Can you recommend a small 4x4 for use on snow-covered roads?

I live on a hill and my drive is very steep. I did have a BMW X3 which was great in the snow but I foolishly sold it last year for a BMW 1 Series thinking I did not need such a big car. With the big freeze,...

Tyres for wet grip?

We currently run a second generation MINI Cooper with 16" wheels on 195/55 runflat tyres. What tyres would you recommend for good grip in wet, cold and icy conditions, better ride and more positive handling?...

I need a car with 4x4 capability and good fuel consumption - should I consider a MINI Countryman?

I wrote to you last year about driving 100 miles a day, 30 across hills on poor roads and 70 on the motorway. I wanted some 4x4 capability, excellent fuel consumption for motorway driving (I am filling...

Can you recommend a 4x4 for use in snow, and can we buy a car and register it in Spain?

I hope you can give me some advice. I've never been attracted to 4x4s, but living in Scotland and having two severe winters in a row has persuaded me that when I swop my present car I should consider one....

MINI Issues

Has BMW addressed the widespread previous issues with the current (latest) Mini models: 1 - Very thin windscreen Glass that cracks easily prompting replacement screen. 2- Timing chain rattles. Considering...

MINI bumper problem

BMW/Mini @ Cooper Thames Ditton say a 7mm wide penetation hole in the rear bumper of a 58 (2008) Mini to the 3mm thick plastic exterior cannot be locally repaired and needs a complete new bumper at a cost...

Warranty on MINI

Just prior to the expiry of warranty on my MINI Cooper Convertible, the air conditioning failed. The car was due a service and pre MOT check therefore they looked at the problem just prior to its MOT....

Buying a smaller estate witch cheaper VED

Our car is a Saab 93 Sportwagon Automatic 1.8t on a 55 plate and we average 32mpg (according to the on board computer). We drive between 5,000 and 7,000 miles per year, so not enough to consider diesel....

Small comfortable AWD Petrol with Auto or CVT

I am about to get rid of a 10-year-old Volvo V70T5SE Auto, which has been the most comfortable car I have ever had but with the most awful steering. I would like an AWD for the seating height but would...

Alper beater

We are looking to replace our trusty 10 year old SAAB 9-5 Estate with a new manual diesel estate (or similar). It will be used mainly for an 80 mile daily M4 commute. We drive to the Alps so it must also...