Why does my Vauxhall Astra Estate ratting during start up?

My Vauxhall Astra Estate (1.6 petrol with 200k on the clock) has developed a heavy rattle/knocking noise. It last for a second or two at the start up. Sounds like it's in the head/VVT area. Always flushed...

Need a quiet and comfortable hatchback

I currently own a Mazda 3. I've had it 11 years and it has never given me any problems, although it is very noisy. I'm about to buy another new car. What would you recommend as a replacement of a similar...

Which diesel engine is best for the Volkswagen Touran?

We are looking to buying a used automatic Volkswagen Touran, with an automatic DSG gearbox. We have the choice of a 2012 1.6 TDI with 23k on the clock for £12k or a 2013 2.0 TDI with 35k on the clock for...

What's wrong with my Octavia DSG?

I have a 2010 Skoda Octavia 1.4 petrol with a DSG auto gearbox, which has an intermittent fault. When cruising at any speed, with little throttle, the gearbox sometimes makes a loud "clunk" noise as if...

Lots of problems/faults with a new Toyota Yaris, dealership unhelpful, unbiased advice needed please

Hello Honest John, we bought a new (16) Toyota Yaris Design, to replace a 13yr old (03) Yaris T Spirit, through Drive the Deal, the process went perfectly, car seemed perfect initially. First we noticed...

MINI Cooper D gearbox rattle

In 2012 I bought a new MINI Cooper D. After just 12 weeks of ownership the car developed a rattle when changing gear. The MINI dealer replaced both the gearbox and clutch. Sine 70,000 miles later the car...

Does the new Mazda 3 suffer from road noise?

Thanks for your test report on the updated 2017 Mazda 3. Did your vehicle tester notice any improvement in the road noise on the 2.0 petrol model on 18-inch wheels since this is not mentioned in the report?...

Can I reject my car over its leaky sun roof?

I bought a SEAT Alhambra new two years ago. The car is still within its manufacturer's warranty. Five months ago I noticed water dripping from the passenger sun visor, with water accumulating in the integral...

Best three-door warm hatch?

My wife is considering replacing her 2002 Toyota Corolla T sport, which has provided outstandingly reliable and fun motoring from new. She only does 5000 miles a year and prefers the style and flexibility...

Can I reject my faulty new car after 2 weeks?

We bought a brand new 66-plate Tiguan from our local Volkswagen dealership two weeks ago. We have now got three problems with the car which showed up at the same time. We are booked for them to have a...

Plug-in hybrids - does the heating system run off the electric motor?

I am curious about buying a plug-in hybrid car as 90 per cent of my journeys are over six miles in city traffic. However, do they work well in regards to the heating and air conditioning? Both these systems...

Peugeot Boxer fuel pump failure

I need help with my Peugeot Boxer camper van. The vehicle is a 2008 model and has a full service history. In brief, the high pressure fuel pump has failed and snapped the end of the cam shaft. Has this...

Wheel failure on BMW 2 Series

My daughter started leasing a new car three months ago. It runs on 17-inch alloy wheels and run-flat tyres. Last Monday she was driving home and the car suddenly veered to the left and hit a parked car....

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

I own a 2008 Ford Mondeo 2.0 diesel. Does this model have a timing chain or belt? And if it is a belt, when should it be replaced?

What's the best cheap car for a young driver?

I'm looking to buy a car that's new and nice, but cheap on insurance and tax. I am 18 years old. What should I buy?

Why is my Vauxhall Vectra using so much water?

I've noticed steam coming from the exhaust of my 2008 Vauxhall Vectra diesel. it is also losing water. Is the head gasket gone or is it something else.If its the head gasket what would a garage charge...

Mitsubishi Outlander turbo whine

When I start my Mitsubishi Outlander from cold I get a whining noise that increases on acceleration and decreases when I slow down. It sounds like wind whistling through the trees. After 2/3 miles it stops....

Need a family car for under £3000

We have just recently became grandparents and are looking to replace our old (Mk1) Toyota Yaris. We have a budget of around £2500. We have had a look at the Fiat Panda and the Ford Fusion, but can't decide....

When should I change the transmission fluid on my Astra?

I own an Astra J with the 1.4 petrol engine with an auto transmission. The car has covered 65k. I know that every automatic transmission, sooner or later, needs a transmission fluid change. My local garage...

Faulty heater on Ford Ka

My girlfriend has a 2009 Ford Ka and is having a problem with the heater; it only seems to work on setting four. I've been told it's something to do with the resistor but I'm having trouble locating this....

Best car for easy assess?

My wife, a non-driver, is finding getting out of our 2009 Skoda Octavia VRS problematic. I need a model that she can be comfortable getting out on to pavements. What do you recommend?

Best used SUV for towing a caravan?

I currently own a Nissan X-Trail diesel. I use it as a tow car, but due to a change of caravan and increased weight - up to 1510kg - I need a new car with more pulling power. I am considering a used...

What service does my Nissan X-Trail need?

My father has acquired a 2004 Nissan X-Trail. The service history only shows basic oil/filter changes for the past three years and there is no paperwork prior to that. Is there any critical maintenance...

Need the radio code for the Ford Fiesta

Do you have the radio code for the 2005 Ford Fiesta? It's locked out after the battery removal.

Jazz or Mazda CX3 or ?

Good morning HJ. Would be very grateful for your valued opinion. I am nearly 70 and I am down-sizing from a 2007 Toyota Avensis 1.8 Auto (torque converter, sequential) and believe that I have narrowed...

Kia warranty invalid due to missing records

We purchased a used Kia Soul three months ago. The car is 3.5 year old and we specifically bought it because of Kia's long warranty. When we brought the car the car salesman said the car had 3.5 years...

Does the SEAT Ateca 1.4 petrol have a cam belt or chain?

I am thinking of buying a SEAT Ateca 1.4 petrol. Can you tell me if the engine is chain or belt? If belt, when does it have to be changed? Additionally would the road holding be inferior/superior to my...

Audi S8 judder

I've recently bought a 1997 Audi S8. The car has 109k on it and an excellent service history. In fact, it's never gone more than 6k miles between oil services. There is also evidence of two gearbox services...

Can I refuse Volkswagen's emissions fix?

I have a 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI. I am waiting for the emissions software upgrade, what are the likely consequences of not upgrading my car? Will it effect the MoT and resale value? My car is...

Best diesel for Jaguar F-Pace?

I have a new Jaguar F-Pace. Is it worth buying branded diesel,rather than supermarket fuel? If so is premium worth the extra?

Low oil light on, but oil level is fine?

My 2012 Ford Focus 1.6 diesel has run approx 6000 miles since its engine oil change 10 months ago. The car is running very well and has good performance. After a long run to Cumbria the message "Engine...

Need a family hatchback for £7000 - any recommendations?

Due to becoming a father, I am looking to upgrade my partner's 2006 Vauxhall Corsa to a family hatchback/SUV. Main points are: bootspace, economy (min 40mpg mix then petrol, if not diesel), reliability,...

Audi TT won't unlock with key fob

I've just bought a 2002 Audi TT convertible. I went to get in it today and discovered that it wouldn't unlock with the key fob. The roof and windows have also stopped working. Are all of these things linked?...

Turbo hose problems on Freelander 2

The turbo hose has burst twice on my Land Rover Freelander 2. Have you heard of this before? Do you know of any preventative measures I could take?

What should I check before buying a used BMW X1?

Which of the E84 X-drive X1's would you recommend, especially with a view to reliability. (I've heard they can have a bad problems with their timing chains).

Can I reject my car over its missing service history?

I purchased a used Renault Clio from a dealer six weeks ago and found out when I got home that I didn't have any service history. The salesperson has told me that they cannot find the service history....

Photo used as evidence for speeding offence is unclear - should take it to court?

I've been caught speeding in a 30mph zone. One picture shows 37mph but the picture of the registration is incomplete, the second shows 35mph. I'm hardly a boy racer and have a clean licence. This seems...

New Audi A4 has developed a transmission whine - what can I do?

I have a new (66 reg) Audi A4 3.0 TDI DSG quattro. It has done 2000 miles and has developed an annoying transmission whine at around 55 to 60mph. My Audi dealer accepts it and has contacted Audi UK, who...

Exceeded my insurance mileage - what should I do?

My 87 year old father-in-law drives a Nissan Micra, he usually travels under 3000 miles a year and this is what the insurer covers him for. This year he has exceeded 3000 miles by about 200 (3200 in total),...

Why is the low coolant light on?

My Volvo XC60 has done 91,000 miles and runs well; however, the low level coolant light has come on four times in the past 15 months. I have topped up the coolant and my local garage have done a pressure...

Buying a new SUV - petrol or hybrid?

I am looking for a new car. I do 4000 miles a year and want an SUV that's comfortable with an automatic gearbox. So far I have narrowed my choices to the petrol Suzuki Vitara, Kia Niro hybrid and Toyota...

Shell V Power Nitro Plus alternatives

I gather that you recommend Shell V Power Nitro Plus petrol, but as Shell garages are thin on the ground in my parts, are there any other suppliers' super unleaded brands of equivalent quality?

Should I buy a Kia Niro hybrid?

Have you had any feedback on peoples' experience with the Kia Niro hybrid? I am replacing our diesel Venga as I require more refinement. I have had diesels for the past 30 years and like the torque and...

Should Nissan fix my rusty Pathfinder for free?

I own a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder and I have noticed quite a bit of rust around the tailgate handle. I have been told that Nissan are aware of the problem and have modified the handle. However, my local dealer...

Excessive road noise on Alfa Romeo Giulietta

I have just bought a used (2013 model) Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 petrol and am on the whole very pleased with it, especially the engine. However, my main complaint is that there is a lot of road noise on...

Taking my car to university - do I have to tell my insurer?

I am currently looking to purchase a new car but beforehand I want to ensure that I'm doing the documentation for it correctly. My driving licence is addressed to my parents home and I wish to put the...

Why is my Ford C-MAX losing power?

I have a Ford C-MAX2.0 petrol automatic (2007 model) that has just turned 56,000 miles. I have today experienced a loss of power but managed to limp home at which point an amber light appeared on my dashboard...

EGR valve failure on Audi A3

We had loss of power on our Audi A3 recently. The coil and DPF warning lights came on at the same time. We called the RAC and they reported "Air mass flow during regeneration too high" and told us to drive...

Need an economical 4x4 to tow a horse box - what do you suggest?

I am looking to buy an economical 4x4 that needs to be able to tow 2000kg, but also double up as my commuting vehicle - I do around 50 miles a day for work. I have around £10,000-£12,000 to spend. What...

Poor fuel economy on Toyota RAV4

My Toyota RAV4 2.2 diesel is disappointing in its fuel economy and only averages at 27mpg. I would like to have something with similar versatility, comfort and quality, but better MPG. Can you help with...