Questions from July 2010
I have an E46 BMW 330D M Sport Touring auto in metallic black with a full range of extras (sat nav, TV, electric leather memory seats, xenons etc). It is a 2002 model, one previous owner with 108,000 miles...
I need to replace the two front tyres on my 2007 Lexus GS300. The car has only done 19,000 miles so I am going to get the tracking checked first. Once this has been checked, and realigned if necessary,...
I have a 2009 Citroen Dispatch 1.6-litre turbo diesel van. It's not yet due for a service on its factory oil (less than 500 miles). One of the staff topped up the oil with mineral oil 15/40 grade CC (as...
I have a 2002 Vauxhall Vectra C, 2.2DTi with 111,000 miles on the clock. When I start the car there is a squealing noise, which rises and falls with the revs for the first 10 to 15 seconds of running,...
I have a 2002 Renault Clio II 1.5 diesel. I would like to know why it produces black smoke? We have replaced the turbo, which was faulty. While driving the acceleration decreases and lots of black smoke...
I have a Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 which is on an 05 plate. On Friday I was travelling down the motorway at 70mph when the engine management light came on. It started flashing and the car lost power. I pulled...
I'm contemplating purchasing a 2001 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 16v SXI with 110,000 miles for my son and I need some advice. Can these cars can cope with high mileage? Apart from the cam belt change, what else...
I have been quoted £450 to have my new BMW 5 Series protected - this seems very expensive and I am doubtful that it is worth the money, as the car will be low mileage and will be kept in a garage. I recall...
We have an Audi A4 3.0 convertible on an 04 plate which has done 55,000 miles. The car now only does approx 5000 miles a year. Audi advises that the cambelt is changed every 80,000 miles, but doesn't give...
Please can you tell me how I calculate the wheel and tyre size for a 2005 Volvo V70? I want to put winter tyres on steel wheels for the coming winter. Clearly, the wheels will be a smaller diameter than...
I have a Mercedes-Benz C180 which I bought from new in late 2002. It has a full Mercedes-Benz service record. Despite its age, the car only has 17,000 miles on the clock. I had the car serviced recently...
A short time ago I asked you about the relative merits of two cars my wife was considering as her next Motability car. These were the Skoda Roomster SE 1.2 TSI DSG and the KIA Soul 2 1.6 CRDI automatic....
I took delivery of a used Mercedes-Benz C-Class and have only just read your article. The car is a C180 Elegance and is dated 11/08/2000 in the EEC certificate of conformity. Initial registration 16/1/01....
My wife needs to replace her Peugeot 206 automatic. It suits her because, due to arthritis, she is unable to press the button on the gear lever used to unlock the park mode. Instead, the brake pedal has...
My daughter bough a Ford Fiesta Zetec just over a year ago. It's in very good condition and quite fast. She hadn't noticed that the oil was running low. She had a major service about two months ago. They...
I did fancy an Audi A4 diesel or a Volkswagen equivalent but I am finding the used prices very high. Can you recommend an equally reliable and worthy diesel of this size for £2000 - £3000? I assume there...
I have the chance to purchase my company car which is a BMW 2006 5 Series 2.0D SE Tourer. The car has 84,500 miles on the clock and I would like your advice on whether this would be a sensible purchase,...
The other day I found that all three of my brake lights have stopped working. I've done the usual checks - fuse, bulbs. No other lights are affected - the indicators, reverse, fog and side lights all work....
I am considering purchasing a new Skoda Fabia 1.2 TSI automatic for my wife. I understand that they will be available in a few months time. Could you please advise me of the technical specification and...
I have a 2010 Volkswagen Touran 2.0 TDI. The rear lights mist up after washing. Volkswagen says this is normal. Turning on the lights will dry them out. The AA says it is a problem. If I wanted the lights...
My Volkswagen Passat Estate (petrol) bought new in March 2006 and now with 37,200 miles on the clock would only start intermittently. The vehicle has a full service history and always serviced by a Volkswagen...
My grandson is in the motor trade (a qualified technician) and is of the opinion that sole use of top grade fuel, eg Shell V-Power diesel, is damaging to the engine. Is there any truth in this?
My daughter is desperate. She has an 06 reg 2.0 TDCI Ford S-Max which intermittently takes several minutes to start from hot or cold. Her dealer has had the car several times, including whilst it was in...
I was using my Mercedes-Benz C-Class 200 for about three hours and it was working very well. I switched the car off for about one minute and then it wouldn't start again. The electrics are ok but the car...
I have a small (I hope) problem in that my Citroen C5 2.2hdi SX estate's (2003/52 plate) rear suspension loses height when left parked for a few hours. Once I activate the door unlock it quickly returns...
I am looking for a first car, around the £1000-£2000 mark. It has to be able to carry four kayaks on the roof and seat four passengers, and possibly even sleep two in the boot. Ideally I would like an...
I've changed the catalyst, charcoal canister, lambda senser, map senser, also checked the rubber tubes in the engine bay. Is there anything I can do to solve this? I've just failed an MOT.
Just back from a week's holiday driving around Scotland in my 2002 Renault Clio II 1.5 DCI 65bhp, which ran like a sewing machine. It did nearly 1000 miles without any problems. I got up today and washed...
Do you think 36mpg in city an acceptable consumption, or is it too high for a 1.9 PD TDI Volkswagen Bora six-speed, 130 bhp model?
I've just recently bought a 52-plate Peugeot 307 SW 2.0 petrol and found that the petrol gauge isn't working. Also, the anti-pollution light is on. Any help please?
I have a Toyota Hilux HL3 07-reg and have been towing my trailer fine. I recently purchased an Equitrek trailer which has an unladen wight of 1400kg and gross of 2600kg. My horses weigh around 1000kg so...
As much as I love the comfort of the 520i BMW, it has a thirst greater than Dean Martin! I have decided, therefore that it has to go. I drive about 11,000 miles a year, a combination of town and motorway...
My sister is starting a job with a reputable energy company, and she feels that she needs to drive something economical and efficient. However, my mother wants her to drive something as safe as possible....
My wife and I are buying a new Skoda Fabia Estate and have been offered GAP insurance for £250. What do you think about such insurance? Is it worthwhile? We're not reckless drivers, but a previous car...
How does the insuance company come to own the salvage after an accident? My wife recently had an altercation with another vehicle which resulted with an outcome that the claim was given as 50-50. We then...
My son recently purchased a secondhand car from a dealership in Dundee. When we first looked at the car we were pleasantly surprised at the condition of the vehicle and did not spot odd tyres on each wheel....
I purchased a new Toyota Yaris TR 1.4 D4D January 2009 and after approximately 125 miles the gearbox output shaft rear bearing shattered, resulting in a vehicle recovery. My request for a replacement gearbox...
I have a BMW X5 '05 plate with 77,000 on the clock. Last night there was black smoke coming from the car, which then resulted in a scary scenario where the engine was running off its own oil at full revs...
I have received a renewal application for my photocard driving licence which has now expired. However, my paper licence does not expire until 2015. Am I legally allowed to drive on this paper licence or...
In January 2011 my wife and I are taking an extended holiday in New Zealand. We will be away from mid January until early April. We have two cars, a Mitsubishi Colt 1.0 petrol and a BMW 320d Touring. What...
I recently bought a 2003 Vauxhall Zafira 1.6 and it came with no user manual. Do you know where or how I could get hold of one?
I bought a 1999 Ford Mondeo 1.8i two weeks ago for £895 from a dealer. I was told it would be serviced and, for them, safety was paramount and that I would not have a problem with this car. At first I...
I recently bought a Honda Accord 2007 2.2 CDTi Sport and cannot use the hands-free telephone, as it says the system is locked. I tried contacting the previous owner but it turns out it was a lease vehicle...
I'm considering selling my W-reg Alfa Romeo 156 Selespeed (owned from new and a sheer joy) for a new Giulietta. There's a firm on the web which is offering more than £2000 off dealer list price, and although...
Can you modify the Hilux to be able to increase its towing capacity above 2250kg?
My 2004 Vauxhall Vectra 1.9 TDCI won't start in the mornings. I've changed the battery twice, changed the alternator and both have been checked, no lights left on during night, but my electric windows...
Can you advise what the target price should be for a one-year-old 59-plate Ford Titanium TDI (either 1.4/1.6) diesel? I am a cash buyer and I'm being given various offers from £11,500 to £15,000.
My wife recently purchased a brand new Audi TT 2.0TFSI Coupe. After just 800 miles, a constant hissing noise developed from around the brake pedal. We took the car into the dealer we purchased it from,...
Can anybody answer if the 2007 Suzuki Jimny is prone to skidding on a wet road surface? My wife skidded on leaving a roundabout- speed circa 15mph - and the car ended up facing the wrong way.
I am interested in buying a 2007 Fiat Panda 1.2 Dynamic. I have arranged to view it and, if still interested, I will test drive it tomorrow morning. Please advise what the maximum price I should pay for...
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