Questions from June 2020
You've said that cars struggle with water leaks because the bulkhead drainage vents get blocked, but how do I find the vents to prevent this happening? The manual does not say.
The PCM (Porsche Communication Management) system in my recently purchased 997.2 is quite capable of interfacing with a smartphone, but it doesn't. I'm told by a Porsche main dealer that it probably just...
I'm about to buy a 2013 Volkswagen Golf Estate. I've looked through the service history and saw that the first owner changed the brake discs after 11,000 miles and haven't been changed since. The car is...
I'm trying to avoid buying a used car with bad reputation for water ingress. I don't want to paddle again, like with my last motor. Lately, it seems too many brands and models have this issue when looking...
I have 2011 Volkswagen Polo. The fuel gauge is showing full all the time. What's wrong?
I'm thinking of buying a Tesla but wonder if a PHEV would be more flexible on longer journeys. I'm also concerned about Tesla’s depreciation and cost of replacement batteries. If you could give me a steer...
I'm thinking of buying a 2016 Honda soon - either the Civic or HR-V. I have it down to the 1.6 diesel in each model. Currently it is just myself and partner but we're looking to start a family. Is the...
Which should I buy for towing, all terrain or all season? What's best for longevity and mainly grip? Thanks.
My 2017 BMW M240i still has its winter tyres on, but with lockdown easing I ought to get them changed. I'm not sure what summer tyres to choose - however - the winter tyres definitely make the ride a bit...
Do you know if Land Rover are planning hybrid versions of the Defender or Discovery?
Are there any electric panel vans, equivalent to a Citroen Relay or similar, available? If not, as I suspect, what would you recommend in the petrol vehicles, that meet ULEZ requirement of Euro 6. I ask...
Can you please advise on what would be a suitable used car to purchase for a taxi (in Dorset)? Our budget is £10,000. We would need an automatic and would be most grateful for your advice.
I'm looking at an Audi A6, Volvo V60, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Skoda Superb to replace my 2015 Volvo XC70. I require 4x4 and it must have very comfortable front seats with good lumbar support. Is there...
I'm considering buying either a 2007 Jaguar XJ6 with 160,000 miles or a 1998 XJ8 with 98,000 miles whilst I'm in Switzerland for 2-3 years. I'll cover approx 150 miles per day so comfort and ride enjoyment...
My son is a learner driver with full learner driver insurance. We were out driving the other day when an intoxicated driver went straight into the back of his car. The guy has admitted fault and all is...
My car was damaged recently. I contacted my insurance and they gave me two options: claim through them and I would have to pay my excess or go through a claims management company that they deal with at...
I want to buy an Audi Q5 petrol. We live in a rural area an do under 8000 miles a year. What would the advantage be to buy a hybrid?
I've had a Nissan Qashqai 1.2 from new for two years. I quite like the car but even after two years I still stall it, usually at an inconvenient moment. Maybe I'm too long in the tooth for the automatic/electric...
My 2.2 diesel Honda Civic is now eight years old with 120,000 miles of trouble-free motoring. But it's getting harder to get in an out of as I age. The new Civic is even worse. Honda has always given me...
I'm searching for a car (2018 onwards) that'll offer a relaxing drive. Which are the best and safest small cars (B segment) to travel with adults comfortably in the rear seats? It needs a decent boot,...
I'm a touring musician and I'm moving to a rural location. I have a budget of 12-15,000 and I'd like something very economical with good comfort. I have a load of kit, so need either an estate or a small...
I'm looking to get a small five-door car. My Fiat 500 is no longer practical. I want something similar in style. I'm an older lady but not in my head! Thanks.
I bought a new hybrid Subaru Forester at the end of March and did a 150-mile trip just before lockdown. Two weeks into lockdown, the low voltage alarm went off. My local garage came out and replaced battery....
I currently have a 2015 Dacia Sandero Stepway 1.5 diesel. I'm looking to change it this year. I don't drive long enough distances to warrant the diesel, but I do cover a lot of miles each year. The salesperson...
I drive a 2.0-litre petrol Volkswagen Tiguan and would like to change to a hybrid, but I have no off-road parking so plug-in is not an option. What would you suggest?
I’m looking to buy an older (2004 or 2005), three-door Toyota RAV4. I had a 2-litre petrol one some time back and miss its performance and agility around my local lanes. I have heard the diesels can be...
You once recommended a product that revives car seals. What was it?
The ivory leather on the driver's seat of my 2005 Subaru Outback has two yellow marks coinciding where my legs sit but as I wear blue denim jeans for 95 per cent of my waking hours, it can't be from clothing....
I just got a diesel 2018 Honda Civic with just 4500 miles on it. I'm only getting 39mpg. Should I put a fuel additive in?
I have had a lot of time on my hands during the lockdown and decided to give the car a good clean. It's metallic black so shows up virtually any marks. No matter how careful I am, the bodywork has marks...
I am thinking of buying a new Lexus RX450h. Is catalytic converter theft a problem with these cars or is it solely a problem on older Lexus models?
Are there delays from the DVLA with renewing driving licences?
Can you please recommend a small 4x4, automatic, hybrid? Our first choice was a new Suzuki Jimmy and we've been on several dealer waiting lists for over a year now and getting tired of waiting. Second...
My daughter has a 2015 Fiat 500 1.2-litre, which she's had it for two years. The transmission light has come on whilst driving, and the car completely stops and will not restart. We left the car for a...
What's the best small automatic?
I have a 1999 Toyota Yaris - the model without power steering. Is there a way to get power steering retrofitted? I really want this great runner to keep going. Thank you.
How do you establish if the mileage and service history is correct on a used car?
I'm looking for a used, compact SUV/crossover for around £14,000. I do mainly town driving and short motorway trips, so was thinking a petrol automatic would be best, but could also go with a slick manual....
I'm looking at a Suzuki Baleno 1.0 auto. Is it a good choice?
Several times I've tried to renew my licence online, each time I'm told that it's expired and the photo is out of date. Both are wrong; my licence expires in two weeks and my passport photo is only two...
At the moment we have a 180,000 mile diesel Volkswagen Golf for the short runs we do and a 60,000 mile diesel Honda Civic Tourer for the long runs and caravan trips. Every year, we do four caravan (1300kg)...
I was interested in the Kia Niro PHEV but I'm disgusted at the choice of colours. Is there another make that would give me everything the Niro offers: self parking, opening sun roof, all the sensors etc...
My wife and I have a 2015 Ford Kuga, which we are looking to replace it in the not too distant future. We enjoy the ride height and the practicalities of four wheel drive and we do not want an electric...
I'm looking to insure 17 year old twins on a 1999 year old Peugeot 206 - which they have been given to learn to drive in. Please could you provide recommendations of competitively priced insurance companies...
I'm going to change my Range Rover Velar shortly, after three years ownership. I'm considering another Velar, Alfa Stelvio or Maserati Levante. Are there any forthcoming model changes that I should be...
I have a BMW X5 40e. The lease is coming up for renewal and the new version is much more expensive. I'd like to know what you think of the nearest equivalent cars which may cost less. The main reason I've...
My father-in-law is 90 years of age. Within the last two years, he had two accidents which he said were not his fault but his insurance company paid out on the basis he was to blame and we think they were...
My wife and I drive 1000 miles a year between us. Should we buy the new Honda Jazz hybrid?
What car deals are out there to help NHS staff?
I have a 2017 Skoda Yeti 1.2 petrol auto on a four-year lease. I'm 76 years old, retired and active. I do about 8000 miles per year, mostly on country roads. Most of my driving is with my wife and/or collie...
 

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