Bangernomics reliable diesel needed.

I'm in need of a reliable diesel on a small budget of up to £1500. I'm afraid of a Golf (and to some extent of a Bora) due to possible DMF issues in this budget range. An estate/hatchback might be handy...

What estate for short journeys?

My son wants an estate car for low mileages and has been looking at the Insignia 1.8, but we have found that the MPG is not good and it is supposed to be underpowered. Are there any estate cars that you...

Which small economical car?

I currently own a Skoda Fabia 1.2 54bhp Classic which has done nearly 115000 trouble free miles and will do 47 mpg when driven carefully. I'm looking towards getting this replaced soon. I travel around...

Warranty issues - are scuffed alloys covered?

My car is under three years old and the lacquer has lifted from the centre 4" of the alloy wheels. I bought it second hand from a Mercedes dealer and although I have some minor scuffing caused by me,...

Misrepresentation of a car on website

I recently bought a 2009 BMW 3 Series Touring from The Car Shop in Northampton. I saw the car advertised on Auto Trader's website and then checked the car out on their own site. In the ad they state that...

Buying a Peugeot 306 for just under £2000 - would you go for this?

I want to buy this used Peugeot: Special Eds £1,795 1999 (S reg), Hatchback Trade seller, distance: 34 miles 62,000 miles Manual 1.9L Diesel, only 62,000 miles with full Peugeot service history 12 stamps...

Changing my wife's car - how does this sound?

Bought my wife a Xsara Picasso Desire 2.0l Diesel in 2006 - 05 plate with 500 miles - now done 41k and next May will be eight years old which you indicate might be when problems start. Apart from Citroen...

Considering buying a Mercedes-Benz SL

I am considering buyind a Mercedes Benz SL 350/500 from 2002-2006. I recall from your column that there were lots of problems with Mercedes engines of this period where the gearbox oil was contaminated...

Buying a recent used automatic

I need a 2-3yr old small automatic to replace my trusty old X reg Micra. Can spend up to £6500. You have mentioned a jerky ride with some of the auto gearboxes - I am 78 and don't want to have to relearn...

Should the dealer replace my cam belt?

I bought a Citroen C4 Picasso 1.6hdi vtr+ 2 weeks ago from Arnold Clark Northwich. It's a 57 plate Picasso with 39,000 miles on the clock and I have noticed a chirping sound like the cam belt maybe slipping....