Ford Focus diesel losing power

I had a problem with the turbo on my Ford Focus 1.6 diesel (2007 model). The bearings failed due to a blocked oil strainer. I went for a refurbished BTN turbo replacement with the full fitting kit (oil...

Buying a fun, small car - Fiesta or DS3?

Which would be the better buy - a Citroen DS3 D-Style 110 Puretech or a Ford Fiesta Titanium 125 Ecoboost? Both cars are similarly priced on Drivethedeal.com

Buying a used Peugeot 2008 - which model is best?

My wife is looking to buy a used Peugeot 2008 (currently has a 207). She wants a higher driving position, decent performance and comfort. Which model would suit her needs?

Are VAG diesels built using "Manifold in Head" tech?

Is it true that some VAG diesels have been built using the "Manifold in Head" tech that other makes (Renault) have used to good effect in reducing DPF problems?

Where's the best place to get an auto box service?

Where is the best place to get the automatic fluid changed for a BMW 330d E90 auto?

Toyota Yaris - keep or sell?

I have a 2005 Toyota Yaris 1.3 with 72,000 on the clock. I'm looking for suggestions to replace in the future, either new or second hand. Currently only do 5000 miles per year, mainly urban but once-a-week...

Will Kia's warranty cover a faulty DPF?

I want to buy a new Kia Soul diesel, but I will only cover 6000 miles a year. If the DPF gives problems will the seven-year warranty cover it? Or would I be better off buying the petrol version?

BMW 428i or 435i Grand Coupe Auto?

Replacing my old BMW 3 Series 320SE. I'm considering either the 428i or 435i automatics. Is the 435i worth the extra £6000 to get the six-cylinder engine which I am used to on the 320i?

Where's the cheapest place to get a new MINI key?

After 13 years of use, the key which operates the central locking system on my MINI One (2001 modeo) no longer works. The whole button has collapsed. Where can I get a new and affordable replacement?

Should I be worried about my Citroen C5 leaking fluid?

My 2008 Citroen C5 Tourer is leaking fluid. The leak is inline with the front wheels, but more on the driver's side. The fluid drips like water but has a oily texture to it with very little smell. Should...

Audi A3 gearbox problem

I've owned a 2009 Audi A3 from new. It has been serviced by Audi every year and has never given me any problems, with 47,000 miles on the clock. Recently it developed a horrible grating noise. I took...

Bought a faulty used car - what are my legal rights?

I bought a 2003 Audi A3 a few days ago. On the drive home, I noticed the car was noisy, with a heavy knocking noise whilst idling. I took it to a local garage who advise us the duel mass flywheel is damaged...

Buying a SUV auto - Nissan or Jeep?

I am looking to buy either a Nissan Qashqai 1.2 petrol automatic or a Jeep Renegade 1.4 multijet petrol semi-automatic, I only do about 10,000 miles, which car would be best?

Xsara Picasso central door locking problem

The central locking on my 15 year old Citroen Xsara Picasso has stopped working. The dash button doesn't lock the doors and the key only seems to lock the front doors. Can you offer any suggestions?

Problem with Nissan Juke trip computer

The range on our 2013 Nissan Juke 1.6 DiG-T is hopelessly inaccurate. Even with a full tank of fuel, the display will say 90 mile range. Two franchised dealers have told us that there is no fault code...

Engine destroyed due to spark plug failure

A few weeks ago the spark plug failed on my 2010 Ford Fiesta, damaging the engine in the process. As a result I've been told it will cost £3300 to repair the vehicle. It would appear that the third and...

Why is my spare wheel so small?

I bought a spare wheel and tyre for my Mazda 3. The normal tyres fitted are 205/60 R16 92V and the recommended temporary spare tyre is specified as T125/70 D16 96M. I knew that the temporary tyre was...

Suspension fault with new Citroen C3 Picasso?

I have a new Citroen C3 Picasso 1.6 diesel. I have covered roughly 1000 miles, but the car has developed a knocking/rattling noise from the front suspension, which you can feel through the clutch and brake...

Would you recommend a Tiguan?

I am looking for a used 4x4 for towing, with plenty of passenger space and a large boot. Should I get a Volkswagen Tiguan? If so, should I get a petrol or diesel? Or would you choose a different vehicle...

Why doesn't the stop-start function work on my car?

The stop-start, function on my two year old Mercedes-Benz SL350 AMG seems to work on a completely random basis. Some days it becomes operative after a journey of a mile while on others it will refuse to...

Buying a small car - what would you recommend?

Please can you recommend a small used automatic (petrol) car. The size should be similar to our existing Peugeot 106. I have £7000 to spend and need the car for city driving. It must be reliable, cheap...

Need an automatic seven-seater for £13k

I need to change my 2010 Skoda Octavia 1.4TSi DSG estate for an MPV, but am not sure what to get. I need a car that can transport six adults and a dog, although not necessarily all at the same time. I...

Which extended car warranty is best?

We are buying a six year old Ford Mondeo with 44,000 miles on the clock. We would like to get an extended warranty, but are confused as some warranties exclude wear and tear. Can you recommend a warranty...

How can I improve my Octavia's fuel economy?

I have a 2013 Skoda Octavia 2.0 diesel. However, while my old Octavia gave 65mpg, I find the new model to struggle to get past 50mpg. I understand that I can get the "brain" remapped? Is this true? Will...

Faulty SEAT Ibiza - what are my legal rights?

My local SEAT wants me to pay £960 to remove the engine and diagnose why the timing chain jumps, before they will discuss any compensation for the damage incurred. The dealer has already charged me £120...

Mini restoration nightmare - what are my rights?

Our classic Mini has been restored at a cost of £8500 in parts and labour. However, since getting the car back, we've discovered that it doesn't run. It also has a huge list of faults, We feel genuinely...

Buying a used Z4 - which engine is best?

I'm looking to buy a used BMW Z4. I would prefer a six cylinder so have ruled out the four pot turbo's My question is really which is the best engine between the 2.5 in the 23i and the 3.0 in the 30i...

Can you recommend a cheap sat nav system?

I have just bought a two year old Toyota Auris. It has everything except a built- navigation system. The Toyota dealer has quoted £750 to install. It seems a lot of money for an add on, is there a cheaper...

How can I get my lost deposit back?

Last week I agreed to buy a used Skoda Yeti. I paid a £1000 deposit and signed a form which seems to make the deposit non-refundable. I've now decided that I don't want a Skoda Yeti, but they won't return...

Driving a CVT - should I always change to N when in traffic?

I have driven automatic cars for years and have always changed to neutral when stopped at traffic lights. I now drive a car with CVT transmission and wanted to know if I should continue with this habit?

Which BMW is best - 316i or 320i?

Which is more economical to run, the BMW 316i or 320i ED? Also, which is a better tyre between Michelin Pilot Sport 3 and Goodyear F1 Asymmetric 2?

What should I check when buying a used Audi?

I'm planning to buy an Audi A3 from the year 2012 onwards. I'd like a diesel, but can't decide between the 1.6TDI or the 2.0TDI engine. Which is more economical? Does this two engine have fitted DPF on...

Can I get a good seven-seater for £10k?

I'm after a new family seven-seater for £10,000. Most are diesel but I don't do many miles and I am frightened of damaging the engine and filters. Can you suggest some suitable cars for £10k?

Can I avoid parking fines by coving my number plate?

Is it legal to avoid exorbitant parking penalties by removing or covering your number plate?

What should we replace our RAV4 with?

My wife has a 10 year old Toyota RAV4 and loves it. However, she now needs to replace it. What do you suggest she buys? It must have a high driving position and a petrol engine.

Should I replace my Renault with a Dacia?

I currently own a 20 year old Renault Espace diesel. It has been a brilliant family vehicle and covered more than 200,000 miles. Would a Dacia Logan Estate be a suitable replacement? I occasionally...

How reliable are hybrids?

Is hybrid technology reliable? I think thinking of buying a new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Will it be better than the diesel version?

What's the difference between metallic and non-metallic paint?

I am in a process of buying a new Volvo XC60. I want to get it in white, but cannot decide if I should opt for metallic or non-metallic. What do you think?

What's wrong with my C5?

My 2001 Citroen C5 petrol is losing power. It will tick-over find, but once you go above 3000rpm it will struggle. Any ideas?

Am I being shortchanged by my extended warranty?

I have a used car warranty on a 2006 Ford Fiesta.The service is due as a term of the warranty. The garage I bought it from have said they will book me in for a manufacturer's service. Yet the garage has...

What should I replace my Honda CR-V with?

I have a Honda CR-V which has done 100,000 miles and is six years old. The seats are starting to wear and it has just failed its MoT due to the handbrake cable needing replacing. I think it could be about...

Faulty Fiesta temperature gauge

The temperature gauge has stopped working in my 1995 Ford Fiesta. What is the most likely cause?

Electrical fault with Mercedes-Benz ML

I am having trouble with my 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class. Sometimes when I turn on the ignition the electronics do not turn on and the car will not start when engaged. If I turn the key off and try again...

Suggestions for a new small and tough car?

My wife drives a 2008 Ford Fiesta 1.2 petrol. She starts a new job soon and wants to replace it with something more powerful to cope with rural hills. £13,000 to spend, plus the trade in on the Ford. What...

How often should you change the oil in a hybrid?

We have a Hyundai i10 and do mainly short journeys adopting your recommendations regarding six monthly oil changes and higher grade fuel. Should we follow the same regime with our newly acquired 2014 Lexus...

Toyota Avensis Tourer maintenance advice needed

I own a Toyota Avensis Tourer (2009) diesel with 80,000 miles on clock. Can you please advise me whether I should have the timing chain changed along with the oil, water pump and tensioners? The economy...

Volvo C30 continuously going into limp mode

I have a 2008 Volvo C30, which has developed a fault that the garage seem unable to find. The car will suddenly flag up a warning saying "Reduced Engine Performance" and then go into Limp mode. If I pull...

BMW crankshaft worn out - what are my rights?

I have booked in my 2007 BMW 1 Series at a dealer for replacement of tensioner and timing chains. I have now been informed that the crank has worn out and needs replacement as well. BMW is asking around...

Should I fit 16-inch wheels to my Skoda Yeti?

I am buying a new Skoda Yeti 1.2 TSI SE. However, they only come with 17-inch wheels, would it be OK to fit 16s? I know they would give a softer ride.

Can you recommend a cheap second car?

I am looking for a second car for work/odd jobs that will otherwise ruin a new car. All it needs to be is cheap to run/buy and reliable. The top contenders are the last model Kia Rio 1.5 diesel and the...