Part exchanging a 'wreck.'

We are about to buy a Mini Cooper S, and part-exchanging a Ford Ka. The Ka is not worth very much, has rust and the driver door lock is dodgy. We have informed the dealer of this. How can we cover ourselves...

Can you recommend a short wheelbase car with good ground clearance?

I currently drive a 2005 Toyota Avensis which I now find is too large. I am looking for a shorter wheelbase car which also stands higher off the ground because I need to be able to get in and out more...

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....

Mothballing a MINI

We live in Hong Kong but spend 4-5 weeks each summer in the UK. My wife bought a 2005 Mini Cooper (not the 'S' model) Automatic 1,598cc with 47,000 km on the clock earlier this year (trouble free so far,...