I own a Vauxhall Zafira diesel which has done approx 70,000 miles. I have had problems with heavy steering and with the car intermittently losing power on accelerating and the engine management light (spanner symbol) flashing and the traction control warning light coming on then going off again.

My local garage have run the diagnostics and liaised with Vauxhall, and have said it needs a new steering rack and a new fuel pump. Our local garage (who we know and trust) have said the cost of the parts would be around £500 and labour £250, however because it would need re-programming of the new control module (?) and only Vauxhall can do this, we are looking at a bill in excess of £2000 - more than the car is worth.... Read more

Hi - looking for some advice from more informed people than myself please. I have seen a Ford Focus 1.6 petrol, 52,000 on an 05 plate from an independent garage / dealer. Test drives nicely, 2 former owners, service history, has just been mot'd and serviced etc.

Checked the MOT history, and found this:

2011 @34,000 miles failed MOT - Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive (7.3.D.5)
Retested and passed on same day (Orginal Owner)

2012 @40,600 miles failed MOT - Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive (7.3.D.5)
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.4)
Retested and passed on same day (different garage as 2011 - 2nd Owner)

2013 @47,750 miles failed MOT - Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.4)
Retested and passed on the same day (same garage as 2012 - 2nd Owner)

2014 (last week) @52,00 milees failed MOT - Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.4)
Retested 4 days later and passed

The last MOT was done by the current independent dealer.

I called the garage and queried the last MOT result and retest and he said he has replaced the CAT converter, but I have no way of knowing (picking car up on Saturday) bar receipts? Would I be able to see this under the car without putting it on a ramp etc?

My question is considering its failed on the same thing for the last 4 MOTs would you leave this car well alone, or am I being paranoid??

Thank you for your advice in advance! Read more

thinking of buying a 10 month old camper van based on a citroen boxer 150bhp. will the manafacturers warrenty still be valid for remaining period? Also want to get vehicle inspected mechanically + bodywork for accident etc..... does anyone know an equvilanent ofRAC/AA type of companies in Germany? many thanks Eddie Read more

My 60 reg, 47K Tiguan Escape, despite permanent 4WD is only operating in 2WD(front wheels only). Had 1x rear spring replaced at 35 month point under warranty.Car now 5 months out of warranty. Fault has been confirmed on a rolling road. Is this a known fault? What is the cause? Had to have 1x new rear spring Read more

hi all, I have a 99 mazda demio. never gave me any problems but lately if its be raining heavy for a couple of days it just wont start, next day if its dry it just starts first turn!...any advice? I tried spraying the plug leads ect with WD40 Read more