Chip panned

We have an 18-month old normally aspirated Astra 1.6 petrol, which is rather slow to accelerate. Would it be worth having the engine "chipped" to improve performance and who would you recommend?

Consumed by consumer

How meaningful are the published Official Fuel Consumption Figures? A friend of mine has a 9-month-old Vauxhall Astra. He has run three tests, over a distance of 180 miles, mainly on motorways, visiting...

Tramlining tyres

At times it feels as though the car is running in "tramlines". Tyres fitted are Bridgestone Potenza 225/45 R17. They now need replacing. Have you any recommendations please to overcome my problem? Tracking...

Where can I accurately test the true mpg figure for my 2010 Vauxhall Astra?

I am contacting you as I have exhausted all lines of reasonable negotiation over the past six months with both the dealer and also Vauxhall themselves. My 60-registered Astra 1.7CDTI achieves the following:...

Why do we accept speedometers that over-read by up to 10 per cent?

You may recall my email of May 2010 when you advised me I could not reject a new vehicle for what I thought was a speedometer that over reads by 10 per cent. I have now received confirmation from the MD...

I would like to replace my 2004 Vauxhall Astra automatic - should I get another Astra or try a Honda Jazz?

My current car is an August 2004 1.8 Astra automatic purchased a year later, which I am now considering replacing. My two previous cars were also Astra automatics and I have been well pleased with them....

Will using the 'spacesaver' spare wheel on my Astra whilst towing a caravan affect safety?

A full-size matching road wheel (I paid extra as I tow a caravan) does not fit in the well of the boot of my fantastic new Astra SRi 2.0 CTDI. The ‘spacesaver’ is two inches smaller in diameter and the...

What new hatchback?

I have a 12-year old 5-door Rover 420Gsi and my wife has a 10-year old 3-door RAV4. We want to sell both cars and get one new petrol 5-door medium-size hatchback, eg Golf or similar size. We are both...

Should I take my car dealer to court over an incorrect swirl flap repair on my Vauxhall?

I bought a car in June 2010, found a problem with the inlet swirl flaps, took it back to garage and they apparently repaired it over the course of a month. I got it back in August 2010 and in December...

Should I buy a new car or a good year-old model?

I'm retired, and my mileage annually is approx. 5,000. Do I purchase a new car (keen on a Focus or Astra) with usual discounts, or select a good year-old model? I have looked at Motorpoint as a dealer,...