Belt failure in a Citroen C8 - excellent customer service from Citroen.

The cambelt of my daughter’s Citroen C8 broke at 99,000 miles and repairs were likely to cost us more than £2000. For normal use, the handbook recommends changing at 100,000 miles. Otherwise, for "severe"...

Can a car be used after failing an MoT test if the preceding certificate is still valid?

If a car is submitted early and fails the MoT test, can it be legally used until the current certificate expires?

Should I switch off traction control in my Mazda 626 in snow?

I have just been out and about in my Mazda 626 GSI SE in newly fallen snow - half an inch or so - and had great difficulty with spinning wheels and loss of power getting up a slight incline. The car has...

My Subaru 4WD pick-up is reliable, versatile and frugal.

I fully endorse DH of Bakewell's comments regarding small pick-ups. My little Subaru 4WD pick-up is an amazing vehicle and it's a great shame they were not updated and continued in production. Sadly most...

What do you recommend as a workhorse for rural use?

I have a 2008 Focus Zetec 1.8 TDCI estate with 42,000 miles recorded. You described the engine as "awful" and you were right. Despite remapping it has a considerable flat spot just above tickover that...

What are your thoughts on the new BPA Independent Appeals Service?

As things stand The British Parking Association fully expects to have an Independent Appeals Service in place for October 2012. Meanwhile, if you come across a reader complaint that you feel is justified,...

What are your thoughts on the Peugeot 207?

Last month I bought from an independent dealer a 2006 Peugeot 207 THP 150 3-door with 23,750 miles, full service history, one owner, for just under £4800, excluding the cost of warranty, for which I paid...

Should I sell my Honda Jazz and Volvo S60, and what should I replace them with?

I have a 2003 Honda Jazz petrol automatic showing 27,500 miles and a 2008 Volvo S60 diesel automatic with 22,350 miles on the clock (apparently quite high spec). Both cars are in good condition. I have...

Found out my Mercedes-Benz C-Class is ex-rental. Do I have grounds for complaint?

I bought a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C250 Bluefficiency Sport CDI Auto with 13,800 miles three weeks ago from a Mercedes dealer for £24,000, which I think is pretty much full retail. My initial feeling with the...

Change of Posture for Driving

I have just been off work for 7 weeks with two frozen shoulders. The problem is poor posture and not sitting upright because I am 6' 6". I have been to the physio and the problem corrected but now I find...

Faults found within a week of purchase

I bought a Mondeo in January and when a week later found the DMF was worn. I informed the Garage who took it back and stated it was a Tiebar not the DMF and replaced it. When I drove away it was still...

Buying a very quiet car

I have been what I think is a canny buyer of used petrol premium cars - buying something a little unliked and keeping it for several years. I have had a used Volvo S70 (30% cheaper then the V70) a used...

Running-in and fuel consumption

I have just bought a petrol engined car for the first time in more than 10 years as my annual mileage is now only around 12,000. I exchanged my 59 plate Fiat Bravo 165 Multijet Sport for a new 140 Multiair...

Replacing a DSG automatic Octavia?

I have enjoyed my 2006 DSG Skoda Octavia (Elegance) but the ride is lumpy and the engine is quite noisy. I do about 12k miles a year, mostly out of town and long trips, and would like a softer riding...

Hyundai Tucson airbag warning light permanently on

My car was parked up for a few weeks whilst I was away. On starting for the first time (and continuing), the airbag warning light remains permanently on. I've checked under the seats to see if there...

Rough running Corsa on a morning

On start up in mornings my Corsa 1.7 diesel idles rough for short while, then it clears itself. Afterwards it's fine all day long.

Press preparation - what does it mean?

I'm looking to by a fun but frugal car and, by chance, the exact same MINI Clubman SD Hampton that you tested in April 2011 is available to buy through a MINI dealership. The listing says 'press preparation'....

Which TSI engine will be the most efficient?

I want a Golf hatch, and can't pick between the 85PS 1.2, the 105PS 1.2 and the 122PS 1.4. If I drove each car equally gently; could I expect to approach the 1.2 TSI 85 PS fuel economy with the more powerful...

People carrier vs 4x4 in the Highlands?

We are a young family with two kids who have recently moved to the Highlands of Scotland. We have a budget of around 8-10k for a second hand car. We need it to be reliable and economical in terms of...

Mondeo door won't lock

I have a problem with one door. If I lock the car three doors will be locked but the rear right passenger door is unlocked. I have tried it manually also but no use. Still remains the same problem. Can...

Limp home Zafira

There's a flat spot in my Zafira on moving off at lights, then a spanner light comes on and some form of skid light comes on as well. It runs badly after that.

Diesel injector problems with a Peugeot Expert

I recently changed the fuel filter on my Peugeot Expert 1.9[non turbo] 03 van. It has a lucas injector pump and the filter housing has the zip tie type clamp to secure the lid to the housing. Since...

Peugeot 306 door lock fallen out and seized up!

On my Peugeot 306 1.4 LX the drivers lock been removed from door! Also it seems to be seized. Have used spray lubricant to loosen but still sticking slightly and key not moving freely. Is this simply...

Peugeot 407 quiet and comfortable?

Taking your recommendation for the 407 coupe as a quiet car, I want to know if the 407 saloon (diesel) is also as quiet? Presently drive a C2 1.4D on Michelin Energy tyres and I find it very noisy on...

Blank parking ticket and made up reason

I received a parking ticket from UKCP that was blank. I queried the ticket through ASO Investigation department who has said it was for leaving the site. I definitely did not do this and feel very angry...

Towing with an automatic Rover

I've just bought a Rover 75 2.5l petrol automatic. It will be used occasionally to tow a small 2-berth caravan. It's 11 years old and done 60'000 miles. I've heard of oil coolers needed on automatics when...

Downsizing from a Mondeo

I have a Ford Mondeo Ghia X estate 130 diesel - 04 plate with 160k - top spec. Need ideas to replace it. Does not need to be so big but saftey and economy are paramount with 120 mile commute daily so...

New beetle - what are VW up to?

Volkswagen have finally launched the 2012 beetle. But they are limiting deliveries to 3000 this year, and are saying that the automatic version won't be available until next year! Searching the web, the...

Is the Mondeo chain or belt cam?

I have a 2002 automatic Ford Ghia Mondeo with 2.0TDCi 130 5-TRONIC type 04-22 diesel engine. Does it have a cam belt or chain, what is the recommended mileage for its replacement and is it straightforward...

Replacing a Touran's turbo

I have a Volkswan Touran 57 plate, went into the garage as fault light appeared on dashboard and went limp mode. Garage replaced sensor in Janaury 12, problem still not solved so went back to different...

Buying small car for £2500 to £3000

I'm looking to buy a second hand small car, it needs to be small, cheap to insure, cheap to run and most importantly as reliable as possible - dull is fine! I live in the country so its needs to be ok...

Petrol or diesel SUV?

I currently drive a Subaru Forester 2.0 petrol on an 07 plate. I am thinking of changing but would like a similar type of vehicle (SUV). I usually travel about 7000 miles per annum without encountering...

Petrol or diesel C-Class?

I do 15,000 miles a year, daily 15 or less round trips, with 70 mile runs about once a fortnight and longer holiday runs. I have run a Mercedes C220 CDI auto for 9 years, now on 135,00 miles and now considering...

Ford Fiesta 'Engine System Fault'

Frequently at 70mph the 'Engine System Fault' message appears and the car, 2008 Fiesta TDCI goes into Limp Home Mode. Ford plugged it in and said that it pointed towards the fuel filter, which we had...

Should I really worry about DPFs?

I have been worried by your frequent references to costly problems relating to diesel car particulate filters. We have a 2 year old Subaru Legacy with the 2.0 diesel engine. I have asked our garage about...

Starting issues from cold with a Polo

I have a VW POLO 1.4SE on an 11 plate Starting from cold on two occasions it has failed to start on the first turn of the key. Thereafter it behaves likea car with a flooded carburretor. It turns over...

Which used automatics for our retirement?

We wish to replace both our cars in retirement for used models preferably with auto boxes. We desire a chain cam engine with some punch and comfortable seats for long occasional long distance 500 mile...

Should I pay my parking fine

My Wife and I parked in a normal bay at Totton Retail Park (directly outside the shop entrance). We used the particular bay as the Disabled ones seemed farther away from the door and so did NOT display...

Excessive emulsified oil in Fiesta engine

The rocker cover of my Fiesta gets coated in a thick layer of 'salad cream' (which I assume is emulsified oil) very quickly (in a matter of weeks). It is now starting to block the oil filler/breather cap....

Which Jaguar XF?

You are a fan of the 3.0d XF is it better than the 2.2ld? Assuming the list price of 3.0ld luxury is £36,950 but available on line for around £31,000. Stratstone are currently advertising an old style...

Cam belt

Should you always have a new water pump fitted when you have a new cam belt?

Buying a Ford Grand C-Max automatic - no choice but a diesel?

I read your good review about a Ford Grand C-Max and am planning to buy a new one. As I only want to go for an automatic, there is only a 2.0-litre diesel engine to chose from. Given that I am not a...

7 yr old Yaris - to keep or sell?

My parents have a 7 yr old Yaris, 1 litre, T2 with 72k on the clock. It's in very good mechanical and cosmetic condition, and has just sailed through it's MOT. They've never owned a car til this age...

Ford Ka Heater

My girlfriends KA heater has stopped working. I have replaced the resistor with a brand new one and I have checked the fuses. What else could I check?

Is it time to change our car?

We own a 2007 Seat Leon 1.9 diesel. It has been a very reliable car, but it is due a cam belt and, at almost five years old, I wonder whether it is liable for DMF, DPF and ABS problems. With this in...

Do I buy a diesel?

Is it worth buying a diesel car with a DPF?

Timing belt change - expensive?

My son has been advised to get his cam belt changed - the car is 2005 and has only done 48K miles. We have been quoted £550 to include water pump - does this sound right?

Car damaged in car park - is there anything I can do?

My car got scratched, presumably by another vehicle, whilst in the long stay airport parking at Heathrow. There were no CCTV cameras in the vicinity. I reported it to the front desk and they just shrugged...

Where can we get economical new tyres for our BMW 1 Series?

Our local BMW garage stated that within 500 miles we will need replacement tyres at the front and quoted a substantial figure. Is there a reliable alternative tyre retailer who is cheaper? To give us a...

is Sure-Sell a reliable way of selling a car for a good price?

I notice that Drivethedeal is offering B-Max 1.0 Ecoboost 120 Titaniums at a discount of nearly £4000. However, if you prefer to pay cash rather than around 7 per cent interest, then you have to pay an...