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Questions from March 2011
I am thinking of importing a used Lexus RX hybrid, and I have come across the website of Algy's Motors, Bristol. Do you have any knowledge of this company, and should I do business with them?
I purchased Ford Focus via finance last Saturday. I picked up the car Tuesday and took it back misfiring with the engine management light flashing. The garage replaced a sensor which took two days. I...
I'm looking to buy an automatic that is big enough to take 5 adults at a push. It also needs a boot big enough to carry a greyhound. A low tax and insurance would be beneficial if possible. Not bothered...
I have an intermittent problem with the handbrake on my 2004 Renault Grand Scenic, and Renault say the motor in it is broken. What should I do?
We have a 4 year old and we have twins due in June. We currently have a Ford C-MAX and we are worried that we will not get three car seats in the back. It is also petrol and most of our driving is short...
My wife is currently running a P plate Renault Megane 1.6 petrol. We spent rather too much getting it through the MOT last year and it has started to run rough/misfire over the last few weeks. It is not...
I have a Peugeot 807 2.2HDi on an 04 plate. It will not rev up properly. The turbo is good, pdf is good, car starts first time and ticks over fine but when you try and drive away the power is not there...
For a large family, our T reg Volkswagen Sharan has performed sterling work, but is now getting tired. Changes in the family mean that we can go from a full blown seven-seater, to a five-seater with two...
Recently there is a strong smell of exhaust inside the car when starting up. I have had the exhaust looked at and have been told there are no leaks and it appears to be OK. The smell goes after a few minutes...
I have been given a quotation for a new C-Max 1.6 TDCI by Buyacar.co.uk at a substantial discount of £3687, as well as a reasonable p/x price on my existing car. The car will be made to order with a delivery...
I have arranged car hire with Enterprise at Georgetown South Carolina from April 4th until May 18th. I have used them in Phoenix, Arizona and several other times in South Carolina. I have only just realised...
I purchased a Volvo C70 convertible on 25th March from a Birmingham car dealer that stocks over 50 cars. The timing belt snapped on the way home between Birmingham and Worcester, a journey of less than...
I am writing on behalf of my 78 year old father who got clamped yesterday by this 'City Watch' he parked for 15 mins to go into his doctors. He didn't realise until his return and being clamped that there...
Which new estate would you recommend for a young mother with two children? Budget up to £14k.
I have recently been looking at buying a 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLC 180 petrol coupe with 20,000 miles on the clock for £13,990, or the 2008 CLC 220 CDi diesel with 11,000 miles for £16,500. Performance wise...
I am trying to go 'eco.' Better for the enviroment and better for my wallet. I currently drive a 2.0litre Hyundai Coupe which is far from green and loves petrol (I average about 28mpg). So was looking...
I have a 56-plate Toyota RAV4 diesel that has covered 43,000 miles. I have noticed particularly first thing in the morning that there is a problem changing gear; firstly if it is cold the gear lever is...
Is there any easy way of telling which diesel cars have a DPF? I had assumed it was only those that were Euro V compliant but when browsing some second hand Renault diesels that were Euro IV compliant...
We have three young children who require car seats. We live up a farm track, so need a decent off roader and we also drive a daily 30 mile commute to schools. Fuel economy is vital, as is a decent boot....
I have just been quoted £2300 to replace the DPF filter and EGR valve on my 2007 Fiat Multipla diesel. The car has done 10,000 miles in a year, the majority of which were in the city but with a 100 mile...
Just before last winter's snowfall I had a set of Michelin Alpin 205/55/16 tyres fitted to my BMW E46 320d Touring, on BMW supplied new 7x16 steel wheels. That was great, since I did not once find myself...
I recently had the alternator replaced on my Golf 1.4 Match. It now has a whining noise, similar to a fan belt slipping, when the engine is running. This noise becomes higher pitched when accelerating. Could...
I am looking for a small car with a boot wide enough for a 117cm long disabled umbrella buggy. It must also be large enough for extra luggage. The back seat must be easy to get in an out of, too.
I have just had the head gasket replaced on my Rover 75 1.8 turbo, including a replacement number 4 piston. It's now leaking oil. Mechanic says engine and gear box has to come out now. Any ideas on where...
I would like to buy a premium small family car and had decided on a 118D until I read the letter "Recharge of the light brigade " in the Telegraph. My usage would typically be short school runs, occasional...
Despite reading your column each week I am stiil confused and getting conflicting advice. Should I buy petrol or diesel engine? I drive 9000 miles a year, most of which is on A-roads with a 60 mph limit....
I have a Volvo V70 which we have looked after. I am having difficulty pricing it. It's in good order and has been looked after. I'm finding it brain battering out there! What would be a sensible asking...
I am currently running a Vauxhall Astra 1.3 CDTi. It's on an 07-plate with 6,500 on the clock. I would like your advice on the following; 1) As my commute to work is very short I wonder if I should go...
Can you please tell me if the following is genuine, I am extremely dubious: "The following customer is interested in the vehicle you are advertising on http://www.autotrader.co.uk Received: 9 March 2011...
You kindly gave me the make and models of cars that are cheap to run and in the lowest insurance group but I am trying to work out if it is better to buy new or second hand - possibly even a banger. Is...
I'm thinking of buying a second hand Fiat 500 automatic, not sure what year, and wondered if the Fiat 500 automatics are known to be reliable.
Three of my work colleagues and myself have ordred VW Passat CC 170GT, but have now been advised by Arnold Clarke Contracts that there are no cars available until 2012. The first order was placed in Nov...
Been offered a great private deal on a used Porsche currently in Murcia, Spain. Logistics to be handled by http://www.scjtranslog.com/ who claim to specialise in being middlemen on vehicle deals and...
I have just bought a 2005 CRV 4x4 and I am considering converting to LPG. Can you please tell me how safe it is? Can I switch from LPG to petrol if I cannot get to a garage when on a long journey? Is...
My husband and I are both tall (he's 6ft4 and I'm 5ft11) and with a second child on the way we need to find a second hand car with space for us and two car seats. We've got a Honda Accord at the moment...
I am looking for a small, five-door, automatic car with a quality build/reliability reputation. As I have an arthritic hip, I need a car with a high driving position/easy entry. So far, I have looked at...
I have owned Peugeot estate since 1998 (406) and then a 407 since Nov 2006. My car heating wasn't working this winter so it went into a Peugeot dealer(same one since bought - excellent service)in Germany. They...
I'm thinking of buying 1998 Range Rover 4.0L Dual Fuel. What questions should I ask and what things should I look out for? Are there any obvious problems or good points? What might be an alternative vehicle?...
While cycling through Wilmslow I had a puncture, managed to frix it OK but then realised that I didn't have a pump. Seeing as I was near the Blue Bell Mini dealership I called in to see is they had one...
Just purchased a 2001 Renault Scenic 1.6 auto sport. What's the difference between this and the non sport model?
I have a 2000-reg Bora with 149,000 miles on the clock, and its MOT is due at the end of month It requires a replacement 2nd gear selector fork. Garage has looked at the clutch and flywheel and have reported...
Any suggestions as to why my VW GOLF MK3 has failed its MOT on emissions? It had new plug and air/fuel/oil filters 11 months ago. It has only done 77,000 miles. The reasons for failure are: Exhaust...
Could you confirm email address for VW UK Customer Services (due to 059B Brake Pressure Sensor elec fault in circuit on 2004 Touran 44K)
I currently have an 02 Citroen Berlingo Multispace 2.0 HDi which has blown turbo. I need to replace it quickly but I only have £7000 to spend. My annual mileage is 20,000. Most important requirements...
I bought a 1986 Bentley Eight from a wedding car company. I test drove and everything seemed ok. After getting car home and driving for some distance a very bad judder was felt under heavy braking. I...
I bought a new E Class Mercedes in September and a month ago the engine cut out for no reason. Mercedes have taken it back in but found no problem. Four days ago the same thing happened and the car is...
Looking for two vehicles, one small and in the lowest insurance category, to add 18-year-old provisional driver. I also need to replace Honda CR-V executive at end of year with a 4x4. I'm not badge conscious...
On Sunday my car was backed into in the church car park. The driver of the other car left a note on the windscreen giving her phone number saying she was sorry and would pay for the damage. I rang her...
I currently have Bridgestone tyres fitted to my VW Touareg and I now need to replace them. What would you recommend for mostly road use? A good combo of wear and low noise etc.
I am looking to trade in my 2003 Seat Leon Tdi and am in the market for a used mid / large sized family car. My commute equates to around 300 miles a week and we also travel longer distances at weekends...
 

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