then I’ve called them numerous times and asked for a call back back with a firm...
I have had a Ford C-MAX 1.8 TDI. It now has 62,000 miles on the clock and recently I have noticed excessive road noise from the front tyres. My local Ford dealer says that the "alloy wheels may be slightly...
How do I disconnect the parking sensors on my Honda Stream?
I bought a 2009 Toyota Aygo from a dealer six months ago. After the warranty for the car ended I began having problems. About a month ago the car wouldn't enter first gear, unless completely stationary....
My 1992 BMW E36 320i has 55,000 miles on the clock and, occasionally, cuts out when idling. So far the electronic testing has not revealed any faults. Any idea what could be causing this?
My wife's 2015 Toyota RAV4 needs new tyres and ideally I'd like to buy some modern all-season tyres. Neither Michelin Cross Climates or Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons seem to be available in 235 / 55 / 18....
Can I have your views on buying a new Mitsubishi ASX 2.2 diesel auto? Is it a good car?
We purchased a van from a local dealer (2010 model, £4500) five weeks ago. Last week, the van developed faults and had to be recovered from the roadside by a local garage . A mechanic inspected the vehicle...
I see that you are testing the Renault Kadjar as a long term test car. Have you had the same problems as me or is your press car specially prepared? The alarm constantly goes off and the DAB radio loses...
What tyres are best for the Ford Mondeo Estate (2007 model)?. Michelin Cross Climates are not available in my car's size - 235/45 R17. We have tried Michelin Primacy 3 but got less than 10k on the front....
My BMW 550 doesn't quite reach full temperature on my short journey to work so I take a route which is a couple of miles longer to ensure it gets properly hot. My colleague says this is pointless and I'm...
Six months ago I bought a car from a well-known dealer for £10,000. It had done 30,000 miles when I bought it and I took out a warranty for three years. The clutch went after two months which they replaced....
My brakes are soft after replaceing pads on a Mazda 6. Why?
I have a Volvo XC90 and six months ago a failed engine mount was identified during a service and not replaced proactively. Then four months later, all mounts had to be replaced under the approved used...
How on earth do you change the whole headlight assembly on the Renault Grand Scenic? We have removed some of the nuts and bolts but cant seem to get the thing out to change it. Are there some underneath?...
Just bought a Land Rover Discovery 3 (2007) fitted with 18 inch tyres. However the spare is a 19 inch space saver. Is it OK to use this in an emergency and without causing any damage to the car?
Why don't Mercedes have the badge on the bonnet any more (except the S Class)? I find they all look much the same from a distance. I will no longer buy a Merc without one. Am I alone.
Looking for sporty but not too uncomfortable coupe. Would you recommend 2011 Audi TT Mk2 with EA888 engine (would specify Sport Quattro) or would you go for 2008/9 TTS with EA113 engine? I mostly drive...
Is there an alternative, high output, bulb that I can fit to replace the H1R2 9012 LL bulbs fitted as OEM to the 2014 Toyota Yaris ?
Google seems to flag up H11 bulbs (eg Nightbreaker), but whilst these...
I have a 2001 Ford Fiesta with a 1.8 diesel engine. The auxiliary belt has snapped and I am trying to replace it. However, I'm struggling with the routing of the belt - I've got it in what looks to be...
I have a Renault 19 which has started losing coolant. I can't see any leaks or signs of water under the car, but after driving it for 20 mins the coolant is almost all gone. Any idea what the problem could...
I own a Ford Focus Mk2 (2007 model) 1.6 ti-vct that was converted three years ago to a Plug-N-Drive LPG system. About a month ago I noticed a whining noise. Took the car to the LPG fitter and was told...
I need to fit a new rear brake caliper to my Vauxhall Zafira because the handbrake actuator has stopped working. However, I wish to use the existing half worn pads, what is the correct procedure for extending...
For the first time I am fitting winter tyres and am confused as to the best choice and how to select one from another. What Winter tyres do you recommend for a 2002 Jaguar Sovereign and why? Current size...
I have a 2006 Saab 9-3 and the alarm keeps going off. I need to check the batteries in the control unit, but I have been unable to find it so far. I have checked the boot and under both front wheel arches,...
I currently drive a diesel Hyundai i30 Tourer, but due to a growing family and changing interests I am looking to change it. One of my main requirements for the replacement vehicle is that it needs to...
I am downsizing from my BMW X3 F25 to a BMW X1 and have the following items to sell: A set of four genuine BMW X3 F25 17-inch 7.5J alloy wheels fitted with Dunlop Winter Sport 225/60 R17 tyres with 6mm...
I own a Honda CR-V (2004 model) and sometimes, when the front passenger window goes down, it will not go back all the way up. It stops half way. It does it using the auto switch by holding it up or not....
A colleague of mine has just passed her test and is looking for car insurance on her old Volkswagen Polo. She has been told that because her car has had reversing sensors added she must pay more due to...
What do you believe to be the mileage per annum cut off point when diesel becomes more cost effective than petrol? I need to change my car, do 17000 miles per annum, and unsure what to buy based on possible...
I have a 2013 A6 Avant 2.0TDI, driving to work at 40-45mph for approx 10 miles the computer was reading between 52-60 MPG every day. Now, I left the car in for the Audi software update, they assured me...
My 2001 Mitsubishi Shogun has developed a gearbox fault. It started as a small glitch when changing gears, but now the car won't move. It changes gears fine, but won't engage. I managed to get it towed...
Could you please supply me with the radio code for my ford focus Serial no M042436. many thanks
My wife's 2007 Colt CZ1 1.1 petrol is our runabout and does mostly short journeys with the occasional longer run. It's done just over 41,000 since new in Dec 2007 and has been trouble-free and a great...
I have a 63 plate Ford C Max 1.0 (125ps) Ecoboost bought new in February 2014. It runs well and I'm very happy with it. But I recall a few mentions in your Daily Telegraph column about potential concerns...
My Grandson will soon be 17 and wants to buy a car (with a great stereo system). Can you please advise me which cars that have the lowest insurance premiums? How can he cut the costs? Is a 'black box'...
I'm looking to purchase a used Golf/Focus sized hatchback. I live in the lake district and drive up a lot of mountain passes and winding country lanes (about 20k per year). In one of your previous answers,...
I am planning to trade in my 2012 diesel Ford Mondeo soon. I do less than 8000 miles a year and want a car that's reliable and cheap to run. I will keep it for approx five years. I have two cars in mind:
2016...
Can you suggest which wheel size is best for comfort on the Mazda CX-3? 16 or 18-inch?
I own a 2003 Volkswagen Polo. It has a 1.4 petrol engine, automatic gearbox and has covered 90,000 miles. Recently it developed an intermittent start-up problem. The starter motor works fine, but the engine...
I have a 2016 Audi Q5 and recently was involved in a serious single-car accident. I was parking my car and moved my foot to brake when the car surged forward over a couple of boulders through the trees...
We are looking at buying a new Volvo XC60 for the comfortable higher ride, and the amount of space, which seems to be available with some good discounts at the moment!
Question is would it be better to...
I need a replacement for my ten year old automatic Skoda Fabia. I would be happy to buy a newer version of the same car as i have never had any problems with it. But Skoda have ditched the traditional...
I am considering buying a Porsche Panamera 4.8 V8 4S AWD 5dr, c. 2010, 60k miles, @ approx. £32.5k. Is this likely to hold its value (or better) over say 10 years? Any guidance much appreciated. Sincere...
I've just had a tyre repair at a local (but sizable) MoT & Tyre Centre. I had a slow puncture caused by a nail. The nail was on the edge of the limit of where an inner plug-and-patch can be used so an...
I'm selling my car and have had a number of different dealers give me a value for my car. One dealer said he had seen that others had carried out HPI check on my car and asked what their offers were. I...
.jpg)
