I'd like to buy a Golf, but should I go for petrol or diesel and are the DSG automatics reliable?

I want to change my 10-year-old BMW for a hatchback with automatic transmission such as the Golf or Focus. The Volkswagen dealer is trying to sell me a 2.0-litre diesel, but I would prefer the 1.4 TSI...

Is my Volkswagen Golf 1.4TSI likely to suffer from DSG problems?

I have a Volkswagen Golf 1.4TSI DSG. I have just been on Twitter and a couple of forums and found out that problems are appearing in France and Denmark, and that Volkswagen have said DSG problems in Asia...

Would you recommend a Nissan Qashqai or Hyundai ix35?

I am undecided between buying a new automatic Nissan Qashqai or a Hyundai ix35 and would welcome your advice, drawing, perhaps, on knowledge you have of safety and reliability records. Even the Ford Kuga...

Can you recommend an MPV for my friend who travels regularly to southern France?

I'd appreciate your advice about options a friend has when changing his car. He currently drives a 13-year-old Renault Grand Espace diesel with 150,000 miles on the clock. He has owned it from new and...

Should I buy an ex-rental Nissan Acenta?

I was offered a Nissan Acenta 1.5 diesel, seven months old, 11,600 miles at £13,900. They agreed a good price for my old Jeep, unseen. This “great deal" made me suspicious and, after further probing, the...

If I keep my BMW X5 are there any potential problems I should look out for?

My car is a 2004/54 BMW X5 diesel Sport auto, facelift. I bought it seven years ago at eighteen months old. Apart from a new starter motor the car as been faultless. I’ve considered a new X3, but as my...

Should I have the DPF removed from my Dacia Duster?

I read your column with interest each week and you constantly reiterate the problems with DPF and short journeys. I recently purchased a Dacia Duster, which I am extremely pleased with; nowhere near as...

Should I keep my Land Rover Discovery 3 or replace it?

I currently drive a 2007 Discovery 3 HSE with 75,000 on the clock. It has been problem-free and an excellent car (my fifth Discovery). I am considering a change at some time in the next year, and have...

Is the new Volkswagen Golf DSG gearbox reliable?

I have a 2006 Volkswagen Golf with an auto gearbox. I was planning on updating this to a new Golf with the DSG gearbox. However, I have heard that there have been a number of problems with these gearboxes....

What's the best small car for under £8000?

My Chevrolet Matiz is on its last legs, but I don’t know what to replace it with. I have around £8000 to spend and want a reliable and economical car. Would it be better to get a petrol or a diesel? I...