READERS’ QUESTIONS

QUESTION

I am 21 and looking for my first car. It needs to have an automatic, five doors and a decent boot. Any ideas? Mishah Ali

ANSWER

Think seriously about what’s called a ‘nearly new car’. These sorts of vehicles give you a fairly new-car smell and experience but without the high depreciation. A 2017 Hyundai i10 1.2 SE with just five miles on the clock at £9980 seems like the answer to your dreams.

QUESTION

I have a car that was owned by a smoker. What is the best way to get rid of the smell? Ally Peters

ANSWER

It is a bit of a challenge, short of a full-scale valet. Fresh grass clippings in a cardboard box on the back seat is one answer. Apparently, so is baking soda sprinkled on upholstery and carpets, left for a while and then vacuumed up. Try steam-cleaning and those sprays from TV ads.

QUESTION

I need a small 4x4 diesel for £6k that is fun to drive, sturdy and comfy on long journeys. Martin Simon

ANSWER

The best compact 4x4 is arguably a Honda CR-V – comfortable to drive, spacious and well equipped, with just enough off-road ability. Your £6000 budget will put a 2008 well-equipped CR-V 2.2 CTDI EX within range. It’ll have around 90,000 miles on the clock.