Battery goes flat if the key is left in

why does the battery go flat if the key is left in the ignition even though the switch is in the off position?

Private Comapny PCN

Received a PCN from Parking eye for overstaying in a carpark by 8 minutes. I had visited dentist on a sit and wait emergency appointment and 2 days later received the PCN. Like a fool (and I realise now)...

What MPV for seven?

I'm looking to buy a bigger family car. Ideally we would like to have 5 proper seats with the pop-up style rear seats which turn it into a 7 seater (it's fine that these are small as they will mostly...

Can you recomend a reliable manual tyre pressure gauge?

I use 3 modes of transport: a small van (tyre pressure 35psi) a motor scooter ( 25 & 30psi) & a cycle (80psi). I have tried 3 different tyre pressure gauges:- an analogue one; a small hand digital one...

Why do insurers act like they do?

Dear Honest John To say I don't really like insurers is an understatement. We pay them to take on our risks then they'll find any and every opportunity to trip us up and avoid paying out when the needs...

Downsizing from a Renault Scenic

I have had two Renault Scenics but now want to downsize. Must be automatic and, as I have disabled passenger, I need a higher seating position than a normal saloon or hatchback. I rarely carry more than...

Replacing a Bongo

What would be a good replacement for my wife's Ford Freda (Bongo variant) with sliding doors, at least 7 full-size seats, but an improved ability to get into car parks? Difficult decision, but the Bongo...

Car won't start sometimes and is full of condensation.

Have left the car only twice for 7 & 5 days and it failed to start both times , been checked out by Volkswagon who can't identify any problem. Also have ongoing problem with excessive condensation, also...

Porsche 996 collapsible spares single use?

I am being told by my Porsche dealer that my 996 Turbo's spare (collapsable) tyre cant be collapsed back into its original pack/shape and put back into the front-boot having been used once. I had a flat...

My parking charge has gone up because it was dated wrong

Following your recent advice over a Parking Charge Notice I received , I decided that I should pay the charge of £60, when I went on to the website to pay, their system showed the charge was now £120,...

I want a genuine part fitted under my insurance claim.

I want an OEM replacement windscreen but insurance company want to fit a cheaper aftermarket windscreen as the car is nearly 4 years old. As it's a Mercedes-Benz I am saying no, due to auto lights and...

What should I look out for when buying an S40?

I am going to be looking at a 2004 Volvo S40 1.9D manual with 22,000 miles on the clock, backed-up with a Full Volvo Service History and all the paperwork. It is a 1-owner car from new and has been owned...

A reliable small auto?

Due to budget restrctions I am looking for a cheap to buy (say £4000) cheap to run automatic, which will be driven about 800 miles a week, possibly more, mostly on motorways. Because of high mileage it...

Why is there no 2.4-litre CR-V in the UK?

Any clues as to why Honda has chosen not to offer the CR-V with the 2.4Litre or even the American 2.5Litre option?

What fun car?

Thinking of buying a fun car - Mazda MX5, Toyota MR2 or MGF. Spending between £2000-3000. What's best?

Rights with a faulty

A relative bought a Hyundai i10 from a dealer near Portsmouth 18 months ago and was persuaded by that dealer to change it after 12 months - this one is now nearly six months old but she has had it on the...

Petrol or diesel executive car?

I do short journeys, mostly up to 4 miles, with occassional long journeys. I like BMW 5 Series or maybe C-Class estates and prefer 6 cylinder engines. My dilemma is this: Will diesel engines inhibit and...

Best tyres for a Scenic?

Please can you tell me what are the best tyres to put on my Spanish LHD Renault Scenic? It is a 1.5 Dci comfort. I seem to have what I think is too much road noise. The local Renault garage has checked...

Should I buy my company Audi A3?

Should I buy my company car? I am changing jobs and will have have to return my leased A3 sportback diesel (170) SE back to the compancy and pay an early termination charge of around £2k or I can buy it...

Buying a car for winter

My husband is looking to replace our current S-Max with a car that will cope with snow and ice. He is looking at the Land Rover Discovery. We don't necessarily need 7 seats any more. Is there anything...

Selling with a warning light at auction

I plan to sell my car at an auction. It was bought new, however, it's always had issues which the dealer or an authorised garage were unable to find or resolve. I even involved Toyota GB but their inspection...

Potholes

I recently suffered £900.00 of damage to my trike after hitting a deep pothole near where I live. I wrote to the Council explaining what had happened and attached a copy of the bill from the repairer,...

What economical car?

I have just moved house and we are using our cars differently. I need to replace out city runaround, an 03 plate fiesta with 150k on the clock with a decent motorway car. I need it to be economical, so...

Which tyre for my Fabia?

I need to get new tyres for my Fabia (165/70R14 T81) and would like to buy the tyres with the best potential for high mileage. At the moment the information is pointing to Michelin Savers or maybe Bridgestone...

What large luxury estate?

I am looking to buy a used large luxury estate (eg Mercedes E Class) that also offers ease of access to front passenger seat. I have a budget of up to £30k. I would welcome your suggestions.

Is this car a good choice?

Is a Honda Accord 1.8 x-reg, 22k, full service history, leather upholstory, a good "risk"

Does my VW California have a DPF?

How do I found out if my 2011 VW California 2.0lt Diesel is fitted with a DPF?Because I am trying to sort out the recommended engine oil.

Hiring a car in Italy - confused.

Two ladies wish to hire a car from Perugia airport. We have tried several sites but are very confused about the insurance. We cannot afford to pay too much but do not want to end up with a bill for damages...

Buying a repaired Cat D write off?

I am considering buying a Fiat Panda 1.1 eco 2009[59 plate] with 6k miles only CAT D repaired Insurance write off. Question is - are there any drawbacks and how much is it actually worth? Seller is...

Wheel wobble on CR-V - a thank you

I asked last month for some help with a wheel vibration situation on my CR-V. After taking your advice and swapping tyres around front and back also eliminating one tyre at a time. I found two tyres...

Injector issue with a 1.6 Passat diesel?

Car just over 3 yrs old, under 40,000 miles. Two fuel injectors are faulty. This is not the model subject to a TR, so what chance getting some goodwill out of VW given age and low mileage?

Failed DMF on a Mondeo

I have a Mondeo 2.0 Titanium X TDCi, registered in 2008, I have had the car since new (July 2008) and have been the only driver. The car has just had its Dual Mass Flywheel and clutch replaced as they...

Adjusting Megane headlights?

How can I adjust the headlamps on my Renault Megane?

MG cooling issues

Could you please tell me why the water keeps boiling in my MGZR 160? It doesn't do this when driveing only when stationary

Is this fuel economy normal

I bought a 2006 Mondeo TDCI. It's running perfectly and has just had a major service. I'm only achieving just over 120 miles per 1/4 tank and thats on motorway doing 70-80 mph in 6th gear. Trip computer...

Is rising oil level a symptom of a DPF fault?

In September 2010 we bought a new Skoda Yeti diesel. All was well for a few months, then the diesel particulate filter light started coming on. We had the filter cleared professionally but it happened...

Is V-power suitable for use in my Skoda Octavia?

Is there any benefit in using Shell V-Power diesel in my new Octavia 1.6 DSG or is it intended more for high performance cars? I only do about 6000 miles a year.

Why do Audi charge so much for their accessories and extras?

Erin Baker recently gave a fascinating review of the options on an Audi A6 Avant. I have engaged myself with a similar quest. I look carefully at options prior to spending my hard-earned on what is essentially...

Does our Renault Clio really need a new cambelt?

The local Renault garage is recommending that we change the cam belt on our five-year-old Renault Clio at the next service, at a cost of £430. We have only done 15,000 miles. The car is used daily. Is...

Should I buy a Toyota Yaris which has been used for towing?

I am trying to buy my first car and have come across an ideal Toyota Yaris 1.0 VVT-I T2, priced at £3850. It looks great inside, is five years old and has only done 33,000 miles. My only concern is the...

Which left-hand drive car should we buy to take to Paris?

My husband and I moved to Paris recently and, because of this, our much-loved black 2003 Volkswagen Passat needs to be replaced as it is prohibitively expensive to register on French plates. We would like...

Why are fuel prices so different in continental Europe to the UK?

Can you explain why the concept of supply and demand in terms of diesel and petrol prices is turned on its head in continental Europe, where the price of petrol exceeds that of diesel? The situation seems...

Is a Jaguar XF suitable for high mileage use?

I have been thinking of changing my Octavia vRS (petrol) due to my high mileage of 25,000 per year, and I am very wary of buying a manual due to DMF failure. I am lucky enough to have some money available...

Can I stop during an average speed camera zone to reduce my average speed?

I recently bought a 2.0-litre Peugeot 206 and am delighted with its performance. I also own a 1955 Morris Minor. On a local section of dual carriageway there is an irritating average speed restriction...

Would like to part exchange my Jaguar for a Peugeot 407 - is this a good deal?

I am thinking about swapping my 50,000 mile 1999 Jaguar S-Type V8 for a 2008 Peugeot 407 Coupe 2.7 V6 HDi Sport with 29,000 miles. I am trying to get the dealer to accept part exchange of the S-Type, but...

Why does my new Toyota RAV4 return such poor fuel economy?

I read with interest your comment about fuel economy and that no car will match the published figures. I bought a RAV4 (our third) in December 2011 from new. One of the reasons I purchased another RAV4...

Should I use the 'Hyundai First' service in case of an accident or theft?

I have just bought a new Hyundai ix20. I see that in the event of an accident or vehicle theft I am strongly advised to call ‘HYUNDAI FIRST’ before contacting my insurance company. Are you aware of any...

I want to replace my Yaris with a car with a larger boot - what do you suggest?

I am a lady in my late sixties who plays a lot of golf. In 2005 I bought a new Toyota Yaris 1.3 and it is a very practical and reliable little car, perfect for short trips. However, to fit my clubs and...

I need a new company car for high mileage driving - what do you suggest?

I do about 25,000 miles a year and I need to replace my 250,000 miles V70, which will be very, very sad. I could go for a company car (a manual Insignia) but I don't really want to be in a car scheme....

Thanks for recommending SureSell to sell my Fiat Panda.

I would like thank you for your excellent advice on how to sell my Fiat Panda. Suresell sold it for £3500 net of their charges and it was hassle-free. I received the cheque yesterday. Thank you for your...