Owners’ verdicts on the Kia Picanto

City car is short on space, but it still has its fans

I TOOK delivery of a brand-new car, but after two weeks the engine seemed to start losing power. The dealer has taken it back to fix it, but is waiting on a part that could take “several weeks”. Can I reject the car?

Name withheld, E-mail

REJECTING a car can be a long and complex process, so is best reserved as a last resort. As long as the dealer has provided you with a courtesy car for the time that it takes to get the new part fitted to your car, you may be better served by waiting and give them a chance to fix the car for free under warranty. You may wish to ask for a more specific deadline as to when the part will arrive.

I need sounding out about car’s strange rattle

MY car has developed a bad rattle when driving over uneven surfaces. It sounds quite bad, but the dealer can’t find anything wrong with the car when I’ve had it inspected. Is there anything I can do about this?

Ben Green, E-mail

TRY taking an audio recording of the rattle on your phone and playing that to the dealer – it may help them identify it. If that doesn’t work and you’re really convinced there’s a problem, it might be a good idea to commission an independent mechanical inspection to get a second professional opinion on whether the rattle is being caused by a fault with the car. These cost from around £100 to £250.

Is parking firm right to ask for proof of insurance?

I RECENTLY moved into a block of flats with a private car park that’s looked after by a private firm. In order to get a permit, I need to prove my car is insured at my address. Is this normal? I’m worried it’ll put my premium up.

David F, E-mail

LOCAL councils often ask for a V5C vehicle logbook as proof your vehicle is registered to the address you want a parking permit for, so it stands to reason a private firm would have its own rules on requiring a V5C or proof of insurance. Regardless of cost, if you keep your car at your new address, then you must inform your insurer of the move there in order for your car’s policy to remain valid and legal.