Bulkhead leaking - what's the cause?

Is there any history of leaks from the bulkhead in the Volkswagen Up? Our car is less than a year old, but takes on water and the garage cannot find the cause.

Mazda CX-5 - 2WD or AWD?

We are looking to replace our family car with a compact SUV for school runs and holidays. We like the space and efficiency of the Mazda CX-5, and the Sport Nav 2.2d model seems to be well equipped; however,...

Can I reject a car over missing service history?

I bought a 2010 Range Rover a few weeks ago from a dealer who had just obtained the car. At the time the service log was missing, but I was told it was still at the Land Rover dealer and I'd have it a...

Nissan Qashqai steering noise

The steering wheel on my 2008 Nissan Qashqai has started to make a strange creaking noise. It started a few months ago and has been getting progressively worse. Any idea what it is and if I can get it...

Reversed into post due to failty parking sensors - can I sue the dealer?

My new Mercedes-Benz E-Class has suffered bodywork damage after I reversed into a post. The parking sensors on the car stopped working and I didn’t know the obstruction was there, hence I hit it. I took...

Does the Volkswagen Passat diesel have any known issues?

My son needs a new car and is considering buying one with high mileage. He’s seen a diesel Volkswagen Passat on a 2004 plate with 145,000 miles on the clock. Can you tell me if this model has any known...

Volkswagen Touran - fuel delivery problems

It’s getting increasingly difficult to get diesel into my Volkswagen Touran. The fuel delivery pumps continually trip even when filling from empty and I can hear a gurgling noise coming from the tank....

When should I change the timing belt/chain on my Pajero?

I have bought my first car, which is a 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero 2.5 diesel. It has 98,800 miles on the clock and the previous owner told me it has never had its timing belt or chain changed?

Can I get car insurance for a seven month trip to Italy?

I have a seven month contract to teach English in Italy and was intending to drive there in my Ford Focus and use it for daily transport to the school in Naples. However, my insurance company tells me...

When should I change the gearbox oil on my Mercedes C-Class?

I recently bought a three year old Mercedes-Benz C-Class CDI. I am very pleased with the car, but my local dealership tells me the automatic gearbox oil should be changed soon. This is an expensive job,...

Forced to use a hire car whilst new BMW was fixed - should the dealer pay for my costs?

I ordered a new BMW 3 Series recently, but upon delivery discovered some minor scratches. Due to the fact that I live in London (the car was ordered in Bristol) I had it repaired at a local garage, with...

Can you recommend a reliable garage in London?

I’m a new driver and have recently bought a 2006 Mercedes-Benz A-Class. However, the car is suffering from alternator problems and needs a new MoT soon. Can you recommend a good garage and MoT testing...

Hyundai i10 causing strange smell - what is it?

My wife owns a 2008 Hyundai i10 and is very happy with it. However, it has a hot smell outside when you get out of the car after a relatively short run of five miles or so. It has been back to the dealer...

What's causing my Citroen Xsara to overheat?

My Citreon Xsara is losing water and overheating. I cannot find the source of the leak and have checked the radiator. Lately my demisters appear to be splashing water in the inside of the wind screen and...

Electrical issues with Ford Focus

I’m having a number of electrical problems with my 2001 Ford Focus. First the speedo sensor went - causing the car to have a slight drop in power and the speedo to stop working – then the heater packed...

Buying a Ford S-Max - which engine is best?

I want to buy a used Ford S-Max, but am confused by the choice of engines. Which diesel engine would you recommend?

Should I buy a Ford S-Max?

I am looking for a roomy car which will usually carry up to seven people. I enjoy driving so would like something with decent handling and performance. So far I have narrowed my choice to the Ford S-Max...

Ford Fiesta or Vauxhall Corsa - which is best used?

I am looking to buy a used car for £5000-£6000. I have found two that I think are nice but I'm really struggling to decide between them. The first is a 2008 Ford Fiesta 1.2 Zetec, which has had one owner...

Can you recommend a trustworthy garage?

Could you recommend a trustworthy garage in the Gloucestershire area?

Buying a motorhome - will low mileage damage it?

I plan to buy a diesel powered motorhome for use mainly between April and September. What advice do you have regarding lack of use during the winter period when I would prefer to kept it off road and...

Does my Audi TT's cambelt really need replacing?

I am told by the garage that the cam belt should be replaced on my five year old Audi TT. The car has done 33,000 miles and not driven hard (rarely exceed 3000 rpm). Do Audi really build an engine which...

Can you recommend an economical estate?

Can you recommend an economical replacement for a Ford Focus TDCI 109 estate?

Is it illegal to remove a DPF?

I have a BMW 118 ES Coupe, which I purchased new in 2011. I love the car and would like to keep it over the long term, but I would like to try and avoid the costly DPF bills down the road. I understand...

DVLA accusing me of having no insurance - what can I do?

I have received a letter from the DVLA saying I wasn't insured on 10 July this year. I believe this is not true as I was on a garage policy for my car and many others. However, despite repeating this...

Vauxhall Astra with hard ride - can I reject it?

I purchased a nearly new Vauxhall Astra from a main dealer last month. The car had only covered 1800 miles, but I have found that the ride is extremely hard, particularly at anything over 40mph. I have...

Which are the best winter tyres for the Honda Accord Tourer?

I'm looking at using winter tyres this year for the first time ever. I Drive a 2008 Honda Accord Tourer and live in South Yorkshire. Can you recommend a good set?

Buying a nearly new car - which would you recommend?

I want to buy a one year old (or newer) car. I have up to £15,000 to spend and want a decent specification for my money. I have short listed the Mazda 3 2.2 diesel sport, Ford Focus 1.6 EcoBoost Titanium,...

Where's the towing eye on the Honda FR-V?

Is there any way I can tow my Honda FR-V? It has broken down, but I cant find a towing eye on the front.

What age do you have to be to drive a van?

I’m in the process of hiring a 17 year old apprentice and want him to drive my Ford Transit from time to time. Can he do this, or are there age limits for van drivers?

Need a smooth and practical car - any recommendations?

I have two year old Mercedes-Benz C-Class estate that I wish to replace. I have up to £40,000 to spend, but the car must have a smooth ride and lots of space, as my wife is disabled. Can you offer any...

Are there any drawbacks to using winter tyres?

I am considering buying a spare set of wheels fitted with winter tyres. Would there be drawbacks if also used in summer or on long-distance motorway journeys in mild, dry weather in winter?

Bought a used car that's faulty - what can I do?

Last week I bought a 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 for £1799. It was cosmetically very good inside and out and had a full service history. I checked the oil and it was clean and up to the maximum mark, so I bought...

Can I use a diesel car for short trips?

I have the chance to buy a 2010 Audi A3 2.0 TDI with 5000 on the clock. The owner has emigrated and the car has not been driven regularly for some time. I travel 6000 miles a year - would you foresee...

Does my Powershift box really need a fluid and filter change?

My 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol Ford Mondeo is in for a three year service, 17,000 miles. The garage has called me to say Ford recommends a change of oil and filter on the Powershift auto box too. Is this...

Can you recommend a replacement for my Vauxhall Vectra?

I have an ageing Vauxhall Vectra 2.6 V6 estate. The car is 13 years old, with 186,000 miles on the clock and I need to replace it. I need a good motorway cruiser, good comfort, automatic, and with cruise...

Can report a seller for clocking?

A few weeks ago I sold a car, but the buyer discovered it had been clocked. I have proven it was done before my time with proof of purchase and resolved the issue with a partial refund. Can I report the...

Can I put off the service on my Mercedes A-Class?

I bought my 2009 Mercedes-Benz A-Class a few months ago with 22,300 miles on the clock. Recently the service light has come on and my I’ve been told the plugs, brake fluid and air filter needs changing...

Bought a used car, but brakes worn out after just one month - who' should pay?

Last month I purchased a 2002 Volvo V70 auto (127,000 miles) from a local dealer. After a few weeks of running the car I noticed some brake fading, so had it checked at my local garage. I have now been...

Can I run my SUV without a spare wheel?

I've just bought a 2012 Subaru XV, but it doesn't have a spare wheel. Should I buy one, or can I run an SUV without a spare?

Can you recommend an Audi tyre and wheel specialist?

I would like to change the 17 inch wheels on my Audi A2 for a set of 16s for a better ride. What’s the cheapest route to buying them?

Winter tyres for Skoda Roomster - which are best?

I have a 2007 Skoda Roomster 1.9 diesel with 195/55/R15 tyres on alloy wheels. I want to buy three steel wheels - the spare is a steel wheel, which will be the fourth - and fit winter tyres. Do you have...

How much should a replacement cat converter cost?

I have been quoted £2000 to replace the catalytic converter on my Toyota Verso by a main dealer - is this a fair price, It seems a lot.

Volkswagen T4 refuses to start - what's wrong with it?

My Volkswagen T4 won't start. I've checked the fuses under the dashboard, all fine, but it just turns over and puff blue smoke out of the exhaust. Could it be the glow plugs?

DAB radio advertised at wrong price – can I demand Mitsubishi honour the deal?

I am looking for a DAB radio for my 2010 Mitsubishi ASX 3 and recently spotted a Kenwood DAB Multimedia Kit part advertised for £170, including fitting. The deal was on Mitsubishi’s website and I tried...

Buying a powerful car, but want good MPG - what do you recomment?

I want to buy a powerful car, but want good fuel economy and a comfortable ride. I currently drive a BMW 1 Series, but am fed up with the high cost of tyres and hard ride. I cover 25,000 motorway miles...

What happens if my car's timing belt snaps?

2009 Hyundai Santa Fe has a timing belt and reading the handbook it tells me that my 2.2 diesel only requires its timing belt replaced every 100,000 miles or 10 years. Yet the petrol model of the same...

Can I reject a car over a dent?

My wife and I were looking for a car for our daughter to learn to drive in as our existing car is unsuitable for a learner. We visited a local main dealer and although they didn't have a suitable one in...

What's the best 4x4 with a V8 engine?

I'm looking to buy a used 4x4 with a V8 petrol engine and automatic gearbox. Fuel economy is not an issue, but reliability matters. I have up to £10,000 to spend and would consider a V6, but would be much...

Where's the best place to get a dashboard camera?

I have recently had a few 'near misses' from drivers pulling out of junctions and just general bad driving. Last year a driver swerved across the central white lines to avoid a jogger and smashed my wing...

New Fiesta has faulty paintwork - what are my rights?

I bought a new Ford Fiesta from my local ford dealer in August .On collection, I noticed a few fallout spots near the rear number plate and the salesman said he would have it dealt with. Since then nothing...