Mycrar

I have driven a Nissan Micra 1.3 auto from new for nearly 13 years, with very little going wrong. I had the gearbox sorted by King Automatics of Epsom (recommended by HJ) a year ago, needed because of...

Leak prospects

I have a 2002 Peugeot 406 Coupe 2.2 petrol. I have just been told that intermittent electrical fault - causing 'Brake System Defective' message to appear approx 1 out of 3 times when I turn on the engine,...

Waggoning the dog

Our most pressing need when buying a car, over above the usual issues of economy, safety, eco-friendliness, visibility, etc. etc., is how to accommodate our large rescued greyhound-cross. We go on very...

Blind date?

If I can get a satisfactory discount, I am contemplating purchasing a new Ford Mondeo. I do not want a car that has sat out in the open for a long time. How can I check the manufacture date? As part of...

Faults alarm

My wife downsized from a Vauxhall Zafira to a brand new '58 plate Mazda 2 1.3TS2 using Mazda Finance. The Mazda 2 was chosen for its reputation as being a fun, reliable car. The car was collected on 1st...

Evolving

I currently have a Volvo S40 2-litre Sport with 72,00 miles. I am considering buying a new Volvo S40 and have been quoted prices by Volvo dealers meeting Drivethedeal terms. I would welcome your opinion...

Scrapper flow

My local Vauxhall dealer is offering a brand new Corsa Expression 1.0 for £5,995. The price includes a discount of £796 and a further £1,000 discount if you have an old vehicle to scrap under their eco...

Engine overtakes tyres

I recently had the rear tyres replaced on my 2003 E39 BMW 5 Series 2.5SE (not runflats). The garage recommended Dunlop Sport3000 instead of the original fit Pirelli. The speed rating is W which is well...

Oz tallier

I was wondering if you could offer me any advice on buying a cheap and reliable car to get me around Australia? I am in Melbourne on a working holiday visa, and am working and saving up cash to buy a car...

Voidance tactics

I bought a used Ford Fusion in June from Bristol Street Motors and paid £450 for a warranty. It will require a MOT in February and I intend to phase in an interim service at the same time. I am concerned...

VAT’s it all about?

I'm being charged VAT on the purchase of a used car. Is this correct? Nissan will be the first registered owner. The new car warranty etc. all starts in September 2008. What is the benefit to Nissan...

Class car

I would appreciate your advice in the purchase of a used car for myself. I currently drive a Ford Ka to work but I would like something a bit smarter and with a little more street cred. As a teacher, a...

Nice little hearner

Many thanks for the recommendation of Hearn Brothers in Brixton, London in your Good Garage Guide I have been delighted with the level of service I have received there on many occasions.

Cratermass

I am currently suing our local County Council for the replacement of damaged front and rear tyres on hitting a large pot-hole in the A38 near Burnham-on-Sea, last summer, and I would like your input as...

Cab runneth over

Having sold my previous car, a 1998 Audi Cabriolet, I'm now looking for a replacement with an automatic gearbox and would be grateful if you could advise. I'd like something that looks good, is enjoyable...

Tax disc cuss

I bought a Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 Comfort with Air Con, reg VX02 CUC at auction. Could you please tell me why the road tax is £145? I have looked at about 20 other Corsas and the tax is between £115 and £120....

Chain letter

My wife and I have a dilemma. At present we have a 70,000 mile 1998S Nissan Almera automatic, top spec. We love it: always reliable, cheap to service oil twice a year etc., brake pads yearly. I understand...

Taking Note

I have sought your views in the past about different models and would welcome your views on buying a second-hand (up to 2 years old) Note automatic. Also would appreciate some alternative models.

Auts and crosses

I currently drive a 51 Mondeo, which I am looking to replace with something of comparable size. I have a budget of about £15,000 all in and the new car needs to be an automatic. I expect to be doing a...

Cold play

My wife and I have an 04 Jazz CVT and an 06 Impreza auto. We now need only one car between us. The Impreza costs an arm and a leg to insure and to quench its thirst. The Jazz is our ideal car ... BUT...

Photo finishers

There has been much in the press about photocard licence renewal and I was delighted to read your recent tip that DVLA would now accept a digital photo, held on file by the Passport Agency. Unfortunately,...