READERS’ QUESTIONS

QUESTION

My first car was a 1979 Ford Cortina 1600L Mk5. I loved it. Where are all these cars now? Paul Levio

ANSWER

It is true. What was once common street furniture (Minis, Vivas, Escorts) eventually rusts away, breaks down and goes out of fashion until it becomes hip again. That is essentially the life cycle of most vehicles. I am sure Autocar readers spend many hours surfing on howmanyleft.co.uk, which answers all the most pressing questions we have.

QUESTION

I want to replace my dependable but rusty Mercedes E-class estate. Suggestions? Robin Thomas

ANSWER

Big estate cars? There is really only the one daddy of them all: the Volvo V70. It’s a huge estate car with a wide and flat load bay. The seats are superbly comfortable. Indeed, the driving environment is excellent and kit levels high. A 2005 2.4 Bi-fuel (200k miles) is £1000.

QUESTION

I’ve written off my Vauxhall Agila. Safety is a priority and I need more room. Any ideas? Christine Farris

ANSWER

Christine also said four-wheel drive was essential. The Land Rover Freelander seems to fit the bill. Christine is not confident buying one from a well-known auction site, but the classifieds are full of them. For £1000, a lovely 2000-registered XEDI five-door is perfect.