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...

Renault Clio TCe or dCi?

I am looking at swaping my 1.9 130ps MultiJet Fiat Punto for a Renault Clio due to it's high running costs. I am looking at the 1.2 TCe engine or 1.5 dCi 86. What do I need to look out for when buying...

After 32 years of driving a Volvo 945 can you recommend an alternative?

We have driven our current Volvo 945 for 18 years and our previous Volvo 945 for 14 year.Our sons tell us we don't need such a big car at our age (73). I have driven smaller hired cars on holiday in Spain...

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...

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...