Can we expect our ageing Skoda Fabia to develop any problems soon?

My daughter has a 2003 Skoda Fabia estate which has served her well. It has 67,000 miles on the clock. We are wondering if you could advise on any major problems that could be around the corner. We are...

Do the airbags need replacing on my 14-year-old Audi as an MOT requirement?

I gave my faithful Audi A4 Avant SE to my daughter earlier this year after buying myself a Toyota Verso. The Audi is a 1998 model and the handbook says that the airbags have to be replaced after 14 years....

Change your oil often and it'll pay off in the long run.

I'm a devotee of regular oil and filter changes. 20,000-mile service intervals are clearly aimed at fleet operators keeping maintenance costs down and are irrelevant to many of us. I bought my 1.2-litre...

Should we trade in our 100,000-mile Volkswagen Golf?

We own a 2004 Volkswagen Golf 1.9TDI automatic that has now done almost 100,000 miles. So far it has been relatively trouble-free, although it recently needed a new alternator and battery. Would you advise...

Can I expect my diesel Renault Laguna to develop expensive problems soon?

In 2009 I bought a new Renault Laguna 2.0dCi 150 Initiale 50 diesel automatic. Can you tell me whether it has a diesel particulate filter, dual mass flywheel or an exhaust gas recirculation valve fitted...

How can I prepare my Jeep Cherokee for a long drive with a caravan?

I used to use my 2004 Jeep Cherokee 2.8 CRD Limited to travel backwards and forwards from Exeter to Manchester. More recently we use hire cars, so the Jeep only gets used for social, domestic and pleasure...

Why are timing belts used instead of chains?

Timing belts are expensive to replace, and my Golf needs one every four years. Do the manufacturers just fit them to create work for themselves or are there sound engineering reasons as to why some engines...

Audi A3 tyres and timing

We recently bought a 58 plate Audi A3 Quattro Sportback 170 with 73k miles. We average about 25k miles pa, nearly all on long journeys. Please could you advise when we should change the timing belt? The...

Is this BMW brake wear excessive?

My local BMW dealer (Vines of Guildford - highly recommended) is getting my wife's 5 series E61 2008 520d touring's brakes looked at on a warning light. It needs new front pads and discs (lipped), cost...

Does my DSG need an oil change?

I own a Nov 2006 2.0 Jetta, mileage 42,000. Having had it serviced and MoT'd yesterday I was astonished to receive a phone call today saying that the auto gearbox oil should be changed at 40,000 miles...