Ask The Guide

The lack of performance suggests it could be in ‘limp home’ mode. Have a mechanic do a diagnostic check on it.

If there’s no obvious problem with the way the car is running, it could be that the engine needs a tune-up, new spark plugs, leads, air filter, and a cleaning of the throttle body.

It’s unlikely to have any effect on the value at all. Some people could be scared off by a 2012 Golf, given its history of engine and transmission problems, while others might consider a new engine a bonus without wanting to pay any more for it.

Have a car sound system specialist check it for you. They should be able to clear it so that you can insert CDs.

Randomly occurring problems are the most difficult to trace because they never happen when you want them to. You could have an auto electrician take a look at it for you; they might be better skilled to tackle the problem than a regular mechanic.

It’s average, both in terms of price and kilometres travelled, for that model. If it’s been well serviced and is in good condition it would be worth considering.

Check the owner’s manual to find the correct battery for the car. If the replacement is the correct one, have the condition checked to make sure it’s up to spec. By doing those checks you should be able to eliminate the battery as the problem, or confirm the mechanic’s opinion.

The dual-clutch automatic transmission in the Focus had issues, so I would urge caution in buying one. It can be fixed if it fails, but it would be costly.

There’s nothing on our radar that should be cause for concern with the new 508. If it ticks your boxes then buy.

Buying for an 18-year-old male is a difficult task. What you think he should drive is probably not what he would like to have. The best approach is to buy the latest model you can afford, because that will be the safest, have the best economy, and be worth the most when you want to sell or trade it. Your budget would suggest a four-cylinder small car of around 2012/13. Something like a 2013 Toyota Corolla would get you 5-star safety, be quite economical, and relatively easy to sell later on.