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Questions from May 2013
My problem involves a Subaru Impreza that my son bought through an online Japanese importer. This is a Japanese-based outfit that brings specialist cars to the UK. He gets his cars hosted on forecourts...
In your reply to problems with this private purchase you stated that there are no consumer rights (I assume you meant under specific consumer legislation) against a vendor. However, law of contract does...
I am considering purchasing a high spec double cab pick-up for use as a family car and 'gardening/camping' duties. My mileage would be some 6000 per annum and the longest average journey would be some...
All advice I see says right foot on accelerator and brake, left foot static. I believe it would be better right foot on accelerator, left foot on brake. What would you advise please?
I need to buy a family car that will accommodate three young children with proper full-sized seats. Seven seats would be nice but I am not comfortable driving a really big car. I was thinking of the Ford...
I run a six-year-old automatic Skoda Roomster. I like it and I find the warning bleeps when I reverse close to an obstruction helpful. I am nearly 80 and I have an increasing propensity to drive too near...
My husband drives a 2006 Audi A3 Sportback with 225/40 ZR 18 low profile tyres, which we both dislike as they provide for an uncomfortable ride and cannot cope with the awful potholes in our area. Can...
I have a 2009 manual BMW Z4 2.5 which I have owned for about 10 months. It looks great but is not overly comfortable on long runs, the gear changes don't appear to be smooth, it is very impractical and...
A quick Google search shows lot of companies are offering DPF removal. I can see this as an option that would be considered by many with DPF issues. As I understand, cars are 'type approved' to a certain...
As part of my economics degree course in the 1960s, I had to study Commercial Law. I was taught that according to the law of contract (not sale of goods) if any vendor advertises a product to the world...
I read your slightly dismissive comments a couple of weeks ago on the Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Passat 2005-2011. I have had a 2-litre diesel Octavia L & K for almost seven years and have covered 77,000...
Despite regular maintenance, we were travelling through the Brecon Beacons in our 100,000 mile 2005 Skoda Octavia 2.0TDI estate when the turbo blew, with clouds of while oily smoke. We paid a £1700 bill...
I have hit a brick wall concerning my 5-year old Volkswagen Golf. I bought this car brand new from Motorpoint, Glasgow. It was an import from the UAE and recently I have noticed rust on both front wheel...
When I retire next year, I need to buy a car. I can't decide whether to spend £1000-£5000 on an old banger which, while cheap to buy, will no doubt cost a bit to run, or £10,000-£20,000 on something which...
I currently have a convertible Beetle, which I love, but find running it expensive and as I am expecting my first baby boot space is a must. So I'm looking for a used car for around £7000. My main criteria...
In common with many new cars, the Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCI has a narrow 'get me home' spare wheel that is limited to a maximum speed of 50mph. If I have a puncture when towing my caravan, can the 'get me home'...
I have an 8-year-old RAV4 that I plan to replace later this year. I have been very pleased with the car, and all things being equal, would have gone straight back to Toyota to buy another one. I was aware...
My eldest son is looking to lease over four years either a Nissan Qashqai 1.5dCi or Kia Sportage 1.7dCi. For 10,000 miles per year quotes on both are very similar. However he will be doing 14,000 miles...
Why will no one do an in-depth review on supermarket v/s the big four fuel suppliers? I am a tanker driver (not fuel) and over the years have asked at least six fuel tanker drivers if there is a difference...
A few weeks ago your column contained an item concerning procedures to be adopted when pursuing the Local Authorities in respect of damage to motor vehicles by potholes where, as in my case, the County...
My first question is whether a BMW 7-Series registered in September 2012 would be the very latest derivative of this series? Secondly, is £44,000 a fair price for a BMW 740D registered in September 2012...
I have owned my 2007 KIA Sorento 2.5 XT Auto Diesel estate for over two years and it now has 67,000 on the clock. It has always been serviced by my local KIA dealer and I am only the second owner - the...
Despite changing, in this order: thermostat, coolant temperature sensor, water pump and temperature gauge, the temperature is fluctuating on my Ford Mondeo. This after years of reaching and maintaining...
What is the most accurate way to measure my speed? Not the speedometer, obviously.
But is using the rev counter RPM times the top gear ratio (20.2 mph/1000rpm) in my car a more accurate figure than the...
I have just replaced winter tyres (205/45/16) with standard ones, and wonder whether a set of steel wheels could be found to fit the winter tyres for next season, and at what cost?
What are known problems with 7 speed DSG gearboxes with hesitation on turning, starting off at low speed and going uphill after slow approach from main road?
I have new (May) car and have suffered all...
My dad's new Skoda Fabia needs a new clutch after just 700 miles and the Skoda dealer says this is not covered by warranty as it is wear and tear - but shouldn't a clutch last for longer than 700 miles,...
My current car, a Honda Civic coupe, will be 13 years old next year. It will need a new cam belt and about £400 or £500 spent on it. I have really loved this car and it has not cost a lot to run.
Now...
I am buying this car for my wife but during the test drive I noticed a significant lag between gear changes! Is this normal or is it a bad box? The Honda garage says it is normal and I should be more careful...
Why are MPG computers on cars so inaccurate? I have had a Focus Econetic which was up to 6 MPG out and now have a Mercedes C200 Blue Efficiency which is also up to 6 MPG out, although unlike the Focus...
I have just received my insurance renewal and am being asked to state any accident not claimed for. A car bumped me from behind, damaging only the bumper. He paid the complete respray bill. Is it a legal...
I am looking for a Front Wheel Drive , small SUV/Crossover, petrol, automatic. There seem to be virtually none out there. Budget up to 30K. Reasons, high seating position, low mileage (so not diesel),...
I am in the RAF and posted to Naples in Sept. I currently have a 10 plate Skoda Octavia estate 1.6 but it isn't powerful enough to carry all my kit down and then back again in 18 months time. The car will...
You often point out the problems of failing DPFs on higher mileage diesels, especially in Volkswagen models. Does the same apply across all manufacturers - my daughter is looking to buy a large second...
Hope you can help me with this query, I have a Mazda 3 Sport 2.2 Diesel 2010 Model. The warranty on the vehicle ended in December 2012 but I took out the extended warranty for another year.
The vehicle...
My car will not start. It was fine in the morning going to work, but to come home it would turn over but not start at all. AA sprayed engine cleaner into it which made it start, but then the engine cut...
My Suzuki Swift diesel has come to end of warranty and now offered extended warranty.
Would this be worth it and what should I look for, and would DPF be included? Car is three years old, just had MOT...
My car has been in garage three or four times in 6 months and I have paid over £500 to fix an oil leak. Garage says there is more than one leak. Last time the car was in garage he said it was definitely...
If I allow my brother insure himself to drive my car using one day internet purchased car insurance:
Would I have to tell my existing insurance company that he has insured himself, would I have to tell...
I have recently purchased a Mazda 6 2.2 TS2 Diesel. With Full service history. The DPF light has come on at 65,000 - The dealership has adviced this it due to the Timing chain exceding tolerance (stretching)...
I'm looking to buy a cheap runaround as a second car and have come across a 2001 Yaris for £2,250. It has only done 20,000 miles, one one owner from new, full service history - basically everything you...
Can a private car parking company legally ask for payment for parking only by phone? No ticket machines at all present to allow for a cash purchase.
I am looking to buy an Audi A4 or A6 Avant, or a BMW 3 or 5 Series Touring. I wondered if you had a strong opinions which is the best value for money and most practical?
I have a 1 yr old son and am looking...
My husband has received an NIP for a speeding offence on 20th FEB, the issue date is 15th May, some 12 weeks later. I was actually driving the car at the time and so we need to respond. Should my husband...
I recently bought an ex-motability Mazda 2 (2009/41,000miles) from a reputable dealer from whom I've bought cars before. They were more than willing to let me take it to my own local garage for a check-over,...
I have owned a Sept 2010 1.6TDI Skoda Octavia with the dry 7 speed DSG gearbox from new.
Currently it has about 44,000 miles on. I like the car "it does what it says on the tin"
However there is a recurring...
I have a two-year-old Nissan Note with around 8500 miles on the clock. I've noticed that all four tyres have developed cracks within the treads running the circumference of the tyre.
Nissan and the dealer...
A local Hyundai dealer is offering £4995 for 2011 i10 Classic with guaranteed P/E for any car at £2000. I have a W Reg Nissan Micra.
Would you recommend this car? Do you think it is a good deal, or would...
My Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi 05 plate runs rough when cold - like a petrol car 'missing.'
It's OK when accelerating. I have had the glow plugs changed but it made no difference.
First one is that there is a ticking noise on the engine when idle, (I have recently had the water pump changed).
Second one is my Exhaust Emission Light came on yesterday and kept on, when I had two...
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