17 into 500

I am just about to start a new job with a 50-mile daily commute, mainly on dual carriageway. My daughter is also keen to start learning to drive when she is 17 in April, so I am looking for something economical...

Crunchy on the inside

My wife has just purchased a FIAT 500. It was registered October 2010 but has only done 40 miles having been an unused, ex BSM car (no dual controls, etc. It really has been unused). Whilst she loves...

Thanks for recommending the Fiat 500.

I am writing to thank you for my new car. Way back in the early sixties I drove a Fiat Abarth so have been lusting for a new 500 since they appeared. I really thought that it would not materialise, but...

Starter for teen

We are looking for a small 'starter' car for my daughter, 18 years old, but to be used by us occasionally as well, so we want something in good nick. My wife and two daughters are smitten with the 'trendy'...

2’s company

My wife is looking to replace her Nissan Note after three years of reliable service. Her only problem with it is that she struggles with a lack of comfort over a 4-hour journey. Whilst this may be part...

An economical used car?

I currently own a 2005 2.0 TDCi Focus, I use the car for a 150 mile motorway speed round trip commute daily. I love the relaxing feel of putting the car in 6th and seeing the rev counter sit below 2000,...

Economy con

I read with interest comments on fuel consumption in your column. We have had a Golf Mk V Estate 2.0 TDI auto estate for over a year. It returns from about 50 to over 60 mpg, usually mid 50's. It is almost...

Do you find bright daytime running lights to be a distraction?

I am concerned that BMW, Audi, Mercedes and Ford appear to compete with each other to see who has the biggest and brightest daylight running lights. I find this very distracting at the moment when there...

Why has the Vauxhall Insignia, which suffers DMF and clutch faults, been selected as 'Car of the Year'?

Can anyone explain to me why the Insignia was awarded the 2009 "Car of the Year Award"? The more I read about faulty Vauxhall DMFs and clutches, the more I despair. A pity the senior management didn’t...

Fiat 500 stop start failure

I bought a new Fiat 500 twin air on the 18 June. With 327 miles on the clock, the car broke down, was recovered after a 2 hour wait & the stop/start sensor was duly found to be the cause of the problem...