It’s time for us to take a look at the sonic symptoms of various car issues, particularly when braking, cornering or even putting your foot down and accelerating. It’s always worrying when you hear an unfamiliar sound coming from somewhere in your car and you’d be forgiven for thinking that if you don’t do something about it the problem might grow. As a result noises cause anxiety and can even distract you from keeping your eyes on the road.
Continue readingSeat Alhambra common problems
The Seat Alhambra is one of those cars that possibly doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. Originally hitting the streets in 1996, it was revised in 2010 to bring it up to date with all new modern looks and features. Available in choice of 6 speed manual or 5 speed automatic models with a range of engines including a powerful 2.8L VR6 20 valve petrol model, this car offers great motoring, awesome space and an attractive rate of economy.
Overall this Seat is one of the best cars we have looked at during our run of common problem articles. During its tenure on the UK roads there have not been any recalls, which is a testament to the build quality of this motor. Still, nothing is immune to trouble and even though the Alhambra is a bastion of reliability, you can arm yourself against buying a lemon with our handy guide to often occurring problems.
Continue readingFord Fusion Common Problems
The Ford Fusion is a popular mini multi-purpose vehicle that owes its heritage to the unbelievably ubiquitous Ford Fiesta. After a launch in 2002, it saw a ten year production run in Europe with several different editions giving a choice of 4 speed automatic, 5 speed semi-automatic and 5 speed manual cars available across 1.4L and 1.6L engines.
A number of revisions were made to the range, introducing more stylish body trim and comfort features. When it comes to on the road reliability, it has that Ford feeling and parts for the car are plentiful and cost effective. This doesn’t however mean that it is a completely safe buy, and in this article we explore some of the most common faults.
Continue readingSkoda Fabia common problems
Fast, nippy and full of fun. The Skoda Fabia is one of those little cars that everyone wants and with good reason too. First appearing on our roads back in 1999 it is the natural evolution of the Felicia and gives you affordable, super-mini style motoring, perfect for those on a budget. All of the models available have a definite slant towards fuel economy over top speed and power making this a true quality urban run-around.
Renowned in the industry for its reliability, there’s not too much for us to put into this common problems article, but then no car is completely immune to faults, and the Fabia is certainly no exception. Use this article to make sure you have all the information before you go ahead and start looking at second hand Fabias. Continue reading
Dodgy Car Dealer and Seller Tricks
The used car salesman is a social stereotype that simply won’t die. Because some people will always try to sell you dodgy motors. Even though the used car lot is now a place where you’re more likely to find a good car due to online reviews and testimonials curtailing some of the more outrageous behaviour, many of the dodgy selling practices have migrated into private sales.
What are some of the more common nefarious practices? What should you avoid and what’s a big no-no sign? In this article we go through all the danger signs that come coupled with a whole load of distraction and mistruth.
Continue readingVauxhall Zafira common problems
The Vauxhall Zafira is a popular large multi-purpose vehicle that’s more about size and support than good-looking motoring. It first featured on the UK’s roads back in 1999 and has been a common sight on city streets and motorways ever since.
There have been three main generations of the Zafira featuring a range of engines including 1.6L, 1.8L, 2.0L and 2.2L petrol version and 2.0L and 2.2L diesels giving you a good choice of fuel economy and on the road power.
Unfortunately when it comes to looking out for a second hand Zafira that’s worth both your time and money, there are many well-documented potential pitfalls. Keep your eyes peeled for all the common problems in this article and you should however be able to avoid purchasing a dud motor that ends up costing you more in the long run. Continue reading
Our Top 10 New Year’s Driving Resolutions
Christmas is out of the way and New Year is upon us. As you hold your dram of whiskey in the air and sing out your allusions to the great Robert Burns, the next thing on the seasonal list is making a resolution. Whilst most people like to make a commitment to personal change – we thought you might want to try something different this year, and look at the way you use your car and drive it around.
We have taken the top ten New Year’s resolutions that are commonly made by residents of the UK, and put our own automotive spin on these self-made promises. See if any of them take your fancy, and allow you to pile on the pies, whilst you put all the emphasis on a change in motoring.
Continue readingPeugeot 307 Common Problems
The Peugeot 307 is a top-notch production from this well-respected French manufacturer. It instantly turned heads on its release, catching the attention of the judges on the Car of the Year panel who awarded it with the top prize in 2002. Available with 7 different petrol engines, including 3 16-valve editions and a meaty 2.0 litre diesel variant, this car gives you a lot of choice when it comes to fuel economy and power.
Notable for its reliability and quality motoring, the Peugeot 307 tends to be a solid buy that’s hard to fault. However, many second-hand cars are plagued by a few issues that occur across the range. Make sure that you don’t fall fowl of a poor purchasing decision with our common problems list.
Continue readingToyota Corolla Common Problems
If you want reliability, then you can always go for a Toyota. And one of the most steadfast vehicles in their entire range is the awesome Corolla. Compared to some of the cars we have profiled in our common problem articles, this one is a real legend with a history that stretches back all the way to 1966 with 11 generations to date.
Named after a small crown, the Corolla was named the best-selling car in the world in 1974 and has even surpassed the numbers produced by the ever-so popular Volkswagen Beetle. With an estimated 40 million cars in existence you should have no trouble tracking down a second-hand vehicle for your use. And even though faults on this car are few and far between, you can make double sure your purchase is a good one with another one of our winning guides.
Continue readingSuzuki Vitara Common Problems
Many manufacturers have jumped on the SUV bandwagon, but one car with a real legacy is the Suzuki Vitara. A mainstay of Suzuki’s range, this vehicle has been in production since 1988 across many different generations, with the latest release coming in 2015.
If you want a good second hand SUV then make the Suzuki Vitara one of your first options. There’s a reason why this vehicle has stayed in the public eye for so long – and that’s due to its strong on-road handling, attractive features and durability. However, it is not completely destruction-proof, so when you are checking out a potential purchase, use our common problems list to avoid any issues. Continue reading