Downsizing from a V70

I am reluctantly considering part exchanging my Volvo V70 D5 (55 reg) for a smaller car to reduce running costs. The car will mainly be used to commute from a rural area into a city centre, a distance...

What small new car other than a Corsa?

I had a Vauxhall Cavalier and then for the past ten years an Astra; I am now thinking of a Corsa. It must be automatic; is there anything else of this general size you would recommend as being a better...

Horsa for Corsa

My daughter owns a 2004 Vauxhall Corsa which has done sterling service on her horrendous commute to work for the last few years. Only 18 miles round trip (Sydenham to Battersea), but it involves all of...

Gearbox rattles

I bought a Suzuki Swift Sport on Sept 2010, and lately (May-June 2011) it has been developing gearbox rattles. I am not 100% sure but i think it might be bearings on the input shaft? The rattle tends to...

Tyres wearing swiftly

I would like to know where I stand legally with a manufacturing issue outside warranty. The 2005 Swift had issues with a certain batch of rear axles which had a rear toe angle about +3 degrees more than...

Could you recommend a reliable, economical car for our student daughter?

After reading your column we purchased a FIAT Panda for our two daughters to learn to drive. We have owned it for four years and it has proved an excellent choice. Our older daughter is now 21 and is due...

We need to buy an automatic - does the Honda Jazz still use the I-Shift technology?

As a result of a recent illness my wife will need to change her car for an automatic. She currently drives a fairly new Honda Jazz manual. We would be happy to stick with a Jazz but are put off by recent...

Should my 9000-mile Suzuki Swift need a new head gasket at service time?

I put my Suzuki Swift 1.3 petrol (2008) for its two-year, 9000-mile service at a Suzuki dealer, and was informed that the head gasket had to be replaced as this was a normal part of the service for this...

I need a small, economical fun car and can't decide between a MINI or a Suzuki Swift.

I have 10k max to spend on a car. I need it to be economical but nippy. It has to be roomy and safe, reliable and cheap to service as I commute 16,000 miles per year. I want something that's fun to drive...

Do all Suzuki Swifts jolt when driving slowly?

I have a 2009 Suzuki Swift 1.5-litre which is jolty when driving slowly in traffic. Is this the drive train resistance, is it a fault with the design or is it a problem with my clutch? My dealer told me...