Buying a family car - need advice

I am planning to buy a used car and I would like to ask for some advice. Here are the main constraints: - has to accommodate 2 adults (I am 6'3'') and 2 children and gear (large boot) comfortably - 2x15...

Conned Fusion

In January 2011 I bought a Ford Fusion Titanium with a 1.6 petrol engine from Ford Direct, with about 300 miles on the clock. Although an old model, I bought it because its high seating position is excellent...

Seating plans

I have recently had to return my company Mercedes Benz Vito Dualiner (6-seater), which was a fantastic family vehicle with masses of space. I now have a Vauxhall Insignia and a Ford Mondeo estate on the...

Less is more

Recently my Ford Mondeo was written off in a hit and run accident. To lower my insurance I purchased an older Renault Clio 1.2. To my astonishment, my insurance company, eSure, quoted very little difference...

Finding a spare mirror for a Focus

The plastic back to the side mirror (near side + colour of jean blue) on a 06 plate Ford Focus needs replacing. I am willing to bet that a main dealer will charge extortionately for this bit of plastic...

Steel wheels for winter tyres

I am buying winter tyres on your recommendation for my Ford Kuga. I have decided to go for 235/55 R17 Dunlop Winter Sport 3D to match the circumference of the current 235/50 R18's fitted from new. I'm...

Of particulate interest

I have a Focus 1.6 diesel that has just had its 3rd major service at a Ford main dealer at 33,000 miles. The paperwork indicates that a DPF service is “urgently required” at an additional cost of £150....

Doctor rates

I have recently finished studying my doctorate. I currently have a 2002 Citroen Saxo Furio 1.4 and feel that I have out grown this car. I'm looking to spend around £4,500 plus part-exchange value of the...

Cape FIAT

We've seen a 60 plate FIAT 500 1.2s at Motorpoint for £8,600, but they have no TwinAirs yet. A new TwinAir from FIAT will cost £12,700, but is it worth waiting to see if Motorpoint will get any? We're...

Bucklers hard

I own a Ford Fiesta Zetec Climate 1.2 first registered in November 2008. Last week I took it in to the dealer I bought it from for its third annual service. The service department rang me to say that all...