Vauxhall Zafira heater fires - does it affect the Astra?

We've seen a lot recently about Zafira fires (with one suspect being the fan resistor). What about Astra of similar build years? As these two models shared a significant amount of design/parts.

Garage disconnected the check engine light

I bought a used car two months ago with a one month warranty. Within the warranty period the check engine light came on and a friend with a code reader checked the fault codes so that we had an idea what...

Nissan Qashqai tailgate handle issues

The tailgate handle on my four year old Nissan Qashqai broke, and in my view the fixing is a poor design and not fit for purpose. There are many instance on the web where owners have had similar experiences....

A new or nearly new small car?

I am looking to buy a small manual petrol crossover. Average mileage per year would be about 7500 miles. Mix of 50% town and 50% motorway. Needs to have reasonable luggage area. Looking to keep for about...

Noise vibration through gear lever - what is it?

I have a 2014 Mazda6 Tourer with the 165PS petrol engine and a 6-Speed Manual gearbox, which I bought new from the local Mazda dealer. There is a problem with excessive vibration and noise coming from/through...

Can I cancel my order for a new Volkswagen?

I am concerned about the reported loss in regard to Volkswagen finances. Is it possible to cancel my order, due to be built commencing on 23rd November 2015?

Engine warning light and variable valve timing?

An engine warning light on my Ford Focus led to diagnosis of problems with variable valve timing. I have flushed the oil and replaced the intake camshaft oil control valve. The garage suggested a problem...

Buying a used Mercedes SLK?

I would like to buy a used SLK in winter for use in summer purely for pleasure in retirement, What do I need to look for when buying?

Delayed Audi A3 order - where do I stand?

On the 22nd September 2015 I ordered a new Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI. I was assured by the dealership that the car would arrive either before Christmas or the first week in January. I was told last week...

My Audi A1 has a strange engine noise - any ideas?

Would you mind listening to these two clips (if my uploading skills have worked!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA7RIcJ9Tp0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rObzl7M_NrM Background: Audi UK say this is...

Petrol Honda CR-V on urban commute - worth using premium fuel?

I drive a 2013 4WD Honda CR-V, with a 2.0 litre petrol engine (manual). My daily commute is 7 miles each way in urban / suburban traffic. I drive carefully for economy and have averaged 36mpg since purchase...

Dashcam recommendations?

Do you have any information about the relative quality etc of incar video recorders please?

Replacement for an Audi A8L?

I'm doing some part time driving for a disabled business woman. She currently uses an Audi A8L 4.2 Quattro. The lease on this car is up in March and Audi have already been in touch, suggesting that there...

Citroen C5 HDi problem

I've just had a water pump and cam belt fitted to my car its started up fine and drove for approximately two miles then started to knock and suddenly lost power it sounded like it was running on three...

Motorway speed restrictions?

This morning I was travelling on the M1 Southbound when a speed limit of 50 mph was imposed at the M6/M1 junction. This continued for about 20 miles but at no time did either myself or my wife see ANY...

Tricked into buying an ex-rental car

I bought a six month old Volvo XC60 from my local Volvo dealer in Sunderland on the understanding that it was an ex Volvo UK management car. Two weeks later when I received the V5C in the post I noticed...

Automatic small car advice?

I'm planing to buy Jazz automatic 1.4 i-VTEC ES 2012 model. I'm looking for full automatic. The Jazz I saw has additional manual options under the steering weel. It is not present in newer 2014 models....

Replacing a van with a 4x4

I want to replace my Vivaro van with a 4x4. It must be diesel automatic with good fuel economy. I frequently go up north for a week to stay in and decorate properties, so I need a large capacity. I do...

Real life fuel economy

I have submitted the life-time petrol comsumption of our Ampera three times now (most recently, a few minutes ago), but it does not appear in your results (which are still showing only three submissions)....

Golf GTI infotainment broken

I recently took delivery of a new Golf GTI. After 3 weeks of ownership, the central MMI system failed and I lost use of the radio, sat nav, phone integration and access to some of the car's menus. This...

Issues paying VED monthly by direct debit

On the 10th October I purchased a used car from a dealership, while there I set up a monthly direct debit for car tax, as far as I was aware it was fine, I received an email confirming this and the dates...

Looking for a good MPV for the taxi trade

I am a looking to buy an MPV that would be used as a taxi. I would prefer an automatic. I would be using the extra seats quite often so ideally the extra seats would be suitable for adults. I would also...

Buying a small hatch for commuting

Would you recommend the new Honda Jazz for a 15000 mile a year commute?

Are high mileage cars worth the risk?

Are high mileage cars with full history worth buying?

Solar battery chargers

We have two cars parked in a secure driveway (Ford Kuga and Lexus SC430) and are planning on being out of the country for the whole of December and into early January. Would it be wise keep the batteries...

Buying a one year old car

I am buying an 11 month old Meriva 1 4 Techline with 6k miles on the clock. Delivery in about a week. (It is ex mobility with no modifications the sales guy says). He is pushing me to sign up for Diamondglaze/Diamondbright?...

Need a car comparable to Toyota Land Cruiser V8?

We currently own a Land Cruiser V8 auto but Toyota are not importing them any longer into the UK. I do a lot of towing quite often with two large horses, which is the best vehicle to look at which is...

Insurer wants to write off a classic car

I have a 1996 Volvo 850R Estate with only 77k on the clock. It is immaculate inside, much cherished and cared for during the 18 years I have owned it. Last week a third party scraped the side of it in...

Choosing new alloys and either winter or all-season tyres?

I have a 2015 2WD Nissan X-Trail n-Tec on 19 inch rims. I will be driving round the UK and want to improve winter driving safety. Would a winter package of 17 inch rims be best with winter/all season tyres?...

Broken timing chain on BMW with N57 engine

Recently the engine on my 3 Series Touring stopped dead. A trip to the BMW dealer revealed timing chain failure, and I have a bill for around £4000. I can't pay this at the moment, so I am without the...

Are PCP deals what they claim?

Almost three years ago my daughter took out a PCP deal on a Volkswagen Move Up with the confident expectation espoused by the dealer that there would be equity at the finish to put down on another car....

Audi 2.0 TFSI excess oil usage

Having checked your site when I bought an A5 with a major oil problem (the independent dealer has subsequently gone bust) I went to my main dealer (Sheffield Audi) who was great and agreed with Audi to...

Turbo failure on Combo Van

My 1300 cc Combo van (80,000 miles) has developed an intermittent problem whereby the turbo fails reducing the power, sometimes at low and other times at high speed. No warning light comes on. What is...

Used Family Car - Mazda 5 or Mazda 6

Hi HJ Having looked at you top 10 used family cars for £7k I'm liking the look of the Mazda 6 Estate We prefer diesel and just need 5 good seats and decent boot. I have also noticed the Mazda 5 as a more...

Oil change in a Qashqai?

I own a new Nissan Qashqai 1.2, bought last year in Dec 2014. Yesterday, I took the car to the official Nissan service to get the first year official service done. as you know this includes oil, oil filter...

Volkswagen emissions

My engine is one affected by the "emissions scandal" Is it (a) compulsory to get the engine re-set and (b) does the current software/engine "cheat" a UK MOT ?

Buying a used MPV for £7k - what are my best options?

We currently run a 2007 C4 Grand Picasso 1. 6HDi, at only 78k the turbo has blown, fortunately a warranty company is supplying a new one but a local specialist told me that the PSA 1.6HDi is a mucky engine...

Failure of engine on BMW 320i

My wife's BMW 320i SE Touring was bought new in 2006 from Cooper Wimbledon. She does about 5,000 miles a year and to date it has done 49,000miles. It has been regularly serviced by BMW. Earlier this year...

Is the Toyota Land Cruiser V8 being stopped in the UK?

I am looking to buy a new Toyota Land Cruiser V8 but am being told that this model is no longer being sold in the UK. Is this true?

Mis-sold an Audi A4 TDI with an engine remap

I have just bought a 2007 Audi A4 TDI 170 which has been remapped, I bought it as a family car to go to work and take my son to and from nursery. I don't know a lot about cars and the trader I bought it...

Honda Civic 2015 - diesel or petrol?

I am looking to buy a Honda Civic 2015. I am currently doing fairly short trips to work 5 days a week with my Ford Focus diesel (around 15 mins in the city area) creating all sorts of engine troubles....

Mercedes-Benz S-Class - a good used buy?

I am looking to buy a 2006 S-Class W221 which has done 98K miles and comes with 1 year dealer warranty. it has been converted to LPG. Can I ask how expensive is it to maintain and service the car. Are...

Nissan Murano with various problems - what should I do?

I unfortunately bought a Nissan Murano 2009 model done 100K. Many problems have started to develop in just one month. 1) knocking sound when driving above 40-50 mph which do not have any pattern to it....

Where is the best place to purchase supercars for resale abroad?

I am new to reselling supercars abroad, just wondering if you have any tips of where to purchase or sourcing of high end performance cars. I have a friend abroad who has clients ready and willing to buy...

Rust on Hyundai ix20 - what should I be prepared to put up with?

I have noticed rust on my ix20 which I can't remove with polishing. My dealership is coming up with reasons it probably won't be covered on the warranty, but some of it is very fine and seems to be appearing...

My one year old E-Class caught fire - surely Mercedes is liable?

My year old Mercedes E-Class caught fire on my drive as I got home, and was destroyed. I see that owners of older cars which caught fire have had to claim on their insurance, but obviously this involves...

MOT check website

I don't know if any of your readers have seen the following website in the news where you can check on a cars MOT history. https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history-vehicle Very useful for buying so you...

Warranty issues with used car

I bought a Freelander in Sep but less than two weeks after two wheel bearings have gone, warranty company refuse to cover costs, the garage we purchased from says wear and tear and is not being helpful...

Toyota Yaris fuel pressure problem

I bought a Yaris 55 plate 1.4 D4D but after 20 miles driving it it started losing power and have to stop for 5-10 mins and it stated again called AA who said it is likely to do with fuel pressure and glow...

Audi A6 engine problem

I have had an Audi A6 Avant 3.0 TDI 6 and a 1/2 months now and it has done circa 18,000 miles. It recently developed a loud rattle from the engine and Audi said the timing chain needed replacing. They...