What's the downside to re-mapping a car?

I am thinking of re-mapping my Jaguar XF 3.0D diesel. I've been told that the torque will increase from 369 to 449 lb ft, with an associated increase in bhp from 236 to 327. They also claim a small improvement...

Toyota Yaris making strange noises - what's the cause?

I have a 2001 Toyota Yaris 1.3 with 154,000 miles on the clock. I recently noticed a different engine noise when in the higher gears; the frequency/sound/tune/vibration of the engine changes from normal...

Volkswagen Polo diesel - are they any good?

A family member is selling their 2005 Volkswagen Polo 1.4 diesel. It has only covered 36,000 miles and has a full service history. I think it will be offered for around £3500 - is this a fair price?

Buying a Land Cruiser - how much should I pay?

The Toyota dealer has offered me a new 2012 Toyota Prado - with a small discount. What are the dangers of buying a 'new' car that has been sitting out in the sun, unused, for a year? ( I live in the Middle...

Which engines have a timing chain?

Can you tell me which engines have a timing chain?

Best used family car for £4k?

I am looking for a car to replace my ageing Volkswagen Passat. We are a family of three and our next car must have a large boot with enough space for a child’s buggy. I live in London and only drive a...

Can you recommend a diesel car without a DPF for towing?

I’m looking to buy a used car to tow a caravan with a gross weight of 1400kg. What diesel models/years do you suggest I look at that do NOT have a DPF?

Best family car for £4500?

What’s the best mid-sized family car for £4500?

Dashboard failure on Renault Espace

The dashboard has stopped working on my Renault Espace - I have main beam and indicators but nothing from speedo, temperature or fuel. Have sent unit to BBA and they say it’s ok, but it didn’t work when...

Will Honda launch a new Accord model in the UK anytime soon?

I am considering replacing my current Honda Accord 2.0 petrol Ex, auto. Do you know if Honda have any plans to bring a new Accord model to the UK?

Buying a luxury car for £8k?

I am 80 years old and run a small runabout for local shopping. I would like to buy an executive car to replace my car and use for longer trips to visit family. I have £5000-8000 to spend and want an automatic,...

Ford Focus wheel size?

What are the original tyres for a 2010 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCI?

Volkswagen Touareg - DPF problems

The yellow 'engine block' light has illuminated on my Volkswagen Touareg diesel during a 300 mile trip to Cornwall. It went out a day or so later only to come on again on the way home at the end of the...

Any known issues with the FIAT Seicento?

Can you tell me if there are any known issues with the 2002 FIAT Seicento? I have just bought one and want to know what I should be looking out for.

Best used hatchback for £10k?

My boyfriend and I are looking to buy a hatchback, which would be economical, reliable and used mainly for long trips. We have £10,000 to spend, but want something that’s fun to drive. What used models...

Need a large family car, which will also suit a wheelchair user

I want to buy a new family car that can carry five people, including a wheelchair user. The car must have a large boot, roomy seats and good fuel economy. What do you recommend I buy?

Best used car for a new driver?

Which small city cars would you recommend for a 17 year old to learn to drive in? We have a budget of £2500, but reliability and low insurance are important.

When did Lexus fit a DPF to the IS 220d?

I am considering replacing my 140,000 mile Vauxhall Omega V6 with a Lexus IS. Can you tell me when Lexus first fitted a DPF to the IS 220d?

Toyota Multidrive CVT - is it any good?

How good and reliable is the Toyota Multidrive CVT on the 1.3 2013 Yaris?

Can you recommend a Ford specialist?

Can you recommend a Ford specialist in the south east? My 2001 Ford Fiesta diesel is suffering some problems and I want to take it to an affordable and reputable garage.

Fighting a false insurance claim - what should I do?

Someone has claimed that I rolled back into them at traffic lights but I thought they had bumped into me from behind. At the time I got out of my car and looked at both cars, I couldn't see any damage,...

Does supermarket diesel contain 20% vegetable oil?

I’ve been told that some supermarket diesels contain up to 20 per cent vegetable oil, is this true?

Can I interchange wheel nuts from alloy to steel wheels?

For the winter I wish to swap the original alloy wheels on my Toyota Yaris with steel wheels and winter tyres. The steel wheel supplier has told me that I can use the nuts for the alloy wheels for fixing...

Can a dealer offer limited warranty?

I'm buying a 2006 Discovery 3 which has done 106,000 miles. The car looks fantastic and well cared for., but the dealer is offering a six month warranty, restricted to a £500 claim at any one time. If...

Lexus IS250 - sell or keep it?

You often rave about the Lexus IS250 V6 in terms of reliability and refinement and I fully agree. I bought one three years ago and have been very happy with it. However, a change in circumstances means...

Bought a new car, but no V5C - what should I do?

I am worried about the ownership status of my six month old Kia Cee’d. I bought the car new from a Kia dealer, but they insisted on V5C retention for three months. Now the dealer has gone into administration...

Is the vauxhall Agila a good car?

We are thinking of buying a used Vauxhall Agila. Can you tell me if the car has a history of mechanical problems?

Mercedes-Benz C-Class - what are the best tyres?

I have Michelin Energy Saver 195/60 R16 89V on my Mercedes-Benz C-Class and now need to replace them. Should I go like for like or change all four with the Michelin Energy Savers?

Winter driving - is the Honda CR-V any good?

Honda is offering me a tempting deal on the new 2014 CR-V 1.6 diesel; however, I’m worried its two-wheel drive will struggle to cope with rural roads in winter. If I put winter tyres on the Honda, will...

Heater failure on Ford Fusion - what's the cause?

The heater seems to have packed up on my Ford Fusion. All I get is cold air through the air vents, even when the dial is on the hottest setting. Any ideas?

Faulty gearbox on Mercedes E-Class

I recently bought a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E280 CDI. The independent dealer serviced and MoT'd the car prior to sale and supplied a six month warranty. I knew a gearbox oil and filter change was due, so I...