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?

Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 petrol - cam belt or chain?

Can you clarify if the 1.2 petrol Corsa (2006 model) is cam belt or chain? I am advised by my local Vauxhall garage that the cam belt and water pump needs changing at 10 years or 100,000 miles at a cost...

Can we get a refund for our smokey Audi TT?

My daughter recently bought a used Audi TT. It was found that a screw had come loose and dropped into the crankshaft. This had apparently happened at the dealership during a service (before she bought...

Need a nearly new car with low running costs

I am planning to buy nearly new, small car. I drive around 15,000 miles annually and want something that is economical. I am wondering between Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris or the Honda Jazz. My budget is...

Buying a used 5 Series - should I wait for the new model?

I am considering buying a one or two year old BMW 5 Series Touring 520i. I understand that the new 5 Series will be launched in 2017 (saloon in January and Touring later in the year). Does it make sense...

Why is the petrol engine on my Astra so noisy?

I have a 2007 Vauxhall Astra 1.6 petrol. Once the car has been running for around 5-10 minutes, on idle, it seems to be making a ticking noise. The car sounds like a diesel, but drives fine. I had it fully...

Volkswagen Golf warning light - what does it mean?

In recent weeks I have experienced a loss of boost at motorway speeds from my Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSi and have now had an engine management warning light appear on the dash. My local independent specialist...

Buying a small car - Polo or 208?

I’m considering replacing my 2007 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Petrol with either a Volkswagen Polo R Line or a Peugeot 208 GT Line. Both seem to have some advantages over the other, although the build quality seems...

Why is my Honda CR-V so unrefined?

Four months ago I bought a 2014 Honda CR-V with a 2.0 petrol engine and automatic gearbox. The car runs fine, but becomes very jerky when you lift your foot off of the accelerator. My local garage says...