Used car for long commute

I am looking to buy a used car for a weekly commute (180 miles each way at the beginning and end of the week). From what I have previously read a diesel still makes the most economical sense due to annual...

Buying a new supermini

I need to buy a new 5 door petrol supermini, Fiesta type size - max budget around £9k. I've been looking at the i20 1.2 comfort, but haven't found a decent second hand one - and was concerned by some corrosion...

How can I cheaply replace or repair the DPF filter in my Mazda 6?

I own a 2008 Mazda 6 2.0-litre diesel with 77,000 miles. A little while ago a DPF warning light came on and the car went into 'limp' mode. I spoke with the Mazda dealer who suggested the DPF filter required...

Automatic with a chain cam engine

I am looking to buy a car with a chain-driven camshaft engine and auto gear box (preferably with torque converter). Recently when driving longer distances I have experienced pain in my upper leg and would...

Used cars with low fuel consumption

We have owned a 1989 Volvo 740 estate from new and now want to buy a relatively new used car (or a very low priced new car) to replace it. The new car must have a low fuel consumption. Medium sized, well...

Should I change my car?

I have a Sept 2007 Mazda 6 2.0 diesel, which has been totally reliable and trouble free for 3.5 years. I have read your advice that diesels start costing money in years 4-6. What is likely to need doing...

Eco-tuning

I have received a flier for an ECU-remapping service claiming to improve fuel consumption by up to 20% - www.ecu-remapping-service.com. It is not cheap, about £250.00, but as I do 20,000 miles per year...

Chain or belt?

I have a Mazda3 2.0 sport petrol and I would like to know if this is chain or belt driven, as the mileage is 67,000.

Is there a training programme that will teach me to drive my new Mazda 6 confidently in snow and ice?

You advised me of problems with Saab diesel engines and also potential problems with the DPF on a 1-year-old ex-demonstrator Subaru Legacy. After more research I purchased a new Mazda 6 TS2 with the 2.2...

Blue about colour choices.

I am currently in the process of buying a new car. I note with some amazement that several manufacturers only offer one base (non-metallic) paint colour. This really means that the RRP is not the RRP...