My partner needs a new car for her commute - what about the MINI?

We are looking at purchasing a replacement car for my better half. Annual mileage circa 12,000, consisting of four daily 30-mile commutes on dual carriageways and very little long distance motorway driving....

Ripoff yarns

I am considering buying a used car, first a 2004 Suzuki Wagon R + GL, 41,000 miles at £3,400; second a 2003 Fiat Punto Active 1,242cc manual, 71,000 miles at £ 2,700. Which is best? What do you think? The...

Power struggle

I have been a FIAT owner for a number of years now, but it has come to my attention that my 2006 Panda with 70,000 miles on the clock now needs work for a power assisted steering failure which my dealer...

Obsessed with smuts

I have a FIAT 500 1.3 Multijet Diesel. About two weeks ago I had the problem, exactly as described in your column. I towed the car to the FIAT dealership and got from them the answer that there were 2.5...

Recommend a narrow car to fit into my garage?

I'm looking for a secondhand car that is narrow enough to fit into my garage (1.96m) and also allows easy access for my aged parents. I've found a Fiat Idea, but it's six years old and I'm worried about...

Is there something wrong with my Fiat 500's Dualogic gearbox?

I have just purchased a used 2009 Fiat 500 Pop with a Dualogic gearbox. It has 4000 miles on the clock. When I change gears from 2-3 and 4-5 there is a loud clicking noise. Is this correct? I did not hear...

Which tyres would reduce road noise from my Fiat Punto?

My 2003 Fiat Punto Dynamic is an honest little car, and economical too. However, the road noise from the cheap European tyres is excessive. What tyres would you recommend to replace them?

Which four-wheel drive hatchback/estate for a 120-mile commute?

Which four-wheel drive diesel hatchback or estate which returns 50+mpg and is suitable for a 120-mile round commute across northern hills would you recommend? I've seen the Audi A3 Sportback quattro, or...

I've bought a used Fiat Punto with a number of faults - where do I stand?

I bought a secondhand 2001 Fiat Punto from a local small independent car dealer. The car came with a one-month warranty covering mechanical problems. Soon after buying the car, I started having issues...

My Fiat Punto won't start after a head gasket replacement. Is the timing out?

I have a 2002 Fiat Punto on which I have replaced the head gasket and timing belt. I aligned the belt to the specified marks in the book but the engine won't fire. It's just popping through the carb. Is...