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Hi Tracy,

I'm afraid without knowing exactly which car you have, this is impossible to diagnose. You should bring the car to a good mechanic or auto-electrician.

There are many reasons for a stop-start system to not always work. Read this question and answer on that subject for instance.

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Hi Stephen,

The timing belt needs to be replaced every 210,000 kilometres, regardless of time. The cabin filter needs replacing every 60,000km/24 months, but there is no set service interval for the air conditioning system itself.

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Hi Stuart,

Not for some time yet. The recommended minimum change period is every 210,000 kilometres, regardless of time.

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Hi Anna,

There are plenty of reasons why a stop-start system won't work in certain circumstances. It's different for every car, but it's well worth reading this other reader question for a general overview, even if it doesn't specifically apply to your car. 

If none of that helps, then pop along to your Peugeot dealer, as the car is still under warranty.

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Hi Donna,

For the first-generation Audi Q3 (pre- and post-2015 facelift), regardless of whether you have one of the 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engines or any of the 2.0-litre TDI diesels, the recommended maximum interval (regardless of time) is 210,000 kilometres. The 2.0-litre TFSI petrol model uses a timing chain, not a belt.

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Hi Arjun,

OK, let’s take these questions in order.

1: The BMW. The Honda runs it surprisingly close, but you just can’t beat the steering and rear-wheel-drive balance of the BMW.

2: How do you mean fast? They’re not performance models, but thanks to turbocharged engines with decent torque curves, they feel brisk enough in everyday driving. As long as you’re not planning to take on any Ferraris at the traffic lights, they’ll do.

3 & 4 together: The Honda. Nothing is as reliable as a Honda, not even a Toyota, and of the three cars here, while it may lack the premium badge, it also has the roomiest interior, will have slightly lower servicing and maintenance costs and, in the long term, should be more reliable than either of the German cars.

Read our reviews for more:

Audi A3 reviews

BMW 3 Series reviews

Honda Civic reviews

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Hi Andy,

While I don’t think a diesel car is going to be worthless by the time you trade it in, it might well be worth less, if you see the distinction. That said, with your mileage, I’d say you should be looking at petrol or hybrid all the way. A 2.0 TFSI A6 Avant sounds ideal if you can find one and assuming that you’re already happy that all three kids can fit safely and comfortably in the back. A BMW 520i Touring would be the most obvious alternative (and a darned fine one at that) and a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate even better again (assuming you can find one with a petrol engine) and you can find them with seven seats. Volvo’s old-shape V70 is also worth a look, not least from the safety point of view. That said, make absolutely sure you check out a current-shape Skoda Superb Combi estate too — they’re actually roomier inside than any of the premium-badge stuff, and very comfortable too.

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Hi Pat,

The problem is that Ford Ireland, legally, cannot impose delivery charges on its dealers. It can suggest recommended delivery charges, but according to Irish law (and companies have, in the past, had their offices raided for this sort of thing), dealers are allowed to charge what they want for delivery and related. A spokesperson for the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission told us that: "Consumer law requires traders to provide the total cost, including extras, of a product to a consumer before they buy. In the specific instance of when a manufacturer is advertising a car for sale, the manufacturer can only advertise the recommended retail price and state that delivery and related charges will be extra. If a consumer then decides to buy that car, they should be provided with the total price by the dealer before they buy. Auxiliary costs such as motor insurance, tax etc. are not dealt with specifically under consumer protection law. However, through our information campaigns, we would encourage consumers to do their homework about such costs before making a purchase."

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Hi Paul,

A very tricky one, and as ever with Irish insurers, you’re quickly going to run up against a brick wall of intransigence. My best advice would be to get in touch with a good local insurance broker, as they can often find ways around issues such as this, and can sometimes track down policies that mere mortals cannot find.

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Hi Michael,

I'm afraid Audi is under no obligation to do so, as your car is out of warranty. If you've had your car serviced at an Audi dealer throughout its life then you may be able to negotiate a little to bring the cost down, but don't expect much better than that.