Questions from September 2011
I have 1998 Volkswagen Passat diesel estate. Although it has 125,000 miles on the clock it does 50mpg on long journeys. Last week, on returning from a local shopping expedition at Reigate only 10 miles...
I am retired, so motoring costs matter. I like basic, and favourite cars have been 2CVs and Renault 4s. I need a small pick-up, like the VW Rabbit/Caddy. All the current pick-ups seem like monster trucks,...
Following JF of Eastbourne’s email about the Honda Jazz, I bought a second hand CVT recently and have managed to push the mpg up to 51.5 average. I previously ran a Mitsubishi Colt DI-D auto that did 50...
For your files, the company exposed by the Sunday Times on 25th September was Shoal Enforcement. The story was essentially about a motorist, Nick Raymond, who owns a classic Sunbeam Alpine. He had a permit...
What is your opinion on buying second-hand petrol turbocharged cars? My current car is a Skoda Octavia vRS (2001, 106,000 miles) and when stopping at a service station etc.,on a motorway journey I always...
I'd never owned a diesel-engined car before I bought my pre-registered 2005/55 Volvo V70 in March 2006. It's a delight to drive: a real mile-eater, and very comfortable. But at the time I bought it I'd...
Earlier this year I tried a new Renault dealership. They rang me in the middle of a service and told me that Renault recommended replacing brake fluid every 3 years and quoted a separate price for this...
I have a 2 door Citroen C1 that I have been pleased with and I wish to fit a tow-bar for a cycle-rack, but I am informed that it is not possible to fit a tow-bar to a C1.
I was thinking of replacing...
What are you thoughts on the Abarth 500? I’m looking to buy one new, so are there any must have options? So far, I've ticked the Xenon headlights box.
I drive a Renault Grand Scenic, registered in June 2010, with a diesel engine. Having two Labradors I find the vehicle more than satisfactory. My problem started when I visited my local Tesco Fuel Station...
For more than a decade, I have been commuting long distances to work, so have had a small diesel MPV, and also tow a caravan. Quite a cost-effective combination for 18,000 miles a year.
But I have now...
I have received notice of proposed traffic calming measures from the council. They wish to put 13 sets of speed cushions in what is currently a 30mph zone. I have taken note of your opinion of these humps...
On 20th March 2008, having previously read a favourable report in your column, I purchased a new Honda CRV from Bob Gerard Ltd in Leicestershire, at well below the price quoted by my local Honda dealer....
We have decided to keep our son’s car while he is at university. His insurers will 'suspend' his policy until he needs it in the hols. We make the payments during suspension then the amount is deducted...
A government proposal to reduce the frequency of MoT tests could affect road safety in the UK. Under the current MoT system, our cars receive a yearly inspection that includes critical safety items such...
I am thinking about buying a new car to replace my ageing Subaru Forester. I am retired and living in rural Aberdeenshire, so often will only make one or two 12 mile round trips to the nearest market town....
Our Astra of 10 years and 100,000 miles has nagging problems and we struggle to get out of the low seating and to load a wheel chair in and our of the boot well. The Vauxhall Zafira is popular here and...
Three and four year free servicing is often mentioned by Mike Rutherford in his Mr Money column. What I have not seen mentioned is whether this actually includes oils and filters, etc. Can you kindly clarify?
My son (who lives in Switzerland) recently purchased a Jaguar XF 3.0 diesel, having read all the glowing reports about it. Twice now he has had a potentially disastrous problem on his 20 mile runs to work....
I received this message from Volkswagen and would like your advice as to whether this is a good thing for me to consider, would this be £50 well spent? <<Welcome to Ensurance - an official Volkswagen Insurance...
I have driven my 2004 Daihatsu Terios Sport from almost new and would buy another one if I could. It still has only about 44,000 miles on the clock but may need some repairs fairly soon for example the...
I would like to replace my 2004 XC90 D5 SE (82,000 miles FVSH). Despite the 4-wheel-drive failing (repaired under warranty by Warranty Direct - thanks for your recommendation) the car has been a great...
I purchased a used Ford Ka 2009 from a Vauxhall dealer, less than 2 months ago. I am a relatively inexperienced/new driver so perhaps I am not as aware of how a car should feel. My mum drove the car for...
I recently had a heart-stopping moment with my 2007 Passat TDi 170 DSG. Coming up to a major road I braked from about 55 to a stop and because there was an acceptable gap tried to accelerate away. There...
I recently received a (parking charge notice) from Total Parking Solutions (WD6 4ZL) for £70 for over staying my welcome at St Peters Retail Park, Burton-on-Trent, which includes their kind and generous...
I recently met a client at McDonalds in Wallsend, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. He bought me a couple of coffees and a muffin and we had a meeting. At the end of our meeting we got into our cars, he left and I...
I refer to a question from AR and your response as I have a similar question. On 9th August, I met a friend for breakfast at 8am at McDonald's on the A12 at Boreham Interchange near Chelmsford. Unbeknownst...
My car broke down (clutch problem) as I entered the M1 in Derbyshire. I let it roll to the barrier and waited there to be rescued which took only 20 minutes. I was then taken to a garage where arrangements...
I am driving to Italy and returning via Austria and Germany in November.
Can I use my UK tyres - Pirelli P7 (I carry snow chains) or do I have to have winter M&S (mud and slush) rated tyres after October...
I know from your column in the DT that you are an advocate of winter tyres. My wife and I have now rationalised our transport arrangements from a Landrover Defender 110 LWB (mine) and a Corsa 1.4 automatic...
Are Winter or all season tyres better in the UK in terms of performance of the car (miles per gallon), noise and tyre wear during winter months? Would all season tyres perform better?
Wheels for winter or all season tyres: Do I need to buy new wheels with my new winter or all season tyres or can I use the wheels on which my summers are fitted?
After a short break on a long run, our Zafira's cruise control sometimes won't engage until 10 to 20 minutes after setting off again.
A Vauxhall dealer just gave the car its first annual service and...
Do you think it would be OK to take summer tyres off, and put them back on again in the spring - ie swapping between winter and summer tyres? Trying to save the expense of having an extra two front wheels.
My car complete turns off when I step off the accelerator. In short it does not idle, it runs only when I keep my foot on the accelerator pedal - once I take my foot off the accelerator it turns off. It...
I bought a 1996 MX5 from the salesman at my local Mazda dealership (Vospers of Exeter). He made it clear he was selling it for his father but it was displayed on the forecourt. The dealership had MOT'd...
What rights do I have to reject a car purchased in June 2010?
When we purchased the car we had agreed a timescale for the main dealer to complete the work, which they did. But subsequently the car has...
I am 64, have a Mondeo '06 in VGC with 47000mls and I'm thinking of downgrading for economy reasons. I'm looking at a Fiat 500 Twinair. Can spend £3k - £5k plus trade in for the Mondeo.
I recently received a parking summons from a local authority and it is clear that my vehicle number plate has been cloned. The vehicle was never at the location cited. I hope I have cleared up this matter...
I have run a Hyundai Coupe for the last two years. It has been a good car, well specified, tough and comfortable on long journeys. Age now dictates something easier to enter and exit and suitable for mild...
Regarding Mazda and a leaflet advising they will handle all aspects of accident repair claims for Mazda owners. We also have a Mazda and received one of these leaflets after a service. We chose to ignore...
I bought a new Honda Jazz in September 2010. It comes with Honda Happiness accident management cover. I am insured with Churchills. So if I have an accident, do I call Honda Happiness rather than Churchills....
l have received a PCN from Poole Council for exceeding my parking time. The ticket has my correct registration number on it but incorrectly states that my car is a Volvo when it is actually a VW Golf....
Please forward to all people you know who operate an older vehicle. This is a petition to reinstate the rolling tax exemption for vehicles over 25 years old: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/2622...
Park Direct Ltd has now issued another Parking Charge Notice claiming a parking charge for £150. It seems my son parked for 2/3 minutes in a 'private' parking bay near Ealing Broadway station. Perhaps...
A follow up to the speed hump situation at Ellington, Morpeth. Although the public response to the questionnaire was poor (the council requires 70% in favour of removal and only 50.6% was attained), the...
My daughter needs advice about replacing her ancient and increasingly unreliable Freelander.
As an equine vet she drives about 30,000 miles a year on main roads, country lanes and rough farm tracks,...
I have just bought a 2001 (51 reg) Ford Fiesta.
It came with 2 keys, both have the red insert in the top of the key, but it doesn’t have a remote key. I am hoping the previous owner lost it and just...
Royal Sun Alliance insurance have been heavily criticised today in court for over charging for accident repairs. It seems they use thier own in house accident management company who simply ramp up the...
I am the second owner of a 1997 Vauxhall Astra 1.6, which is still a good car but has become very expensive to run, especially as I have reached my 80th year. I am unsure whether to go for old, like 12...
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