Did you know that short journeys are bad for the environment as well as for your car?

Regarding your comments about short runs by IC-engined vehicles, (and engines in general), you're absolutely right. Short (cold) runs are bad for the engine, but even worse for the environment. The ECU...

Which 4x4 SUV offers good comfort for a bad back sufferer and is reliable for short journeys?

I currently own a 5-year-old Porsche Boxster and am looking to change it in the next three or four months. I am retired, and enjoy my driving. However, family and bad back considerations suggest a change...

Please recommend a 4WD petrol vehicle for negotiating icy rural roads?

The heavy snow over last November and December left me marooned for days because our lane was never cleared. Although fond of my ageing Polo estate, I'd have felt more confident negotiating icy rural Somerset...

Do you have an opinion on the CVT automatic gearbox used in the Nissan Juke?

I took your advice some time ago and purchased a Hyundai i10, and have since upgraded to the i20. Both cars I have been very pleased with. I am thinking about changing my i20 for a Nissan Juke with CVT...

Can you recommend a family MPV with a large boot for short drives?

I'm currently driving a Ford Focus (old style) 1.6 from 2005 but would like to change to a newer car with more boot space as I'm expecting our first child. I want a family car with lots of boot space and...

Is my Ford Focus breaking down because of a coil pack fault?

I was driving along in the rain today when my Ford Focus decided not to work. I had my foot on the throttle and I was getting no response. I then stopped, put my foot on the clutch and revved the hell...

Which petrol Skoda Octavia model should we go for?

My wife and I drive a 1997 Mercedes-Benz C240 Elegance. We plan to keep the C240 and buy a more modern car with more luggage space for grandchildren. With no VAT, the Skoda Octavia Elegance Estate looks...

I want to buy a Peugeot 207 - will the SE Premium 120hp petrol return 40mpg?

I am debating buying a Peugeot 207 as a replacement for our second car in the family. I had narrowed it down to the 1.6 diesel 90, however these tend to be sought after and hence prices hold up. I have...

Do you know of any problems with the Skoda Superb 1.8-litre petrol engine?

I have ordered a new Skoda Superb Elegance. As I do mostly short trips I have gone for the 1.8 petrol engine. Do you know of any problems with this engine? Also, I asked for 17-inch instead of 18-inch...

Would a Nissan Note be a good replacement for our ageing Volkswagen Polo?

We want to replace our ageing Volkswagen Polo. We've noticed that the Nissan Note seems good value due to poor residuals. We have £5000 to spend and expect to get about six years' service without too many...