Irradiated

I bought a nine-month old Vauxhall Vectra 2.2 litre automatic (mileage 10,000) in September 2004 from main Vauxhall dealer. In January of this year, still at only 37,000 miles, the car broke down. The...

My Honda Jazz's gearbox has been rebuilt once and is failing again - what do I do?

Your column has previously commented on the known ball bearing problems with gearboxes in the 2005 Honda Jazz. Having taken it to main dealer with problem in June 2010, Honda authorised full repair with...

Should I buy a manual or Tiptronic Porsche 911 Carrera 997?

I've almost convinced myself to buy a Porsche 911, but before I commit what's your thinking on manual vs their Tiptronic gearboxes? The model I am after is a 911 Carrera 2S 2006/2007 (997). I've had a...

Do Skoda Octavias suffer with gearbox problems?

I'm thinking of buying a car to use as a taxi. I've noticed a lot of drivers use the Skoda Octavia. I was prepared to buy a 2004 diesel model when a mate of mine who is in the trade told me they suffer...

Why does my Astra Life CDTI 2006 pop out of gear?

My manual Vauxhall Astra pops out of gear when I put it into second or reverse. It occasionally happens in fourth as well, and it's getting worse. What could it be?

Should I use third gear to control my speed in a 30mph limit zone?

I sat in a 'speed awareness course' yesterday for three hours. They told me that sticking to third gear would help speed control in a 30mph area. They said it made no difference to the fuel economy but...

Greyhound, or Lurcher?

I am trying to find your reply on the new Honda Jazz automatic gearbox and problems with the gear change, which I read in the Telegraph earlier this year. I would be very grateful if you repeat it to me...

Spin doctor

I purchased a Toyota Auris 1.6 MMT in March 2007 and have generally been pleased with its performance. I only drive about 4,000 miles per year and it does what "it says on the box". However, now and again...

Without hesitation

I noted your recent comment on the time lag with VW DSG gearboxes when starting at junctions. My three-year-old Passat 2.0TDi DSG suffers from this to such an extent I am considering changing it for a...

What do you think of the Nissan 350Z's automatic gearbox?

We are thinking of buying a Nissan 350Z and wonder what you think of them. Are Nissan's automatics reliable? Do you know of any issues with these cars? Also we have seen tiptronics - are these as reliable...