Questions from August 2010
Would you recommend a Prius or similar for motorway journeys, including on the Continent? If not, what's the drawback?
How do I calculate whether it's worth keeping my existing car or replacing it? I have an eight-year-old Volkswagen Passat Estate 1.9TDI 140PS (52 plate, 97,000 miles), in average condition, which I keep...
I have a Toyota Yaris 1.4M D-4D TR which I bought new in 2008. I have been pleased with the car, except for its lack of pulling power going up hills. For this reason I am thinking of buying a Volvo C30...
In last Saturday's paper, you advised someone who does 10,000 miles a year that 'You don't do enough miles for a diesel.' I'd appreciate your opinion as to what mileage would suggest the need for a diesel,...
I have just recieved a Parking Ticket for being on double yellow lines outside my home. I noticed that the warden recorded my registration wrong! He/she got the first letter as a V instead of a Y. How...
I have a 1995 Toyota Previa 2.4i. If I build up speed slowly then I can get a fair bit of speed out of it (110mph), but if I accelerate hard the power just goes flat and it sounds like there isn't any...
The car alarm sounded one night in my Toyota Avensis with no sign of external disturbance. The same happened the following night, and as I used the remote to silence the system I noticed a large moth fluttering...
Do you know where I can find a manual for a Renault Clio 1.9 DTI engine? I have been unable to locate one. I have the Haynes manual for the 1.5 DTI but it does not cover the 1.9.
When I change to second gear or third gear in my Citroen C4 Grand Picasso, there doesn't seem to be any power at around 30 to 40mph, so I have to rev the engine until the power returns. What do you think...
My 2003 Ford Focus' sump nut has rounded off. Is there a tool to get the sump nut off so I can replace it?
Can someone offer advice about my Peugeot 306TD? The car starts first time and runs well, with no misfiring or whistles, but there is no turbo effect whatsoever. When you floor the throttle the motor gradually...
I had a bit of trouble changing my 2002 Ford Focus Zetec 1.6's timing belt as I didn't know to use a timing locking pin, but after putting in new valves, replacing the head and timing belt, the car starts...
My 2002 Citroen C3 1.4 HDI is running slow, suffers a loss of power, and won't go above 3000rpm. It starts easily but it won't tick over straight away. I have to hold the revs a little higher for a minute...
My 1992 Vauxhall Calibra has the brake system light and the alternator light coming on, and the worn pads light as well. The brake light and alternator light started intermittently and dimly, and now they're...
Does my 1.8 Mazda MX-5's MZR engine have a dual mass flywheel fitted?
We are led to believe that a shortage of drivers exists. Is this true? I've spent a lot of money gaining my Class 2 licence and hopefully my Class 1 soon, but the information I get from agencies is that...
I have just bought a Rover 416 (1996 N reg) automatic with a Honda engine. I noticed a strong petrol smell inside the car when I filled it up fully and now whilst I'm driving I continue to smell it. I...
I am looking to replace my Vauxhall Astra with either a Fiat 500 1.2 Lounge or a Ford Ka 1.2 Zetec. The Ka is on offer in August for £8924 otr as opposed to £10,865 for the Fiat. Is almost £2000 too much...
My insurance renewal is due. My insurer is offering extras such as personal accident cover and legal services cover. Do I need either of these? I thought I remembered a few weeks back you writing that...
Have you any info regarding "What's Bad" about the Peugeot RCZ? I imagine the lack of rear seat space is the biggest snag. Also which engine would you go for?
I was driving my Ford Galaxy diesel on the motorway at around 70mph when it just lost power, and now there is loads of white smoke and maybe a slight bit of blue smoke mixed in with it on start-up. When...
I own a 2003 Volvo XC90 D5. Sadly it's not the most reliable of cars, and it does seem to suffer from frequent annoying little faults. I'm seeking an independent Volvo specialist who won't charge the earth....
I 'm thinking of downsizing from my Toyota RAV4 (01/2004) diesel and quite like the Toyota Urban Cruiser. I do about 6000 miles pa and you say the diesel is the better model, so if I give it a 25 mile...
I have a 2002 LPG-converted Subaru Impreza Saloon with 120,000 miles. It is serviced regularly. Recently, when turning left, it has started to emanate a clack-clack-clack sound which increases in rapidity...
On Wednesday I went to a well-known workshop to get my 2007 Volkswagen Polo's tyres replaced. They said I only need to replace the front offside tyre. I remembered that last time my tracking went straight...
Your review on the above suggests that non-runflat tyres are fitted. The BMW brochure states 17-inch runflats are standard. Please confirm the reality as I am interested in purchase.
What is the specified automatic transmission fluid for a 2001 Ford Galaxy Ghia 2.8 V6?
I've just done a diagnostic test on a 1994 Nissan Micra and it came up with fault code 12. Could you tell me what this means?
My son purchased a car from a 'friend' several months ago and had to apply for the V5 which he duly received. The car was insured with his partner as the main driver and him as the named driver. They split...
We have been advised to change the cam belt on our Honda Civic 1.6 VTEC. It is nine years old and has done 36,000 miles. Would you advise this and would you advise using a Honda dealer at a fixed price...
Can you tell me if there is a problem with sensor lights on the BMW 118D? Mine is eight months out of warranty and I have the DTC and DSC light illuminated on the dashboard. I rang BMW and they say it...
I have a 2004 Honda 2.0 CR-V SE automatic (petrol) which I purchased secondhand (one previous owner) from a Honda franchise in 2008 with 17,500 miles on the clock. I am now thinking of selling the car....
I have a friend of the family who is on the closer side of 50. Last year he decided to start taking driving lessons, but due to various reasons he could no longer continue to do so. Unfortunately he bought...
I have shortlisted two cars - a 2007 Ford Fiesta Zetec with 18,000 miles and a 2007 Nisan Tiida with 35,000 miles. Both are the same price. Which one is the best buy?
I have a 2008 Range Rover TDV8 Vogue. Which tyres can I fit that are suitable for offroad use in mud and snow, whilst at shoot meets?
What are the best small and most economical cars with automatic transmission?
Last year I purchased an Alfa Romeo 159 TI from new. I was travelling 50 miles to and from work each day. Initially the car was near perfect and I certainly had no complaints. In January this year I changed...
I recently bought a secondhand trailer for my husband which he has completely refurbished. However, when I tried to insure it the insurance company were adamant that they needed the age of the trailer....
After towing my caravan with my Jeep Commander for a day, the next day I find that the power steering is very stiff and seems to grind for about 200 yards. Then all seems OK. Any ideas why?
I have a Rover 75 and I'm thinking of getting something smaller and more economical. I'm now retired, living in Dorset and I use the car infrequently for a bit of shopping, but half a dozen times a year...
The outside bolster on my leather seat in my Volvo V50 DSE has a split in it. It's quite narrow at the moment and about four inches long. Is it repairable, and if so do you know of anyone?
I bought a new BMW 320iSE in Feb 2010. My wife has experienced severe backache and problems since then. Cushions of varying shapes and of orthopaedic standard have been purchased, but the problem remains....
I have had problems with the A/C on my 2004 Renault Laguna Sport Tourer intermittently not working over a period of time and sometimes emitting an audible whine when the engine revs go high on changing...
With reference to the email from FM printed on May 29th I have a love hate relationship with the Honda Jazz. The 08 Jazz I loved.
The 010 I absolutely hate. 1: The transmissions are dangerous in 1st and...
I unwittingly drove down a dead end in Dalston and used a factory entrance to turn round. I noticed a man in uniform filming me. About a month later I got a bill for £300, for trespassing on private property....
My brother-in-law has an 8-year-old BMW X5 diesel from new (85k miles). It has always been serviced by the same garage he bought it from in Surrey. Four days ago he was told that his A/C was “shot”, and...
What please is the ‘Credit Hire Racket’? What frightened me was that VC had, apparently received a written assurance from his Insurance that all was ‘done and dusted.’
I own an 8-year-old Mercedes CLK Cabriolet. It has become increasingly difficult to keep the soft top clean even though I have tried different options. The problem appears to be a green moss/fungus that...
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