Is a diesel MINI suitable for short journeys?

The first car I owned was an early Mini (about a year after they were first introduced), which I loved. Now, at the age of 82, I want to return to a Mini and fancy the MINI Cooper D because of its low...

City emergency braking - are there insurance savings?

Although cars like the Volkswagen up and Skoda Citigo already have model variants in group 1 insurance category, do you know of any insurers who offer further discounts if the City Emergency Braking (VW)...

Which small car can I buy new for under £8000?

I've had my beloved Fiesta for seven years now and, at 65,000 miles, I'm thinking of a change. I don’t like the new Fiesta because, being quite short, I find the visibility through the rear window very...

Which small car to replace my wife's Volkswagen Polo C?

My wife drives a 1990 Volkswagen Polo C with 88,000 miles on the clock. It has no servo, no power steering, a stiff clutch and a grinding gearbox. It still keeps passing the MoT, however. She is coming...

Which small manual car do you recommend for my mother?

My mother’s current car is a 14-year-old Mitsubishi Colt, which she has always been very satisfied with over the years, but it seems to be nearing its end. This is the shape of car she likes and the other...

Will the Volkswagen Take Up's belt-driven cam give long-term reliability?

I have ordered a new 1.0-litre basic Volkswagen 'Take Up'. My supplier advised that the camshaft is belt driven. My earlier history of cam belts that have failed before they reach the recommended mileage...

Which small, economical car for a first-time driver?

I am thinking of buying a car for our grandson who is just starting his first job after graduating. I could manage £5000 but might be able to make it more, possibly double for the right vehicle. Obviously...

Which small car to replace a Ford Ka?

My wife is looking to replace her 40,000 mile 2001 Ford Ka. She believes the Citroen C1, Peugeot 107 or Toyota Aygo might fit the bill. Also she wants to look at the new Ford Ka. Bearing in mind the negligible...

A small car for a learner

Can you recommend a good first car for my daughter to learn to dive in? Safe, reliable, and economical.

Buying one of the Up! trio, but which?

I own a SEAT Arosa 1.0, R reg (1998) and for what I want it's been very reliable (although the mpg is about 40). I intend to change it soon and have been impressed with the reviews of the VW Up. In your...