Is it OK to negotiate over the phone?

I am interested in buying a used Kia Optima. I have a specific budget, so is it reasonable to ask the dealer on the telephone if there is any movement on the price? (If I have seen something similar, or...

Replacing Xsara Picasso - what should I buy?

I am thinking about buying a used car to replace a 2008 Citroen Xsara Picasso 1.6 HDI. Due to numerous problems with turbo seals and injectors, the car has become too expensive to run. I average 20,000...

Best £5k car for economy?

I need to buy a car to get me to work and back. I travel around 20,000 miles (mainly on the motorway) a year so fuel economy is important and I also have to give clients a lift occasionally so want something...

Best used estate for under £4?

We want to buy a used estate for £4000. We have two medium sized dogs, two grandchildren and need something that will be reliable and have around 40,000 miles on the clock. We’d also prefer a manual, what...

What's the best family car for £18,000?

I am looking to trade in my 2006 Skoda Fabia for a new family car – I have £18,000 to spend. I drive about 11,000 miles a year (mainly rural A-roads, but some motorways) and intend to keep the car for...

Trading in Jazz for Picanto

I am thinking of trading in my 58 reg Honda Jazz auto (33000 miles) for a Picanto auto on a 63 plate. The Picanto is owned by the Kia garage for demos etc has done 1000 miles and is listed at £10650. I...

Kia Sportage - how often should I service it?

I have just bought a second hand kia Sportage 1.6 petrol in Spain and have been told by a Spanish kia dealer that the service is every two years or 30,000km. This seems a large interval to me. A UK Kia...

Buying a new 4x4 which would you recommend?

I am, finally, looking to change my 2006 Nissan X-Trail diesel which has given me years of trouble free motoring. The new SUV will need to be able to tow a caravan, carry a gundog and equipment, with occasional...

Best small car for fuel economy?

I drive a lot for work, often on motorways, clocking up 20,000 miles a year. I currently drive a petrol Honda Jazz, but want something similar with improved fuel efficiency. What do you suggest with a...

Need an SUV to tow a caravan - what's best?

I need a new SUV 4x4 to tow a 1500kg caravan. I don’t need seven seats, but may need to drive through shallow water occasionally. What do you recommend?