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Questions from October 2013
I was very interested in your answer to MA of Stroud regarding the merits of a winter tyre-shod Porsche Carrera S rear wheel drive against the 4WD version without winter tyres. As I currently drive a Skoda...
This is a desperate call for help. My car is a Volvo S80 auto, bought secondhand with 60,000 miles registered, five years ago. It now registers 67,000 miles. I do infrequent low mileage. It has had two...
A few days ago the BBC R4 ‘You & Yours’ programme had a feature on DPF problems. It said that the Salvation Army, which apparently runs 700 company cars, had stopped buying diesel models because of DPF...
I had a very interesting chat with a service manager at BMW Battersea whilst collecting my car. I have a 12-month-old new model X3 3.0-litre diesel. I do a low mileage for a diesel (about 9000 miles a...
I would suggest oil levels should be checked not only “regularly” but, in the case of new (or newly acquired used) vehicles, “frequently”. This provides the user with what the current norm is for oil consumption...
I bought a 2006 Renault Clio three years ago with 22,000 miles on the clock; it came with a new MoT certificate. I do about 6000 miles a year, mainly on local roads, but noticed that when I joined a motorway...
A friend is purchasing a Porsche Cayenne diesel with a stop-start fuel saving cut-out facility. Firstly, does this rapidly destroy a battery (with all the re-starts)? Secondly, as a diesel with a DPF,...
Why are spare wheels underslung on modern vehicles like my Discovery 4 and thus vulnerable to theft?
My 2012 Land Rover Discovery 4 went in for its first service and I was told that the spare wheel was missing. The service engineer at Lookers said they had seen a dozen similar cases where the cable is...
I have been asked to dispose of a 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280TE auto estate in white, which has been stored for many years un-run (it was bought new by my now disabled 80 year old employer). I have the keys...
We have a 4-year-old Chrysler Sebring Coupe Cabrio. It is a little underpowered, but we like it. We are away for the whole of October and November and have no garage facilities. Is it advisable to get...
I recently sold my Triumph motorcycle and tried to cancel the insurance with Hastings Direct of, which more than four months were outstanding. The full premium for 12 months had £483.65. Not only was I...
I have a 2011 BMW 1 Series Sport. As you will know, rear drive BMWs are not much good in the snow. I live on a sloping road with a right-angled bend part way up and have a sloping drive. I can and do clear...
I drive a 1600cc petrol Ford Fusion auto, registered 2006. I originally purchased the car as I am tall and at the time had two elderly and disabled parents who need the ease of access. My needs have now...
I am thinking of changing my 2010 Volkswagen Golf 1.6TDI for an August 2012 Audi 1.6TDI Sport as I want more comfort/refinement on a long run. The only problem is that the Audi has low profile tyres that...
I drive a BMW 320d and was interested in your response to the email from EJ, Market Rasen concerning the burning off of diesel particulates. What do you consider to be a short journey? I travel seven miles...
I own a 2008 Volkswagen Golf Sportline estate, fitted with alloy wheels and low profile tyres, which seem absolutely useless in wintry conditions. I am considering passing my car on to my daughter, who...
With regard to the millions of pounds to be spent on safer cycling infrastructure, is there any truth in the rumour that cyclists are to be required by law to install a speaker system with a looped recording...
The clutch in my partner's C4 Picasso is screaming like a Banshee when depressed. My local independent garage guy tells me the clutch needs replacing and it would be foolish not to change the dual mass...
I am seeking some help and guidance on a matter relating to my mother's Volkswagen Up which she purchased brand new from Volkswagen Liverpool in September 2012 and in which she has travelled a mere 1604...
The Mazda 2 range gets pretty good reviews everywhere (especially for its safety), with most of the criticism being about wind noise on motorways and some lack of refinement. I can live with that. The...
I presently own a Mercedes-Benz E 220CDI Estate, but having moved to Suffolk my wife finds the car too low and wide for the local lanes, coupled with, due to our advancing years, we are keen on a high...
My son, who is returning to the UK after seven years, needs a small to medium estate, new or nearly new which is cheap to buy and run. He would do 10,000 – 12,000 miles a year and prefers diesel, although...
I have a 2009 Volkswagen Golf Mk VI 1.6 TDI with 40,000 miles on the clock. It has run perfectly for four years, but I am concerned about future reliability. Also, I am semi retired now and shall only...
You mentioned Sports Motors, on Orpington High Street, which is amazing because my granddad was sent to reinvigorate Cullens, the high-class grocers store nearby. My grandad worked for the Cullen family...
I'm looking to get a lease car. I'm interested in a medium size hatchback such as the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo and Mini. What do you suggest I get?
I purchased a used 2010 Volkswagen Golf last month, which is still covered by its dealer warranty. I have had it inspected by a local garage after it started making noises when the ignition was switched...
After reading your recommendations, I am planning on getting a 2012 Hyundai i10 from an approved Hyundai dealer. As it was registered before March I am unable to get the appealing three year service plan...
My trusty old Volkswagen Transporter has given up the ghost after many years of service and I need to buy a new commercial vehicle. I’m tempted by the Mitsubishi L200, as I’ve always wanted a pick up,...
My 2008 Skoda Fabia is suffering from rear wiper problems. I had a new motor installed, but it still comes on without the switch being moved. What might be the problem?
I need to buy a new car, but don’t know where to start. I’ve test driven a lot of cars and think I want a convertible. I want something stylish and quick, but don’t want any mechanical mishaps. Can you...
Can you tell me the best route into car journalism? I really want to get into the business of reviewing cars and/or working for a publication or website like yours. I've noticed that there's no careers...
My son is having lock issues with his 2008 Citroen C1. He has only owned the car for six months, but he’s gone through two keys in that time with both breaking in the lock. Can you offer any advice as...
My car was damaged recently after another motorist reversed into it in a car park. The driver admitted liability at the scene and we exchanged insurance details. However, now he has changed his story and...
Can you offer any advice regarding car hire in Thailand?
I need to replace the electric handbrake motor and cable unit on my 2004 Renault Scenic. Is it possible to buy one second hand?
I have arthritis and want a comfortable, automatic car with a high driving seat. I have up to £14,000 to spend. What would you recommend?
I am buying a new SEAT, but am undecided between buying a Leon 1.4TSI 140 or the 2.0TDI 150. I lean towards the petrol version but plan to keep the vehicle long term and wonder about the potential longevity...
I am thinking of buying a 2008 Ford Fusion automatic, with 34,000 miles on the clock. Are there any mechanical issues I should be aware about for this car?
The tyres on my Citroen C3 Picasso are coming up to replacement, but the ride is very hard on the current Michelin Energy Saver 195 55 R16 91T tyres. Can you suggest a tyre which will give a much less...
A few years ago you recommended that I get a Toyota Prius as a company car – brilliant advice. Now, four years later, I’ve been offered the vehicle for £9500, but yesterday the price went up to £10,660....
I am looking for a new car that is simple, economical and reliable. I am very disillusioned with new designs and want something that will be basic and practical. What do you suggest?
I have a 2002 Honda Jazz which I want to replace with a newer model. Other things being equal, would I be better with one of the last of the old design or one of the first of the new design? I'm only interested...
Bearing in mind your comments in road tests of the Hyundai i30 regarding the ride on 17-inch wheels, I contacted Hyundai customer services to enquire if there was any reason to prevent me fitting 15 or...
My Nissan X-Trail makes an awful screeching noise when it starts up, yet rights itself once I get moving. Can you tell me what’s going on?
The revs on my Vauxhall Vectra CDTI have started dropping to 500rpm and causing the engine to struggle. It only happens every now and again, with the engine righting itself after a few moments. Any ideas?
I own a Land Rover Freelander 2 and want a new set of winter tyres. I've seen an advert for Bridgestone A001 Weather Control tyres, what are your thoughts on these? Do you have a particular winter tyre...
For some reason my 2003 Daewoo Matiz won’t to start. The alternator belt went recently and it had to be towed to a local garage. However, since the new belt was fitted, it refuses to start. It turns over...
We have an apartment in Mallorca, Spain and currently rent cars. This works well, as we have found a decent private operator, but are looking for a slightly better standard of car as we increase our use...
I want to fit winter tyres to my Mazda 3. Can you recommend a good set of wheels and tyres?
I am experiencing vibrations on my six month old Land Rover Evoque, It’s primarily through the steering wheel and gets really bad at 1000 – 2000rpm. I’ve had it inspected by my local dealer, but they say...
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