We are looking for a reliable 5-door car with good build quality - should we buy petrol or diesel?

We have recently retired and are planning to spend around £20,000 on a new or nearly new car. Being conscious of escalating fuel costs we were planning to buy a diesel engine, but are now confused by the...

Time to cut my losses?

Sorry - got a 2 part question for you: Part 1 I've spent £1,000 on my 52 Reg 60,000 mile 307SW 1.6 SE in the last 12 months fixing electrical and suspension problems (BSR unit, washer pump, front wishbones...

Which SUV could I replace my Nissan Murano with which will be cheaper to run?

I have a 4-year-old sports utility, a Nissan Murano, but running it is breaking the bank as it only does 20 miles to the gallon and road tax is a mind-boggling £445 a year. The size is perfect to the inch....

Why are modern cars so complex and costly to run?

I am becoming increasingly alarmed at upgrading our cars to more recent models. My wife and I operate three petrol cars: a 1996 Ford Mondeo V6, a 2008 (original shape) Ford Ka and a 1971 MG Midget 1275cc....

New or used dilemma

My old banger was written off recently and now I need a new car. My situation is I don't (currently) have a drive or garage, I get the train to work everyday but I do need a car to get to the shops and...

Can you recommend a replacement for my parents' Audi A4 which offers easier access?

My parents, who are in their 70s, are looking for a new car (they have had an Audi A4 for 16 years and they are very happy with it). The problem is that my mum can't get in or out easily due to arthritic...

Can you recommend a reliable, safe 3-door car to replace our daughter's Volkswagen Polo?

My daughter lives in the south of England and does a fair bit of motorway driving. She currently has a Volkswagen Polo that is eight years old and is starting to cost her money. We would like to help replace...

How are DPFs damaged by repeated short journeys? Our 2000 BMW 320d has done 180,000 miles without fault.

Regarding latest EU emission regulations for diesel engines, could you please give us more information on the subject of the particulate filters being adversely affected by repeated short journeys? I have...

Why does our Volkswagen Polo diesel hold its revs when I lift my foot off the accelerator?

In January this year we bought a new 3-door Polo SEL 1.6 TDI, downsizing from our long-lived, and immensely practical, Saab. In most respects the Polo fits our present needs very well indeed and we have...

I'd like to buy a MINI or Audi A3 for a 14-mile commute - will a diesel be reliable for such short journeys?

Now that a nice lady has written off my Mercedes-Benz SLK I am looking to replace it with a diesel convertible. Due to the weather I haven't been able to test-drive yet, but I like the MINI and Audi A3....