Buying a cheap 5 door hatch for new family - recommendations?

We are just looking for our first car in the UK and have our first child on the way. As such, we are on a pretty tight budget (£2500-£3000), so will definitely be looking for used cars. We're from New...

Any redress against Mercedes-Benz for my fault SL55?

My SL55 won't start when it's cold - it doesn't even recognise there's a key in the ignition. I called out a Mercedes specialist (used to work for Mercedes), who was very quick to diagnose the problem...

Mondeos and particulate filters

I am looking to buy a Ford Mondeo. I was wondering what year of vehicle did the diesel particulate filter and the dual mass fly wheel start to be fitted as standard on the diesel engines, as I understand...

I'm confused about hire purchase and other options

I am getting increasingly confused about the different options available for someone who can't afford to buy a car outright immediately. I am starting a new job in January that will change my daily commute...

I am starting a small private hire firm - what cars would you recommend?

I need to purchase two vehicles for use in a new Private Hire business. I have been recruited for a 'bespoke' service which will provide work on a part time basis which suits our circumstances. Often trips...

Diesel recommendations

I have a GT TDi Golf Mk6 which I find very uncomfortable due to the narrow seat and offset pedals and so I intend changing it for another deisel car. Does the Scirroco have offset pedals and is it a generally...

APCOA parking fine

I received a fine in post from Apcoa parking "PARKING Enforcement Notice" by Luton Airport stating its been issued for alleged contravention is a breach of the terms and conditions of the use of the airport...

Should I get new discs and pads for my Jimny?

At 31k miles the MOT "advisory" mentioned Front Brake pads (the originals) on my Suzuki Jimny were wearing thin. Horizon Suzuki also advised me at the same time that Front Brake Discs were corroded (status...

Car starting problem

Car starts fine in the morning. After a 5/10 minute drive, if I turn the key the car it doesn't start. It cranks fine. If I hold the car key it continues to crank then after about 2 minutes it picks up...

Ford Fiesta - what updates are on the way?

My Fiesta will be 3 years old come May 2012. When can I expect an update of the same model? Ford usually updates every 3 or so years. Do you know if an update is in the pipeline?

Where does my road tax go?

I was wondering, considering the current state of Britain's pot-holed roads and motorways, how much of the £215 road tax I pay actually goes back into maintaining and improving the road network? Is it...

Cracked BMW wheels

I'm now facing having to repair my alloy wheels (the 19 optional tyres that came with car - ex-demo) for the 6th time. It's just ridiculous, is there anything that can be done? Will BMW replace these...

Stuck fuel filler on a Mondeo

The fuel tank filler flap will not open on my 2000 Ford Mondeo.

Removing a Zafira glovebox

How do you remove the heater motor and resistor on a Zafira (2008 model)? I can't see how to take the glove box out to start with.

Orange peel paint on a new car.

I complained about orange peel paint finish on my new Honda Civic back in July 2011. After much delay, Honda say the finish is typical of what their factory turns out. At Honda's suggestion, I got an...

I need parts for a Citroen gear box

I am rebuilding a Citroen/Fiat/Peugeot van gearbox and the indent springs are broken. They are not available as a separate part from Citroen, only as a complete syncro assembly (£150+). Would you know...

Reduced Focus fuel economy

I run a 2009 Ford Focus 1.6TDCi Zetec which I have had since April 2011. I have consistently managed 54-55mpg. However since the car had a major service in November 2011 the average fuel economy has dropped...

What failures can I expect in future?

I have owned an 06 1.5 petrol Colt from 1 year old and it now has 50K on the clock. It has performed flawlessly. I am thinking of driving it for a further 30k miles and wondered what failures I can expect....

Will my Focus have a DPF?

I'm considering buying a Ford Focus 1600 of about 2008/9 vintage. I understand that some of the diesel engines don't have a DPF filter. I presume that they do have a dual mass flywheel. Also do any of...

Condensation in car interior

I am getting heavy condensation inside my Volvo 940 Estate (1996) after a period of approximately one week of the car not being driven. Can you suggest a method of controlling/eliminating this problem?...

Saab cars and the future

I have owned Saabs for years but, for obvious reasons, am now worried. I have always changed them every two years or so. I have an 08 Vector convertible 1.8 with only 16K on clock which has now depreciated...

Car losing power and revs

My Clio is playing up when idle - it will drop revs, nearly cutting out but then it revs back up and just keeps doing this until I turn the engine off. When I restart it's fine again for some times a...

Is the tax disc valid on a SORN car?

Looking to buy a car with valid MOT that was SORN'd in November 2011. The tax disc was not surrendered for a refund and does not expire until August 2012. I understand that as soon as the car is registered...

Winter tyres for an Evoque

I am buying a Range Rover Evoque Pure for delivery 3 Jan. I would like to fit winter tyres on this vehicle, but I have been told that to do so could invalidate the Warranty. The car is equipped with...

Golf Mk6 DPF problems

I wondered if you were getting any feedback on breakdowns caused by DPF problems for the Golf Mk6? Our two year old average mileage model broke down recently and it needed regeneration and a new DPF sensor....

Failed clutch pedal on a Fiesta

The clutch pedal on my Fiesta Zetec 2002 is not working. There is no pressure and it will not engage the gears. There is fluid in the reservoir - I have no idea what the problem is.

Should I buy a Bentley Arnage T?

I'm due to retire shortly and am going to spend about £30K on a car to last me 5+ years. I've always fancied an Arnage T (especially after being driven round the TG test track by the old Stig in one!)...

Why aren't SUVs suitable for tall people?

I am looking to purchase a mid-size 4x4 and have viewed a Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan X-trail and Citroen C-Crosser. However, I am 6'7" tall and am finding that all of these cars have a high driving position...

Which Civic engine?

I would like a petrol Honda Civic, 2007 onwards, and have up to £8000. I have found a 1.4 petrol manual, with 57 plate but only 16,000miles on clock on at 8000. Is this low mileage good, or is it so low...

Winter tyres for my Nissan Note

I have been searching for a set of winter tyres for my Nissan Note. The tyre size is 185/55 R16 (only 4 studs). There seems to be little choice. Could I use a more popular size without compromising the...

Am I getting a fair offer?

I have already tried to part exchange my 56 plate A4 Avant 2.0 TSFI with 48,000 miles on the clock, good condition, FASH, full MoT, New Cam Belt etc, against a nearly new S-Max, but was offered £6,200...

Screeching 206

My car is a 2000 W Peugeot 206 1.1 with 96000 on the clock. I was driving down the motorway yesterday evening and my car started screeching/whining when I went over 60, but intermittently and it seemed...

Uninsured driver smashed my wall

When I was on holiday a drunk, uninsured driver hit a bus and demolished my garden wall. I was initially unaware of the circumstances as, incredibly, the police failed to leave me any information for me...

Remote tailgate problem with 307SW

I have bought an 05 Peugeot 307 SW xsi and the tailgate is not unlocking or allowing the remote locking of the Car, Panel message states the boot is open. Is this a common problem specific to 307s that...

Are there problems with the Accord VTEC?

I have test driven a Honda Accord Tourer VTEC 2.0 Exec at 91,000 miles. On for £4999 with full Honda Service History. Unlike the Accord CDTi which I have written to you about in the past, I cannot see...

Overstay in retail park

Parked in a local retail park for 2hours 43 minutes. I went to purchase curtains and after making a selection went to place the order. The assistant was on break and I was asked to return later, so went...

Is a small diesel suitable?

I really favour the Audi A1 1.6TDI diesel, but am concerned that with 5000 to 6000 miles per year it might be a problem. I do some motorway driving (about once a month) but the M6 is usually too busy...

Best all weather tyre for an X-Trail?

My X-Trail is fitted with 215/60/17/H Dunlop ST 20 Grandtrek on rear and Bridgestone Dueller HP Sport on front (which need replacing soon). I am considering either these or Pirelli Scorpion STR or General...

Replacement for a Fiesta radio

My Ford Fiesta radio has just stopped working - it works electronically speaking, but just can't get any signal whatsoever, for example when it scans for channels, none can be found. The speakers and cd...

Will I be offered a speed awareness course

I have just received an NIP which states that on 12/12 I was caught speeding at 35mph in a 30mph zone - surprisingly enough, just before it jumps up to 40mph on a rural country road. My question, however,...

Receiving phone calls about an accident I never had

I had 3 phone calls from a company called UK Claims around 8pm on 12th Dec 2011, which were quite intimidating to a pensioner, insisting that I had had an accident and made a claim for compensation, which...

New car paintwork problem

I bought my car new. Two defects in the paintwork have been found, Hyundai has agreed on a respray as necessary, so their obligations are properly met. However, I raised the issue of inspection and...

When's my court appearance?

I was caught by police crossing red traffic light and without a licence. The incident happened 15 months ago. Police told me that I will get a summons from court. I didn't receive any summons 'til now....

Courtesy car damage

I was lent a brand new A5 by Tonbridge Audi today and due to logistics of transfering my toddler to this car I didn't have a thorough look at it. When I returned the car, the garage informed me of damage...

I don't want my car written off, what can I do?

I was recently involved in a failure to stop accident in Bradford, where the other driver shot off after appearing to hit me deliberately. He pulled out into me with no lights on and due to my young daughter...

I need a cheap 4x4

I live in rural area. I am on my own and must have reliable vehicle, there's been a lot of bad weather, snow and ice in area. My budget is restricted. I'm looking at cheap small 4x4, and I found a 2005...

Without knowing it I traded in a clocked car!

I recently traded in a car to EVANS HALSHAW, where I spent £12.5k on a new BMW. That was around 4 weeks ago, however I had a phonecall today from one of the managers saying I must either trade the cars...

Young driver speeding

My 19 year old son has had a full licence since 26th February this year. Today I received a NIP relating to an offence of 40mph in a 30mph zone. I am the registered keeper of the car but he was definitely...

Spare wheels and winter tyres

I have a Honda Jazz. My summer tyres are Dunlop SP2030 185/55 R16s on original Honda alloy wheels, and my winter tyres are Nokian WR D3 175/65 R15 (Directional) on steel wheels (KFZ 7085). If I purchase...

Can I change my uncomfortable seats?

I bought a Ford Kuga in February this year and cannot fault it - except for the very uncomfortable front driver seat. They are 'bucket' type seats with padded wings at the side and I cannot find a comfortable...