Should I purchase my company car at the end of its lease?

I have a company car, a 2012 Hyundai i40, 1.7 diesel estate. I am coming to the end of the lease and am wondering whether I should buy the car? I have done 121,000 miles and have been given a price to...

What should I buy as a new tow car?

I currently own a diesel 2013 Audi Avant A6. It's a 2.0 TDI 177PS for towing our relatively small Eriba Troll (1000kg). The A6 is used mainly for long trips so it only averages about 5000 miles a year....

Is my MINI worth keeping if the engine needs replacing?

I own a 2008 MINI Cooper which looks great but is worth scrap value as it has a porous aluminium head just diagnosed. The car has cost us £3000 in the last three years and this is the final straw. It has...

Volkswagen won't cover my second EGR failure - what are my rights?

I have a 2009 Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI. The EGR has just failed for the sixth time and my local dealer has just quoted me over £1600 for the repair. The last time it failed was just over two years ago but...

What is the best small car for short journeys?

What would you advise is the best small car to buy? Such as the Nissan Note/Micra, Peugeot 108, Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, or Vauxhall Corsa. The car would cover approx 6000 miles per year on short journeys.

Why won't my mechanic change my car's transmission fluid?

I have a 2003 Audi A6 4.2 V8, with almost 150,000 miles on the clock. It has always been regularly serviced by an independent Audi specialist, and runs like a dream. However, my mechanic insists that they...

How long should the warranty be on a used car?

How long is the warranty when you buy a used car?

Need a safe and economical SUV - what would you recommend?

I need a good, safe and economical SUV/crossover. What would you recommend between the Nissan Juke, Qashqai and Kia Sportage?

Which engine oil should I use for an LPG conversion?

I am unsure of what engine oil to use for my 1999 BMW 316i compact. It has a 1.9 engine converted to LPG and has done 189,000 miles. Haynes manual says 15W 40. The online 'tap in your reg' section give...

Why is my Jaguar X-Type failing to start?

I have a 2007 Jaguar X-Type 2.0 diesel manual. It only has 38,000 miles and drives fine with no funny noises or handling issues. Lately it has shown an odd starting problem. When it's cold after standing...

What should I do about the intermittent EGR light on my Volkswagen Golf DSG?

My wife's Volkswagen Golf DSG has had an intermittent EGR light popping on and off for a few weeks. I got it checked at the last service and Volkswagen said it was a bit sooty on the outside of the unit,...

Do you have information on the Riley Wayfarer?

Trying to track down any details of Riley Wayfarer, I believe designed by Gerald Palmer but never manufactured. Any details much appreciated.

Should I buy a new Toyota or used MINI with 20,000 miles?

Which car is the better buy, in terms of reliability and resale value - a new Toyota Aygo or a MINI One with 20,000 miles on the clock?

Is the Mazda2 engine chain cam?

I'm looking to buy a 2016 Mazda2 1.5 Petrol Sport Nav, either 90PS or 115PS. Are both engines chain cam?

What do you advise when warranty won't cover what dealer said it would?

I bought a car with a dealer because of the 5 star rating. They stated nothing was wrong with the car, but if there was to be something wrong we could take it to a local garage to get it fixed and the...

Why has the DSG gearbox in my Volkswagen Golf failed?

The DSG gearbox in my Volkswagen Golf recently packed up. Is this a usual thing to happen in a 6 year old car?

What are my rights in returning a damaged car I recently bought?

I bought an 8 month old BMW 1 Series from a local car dealer in November 2016. There have been a few clues as to its history such as ill fitting door trims, paint drops on the off side doors and glass...

What do you recommend when buying a reliable, family-friendly car?

I am finally about to trade in my Renault Scenic, which for all its manufacturing faults has served my family well. Which car is the most reliable and more family friendly to replace my Scenic - the Skoda...

What should I do to maintain my new Range Rover Vogue?

I have just bought a 2001 Range Rover P38 Vogue, automatic 4.6 V8, apparently in good condition. I will only use it occasionally. Is there anything in particular I need to be aware of in keeping it well...

What are the boot dimensions of the Toyota Corolla?

I'm about to go to South Africa for a couple of months and will probably hire a Toyota Corolla. However, I cannot find out the dimensions of the boot, and I need to know because the hire company insist...

Why is my Nissan Primastar van having trouble starting?

My Nissan Primastar van starts but then cuts straight back out after a few seconds. The fuel pump is working and I have had it running or starting and ticking over without the MAF sensor plugged in but...

Buying a used diesel - Mazda 3 or Honda Civic?

My budget is around £6000- £6500 and I'm looking for a reliable and economical used car. I do around 10,000 miles a year. What would you recommend between the Honda Civic 2.2 diesel (2007-2010 model) or...

Why do I smell burning when I use my heater?

I have started to smell burning when I put the heater on my Renault Grand Scenic 2005. The heater only works on three and four. Do you have any idea of what it could be and what it may cost?

How can we fix our Fiat 500 steering problems?

My daughter owns a Fiat 500 soft-top and the power steering has failed. She has spent £300 trying to get it sorted but no-one seems to know what to do. I am told this is not a rare occurrence with this...

What's the most fun model to drive in the Skoda range?

I realise "Skoda" and "fun to drive" is an oxymoron, but as a Skoda fan - current car a Fabia 1.2 TSI Monte Carlo estate which is due to be traded in next October, what in your opinion is the best "fun...

Why won't my diesel Zafira start?

My 53 reg 2.0 DTi Vauxhall Zafira won't always start, unless you repeatedly try. But until the light on the dashboard with the little car and spanner appears then it will start. Any ideas?

When should I replace the gearbox and diff oil on my Subaru Forester?

I have a 2004 Subaru Forester 2.0 automatic which is approaching 100,000 miles. I hope to keep it for several more years. Would you recommend a complete drain and refill of the automatic gearbox and rear...

How is my BMW instantly warm in the morning?

I've noticed that heated air comes out of the vents more or less instantly when I start my 2015 BMW 320i in the morning and turn on the air conditioning. How does it do this? Is there an electric heating...

New car has arrived early - should I register it now or wait until January?

I recently ordered a new car. I was given a January delivery date, but the car has now arrived early. Would it be better to wait until 1 January to get it registered or will it make no difference in the...

Buying a Peugeot 2008 - VTI or Puretech?

I am thinking of getting a nearly new Peugeot 2008 (up to a year old). However, I'm not sure which petrol version to get. I have seen two engines (VTI and Puretech) - could you advise of the difference?

How can I get rid of windscreen smears?

I've used every suggestion known to get rid of smears on the windscreen on my 14 month old Qashqai. The wipers seem to clear the screen, but they leave smears. Could it be the wipers? I've cleaned these...

Which small SUV is best for B road driving?

I need a small SUV with an automatic gearbox for my 50 mile commute on B roads. It must have a high driving position, comfortable seats, good visibility and reasonable fuel economy. I’m considering Suzuki...

Does my Honda Jazz need a new battery?

We own a Honda Jazz. It fits our needs perfectly as iur mileage is very low, with lots of short runs. The car has not been driven for about six weeks due to ill health. Today it started first time, but...

Need a nearly new car with lots of boot space for £16k

I am looking to buy a nearly new car; ideally an SUV, which I intend to keep for 10 years. My current car is a 2005 Volkswagen Passat diesel. I need plenty of boot space and a bit of punch when it comes...

How can I check the mileage of a used car that I'm buying?

I am going to view a 60 reg Renault Grand Scenic tomorrow. The dealer says it only has one service history dated 2012 and the mileage is 36,000 miles. The cost of the car is £4,995, reduced from £5,495....

What would you advise before I buy a diesel Hyundai Santa Fe?

What do you advise before I buy a Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0 litre manual diesel with 56 plate that has done 11,3000 miles?

Volvo XC90 - how can I prevent gearbox overheating when towing?

I have bought a 2007 Volvo XC90 Geartronic D5 and plan to use it to tow a caravan, with a maximum weight of 1545kg. Is it advisable to change the oil cooler to prevent gearbox overheating?

Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI rattle - is it related to the emissions problem?

You answered a question on 13 December about VAG emission changes. including this: "Latest on the 'fix' for 2.0 TDIs is that it increases the revs at which peak torque is developed by 300rpm and that...

Where is the best place to sell a 1992 Toyota Corolla?

My wife wants to change her present car, a 1992 Toyota Corolla 1300GL auto. It has a genuine 41,000 miles on the clock and is in good condition. Does it have a possible vintage value? Where would be a...

Does my BMW 320d have a cam belt or chain?

I have a 2009 BMW 320d Sport. Can you tell me if it has a cam belt or chain? What do I need to check for maintenance?

Little green arrows on the dashboard - what do they mean?

Can you tell me what the two little arrows on the dashboard mean?

Best used car for 80 mile commute?

I need a used car for my 80 mile commute. The trip involves rural roads - which get quite icy and snowy in the winter - and a busy city centre. Until now, I've normally bought cars at about three years...

Can I sue a garage for giving bad advice?

My son has has numerous warning lights appear on the dashboard of his 2012 Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI. He immediately took it to a local garage and was told it needed a new part. They assured him the car...

Can I fit run flat winter tyres to my BMW?

You very kindly recommended run flat tyres for our BMW 2 Series Active Tourer a couple of years ago. The tyre size is 205/55 R17 91W. Please can you tell me if we can get run flat winter tyres in this...

Buying a Jaguar XK - what should I check?

I am thinking of purchasing a Jaguar XK 4.2 convertible, for summer use only but the vehicle I have found in within my budget has a Cat D Status. The information I have gleamed from the seller is that...

Audi A3 tyre problems

My Audi A3 (2014 model) has just had a service: the report advises the tyres are perishing and will need replacing. But tread remains 7.5mm, does this seem possible?

Why is my Range Rover Evoque so noisy on start up?

My three year old Range Rover Evoque 2.2 diesel has started to make a very loud "clattering" noise when I start it in the mornings. The noise goes away after 20 - 30 seconds and settles down with normal...

Best small car to buy in 2017?

My mother is contemplating replacing her five year old Fiat 500 1.2 in 2017. She loves the style and character of the 500 and wants the Twinair version. If she were to get the Twinair, what spec and engine...

Volkswagen Emissions Scandal - what happens if they can't fix my car?

I currently own a Skoda Octavia 1.6 TDI (purchased days prior to the news of the cheating) and I've followed the saga with interest over the past months. With the situation regarding the 2.0 engine and...

Is the Renault Grand Scenic 2.0 petrol reliable?

As an avid reader of your weekly column I thought you might be able to help with the following: I've seen a 2011 Renault Grand Scenic automatic for sale with a 2.0 petrol engine. In your 'car by car'...