Is a diesel MINI suitable for short journeys?

The first car I owned was an early Mini (about a year after they were first introduced), which I loved. Now, at the age of 82, I want to return to a Mini and fancy the MINI Cooper D because of its low...

Is anybody in America bothered about saving the planet?

Having just returned from America after visiting the west coast and Hawaii I report on the following: The main street garages do not sell diesel. I saw or heard no diesel cars. The Nissan Micra K13 is...

Which should I go for?

I have approximately £5000 to spend on a used car which would be used fairly occaisionally - looking at maybe 10,000 miles per year maximum. In my current circumstances I can go two weeks without driving...

Frame bracket failure on a Fiat 500

Just put my 2008 Fiat 500 1.2 Lounge in for it's MOT and has failed because the offside rear subframe bracket needs replacing? Only done 20,000 miles in 4 yours on normal roads, seems a bit odd, is this...

Does the Ford Ka have a Fiat engine?

We purchased a new Ford Ka 1.2 Studio from our Ford dealer in February 2010 in a good deal which included scrappage. On collecting the car after its second service - its first by a non-Ford dealer - we...

Why are people unrealistic in their expectations for a car's fuel economy?

I agree with you that government economy figures for new cars are often deceiving, as they are here in the US. But surely anyone with a modicum of sense must realise that a fuel economy is relative to...

A second hand small car

The wife has started to drive about quite a bit and she takes "her" car, an M-Class Mercedes. We want to keep the Merc as it's good for kids, dogs & distances but want to get her a cheap(er) runabout for...

Mini or Polo?

I am privately selling my Audi A4 (S line 2008, 40,000 miles, 2.0TDI, perfect condition) in order to buy two cars for the family. Firstly, how much should I ask for the Audi? I am buying a Golf for £6500...

My friend is entering the Mongol Rally

A friend of mine is entering the Mongol rally on the 14th July for charity, driving a 2003 1100cc Fiat Panda. It will be his honeymoon with his new wife. Do you have any advice for them?

Which small, economical car for a first-time driver?

I am thinking of buying a car for our grandson who is just starting his first job after graduating. I could manage £5000 but might be able to make it more, possibly double for the right vehicle. Obviously...