Need a cheap family car with low running costs

My father is looking to replace his 2003 Ford Focus next year. Previously he's always had cheap used cars, but I'm trying to persuade him to get something slightly better this time. However, he's not willing...

How good is a used Octavia?

A couple of friends including a mechanic have recommended buying a used Skoda Octavia to replace my Volkswagen Bora TDI. I have seen many driven by taxi drivers so think that they must be reliable. What...

Can I trust the 1.8TSI Skoda engine?

I have found a very nice 2010 Skoda Octavia L&K DSG with 58,000 miles on the clock. However, the car has the problematic 1.8TSI engine. I've read the bad entries on the Octavia section and the 'oil consumption'...

What's the best estate for £4k?

I'm looking to replace my rather tired 2005 Ford Fiesta 1.4 LX. I want something larger, like an estate, but only have £4000 to spend. I will be covering around 15,000 miles per year and (as a pro drummer)...

Accidently put Redex Stop Smoke in diesel tank - what should I do?

Embarrassingly, while distracted, I put some Redex Stop Smoke in the diesel tank rather than in with the oil! I expected the car to stop working quite quickly, but I only had a engine management light...

Need a used estate for £6000 - what do you recommend?

I have £6000 to spend on a used estate car. It must be large enough for dogs, grand kids and holiday luggage. What would you recommend?

Swapping an Audi for a Skoda

A friend is selling his Skoda Octavia 2.0 diesel (2007) with 80,000 miles on the clock. He wants £7000 for the car. I'm currently running an Audi A6 Avant (2004) 1.9 diesel with just over 100,000 miles...

Which Octavia - or do I buy the Hyundai i30?

I'm looking at a 2010 2.0 PD diesel Skoda Octavia L&K with 122,000 miles for £6750 or a 2008 1.8-litre L&K petrol Skoda Octavia with 22,000 miles for £5950. Normally you would advise the newer car with...

Buying an estate - recommendations?

We need to replace our 2006 Ford Mondeo Estate, with something similar, but newer. A Skoda Octavia has been suggested by a friend as has the Volkswagen Passat. It will mostly be trundling up and down...

DSG gearbox - when should I change the oil/filter?

I own a 2010 petrol Skoda Octavia VRS DSG with 20,000 miles on the clock. I have read your reports that the gearbox oil and filter should be changed every 3-4 years, but my local dealer says I should wait...