Is it true that modern cars have a 7-year life cycle?

You state in today's column that a modern car has a 7-year life cycle. Since I have an 8-year old Mercedes-Benz, this is a bit of a surprise, to me and probably a few million other car owners. Can you...

Is my Land Rover Freelander likely to develop DPF and DMF problems?

I was interested in your warning about impending failures of diesel particulate filters and dual mass flywheels on diesel engined cars. My Freelander 2 is now two and a half years old. Do I part-exchange...

Can you recommend a reliable pick-up for driving offroad in my work as a forester?

I wish to purchase a 4x4 pick up for my work as a forester, driving on rough forest tracks as well as the public highway. With a budget of approximately £4000 I was thinking of an older Ford Ranger, preferably...

Should I buy a Leon FR DSG?

Hello, I currently own a Honda Civic Hybrid but I feel I've done my bit for the planet and was thinking of buying a used SEAT Leon FR with a DSG gearbox - what's your view?

Buying a used 4x4 for work

I would like to buy a 4x4 pick up for work as a landscape gardener, but it also will be my car for everyday use. I have £5000 to buy a used truck, can go a bit higher if needed. The Rodeo, Ranger and Navara...

Why do modern cars only last seven years when our grandson's 1986 Honda Accord is still going strong?

I was interested to read the answer to "AB, Ormskirk". You said that one couldn't question the quality of a nine-year old car that was originally designed to last about seven years. My grandson is just...

1.4 v 1.2 TSI in a Polo?

If your choice of engine was between a Volkswagen 1.4 petrol and a Volkswagen 1.2 TSi petrol, which one would you go for in terms of longterm reliability? I'm thinking of owning for a minimum of 5 years....

Buying a Subaru Outback

We are thinking of buying a 2008 Subaru Outback diesel as we live in a rural area that has been cut off the last few winters when it snows. We have a budget of £15000. Should we be aware of any problems...

How reliable are these MPVs?

Of these cars having 3 ISOFIX seats in the second row, how would you rate the reliability of one against the other? Citroen C4 Grand Picasso, Peugeot 5008, Volkswagen Sharan, Ford Galaxy, Seat Alhambra...

Can you recommend a safe, reliable car for touring southern Europe?

For the first time in 40 years I simply do not know which car I should go for. Two years ago my third Berlingo blew two turbos in quick succession (Iatterly I discovered it was a fault with the model)....