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Please help: I have exhaust fumes on driver's side when the window is down. Car was recently tuned. Cold start switch also replaced. I also used foam strips to seal boot lid and had the exhaust checked for leaks and there were none. I have a five-month old baby that drives with us and am very concerned. I am desperate...

My six-year old Nissan Micra (that has never given me any problems) just suddenly won't start. Apparently the crankshaft and sensors need replacing, and the garage tells me it's a big job, it will take a couple of days of work (engine out etc.) and will cost €750 approximately. What do you think? Expensive or what?

Do you know the combined mpg figure for the new 2012 F30 BMW 316d sedan?

I am getting rid of a 2000 SEAT Alhambra automatic 2.0-litre, as it seems to only get about 23 miles to the gallon. I want to get a smaller car with good mileage for about €5,000, but it needs to be automatic as my wife is American and can't drive 'stick'. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class seem cheap. Are these any good or can you recommend an automatic with smaller engine?

I put new tyres on my car about six months ago, but just got cheap ones as cash was a bit tight. I have never been happy with them. The car (Mazda3 saloon) hasn't handled the same since. The slightest bit of moisture and there is very little grip at all. And with the cold weather lurking I am not looking forward to driving in ice and snow with them. So, basically, I am going to get new (better) tyres in the next few days, but I am not sure what to get.

I don't mind spending a few euro on them. I'd rather do that and feel safer. Should I be looking at winter tyres, or will this mean forking out more money in spring for regular tyres again? Or is there an all-weather option that would see me safely through the winter but wouldn't need to be taken off in a couple of months?

Thanks, Rob

Do you have prices for the new BMW 3 Series, due in the New Year?

Any firm news yet about the release and pricing of the Toyota Plug-in Prius? I drive an '06 Prius and have been holding out for this but fear that if they wait much longer the new models from Peugeot and Opel will steal their market.

Is it possible that my 2008 MINI Cooper S does not have anti-lock brakes (ABS) fitted as standard? It does have DSC, but I heard this is not the same.

Thanks

I have been offered €10,500 trade-in value for my 2005 BMW 520d M Sport with 91,000 miles on the clock, including an NCT until 2013 and a full BMW service history. Is that a good trade-in value?

Are self-driven cars a good idea in your opinion?