Is the Vauxhall Insignia prone to gearbox trouble?

I am thinking of buying a six month old Vauxhall Insignia 1.4T, but during the test drive I struggled to get it into the gears. After five mins it seemed to be okay. Is this a known issue?

Chrysler Voyager fault codes - what do they mean?

I have a 2004 Chrysler Voyager diesel auto, which I've owned for three months. It seemed fine, until recently, when it started making a clonk noise and stalling under heavy acceleration. Two fault codes...

How can I get the most for my Saab 9-5?

I own a 20011 Saab 9-5 Aero, which has only 14,000 miles on the clock, making it one of the lowest mileage Saabs in the UK. Is there an optimum time/mileage to sell the vehicle?

Cambelt or chain cam?

Am interesting changing my car for a small turbo engine, like to Up but that is a cam belt and also looking at the Kia/Hyundai 1.0l turbo engine in the i20 or new Rio, is this engine chain or belt cam?...

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 Twist starting problems - what is it?

Trying to start the Golf the engine starts to turn then the message CLUTCH appears on the display and the car will not start. Sometimes changing the key sorts it out, sometimes not. Once I can get the...

Volvo V70 windscreen problems - what could it be?

I have recently purchased a 2011 Volvo V70 D5 privately. It has 65,000 miles on the clock and a full Volvo dealer service history. It was only recently serviced by a main dealer six weeks ago. I have noticed...

Need a practical car with good access for elderly passenger - any ideas?

I am planning to change my car soon. I'm currently driving a Honda Civic 2.2 diesel. I've had it eight years and love it. Sadly it is no longer suitable for my elderly mother of 86 and small neurotic terrier....

Looking for a hybrid on Motability - what should I get?

I'm due to replace my current Motability car soon. I test drove a BMW i3 the other day and really like it, however it is not available on Motability, so I would like to know what else would be a suitable...

Need a used family car with good re-sale value

We need a used car for a couple of months. We will then want to re-sell it as I will receive a company car. I've £5000 to spend but will want to get as much back for it in two months time. What do you...

Buying a new car - what would you recommend?

I'm thinking of changing my car over the next few months. I am interested in what you would recommend based on the following: -I drive approx. 22,000 miles per anum, mostly on motorway. -Usually on my...

Has the Emission Scandal affected the value of my Tiguan?

What is going on with Volkswagen? We've had yet another (fourth) letter saying the technical fix for our Tiguan still isn't ready - although I know they're recalling Passats which I'm sure have the same...

Can I mix the tyres on my Mazda MX-5?

I have been advised by my local garage that I can mix the two Yokohama tyres fitted to my Mazda MX-5 with two Bridgestone tyres. Is this correct?

Why does my Nissan Navara need a new DPF?

I own a 2016 Nissan Navara, which needs a new DPF after just four months. This is my 4th Navara and never had issues before. There is no mention of the driving standards or shorter journeys in user manual....

Fiat 500 - keep or sell?

I currently drive a TwinAir Fiat 500, for a mixture of motorway and city driving, and I love it. But in a few months I start a new job which involves an 80 mile round trip on the motorway every day and...

Can we reject our used car?

I bought a used (2009 model) Vauxhall Corsa from a local dealer six months ago. The salesman advised that all cars were thoroughly checked and in good condition (would not sell them otherwise etc.). Have...

Do I have to declare a no-fault claim when getting an insurance quote?

Somebody hit my girlfriend's car whilst it was parked on the street, damaging the front wing/bumper and requiring £1000 repairs including labour. The driver of the other car very kindly left a note and...

Need an executive car with a smooth ride

I have a Lexus GS300H at the moment on 17-inch wheels. I'd like to replace it with something that provides a smoother ride over rough roads. Would I be better off with something like a Lexus NX or anther...

Who's liable for my car's faulty cam belt?

I own a 2011 Renault Grand Scenic with the 1.5-litre diesel engine. I was advised to change the cam belt as the mileage was over 80k and the car was five years old. I bought a cam belt kit and had it fitted...

Renault Megane stop/start problems - cause?

I regularly follow your Q&A page and was wondering if you could help me. I have a 2013 Renault Megane 1.5 DCI Coupe with Stop/Start and recently the system has failed to operate and I get the error "Check...

Can I reject a car over a damaged wheel?

I bought a Ford Mondeo from a local car dealer eight days ago for £10k. It is due to go back tomorrow to have an alloy wheel repaired. When I looked today I could not find the security nut and do not believe...

What type of auto 'box does the Focus use?

Having read up on the internet and examined the new Focus brochure, I am unclear about what type of automatic gearbox this vehicle has. The brochure describes a diesel Focus as having a "Powershift six-Speed...

Rejecting a used car - how can I get all of my money back?

Further to previous correspondence with you regarding the ongoing issues with my Peugeot 508. Car purchased beginning of July this year: 2.0 HDI 140 Further to your advice on demanding a courtesy car...

BMW active cruise control does not detect stationary cars - is it a fault?

I bought a new BMW 420D Gran Coupe seven months with active cruise control. The system detects the car in front and maintains a safe distance, would I thought be a useful safety feature. However, since...

How can I prep my car for winter storage?

I'll be taking my 2008 reg 1.6 VVT Renault Megane cabrio off the road for the winter. It'll be stored in a good dry garage and the petrol tank will be full and dosed with inhibitor treatment. Handbrake...

Bought a pre-reg car, but don't have the logbook

I note in your column in Saturday's Telegraph that you said NOT to buy a car if you did not get the logbook immediately, even if pre-reg. I feel that at 71 yrs old I have been a fool as I have purchased...

Which tyres are best for Hyundai i10?

My Hyundai i10 is on lease and I'm looking for its first set of tyres. The sidewalls say 86 XL load rated but the websites always say they are 86 standard rating of which there seems less choice, will...

Who's liable for my BMW's faulty timing chain?

I purchased a used (2009) BMW 3 Series Touring 320D 10 months ago from a Lexus dealer. At purchase it had only 16,000 miles on the clock and a full BMW history. I received a 12 month warranty, although...

Best summer tyre for Volvo XC90?

The factory spec summer tyres for my Volvo XC90 are no longer in production (Continental Cross Contact 235/60/18 103V) and I will shortly need to replace them. Volvo Customer Care has advised that I contact...

Buying a Mazda CX-5 - which model would you go for?

After many years with Skoda (and 4+ with Yeti), I'm thinking of changing this week for a Mazda CX-5. I have narrowed the choice to two cars locally (both from franchised dealers). Both are SE-L Nav spec....

Does a manufacturer's warranty include battery cover?

My Nissan Qashqai is now 18 months old. Will the manufacturer's warranty cover me if the battery needs replacing?

Has the clutch gone on my Ford Galaxy?

I own a 2003 Ford Galaxy diesel, which refuses to change gear when the engine is on. Could this be a faulty clutch?

EGR valve failure on Volkswagen Golf

I have just paid £1365 to have a new set of EGR Valves fitted to my 2012 Golf Estate 1.6 TDI. Both the dealer and Volkswagen customer care refused help with the costs. I find this unreasonable given that...

When will the facelifted Dacia Sandero go on sale?

A friend of mine is interested in buying the facelift version of the Dacia Sandero coming soon. Will it be available before April 2017, as he doesn't want to pay £140 road tax?!

What is your opinion of the 1.6 Automatic gearbox fitted to the Hyundai ix20 1.6 petrol

What is your opinion of the 1.6 Automatic gearbox fitted to the Hyundai ix20 1.6 petrol ?

MoT failure over suspension

I'm thinking of buying a used Audi A5; however, DVLA records show that the car failed a recent MoT due to: -Nearside front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint front joint...

Need an automatic with grip control - any recommendations?

Can you tell me which manufacturers other than Peugeot and Renault offer a grip control system? We're struggling to find one with a decent automatic gearbox or navigation?

Mini/BMW fitment run flat tyres - do they come as all-seasons?

I have a Mini Countryman SD auto. It has 205/55/17 runflat tyres. I need to replace the front tyres. Do I need to stick to a BMW fitment runflat or can I choose another runflat without the star? Also,...

Which hybrid SUV is best?

I live in the Dartmoor National Park and need a sturdy, reliable and capable vehicle that will cope with the local steep and untreated winter roads. For the past 12 years I have used the Land Rover Discovery...

Audi A4 engine warning light - what does it mean?

I'm looking to buy a 2006 Audi A4. The engine warning light remains on when started but the car drives fine. What could this issue be? Emissions and/or Cat problem only? Or something more costly?

Vauxhall Antara Fuel Gauge/Sender Problems - what's the cause?

I had a Vauxhall Antara and have had an intermittent problem with my fuel gauge dropping off occasionally to read empty even if the tank is full. Unfortunately, now on start up the gauge reads just over...

Volvo C30 needs a need engine - where do I get one?

My daughter owns a 2008 Volvo C30 1.6 diesel. Our local garage has told us that a shell on the crankshaft has disintegrated and the quickest and cheapest thing to do would be to replace the engine at a...

Do you think it is poor to have steering rack replacement at 65k miles?

Do you think it is poor to have steering rack replacement at 65k miles? Steering has always been poor and 'unconnected' on my BMW X3 since new. Constant correction is required. I believe this is common...

Volkswagen Golf has developed a gearbox squeal

I've had my Volkswagen Golf SV for 10 months from new and the DSG seven-speed automatic gearbox has developed a squeal when pulling away in a low gear. The problem only occurs when the engine/gearbox is...

Which is the better used buy - Golf, Astra GTC or Focus?

I'm looking at buying a used car. I am trying to upgrade my 10 year old SEAT Ibiza - so looking for something stylish and quick/fun to drive - but also reliable and fairly economical as I do a fair amount...

Should we fit non run flat tyres to our BMW Z4?

My partner's BMW Z4 came on Bridgestone Potenza run flat tyres and, although she loves the car, we both find the ride to be wanting. It doesn't ride anywhere near as well as my Skoda Octavia vRS. Would...

Buying a Jaguar F-Type - which wheel size is best?

I will shortly be ordering a new Jaguar F-Type S coupe. I have seen you comment many times on wheel sizes so could I ask whether you would recommend 19 or 20-inch wheels?

Michelin CrossClimate tyres for a Kia Rio - can you recommend them?

My sister has a top of the range 2014 Kia Rio. She likes the car but has always complained about the ride and tyre noise. She is now disappointed with the tyre wear (Continental) and needs a replacement...

Porsche 911 starting problems

I've recently purchased a low mileage and fairly mint Porsche 911, 997 manual. However, there is a slight starting problem, sometimes it turns over a couple of times and then stops, turn the key off and...

Rejecting a lease car - can you tell what I need to do?

Hi John & Team - I recently leased a Nissan Qashqai, but just 3 weeks into the term it started failing when trying to change gear (albeit on an intermittent basis). After lots failed attempts at getting...

Is the Isuzu Rodeo a reliable used buy?

I am thinking of buying a 2009 Isuzu Rodeo 3.0-litre diesel. It has 70,000 miles on the clock. The garage let me put it up on the ramp and I noticed some oil staining (not visibly dripping) around the...