BMW 5 Series GT - which tyres offer the best comfort?

I need some new tyres for my BMW 530d GT. It is currently fitted with 245/45/R19 front and 275/40/R19 rear. These need replacing soon and I am thinking of fitting BMW recommended 245/50/R18's front and...

Which tyres are best for the Jeep Compass?

I'm need new tyres for my three year old Jeep Compass, but am not sure what tyres to fit. The size is 215/55/18 V95, currently on original Continentals, would it be better to change? I'd like a quiet...

Should a manufacturer's warranty cover a faulty USB socket?

I took my 12 month old Kia Sorrento back to the garage for my 12 month service. AS well as the service, the dealer was going to fix the cigarette lighter, phone charger, USB and accessory plug which had...

Can you recommend a small SUV with a petrol engine?

I need a small SUV, with a petrol engine, automatic gearbox and a sunroof. Can you make any recommendations?

Volkswagen Passat tyres - how can I improve fuel economy?

I am currently running my 2008 Volkswagen Passat on Bridgestone Potenza 235/45R17 94Y RE050A tyres which are coming up for replacement. Can you recommend any other make of tyre. I do about 10000 miles...

Is the Hyundai Santa Fe 2.7 petrol reliable?

I am looking at buy a Hyundai Sante Fe (2008 model) with 70,000 miles on the clock. It's the rarer V6 2.7 Petrol engine. Is this reliable?

Which is the better used buy - Civic or Jazz?

I have decided to sell my beloved Volvo S60 and get a smaller, more economical car. Could you help me to choose between Honda Jazz 2010 and the Honda Civic 2006? I really like the practicality and reliability...

Buying an automatic Nissan Note - which model is best?

What's the best automatic Nissan Note : Tekna,N-TEC+,Acenta or Visia ?

Can I reject a car over a scratched windscreen?

I have just collected our used (2012) Audi A3 from an approved dealer. On the drive home we noticed that the windscreen is severely scratched in several places, which we didn't notice on the test drive....

Do Fiat still sell the Panda with an auto 'box?

My dad currently has a Fiat Panda, as per your recommendation. He wants to buy a new car, but Fiat don't appear to do an automatic Panda anymore. What similar sized automatic do you recommend?

Our car has hidden accident history - what are our rights?

We recently bought a 2013 Volvo XC70 D4 for £24,580 from a main dealer. After collecting the car we found a faulty fuel gauge and the car went to our local Volvo dealer for a warranty repair. However,...

What should I replace my Touran with?

I currently own a Volkswagen Touran Sport diesel with a DSG gearbox. The car is big enough to fit my non-foldable wheelchair in the boot and is fine for my general driving needs, but I've grown bored with...

Should we keep or trade in our old Ford Galaxy?

My son is wanting to change his Ford Galaxy 2.0 diesel. The car is a 2007 model and has great bodywork, with 96,000 miles from new and dealer maintained. His logic is it must be at end of its useful...

Where is the DPF warning light on the Jaguar XF?

Where is the DPF warning light located on the dashboard of the Jaguar XF 2.7 diesel (2008 model)?

Is the Vauxhall Zafira reliable?

I am changing cars and am wondering if the Vauxhall Zafira (2007 model) is reliable. How often does the timing belt need changing and what is your opinion on them in general?

Why have the windows on my MINI stopped working?

The windows on my 2012 MINI Cooper stopped working yesterday. However, after 90 minutes they started working again. This has never happened before. Can you offer any explanation?

When should I change the oil in my Focus ST?

I'm collecting my new Ford Focus ST this week (the petrol one) and like virtually all cars nowadays, there's no running-in service with the first oil change being scheduled for 12,500 miles or 12 months....

Faulty Q5 has been replaced three times and broken down again - what should I do?

I took delivery of a new Audi Q5 15 months ago; however, due to persistent problems with the driver's seat, the car was eventually replaced - I had to pay additional cost to cover wear and tear. The...

Will buying a van at auction save me money?

We are looking to purchase a used Volkswagen Transporter (T5) for a professional conversion to a camper van. Van dealers seem to be really pricey so am thinking about an auction. We hope to get a 2.0 CR...

What's the best medium-sized estate/SUV for £25k?

We will shortly be replacing our seven year old Honda Jazz after 100,000 miles. Although much of our mileage is for trips under 15 miles on the European mainland, we drive to and from the UK at least once...

Faulty 300C Touring - what should I say to the dealer?

My son bought a Chrysler 300C Touring five months ago with 30,000 miles on the clock, one owner and full service history. It broke down last weekend with a failed swirl motor and broken turbo pipe and...

Skoda power steering failure - shouldn't the dealer pay for the repairs?

I've recently had the PAS red-warning light appear on the dash of my 2009 Skoda Octavia. Since then the steering has become unbelievably heavy. I called the AA and they diagnosed a fault in the control...

Buying a used car for £8k - Toyota or Volkswagen?

My budget is between £8000 to £11000. I drive 50 miles on the motorway everyday and really want a reliable car. I've shortlisted the following cars: Toyota Auris Diesel 1.4D-4D 2013 (Mileage 12K Oct 2013) Volkswagen...

Faulty thermostat - What happens if I don't replace it?

I have a Mercedes-Benz E320 - I noticed the temperature stays round 50c on motorways and goes up to 70C in traffic, I was told thermostat needs replacing as it might be stuck open. My question is do I...

Buying a used car for £7k - Fiesta, Golf or Ibiza?

I have £6750 to £7500 spend on a used small car. I live in a rural hilly area and rarely venture onto a motorway. My mileage is about 10,000 a year. Which would you buy out of the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen...

Turbo failure on Ford C-Max - Scrap or repair?

We bought a 2006 Ford C-Max 1.6 2006 three years ago for £5000. Sadly the turbo has failed for the third time! It was only replaced two months ago so we cannot face it happening again and want to replace...

Which city car auto is best?

My wife is looking for a small three year old automatic for town driving. The Hyundai i10/Kia Picanto/Suzuki Alto are in the mix as they have torque converter gearboxes. Which is likely to be the most...

What's the best automatic car for £3000?

I have just got my driving licence and am looking to buy an used economical automatic car, with a budget of £3000. I like the Toyota Prius MK2 (2003) with the CVT 'box and the Mazda2 (2003). Which car...

Buying a used Honda CR-V - should I go for petrol or diesel?

I am thinking of buying a used (2010 model) Honda CR-V manual. My annual mileage is 9000 a year, with regular 13 mile motorway runs and the occasional 120+ long journey. Should I go for a petrol or diesel...

Which hybrid is best for £30k?

I currently drive a Skoda Yeti 2.0 TDI and am looking to change. For the type of driving we now do a hybrid seems to make sense. I am quite taken with the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Also in the frame is...

Buying a diesel BMW - is the 2.0 engine reliable?

I need to replace my 15 year old Lexus IS 200. I’d like a used BMW (2014 model), either a 1 or 3 Series. However, I’d most likely go for the 2.0 diesel with an automatic ‘box. The intention would be to...

Where can I find the ECU on the Suzuki Alto?

Where can I find the ECU on the Suzuki Alto (2005 model) 1.1 GL?

Can you recommend a large and comfortable car?

I currently own a 2009 Honda Civic 1.8 iVTEC Si-T. I'm looking to buy a new car of medium size for around £25,000. Some of the cars I've looked at are Honda Civic, Volkswagen Golf, Audi A3 Saloon, Lexus...

Coil failure on Vauxhall Meriva - Should I expect any compensation ?

Can I expect Vauxhall to pay anything towards replacing the coil on my Meriva which has failed after 40,000 miles and four years?

Ford KA 1.2 - interference or non-interference engine?

Could anybody tell me if this is an interference or non interference engine?

Buying my first car - Yaris or Corolla?

I'm looking to buy my first car and have narrowed down the choices to a Toyota Yaris T Sport (2004) and a Toyota Corolla T Spirit (2004). Both are available at similar prices, although the Yaris is faster...

What's the trade in value of my SEAT Ibiza?

I have a five-door SEAT Ibiza Copa 1.4 SE on a 2011 plate, with 30,000 miles on the clock. There's a couple of small scrapes on the back bumper and the car has a set of 17-inch wheels, which I added myself....

Foes my Ford Fusion have a Durashift gearbox?

I am looking for a Ford Fusion automatic, but the adverts don't seem to distinguish between full and semi automatics. Can you help?

Efficient Petrol Cars

Hello, I am looking at efficient petrols for mostly town commuting with occasional long distance of motorway/dual-carriageway. I am looking specifically at the Ford Fiesta (2013-) 1.0 ecoboost Titanium...

Disadvantages buying from brokers?

Discounts offered from brokers seem very attractive, but are there any disadvantages in buying from a reputable broker as opposed to buying from a local main dealer?

Ticket for defective brakes - Can I appeal?

I have been stopped and issued a ticket for defective brakes on my motorcycle. The punishment is a £100 fine and three points, this is due to me apparently have no rear break pad left on my motorbike brakes. I...

Buying a new Mazda MX-5 - Which model is best?

I have been looking at a new MX-5 (current model), as there are some good deals around. I originally thought the 1.8 Sport Venture Roadster, but then wondered if it worth paying extra for the Roadster...

Is the Nissan Murano really that bad?

I'm looking for a replacement for my old Jeep Grand Cherokee and have £8000 to spend. I've noticed that there are lots of nice looking, lowish mileage Nissan Muranos in my price range. Admittedly, it's...

Are Toyota RAV4s reliable?

I am thinking of buying a 2008 Toyota RAV4 with the 2.2 D-CAT engine. I've found a manual version with 113,000 miles on the clock with a full service history. How is this car and engine?

What's the best used estate for £5k?

We've got £2000-£5000 to spend on a used estate with a reasonable sized boot. We're not bothered about brand as long as it is reliable and has decent amounts of equipment. Ideally, we want an automatic...

Are plug-in hyrbids reliable?

I’m thinking of buying a new Volkswagen Golf GTE. The car will be used mostly locally, but include the occasional long journey. The car is fitted with 1.4 petrol engine and six-speed DSG gearbox. Is this...

Why is my Golf making a rattling noise?

I own a Golf Match 1.6fsi (2008) which has started to make a rattle noise when started on cold mornings. It goes on for at least three minutes and the rattle is heard when the revs drop. I know this...

Fighting an unfair parking ticket - what should I do?

I parked in a multi-storey car park recently, but did not have sufficient change to pay, so used pay by text message option. A couple of weeks later I received a demand for a parking fine for £100 - or...

How much will my car be worth in two years?

I was wondering if you could advise on a website which would provide predicted retained values for cars? I am looking at buying a new car and given depreciation will be the largest cost it would be good...

Can you recommend a large and economical estate?

I want to buy a sensible, spacious economical estate car, which will be predominantly driven in town. I am thinking on a new Auris Touring Sports with the 1.6 petrol engine. Is this a good choice?