My car has been in for repairs for 16 weeks - should I keep it?

I bought a Volkswagen Passat Estate from a big car supermarket last year for £18,000. It was 10 months old, had done 5000 miles and was in immaculate condition. Had it week weeks when the emissions light...

Does my cambelt need replacing after just 23,000 miles?

I have a May 2012 Ford Ka that has done 23,000 miles. My local Ford garage tells me that I need a new cam belt as part of the five year service. Do you think that this is necessary considering the low...

Does brake fluid need changing every two years?

My garage informs that my brake fluid should be changed every two years. Is this necessary and will it affect my warranty if I choose not to have it done?

Why has the oil in my diesel car turned jet black?

I have a Subaru Outback 2.0d Premium which I have owned from new. It has done 11000 miles (mostly high speed long distance and motorway) and I have noticed that the oil level is creeping up. The car was...

Is my DSG gearbox going to become problematic?

I own a Volkswagen Golf SV with a DSG six-speed gearbox. I have seen your reports that there have been many problems with these boxes. My car is coming up to three years old and has only done 23000 miles....

Will a nearly new diesel be difficult to sell on in the future?

I want to buy a secondhand (nearly new, maximum 12 months old) Ford Mondeo Estate. I'm not sure whether to go for petrol or diesel. Annual mileage is approximately 30,000, which would suggest diesel, but...

What seven-seater could you recommend that's economical, reliable and safe?

My wife and I have a young and growing family. Our 2009 Audi A3 Hatchback 1.9 TDI is now creaking at the seams and we're looking for a secondhand practical vehicle. It needs to be capable of carrying up...

What is the cause of the electrical leek in my Fiat Idea?

My 2005 Fiat Idea automatic has an electrical leek problem. It doesn't hold its charge. If the battery is fully charged but the car is not used, the battery will be flat within a week. Do you have any...

The doors on my Ford Focus won't unlock properly - how do I fix it?

I have recently passed my test and bought a Ford Focus as I needed a car for my newly born daughter. The locking was great for about 2 weeks but recently the when turning the key in the driver's door,...

How much would cigarette burns on upholstery knock down the sale price?

I'm selling a 2011 Peugeot 107 Urban. The average price was £2500 - £3500. How much would you expect a dealer to request a price decrease for two cigarette burns on the front seats? I have accepted £1900.