Second hand car for £8k

My wife and I are downsizing from a Volkswagen Transporter to something more practical. We have a budget of about £8,000, and would like a large, fuel efficient hatchback which will retain its value, as...

Can you suggest an alternative to the Mercedes-Benz R-Class?

My son's 2003 BMW 3 Series 3-litre 6-cylinder has been a delight but needs to be replaced. With three teenagers and increasingly long trips on the cards, a 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class diesel automatic looks...

Antara or CR-V?

I have a choice between a brand new Vauxhall Antara, 2.2 CDTi 2wd version at £4000 off list or a 2009 Honda CRV 2.2 CTDI, with 21000 miles and all the usual toys, at the same price. What would you recommend...

Kia Soul advice

I am thinking of buying a Kia Soul. A salesperson told me that Kia is thinking of dropping the Soul from its UK range to concentrate on its US market. Do you know if this is so? Also, I want an automatic....

Engine problem with SEAT Altea 1.9 TDI

I have a Seat Altea XL 1.9 TDI 59 reg and every few weeks it refuses to start - it normally kicks over first time no matter what the weather is. SEAT installed a new fuel pump about 6 months ago, then...

Buying an old diesel

I only have a grand to spend. Is it worth buying a diesel, eg fiesta, with 100000 on the clock and for sale, privately for £900? I want a car that is cheap to run. I do about 12000-15000 miles a year....

My Renault Scenic automatic won't change up when cold - why is this?

I purchased a Renault Scenic 1.5DCI EDC from a Renault dealer at six months old and was informed that the previous owner could not get on with the auto gearbox. I have found the vehicle has performed superbly...

Which luxury SUV offers good comfort and a quiet ride?

I have a four-year-old facelift Jaguar XJ 2.7 V6 diesel Sovereign, which I have owned from new and now has 98,000 miles under its belt. It has been a wonderful car, smooth, quiet, economical and reliable,...

My Volvo XC60 can't return claimed mpg figures - why?

I own a Volvo XC60 D3 Manual Drive, which I bought new in October 2010 and which has completed 12,000 miles of almost exclusively extra urban runs at 60-70mph in sixth gear. Whilst it is a lovely car in...

Should I buy a high mile Megane?

Have seen a very tidy Renault Megance 1.5 dci for sale for £1750 ovno, the car comes with full years tax and mot. However it has 121,000 on the clock, is this a good price or should I walk away?