Trending topics in July 2011
Questions from July 2011
The fact that over the last nine years I’ve bought a total of seven Hyundais from the local main dealer (TWG, Northwich) is probably indication enough of my complete satisfaction with both their service...
We have had previous correspondence about headlight flashing. I see that in yesterday’s Telegraph you at last seem to be accepting that flashed headlights indicate ‘come on’ or ‘I am giving way’, whatever...
I own a Citroen C-Crosser 4-wheel-drive with 18-inch wheels and 225/55 R18 tyres. I will shortly need to replace them. The only criterion is I pull a caravan, off grid, which means we use ordinary fields...
PB of Rochester is most definitely missing something and I'm surprised how few drivers appreciate the importance of what you wrote in your reply. If you're that close to the lorry/coach/bus in front of...
Dear John, my boyfriend and I want a smallish van that will be reliable, economical on fuel, and compact, but big enough to extend up when needed (he is six feet tall) and possibly to have a double bed...
You are absolutely correct that a lorry driver's awareness of other drivers will affect the way he acts. Those other drivers have a duty to let the truck driver know where we are. The Highway Code states...
I bought an ex-demo Audi Q7 3.0 TDI Quattro at the beginning of 2011 from Audi Beckenham. It was registered in Sep 2010 and had around 500 miles on the clock. We have now done 7500 miles, mainly my wife...
Since having my car written off in a non-fault accident in May of this year, I have had three phone calls from ‘Claims Management’ companies wishing to manage a claim for compensation on my behalf. I see...
I recently purchased diesel fuel from Messrs Road Chef via their Strensham North outlet located upon the M5 at £1.439 per litre. Incidentally the fuel purchased was 10.01 litres, which at £1.439 should...
Having read the letters on car hire in Europe and having been stung good and proper by Hertz at Toulouse airport, we have a son about to go to California on his own where he will be renting a camper van....
Having had someone in my family caught out by parking on a private land with poor signage I wrote to my MP voicing my concern about Clause 56 in the proposed Freedoms Bill (pages 38/39) and got a response....
I had a fire in my Peugeot 407 which is now 13 months old. We bought it in February 2011 from the garage secondhand. We have a warranty that still has two years on it. The fire was caused by cross contamination...
The steering lock of my Morgan 4/4 has never been brilliant but it is now almost non-existent on right hand lock. On left hand lock it is good. Can you tell me what has gone wrong?
When reporting attempts to embroil people in spurious accident claims, the best bodies seem to be: By email: ICO.gsi.gov.uk . By letter to Insurance Data Base Services Limited: 6-12 Capital Drive, Linford...
I attend hospital five days a week, Monday through Friday for essential radiography treatment, a round trip of some 75 miles. I drive a Toyota RAV4 D-CAT 4x4 that is just six weeks old. A few days ago,...
Two months ago my Volkswagen Sharan left me, following a road accident and insurance write-off. It was a 1998 1.9 turbodiesel (110bhp) SE. It had done 239,000 miles and though worn was still lively with...
In regard to your answer to the query headed "Off Beam", whilst signalling by flashing is just a warning, I have always understood that flashing, i.e. two quick bursts of headlamps, signify the intention...
I have just renewed my insurance through Saga, and am surprised (and delighted) to find a clause that, in the event of a medical or motoring emergency, allows me to give permission to anyone to drive my...
Your legal people are talking rubbish, frankly, in their reply on page M5 of 16th July. There is no such thing as a 200 per cent success fee and never has been. Even if there was, 200 per cent of £275...
I have extended warranty on my Jaguar XJ8 and have had it serviced purposly at main dealers at the regular intervals (give or take a couple of thousand miles) as not to endanger the policy. Although I...
I had an accident last week and my car was written off. I'm v. worried as I only passed my test 11 months ago. I am a responsible driver (aged 35+), but my friend's car lost power on the M25 and I was...
On June 9th, 2011, I enquired about purchase of a new Jetta. A couple of weeks later I found a demo Jetta at the same dealer and took a test drive. This then became the subject of purchase and a VW finance...
Paid a deposit on a motorhome (trader selling it) after I left I needed some info so emailed him with info required. He has never contacted me I always contact him and get excuses, he had agreed to deliver...
I need to change my Fiat Panda to something more suitable now I've got a labrador. He needs to be able to get in and out by himself. I need the car to be an auto and be easy to get in and out of as I have...
I have come down this morning to find that the nuber plates on my car have been stolen. I assume they have been stolen by someone up to no good! Apart from reporting to the Police, is there anything else...
I own a 2004 Honda S2000 which I have had for 6 years. Last summer a split about 2 cms long appeared in the hood to the rear & above the offside side window. I found a soft top specialist who was able...
I bought a Suzuki Swift Sport on Sept 2010, and lately (May-June 2011) it has been developing gearbox rattles. I am not 100% sure but i think it might be bearings on the input shaft? The rattle tends to...
I bought an Alfa Romeo 159 Feb 2010. It's a 2008 year and had 16,000 miles on. Second owner, supplied by AR main dealer. Now has 34,000 miles. May this year broke down and outcome is £6,000 bill for new...
I am 73 years old and would be grateful to receive your advice in order to reply to a parking charge which I have received from the operators of a private car park. Four months ago I had a major spinal...
My wife and I have just returned from a wonderful trip to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Most ordinary folk in those countries drive pick-up trucks as a family vehicle. I think this is eminently sensible....
A Honda Jazz update for you. After owning my ES I-Shift for two years, I have changed it for an EX CVT. I didn't find the I-Shift as bad as some obviously did, but I have to say that the new EX CVT is...
My wife's MINI One suffered a serious steering problem, estimate for repair £1200. The car was well out of warranty and also out of goodwill warranty. Nonetheless, in view of the low mileage of 24,500,...
It appears that following an accident, my insurance company may appoint an accident management service. If this happens, I would expect that the insurance company would take some responsibility for the...
In the BBC Today programme's review of the papers this morning, they chose to quote from an opinion piece by Jeremy Clarkson. Perhaps they subscribe to the view that Clarkson is a bit of fun. This is mistaken....
A couple of recent letters in your column worryingly reveal how unaware some fellow drivers are of how to drive more safely on motorways. The most common failures can all be summarised, in my view, by...
We need to replace our old Discovery (terminal MOT failure). Looking at Land Rover's spec's, both diesels are capable of pulling 2000Kg, however my wife feels that even occasionally pulling such a load...
When driving sometimes my engine warning light comes on with no problems with driving and may stay on for a minute or twenty minutes. sometimes it will come on with a lttle hesitation with acceleration....
Am considering buying a used C Crosser. Do I need to be worried about the reports of clutch problems or is it a case of a vocal minority?
I have a fuel fault on a 2005 Vauxhall Combo 1.3 CDTi. I have no fuel pressure on cranking sometimes. It takes longer than usual for the fuel pump to pressurise and then starts OK. Can the fuel pump be...
I change my current Focus [motability] in December. What are the options between the 1.6 petrol & 1.6 diesel, i do approx 8000 miles per year. Would there be a substantial saving for me if i chose the...
Would a RAV4 diesel or Volkswagen Tiguan 4X4 be a good option. Is a new model (RAV4) in the pipeline please or alternatives as well as usual cars.
I'm looking to purchase a new shape VW Tiguan automatic, however, I'm unsure as to the best engine to opt for. There is the seven speed Bluemotion diesel, or the 180PS TSI Petrol. Most of the driving...
What is the mileage interval or years for a cambelt change for 2.0 HDi Citroen diesel engine
I want to hire a car in German this Christmas. The hire firm is telling me winter tyres are extra. Hasn't the law changed in German making winter tyres compulsory? So if the hire firm gives me a car without...
My car started making noises and shuddering when switching on the engine. The garage said it was the starter motor but not to worry as these can be difficult to replace. The noise really concerns me but...
Live in South Africa, second hand X5, between 80-100k kms on the clock, fuel cost not an issue but I`m worried about DMF & Turbo`s. Should I go with petrol or diesel 3.0 litre I do about 20,000 kms per...
BMW/Mini @ Cooper Thames Ditton say a 7mm wide penetation hole in the rear bumper of a 58 (2008) Mini to the 3mm thick plastic exterior cannot be locally repaired and needs a complete new bumper at a cost...
I'm looking for a Porsche RS60 Spyder, but prices seem to vary, can you help? Porsche Centre Bristol had a 10k mileage car that they reduced from £35k to £32k and sold overnight. Porsche Centre Guildford...
I have a 2005 911 C2 purchased from a main dealer two years ago and the Porsche warranty is just about to expire. The car has done 39,000 miles, has a full main dealer service history, has been trouble...
I purchased a new Fiat 500 Pop Bicolour at the end of May, 2011. Since owning the vehicle I have noticed that if the Windscreen Wipers haven't been used for a while, or if there is not much rain on the...
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