Trending topics in March 2011
Questions from March 2011
May I draw readers attention to the consultation to allow articulated HGVs to become 7 feet longer? The DfT wants everyone to participate in the consultation, which is at www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/2011-06/....
I was surprised by the fuel consumption claim of 40mpg combined for the new Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 petrol model. I think the old model 320CDI was 36mpg combined (37.2mpg on 245 rear tyres). I have a 5-year-old...
My nephew had his car damaged by a Middle Eastern gentleman driving a McClaren Mercedes-Benz. The incident happened on a Saturday afternoon outside Harrods in Knightsbridge. The gentleman reversed into...
My wife has developed a nasty neck condition and now feels every road bump. This is compounded by my BMW X5 Sport's 20-inch wheels etc. We regrettably must change vehicle. We love the high vantage of the...
Have you noticed that Skoda is offering 'ELETRIC' windows on its Octavia model? (See Auto Express issue 1156 page 6.)
For years I have always paid to protect my no-claims discount, luckily without having to make a claim. The insurance for my MINI Cooper D is due soon but friends are telling me that this protection is...
I have been offered a 2003/53 Mercedes-Benz SL500, which is immaculate with an AMG body kit, panoramic roof etc and has only done 27,000 miles. I have known this car for the past six years. It is available...
You are quite right that traffic flows much more freely at a junction where the lights have failed. It is all to do with drivers' psyche. For that moment, other drivers are team mates rather than opponents;...
I just had some repairs to defective paintwork by a professional body shop on my 5-year-old Audi A4. Since getting the car back, the self-levelling Xenon headlights initially adjust when I turn the lights...
I am 80 years young and my current Honda Jazz is now three years old. This is my second Jazz and I am well satisfied with this model. Knowing nothing about the mechanics, I have been changing my car every...
I may well change my car - can you make any suggestions please? We are both retired and travel abroad without the car several times a year so our annual mileage is fairly low. My ideal is - a good ride,...
Thank you for your suggestions of KIA Venga, Hyundai ix20, Nissan Note, Toyota Verso S and Honda Jazz. Can you suggest any bigger cars with good access?
I've been offered a 2009/09 Chrysler Sebring convertible 2.0 diesel manual, one owner, in metallic black with 16,000 miles, service history and replacement alloys under warranty, for £11,000. Optional...
A German friend was in England in March in his E-Class fitted with Continental winter tyres. He had a puncture, which damaged the tyre beyond repair and drove to the nearest Mercedes-Benz dealer on the...
Is it too much to ask the tyre companies to make a tyre that is perfect for winter and summer driving? The tyres for my BMW cost over £200 each. That's a fortune and I expect better technology than having...
I am becoming increasingly alarmed at upgrading our cars to more recent models. My wife and I operate three petrol cars: a 1996 Ford Mondeo V6, a 2008 (original shape) Ford Ka and a 1971 MG Midget 1275cc....
I need to replace my Peugeot Partner with an automatic diesel with a similar load capacity. What is available new up to £25,000?
Recently I had my old car for sale outside my house with a "For Sale" sign in the window. To my astonishment I was visited by a local authority officer who presented me with a notice telling me that I...
JS of Belgium wrote that her greatest car joy was when she owned a Toyota Yaris Verso and bemoaned the fact that they were no longer in production. She may do worse than add the Perodua Myvi to her list...
I ordered in November 2010 a Hyundai ix35 2.0 4WD diesel Premium. At the time of ordering the dealer in High Wycombe informed me Hyundai UK were not accepting orders from the dealerships due to back orders,...
You write, “The British Parking Association in 2011 is lobbying Parliament to make vehicle keepers liable for private parking penalties in the same way they can be held liable for road traffic offences...
I have heard a lot of complaints from friends and acquaintances who own FIAT 500 TwinAir cars. The complaint is over fuel consumption. Most people seem to get about 30mpg. I went with my daughter to the...
I purchased a Nissan Note two and a half years ago following your recommendation. I am extremely pleased with it as a versatile, comfortable and economic car. However whenever there is a sniff of rain...
Can you please explain why various police forces have to purchase Mercedes-Benz and BMW cars when a Ford Mondeo Estate will do (almost) exactly the same job? They cost much less to purchase and far less...
My wife's year 2000 BMW 728 E38 requires a new windscreen. We contacted our insurer, Swiftcover and were told that we could have the replacement handled completely by Auto-Glass. I phoned them a few days...
I have recently read your comments on sat navs not accepting UK postcodes. I have this problem on my Mercedes-Benz plus another fault. In spite of pursuing this situation with the Mercedes-Benz dealer...
My wife and I drive between West Cornwall and Ealing, 570 miles return with all but 10 miles on motorways and dual carriageways, cruising at an indicated 75 mph in an Audi A4 3.0 litre diesel Quattro Tiptronic,...
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