What car for my varied needs?

My needs are varied. Most trips tend to be in the city with the occasional long trip and an annual journey to the Black Forest in Germany. I thought of a supermini estate (Pug 207SW), but people tell...

DPF problem in a Volkswagen Transporter

My 59 Volkswagen Transporter is very lumpy at tickover, is hesitatant to accelerate and smells 'hot.' Dealer says I should live with it! I'm not so sure, what do you think?

Automatic transmission failure after 30,000 miles

The automatic gearbox on my Zafira CDTI 1.9 has clapped out with just over 30,000 miles on the clock and just 2.5 months over the 3 year warranty. I have been advised by the Vauxhall dealer that Vauxhall...

Where to buy a second-hand 4x4 pick-up?

I'm looking for a second-hand 4x4 Pick-up for a new small business and would like to buy one from a dealer with some warranty. Am I living in Cloud Cuckoo Land or does such a place exist? I live on the...

Budget Winter Tyres - a warning

This is not so much of a question as a warning to anyone contemplating the fitment of winter tyres. Last week my daughter purchased 4 winter tyres for her Vauxhall Corsa from a well known internet tyre...

Speeding - mitigating circumstances?

I was recently sent a NIP and the speed limit was 40mph on this particular road,and was told I was doing 51mph. My SatNav gives me a different speed as to that of the van speedometer. Given that I...

Buying a hybrid. Which one?

I would like to buy a new Hybrid. Should it be a Jazz, Insight or Prius? When will the plug in Prius be on sale and is it worth the wait? Space is not important. The Honda CRZ is a non starter as it's...

petrol or diesel for fuel economy?

I'm looking to buy a replacement family sized car in the new year, I want something good on fuel econonmy and am considering a diesel. I feel that if I can get good mpg it will encourage me to drive further...

At what mileage should I get my Golf's cam belt changed?

I own a VW Golf 2001, this car has 78,000 miles and the cam belt has not been replaced. Could you please give me an idea of what it costs to replace a cam belt?

Choosing petrol or diesel for fuel economy

I own a 2004 Renault Scenic Expression DCi 86 and i'm looking to replace with 2011 Scenic with similar performance. My annual mileage is now reduced from 17,000 in 2004 to around 12,000 in 2011. 80%...

Should the dealer pay more for my repairs?

I bought a Ford Ka 1999 with 85,000 miles on the clock from a local dealer and after two days the clutch went on it. So I phoned the car dealer and we agreed to go halfs on the repair and his mechanic...

Buying a new car

I'm looking to buy one of the following - Volvo V60, Peugeot 508, Citroen C5, Toyota Avensis. Looking for a comfortable, reliable, safe car. I've driven German cars over the years, but hate the harsh...

Has my Kangoo got a DPF?

Which, if any, from your list of possible problems for EU5 diesels applies to my van: Kangoo SL17 DCi70+ on a 54 plate. I do annual mileage below 5000 and mainly short journeys. I know mine is not an EU5...

Buying a small petrol automatic

I'm looking for a small car with a reliable petrol engine and auto box costing between £3-5k.

Aggressive wheel clamper

I'm sorry, this is a bit long, but I'm pretty wound up about this. I drive a commercial van for my own business, which is film and video making. 4 days ago on a new project in Bristol I arrived as agreed...

Heater not working on a Ford Ka

I'm having problems with my girlfriends's Ka - the heater has stopped working completely. It dosent work at all on any number, I have checked all the fuses - all fine. All I can find is info on how to...

Changing my car - X-Trail or new Mazda CX-5?

My present X-Trail has given me no problems and has done only 42k miles. As it is coming up to 8 years old should I change it and if so to a new XTrail? Or what? Ineed comfort and easy access and room...

Good Ford Garage Recommendation

In 2009 I purchased a used 2008 Ford CMax petrol from Sandiclife Ford main dealer at Welford Road Leicester. Recently the ESP warning light stayed on and Sandiclife diagnosed a faulty abs unit which would...

Is "wewantanycar.com" genuine?

I recently saw an advert for "wewantanycar.com" Do you know anything about this firm?

Outstanding finance problem

Got a 2006 Vauxhall Corsa C on Finance from Evans Halshaw and through Black Horse, I was 18 just passed my test and wanted a good first car, was willing to pay the £147 a month they wanted, had no problems....

Is buying a diesel safe?

I currently drive a BMW 3 Series ('99), but due to a new job am considering buying a diesel (2004 1.7CDTI Vauxhall Astra) - mainly due to the difference in cost betwen petrol and diesel. I currently do...

Synthetic or semi-synthetic oil?

I am confused by the answers I am getting from different garages and forums about oil. We have a 1992 Peugeot 205 1.9 GTI which was made to use standard oil. We converted it at the main dealer to semi...

Tyre sizes - what weight and speed do I need?

Our Golf 1.6 fsi petrol has non standard 17" wheels fitted from new. The fronts need replacing but none of the tyres (Dunlop) give any more info than 225, 45, 17. Do you know the speed/weight rating. It...

Fiesta vs Polo

Is there much of a difference in speed and refinement between an 82ps Fiesta and 70ps VW Polo?

Slipping S MAX clutch

Clutch appears to be slipping when carrying heavy loads (ie 7 people in car) and accelerating out of 3rd gear. The car, a Ford S-MAX, is only two years old, 22,000 miles. Ford dealership giving speech...

Buying a used family estate

I am looking to change my 06 2.0tdi Passat estate for a used estate / mpv / crossover in the sub £10k bracket. Everytime I think I have cracked it, I seem to find poor owner reviews. Having had persistent...

Suspension issues on XC90

I've had intermittent knocks and creaks from the driver's side front suspension. I left this until the car had its 4th year service today. It's done 30,400 miles. Volvo dealership noted the bad creaking...

What's more reliable?

Would you buy a pre-reg Insignia Auto for £16000 with delivery mileage or a hybrid Auris or Prius? I am 61 years old and not doing more than 5000 miles per annum. Would you suggest an alternative?

Vauxhall Omega 2.2 CD Auto Gearbox Problem

I have an old Vauxhall Omega 2.2 CD Auto, which has developed a slight shudder at 50/55 mph. In addition to this, if I rest my hand on the selector, I can feel vibration and movement through the lever...

Audi A7 or Land Rover Discovery?

I have an Audi A5 3.0 TDI quatro which I bought following advice from you three years ago. It is time to replace it and I need something bigger. The two options are the Audi A7 or the Landrover Disco 4. My...