Is the 1.9-litre CDTi 120 engine, as used in the Zafira as well as many Saabs and Fiats, really a "disaster zone"?

I refer to the answer you gave stating that that the 1.9 CDTi 120 in the Zafira can be a "disaster zone". Since I assume that this is the base engine that powers Vauxhall/Opel, Saab and many Fiat vehicles,...

Which small manual car for a tall passenger?

I am 84 years of age and currently drive a Ford Fusion. I wish to find something smaller, manual, preferably a four-door, but would take a two-door if needs be. Budget is in the region of £6000. My husband...

What is causing this alternator/battery fault in our 2008 Vauxhall Corsa?

My daughter purchased a new Corsa 1.2 in January 2008. The car is used every day to commute to work, a round trip of 10 miles and in addition, it is used for social driving at weekends. It's normally driven...

Why is my Vauxhall Astra failing to meet its quoted mpg figure?

Last November I bought a Vauxhall Astra 1.7CDTI Eco with a claimed combined mpg of 62.8. I struggle to get 45mpg, which is more than 25 per cent less than the stated figures. I wrote to Vauxhall expressing...

What cars are best suited to older drivers

My elderly parents live in rural Ireland, and are considering buying a new (or second hand) car. They've been Volvo estate drivers all their life, and now have a V70, as well as a very old Peugeot 206....

Electromagnetic interference on the M1

I am very curious about an electrical fault which affects my Insignia. When I pass a particular spot on the M1, the temperature gauge goes to zero, and the dashboard displays the message "air con not working...

Is the Qashqai 1.6DCI suitable for 12,000 miles a year, and if not can you recommend a petrol alternative?

One of the cars you have suggested is the Qashqai 1.6DCI, which I understand has a good diesel engine. However, as I stated in my query, I only do 12,000 miles a year and I have read (only yesterday in...

Is the Chevrolet Captiva based on the Ford Kuga?

The new Chevrolet Captiva looks remarkably like a Ford Kuga. I looked the Chevy, up on your excellent web site, but it makes no mention of a Kuga. Are there any Ford links with the Captiva?

Can you recommend a new automatic hatchback for an annual mileage of 6000?

I am looking for a new automatic 5-door hatchback that is comfortable for four people, economical and has good acceleration - diesel or petrol, annual mileage about 6000. I was going to look at the Nissan...

Can you recommend an equivalent to the Peugeot 3008, which we were disappointed with?

Following plenty of good reports, 'What Car Car of the Year', Honest John, etc we booked a test drive in a Peugeot 3008 1.6 VTi (the only one available) with a very positive attitude. We wanted this car....