I'm interested to know what others' approach is to deciding when to change the car. There seems to be several approaches to peoples car buying habits:
1. Get a brand new car every 1-3 years
2. Get a nearly new car every 3/5 years (regardless of use and condition of old one)
3. Get a 3-4 year old car every 3-4 years
4. Get a 3-4 year old car and run it into the ground
5. Buy a 6-10 year old car on a whim and a prayer
6. Bangernomics.

We generally fall into category no.3 but we've now had current car for over 5 years and there is a danger that we'll slip to cat 4. At the moment the 8yr old Focus 1.8 estate is running sweetly and continues to give good service. It's just passed the MOT with no remarks, had new brake discs last year, cambelt 2 years ago etc. and basically been well maintained. However, as the children approach teenage years more loadspace and legroom would be an advantage.... Read more

the engine emits a clattering from the top followed by oil pressure light despite two services and an oil flush in the last 1000 miles. There has been evidence of oily deposits blocking the oil pick up pipe in the sump and despite oil changes and a flush this has reoccured after 0nly 300 miles this time. where could these deposits be coming from,the oil feeds to the turbo are clear,and how can i rectify this problem? Any thoughts please? Read more

Hi, I'm a small business owner, operating out of some industrial units. 3 weeks ago, I mentioned to a neighbouring business owner that I was keeping my eye out for a cheap 7 seater. He said that, coincidentally, he knew of an Espace going that he could get for £600, but it was in Rochdale (we're in Swansea). I said I'd have a look at it.

The next morning, he told me that he'd bought the car the night before, and got it for £525 for me (+ the cost of delivery), the car had 79k on the clock, 11 mths MOT and 9 mths Tax. I was chuffed. This was a Wednesday, he said the car would probably come down on Sunday. He'd paid out for the car, so I gave him the cash. On Sunday he said that getting back to Rochdale would be a problem for the driver, so they'd sorted a place on a car transporter on the cheap. Tuesday morning he said the car had been picked up, and should be with us on Wednesday. By Wednesday evening, he said the driver had hit his tacho limit, the car would be the next morning. This same excuse went on for the rest of the week, until Friday when he disappeared. He phoned to say his daughter had been taken ill, but he'd had the car dropped off with a dealership in town. Next day he said he'd spent the night in hospital with his daughter, so I left it there. The day after, his car had been stolen. The day after he'd stayed home all day waiting for a courtesy which never arrived (and still hasn't two weeks later!).... Read more

I have a Y reg. MK2 Mondeo Zetec-S. My speedo drops to zero after about 4 miles of driving, it then resumes normal operation after about another mile. The mileometer also stops, the car loses a little bit of power, and the volume of the radio suddenly drops.
My fuel warning light is NOT affected, and nor is the rev counter. Also, it is not an intermittent problem (i.e. probably not a loose or poor electrical or mechanical connection) because it happens JUST ONCE on every journey from cold, and always after about 4 miles of driving.

Any help would be appreciated. Many thanks. Read more

I have a 2002 golf 1.6 16V SE which for the last year has had an intermittent starting problem. Working with my local independent garage and following the codes so far they have replaced (at different times) the lambda probes; the temp sensor and the crank shaft sensor. However the problem remains and the codes coming up (injector cylinders 1-4; purge valve; o2 sensor) apparently seem unlikely considering what has already been replaced.

I am now in a dilemma about how to progress with this having spent quite a lot of money and time - not to mention being stuck in various locations with small kids, on the problem. I have contacted my local vw garage who when pressed said that they could look at it (this would cost around £100+vat) and if at worst it was the ecu it would cost around £1000 to fix. To be honest I would be happy to pay this if I was convinced it would resolve it once and for all but there seems no guarantee of this and they do not seem too interested in helping. ... Read more