Shall I change the timing belt on my recently purchased Polo?

We recently purchased a used Volkswagen Polo 1.4 (1999) with 180,000 km from a family that was the original owner. We have taken it to mechanics that confirm it is in very good condition. However, they...

Why do you not support the independent garage sector?

As an independent garage owner, I take issue with your warranties and servicing comments. To say “fiddle around and mess it up” implies the independent sector is made up of a breed of inferior technicians,...

Why don't drivers have their cars serviced at independent workshops instead of franchised dealers?

I read with interest your replies to AB and JD about the advisability of franchised dealer servicing in order to keep a new car warranty valid. Over the years I have experienced the efforts of both franchised...

Service intervals on a B-Class?

I have just purchased a Mercedes-Benz B180SE petrol automatic and expect delivery next month. I understand that the service interval is every two years. I expect to drive 6000 miles a year, mostly on local...

Resetting the Nissan Note service indicator

I am hoping you can help me. I am trying to reset the service indicator "flashing spanner" on my 11 plate Nissan Note, 1.5 dCi. I had it serviced at a local garage who said that they couldn't work out...

Oil filter failure causing a smell - can I demand a fix?

I took my 2012 Range Rover Vogue into the local dealership for its first oil change/service. A week later, the car was losing a significant amount of oil and was taken back to the dealer. I was told...

Service manual missing from my Golf - what do I do?

I bought a used 2012 Volkswagen Golf GTI from the dealer in Southend (part of Inchcape) in November 2012. It was owned from new by another Inchcape dealership and they must have lost the service manual....

Do I need my MX-5 cam belt changing?

I have a 2002 MX5. According to Mazda the cam belt should be changed at 54000 miles but I've only done 38k. However my local garage (small independent) has recommended that it be changed on the basis...

Extended warranties and dealer servicing - what's the law?

Volkswagen Approved Warranty (via Mondial Assistance(UK)) have informed me both during recent telecons and via email that the extended warranty they are offering to renew for my vehicle (first taken out...

Timing belt intervals on a C3 Picasso?

Does the 90bhp 1.6 diesel engine fitted in the 2010 Citroen C3 Piccaso have a timing belt, if so how often should this be changed?