Hot Focus

I've owned this car for 5 years now and just recently I've noticed a change in my temperature gauge. Last winter, a few minutes into my journey, if I stopped at a traffic light, my gauge would go from...

Which has the biggest payload?

Which has the highest payload out of the VW Sharan, Seat Alhambra & Ford Galaxy diesel models? Are there any other diesel passenger cars out there with higher payloads than the vehicles above?

Why won't our dealer repair the faulty gearbox in my daughter's 2009 Ford Focus?

My daughter has had a 2009 1.6 Zetec Ford Focus for about 16 months, purchased from a Ford dealer with about 3,500 miles recorded when acquired. Soon after she took possession, she complained that the...

Which 4-door hatchback would you recommend to replace my wife's Peugeot 206?

We are thinking of replacing my wife's car, which is a 2003 Peugeot 206 Verve, 1,124cc. We would welcome your recommendation to meet the following requirements:- 1. 4 door with hatchback. 2. Slightly larger...

I'm very pleased with my new C-Max diesel, which drives superbly.

I have recently changed to a new C-Max 5-seat 1.6 diesel. This is my first diesel and I am grateful for several tips via your column, particularly the recent one about letting out the clutch at idle revs...

Are drum brakes too old?

I am thinking of buying the new Ford Focus but I do not agree with Fords policy of selling the new model with rear drum brakes. The entire C segment is now equipped with rear disk brakes, but Ford insists...

Steels for Alloys

My 06 Ford Focus Ghia has 16" alloy wheels with some unsightly corrosion. Can I simply replace them with steel wheels using the same tyres, or does this effect performance? And where might I get such...

Secondhand cars for retirement

As my wife and I approach retirement we are looking to move from two cars to one. My ancient Peugeot 406 is on its last legs and my wife has an 02-plate 1.2 Corsa. Our current short list is a Ford C-Max,...

Screaming Ford

My Ford Focus 1.8 Zetec TDCI is making a screeching noise on acceleration when moving off. This carries on for about half a mile then goes away. Any ideas on what the problem is?

Autoquake warranty - what now?

John, As you will be aware Autoquake has been put into administration. Last December I bought a Ford Focus from Autoquake, partially comforted by the sight of your smiling face on their paperwork. The...