BMW 318i - NOX and cam shaft sensor failure

We have owned a BMW 318i from new in 2010 and have covered just 15,000 miles in six years. We have experienced NOX and cam shaft sensor failure twice in the time that we have owned it - once in 2014 and...

Need a new car with low maintenance costs

I am contemplating the purchase of a petrol-powered estate. I have short listed the Skoda Octavia 1.4 and SEAT Leon 1.4 for their low road tax, quiet cabin and good ride qualities. However I am now put...

Seat belt warning fault on Golf SV

I own a Volkswagen Golf SV, which suffers a fault with the seat belt warning system. The problems manifests with the warning sound pinging away intermittently. Recently, on a long journey, it went off...

Which winter tyres are best for Maserati Quattroporte?

I run a 2008 Maserati Quattroporte in Spain. The tyres are needing replacing and as I am due to do some driving in Northern Europe this winter I was going to fit winter tyres shortly. Any problems that...

BMW convertible roof opening on its own

I recently sold my 65k mile 2004 BMW 330 convertible to my nephew, fully confident after 6.5 years of 100% reliability. It now lives outside, and some mornings he finds the windows down and the roof half...

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer problems

My BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is not two months old, but it has been blighted with problems. So far the dealer has investigated the collision warning camera/breaking warning three times but cannot solve...

Clutch failure - should the classic dealer pay for repairs?

I've just bought a restored 1971 Porsche 911t from a specialist dealer for £70,000. After just 100 miles the clutch failed and I had the car recovered to them. The dealer has now issued a pro forma for...

How much is my car worth?

I have recently been involved in a no fault accident and although I am waiting for the insurance companies decision, the recovery garage said they thought my Honda Civic might be a write off. The car...

Are Powershift DC being phased out in favour of torque converter boxes?

I am thinking of replacing my Ford Mondeo with something newer. I would like an automatic Ford, but am coceredn about the long term reliability of the Powershift gearbox. A local dealer has advised that...

Changing from an SUV to hot hatch

I currently have a Renault Kadjar 1.6 dCi. I like the car, but the engine feels sluggish compared to the same engine I had in my previous Nissan Qashqai. I want to replace the Renault as I no longer need...

Peugeot 508 SW cam shaft failure

The cam shaft snapped on my Peugeot 1.6 diesel 508 SW - catastrophic engine failure. The car is less than five years old, fully serviced, 78k miles, levels all good, no warning lights. A new engine around...

Selling future classic Mercedes-Benz SL - where should I sell?

I have owned a mineral green SL 280 Mercedes from new, with hard top, in very good condition registered in 2000 with 72,000 miles on the clock. I am thinking of selling it and wonder what it is worth and...

Volvo- Hesitation on acceleration. Please help...

Volvo V60 D3 Automatic 2011 Year 41,000 miles Problem: Car “falters” on acceleration when leaving a queue of traffic. This has occurred most noticeably (and is frightening) at a busy roundabout, about...

Need to buy a 7 seater - used. What should I be looking at?

I have a budget of around £7k and have just split from my husband so need a new 7 seater. I have been used to driving an S-MAX and would like a car with a similar drive but not sure it is more value-for-money...

Should Citroen contribute to cambelt failure bill?

Broken cam belt on 9 yr old car 109000 miles caused engine damage... car serviced for last 2 years by good independent garage but no recommendation was made by them to replace belt even though 2 services...

Comparison of 2 new estates - any known problems?

Looking two models (2016 Vauxhall Astra ST SRi 1.4 150 V 2016 Skoda Octavia Estate se 1.4 150) for 6K annual mileage with a high proportion of short journeys & plan to keep for 8 years+. Have read exhaustively...

PCP - can I trade in a car on a PCP contract with a different dealer?

I currently have a 2014 Skoda Citigo on a PCP deal which comes to an end in a few months. I am looking to change cars and enter a new PCP deal, possibly a Citroen or a Nissan. Is it possible to use my...

Buying: new or used car?

My Alfa Romeo 159 150bhp JTDM has been the best car I've ever owned but mileage and running costs are now getting high. I've had a few high bills and am considering changing. The problem I've found is...

2013 BMW 1/F20 N47 Diesel - what's wrong?

I have a 2013 BMW 116d. The timing chain was replaced under warranty roughy one year ago. The BMW garage has insisted that the new chain will not have the same problems as before, because they've installed...

Why can't I get a test drive in a new Skoda Superb 1.4 Tsi DSG?

Despite writing to Marketing Director Skoda UK (no reply), and Managing Director VW UK, although staff spoken to were helpful, the best offer was for me to drive 140 miles for a test drive. I declined. When...

Whats wrong with my Skoda Fabia 1.4?

My car wouldn't start after travelling 5 miles, changed the battery. Then today on the motorway, Power steering light came on as well as alternator light, then the engine cut out on me, car wouldn't restart...

Pre registered cars - which one for me?

I am looking to buy a pre registered car, I understand that dealers often registrar cars approaching end of the financial year and then discount. Where should I look and would you recommend any makes for...

Damage to vehicle - where do I stand?

I bought a van to convert to a camper 8 months ago and due to the fact it has been stored as work has been done to it I have only just noticed the sliding door colour is different and on closer inspection...

BMW 530 diesel versus 520 diesel - go for the newer engine?

Congratulations on a great motoring column. I have a 520 manual diesel, which is 7 years old with 72,000 miles on the clock. Oil changes at 10,000 miles. No indications of the chain death rattle. Best...

A Saab 9-3 Convertible for a pensioner and dog?

As a pensioner I am thinking of buying one of the above to do about 3/4k mls pa for fun and hope to keep a long time.Is this a practical proposition and what is the spares situation. Can you possibly suggest...

VW Emissions Modification failure ruined car - what next?

As other posts my 2012 Tiguan modification has failed leaving me with a noisy unresponsive machine completely at odds with the driving experienced prior to modification, The car was returned to Dealer...

Need a van that will fit a disability bike

I need a van that will carry a large disability bike. It must also be capable of towing a caravan. I quite like the Fiat Doblo and Ford Tourneo Connect. Are there other vehicles we should look at? We have...

Honda Jazz tyre deflation system - is there a problem?

I bought a Honda Jazz nine months ago, and for most of this time the tyre deflation system has been giving false warnings. This recurs every day or so after it has been reset. The Honda dealer has looked...

Baleno speedo - is there a problem with reading when it's bright?

I had a test drive in a Suzuki Baleno this morning, which I loved, but noticed that under certain light levels (it was bright) the speed indents for 30, 50 and 70 became invisible. Given the sheer number...

Buying a Family car, second hand what would you recommend?

We need to buy a new second hand family car. We're a family of 2 adults and 2 kids under 4. We need something economical, reliable and will last a while. Our budget is under £9000, ideally around £8000....

What car?

I need Automatic car, which is better Mondeo Diesel 2L or Toyota Prius? My current car Mondeo 2L manual Diesel.

Liability after selling privately - what are my options?

Sorry - slightly long question: I have sold my Mini Cooper S 07 plate 134k miles privately to a cash buyer. Following his test drive, I noticed an engine warning light come on. I notified the interested...

What should I buy as my first car?

My daughter has been having driving lessons for a few months and feedback from her instruction is very good. To help provide her with more 'on the road hours' I'm thinking of buying a car for her. Budget...

Performance, economy, reliability - what do I go for?

Hi, looking for petrol car that combines performance with economy as I'm currently driving a Mazda 3 sport 2.2 diesel 185 that provides all of the above, but I'm now only doing short drives, hence change....

Student buying a cheap luxury car - is the Volvo C70 a good idea?

I am a graduate with a budget of £2000 looking to buy a cheap, luxury car for mainly motorway miles - about 6000 a year. I don't mind paying a premium for insurance, fuel and maintenance so long as the...

How can I protect my alloy wheels from kerb damage?

I have recently bought a Land Rover Discovery Sport. Its a great car but the alloy wheels look dreadful as I have damaged them by parking too close to the kerb. I will have to have them repaired but is...

Problem areas on the previous shape Nissan Micra - what should I look for?

Are there any known problems with the Nissan Micra automatic 2009. Is it a K11 or K12?

Volkswagen emission recall problem - this is my experience...

Following the report from your reader in your latest e-mail, you may be interested in my recent experience with my Tiguan diesel (2013 model) It recently went to the main dealer to have the software update...

Automatic door locking system on a Mervia - what is this problem?

I have a Vauxhall Meriva 1.4 2010 plate. The dashboard 'Automatic Door Lock System' (door with a key) image is lit up and it is constantly beeping. It stops beeping once the child locks have been put on...

Which diesel car should I buy?

What would be the best car that meets the following criteria? - has a Diesel engine with lots of torque - can return at least 45mpg on the motorway - can take 4 people in decent comfort - has a good size...

Lexus IS250 or BMW 325i se?

Hi. I want to change by Fiesta Ecoboost for a very different type of car. I want a 6 cylinder petrol with an auto box. I've narrowed this down to a 2010 Lexus IS250 or a BMW 325i SE of the same age. Both...

Are there any disadvantages or limitations to fitting extra load tyres instead of standard load?

I would like to replace my factory fit summer tyres with Michelin CrossClimate. However the factory fit tyres are standard load 94 rating, whereas in the equivalent size the CrossClimate tyres are extra...

Which tyres for a Suzuki Swift SZ4?

Greetings. My wife has a Suzuki Swift SZ4 which is fitted with with Continental radials- 185/55R 16. These all have the usual Continental problem on this model car, of cracked walls. What alternate manufacturer/s...

My first over 70 license - HELP!

As I am approaching 70, I have received an application form from the DVLA to renew my driving license. Since I do not hold a current UK passport, I am asked to send an original birth certificate, my old...

MX-5 and Steel Winter Wheels - is this possible?

In preparation for winter I'm trying to find some steel winter wheels shod with winter tyres but can't seem to find any that meet the spec of the standard fitment wheels (195/50R16 6.5J ET55 4x100 54.1CB)....

What can I buy for £10k that's FUN?

Great website and I love reading your advice every week. Having spent far too much on a house extension, I can no longer buy the 981 Cayman I desire. I wonder what your thoughts are for fast manual...

Hit has speed bump - have I damaged the underside of my car?

I was driving home last night and where I live there's like what you call a raised bit in road to stop people speed. Anyways there have been bits of broken tar in road and when I drove over the raised...

Convertible car for a wheelchair user?

A dear friend of mine has recently been diagnosed with Cancer and has become wheelchair bound. He loves cars and would still like to enjoy them, especially a convertible, but is struggling to find anything...

Adding manual transmission to licence for automatics only?

My son took his driving test in an automatic, so has a licence for automatics only. If he wants to drive a manual transmission vehicle, does he have to take the practical AND theory tests again, or just...

oil pump chain snapped and engine ruined

2008 plate 1.4TDI with 64k on clock and always serviced by VW from new. The chain has snapped and main crankshaft bearing cylinder scored. Estimated repairs are a new engine £3500 plus. Is this chain...