Ask The Guide

It is unusual to have to replace a manual gearbox at any time, but to have to do it at just 199,000 km is unacceptable. Take it up with VW and see if they would cover at least part of the cost of the replacement.

Lowering the suspension of a car is a fairly simple job in principle, but can have catastrophic consequences if you don't select the correct parts or have limited mechanical experience. Take the car to a professional suspension workshop as they can advise the best way to legally lower your car, and do the job for you as people have been killed when lowering their cars in the incorrect way.

The diesel is rated to tow up to 2.5-tonne so it should handle your camper with ease. There are a few reports of transmission/transfer case failures, as your mechanic has told you, but it’s not widespread, and with a warranty that lasts for five years with unlimited kilometres you should be well covered if something does go wrong.

Jeep's Patriot model us 4410mm long, on a 2635mm wheelbase. It is 1755mm wide and 1670mm high.

The fifth-generation RAV4 model, coded XA50, has just been launched so it shouldn't have an update for a few years yet.

Turn the key while wiggling the steering from left to right.

Take it to a mechanic or auto electrician to sort it out. It could be a problem with the dash.

Current-generation Minis use H4 Halogen in their low beam lights, and you need to ensure you have the ignition switched off and to never, ever touch the globes with your bare hands. Open the bonnet and pop open the cover protecting the back of the headlight. Disconnect the wiring plug and unclip the wire retainer holding the globe in by pinching the open end of the clip together while swinging it out. You can then remove the globe and switch it over. Adjusting headlights should be performed by a qualified mechanic to ensure they don't blind other motorists or leave you lacking proper illumination.

40,000 km out of a set of tyres is not great, but it depends on the car and the type of driving you do. As an alternative you could try a Michelin tyre.

The easiest way is to sell the naturally aspirated Cooper and buy a factory high-performance model like a GP Edition or a Cooper S John Cooper Works model.