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Questions from April 2012
At the last service a couple of months ago (59000 miles) I asked the mechanic to investigate what I can only describe as "hunting" at tickover or steady low revs. No fault codes were identified and the...
I have a 06 Vauxhall Zafira 1.9 CDTi 150. We have just had the DPF filter replaced and now EGR valve replaced. The car now intermitently pours out smoke from the exhaust (large amounts) sometimes when...
I recently bought a Fiat 500 and noticed that the warranty started four weeks before I bought the car. The dealership has said that this is down to the car being registered early. I have asked for a confirmation...
When did the law on undertaking change? Many years ago I was driving a gutless Austin A60 automatic near Birmingham on a three-lane motorway. I was following a truck on the nearside lane. The truck changed...
As I understand it, in-car satnavs and mobile phones with GPS facilities are going to be subject to the same law as radar detectors when travelling in France. It's a real nightmare.
I currently have two children under four and have another on the way. Could you advise of a car that will fit three child seats across the back? I am afraid I don't want a 'people carrier' and the cost...
I work in insurance as a freelance accident investigator and confirm that insurers are in a chaotic mess of inefficiency. I have just ordered a car video recorder the size of a satnav which sticks onto...
I am interested in buying, if possible, a convertible with five seats and seat belts, or one which the manufacturer can add a rear seat belt to. What do you recommend?
I am looking to buy a hard top convertible. The Volkswagen Eos is a bit big, so I am considering a three or four-year-old Renault Megane 1.6 or Vauxhall Astra 1.6/1.8. Have you come across any problems...
I am considering using an oil pump to remove old engine oil via the dipstick hole instead of the more traditional method of jacking up the car and draining from the drain plug. Are there any drawbacks...
I currently drive a Mini Clubman Cooper D. I have liked the Mini’s economy and low road tax and would want at least as good, if not better economy from any new car. I do mainly short journeys but also...
My nephew has asked me for advice on buying a family car. He is going to test drive a 2001 Honda Civic 1.6SE auto which has had one owner and has 100,000 miles on the clock. They will also look at a Fiesta...
I have driven a Toyota Yaris automatic for the last nine years and have been very satisfied with it, but the time has come for a new car. Since getting very used to the Yaris I have moved and my parking...
I read with interest the letter from ‘MH’ with regard to older luxury cars being value for money. I purchased a 53 plate S-Type Jaguar, 4.2 V8 model for just less than £7000 about two years ago from ‘CarGiant’...
My son was recently pulled over on the M27 in Hampshire and the police then realised that his driving licence had been revoked, his car was impounded and he was forced to make his own way home. The licence...
We are pensioners who currently drive a Clio Campus (last of the previous marque) that has been reliable, economical, comfortable and has a decent sized boot, but we now need to find a replacement. The...
We recently received a demand in the form of a £90 fine imposed by ‘Parking Eye’ at the M40 Welcome Break Oxford service area because we overstayed by one hour (10:46:42 arrive, 13:52:17 departure). We...
From your readers' postbag, which makes are the most reliable and which are the least reliable cars more than five years old?
My wife owns a 1999 Ford Fiesta 1.25 five-door hatchback but now fancies something more modern. The car must accommodate a set of golf clubs in the boot. Annual mileage is about 3000, mainly shopping and...
My car was hit by a drunk driver outside my pub. I have received information from my insurance. I have attached a copy of a form they have sent me. Can you tell me if this is a standard form and is there...
I have a four-year-old BMW 3 Series automatic on which the torque converter of the gearbox has failed and therefore I'm told that a new gearbox is required. For this to happen after four years seems a...
My independent Mercedes-Benz servicing garage tells me that the Sensotronic Brake Control unit on my 2004 E320CDI (90,000 miles) needs replacement at a cost of £900 or more. I've read on various MB forums...
We're thinking of changing our car and are looking at a 2008 BMW 330i (the 272bhp model). We do around 8000 miles per year and want something that is fun to drive and comfortable. The majority of driving...
I need an extra set of wheels and tyres for winter use on my Rover Sterling. I have a spare set of Vitesse wheels, so it makes sense to use those rather than try and buy new. However, the Sterling tyres...
Providing I don't drive my car on public roads, am I breaking the law by not having car insurance for a car that is being kept in a private garage? The car is not SORN listed and has valid tax and MOT.
When is a recall not a recall? In December my 2005 Audi A4 SE suddenly started running badly so I limped into a local garage which subsequently diagnosed an ignition coil fault and replaced it the next...
The article on Saab speculates that models such as the Classic Convertible may appreciate in value after the demise of the company. I have a 1992 convertible 900i and it has given many years of totally...
I recently bought a 2007 Honda CR-V EX 2.2iCDTi which currently has Honda ‘ONYX’ 19-inch alloy wheels fitted with SP Sport MAXX 245/45R 19 98Y low profile tyres. I would like to change these for a more...
I have owned two Audis over the past 13 years, but now I've retired I drive fewer miles and need a higher seating position to ease entry and exit. I naturally favour a Q3 but the alternative choice of...
I bought my daughter some winter tyres for her Yaris in December as an added safety feature and, having followed your column, I see that you advise fitting them to steel rims. When we had the winter tyres...
I have seen mentioned problems with dual mass flywheels and DPF filters. Are there any diesels that do not use DPF filters or have dual mass flywheel issues? I believe Honda has just started fitting DPF...
My son will soon be 17 and we are thinking about the best and most economic way of securing a car. I had heard of a Volkswagen Up scheme at £99 per month for five years, but the dealers are saying they...
Our four-year-old Nissan Note has just been for its second MoT. Unfortunately, the information on the dashboard was showing the 'trip' mileage since we had bought the car a year ago, and the garage recorded...
I purchased a Saab in 2010 from a Saab/Chrysler dealer in Exeter. I have been advised that even though the warranty has 14 months to run, because Saab have been declared bankrupt the warranty is cancelled....
I am 91 years of age and drive approximately 8000 miles per year. I run a Volvo V50 Automatic but am considering downsizing to a small, quality car that must be automatic. What do you recommend?
My wife and I are now driving our eighth Proton car. What this has brought us over those years is a very good reward for our loyalty to the same dealer, Reg Thompson Cars of Keighley, West Yorks. Small...
I thought you’d like an update on a problem I referred to you a few months ago. Last summer, while driving in France, my 2003 Rover 75 Connoisseur diesel automatic emitted a cloud of black smoke and lost...
I have had since new a much-cherished top of the range Volvo V70 Cross Country, first registered January 1999. The car has covered 208,000 miles but looks fantastic. However I was recently involved in...
Do you have any idea about the ride quality of the Range Rover Sport TDV6 with standard wheels? Also, please advise which wheels and tyres offer the best possible ride quality if I choose the RR Sport?...
Mike Rutherford asks, "Who wouldn't love to own an Audi R8?" I wouldn't. Certainly if it caused a nuisance to other road users. I refer to its LED headlamps. Cars fitted with these eco-friendly lighting...
Having financially supported our daughter’s driving since she passed her test two years ago, her lack of work will result in us not paying to renew her road fund licence at the end of January. What are...
I have a Vauxhall Corsa GLS 12v T Reg. If i have been on a long journey or stuck in traffic and say go into the shops for 10/15 mins it will not start again?
Can you tell me when the cam belt needs changing on a Land Rover Freelander sd4 and how much i would expect to pay?
Have had some problems with my battery draining recently on my 54 plate 2.0 TDCI Mondeo. Following recommendation from the Green Flag man to replace the battery as it is the original battery, I ordered...
I've had a Ford Mondeo TCDI estate for 7 years. It's a 2004 model. Recently I've noticed a whirring or whinning noise on pull away. It sounds like a turbo type issue, but I've never had this before.
The reversing sensor warning (in the offside 'B' pillar?) sounds when using the indicators and when braking. Any suggestions?
We need to buy a second car for commuting and occasional business trips. We already have an Audi A6 Avant as our family car, so space isn't the main priority, but I would like the best combination of value...
My son in law took off his plug leads and didn't notice how to put them back. Would it be possible for you to tell me which plugs go where?
Please can you advise me if it will be okay to charge my engine battery on my Ford Transit 2.2 autoroller 200 motorhome using a 12 volt trickle battery charger {spec is input 15vdc 300ma 4.5w charging...
I currently run a 2006 Vauxhall Corsa 1.4 Design with 61k miles. My daily commute has increased from 16 miles to 50 miles - mainly motorway. I'm looking for larger (Astra/Focus size) used vehicle with...
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