Questions from September 2012
Recently the air con seems to have a stale water smell. I noted that you addressed this type of problem - what do I do?
I have an E46 coupe, which I can easily fit 1200 x 1800mm sheets of plasterboard in. I need to carry 2 doors of 1980mm- so there is an overhang (approx 100mm beyond the bumper edge) and the tailgate won't...
Please advise whether my Toyota Yaris 2006 1.3 VVT-i has a chain or belt driven cam?
I have always monitored tyre pressures of my cars with consideration to safety and economy. Lately however, I am continually baffled with the readings that I record having inflated tyres with a preset...
Dear Honest John To say I don't really like insurers is an understatement. We pay them to take on our risks then they'll find any and every opportunity to trip us up and avoid paying out when the needs...
I have had two Renault Scenics but now want to downsize. Must be automatic and, as I have disabled passenger, I need a higher seating position than a normal saloon or hatchback. I rarely carry more than...
What would be a good replacement for my wife's Ford Freda (Bongo variant) with sliding doors, at least 7 full-size seats, but an improved ability to get into car parks? Difficult decision, but the Bongo...
Have left the car only twice for 7 & 5 days and it failed to start both times , been checked out by Volkswagon who can't identify any problem. Also have ongoing problem with excessive condensation, also...
I am being told by my Porsche dealer that my 996 Turbo's spare (collapsable) tyre cant be collapsed back into its original pack/shape and put back into the front-boot having been used once. I had a flat...
Following your recent advice over a Parking Charge Notice I received , I decided that I should pay the charge of £60, when I went on to the website to pay, their system showed the charge was now £120,...
I want an OEM replacement windscreen but insurance company want to fit a cheaper aftermarket windscreen as the car is nearly 4 years old. As it's a Mercedes-Benz I am saying no, due to auto lights and...
Due to budget restrctions I am looking for a cheap to buy (say £4000) cheap to run automatic, which will be driven about 800 miles a week, possibly more, mostly on motorways. Because of high mileage it...
I am going to be looking at a 2004 Volvo S40 1.9D manual with 22,000 miles on the clock, backed-up with a Full Volvo Service History and all the paperwork. It is a 1-owner car from new and has been owned...
Any clues as to why Honda has chosen not to offer the CR-V with the 2.4Litre or even the American 2.5Litre option?
A relative bought a Hyundai i10 from a dealer near Portsmouth 18 months ago and was persuaded by that dealer to change it after 12 months - this one is now nearly six months old but she has had it on the...
I plan to sell my car at an auction. It was bought new, however, it's always had issues which the dealer or an authorised garage were unable to find or resolve. I even involved Toyota GB but their inspection...
Thinking of buying a fun car - Mazda MX5, Toyota MR2 or MGF. Spending between £2000-3000. What's best?
I do short journeys, mostly up to 4 miles, with occassional long journeys. I like BMW 5 Series or maybe C-Class estates and prefer 6 cylinder engines. My dilemma is this: Will diesel engines inhibit and...
Please can you tell me what are the best tyres to put on my Spanish LHD Renault Scenic? It is a 1.5 Dci comfort. I seem to have what I think is too much road noise. The local Renault garage has checked...
Should I buy my company car? I am changing jobs and will have have to return my leased A3 sportback diesel (170) SE back to the compancy and pay an early termination charge of around £2k or I can buy it...
My husband is looking to replace our current S-Max with a car that will cope with snow and ice. He is looking at the Land Rover Discovery. We don't necessarily need 7 seats any more. Is there anything...
I recently suffered £900.00 of damage to my trike after hitting a deep pothole near where I live. I wrote to the Council explaining what had happened and attached a copy of the bill from the repairer,...
I have just moved house and we are using our cars differently. I need to replace out city runaround, an 03 plate fiesta with 150k on the clock with a decent motorway car. I need it to be economical, so...
Could you please tell me why the water keeps boiling in my MGZR 160? It doesn't do this when driveing only when stationary
I bought a 2006 Mondeo TDCI. It's running perfectly and has just had a major service. I'm only achieving just over 120 miles per 1/4 tank and thats on motorway doing 70-80 mph in 6th gear. Trip computer...
I need to get new tyres for my Fabia (165/70R14 T81) and would like to buy the tyres with the best potential for high mileage. At the moment the information is pointing to Michelin Savers or maybe Bridgestone...
I am looking to buy a used large luxury estate (eg Mercedes E Class) that also offers ease of access to front passenger seat. I have a budget of up to £30k. I would welcome your suggestions.
Is a Honda Accord 1.8 x-reg, 22k, full service history, leather upholstory, a good "risk"
How do I found out if my 2011 VW California 2.0lt Diesel is fitted with a DPF?Because I am trying to sort out the recommended engine oil.
Two ladies wish to hire a car from Perugia airport. We have tried several sites but are very confused about the insurance. We cannot afford to pay too much but do not want to end up with a bill for damages...
I am considering buying a Fiat Panda 1.1 eco 2009[59 plate] with 6k miles only CAT D repaired Insurance write off. Question is - are there any drawbacks and how much is it actually worth? Seller is...
I asked last month for some help with a wheel vibration situation on my CR-V. After taking your advice and swapping tyres around front and back also eliminating one tyre at a time. I found two tyres...
Car just over 3 yrs old, under 40,000 miles. Two fuel injectors are faulty. This is not the model subject to a TR, so what chance getting some goodwill out of VW given age and low mileage?
I have a Mondeo 2.0 Titanium X TDCi, registered in 2008, I have had the car since new (July 2008) and have been the only driver. The car has just had its Dual Mass Flywheel and clutch replaced as they...
How can I adjust the headlamps on my Renault Megane?
I require a replacement workhorse. While Land Rovers have served me well something a little more frugal on service and running costs is preferable. You bang on about new diesel engines requiring a cycle...
I am looking at buying a Rover 75, and have seen a 2.0 ltr diesel Connoisseur for sale, as you can imagine it is fully loaded with equipment so quite appealing, the bodywork appears in good condition with...
Considering purchasing a 5 door CMax. Can you recommend an engine? We do no more than 10k a year and not overly fussed about massive speed. Car is to cater for a growing family with new baby on board.
Nissan Qashqai 1.5dci - is it a Renault diesel engine and how good or dependable is it?
Unfortunately your Kia Ceed video was spoilt by bad weather. How about videos on the i30 and the Ceed to see how they compare? I read that they both have problems with road noise. I very much value...
In September 2010 we bought a new Skoda Yeti diesel. All was well for a few months, then the diesel particulate filter light started coming on. We had the filter cleared professionally but it happened...
Is there any benefit in using Shell V-Power diesel in my new Octavia 1.6 DSG or is it intended more for high performance cars? I only do about 6000 miles a year.
Erin Baker recently gave a fascinating review of the options on an Audi A6 Avant. I have engaged myself with a similar quest. I look carefully at options prior to spending my hard-earned on what is essentially...
The local Renault garage is recommending that we change the cam belt on our five-year-old Renault Clio at the next service, at a cost of £430. We have only done 15,000 miles. The car is used daily. Is...
I am trying to buy my first car and have come across an ideal Toyota Yaris 1.0 VVT-I T2, priced at £3850. It looks great inside, is five years old and has only done 33,000 miles. My only concern is the...
My husband and I moved to Paris recently and, because of this, our much-loved black 2003 Volkswagen Passat needs to be replaced as it is prohibitively expensive to register on French plates. We would like...
Can you explain why the concept of supply and demand in terms of diesel and petrol prices is turned on its head in continental Europe, where the price of petrol exceeds that of diesel? The situation seems...
I have been thinking of changing my Octavia vRS (petrol) due to my high mileage of 25,000 per year, and I am very wary of buying a manual due to DMF failure. I am lucky enough to have some money available...
I recently bought a 2.0-litre Peugeot 206 and am delighted with its performance. I also own a 1955 Morris Minor. On a local section of dual carriageway there is an irritating average speed restriction...
I am thinking about swapping my 50,000 mile 1999 Jaguar S-Type V8 for a 2008 Peugeot 407 Coupe 2.7 V6 HDi Sport with 29,000 miles. I am trying to get the dealer to accept part exchange of the S-Type, but...
 

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