Should we trade in our 100,000-mile Volkswagen Golf?

We own a 2004 Volkswagen Golf 1.9TDI automatic that has now done almost 100,000 miles. So far it has been relatively trouble-free, although it recently needed a new alternator and battery. Would you advise...

Can I expect my diesel Renault Laguna to develop expensive problems soon?

In 2009 I bought a new Renault Laguna 2.0dCi 150 Initiale 50 diesel automatic. Can you tell me whether it has a diesel particulate filter, dual mass flywheel or an exhaust gas recirculation valve fitted...

How can I prepare my Jeep Cherokee for a long drive with a caravan?

I used to use my 2004 Jeep Cherokee 2.8 CRD Limited to travel backwards and forwards from Exeter to Manchester. More recently we use hire cars, so the Jeep only gets used for social, domestic and pleasure...

Why are timing belts used instead of chains?

Timing belts are expensive to replace, and my Golf needs one every four years. Do the manufacturers just fit them to create work for themselves or are there sound engineering reasons as to why some engines...

Audi A3 tyres and timing

We recently bought a 58 plate Audi A3 Quattro Sportback 170 with 73k miles. We average about 25k miles pa, nearly all on long journeys. Please could you advise when we should change the timing belt? The...

Is this BMW brake wear excessive?

My local BMW dealer (Vines of Guildford - highly recommended) is getting my wife's 5 series E61 2008 520d touring's brakes looked at on a warning light. It needs new front pads and discs (lipped), cost...

Does my DSG need an oil change?

I own a Nov 2006 2.0 Jetta, mileage 42,000. Having had it serviced and MoT'd yesterday I was astonished to receive a phone call today saying that the auto gearbox oil should be changed at 40,000 miles...

Is this too expensive for my service?

Bought a second hand car from Honda main dealer for £8k Jan 2011. 19000 miles on the clock. Took it for first service recently at 29,000 miles. Needed two new tyres, replaced front and back brake pads...

When's my Fabia's cambelt due?

Car owned is a Skoda Fabia 2 1.4. Can you advise me when the cambelt needs changing because I am receiving different advice from different garages. The car was registered in Jan 2008 and has done only...

Should I replace the water pump at the same time as the cam belt on my Tiguan?

I have a Volkswagen Tiguan SE Auto 140PS 2.0 TDI which is shortly due for its four year/40,000 mile service. The service schedule stipulates a cam belt change at this time, which I will have done, but...