Repair old Volvo or buy newer cheaper car?

I have a 2002 Volvo V70 2.4 petrol auto which is due a 96k service and cambelt. It judders quite a bit with moderate braking and the steering and front suspension feel quite 'loose.' Would it be worth...

Extra 'recommendations' during car service — are they really necessary?

Yesterday I had my Hyundai's 3rd year service and 1st MOT carried out at Halfords. They came back to me with 'recommendations' including: 1. An engine flush 2. An oil flush / fuel system cleaner 3. Air...

Was my vehicle really serviced today?

MacRae and Dick (Inverness) serviced our car today - or did they? Our 2011 Focus went for its first 12 months service today. When I lifted the bonnet upon getting the car back, its was obvious nothing...

Is cambelt change part of the service?

I have recently purchased a 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.9 DDIS circa 44k on the clock from a non Suzuki Dealer. Prior to handover they carried out a service and stamped the 45k Service in the book. I have...

Should our 2005 Vauxhall Corsa's timing belt be replaced?

My in-laws run a 2005 Vauxhall Corsa 1.4 with 40,000 on the clock. They have been told that they need to replace the timing belt at an approximate cost of £200. In view of the low mileage is this necessary?

Should my garage have replaced my Jaguar S-Type's bowed radiator?

I have owned a Jaguar S-Type 3.0 automatic Sport since nearly new in 2004, which has run pretty well ever since (current mileage is 85,800 miles). Recently, whilst the car was in for its annual MOT and...

Should both petrol and diesel turbo engines be idled after use?

Further to your advice on turbo cooling by idling the engine for some time after use, is the advice equally true for diesel and petrol engines? I have a 2-litre diesel BMW and, in normal driving, it is...

Expensive timing chain failure on my BMW 118d - who is liable?

The timing belt on my BMW 118d, 07 reg, with 59,000 miles on the clock broke last week and I am told by my local dealer that it cost £800 to strip down the engine and identify the fault. They then told...

Relacement ABS pump on a Ford Focus - is this right?

My daughter has been quoted £1200 + VAT for a new ABS pump by a Ford main dealer on her 4 year old Focus. Is this reasonable? Are there any other options? It has passed its MoT at the same garage not...

Audi A3 Factory Oil Fill. What's your advice?

Had the car one week. Was handed 1l of Castrol SLX Pro Longlife (now replaced by Edge 5w-30) on collection! After approx 180 miles on second day, I checked the oil and found the level half way between...