Pet project

I would like to replace my 2004 XC90 D5 SE (82,000 miles FVSH). Despite the 4-wheel-drive failing (repaired under warranty by Warranty Direct - thanks for your recommendation) the car has been a great...

Can I fit just two winter tyres to my front wheel drive Volvo V50?

I have been told by my local Volvo dealer that I do not need four winter tyres for my V50 2.0-litre petrol car, just two, as it is front wheel drive. I understood you had to have four. Please advise.

Filter tips

I'd never owned a diesel-engined car before I bought my pre-registered 2005/55 Volvo V70 in March 2006. It's a delight to drive: a real mile-eater, and very comfortable. But at the time I bought it I'd...

Volvo or Saab?

I am looking to but a three/four year old diesel. I want leather seats and a small saloon and after some research have settled on either a Volvo S40 SE or a Saab 9-3. Which do you recomend as a better...

19" wheels

I have seen you advise many times that people avoid some of the larger wheels that cars come with today. I am looking at purchasing a new XC90 Executive, it comes with 19" as standard. I went to the dealer...

Winter warner

I have recently sold a XC90 and bought a Mercedes E class Estate. I am delighted with it but wary of another winter of snow. The XC90 coped well last year but I am aware that a rear drive Automatic could...

Negotiating a discount

What deals should I reasonably expect to get from a main dealer when buying a brand new car ? For example, % reduction off the asking price, accessories thrown in for free, free servicing deals, free tank...

You must be choking

After exchanging my wonderful Volvo 940 Celebration for a 2008/58 V70 diesel estate last November, I took your advice and have always run it on BP Ultimate diesel (as also my wife’s Golf), and both cars...

Ride quality problrms

I have a Volvo S80 auto 2006 model with 84,000 miles. It may be imagination, but I find that the ride quality is worse than it used to be. Also, the car feels unsteady when breaking downhill. (Not much,...

Cambelt failure on Volvo XC90

My Volvo XC90 had a cambelt tensioner fault which resulted in the cambelt breaking and the engine being wrecked. I need a new cylinder head etc. The garage quoted £4,582.50 and said that the car was...