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I have a three-year old 2.2 CTDi Honda Civic. Should I trade it for a 2.0 CDTi Opel Astra or wait a year for the new diesel Civic?

Thank you for your advice re Volvo S80 (see this question). Could you let me know what are the faults that you refer to? Also, I am consious that the BMW is rear-wheel drive and couldn't locate a four-wheel drive 520d. I can get a 2007 Volvo S80 D5 AWD Tiptronic for the same price as a BMW 520d SE auto. Thanks for all your help.

Just looking for advice on which is the best small automatic car. My wife is looking at a Mitsubishi Colt versus a Toyota Yaris. I've heard some bad reports on the Yaris automatic and I am wondering if these are unfounded. She currently has a Nissan Micra 1.2 Auto.

What do you think of a 2007 Volvo S80 AWD D5 Geartronic? Is it as safe and reliable and economical as others in its sector? I have had Volvos and BMWs (530d and 520d) and found the Volvo better for comfort, safety reliability and the BMW better as a driver's car with great engines...

I have a customer with a scrappage question that I can't answer. Her daughter passed on her car to her 12 months ago and now the mother would like to scrap this car. Is it possible? Her daughter has had it for a few years and the mother has had it since 12 months ago. Does the car qualify?

My car is due in for warranty work.  When booking it in the woman asked if it had been serviced.   Obviously I have had it serviced, but not at the main dealers. I have a friend who is a mechanic who I trust. He serviced it for me for a fraction of the dealer cost, using genuine parts.  

Unfortunately, because he serviced it at my house rather than at the garage where he works he hasn't stamped my service book. Is this likely to affect my warranty? I have the receipts for the original parts used but no stamp!

Any help would be appreciated. 

Hi guys,

I am looking at a 2006 Toyota Avensis Estate D-4D 130bhp six-speed. It is €5,700 in Northern Ireland from an after market dealer. What sort of economy does this manage? Is it a good buy or not? Or would a 2005 VW Passat Estate with 130bhp be better?

Can you recommend an MPV as a second car?

Do the new rules that are coming into force in April apply to people with learner permits or do you need your full licence to avoid these new rules?

What would you choose between the Ford Focus saloon 1.6-litre TDCi or Volkswagen Jetta 1.9 TDI? I need a car with a large boot to do about 30,000km per year. Any recommendations would be welcome.