Why does Ford have no control over Ford franchised workshops?

We have an 8-year-old Ford Ka that has always been looked after by a local independent garage. As it was eight years old we thought we should have it serviced by a Ford main dealer. This proved a disaster....

Are technical service bulletins being used to generate defects in cars which need repairing?

I am a director of a company with two MoT stations, a couple of repair garages and a couple of tyre depots. I have worked with the same company for 30 years and in the motor trade all my life. I am the...

Should I change the cam belt on our 4-year-old Volkswagen Golf?

Our local Volkswagen dealer is recommending that as my partner's 1.4-litre petrol Golf is coming up to four years old, it should have its cam belt changed (around £500). It's done modest mileage (26,000)...

Do rumours of 'roaring' from Hyundai headlights just come from word of mouth?

Regarding a strange roar from the headlights of Hyundais, none of those I know who experienced it have had any contact from either the dealer or from Hyundai; just word of mouth amongst customers.

Why isn't air conditioning maintenance included in my Volkswagen service package?

I purchased a Volkswagen Passat CC two years ago. Volkswagen has contacted me to remind me of the second year service, which is now due. They also said that my aircon was due for a service at a special...

Why doesn't Volkswagen's service plan cover brake fluid?

I have had a bad experience of a service plan with my father’s Volkswagen. Volkswagen does a fixed price two year plan at £379 which you pay up front in one go and which covers two services and two MOTs,...

Is it necessary to change the gearbox oil in my three-year-old Ford Mondeo Sport?

My Ford Mondeo Sport petrol is nearly three years old with 17,000 miles on the clock. During my recent annual service I was told the car required a complete gearbox oil change, recommended by the manufacturers,...

If I have my Citroen C4 serviced at an independent garage will it affect my warranty?

I bought a Citroen C4 from a Citroen dealer in 2009. Although it had only 300 miles on the clock it was a secondhand purchase. Since then, all services have been done by the dealer but last year I was...

If I use Mercedes-Benz servicing cost plan, do I pay VAT twice?

In May 2012 I purchased a nearly new C-Class from Mercedes-Benz Retail. Shortly after I received a call inviting me to spread the servicing costs for two years for £22.50 per month. After signing up for...

Which luxury car to replace our Volvo V70?

At some point I plan to replace our trusty and excellent 2003 Volvo V70 2.4 petrol auto. I was thinking about a 2008 or 2009 E-Class estate or the new V70. Is the Mercedes-Benz worth the extra money? Will...