What should we look for when buying a Toyota Prius hybrid?

My wife needs to replace her 2002 Toyota Yaris, partly due to its age and partly as she needs a larger car due to growing children and sports bags, etc. I would like her to have a Ford Focus, but her heart...

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...