Which economical petrol-engined hatchback do you recommend?

My sister aged 40 has just passed her driving test and needs a car to carry herself, her five-year-old daughter and her growing dog, so an estate or largish hatchback would seem to make sense. She will...

Which Fiat 500 model should my daughter buy?

My daughter is looking at a new Fiat 500 on a 3-year PCP from Fiat Cars. She does about 15,000 miles a year, town 60 per cent and motorway 40 per cent. What do you think would be the best engine: the 1.2...

Which petrol car for elderly drivers offers ease of access?

We are in our seventies with clean driving licences. We also have creaking joints and blue badges. We do not anticipate carrying wheel chairs, yet. Due to a low seat height it is becoming difficult to...

Which new car should I buy that has a proper handbrake?

I am looking at replacing my 2009 Renault Scenic III 1.4 TCE Expression. I very much like its engine so I would be looking for a motor with a comparable performance but with a much better MPG. I also swore...

Which car do you recommend for use on a small island?

I love my 2002 Honda Jazz, which has been perfect for island life, accommodating four people and a cello. However, we are looking to replace it with a more robust diesel touring car (the cello won't be...

What do you think of the petrol-engined BMW 3 Series saloon?

After much deliberation and, endless reading of specifications, I have more or less made my mind up to buy a car some might seem strange. What do you think? I wanted a sporting, high performance, enjoyable...

Which petrol-engined family car with room for camping gear?

A Toyota Yaris 3-door hatchback with a small engine has given excellent service to my student children. The car has done 90,000 miles and as my daughter is married with a baby on the way it is time for...

Which car to replace my Mondeo ST24 offers good performance and large load carrying ability?

I have owned a Mondeo ST24 estate for 12 years. It has proved reliable, relatively economical, sporty, good to drive with decent performance and carries everything, including the kitchen sink. At 150,000...

Do you have to have a Hyundai or KIA serviced at a recognised workshop to keep the long warranty?

I read about the long warranties on Hyundais and KIAs. Do you need to take your car to the dealers to keep the 5 and 7-year warranties? I also read about Volkswagen Polo 1.4s having premature bore or piston...

What do you think of the engine in the new SEAT Leon?

We’re now thinking of buying a new SEAT Leon with a petrol engine but cannot decide between the 1.4TSi 140 or the 1.2TSI 105. We do around 12,000 miles a year and don’t carry heavy loads/passengers or...