Turbo boosted petrol engines - are they any good on the motorway?

The 1.0-litre 'Ecoboost' petrol engine in the Ford C-MAX is amazingly swift and responsive, can such an arrangement really deliver long-term on A-roads and motorways? I have never owned a turbo-boosted...

Need a new family estate/4x4 - what should I buy?

I’m having trouble choosing a new car; I need room for a child with enough boot space for lots of luggage. I would like something rugged and sporty, as I do short journeys midweek, with a 600 mile round...

Why aren't cars supplied with 'get-you-home' spare wheels any more?

I recently purchased a Ford C-Max and was amazed to find that it now seems the norm to supply a "pot of glue and a pump" instead of a get-you-home spare wheel. With a jack and a spare wheel the majority...

Which petrol, automatic MPV do you recommend?

I want to change my car and my simple requirements are: Medium MPV-style vehicle, petrol automatic and quietness inside the cabin. My first choice would be a C-Max but there is no such model with these...

Focus Coupe Convertible - wlll 15-inch wheels give me a smoother ride ?

I've previously improved the ride on a 2008 Ford Focus Zetec 1.6 TDCi by changing from the supplied 205/55/R16 wheels to 195/65/R15s. I've just done the same change with a 2010 Focus C-Max Zetec 1.6,...

Need a car that can carry a wheelchair

Following a stroke, my husband now needs a wheelchair. We currently have a Volkswagen Golf MkIV, but I struggle to get his wheelchair into the luggage compartment. Would a new Golf be better, or should...

What sort of journey is sufficient to allow the DPF to clear in a diesel BMW 3 Series?

I was interested to read the question titled "Agriculture club" that concluded "you bought completely the wrong engine for your type of use". I'm currently considering a new, or nearly new, BMW 3 Series...

What's causing a misfire on our Ford C-Max?

I have a Ford C-Max 2.0 diesel (80,000 miles, around 53/54mpg), which has always been main dealer serviced by the book. It suits us well and goes very well except that, for over a year, it has suffered...

Buying compact MPVs

I have a family with two babies, (two years old and a ewborn). We mostly drive around town with the occasional weekend trip, around 7000 miles a year. We like the Ford C-MAX 1.0 EcoBoost or the Vauxhall...

Which economical small car for carrying a child?

I currently have a convertible Beetle, which I love, but find running it expensive and as I am expecting my first baby boot space is a must. So I'm looking for a used car for around £7000. My main criteria...