Can I reject a used car after three weeks?

I bought an eight month old car that developed a problem. The dealer fixed the issue, but I feel that I cannot trust the car now. Do I have a right to return the car, which I have only had three weeks?

Are Toyo tyres any good?

I am wondering what would be a good tyre brand to buy. I was looking at Toyo tyres, but don't know much about them. Can you help me with some advice?

Is the Volkswagen Polo DSG reliable?

I am toying with buying a new Volkswagen Polo - possibly DSG. What is the latest on the DSG auto gearbox, is it reliable?

Volkswagen Caravelle engine fault - what are our rights?

Our vehicle is a Volkswagen Caravelle DSG with over 70,000 miles on the clock. The problem appears to be the EGR cooler corrodes internally, producing aluminium oxides, and this then passes into the intake...

Rover 25 won't start - is the immobiliser faulty?

My Rover 25 wont start. There are no lights on the dashboard, just the blinking red one of the immobiliser. I know the battery isn't flat, but the central locking has been an issue lately and sometimes...

Automatic gearboxes and towing - what do I need to know?

Could you tell me what I need to look out for on my Volvo XC60 when towing a 1500kg caravan? The car has the eight-speed automatic gearbox, will I need to fit a gearbox air cooler and change the gearbox...

Does my BMW 3 Series have a serious suspension fault?

I own a 2013 BMW 3 Series GT with M Sport upgrade. Current mileage is 14,600. Last week a BMW main dealer gave it its first MoT. The rear tyres had worn on the inside – one more than the other – and had...

Can I reject my Audi A3 over its slow heater?

I own a 2014 Audi A3 1.8 TFSI saloon. The car takes ages to warm up in the mornings and I don’t usually get any hot or warm air into the cabin until 15 minutes after start-up. The car is under warranty...

Can I reject my Mercedes-Benz GLC over its steering judder?

I recently purchased a new Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe AMG Line; however, I have noticed a judder when turning or reversing the car on full steering lock. The dealer says they have had four GLCs in this week...

Best wheels/tyres for a 2012 Honda Accord estate?

We've recently bought a 2012 Honda Accord ES GT I-DTEC 148hp diesel estate for comfort, room, economy and hopefully long term reliability. Expectations have largely been met except for the ride which...

Do you recommend the Skoda Fabia Estate?

I am thinking of buying a used Skoda Fabia Estate. It's a 1.4TSI 180PS, (2012 or 2013 model) with 22,000 miles on the clock. The dealer wants £8495. It has a bit of go about it and should be large enough...

What's the legal towing capacity of the Nissan Terrano?

I have a Nissan Terrano. I believe its towing weight is about 2900kg and I'm thinking of getting a new trailer, with a gross weight of 3500kg. The unladen weight is about 1900kg and my horse weighs about...

Do you recommend the MGTF 85th Anniversary model?

I was wondering what your thoughts were in regards to the MGTF 85th Anniversary model? Should I buy one?

Best way to challenge car valuation after write-off?

Three weeks ago my wife's car, a 2003 plate Range Rover LPG, was hit outside our house by a drunk driver. The driver was arrested and charged. We have gone through our insurance who have provided a hire...

Can a car dealer be held liable over a missing DPF?

Can you clarify the situation regarding DPFs? What would happen if a used car was bought from a dealership and subsequently (after two years) found that the DPF had been removed? Could the dealership...

Mazda 3 - full service history vs full dealer service history?

I have a Mazda 3 which will be three years old in February and out of warranty. I would like to get the car serviced by an excellent local independent garage. Obviously this will mean not having a full...

Buying a pick up - what do recommend?

I plan to buy a recent model pick up to take to Zimbabwe. My choices are either a Ford Ranger, Nissan Navara or Toyota Hilux. Which would you recommend?

What’s causing my Vauxhall Astra diesel to judder?

I own a Vauxhall Astra SRI 2.0 diesel. Recently, when starting in the morning, it developed a horrendous shuddering and juddering. It also revs on its own when idle. When driving in first, second and third...

Need a used small family car for £5000 - what would you recommend?

I have £5000 to spend on a used car. It must have five-doors and space to fit a buggy in the boot. I have been looking at the Mazda 3 (2010 model), are these any good?

Tiguan clutch failure after emissions 'fix' - are the two related?

The clutch has failed in my 2.0 litre diesel Volkswagen Tiguan. This actually happened while on my way home from repairing the emissions defeat device. Is this a complete coincidence or would they have...

Why are police RPU fleets not standardised?

I've noticed over the years that, within a region, Police 'panda car' fleets tend to be made up of one or two standard models, usually from the same manufacturer (in my area it's Vauxhall Corsas and Astras),...

What's the best method for running-in a new EcoBoost?

I'm due to collect my new Ford with the EcoBoost petrol engine. Do new cars still have a running-in period? Is there anything to be careful of with this type of engine?

Is an engine flush really worth £30?

I have a two year old Hyundai i20. When I take my car in for servicing, they are quite insistent that it is necessary to flush the engine with flushing oil (cost £30) before refilling. However, if I use...

Why is my Volkswagen Touran using so much oil?

I have a 2013 Volkswagen Touran 1.6 diesel with 13,000 miles on the clock. Recently the car has been giving me some problems. A while ago it was emitting a strong oil smell, which turned out to be a split...

Do I need an extended warranty for my Lexus 300h GS?

I have a Lexus 300h GS which runs out of warranty in June 2017. My local dealer is offering an extended warranty for £1095 for two years, including AA cover. Do you think it is a good idea to have this...

Buying a used Skoda Yeti - what should I look out for?

I'm thinking of buying a used (2013) Skoda Yeti 4x4. What should I look out for when buying one?

How can I improve the reliability of my Skoda Superb DSG?

You have often commented in your column in The Telegraph on the pros and cons of the VAG DSG gear box. I have a 2012 Skoda Superb Estate which I have had remapped to give just over 200PS (and yes, my insurance...

Dealer hasn't been honest about car's history - what are my rights?

I'm in the process of buying a second hand Freelander 2. I've paid a 'non-refundable' deposit and in doing the background checks have identified the car was originally imported to the UK from Holland....

Bought a used car that is now unroadworthy - what are my rights?

Six months after buying a used car with a new MoT; I have found that it should not have passed due to missing plates that protect the sills. Where do I stand legally in getting compensation, so I can pay...

Need a car to use in Spain - should I buy here or abroad?

I need to buy an automatic car, as a runabout, to keep in Spain (probably for £4K - £5K). I'm aware that cars in Spain are more expensive, so would it be better to purchase a left hand drive car here in...

Mazda 2 EAC warning - what does it mean?

My 1.4 diesel Mazda 2 (2006 model) lost power yesterday and displayed an EAC warning on the dashboard. I could only drive it home in first gear. What could the problem be?

Skoda Roomster with 160k on the clock - keep or sell?

I have owned my Skoda Roomster since 2010. It is powered by the 105PS 1.9-litre diesel engine. It is coming up to 160,000 miles on the clock. Do I just run it now until it gives up the ghost or sell now...

Are used car prices likely to drop significantly after Xmas?

I am looking to buy a 2010 plate Hyundai Santa Fe and wondered if I should wait until after Xmas? Will prices drop as dealers look to keep their cash flow going in the quiet post-Xmas period?

Is super unleaded worth the extra?

I have just bought a used Ford Focus (2015 model) with the petrol EcoBoost engine. The dealership said they recommend using super unleaded. Is there a reason for this or is it just sales talk?

Buying a new car - how much should I pay for paintwork protection?

I am about to purchase a new Toyota Prius and the dealer is offering a treatment of Gen 3 glasscoat protection at an additional cost. Is there an advantage to having it done or are there better treatments...

Why can't my local dealer fix my Passat CC's faulty screen wash pump?

My partner has a 2015 Passat CC which she bought almost 12 months ago with 2000 delivery miles. She has been very happy with the car until a few months ago the screen wash stopped working. She took it...

How can I reduce the road noise on my Citroen C5?

I run a Citroen C5 Exclusive 2.2 diesel (2005 model) on Vredestein Ultrac Cento tyres. The road noise on a rough tarmac is terrible, but on a smooth surface its fine. Are there any other tyres that would...

What's causing my Peugeot 206 to misfire?

My 2003 Peugeot 206 1.4 diesel has developed a misfire. I took it to my local garage, but they have not been able to find any fault as the diagnostics machine was unable to establish a connection. Do you...

Buying a used Suzuki Grand Vitara - which model would you recommend?

I'm looking to buy a mid-size 4x4 which I will mostly drive in town. I like the look of the Suzuki Grand Vitara and have a budget of £5k-£10k. I would like to change the wheels, add spoilers and other...

Brake caliper failure on Honda Civic

I have a 2012 Honda Civic with 25,000 miles on the clock. The other day I went to my car only to find that it had rolled down my drive and into my garage door. I obviously thought I had forgotten to put...

New baby on the way, which car should we get for £13k?

We have our first child arriving in six months and have £13,000 to spend on a used car that needs to be safe, reliable, spacious and hopefully cheap to run/insure. We need a decent sized boot and are looking...

Why does my Mazda BT-50 cut out in the mornings?

My Mazda BT-50 pick-up 3.0-litre diesel cuts out in the mornings, but restarts immediately after. The problem started about two months ago. I personally think it is damp or humidity getting in to the computer...

How can I reset the dash clock on my Ford Ka?

I own a 2010 Ford Ka and am having problems with the clock. It keeps flashing and will not reset or stop. Any idea how I can fix this?

What's wrong with my Chrysler Voyager?

I own a Chrysler Voyager (2000 model). When travelling over 3000rpm, it leaks oil over the top of the dip stick. It has also developed a misfire. Any idea what could be causing this?

Why is it so difficult for car companies to build good cars?

Tesla seem to build good cars, yet they are a smallish company, without any glorious tradition. I have spent much of my 67 years by reading about the magic of Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar and BMW. How much of...

What are my rights over my car's faulty brakes?

How many miles is it reasonable for disc brakes to last on a Suzuki Swift? It passed its MoT five days before we purchased it, only to find that it needs new discs and pads after just seven days of ownership....

Will Hyundai produce a hybrid SUV?

Following on from the Hyundai Ioniq, do you think that they will bring out an SUV version - along the lines of the Kia Niro?

Buying a small auto - B-MAX or Jazz?

We currently own a Suzuki Swift with a manual gearbox on a 2007 plate. We are considering changing it for a 1.6 petrol Ford B-MAX (2013 model) with a PowerShift gearbox. Or a Honda Jazz 1.4 CVT on a 2012...

Ford Focus 1.6 TDCI - keep or sell?

In the Saturday Telegraph you responded to a letter on a 2010 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCI, with 75,000 miles on the clock. You suggested high costs were approaching on the Cat (and many other parts) and now may...

Buying a used auto - Hyundai i10 or Toyota Yaris Hybrid?

I am looking to buy a used car with an automatic gearbox. I have shortlisted the Hyundai i10 and Toyota Yaris Hybrid. Both are 2014 models. Which would be more reliable in your opinion and better for travelling...