Passenger door won't unlock on Nissan Qashqai

The passenger door on my 2007 Nissan Qashqai remains locked when all the other doors have opened using the key fob. It has just started happening and the only way to open the passenger door is from the...

Can you recommend a comfortable estate?

Can you recommend an automatic estate with very comfortable seats? I drive 30,000 per year and want something with a nice ride and reasonable economy.

Suspension problems with Renault Modus

I have owned a Renault Modus from new since 2011 without any problems. The reason for buying it was down to its high driving position and comfortable, compliant suspension. However, this has now become...

Should we keep or sell our Fiat Grande Punto?

My partner has had a 2006 Fiat Grande Punto for the past six years and it has given good service for more than 50,000 miles. Recently it has started to give problems with the brake and clutch. Now the...

Does the Jeep Grand Cherokee have a timing belt or chain?

Does the Jeep Grand Cherokee have a timing chain or timing belt? The model is the 3956 CC and it was made in 2000

Buying a new car - Kia Venga, Hyundai IX20 or Nissan Note?

I'm considering purchasing a Kida Venga, Hyundai ix20 or Nissan Note. Which would be the best petrol version considering value for money, fuel economy etc?

What price should I pay for a used Focus RS?

I have just sold my 2012 Ford Focus ST3 and am thinking of going back to a 2009 Focus RS as they seem to be holding their value. I have seen a 2009 RS in green with 15,000 miles and it's mint. The dealer...

Need to buy a small 4x4 - what do you recommend?

I have a old Range Rover which has been brilliant. However, I don't really use it as much as I use to and I still need a four wheel-drive that I can use around the estate and for the little bit of off...

Buying extended warranty - which company is best?

I have bought a second hand Ford Mondeo (2011) with 20,000 miles on the clock from a dealer. The dealer has quoted £600 to increase the standard three month warranty to three years and say it's the closest...

Can I appeal my speeding ticket?

I was caught on a dual carriageway doing 55mph in a 40mph zone. The road is 60mph and then changes to 40mph, but by the time I had seen the sign I was reducing my speed and was caught. Can I appeal my...

Buying a new car - should I ask for a discount?

I am considering buying a new BMW 3 Series Tourer (SE + Options) from a dealer. What sort of discount is a reasonable expectation?

Vauxhall Astra coolant leak

I've recently discovered that the coolant fluid leaks out somewhere from my Vauxhall Astra. The coolant level drops quite quickly in the tank (about 1 cm/1-1.5dl in 150km) and there is a little bit of...

Paying for repairs after car hit my dog

A few days ago my dog got loose and ran in front of a car. Thankfully the dog only had minor injuries, but there was some damage to the car which I have agreed to make good. I have got a quote from the...

Hired a van and got a puncture - should I have to pay for the replacement?

My son hired a mid-sized Ford Transit from a hire firm for a two week cycling trip. During the loan he got a puncture and the hire firm came out to replace the tyre. He now finds on his credit card that...

Should I pay extra for LED headlights?

Audi A3 has the option of LED headlights. Are these better than Xenon and are they worth the extra £2000?

New car for my in-laws

I have been asked by my father in-law for advice in buying a replacement car. Both my in-laws are retired and are moving to a smaller house. They will want a car for some shorter journeys but also longer...

Where's the best place to buy a used S-Max?

I want to buy a late Ford S-Max 163 Powershift, with panoramic roof and sat nav for one my children. However, I can't find any. Can you help?

Brake judder on Vauxhall Insignia VXR

I purchased a 2013 Vauxhall Insignia VXR from a Vauxhall dealer with 7000 miles on the clock. The front brakes developed a judder which was severe at 40-50mph. The dealer changed the discs and the pads...

Buying a used Civic - what should I look out for?

Having read a number of reviews on your site, I think a Honda Civic 1.8 i-VTEC (8th gen) is probably the best car for my needs. Ideally I’d like to spend £4000 or under and my wife likes the idea of the...

Engine warning light on Mazda 3

Seven months ago I bought a 2010 Mazda 3 diesel. It has 71,000 miles on the clock and is out of warranty. Yesterday, whilst driving down the motorway, I felt the speed dropping gradually so I pressed on...

Free insurance offer isn't what it seems

Volkswagen has refused to give me their one year free insurance on a new Up, which I am taking delivery of next week. The reason is due to a "knock for knock" accident in a supermarket car park two and...

What's my Honda CR--V worth?

I am selling my Honda CR-V auto purchased in 2000 in Belgium. It has 66,000 on the clock. Any idea what it might be worth?

How can I fixed a blocked DPF?

I am having a recurring problem with a DPF n my car. My 2012 Volkswagen California is about to go to the garage to unblock the filter for the third time. I have been doing everything that is recommended...

What's the best SUV for new parents?

We're looking for a SUV to cater for our new family. The car will have to take a child’s seat and pram. We've narrowed it down to the Nissan Qashqai 1.6 CVT Acenta Premium, which seemed oddly cramped inside,...

Mazda 3 wheel size - what would you recommend?

According to the Mazda configuration you can opt to have 16-inch wheels for the Sport model although 18s are the default size. Would you recommend keeping with the 18-inch wheels or opt for the smaller...

MINI rear wheels making a rubbing noise

My MINI Cooper S (2002) has started making a rubbing noise at slow speeds. It appears to be coming from the rear wheels, any idea what could be the cause?

Best winter tyres for Audi A6 Avant?

I bought a set of spare wheels and fitted them with winter tyres. My local tyre shop suggested Yokohama W - Drive 225/50 R17 winter tyres for my Audi A6 Avant. As expected, I have been delighted with the...

How can I find the radio code for my Ford Mondeo?

I have a Ford Mondeo and I need to find the radio code. Can you help?

Squeaky gearbox on Ford Mondeo

I own a Mk3 Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCI, with 136,000 miles on the clock. When changing down and releasing the clutch there is an annoying squeak. Repeatedly depressing and releasing the clutch causes it every...

Buying a used car - BMW 520d or 530?

After research, I was all set to buy a BMW 520d Touring. However, a friend suggested that I test drive a 530d, particularly as I will only be driving 5000 to 6000 miles pa. Whilst the 520d is good the...

Buying a new car - electric or hybrid?

I live on the Isle of Wight and want to buy a plug-in hybrid as most of our journeys are less than 20 miles. I currently have a 1988 Porsche 924s for use on the Island and a 2005 Volvo XC90, which we...

Does the Saab 9-3 suffer steering issues?

I have a Saab 9-3 2.0t (2005) petrol Convertible and am wondering if there are any fixed steering/bulkhead strength issues on this model?

Have I written off my car?

I had a rather unfortunate incident today and I've ended up crashing my lovely little Volkswagen Lupo. The door is damaged, but opens and closes fine. The car itself drives fine. Do you think this is...

Best small car for elderly driver?

I need a small car with easy access for its elderly female driver. What do you suggest?

What's the best new car for £8000 or less?

I need a five-door car for a daily commute of five miles. My key criteria in order of priority are reliability (I want to keep it for at least five years preferably 10), fuel efficiency, drivability in...

Need a large car - what you do recommend?

I want to buy a new car and have narrowed my shortlist to the Volkswagen Passat 1.6TDI Exec Estate, Ford Mondeo 1.6 TDCI Graphite Hatch and the Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 diesel TechLine Estate. I spend most...

Can you recommend a cheap car?

I need to buy a cheap vehicle for £1000. It must be reliable, with cheap parts and maintenance. Ideally, I’d like a big car (estate/SUV/SUV) as I occasionally need to carry large items. What do you recommend...

Electronic fault on Renault Megane

After I turn the ignition on my Renault Megane (2004) shows a reading on the dashboard that says 'electronic fault' and the orange 'service' rectangle comes on all of the time. Any idea what might be wrong?...

Can you recommend a new car that will last 12 years?

I have found buying a new car and keeping it for 12 years works for me. Can you suggest something I should buy for £25,000? I car should have reasonable performance to overtake, with comfortable seats,...

Can you recommend a good front-wheel drive car?

I want to swap my Mk1 SEAT Leon 130 diesel for something more comfortable with a bit of go and I am considering a Saab 9-3 2.0 petrol. The question is should I buy a car whose manufacturer has gone out...

Need a used family car for £8k - any recommendations?

Our 2005 Ford Mondeo Estate has suffered a terminal fault and we need to replace it with used car. We don't necessarily want/need another estate and have been considering the Citroen C4. Having three...

Selling a BMW Z4 - should I try the dealer?

I am thinking of selling my 2013 BMW Z4. Is it a good idea to try BMW dealers?

Citroen C3 Picasso has failed its MoT on emissions

My 2009 Citroen C3 Picasso 1.6 diesel has just failed its MoT on emissions. The garage has told me that I don’t do enough miles. For a retest I must drive it around for a few hours in third gear and leave...

What's the best hatchback for £4000?

I'm looking to purchase a reasonable diesel five-door hatchback for between £4000- £5000. I'm a sucker for power so the sportier models are preferred. So far I've come to decide the best "bang for buck"...

Should the dealer pay for my car's new timing chain?

My local BMW garage has informed me that my 2010 318i Touring with only 29,000 miles on the clock needs a new timing chain and vanos unit. Is this common and should BMW cover the cost, even though the...

Big car service - what items should be replaced?

I have a 2009 Volkswagen Golf Plus 2.0 TDI. It has done 45,000 miles and is coming up for its next service. Can you tell me what big items will need replacing soon?

Vauxhall Asta air con has stopped - what should I do?

The air con on my 2002 Vauxhall Astra has stopped working. The fan is also always on and it has got to the point where it is draining the battery and I have to jump start the car each morning. Can you...

Buying a new Golf GTI - should I pay extra for the performance pack?

I've ordered a new Volkswagen Golf GTI, but didn't specify the performance pack as I didn't think it would be of much benefit in day to day driving. However I am now wondering if this option will improve...

Need a car that will be kind to my bad back - what do you recommend?

My wife has hip and back problems, which makes our current car uncomfortable to ride in. Can you recommend a new car that will be better for our needs, with a large cabin and comfortable ride?

BMW 5 Series - should I fit non-runflats?

I have a 2010 BMW 520SE and I've been told that I have to have fit runflat winter tyres. My son has a similar car but he has fitted ordinary winter tyres. Which is the correct option?