fault

What would cause a Suzuki Grand Vitara diesel to be slow to start? All four heater plugs are good, and it starts quicker if you pump the accelerator when starting.

Hi, I have a BMW 320 Convertible, which had a reconditioned engine with new radiator about eight months ago, but it now keeps losing water! Sometimes I fill it and it will be fine for weeks; other times it empties in days. Now the temperature gauge is shooting straight into the red even when filled up with water.

What do I do?

Hi, I have a problem with my 2004 Volkswagen Transporter T5. It shudders really badly when it reaches about 2,000rpm in all gears. When you accelerate hard it's so bad you cannot drive it (because of the vibration and lack of power). We have checked the air intake sensor, it's not that, and the diagnostics show no faults. We have just changed the long driveshaft and it made no difference. What do we do next?

Thanks Ken, Co. Galway

I have a six-year-old Ford Focus C-Max and there's a funny sort of whirring noise when driving. I mentioned it to the garage before I got the car serviced but they said it was nothing when I collected the car after service. My-son-in law reckons it is the bearings in the back left wheel. What do you think?

Thanks, Robbie.

Hi, I have a Suzuki SX4 1.6 diesel, and I have been told the EGR valve needs to be replaced. It has been cleaned by main dealer but the light has come back on the dash. Is replacing the EGR successful? Quoted approx €600.00.

Hi, I am driving a 2009 Audi A6 with 91,000 miles on the clock and a manual gearbox. It shudders on take off in first gear, mostly after starting in the morning. Any idea what it might be? I have had it to the garage and they tell me its a "feature" of the car. Not convinced!! Can you help? Gearbox oil has been changed.

My Ford Focus is using oil at an alarming rate with no visible leaks and also no smoke from the exhaust. What could be the problem?

Hi, I have a 2001 Daewoo Lanos with 103,000 miles on the clock and every time when I start it a lot of blue smoke comes out of the exhaust pipe for about four seconds and it runs rough for about two minutes. The smoke also smells like burning. What could be the problem ?

My Saab 9-3 stops running when I lift my foot off the accelerator. What could be wrong?

Hi,

I am looking at buying a 2007 BMW 320i Coupé (Manual) or a 2007 BMW 320i SE Coupé (Automatic). Both have 44,000 miles on the clock. My old car, a 2002 BMW 318Ci eventually gave up due to the engine leaking oil constantly. A mechanic friend of mine has advised against buying another 3 Series as he says this oil problem is an ongoing fault with the model. I would be interested in knowing if such is the case?

Thanks,

Denis, Dublin