Why aren't car software updates provided to independent workshops?

James Foxall's article about servicing struck a chord with me. My Volvo S40 is now out of warranty and I plan to take it to my local independent for its next service, partly for cost reasons and partly...

Transmission failure repair followed by head hasket failure - suspicious.

I own a Volvo XC70 and have done 185,000 miles trouble free. A noise recently occurred which became worse and was diagnosed as a failure of the transmission. The remedy was to replace it at a cost of £2500...

Where can I get new tyres sourced and fitted?

I need to replace all four tyres on my Volvo V70, but with only one tyre garage locally I don't believe their prices are competitive. Rather than wasting petrol trawling around distant tyre garages are...

Which used estate would you choose?

I've narrowed my search for a second hand buy down to a few models, I have a max of £17-18k to spend, but id rather keep it to 15/16k unless theres something that will save me money over three years. in...

What benefits will I get for changing the wheel size of my Volvo V50?

I have just bought a 2012-registered Volvo V50 SE LUX which is on 205/50 R17 tyres. A little research has led me to believe that I would save 30 to 40 per cent on replacement tyres if I changed to 16-inch...

Should we buy a RAV4 or an XC60?

My husband and I have now retired at the age of 70 and would like your opinion on these two used vehicles, either of which will be the last we purchase: the Toyota RAV4 petrol or the Volvo XC60 Volvo petrol....

Should I buy a lower mileage SE60 for £4000 more?

I have a Volvo SE60 2.4 D5 SE Auto on 84,000 miles from new. It is a 2004 so I guess this is about average. I am looking at an identical 2005 car with only 40,000 on the clock. It is one owner, like mine....

Should I buy or replace my S40?

I now do fewer than 6000 miles per year (local and annual 1000 miles overseas), mostly alone, and do not depend on the car for commuting. It has very little resale value. Is it worth buying a new car for...

Should I buy a used diesel?

I have driven Volvos with tremendous satisfaction since 1970, currently a V70 diesel estate, but now at 82 I am finding it difficult to get in and out of, mainly due to the low profile of modern cars these...

When do I change the cam belt on my Volvo S60?

My September 2010 Volvo S60 2.0T Auto has done 36,000 miles. A very smooth engine. Would you recommend I have the cam belt replaced?